Tuesday, January 31, 2006
The Eagle Has Landed
Well, we just arrived. I'm not sure when it will sink in that I actually live here now. Right now, it just feels like I'm on vacation. It's so wonderful to think that Gary and I will be together all the time now. And I can't even fathom that I won't be returning to my house. Mixed feelings. And Toulouse is exploring. We are exhausted so I'll write more tomorrow if I have time. The unpacking and settling in will begin tomorrow!
Friday, January 27, 2006
Into the Great Wide Open
Well, it's time to dismantle the computer, load up the wagon and head west. It's going to be quite an adventure. Wish me luck and I will update you all when I land in a few days and have access to a computer again.
The next chapter of my life begins...
The next chapter of my life begins...
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Farewell Party
So, my friend Gary L. hosted a goodbye party for me last night. There were several people there that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was wonderful. Gary had all these great hors d'oeuvres and drinks and we got to see his lovely home. Everyone was in rare form. The best part was the gift everyone put together for me. Gary had each of my friends create a scrapbook page for me with memories and put it into a book. I have a feeling I will be looking at that book a lot. All the people I care about are in there and it puts a smile on my face just seeing it. A few people still need to be in there (Vieve, Ellen, Maya, Sonya, Brad) but even far away friends like Kelly, Brandon, Guillermo and Khrisslyn contributed. It is so special to me. So, those friends who don't have pages yet, please contribute. I can see this will be one of my most prized possessions and it wouldn't be the same without you.
I'm so lucky to have so many wonderful friends. It makes it doubly hard to leave...
I'm so lucky to have so many wonderful friends. It makes it doubly hard to leave...
Friday, January 20, 2006
Back to the Beginning
The first thing I like to do when moving to a new place is do get a library card. When I first came to Denver as a graduate student, I headed over to the Virginia Village library to get a card. It was a nice friendly neighborhood branch. Little did I know that I would be working there within the next two years. I started my library career at VVI. Eventually, I transferred to another branch where I could have more responsibilities but I do miss VVI now and then. At this moment, I am sitting in VVI at a public computer. I came here to return the last of my Denver library books. I thought it fitting. It's strange to be here now. So much has changed. This used to be one of the highest circing branches. Then, they came in and made a bunch of arbitrary changes and now it is very very quiet. And not in a good library quiet kind of way. But most of the same people are here and they are as nice as always. I can almost catch a glimpse of a ghost of myself from five years ago.
Farewell, Virginia Village library.
Farewell, Virginia Village library.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
The Keys to My Heart
| The Keys to Your Heart |
 You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free. In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored. You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring. You would be forced to break up with someone who was insecure and in constant need of reassurance. Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage. In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted. |
It's Life, Jim, But Not As We Know It
I know I haven't written in awhile. It's been all packing all the time since I quit the library. I have never dealt well with change which is really unfortunate since change is one of the few things in life we can count on. I'm almost ready to go. Gary comes in next week and we leave around the 30th for California. I'm not sure that is has completely sunk in that life as I know it is about to end.
Since college, I haven't had any roommates and I have never lived with anyone I have dated. I'm a pretty independent person. (an only child no less) It's going to be quite a change and adjustment to live with Gary. I am both excited and apprehensive. Will I drive him crazy? Will he drive ME crazy? Will I have enough "us" time? Will I have enough "me" time? And I need to find a job once I get out there. And the thought that we are getting married in 5 1/2 months is starting to become a real reality. Yikes!
I think when I first get out there I really want to spend some time exploring San Francisco. First of all, I want to go see the parrots on Telegraph Hill. (if you haven't seen the documentary, it's great) And I want to see Alcatraz and all the museums I haven't been to yet.
Tomorrow is my farewell party that my friend Gary L. is hosting. I'm really looking forward to it. I think it will provide some closure to my time in Denver. And it will give me a chance to be with all of my dear friends.
Today is a day of more packing and meeting with the realtor. So many things to get done.
Today is truly the first day of the rest of my life. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Since college, I haven't had any roommates and I have never lived with anyone I have dated. I'm a pretty independent person. (an only child no less) It's going to be quite a change and adjustment to live with Gary. I am both excited and apprehensive. Will I drive him crazy? Will he drive ME crazy? Will I have enough "us" time? Will I have enough "me" time? And I need to find a job once I get out there. And the thought that we are getting married in 5 1/2 months is starting to become a real reality. Yikes!
I think when I first get out there I really want to spend some time exploring San Francisco. First of all, I want to go see the parrots on Telegraph Hill. (if you haven't seen the documentary, it's great) And I want to see Alcatraz and all the museums I haven't been to yet.
Tomorrow is my farewell party that my friend Gary L. is hosting. I'm really looking forward to it. I think it will provide some closure to my time in Denver. And it will give me a chance to be with all of my dear friends.
Today is a day of more packing and meeting with the realtor. So many things to get done.
Today is truly the first day of the rest of my life. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Farewell Moriarty
My cat Moriarty died today. He lived with my mother along with our other cat, Holmes. We got Holmes and Moriarty from the SPCA when I was in high school. They are both black cats. My father (now deceased) picked out Moriarty and my mother and I picked out Holmes.
Moriarty had a lot of personality for such a petite fluffy black cat. He would actually talk back to you as if you were carrying on a conversation. He was Mr. Personality. He also had the habit of chewing up socks, underwear and small stuffed animals. Like a dog. He was pretty small but managed to carry large items up the stairs with him. And he loved to lick plastic. Especially plastic ziploc bags. And when he was really being cute, he would meow without making a sound. And he would live up to his namesake by figuring out how to get into any closed door, cabinet or washing machine.
Like many people I know, I am one of those individuals who treats pets like family. It's amazing what a significant place they can take in your life and how much emotional space they can fill. So, when they pass away, the grief is very strong and real. But, as C.S. Lewis once pointed out, the happiness then is part of the pain now. If we didn't enjoy our lives with them so much, it wouldn't hurt to lose them.
We will all miss him a great deal. He is pictured above at left with Holmes.
Moriarty had a lot of personality for such a petite fluffy black cat. He would actually talk back to you as if you were carrying on a conversation. He was Mr. Personality. He also had the habit of chewing up socks, underwear and small stuffed animals. Like a dog. He was pretty small but managed to carry large items up the stairs with him. And he loved to lick plastic. Especially plastic ziploc bags. And when he was really being cute, he would meow without making a sound. And he would live up to his namesake by figuring out how to get into any closed door, cabinet or washing machine.
Like many people I know, I am one of those individuals who treats pets like family. It's amazing what a significant place they can take in your life and how much emotional space they can fill. So, when they pass away, the grief is very strong and real. But, as C.S. Lewis once pointed out, the happiness then is part of the pain now. If we didn't enjoy our lives with them so much, it wouldn't hurt to lose them.
We will all miss him a great deal. He is pictured above at left with Holmes.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Independence Day
Today is my last day at the library. And I'm sad. But it isn't because I will miss this job. I've been pretty unhappy recently. Too many negative changes here. But I've always worked my hardest trying to make this place as good as it can be. And I've enjoyed my time with my co-workers.
I love my co-workers. I have spent countless hours getting together going-away parties and collecting money for parting gifts. Even for people who have only been here six months.
My five years here are not going to be recognized at all. No one even seems to notice this is my last day. And it hurts my feelings more than I realized. I guess it really is time to go.
So long library. It's been an interesting five years.
I love my co-workers. I have spent countless hours getting together going-away parties and collecting money for parting gifts. Even for people who have only been here six months.
My five years here are not going to be recognized at all. No one even seems to notice this is my last day. And it hurts my feelings more than I realized. I guess it really is time to go.
So long library. It's been an interesting five years.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
2005 In a Nutshell Meme
From Vieve's blog.
What did you do in 2005 that you've never done before?
Turned 30, got engaged, started climbing lessons.
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Some of them. I rid my life of all toxic people but I didn't get healthy.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Dave and Lora had Grace. Amy and Greg had Mia. Ellen and Jason had Anna. Whew!
Did anyone close to you die?
My family friends Ginger and Jeanne.
What countries did you visit?
none
What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
A new job, a new home and many more friends.
What date from 2005 will remain etched in your memory and why?
May 23. When I got engaged.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting on my first Board of Directors with the Children's Hospital.
What was your biggest failure?
Gaining so much weight.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
It seemed like I was facing some bad physical stuff but everything worked out.
What was the best thing you bought?
my iPod was both the best and the worst...and lots of great books
Where did most of your money go?
gift for friends and family
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
my trip to Disneyland
Compared to this time last year are you:
a. Happier or sadder? happier
b. Thinner or fatter? fatter
c. Richer or poorer? poorer
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Going to church and exercising
What do you wish you'd done less of?
eating eating eating and spending spending spending
How did you spend Christmas?
With Gary and my mom in Denver
Did you fall in love in 2005?
In 2004 and I stayed that way.
What was your favorite TV show?
Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Lost.
What was the best book you read?
wow, that's tough. Shadow of the Wind was really good but lots of others too.
What was your greatest musical discovery of 2005?
Deathcab for Cutie
What did you want and get?
a great guy
What did you want and not get?
a great job and winning the lottery
What was your favorite film this year?
Too many to name but I loved Narnia and Harry Potter.
What did you do on your birthday?
I went to Disneyland!
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting a new job and making lots of new friends.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
J Crew meets Banana Republic with a little Anthropologie thrown in.
What kept you sane?
reading and my cat
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Matthew McConaughey
What political issue stirred you the most?
ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home
Who did you miss?
Gary and my far-away friends
Who was the best new person you met?
My co-worker Sara.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005.
To always be myself and not change for anyone.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Pretty Good Year (tori amos)
What did you do in 2005 that you've never done before?
Turned 30, got engaged, started climbing lessons.
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Some of them. I rid my life of all toxic people but I didn't get healthy.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Dave and Lora had Grace. Amy and Greg had Mia. Ellen and Jason had Anna. Whew!
Did anyone close to you die?
My family friends Ginger and Jeanne.
What countries did you visit?
none
What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
A new job, a new home and many more friends.
What date from 2005 will remain etched in your memory and why?
May 23. When I got engaged.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting on my first Board of Directors with the Children's Hospital.
What was your biggest failure?
Gaining so much weight.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
It seemed like I was facing some bad physical stuff but everything worked out.
What was the best thing you bought?
my iPod was both the best and the worst...and lots of great books
Where did most of your money go?
gift for friends and family
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
my trip to Disneyland
Compared to this time last year are you:
a. Happier or sadder? happier
b. Thinner or fatter? fatter
c. Richer or poorer? poorer
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Going to church and exercising
What do you wish you'd done less of?
eating eating eating and spending spending spending
How did you spend Christmas?
With Gary and my mom in Denver
Did you fall in love in 2005?
In 2004 and I stayed that way.
What was your favorite TV show?
Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Lost.
What was the best book you read?
wow, that's tough. Shadow of the Wind was really good but lots of others too.
What was your greatest musical discovery of 2005?
Deathcab for Cutie
What did you want and get?
a great guy
What did you want and not get?
a great job and winning the lottery
What was your favorite film this year?
Too many to name but I loved Narnia and Harry Potter.
What did you do on your birthday?
I went to Disneyland!
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting a new job and making lots of new friends.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
J Crew meets Banana Republic with a little Anthropologie thrown in.
What kept you sane?
reading and my cat
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Matthew McConaughey
What political issue stirred you the most?
ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home
Who did you miss?
Gary and my far-away friends
Who was the best new person you met?
My co-worker Sara.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005.
To always be myself and not change for anyone.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Pretty Good Year (tori amos)
Monday, January 02, 2006
Resolutions
Happy New Year, Everyone!
Well, it's that time again. Resolution time.
1. I resolve to work on my temper and to improve my patience with people. I don't think of myself as an angry person in general. In fact, I really try to avoid conflict. But sometimes, I can really lose it with people. Especially at work.
2. I'm going to make a real effort to work on my faith and start studying my bible again. I've come across several great books recently and I plan to sit down and really work on them. The one I'm working on right now is called "A New Kind of Christian" by Brian McLaren and it's great so far. I'll discuss it more in a future blog. But this is really an area I want to work on this year.
3. I resolve to get healthy. I don't want to be a fat bride. So, it's time to get serious about my eating and exercise habits.
That's probably enough to get started. What are your resolutions this year?
Well, it's that time again. Resolution time.
1. I resolve to work on my temper and to improve my patience with people. I don't think of myself as an angry person in general. In fact, I really try to avoid conflict. But sometimes, I can really lose it with people. Especially at work.
2. I'm going to make a real effort to work on my faith and start studying my bible again. I've come across several great books recently and I plan to sit down and really work on them. The one I'm working on right now is called "A New Kind of Christian" by Brian McLaren and it's great so far. I'll discuss it more in a future blog. But this is really an area I want to work on this year.
3. I resolve to get healthy. I don't want to be a fat bride. So, it's time to get serious about my eating and exercise habits.
That's probably enough to get started. What are your resolutions this year?
Sunday, January 01, 2006
A Cautionary Tale of iPods
Gary bought me a 40 GB iPod for Christmas last year. I have loved it until recently when it started to skip songs, freeze up and then not work altogether. I took it to the iPod doctor who pronounced it dead on arrival. My warranty expired one month ago. So, my only option was to get a new hard drive for about $250. The cost of a new iPod is $299.
I spoke with the manager because I wanted to express my dissatisfaction that my $400 iPod broke after only one year. In the past year, I have kept in a special case. It has never been banged around or left in the car. It just broke. The mananger responded with:
"well, you should have bought the extra (one year) warranty when you had the chance."
Well, thanks a lot. Is it too much to expect that a $400 product will last longer than one year? The store was filled with people trying to get their iPods fixed and the two people that were sitting with me at the Genius Bar both had one-year old iPods.
So, if you have an iPod, buy the extra $50 one year warranty now before your initial year runs out. Because right at the time when the original warranty expires, your iPod will probably break. They don't make my iPod anymore so I had to get a newer version. If this one breaks, I'm done with Apple forever. It seems almost ridiculous that all the iPods that were around this time last year are now obsolete. And I thought computers were bad!
(thoughts on the New Year tomorrow!)
I spoke with the manager because I wanted to express my dissatisfaction that my $400 iPod broke after only one year. In the past year, I have kept in a special case. It has never been banged around or left in the car. It just broke. The mananger responded with:
"well, you should have bought the extra (one year) warranty when you had the chance."
Well, thanks a lot. Is it too much to expect that a $400 product will last longer than one year? The store was filled with people trying to get their iPods fixed and the two people that were sitting with me at the Genius Bar both had one-year old iPods.
So, if you have an iPod, buy the extra $50 one year warranty now before your initial year runs out. Because right at the time when the original warranty expires, your iPod will probably break. They don't make my iPod anymore so I had to get a newer version. If this one breaks, I'm done with Apple forever. It seems almost ridiculous that all the iPods that were around this time last year are now obsolete. And I thought computers were bad!
(thoughts on the New Year tomorrow!)
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