Here is Hans: Hans
Not the best pic of him, for sure. And since the plumbing incident from Hell, I’m less enamored of him…
Thanks for the nice comments. Off to forage for food, two hours late–I overslept. Like Vundie, I had a horrible dream that I was late for work. I actually had to sit up in bed and tell myself that it was 0415 and I didn’t have to go to work today. After that, I overslept. Gah.
Love the pix, rigs! Sounds like you guys had a blast. I can’t get over how beautiful Iceland is… I do believe it’s just moved up a couple of slots on my Places to Visit In My Lifetime list.
I’m very very sore today, though less so than I was over the weekend. Apparently, I’ve gotten so out of shape that two hours of gardening on Friday (which consisted of container planting, tomato staking, weed yanking, and grass watering) were enough to give me achy legs for nearly three days. Maybe I should trade in yoga for gardening?
In other news, we had a funny episode with the fire dep’t yesterday. We were smoking a brisket and some pork belly in the backyard when a bunch of fire trucks rolled up and stopped right in front of our house. Thankfully, it turned out that they’d been called for a situation across the street, but one of the firemen noticed the smoke coming from our yard and decided he’d better make sure they hadn’t been dispatched to the wrong address… thankfully, he had a good sense of humour about the whole thing, especially since we offered him some homemade bacon. 
…putting chocolates on the MMP table…
The renovations are chugging along ahead of schedule, and according to our future landlord, they could be done as soon as the middle of this week, in which case we’d probably move next weekend. We picked out the paint colors last week and not only did the super like them, but by the time I called to check in with him (the next day), he said they’d already ordered the paint. We walked by yesterday and I don’t think they’ve started painting yet, or at least they haven’t done the ceiling, which was the only thing we could see. But it’s exciting. I hope we can secure some friends to help out since the actual move-in date is flexible right now.
Dreaming of insomnia sucks. Having it is worse.
Three hours of sleep, for no obvious reason. Lovely. And my left ear has decided to plug up from wax. Again. I have no peroxide or anything else for it in the house. It will just have to wait until tomorrow because I ain’t goin’ nowhere. It’s more annoying than anything anyway.
Otherwise…well, I’m okay. Aside from the wrecked molar and baby wisdom tooth I have to get out on Friday. Gah. It’s going to be such a lovely weekend.
Right. Off to pet the kitteh. Did I mention insomnia sucks?
First day of work (summer job, returning to the same company as last year).
I get there at 7:55, since I was told 8am and ask for my new boss, as directed by the HR person who called me last year. Security guard at the desk leaves a message, and tells me to wait in the comfy chairs.
At about 8:35 I start to think that maybe they should try calling again, but wait another 10 minutes while a large group of contractors get checked in at the gate. I go up and suggest they try calling again, and the guards agree that it might be a good idea and call my boss’s assistant…who didn’t know I was starting to work today because she thought I was in an orientation session all day.
HR specifically called me last week to tell me I didn’t have to do orientation, because I did it last year. They just neglected to tell anyone in my department this little fact!
So the assistant, B, who was very nice and I’ll be happy to work with her, brought me up to the department and shows me around, introducing me to the people in the office as we go. My boss is off-site today (because he didn’t know I was starting!) and his second-in-command is in Europe for his father’s funeral.
We go and try and get my ID card - but their machine is busted and it’s unlikely that it will be repaired today, so I was given a contractor’s card temporarily.
B shows me to my desk (more on that later) and gets the stack of email printouts with all the passwords I should need to get into Windows, Lotus Notes, Internet, etc. She makes sure I have enough office supplies, and tells me to try logging on while she goes and handles something at her desk. I sit down…and the keyboard doesn’t work. Luckily, it works after a hard reboot of the computer, but it clearly doesn’t bode well! I try every password given to me, and none of them work. So we get into a 20 minute phone call with IT, in which they conclude that someone fucked up and didn’t activate my accounts properly, and they can’t guarantee that it will be fixed today.
So after 45 minutes of waiting, I ended up going home after 1.5 hours on-site. There just wasn’t any point is staying, and B couldn’t give me any work to do without a computer, and she isn’t even my boss anyways.
The drive home was quick, at least, and I stopped off and picked up some clothes at the dry-cleaner’s, and then spent 20 minutes looking for parking near my house and ended up parking 2 streets away…in front of the dry cleaner’s. Awesome.
At least there is a good part: I have an awesome desk this summer (and I’m not being sarcastic!)
It’s a large U-shaped one with two sets of drawers, tucked in a space between a conference room and an office, at the end of the hall (so reasonably private, despite offices right across the aisle from me), and it looks out a window that faces Runway 06L/24R of Dorval Airport, so I can watch airplanes take off and land all day long (though naturally Dorval uses 06R/24L more often, so it’s actually the quieter runway). I think it’s going to get warm in the afternoons, since it faces more-or-less westwards, but there is a shade I can pull down. I am very happy about this cubicle!
So, to summarize: No one knew I was coming (HR screwups), no boss, no ID card, no computer access, awesome desk…I start over tomorrow and hope it goes better!
I’ve never heard of landlords actually painting a place for the tenant, Marley… is that an NYC thing, or just a really super-awesome landlord? Either way, I’m incredibly jealous because all the apartments I’ve ever rented had to be plain, boring white.
mnemosyne, that sounds like every single first day I’ve ever had. Somewhat better than most, since at least you managed to get a desk.
And it’s a million times better than my Worst First Day, where the manager who hired me forgot to put me on the schedule, didn’t fill out any paperwork and went into labour a couple of hours before I showed up for my first shift… which meant no one knew to expect me and there was no way to confirm that I was even supposed to work there. Good times.
They were repainting it anyway, and since we’d already taken the place, they were willing to listen to our input. We hit the paint store and chose a shade called cream froth for the main living room/kitchen area, and iced mint for the bedroom. It used to be dark red throughout, which really contributed to the seedy feel of the place. They were going to paint it beige, which didn’t excite us at all. We’re happy they were willing to discuss it.
When we went by there on Thursday, we also saw that they already have my name up on the outside of the building, and on the mailbox. That made us very happy.
Great pics, rigs! I didn’t have a chance to keep up with your thread so I’ll have to go find it sometime this week to find out who Hans is! Iceland already was pretty high up on our list of places to visit, in no small part because it’s one of the only international destinations (other than Canada and Mexico) that has direct flights from here! Yup, that’s me, practical all the way. 
I, too, am impressed with the landlord who’s willing to paint the walls a non-white color. That sounds like it’ll be really nice, Marley.
We had a great weekend in Milwaukee. The place we stay is a great location on the East Side, maybe a mile north of Downtown but definitely within walking distance. So we walked down on Saturday and checked out a farmers’ market and then the Milwaukee Public Market. KT’s parents met us there and then we went to the zoo. Our meerkats from the Minnesota Zoo are there for a couple years while they redo stuff here. So we visited them there. And all the other animals.
Then we went to a Mexican restaurant that KT’s family has gone to for year for dinner. There’s a waitress there who’s been there forever and who has watched KT and his sister grow up. Kind of neat. And really good food.
Sunday we had hot ham and hard rolls (It’s a Milwaukee thing.) for brunch - oh and the people we were staying with had picked up a kringle for Saturday morning which was really really good so I had some of that on Sunday since I don’t like ham. And then we headed to Madison, where we met up with some friends of KT’s and saw their new house and their chickens and duck. And then went to lunch with them before getting on the road home. Good weekend.
I, too, had a bit of insomnia last night. It got really hot here yesterday, and I have lots of trouble sleeping when it’s hot. Plus, the cat was excited that we were home and had to stomp on me repeatedly until I locked her out of the room. I like summer so that I can go swimming 'cause I don’t want to swim if it’s <85, but I really hate hot weather for sleeping. I can’t wait until it’s below freezing at night again!
Howdy Y’all! I am back at da cave after spending a ridiculous amount of time at the Ford place. Apparently the folks over in detailing forgot about me for like an hour. :mad: I was not a happy bear. Upshot is, I got the extra key that I was having made that was supposed to cost me 78 bucks for free just to shut me up. 
It’s not nice to po da bear!
After that, I got the drop in bedliner. That took all of fifteen minutes and cost a hundred and fifty bucks but I already knew that before I went by the place. I walked in, said I wanted an over the rail drop in bedliner and asked if they had any in stock. They did. Fifteen minutes later, voila!
Then I went and met ol’ y’all know who for a sammich at (duh!) The Sammich Shop which is a good place to get all kinds of (duh!) sammiches. I had me a Reuben.
It’s haaaaaaaaaaaawt outside,so Ima stay in the cool of da cave and take me a little nappy pool
Oh and since she posted up in here and all…
**
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY DEEEAAARRR KKKAAALLLHHHOOOUUUNNN!!!
HAAAPPPYYY BIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAYYY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU!!!
**
It’s haaaaaaawt here too. I’m normally cold at work, but I don’t think they’ve turned up the AC yet. Nice not to be freezing, but you’d think there’d be an option between frikin’ freezin’ and roasty toasty.
I want to get curtains for our downstairs now, and I’ve decided on what I want. Except no one has it. Our walls are mostly light green (Benjamin Moore’s Kennebunkport green so not quite sage, not olive, not seafoam, not kelly green. Just a nice green.) with the front-window wall being a contrasting neutral off-white, and a side wall in a sort of beige (BM’s taupetone). So I want something that will contrast and stand out, i.e. not light green, beige, or off-white. And not red 'cause I’m afraid that will go out of style really quickly. And KT doesn’t want brown.
So… long story, well, long, I decided that a nice dark green would be perfect. Except that I CANNOT find dark green curtains or curtain material. (I have someone who can sew curtains for me if I find fabric and a pattern.) I’d really like a jacquard fabric. Has anyone seen dark green jacquard fabric online anywhere?
Dear deities of choice, the job market sucks right now for anyone who’s not in the medical profession. I’m gonna have to talk to Mountain Friend and Mountain Friend’s Boyfriend* about openings at their workplaces. I have a couple of jobs I really want to apply for, but I’m going to have to get my driver’s license changed which will involve figuring out just what the heck the address to this place is.**
Peter, Nara, and Durwood are slowly starting to tolerate each other. I still expect a pecking-order-establishing catfight any day now. Peter has taken over the office as His Room–going in any other room results in glares and hisses.
*I’m going to have to come up with new MMP names for these guys. I didn’t realize that MFB was living up here as well now, but it’s not that big a deal. None of us takes up much space and they’re good about getting the hell off the couch at midnight or so so I can get to sleep (yes, my bed is the couch).
**Long story involving a broken mailbox, crappy mailbox location, rude neighbors, and the fact that the road address of the house is not the actual location of the house due to the fact that there are a lot of tiny dirt roads up here and the house is located on one of them. I now award myself the Run-On Sentence Crown of the Day.
Oh and if anyone has fabric suggestions, I just first have to say NO toile. I hate toile.
Hey thanks, Swampy!!!
Sorry about your auto shop trauma. It’s just the worst place to be holed up in waiting mode. I hate the smell of tires!
Hey everyone! I’ve been lurking around, with no real news up until recently. Met a totally awesome woman. We’ve only been dating a short time, but I’m definitely feeling giddy.
Love the pics, Rigs, Iceland looks like an awesome trip, I saw your Paris pics last week too GT, gorgeous!
Yesterday, spring finally decided to become summer, yay! I actually had to turn the heat back on a couple weeks ago. I hate running the furnace in frakkin JUNE!
Boo at the Ford people Swampy, but at least they got you that key.
Looks like you’ve found yourselves a great place there, Marley!
Taxi, do you remember the name of the Mexican place? I will be back in Milwaukee a few times over this summer, and it sounds good. If not I know a couple places there just west of downtown. Thanks for reminding me of hot ham and rolls, I miss those!
mnemosyne, yay for the great cube, boo for HR.
Time to go mow the jungle.
Yup, we went to El Matador. Not sure exactly where it is, but it’s right near the zoo, like 2 blocks east of the zoo entrance on the same street.
Thanks! Yup another great place.
Yay on the girlfriend Walls!
I’s all nappified and gettin’ hongry. It’s men’s night tonight so I got a little while before I can eat yet, so I guess I need a snack.
Great pics, rigs! Looks like a faboo vacation!!
Taters nailed it - I had a bajillion receipts, some loose change, and some trash that I couldn’t find a trashcan for.
Lemme tell you how it works - just tell **gardentraveler **when you’d like to start one, and she’ll put you on her list. And you can actually wait till Monday Morning to start it. It’s easy.
Anyway, I’m home and it’s been a gawd-awful long day. I woke up several times thru the night and got up just a little before 4. John met me at work just after 5, and we picked up 3 more passengers enroute. Since we had a van full, we got to use the HOV lanes, and we got to DC really fast. And we went to a different place from what I expected. The briefings were less than exciting - I dozed off more than once.
And worst of all, I really didn’t need to be there. Honestly, there was nothing in any of the presentations that affected me. On the other hand, I amassed a few credit hours. And it’s done. Back to the normal routine tomorrow.
So, is it Firday yet???
One down, four to go … or three if you’re me, and have asked for FIRDAY off!
Yay on the girlfriend, Walls. Taxi, sounds like you and KT had a good time in Milwaukee - yay on good eats (kringle … yum) and yay on the meerkats at the zoo. Huh, my purse gets that way too, FCM! Hope your men’s night went well tonight, Swampy and glad that your truck is all duded up now. LOL
I’m tired, but I’m going to try to stay awake long enough to see Weeds and Jackie on Showtime tonight … if I fall asleep, though, at least I’ll be able to catch them on demand.
Sending good job-hunting thoughts your way, Spaz, and also good getting along vibes to all the aminals. And welcomne to the new comers!
[quote=“FairyChatMom, post:38, topic:499794”]
Great pics, rigs! Looks like a faboo vacation!!
Taters nailed it - I had a bajillion receipts, some loose change, and some trash that I couldn’t find a trashcan for. snip>QUOTE]
Hey, look at that! I’m psychic!
I’m home after a long day at work and stopping at the grocery store to pick up some food.
Surprisingly, I didn’t have to attend ANY meetings today, so I actually got work accomplished.
Sorry your deal sucked, FCM. Unfortunately, these types of things are never of any practical use.
Glad you got those Ford folks squared away, Swampy.
I guess I better figure out what I’m grilling for chop-chop.
Hugs and smooches to all, with the occasional grope thrown in.