So last night I watched the results of the Iowa Causus come in. I particularly like the way that the democrats choose a candidate. First you show up at the voting place. Then you go and stand in the area of the room designated to your candidate (a bit like Run-a-round) - you're then counted. Anyone with 15% of the attendees is viable - the rest are out but their supporters are in play. So there's debate and bartering and no doubt lots of looking for which group is closest to the heating and who has cookies in their pockets. Then it's Run-a-round and the votes are counted.
In this case it was Obama who took the night - followed by John Edwards and Hillary Clinton. The speeches were great. Edwards was jubilant and gave his stump speech. Hillary sounded resigned and talked about it being more important that a democrat win than that she wins (though she'd like to if it's all the same with everyone), Obama - predicatably - talked about 'Hope' and gave his "We are not a collection of red states and blue states... we are the United States" in a horse yet sexy voice that had people leaning in then on their feet.
On the other side the good Xtian voters of Iowa voted mild mannered preacher Huckabee ahead of shifty mormon Romney. Romney had all of the money and the good hair - Huckabee had Chuck Norris. Yes THAT Chuck Norris. It was odd to see him talking about mildness and concern and charity with my "My tears can cure cancer - but alas Chuck Norris cannot allow himself to cry". Weirder still was Norris and a blonde 'hottie' changing places mid speech - elbowing out the rather more substantial Mrs Huckabee in the process.
All eyes are now on Iowa - I do hope that Hillary signs up Mr T.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
A weird bunch of searches
I've had a whole bunch of people coming into the site from Canada - all looking for post-op trannies. My first thought was that I may have inadvertently linked to the popular website "Dick or No Dick" upon which Howie Mandell, Christopher Biggins and Dana International ask you to 'Open the box' of one of 25 lovely 'Ladies' after guessing 'dick or no dick'... the object of the game is to correctly guess the contents of as many 'black boxes' before 'The Wanker' sounds his horn.
Turns out that there's just something going on in Canada that's driving people first to Google and then to here.
So if you're here looking for Post Op Trannies you're in the wrong place - but for a small fee I could furnish you with some addresses and a range of passwords that might just help you find what you're looking for.
Turns out that there's just something going on in Canada that's driving people first to Google and then to here.
So if you're here looking for Post Op Trannies you're in the wrong place - but for a small fee I could furnish you with some addresses and a range of passwords that might just help you find what you're looking for.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
the road is long
>bit of a trek to the i-94 this morning as the good town of Ann Arbor seems more intent on subsidizing Birkenstocks for Lesbians than it does actually clearing any roads.
Still I made it in one piece and am now bracing myself for the coldest night of the winter so far. Have a trip to the dentist tomorrow - I'm hoping that my dental insurance has cleared by then - so hopefully I can stop tongueing the side of my mouth in such disgusting 'fashion'
weirdly they're predicting a thaw and 9c by Monday. I'm weather obsessed. It's weird. Actually when the cold is life threatening - it's not. It's sensible. But if the dog eats more snow and then needs out at 5.30am again tonight then she's going alone
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Liars
When we first looked at Ann Arbor I was excited at the idea of having an excuse to buy a 4*4. Perhaps a Suzuki SX4 or something butcher... maybe a Subaru (okay not much butcher but the ultimate Lesbian car and therefore butch enough)
Of course the locals tsk'd and tee-hee'd. "Why do you want a 4*4?" they asked, over plucked eyebrows raised to comic levels. "We get snow here. We clear the roads. You don't need a 4*4"
I listened. I bought a 4 litre sports car with rear wheel drive and no ground clearance. And then it snowed. And the roads look like this. Not much evidence of snow plows here I think. Even our Hummer driving neighbor (gay of course, do you know a Hummer driver who isn't? Actually do you have a neighbor who isn't - or are only we living in a low rent version of Will & Grace?) gave up on driving home last night.
Of course I have work tomorrow - which means a 70 mile round trip. The forecast is for -14c. And more snow. So it's going to be a slog - though you do find that when you get to the motorway things get a little better.
Still I have a theory on a car and a category that I'm really excited about - and evidence that as each car in the segment has been launched so too has the percentage of people ordering 'beige' as their choice. Hoping to prove that a category that once managed to move the mainstream and make the avante garde acceptable is now the surest way to say that you've given up on life. I love that a once vibrant category can now stand for 'resignation' and am geniunely excited about doing something to turn that around.
Work cannot come fast enough tomorrow
Of course the locals tsk'd and tee-hee'd. "Why do you want a 4*4?" they asked, over plucked eyebrows raised to comic levels. "We get snow here. We clear the roads. You don't need a 4*4"
I listened. I bought a 4 litre sports car with rear wheel drive and no ground clearance. And then it snowed. And the roads look like this. Not much evidence of snow plows here I think. Even our Hummer driving neighbor (gay of course, do you know a Hummer driver who isn't? Actually do you have a neighbor who isn't - or are only we living in a low rent version of Will & Grace?) gave up on driving home last night.
Of course I have work tomorrow - which means a 70 mile round trip. The forecast is for -14c. And more snow. So it's going to be a slog - though you do find that when you get to the motorway things get a little better.
Still I have a theory on a car and a category that I'm really excited about - and evidence that as each car in the segment has been launched so too has the percentage of people ordering 'beige' as their choice. Hoping to prove that a category that once managed to move the mainstream and make the avante garde acceptable is now the surest way to say that you've given up on life. I love that a once vibrant category can now stand for 'resignation' and am geniunely excited about doing something to turn that around.
Work cannot come fast enough tomorrow
As if by magic
So last night we had some people over. Ate too much, drank a lot and looked up to see that it was almost time for the comedy thing. So we put on our coats and we ran down uncrowded streets to the venue. 90 mins later (I know what a rip off!) we came out into snow. Lots of snow. Lots and lots of snow. So I grabbed the old camera (don't care if it gets wet these days, it's now a workhorse) and ran down with the dog to grab a pic of Jude.
2007 was a good year I think. It wasn't an easy year. We moved. We switched jobs. We left a city that feels like home for a town that feels like the ones we moved to a city to avoid. We were by turns frustrated and doubtful and impatient and stressed to the point of American but as the years ends things look good.
I've realized that in a town this small you have to 'do rather than view'. We're 'hosting' much more often, meeting some fabulous people and having a good time doing it. The house is great. The town is full of little surprises and we;re slowly chancing across them. Summer looks to be spectacular. And my new job is both exactly what I want AND need to be doing right now.
We look forward to seeing more of you next year (we're going to be traveling more) - Michigan in the summer is spectacular. We have the space, we can help out with flights if need be and we'd LOVE to see you.
2007 was a good year I think. It wasn't an easy year. We moved. We switched jobs. We left a city that feels like home for a town that feels like the ones we moved to a city to avoid. We were by turns frustrated and doubtful and impatient and stressed to the point of American but as the years ends things look good.
I've realized that in a town this small you have to 'do rather than view'. We're 'hosting' much more often, meeting some fabulous people and having a good time doing it. The house is great. The town is full of little surprises and we;re slowly chancing across them. Summer looks to be spectacular. And my new job is both exactly what I want AND need to be doing right now.
We look forward to seeing more of you next year (we're going to be traveling more) - Michigan in the summer is spectacular. We have the space, we can help out with flights if need be and we'd LOVE to see you.
Monday, December 31, 2007
wicked New Year
So we suddenly have a bunch of people for New Year... which means dinner (bruschetta, butternut squash soup, a potato crusted halibut and Jude's keylime pie - this time with tequilla) and lots of mad vacuuming.
Then we have a 'comedy' show with Cash Levy ===> a man for whom there are still tickets, in a small town, with no other place open, on New Year's Eve. YouTube shows that he thinks that he's good with audience banter... giving me the chance to try out my "What do I do for a living? I'm a gynaecologist... and I reckonized you straight away" heckle. It's not great, but it's an opener. The man needs taking down.
And judging by the look on Jude's face here she's ready to do it...
Happy New Year all
Then we have a 'comedy' show with Cash Levy ===> a man for whom there are still tickets, in a small town, with no other place open, on New Year's Eve. YouTube shows that he thinks that he's good with audience banter... giving me the chance to try out my "What do I do for a living? I'm a gynaecologist... and I reckonized you straight away" heckle. It's not great, but it's an opener. The man needs taking down.
And judging by the look on Jude's face here she's ready to do it...
Happy New Year all
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Any excuse
I've been thinking about how I'd justify posting this pic. I could talk about how after weeks of begging I've finally managed to sign up for a photography class. Trouble is only the second part is true - I didn't beg, I just signed up. I could talk about needing absolution after weeks of eating too much and consuming liquids like an early 1990s VW (my 2001 Golf ate oil, it was ridiculous) - instead I'll just post the thing and have done with it.Jude hard at work the last couple of days - it seems that Academy deadlines loom over the holidays; so she's either nose in a book, typing furiously, asking 'what do you think of this?' or canvassing friends for an opinion on what she's doing. We'd planned on being in Vegas - but deadines are more important so instead we'll do New York as soon as she's submitted and then Vegas when she gets back from visiting her mom in Belgium.
Of course having seen Alex and Christianna's pictures from Miami - where the sky is blue, the temps bikini warm and Christmas is spent on the beach we're both wishing that we'd headed that way. It's not so much the cold here that gets to you, it's the grey. On the days when the sun shines all is fantastic. Steps have spring in them. Strides have pride. But when it greys over then you really do have to make an effort.
Having the dog helps. Yesterday she dragged me around two parks and then ran like a mad thing at the 2acre dog run. Of course the dog run should have been renamed the dog rink as the one day of above freezing temps had melted the snow only for the -11c temps to turn it back into sheet ice. She did well though. No falls, no tumbles, no submissions.
Other stuff. I'm due more scans - but can't make the appointment until my new medical card arrives as the doctor needs the number. The gym is easier nnow that I time the cardio part of my workout to an episode of the really rather good Prison Break and we finally have plans for New Year's Eve. Still a ghost town out there (the students go home for the holidays) so getting tickets for everything but James Blunt (weirdly) is easy.
Okay enough blog-moping - time to do some work myself.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Hoops
So yesterday we picked up a friend of Jude and her bf from the airport, finished off the leftovers, caught up on work, watched The Sixth Sense for the first time since Singapore, drove 45miles to the Detroit Sketchy's and managed to make it back in time for drinks before the bar closed.
I still haven't lost any of the 5lbs that I gained in Mexico (I blame the champagne buffet - give me alcohol and I'm able to eat my own weight in muffins) but I've not gained anything either. Guess that means hitting the gym today.
I tried to sign up for Pilates yesterday but the woman behind the counter was having none of it. She wanted me to wait until Jan 2nd and so I will wait. Weird as I had the $650 they want from me in my pocket and ready to go.
Don't have much of a plan for today - will check out Arborweb later and of course there's a slew of Oscar contending movies (or puportedly Oscar contending) in the cinema at the moment. But first I must haul my ass over to the gym.
I still haven't lost any of the 5lbs that I gained in Mexico (I blame the champagne buffet - give me alcohol and I'm able to eat my own weight in muffins) but I've not gained anything either. Guess that means hitting the gym today.
I tried to sign up for Pilates yesterday but the woman behind the counter was having none of it. She wanted me to wait until Jan 2nd and so I will wait. Weird as I had the $650 they want from me in my pocket and ready to go.
Don't have much of a plan for today - will check out Arborweb later and of course there's a slew of Oscar contending movies (or puportedly Oscar contending) in the cinema at the moment. But first I must haul my ass over to the gym.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
All play and no work
makes Steve a dull boy.
It's Boxing Day and I'm itching to go out and take some pictures around town. In fact what I really want to do is get in the car, drive somewhere gorgeous and take pictures there.
The reason? Well it's gloriously sunny; the tempertauere has risen from -8c this morning to 5c now and the skies are bluer than the eyes of an only child.
Actually what I really want to do is go to work. There's lots to be done and I'm just itching to roll up my sleeves and get on with it. But the office is closed for now and the people that I need to talk with to get things done need some time away from the office in order to be worth talking to. So this break becomes a strange limbo.
Still there's a Sketchy's tomorrow. I have a lovely new camera to play with. The dog is very much enjoying the walks and of course the refridgerator is full of food that could use some loving preparation.
Yesterday's food was rather a success. A great mushroom and pine nut soup, a spinach salad, a fennel fish with Christmas nutloaf and Jude's now famous Key Lime Pie (with whipped cream)... we've both vowed to do it again and to do it again soon. I quite like tis cooking thing - though the gym thing that came as a consequence this morning was rather more arduous.
It's Boxing Day and I'm itching to go out and take some pictures around town. In fact what I really want to do is get in the car, drive somewhere gorgeous and take pictures there.
The reason? Well it's gloriously sunny; the tempertauere has risen from -8c this morning to 5c now and the skies are bluer than the eyes of an only child.
Actually what I really want to do is go to work. There's lots to be done and I'm just itching to roll up my sleeves and get on with it. But the office is closed for now and the people that I need to talk with to get things done need some time away from the office in order to be worth talking to. So this break becomes a strange limbo.
Still there's a Sketchy's tomorrow. I have a lovely new camera to play with. The dog is very much enjoying the walks and of course the refridgerator is full of food that could use some loving preparation.
Yesterday's food was rather a success. A great mushroom and pine nut soup, a spinach salad, a fennel fish with Christmas nutloaf and Jude's now famous Key Lime Pie (with whipped cream)... we've both vowed to do it again and to do it again soon. I quite like tis cooking thing - though the gym thing that came as a consequence this morning was rather more arduous.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Oh
Oh and this is Velcro.
In her car friendly, belt me in harness.
She seems to like it.
She loves the dog run more though
In her car friendly, belt me in harness.
She seems to like it.
She loves the dog run more though
For those people as sad as me
There have been some people who wanted to know more about The Death Star (for which I received black furry dice this morning)... so for those people here are some details (for the rest of you there's nothing to see here people, nothing to see)
So it's a 2008 Ford Mustang coupe premium with a 4.0l V6 engine and a manual transmission (automatics ae for grannies and people who get whipped cream in their hot chocolate)
As well as all of the standard bits and pieces (6 CD rafdio, satellite, a/c and 6 way electric driver's seat... what was wrong with a lever?) it's also got 17 inch wheels, leather bucket seats, abs, traction control, a 'satin' interior upgrade and all manner of bells and whistles.
It's lossening up nicely and threatening to be a bit of a monster. So far I'm averaging about 25mpg US (that's 30mpg UK) which isn't bad when you consider that Ann Arbor is the stop sign capital of teh western world. It's ridiculous. I stop every 50 yards or so. The lights too suck - they're less synchronized than Stephen Hawkin during a power outage and tend to stay on red longer than Garth Gates did on the letter 'T' (was he the stutterer?)
But we're having fun. And ultimately that's what it's all about. That and hauling shopping - which it does in the enormous truck (boot).
And that, fact fans, is the last car post I'll be making. Unless something happens.
So it's a 2008 Ford Mustang coupe premium with a 4.0l V6 engine and a manual transmission (automatics ae for grannies and people who get whipped cream in their hot chocolate)
As well as all of the standard bits and pieces (6 CD rafdio, satellite, a/c and 6 way electric driver's seat... what was wrong with a lever?) it's also got 17 inch wheels, leather bucket seats, abs, traction control, a 'satin' interior upgrade and all manner of bells and whistles.
It's lossening up nicely and threatening to be a bit of a monster. So far I'm averaging about 25mpg US (that's 30mpg UK) which isn't bad when you consider that Ann Arbor is the stop sign capital of teh western world. It's ridiculous. I stop every 50 yards or so. The lights too suck - they're less synchronized than Stephen Hawkin during a power outage and tend to stay on red longer than Garth Gates did on the letter 'T' (was he the stutterer?)
But we're having fun. And ultimately that's what it's all about. That and hauling shopping - which it does in the enormous truck (boot).
And that, fact fans, is the last car post I'll be making. Unless something happens.
Monday, December 24, 2007
What does one do in Ann Arbor at Xmas?
Well it seems that most people leave Ann Arbor - returning to the busoms of their families to relax, rechange and generally mooch for a bit. That's a university town.
For the 'townies' - those people proud of being "here today, here tomorrow" Xmas is all about finding shelter from the cold. The gym is fit to bursting, Wholefoods is alive to the sound of contented grazing and every house has a warm orange glow eminating from what's probably a smokeless tofu log fire.
So what if the TV is crap (Elmo and Duel aside)? So what if it's so cold that the tennis balls at the dog run have frozen into the icepack and are harder to remove than excalibre? So what if there's nothing open and every event sold out some time back in the late 1990s?
It's Christmas, it's cold, there's snow on the ground, men shuffling awkwardly around lingerie shops, women praying that he doesn't bottle it again and buy her another iron and children searching every nook and cranny of the house. Ho. Ho. And, yes, Ho!
For the 'townies' - those people proud of being "here today, here tomorrow" Xmas is all about finding shelter from the cold. The gym is fit to bursting, Wholefoods is alive to the sound of contented grazing and every house has a warm orange glow eminating from what's probably a smokeless tofu log fire.
So what if the TV is crap (Elmo and Duel aside)? So what if it's so cold that the tennis balls at the dog run have frozen into the icepack and are harder to remove than excalibre? So what if there's nothing open and every event sold out some time back in the late 1990s?
It's Christmas, it's cold, there's snow on the ground, men shuffling awkwardly around lingerie shops, women praying that he doesn't bottle it again and buy her another iron and children searching every nook and cranny of the house. Ho. Ho. And, yes, Ho!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Why can't America do Xmas?
A friend told me the other day that in the US Christmas is little more than a prompt to switch the window dressings in the stores to something a little more sparkly. I scoffed. Maybe even give a dismissive snort.
And then I looked at the Holiday TV. There is none. None at all. Just warmed up repeats and 'perennial classics'. It's actually a little depressing.
Tried to get into a 'Holiday Village' too - all last minute and of course sold out (unless you book into a hotel onsite in which case there are tickets galore)
In the end we walked down to see 'Atonement' at a spectacular local cinema, had dinner at a Pacific themed restaurant and headed for bed early.
Spent this morning watching Coronation Street on Canadian TV and mourning my distance from Noel's Xmas Presents. Weird that I only ever feel British around the Xmas TV schedules.
And then I looked at the Holiday TV. There is none. None at all. Just warmed up repeats and 'perennial classics'. It's actually a little depressing.
Tried to get into a 'Holiday Village' too - all last minute and of course sold out (unless you book into a hotel onsite in which case there are tickets galore)
In the end we walked down to see 'Atonement' at a spectacular local cinema, had dinner at a Pacific themed restaurant and headed for bed early.
Spent this morning watching Coronation Street on Canadian TV and mourning my distance from Noel's Xmas Presents. Weird that I only ever feel British around the Xmas TV schedules.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Good day
I wasn't supposed to be at work today. But a wee. mini, minor crisis came up and so I decided to mosey in. Actually I decided to drive like a bat out of hell - because this morning I dropped off Judith for her driving test (she passed!) and the guy took FOREVER to actually administer the bloody thing (20 mins to set up 20 cones? c'mon) and we then had to endure the vagueries if the DMV. Still she passed, I got out in time and managed to cruise to work in time for the meeting. Which went okay - lots to do in the new year though.
Headed back and had Jude drive me to an outlet mall (she's now insured) where we got into the Xmas spirit by buying something from virtually every store at stupidly low prices. The place was next to empty, the parking plentiful, the bargains terrific and the staff overly attentive in that 'I'm SO bored" kind of way perfected by the department stores years ago. I used to think that department store attitude came from spending a lifetime surrounded by goods they didn't pay you enough to buy yourself, but now I think it's a mixture of aching feet, polyester uniforms and the stupidity of virtually every customer.
No real chance for pics yet so I shot a quick one of reception on my way to payroll where my cheque (check) was waiting for me and no dramas unfolded.
Now for wine, for dinner and for the final of Clash of the Choirs (which we DVR'd last night)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
My new camera arrived
Spent the evening charging various batteries and the morning turning off the various beeps that accompanied my every move with it.
Massive zoom makes for more shots of unsuspecting old folk. I feel a photo safari coming on.
Hundreds of 'idiot modes' that probably make for amazing pictures but rob me of the chance to say that a shot is 'mine' and will therefore be all but ignored. It's looking promising though.
Pics over the weekend I think
Massive zoom makes for more shots of unsuspecting old folk. I feel a photo safari coming on.
Hundreds of 'idiot modes' that probably make for amazing pictures but rob me of the chance to say that a shot is 'mine' and will therefore be all but ignored. It's looking promising though.
Pics over the weekend I think
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Oh the drama
Turns out that my package WAS on the truck after all.
This I know because when I went in to collect my package - it wasn't there.
Despite a call that said "I have it in my hand, I will place it aside for you now"
Still in an attempt to move into lemonade manufacture I said
"Well that's good news. You guys are delivering a second package to me too. He can drop them both off together"
But of course he can't.
Because he now has instructions to return it to base.
So that I can pick it up.
Tomorrow.
The man in the knackered warehouse to whence I had journied seemed quite shocked that I would question the competence of his staff and his confidence in their ability to divine ass from elbow.
Still the mustang averaged 31mpg (that's 37mph for you UK folks today)... perhaps it's being powered by the vibration from the one loose piece of trim driving me to distraction (oh for a piece of blu-tac)
Note to all - UPS... should be known as "Ooops"
This I know because when I went in to collect my package - it wasn't there.
Despite a call that said "I have it in my hand, I will place it aside for you now"
Still in an attempt to move into lemonade manufacture I said
"Well that's good news. You guys are delivering a second package to me too. He can drop them both off together"
But of course he can't.
Because he now has instructions to return it to base.
So that I can pick it up.
Tomorrow.
The man in the knackered warehouse to whence I had journied seemed quite shocked that I would question the competence of his staff and his confidence in their ability to divine ass from elbow.
Still the mustang averaged 31mpg (that's 37mph for you UK folks today)... perhaps it's being powered by the vibration from the one loose piece of trim driving me to distraction (oh for a piece of blu-tac)
Note to all - UPS... should be known as "Ooops"
Yet more fuckwittery
So the old company was sending my last pay cheque by mail. Or rather by UPS. They forgot Friday and sent it out at 5pm on Monday. Delivery by 3pm Tuesday. Except it didn't arrive. UPS said it was on a truck and that I should "Not go to bed before 11.59pm". Well this morning still no package. It hadn't even been in Michigan. It was in Penn. No worries, it left this morning at 8am. Except it didn't. They didn't have the apt. number. Weird I'd given them the apartment number on Monday. And Tuesday. And at 7am this morning.
I asked why the package hadn't made it on time. "For no good reason" they said.
Comforting.
"Why not come in tonight between 8pm and 8.30pm?" they said. It might be here.
Then they called back - it's on a truck.
Then back again "It's not on a truck"
Then once more - "all of the appointments for 8pm to 8.30pm are gone. It'll be tomorrow. Maybe."
"Appointments? You told me to come by."
"Yeah, we did. We shouldn't have. We're busy."
So no cash before Xmas. No cash from the new guys until Jan 15th and no bloody holiday cheer for me or my family.
FUCKWITTERY
I asked why the package hadn't made it on time. "For no good reason" they said.
Comforting.
"Why not come in tonight between 8pm and 8.30pm?" they said. It might be here.
Then they called back - it's on a truck.
Then back again "It's not on a truck"
Then once more - "all of the appointments for 8pm to 8.30pm are gone. It'll be tomorrow. Maybe."
"Appointments? You told me to come by."
"Yeah, we did. We shouldn't have. We're busy."
So no cash before Xmas. No cash from the new guys until Jan 15th and no bloody holiday cheer for me or my family.
FUCKWITTERY
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Day two
okay so into day two of the new job and still at a bit of a loss regarding how to best fill me time. I've done benefits. I've met the people physically in the office, I've used the right click option on my mouse (it's a PC!) but there's only so much that you can do between Xmas and New Year in a half empty office.
That said I'm going through all of the stuff that's currently in research and trying to figure out how the good bits of each could form a cohesive whole. I guess it's like looking for which rabbits are going to make the coat and which will hit the stewer. You have an idea but it's only post skinning that you really figure it out.
That's quite a Michigan kind of analogy actually. Maybe I am made for this state after all.
That said I'm going through all of the stuff that's currently in research and trying to figure out how the good bits of each could form a cohesive whole. I guess it's like looking for which rabbits are going to make the coat and which will hit the stewer. You have an idea but it's only post skinning that you really figure it out.
That's quite a Michigan kind of analogy actually. Maybe I am made for this state after all.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Snow
It snowed yesterday. A lot. Inches and inches of snow fell and not a snow plow could be seen. Apparently they clear snow only on work days - or just before work days; so you're left to fend for yourself if it snows between 6pm Friday and 3pm Sunday.
Still the dog was happy and the town was pretty much empty as we trekked knee deep (shoulder deep for Velcro) through the pristine white snow.
Woke up this morning fearing that I might not be able to make it into work - but the roads had been (partially) cleared and so I put the Mustang into second (wheel spin in first) and edged out towards the motorway. Wasn't too bad out there - though I did see a few people who had spun clean off the road and a couple of people who really deserved to.
The journey in took about 40 mins, I reckon that on a clear day I could shave 10mins off that and the new building is rather lovely. I'm a little out in the open and my area of the office is arranged so that I have my back to everyone but other than that it's all okay. My silver, half dalek chairs revolve, people are friendly and generally things seem organized. I had my ID card within minutes, my computer soon after (it's a PC) and was up and running within an hour of arriving.
Orientation is tomorrow - so I guess that I'll have chair training and the chance to choose a health insurer then. Until which I shall attempt to look busy and to meet as many people as possible - given that it's the week before Christmas and the Holiday Season has helped 'thin out' the bodies available for hearty handshaking.
So far though, so good. This is going to be a tough job, but I'm thinking that I might even enjoy the challenge. Better to be worried about the job at hand than about the fact that someone, somewhere is going to book you on a plane to Des Moines rather than Detroit.
Still the dog was happy and the town was pretty much empty as we trekked knee deep (shoulder deep for Velcro) through the pristine white snow.
Woke up this morning fearing that I might not be able to make it into work - but the roads had been (partially) cleared and so I put the Mustang into second (wheel spin in first) and edged out towards the motorway. Wasn't too bad out there - though I did see a few people who had spun clean off the road and a couple of people who really deserved to.
The journey in took about 40 mins, I reckon that on a clear day I could shave 10mins off that and the new building is rather lovely. I'm a little out in the open and my area of the office is arranged so that I have my back to everyone but other than that it's all okay. My silver, half dalek chairs revolve, people are friendly and generally things seem organized. I had my ID card within minutes, my computer soon after (it's a PC) and was up and running within an hour of arriving.
Orientation is tomorrow - so I guess that I'll have chair training and the chance to choose a health insurer then. Until which I shall attempt to look busy and to meet as many people as possible - given that it's the week before Christmas and the Holiday Season has helped 'thin out' the bodies available for hearty handshaking.
So far though, so good. This is going to be a tough job, but I'm thinking that I might even enjoy the challenge. Better to be worried about the job at hand than about the fact that someone, somewhere is going to book you on a plane to Des Moines rather than Detroit.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Brrrr
This is Lake Michigan. During the summer it's all beaches and people protesting for the right to bathe in the altogether. Right now it's a frozen wasteland. As is much of Michigan. It was bloody freezing this morning as Jude and I battled our way from store to store in a bid to find decent Christmas gifts before one of us lost a limb to frostbite. I honestly can't remember being as cold. And I thought that I'd been in cold. Of course the truth of the matter is that the lowest we've been so far this winter is -14c (I know, I keep a record) and it's been colder than that. When my parents visited us upstate it was -20c; so cold that when my mom got out of the car and exhaled her breath first misted and then froze to her glasses adding a 'jam jar bottom' look that caused much mirth whenever she walked into a lamppost or small shrub.
Luckily for us the heating in the building is paid for and we have a gas fire that sends flames leaping into the air at the push of a button, all very nice come a winter's eve.
Jude wanted to go swimming this afternoon - but I'm afraid that the thought of being in swim trunks on a day when even the penguins are begging for the right to kill a mink or two in the name of survival was beyond me. We'll do it tomorrow though. IN the morning. Before the brain is engaged.
But first the dog needs a walk and that means me suiting up, wrapping up and getting up. Here we go
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