US Imperialism - Military Forces
6 years ago
Monday, March 03, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Miss us?
We're in Wales.
Look it up on a map.
We're exhausted but have much more to do today.
Have sporadic contact with my three loves:
Swell
Dr. Pepper
Internet
Leave tomorrow.
Will probably lose contact with two of my three loves.
We'll see.
Back in Nome on Saturday (Friday night actually).
Will write more then.
Haven't missed us I see.
Look it up on a map.
We're exhausted but have much more to do today.
Have sporadic contact with my three loves:
Swell
Dr. Pepper
Internet
Leave tomorrow.
Will probably lose contact with two of my three loves.
We'll see.
Back in Nome on Saturday (Friday night actually).
Will write more then.
Haven't missed us I see.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The Bread is Fresh...
So we're at the endish of our first week. It has been extremely challenging on many fronts.
First the good:
It has been awesome to be here with Swell. We don't see a tonne of each other during work but its nice to get home at a decent time 5:30-6:00 and sit and watch TV or DVDs together.
On Wednesday we were invited to go to the local Catholic Church where some Eskimo folks were "practicing their dancing". We weren't entirely sure what that meant but after arrving realized that we were experiencing one of the coolest things I've experienced in my life. It ranks up their with sitting on a roof top in Palestine listening to some locals play music (in '99). It also ranks with when I was sitting in the back of a truck in rural Honduras zipping along listening to the frogs croaking. On Wednesday we sat in this Catholic church and listened to three men play traditonal drums and sing. Whenever anyone felt like it they would jump up and do a dance associated with the song being played. What I found most interesting is that there were many young people there (12-14 years old) and would at times be the only person dancing. It was actually (for this bleeding heart) a very moving experience and one that I won't soon forget. I'll try to put some pictures up but that will require going to the pizza place and spending a bunch of money on lunch or dinner (this Sunday or tomorrow for dinner).
The patients here are very challenging. They people are beyond nice but they are a sick/old population (the ones we're seeing this week any way - remember that they are all diabetics this week). The previous optometrist was meticulous in her note taking and I would argue extremely conservative in her treatment plans. Swell and I, having worked in the worst of all situations, are far less likely to call something a problem. It makes it difficult to reconcile our findings with the previous optometrists. We were astounded by how much the previous optometrist did but have come to find out she was really only doing one exam an hour. We will be doing at least 2 an hour each.
The negatives are just things we have to learn to live with.
A lack of communication is a big one. There is no one "in charge" of optometry here. No one really seems to know how things work. There is no policy and procedures manual. We are going out to villages all next week and were told to make sure we had all the necessary equipment ready. Most of it was already packed away but we really don't know what we need as we've never done this before. If I were ruler of the world I would make a manual that states bring this and that for every village trip. No such manual exists. This wouldn't normally be a problem because there were two optometrists here but because both quit there is no senior OD here to guide the Jr. ODs (us).
In the villages we really only have enough equipment to be doing one exam at a time. We'll have to figure out a way around this.
We have to bring our own food and water to the villages. We only have one duffel bag and then a tourist style suitcase. We can bring as much luggage as we want but I don't think a four wheeled suitcase is going to work well in a small rural village.
Because they are without an optometrist we are pushing a lot of "special testing" off. Many of the charts have the notation to do a visual fields in a year, or photos, or someother non-regular testing. Well, a year is up but we can't really do this extra testing as we don't have the time. We tell them to come back in a couple of months and hopefully we will be here and able to do it or they will have hired someone.
A yet to graduate optometrist is coming by sometime this week or next to tour the facilities. They hope to hire this new grad. I couldn't have done this work right out of school but I hope that this new grad is willing because they really need someone.
Well thats that. We haven't been overwhelmingly busy because a couple of villages were snowed in and the folks couldn't make it into Nome.
I should explain that there are medics in many of the villages (these are well trained lay people who are able to prescribe some medications and take care of minor issues). They can also communicate with providers in the hospital and send pictures and questions for guidance. (Telemedicine at its finest).
Once in a while a specialist comes to Nome and all those requiring help from said specialist come into town to be seen. Physicians also travel to the villages on some set schedule.
It is a very public healthy set up and seems - albeit from the outside looking in - to be an efficient method of providing care to the local people.
We were in Safeway yesterday as a man took bread of the shelf he exclaimed: "The bread is fresh today!" He proceeded to thump it and explain how he knew it was fresh "Its still frozen!"
Thats Nome in a nutshell. Fresh bread is still frozen bread put out on the shelves.
Its been fun.
First the good:
It has been awesome to be here with Swell. We don't see a tonne of each other during work but its nice to get home at a decent time 5:30-6:00 and sit and watch TV or DVDs together.
On Wednesday we were invited to go to the local Catholic Church where some Eskimo folks were "practicing their dancing". We weren't entirely sure what that meant but after arrving realized that we were experiencing one of the coolest things I've experienced in my life. It ranks up their with sitting on a roof top in Palestine listening to some locals play music (in '99). It also ranks with when I was sitting in the back of a truck in rural Honduras zipping along listening to the frogs croaking. On Wednesday we sat in this Catholic church and listened to three men play traditonal drums and sing. Whenever anyone felt like it they would jump up and do a dance associated with the song being played. What I found most interesting is that there were many young people there (12-14 years old) and would at times be the only person dancing. It was actually (for this bleeding heart) a very moving experience and one that I won't soon forget. I'll try to put some pictures up but that will require going to the pizza place and spending a bunch of money on lunch or dinner (this Sunday or tomorrow for dinner).
The patients here are very challenging. They people are beyond nice but they are a sick/old population (the ones we're seeing this week any way - remember that they are all diabetics this week). The previous optometrist was meticulous in her note taking and I would argue extremely conservative in her treatment plans. Swell and I, having worked in the worst of all situations, are far less likely to call something a problem. It makes it difficult to reconcile our findings with the previous optometrists. We were astounded by how much the previous optometrist did but have come to find out she was really only doing one exam an hour. We will be doing at least 2 an hour each.
The negatives are just things we have to learn to live with.
A lack of communication is a big one. There is no one "in charge" of optometry here. No one really seems to know how things work. There is no policy and procedures manual. We are going out to villages all next week and were told to make sure we had all the necessary equipment ready. Most of it was already packed away but we really don't know what we need as we've never done this before. If I were ruler of the world I would make a manual that states bring this and that for every village trip. No such manual exists. This wouldn't normally be a problem because there were two optometrists here but because both quit there is no senior OD here to guide the Jr. ODs (us).
In the villages we really only have enough equipment to be doing one exam at a time. We'll have to figure out a way around this.
We have to bring our own food and water to the villages. We only have one duffel bag and then a tourist style suitcase. We can bring as much luggage as we want but I don't think a four wheeled suitcase is going to work well in a small rural village.
Because they are without an optometrist we are pushing a lot of "special testing" off. Many of the charts have the notation to do a visual fields in a year, or photos, or someother non-regular testing. Well, a year is up but we can't really do this extra testing as we don't have the time. We tell them to come back in a couple of months and hopefully we will be here and able to do it or they will have hired someone.
A yet to graduate optometrist is coming by sometime this week or next to tour the facilities. They hope to hire this new grad. I couldn't have done this work right out of school but I hope that this new grad is willing because they really need someone.
Well thats that. We haven't been overwhelmingly busy because a couple of villages were snowed in and the folks couldn't make it into Nome.
I should explain that there are medics in many of the villages (these are well trained lay people who are able to prescribe some medications and take care of minor issues). They can also communicate with providers in the hospital and send pictures and questions for guidance. (Telemedicine at its finest).
Once in a while a specialist comes to Nome and all those requiring help from said specialist come into town to be seen. Physicians also travel to the villages on some set schedule.
It is a very public healthy set up and seems - albeit from the outside looking in - to be an efficient method of providing care to the local people.
We were in Safeway yesterday as a man took bread of the shelf he exclaimed: "The bread is fresh today!" He proceeded to thump it and explain how he knew it was fresh "Its still frozen!"
Thats Nome in a nutshell. Fresh bread is still frozen bread put out on the shelves.
Its been fun.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Day 1
I'm sitting in the smaller of our two offices here at the hospital. It is quickly approaching quitin' time.
The end of a hard day approaches.
Not hard because we were so busy. Not hard because the patients were so complicated.
Just hard because its always hard to start a new job.
Not knowing where things are. Not being familiar with policies and processes are always difficult.
They were especially difficult today simply because we are working in a hospital.
Mounds of paperwork.
No simple drawer full of new supplies, rather one must go to the pharmacy or supply room to obtain replacement drops or things.
New equipment is always a little difficult in the beginning. While it is true that everything works the same it just takes a little while to get used to where this knob is, and that button is.
My exam lane is the smaller of the two. Smaller simply because it is filled to the brim with extra equipment that isn't used regularly. I've really been struggling more than Swell I think.
I was getting more and more frustrated as I tried to figure out why it felt like I was moving in slow motion and everything just seemed really difficult.
It finally dawned on me.
I'm working in a left hand room.
Everything I'm using is on the opposite side of the room that I'm used to.
Not a big deal but its throwing me off. Physically and mentally. Just being in a weird room is causing everything to be just that much more difficult.
I'll get used to it but its going to take some time.
Nice weather today. Very warm, although we won't really experience it as we're here all day and then have a short walk home tonight.
The end of a hard day approaches.
Not hard because we were so busy. Not hard because the patients were so complicated.
Just hard because its always hard to start a new job.
Not knowing where things are. Not being familiar with policies and processes are always difficult.
They were especially difficult today simply because we are working in a hospital.
Mounds of paperwork.
No simple drawer full of new supplies, rather one must go to the pharmacy or supply room to obtain replacement drops or things.
New equipment is always a little difficult in the beginning. While it is true that everything works the same it just takes a little while to get used to where this knob is, and that button is.
My exam lane is the smaller of the two. Smaller simply because it is filled to the brim with extra equipment that isn't used regularly. I've really been struggling more than Swell I think.
I was getting more and more frustrated as I tried to figure out why it felt like I was moving in slow motion and everything just seemed really difficult.
It finally dawned on me.
I'm working in a left hand room.
Everything I'm using is on the opposite side of the room that I'm used to.
Not a big deal but its throwing me off. Physically and mentally. Just being in a weird room is causing everything to be just that much more difficult.
I'll get used to it but its going to take some time.
Nice weather today. Very warm, although we won't really experience it as we're here all day and then have a short walk home tonight.
Monday, February 18, 2008
There is no place like Nome
So we are sitting here in Airport Pizza just waiting for the waitress to bring Swell's Latte.
Needless to say Swell is ecstatic that she has the availability of Lattes, Cappuccinos, and Espressos.
Airport Pizza is one of many restaurants in Nome. It is, however, the only one we've tried thus far. We've now eaten here twice.
Our first meal here was a lunch where we got a very expensive, yet yummy, pizza. Believe it or not we had Reindeer sausage pizza.
It was quite good. We felt like doofus tourists ordering it but I've come to find out that it is actually quite popular.
Today we each had a burger. I had a true beef burger whereas Swell had a Garden burger. Both were quite good but, again, expensive.
Everything is extremely expensive here. We were expecting expensive but were still a little shocked. Swell is going to write down the prices of some of the things at the grocery store to share our shock. To give you some idea I'm looking out the restaurant window at the nearby gas station - $4.29/gallon. And we're told that's very cheap for Alaska standards.
Our little apartment is warm. That's really all it is but we're not complaining. We are warmer indoors than we were this time last year.
Much, much warmer.
Outdoors is another story, though.
Anyway our apartment is a two bedroom one bath complete with washer and dryer - yippee - but is filthy.
Disgusting filthy but not the kind of filth that can be cleaned. Its just the type of place that has seen many different tenants - I believe its owned or rented solely for the use of the hospital. Stains of unknown origin on the carpets and walls.
Rickety furniture.
But its fine. We're treating it like a camping trip.
Scrounging for food.
Sleeping in sleeping bags.
We haven't done much the last few days. We're just trying to acclimatize and get used to the time change.
We've been watching TV (they have provided us with cable) and DVD's (on my computer). We did venture out a little bit each day.
It is a very small town. Population ~3500. Everything worth going to is in a short distance from our apartment. Front Street is the main drag - complete with bar after tavern after watering hole - and is right on the Bering Sea - which is, of course, completely frozen.
The temperature has been very bearable. We think it was actually much colder in Edmonton over Christmas. We, of course, also have much better/warmer clothing here.
We start work on Tuesday. This week, as we've already mentioned, is simply diabetic eye exams. No set schedule. Folks from around the Norton sound area will be coming in for their annual diabetic meetings with the nurse, physician, and dietitian. At some point they will drop by the eye clinic where we will check their eyes for any diabetic complications. So we'll be busy in spurts. No big deal. It should be fun.
We have internet at work and then here at the restaurant so we'll be in touch this week but out of touch next week.
Sorry for the rambling but it is difficult for me to write fast and entertainingly at the same time.
Some pictures to end the post.
Nome began due to Gold Rush
Front Street
Tourist Center
Iditarod finish line - They pull it out at the end of the race but it sits outside all year long
We could walk to Siberia - we could if we were crazy.
Needless to say Swell is ecstatic that she has the availability of Lattes, Cappuccinos, and Espressos.
Airport Pizza is one of many restaurants in Nome. It is, however, the only one we've tried thus far. We've now eaten here twice.
Our first meal here was a lunch where we got a very expensive, yet yummy, pizza. Believe it or not we had Reindeer sausage pizza.
It was quite good. We felt like doofus tourists ordering it but I've come to find out that it is actually quite popular.
Today we each had a burger. I had a true beef burger whereas Swell had a Garden burger. Both were quite good but, again, expensive.
Everything is extremely expensive here. We were expecting expensive but were still a little shocked. Swell is going to write down the prices of some of the things at the grocery store to share our shock. To give you some idea I'm looking out the restaurant window at the nearby gas station - $4.29/gallon. And we're told that's very cheap for Alaska standards.
Our little apartment is warm. That's really all it is but we're not complaining. We are warmer indoors than we were this time last year.
Much, much warmer.
Outdoors is another story, though.
Anyway our apartment is a two bedroom one bath complete with washer and dryer - yippee - but is filthy.
Disgusting filthy but not the kind of filth that can be cleaned. Its just the type of place that has seen many different tenants - I believe its owned or rented solely for the use of the hospital. Stains of unknown origin on the carpets and walls.
Rickety furniture.
But its fine. We're treating it like a camping trip.
Scrounging for food.
Sleeping in sleeping bags.
We haven't done much the last few days. We're just trying to acclimatize and get used to the time change.
We've been watching TV (they have provided us with cable) and DVD's (on my computer). We did venture out a little bit each day.
It is a very small town. Population ~3500. Everything worth going to is in a short distance from our apartment. Front Street is the main drag - complete with bar after tavern after watering hole - and is right on the Bering Sea - which is, of course, completely frozen.
The temperature has been very bearable. We think it was actually much colder in Edmonton over Christmas. We, of course, also have much better/warmer clothing here.
We start work on Tuesday. This week, as we've already mentioned, is simply diabetic eye exams. No set schedule. Folks from around the Norton sound area will be coming in for their annual diabetic meetings with the nurse, physician, and dietitian. At some point they will drop by the eye clinic where we will check their eyes for any diabetic complications. So we'll be busy in spurts. No big deal. It should be fun.
We have internet at work and then here at the restaurant so we'll be in touch this week but out of touch next week.
Sorry for the rambling but it is difficult for me to write fast and entertainingly at the same time.
Some pictures to end the post.
Nome began due to Gold Rush
Front Street
Tourist Center
Iditarod finish line - They pull it out at the end of the race but it sits outside all year long
We could walk to Siberia - we could if we were crazy.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Nome Sweet Nome
Here.
Not that cold.
Apartment is...interesting.
Orientation half day tomorrow.
Long weekend due to Presidents Day on Monday. Start working on Tuesday.
Later.
Not that cold.
Apartment is...interesting.
Orientation half day tomorrow.
Long weekend due to Presidents Day on Monday. Start working on Tuesday.
Later.
Cold?
We are sitting in the Anchorage airport waiting to board our last flight of the day. We will fly to Nome via another town so we have two more takeoffs and two more landings to go, although it is only one flight.
Lots of snow outside. Doesn't look too cold here but we have a long journey North yet.
Uneventful day thus far if you discount the ticket lady in ATL, the big guy squishing me on the second flight and the SCREAMING kid sitting right behind me.
All those who read this and are sick you better get better immediatley. All those who read this and are being silly with your lives better cut it out immediatley.
Ok that's it. My thumbs hurt and I don't like not having a spell checker.
Lots of snow outside. Doesn't look too cold here but we have a long journey North yet.
Uneventful day thus far if you discount the ticket lady in ATL, the big guy squishing me on the second flight and the SCREAMING kid sitting right behind me.
All those who read this and are sick you better get better immediatley. All those who read this and are being silly with your lives better cut it out immediatley.
Ok that's it. My thumbs hurt and I don't like not having a spell checker.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
We're on our way
So we will be leaving our house via cab (or more accurately "luxury sedan" - same price as a cab and way more cooler) tomorrow morning at 6. Our flight is at 8:30 am and we arrive in Nome, via Seattle, via Anchorage at 8:30 pm. 16 hours of travel time (remember the time change people) and we'll be in Nome.
Here's hoping our flights are on time and without incident.
Swell is excited by the fact that there is a 100 degree Fahrenheit difference between Nome and our holiday location of Maui. That will be a shock to the system.
We've already been asked to make this a year long deal.
We'll see.
I don't know how much access we'll have to internet but I get all my emails pushed to my phone immediately so you can stay in touch that way.
I'll also try to update here via phone if the internet is not working.
Later Gators.
Here's hoping our flights are on time and without incident.
Swell is excited by the fact that there is a 100 degree Fahrenheit difference between Nome and our holiday location of Maui. That will be a shock to the system.
We've already been asked to make this a year long deal.
We'll see.
I don't know how much access we'll have to internet but I get all my emails pushed to my phone immediately so you can stay in touch that way.
I'll also try to update here via phone if the internet is not working.
Later Gators.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Put it out of its misery
Before I start this post I want to explicitly state that we love our car and are very grateful for it. It was a gift Swell's parents gave her for Optometry school graduation a number of years ago. Since then I have purchased it from her. (Click here for a reminder as to how this car became my property)
That said this car has become more trouble than its worth over the last few weeks.
As the car approached 115000 miles we figured it was oil change/tune up time. No problem. I could take it in on a Monday or Thursday. Mondays both Swell and I had off but we're often out and about doing errands, shopping,etc. Thursdays Swell worked but I had the day off and could drive her and then head back to the car place and they would drive me the mile or so back to our place where I could do my weekly cleaning. (Of the house, not of me. I clean myself monthly whether I need it or not.)
Hating talking on the phone I had Swell phone to make the appointment. She tried a couple of times but their phone just kept on ringing. After learning of this non-answered phone business I did what any sane individual would do.
Find a new garage?
No. Book an appointment on line.
The next Thursday.
Me: Bye Swell. Have a nice day. I'll see you later.
Swell: Let me know if they find anything wrong with the car.
Twenty minutes later.
Me - on phone: Ummmm...Swell... I don't think they're open anymore.
Swell: What! They're not open?
Me: Correct. They are not open anymore.
Swell: That's strange. I guess we'll have to do it another time.
Three days later
Swell: When are you going to take the car in?
Me: I don't know where to take it... I'll have to search on the internet for another Ford dealer.
Swell: Why don't you just take it into the dealer we always take it.
Me: FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY, DO YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME!
Swell: What?
Me: Remember? I was taking the car in last Thursday and I phoned you and said they weren't open?
Swell: Well, of course I remember that. What does that have to do with taking the car in this week?
Me: I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TAKE IT! I'll have to look for a new dealer online or something.
Swell: I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU CAN'T JUST MAKE A NEW APPOINTMENT AND TAKE IT WHERE WE USUALLY TAKE IT.
Me: Oh my goodness! You really don't listen. I just told you that they were closed.
Swell: Its not like they're closed forever, stupid.
Me: It's exactly like they're closed forever. All the cars that were for sale are gone. Its just a big empty lot now.
Swell: Oh. I thought you meant they were just closed last Thursday.
Me: That doesn't really make sense does it?
Swell: I didn't think it made sense but you said it and most of what you say doesn't make sense.
Me: That's true.
So after that fateful misunderstanding I said something to someone once about not posting personal stuff (like fights) in a blog so I just want to reiterate that I exaggerate our disagreements although the underlying story is true. It is very true that we had a complete misunderstanding of what "They are closed" meant. It was quite funny. I searched and searched for another Ford dealer.
The nearest one wasn't really all that near. About 7 miles from our place, which is a long way in Atlanta.
So one fateful Thursday I dropped Swell off at work and made my way to the new Ford place.
Upon arriving I was impressed with the customer lounge, not so much with the neighbourhood.
After telling the garage dude that we needed i) an oil change ii) an inspection to look for any problems and iii) an explanation as to why the car was idling poorly at stop lights I went looking for a place to hang out.
Me - on phone: Swell, I'm a little bit a feared. This place is in the ghetto, and not the ironic cool ghetto I mean the actual ghetto and its freaking cold out today.
Swell: Don't care.
Me: Well ok then. I'll call you when the car is done.
I eventually found a place to eat. Who would have expected to find a Chik-Fil-A in the ghetto? (Ok that was crossing the line I know. It wasn't really a ghetto. It was just a rundown part of the city with a lot of shady people hanging around. And truth be told where isn't there a Chik-Fil-A in Atlanta?)
After my nutritious lunch I walked back to the garage and sat for five hours watching Scrubs on my computer.
Oil Change? Check!
Explanation for poor idling? Check!
Fix idling problem? Check?
Cheque? $600
Check the brakes? No. Although they were supposed to. Its on the sheet. The just marked. Didn't do.
Why would the brakes be important?
A few days later.
Swell on the phone: Ummmm, dear husband of mine. Remember when you took the car in. I told you to make sure they checked the brakes right?
Me: I know. They were supposed to. How am I to know that this new garage just ignores that part of the multi-point inspection?
Swell: BY TELLING THEM TO CHECK THE BRAKES!
Me: Sorry. Are they worse?
Swell: If you consider a combination of an ear splitting screeching and a headache inducing grinding worse, than yes they are worse.
The next Thursday I was on my way to yet another Ford Dealer.
My long walk this time led me to a Wendy's followed by 4 or 5 hours of The Office on my computer while waiting in the not as nice customer lounge.
Brakes fixed? Check!
Cheque? Another $600
One day later toward the end of a very long Friday.
Swell - on phone: I'm on 400 and the car doesn't sound right.
Me: What's wrong?
Swell: I don't know. It just doesn't sound right.
Me: I'm sorry. Drive slowly and try to get here. I can't really do anything else from here.
Swell: Ok.
Ten minutes later
Swell: It sounds even worse now and its not going very fast.
Me: Maybe you should pull over.
Swell: I'm on 400
Me: DON'T PULL OVER!!!!
Ten minutes later
Swell: I made it. I'm in the parking lot where should I go?
Me: Just find the nearest parking spot.
Swell: I think maybe the tire is flat.
Me: Just find the nearest parking spot.
Ten minutes later.
Me while looking at the huge piece of metal in the tire and the blown sidewall: Well, you're lucky you're not dead.
Swell: You're not supposed to drive on a flat tire?
Me: No dear.
20 minutes later.
Swell You'll stay open for us? We're almost there. We're just driving on a doughnut now and we work tomorrow so it would be great if we could get it fixed tonight.
2 hours later.
Tire fixed? Check!
All other tires ok? Check!
Cheque? $250.
Since then? So far so good.
That said this car has become more trouble than its worth over the last few weeks.
As the car approached 115000 miles we figured it was oil change/tune up time. No problem. I could take it in on a Monday or Thursday. Mondays both Swell and I had off but we're often out and about doing errands, shopping,etc. Thursdays Swell worked but I had the day off and could drive her and then head back to the car place and they would drive me the mile or so back to our place where I could do my weekly cleaning. (Of the house, not of me. I clean myself monthly whether I need it or not.)
Hating talking on the phone I had Swell phone to make the appointment. She tried a couple of times but their phone just kept on ringing. After learning of this non-answered phone business I did what any sane individual would do.
Find a new garage?
No. Book an appointment on line.
The next Thursday.
Me: Bye Swell. Have a nice day. I'll see you later.
Swell: Let me know if they find anything wrong with the car.
Twenty minutes later.
Me - on phone: Ummmm...Swell... I don't think they're open anymore.
Swell: What! They're not open?
Me: Correct. They are not open anymore.
Swell: That's strange. I guess we'll have to do it another time.
Three days later
Swell: When are you going to take the car in?
Me: I don't know where to take it... I'll have to search on the internet for another Ford dealer.
Swell: Why don't you just take it into the dealer we always take it.
Me: FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY, DO YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME!
Swell: What?
Me: Remember? I was taking the car in last Thursday and I phoned you and said they weren't open?
Swell: Well, of course I remember that. What does that have to do with taking the car in this week?
Me: I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TAKE IT! I'll have to look for a new dealer online or something.
Swell: I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU CAN'T JUST MAKE A NEW APPOINTMENT AND TAKE IT WHERE WE USUALLY TAKE IT.
Me: Oh my goodness! You really don't listen. I just told you that they were closed.
Swell: Its not like they're closed forever, stupid.
Me: It's exactly like they're closed forever. All the cars that were for sale are gone. Its just a big empty lot now.
Swell: Oh. I thought you meant they were just closed last Thursday.
Me: That doesn't really make sense does it?
Swell: I didn't think it made sense but you said it and most of what you say doesn't make sense.
Me: That's true.
So after that fateful misunderstanding I said something to someone once about not posting personal stuff (like fights) in a blog so I just want to reiterate that I exaggerate our disagreements although the underlying story is true. It is very true that we had a complete misunderstanding of what "They are closed" meant. It was quite funny. I searched and searched for another Ford dealer.
The nearest one wasn't really all that near. About 7 miles from our place, which is a long way in Atlanta.
So one fateful Thursday I dropped Swell off at work and made my way to the new Ford place.
Upon arriving I was impressed with the customer lounge, not so much with the neighbourhood.
After telling the garage dude that we needed i) an oil change ii) an inspection to look for any problems and iii) an explanation as to why the car was idling poorly at stop lights I went looking for a place to hang out.
Me - on phone: Swell, I'm a little bit a feared. This place is in the ghetto, and not the ironic cool ghetto I mean the actual ghetto and its freaking cold out today.
Swell: Don't care.
Me: Well ok then. I'll call you when the car is done.
I eventually found a place to eat. Who would have expected to find a Chik-Fil-A in the ghetto? (Ok that was crossing the line I know. It wasn't really a ghetto. It was just a rundown part of the city with a lot of shady people hanging around. And truth be told where isn't there a Chik-Fil-A in Atlanta?)
After my nutritious lunch I walked back to the garage and sat for five hours watching Scrubs on my computer.
Oil Change? Check!
Explanation for poor idling? Check!
Fix idling problem? Check?
Cheque? $600
Check the brakes? No. Although they were supposed to. Its on the sheet. The just marked. Didn't do.
Why would the brakes be important?
A few days later.
Swell on the phone: Ummmm, dear husband of mine. Remember when you took the car in. I told you to make sure they checked the brakes right?
Me: I know. They were supposed to. How am I to know that this new garage just ignores that part of the multi-point inspection?
Swell: BY TELLING THEM TO CHECK THE BRAKES!
Me: Sorry. Are they worse?
Swell: If you consider a combination of an ear splitting screeching and a headache inducing grinding worse, than yes they are worse.
The next Thursday I was on my way to yet another Ford Dealer.
My long walk this time led me to a Wendy's followed by 4 or 5 hours of The Office on my computer while waiting in the not as nice customer lounge.
Brakes fixed? Check!
Cheque? Another $600
One day later toward the end of a very long Friday.
Swell - on phone: I'm on 400 and the car doesn't sound right.
Me: What's wrong?
Swell: I don't know. It just doesn't sound right.
Me: I'm sorry. Drive slowly and try to get here. I can't really do anything else from here.
Swell: Ok.
Ten minutes later
Swell: It sounds even worse now and its not going very fast.
Me: Maybe you should pull over.
Swell: I'm on 400
Me: DON'T PULL OVER!!!!
Ten minutes later
Swell: I made it. I'm in the parking lot where should I go?
Me: Just find the nearest parking spot.
Swell: I think maybe the tire is flat.
Me: Just find the nearest parking spot.
Ten minutes later.
Me while looking at the huge piece of metal in the tire and the blown sidewall: Well, you're lucky you're not dead.
Swell: You're not supposed to drive on a flat tire?
Me: No dear.
20 minutes later.
Swell You'll stay open for us? We're almost there. We're just driving on a doughnut now and we work tomorrow so it would be great if we could get it fixed tonight.
2 hours later.
Tire fixed? Check!
All other tires ok? Check!
Cheque? $250.
Since then? So far so good.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Don't Phone Us
Well we got rid of Sprint. They hosed us a little and we weren't able to port our numbers. So don't call us. After living in Atlanta for over 3 years we finally have local numbers... just in time to move away.
If you don't hear from us in the next couple of days via email or phone and you want our new numbers drop us a line. For the next day or two we'll be going through our contacts and trying to figure out who needs our numbers.
If you don't hear from us in the next couple of days via email or phone and you want our new numbers drop us a line. For the next day or two we'll be going through our contacts and trying to figure out who needs our numbers.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
I love Atlantans
Swell had the brilliant idea to weasel out of our cell phone contract by indicating that we were moving to a place that had no cell phone coverage.
We're not entirely unhappy with Sprint but would love to get out so that we could really weigh our options (particularly with phone availability - Sprint has the worst selection of phones in the world). We refuse to pay the cancellation fee so I thought I'd head over to a Sprint store during my overly slow work day, and ask if we could, in fact, get out of our contract without the exorbitant cancellation fee. I'd read that they are willing to forgive the fees if you can prove you are moving to a location without coverage.
Worker Welcome to Sprint. How can I help you?
Me Well, believe it or not my wife and I are moving to Nome, Alaska.
Worker Where's that?
Ok. Now I'm not the smartest person in the world. My intellect, unlike my stunning good looks, would probably fall smack dab in the middle of the intellect bell curve. Average at best.
That said, I know where Alaska is. I might not have been able to point to Nome on a map without a hint or two but if someone said I'm moving to Nome, Alaska I wouldn't say "where's that?". I had hoped that anyone in this country would have a vague idea where Nome, Alaska was.
The worker's response begged the question, did they not know where Alaska was? Did they know that Alaska was, in fact, part of the US?
Me - dazed and confused Ummmm... well... it's about as far north as you can get in the United States.
Worker - doubtful as to the veracity of my geographical knowledge and future habitat Yeah, let me check on that.
I tell 'ya the education system needs a good overhaul down here.
Any Americans who care to chime in. What cell service do you use and is it worth getting?
Cheers!
I'm gonna try out saying Cheers now. I don't know why. I just feel like doing it. By the way we applied for positions starting January '08... in New Zealand. They may or may not have openings at that time but have asked for two referees from us. Where can I find a referee? Do I just approach them after a hockey game or what?
We're not entirely unhappy with Sprint but would love to get out so that we could really weigh our options (particularly with phone availability - Sprint has the worst selection of phones in the world). We refuse to pay the cancellation fee so I thought I'd head over to a Sprint store during my overly slow work day, and ask if we could, in fact, get out of our contract without the exorbitant cancellation fee. I'd read that they are willing to forgive the fees if you can prove you are moving to a location without coverage.
Worker Welcome to Sprint. How can I help you?
Me Well, believe it or not my wife and I are moving to Nome, Alaska.
Worker Where's that?
Ok. Now I'm not the smartest person in the world. My intellect, unlike my stunning good looks, would probably fall smack dab in the middle of the intellect bell curve. Average at best.
That said, I know where Alaska is. I might not have been able to point to Nome on a map without a hint or two but if someone said I'm moving to Nome, Alaska I wouldn't say "where's that?". I had hoped that anyone in this country would have a vague idea where Nome, Alaska was.
The worker's response begged the question, did they not know where Alaska was? Did they know that Alaska was, in fact, part of the US?
Me - dazed and confused Ummmm... well... it's about as far north as you can get in the United States.
Worker - doubtful as to the veracity of my geographical knowledge and future habitat Yeah, let me check on that.
I tell 'ya the education system needs a good overhaul down here.
Any Americans who care to chime in. What cell service do you use and is it worth getting?
Cheers!
I'm gonna try out saying Cheers now. I don't know why. I just feel like doing it. By the way we applied for positions starting January '08... in New Zealand. They may or may not have openings at that time but have asked for two referees from us. Where can I find a referee? Do I just approach them after a hockey game or what?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Silly Girl Getting Ready
Silly Girls Wii-ing. (Long exposure with attempt to show movement. Kinda worked)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Now that's what I'm talking about
Hi Headhunter woman,
During SwellandSheepie's 3 week visit, we have schedule a village trip 2/25-2/29. They will travel together on one of our smaller airlines to two remote eskimo villages. 1 village is Wales, AK and one village is Shishmaref, AK. They will travel with the optician here and she will orientate them to the clinic and be there the entire time with them.
They will all stay in the village clinic overnight. It is safe there and there will be separate sleeping areas for Pearce's and the optician. However, if they have sleeping bags, they may want to bring them. Most clinics are equipped with cots.
I am writing to make sure they are up for the trip. We will pay for the airfare, etc. The lodging is taken care of and they can enjoy the experience.
Please let me know if there are any problems with this. Wales does not have "running" water. There is water and there is a local store, but no actual running water. There are showers available.
I think they will love it. The other two weeks will be spent in Nome. We have an annual diabetes clinic 2/19-2/22. The entire week will be used to see our diabetic patients. We usually have about 70 patients come to town for this clinic, so that week may be busy.
(emphasis mine)
During SwellandSheepie's 3 week visit, we have schedule a village trip 2/25-2/29. They will travel together on one of our smaller airlines to two remote eskimo villages. 1 village is Wales, AK and one village is Shishmaref, AK. They will travel with the optician here and she will orientate them to the clinic and be there the entire time with them.
They will all stay in the village clinic overnight. It is safe there and there will be separate sleeping areas for Pearce's and the optician. However, if they have sleeping bags, they may want to bring them. Most clinics are equipped with cots.
I am writing to make sure they are up for the trip. We will pay for the airfare, etc. The lodging is taken care of and they can enjoy the experience.
Please let me know if there are any problems with this. Wales does not have "running" water. There is water and there is a local store, but no actual running water. There are showers available.
I think they will love it. The other two weeks will be spent in Nome. We have an annual diabetes clinic 2/19-2/22. The entire week will be used to see our diabetic patients. We usually have about 70 patients come to town for this clinic, so that week may be busy.
(emphasis mine)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Bad Days
I've had some bad days as an optometrist. Some really bad days.
Patients yelling.
Staff glaring.
Patients glaring.
Staff yelling.
Busy.
Slow.
Confused.
Saturday was one of those days. But I don't know why. It wasn't particularly busy (20 patients for full exams, five or so for miscellaneous junk). I didn't get yelled at or about. I received very few glares. It was just a difficult day made worse by a complete lack of desire to be here.
We don't like it here Sam I am.
Not a bit.
Not a little.
Not a lot.
Not at all.
It is time to move on. From Saturday at 7pm to Monday at 5 pm we are relatively happy people but as the fact that we have to return to work on Tuesday begins to sink in early Monday evenings the dread starts.
From Swell's long drive and staff that hate her to my just hating working at a mall and seeing walk-in after walk-in our work weeks are killing us.
Why can't work be fun? We went to school for a long time. We demand fun.
Instead we get no fun.
We hope that Nome is fun.
They were supposed to have purchased our tickets at the end of last week. We approved the flights and they were supposed to buy them.
I hope they did.
If they didn't...
We've given our notice here and are ready to go.
We hope to be challenged professionally.
We hope to learn optometry.
We hope to learn about others.
We hope to experience Alaska.
We hope our plane doesn't crash.
Swell's Ma is coming to visit this weekend. Every couple of weeks her schedule works out in such a way that she has four or five days off in a row. She can fly cheap so she is coming to see us. While cleaning for her arrival I came to the conclusion that somehow we have too much stuff. We have so much stuff we don't have enough room for it.
Now remember that a lot of it isn't our stuff. It is stuff for Romania. Swell has a dream. Her dream is to fill four suitcases of stuff for others and take our clothes and the like as carry ons. In the meantime the stuff multiplies, much like the stereotypical rabbit, and accumulates in our rather small condo.
We trip over stuff.
We sit on stuff.
We push stuff aside to clear but a little room to walk.
I exaggerate of course, but suffice it to say there is Romania stuff on top of stuff we need to part with.
Thats one good part of moving.
Purging.
I'm semi-proud of us for purging much of our optometry school notes. They are now in a landfill somewhere near Nablus.
I'm semi-proud that we purged clothing upon our return 6 months ago. They are now in a Goodwill somewhere (or in someone else's closet).
We now need to do some more purging. If we're going to sell our place it can't look like its bursting at the seams. We have too many sheets and blankets.
We have too much Christmas stuff.
I have too many books and CDs.
The time to start purging nears.
And then packing to move...
I hate packing.
I'd rather work here than pack.
Patients yelling.
Staff glaring.
Patients glaring.
Staff yelling.
Busy.
Slow.
Confused.
Saturday was one of those days. But I don't know why. It wasn't particularly busy (20 patients for full exams, five or so for miscellaneous junk). I didn't get yelled at or about. I received very few glares. It was just a difficult day made worse by a complete lack of desire to be here.
We don't like it here Sam I am.
Not a bit.
Not a little.
Not a lot.
Not at all.
It is time to move on. From Saturday at 7pm to Monday at 5 pm we are relatively happy people but as the fact that we have to return to work on Tuesday begins to sink in early Monday evenings the dread starts.
From Swell's long drive and staff that hate her to my just hating working at a mall and seeing walk-in after walk-in our work weeks are killing us.
Why can't work be fun? We went to school for a long time. We demand fun.
Instead we get no fun.
We hope that Nome is fun.
They were supposed to have purchased our tickets at the end of last week. We approved the flights and they were supposed to buy them.
I hope they did.
If they didn't...
We've given our notice here and are ready to go.
We hope to be challenged professionally.
We hope to learn optometry.
We hope to learn about others.
We hope to experience Alaska.
We hope our plane doesn't crash.
Swell's Ma is coming to visit this weekend. Every couple of weeks her schedule works out in such a way that she has four or five days off in a row. She can fly cheap so she is coming to see us. While cleaning for her arrival I came to the conclusion that somehow we have too much stuff. We have so much stuff we don't have enough room for it.
Now remember that a lot of it isn't our stuff. It is stuff for Romania. Swell has a dream. Her dream is to fill four suitcases of stuff for others and take our clothes and the like as carry ons. In the meantime the stuff multiplies, much like the stereotypical rabbit, and accumulates in our rather small condo.
We trip over stuff.
We sit on stuff.
We push stuff aside to clear but a little room to walk.
I exaggerate of course, but suffice it to say there is Romania stuff on top of stuff we need to part with.
Thats one good part of moving.
Purging.
I'm semi-proud of us for purging much of our optometry school notes. They are now in a landfill somewhere near Nablus.
I'm semi-proud that we purged clothing upon our return 6 months ago. They are now in a Goodwill somewhere (or in someone else's closet).
We now need to do some more purging. If we're going to sell our place it can't look like its bursting at the seams. We have too many sheets and blankets.
We have too much Christmas stuff.
I have too many books and CDs.
The time to start purging nears.
And then packing to move...
I hate packing.
I'd rather work here than pack.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Interesting observation
When it is 9 am in Atlanta it is 5 am in Nome.
This morning at 9 am Atlanta time the temperature in Atlanta was 21F/-6C (with wind chill 7F/-14C).
In Nome at 5 am this morning the temperature was 31F/-1C (With wind chill 19F/-7C).
Strange, no?
Pictures from our second winter storm this week!
This morning at 9 am Atlanta time the temperature in Atlanta was 21F/-6C (with wind chill 7F/-14C).
In Nome at 5 am this morning the temperature was 31F/-1C (With wind chill 19F/-7C).
Strange, no?
Pictures from our second winter storm this week!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
As I sit here waiting for Swell to pick me up after another hard day's work the metro-Atlanta region holds it's collective breath.
Children are on the verge of tears.
Women are shivering.
Men are prepping.
The mayor is on alert.
Principals are manning the phones.
TV stations are preparing for round the clock coverage.
It is snowing.
A lot.
A veritable blizzard.
A southern blizzard but a blizzard none-the-less. White flaky moisture is falling from the sky. A snow day is in the making. Shovels need to be sharpened. Scarves need to be tied. Snow needs to start sticking 'cause nobody wants to work tomorrow. If there is a dusting of snow in the morning work, school, and life will be temporarily halted.
It just might happen.
Snow days are still an enigma to me. Why should a little snow stand in the way of living life? You can walk in snow. You can drive in snow. You can work in snow.
I guess I should say I can walk, drive and work in snow. The rest of the city? Apparently not.
Swell has a long drive ahead of her and if people drive in the snow like they do in the rain here I won't see her until tomorrow. Although I can't see her I am sure she's blue.
Not from the cold but from holding her breath. She would be over the moon ecstatic to not work tomorrow. Thursdays are her most dreaded days. She really struggles at the location she works at tomorrow. Suffice it to say that her Thursday location is not a fun work environment.
Her Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday work place is a soap opera. Her ADD/Tourette's/OCD/Druggie co-worker has at long last been fired. His replacement. A know-nothing know-it-all who thinks she actually has a say in how the store runs. A manager who has nobody to manage. A new comer to the wonderful world that is optics but has been left to run an optical store. I'm sure if Swell ever becomes un-lazy she can tell you stories.
We've been busy the last week or so buying stuff for Alaska... but we're not entirely sure if Alaska is happening. We're sure. The company that was hired to find us is sure. The hospital where we'll be working? We have yet to receive word that our tickets were purchased although Swell found some tickets for a song a week ago.
We've each purchased boots. We each got a few more sweaters. Swell got socks, 4 coats, mittens among other things.
We're looking forward to going...
...if we get to go.
As an aside. I was sitting next to a real catch the other day before work. Any of you single ladies out there might want to give me permission to pass on your info to him. I'll probably see him tomorrow!
This guy was talking on the phone to a woman he obviously has not met and is speaking to for the first time. I think that he got her contact info from some type of online dating site.
He says, and I quote: "I have booty calls on speed dial so thats not why I'm talking to you."
Surprisingly he is not hung up on. The conversation continues with him asking "Where are you from?"
Following her response I hear the following:
"New Orleans! I'm in New Orleans right now!"
We were of course in downtown Atlanta.
Winner!!!
Children are on the verge of tears.
Women are shivering.
Men are prepping.
The mayor is on alert.
Principals are manning the phones.
TV stations are preparing for round the clock coverage.
It is snowing.
A lot.
A veritable blizzard.
A southern blizzard but a blizzard none-the-less. White flaky moisture is falling from the sky. A snow day is in the making. Shovels need to be sharpened. Scarves need to be tied. Snow needs to start sticking 'cause nobody wants to work tomorrow. If there is a dusting of snow in the morning work, school, and life will be temporarily halted.
It just might happen.
Snow days are still an enigma to me. Why should a little snow stand in the way of living life? You can walk in snow. You can drive in snow. You can work in snow.
I guess I should say I can walk, drive and work in snow. The rest of the city? Apparently not.
Swell has a long drive ahead of her and if people drive in the snow like they do in the rain here I won't see her until tomorrow. Although I can't see her I am sure she's blue.
Not from the cold but from holding her breath. She would be over the moon ecstatic to not work tomorrow. Thursdays are her most dreaded days. She really struggles at the location she works at tomorrow. Suffice it to say that her Thursday location is not a fun work environment.
Her Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday work place is a soap opera. Her ADD/Tourette's/OCD/Druggie co-worker has at long last been fired. His replacement. A know-nothing know-it-all who thinks she actually has a say in how the store runs. A manager who has nobody to manage. A new comer to the wonderful world that is optics but has been left to run an optical store. I'm sure if Swell ever becomes un-lazy she can tell you stories.
We've been busy the last week or so buying stuff for Alaska... but we're not entirely sure if Alaska is happening. We're sure. The company that was hired to find us is sure. The hospital where we'll be working? We have yet to receive word that our tickets were purchased although Swell found some tickets for a song a week ago.
We've each purchased boots. We each got a few more sweaters. Swell got socks, 4 coats, mittens among other things.
We're looking forward to going...
...if we get to go.
As an aside. I was sitting next to a real catch the other day before work. Any of you single ladies out there might want to give me permission to pass on your info to him. I'll probably see him tomorrow!
This guy was talking on the phone to a woman he obviously has not met and is speaking to for the first time. I think that he got her contact info from some type of online dating site.
He says, and I quote: "I have booty calls on speed dial so thats not why I'm talking to you."
Surprisingly he is not hung up on. The conversation continues with him asking "Where are you from?"
Following her response I hear the following:
"New Orleans! I'm in New Orleans right now!"
We were of course in downtown Atlanta.
Winner!!!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
An Update is in Order
Well I guess it's been long enough without a real update. Might as well say whats going on in our lives.
We left to go to Alberta for Christmas early on December 23. Upon arriving at the airport we were curtly told that we were being taken off of the Chicago leg of our flight and put on a flight through Denver. This was to delay our arrival in Edmonton by 2 hours.
Upon arriving in Denver we were told that our airplane had not yet arrived and our flight would be delayed until they were good and ready to send us to Edmonton. Surprisingly this was only an hour delay. We arrived in Edmonton 3 hours late upset that we purposefully spent more money on our flights to avoid getting into town in the later afternoon.
Oh well. We were there and it was Christmas.
We stopped to finish up some shopping on our way to my parent's house. (We didn't really do much in terms of gifts this year. We really just got people a few trinkets from our travels and then framed some photos we've taken over the last year. Inexpensive and homemadeish gifts.)
We spent the next few days doing Christmas the way only my family can.
Loud.
Overdone.
Messy.
Gouty.
But so much fun.
It was great to be with my family again. We've been lucky this year having seen quite a bit of both sides of our family.
After Christmas it was time to head back home to Atlanta. We took a red eye arriving in Atlanta around 11 am. I was 45 minutes late for work (supposed to be there at noon but our flight was delayed out of Chicago so I didn't get there until 12:45. Oh well.)
Swell and I both worked the day we returned. We were exhausted for the next few days and have just found the time and energy to unpack and clean our house. We received lots of neat things from family from books and clothes, to Wii's and DVDs to money and souvenirs. It was a great week at home.
Since returning to Atlanta we've been working and growing to despise it here even more. Swell has gone off the deep end at work. Everyday I am required to hear story after story of what a terrible place it is.
I've had enough.
I told her that no matter what she wasn't allowed to work there past mid-February.
Luckily we officially have other work beginning mid-February. On Feb. 13th or 14th we'll be flying out of ATL to head to Nome, Alaska. We will work for three weeks and then fly to Portland, OR to visit Swell's Parents. After the amazing time we will have there we will fly out of Portland to visit Gilda in Maui.
Its a sacrifice for us but its our turn to visit. It will be tough to spend 11 days in Maui but its what we do for friends.
We're good people.
The best people.
But now I have to get into swimsuit shape. Haven't had a Dr. Pepper all year and we're eating at home more than ever before. Saves money and its better for us.
Following that visit its back to Portland for a couple of days and then we'll fly back to the ATL and have our nephew Cami come and visit for a week. Following that we'll be dirt poor and need to do two things 1) Get our place fixed up to sell and 2) Head back to Nome to work some more.
We'll be in Nome for three weeks and then off until sometime in June. After the June trip it's my sister's wedding (!?) and then off to Romania with my other sisters.
We've got a lot planned. Here's hoping we can sell our place to at least save some money, if not make some money.
We were considering going to South Africa in March but we're not now. Also considering going to a conference in London in April but I don't think we'll do that either. Too expensive.
So I've given notice at both my jobs. Easy to give notice when you're an independent contractor.
Me Hey employer. I'm not available after mid-February anymore. Nice working with you.
Employer Ok. We'll miss you.
Swell hasn't quit yet but is looking forward to doing it.
Well she wants me to do it for her... via email... because she's a scaredy cat. Doesn't like to disappoint people.
Ironically it doesn't seem to phase her that by not quitting she'll disappoint me.
We're very excited that Swell didn't get sick this Christmas. We think its because we traveled a lot less than usual and didn't go out into the wild and crazy malls.
We're also very excited to go to Nome and see what that is all about.
One of these days we're going to have to settle down.
But not until Summer 2008 is over...
at the earliest.
We left to go to Alberta for Christmas early on December 23. Upon arriving at the airport we were curtly told that we were being taken off of the Chicago leg of our flight and put on a flight through Denver. This was to delay our arrival in Edmonton by 2 hours.
Upon arriving in Denver we were told that our airplane had not yet arrived and our flight would be delayed until they were good and ready to send us to Edmonton. Surprisingly this was only an hour delay. We arrived in Edmonton 3 hours late upset that we purposefully spent more money on our flights to avoid getting into town in the later afternoon.
Oh well. We were there and it was Christmas.
We stopped to finish up some shopping on our way to my parent's house. (We didn't really do much in terms of gifts this year. We really just got people a few trinkets from our travels and then framed some photos we've taken over the last year. Inexpensive and homemadeish gifts.)
We spent the next few days doing Christmas the way only my family can.
Loud.
Overdone.
Messy.
Gouty.
But so much fun.
It was great to be with my family again. We've been lucky this year having seen quite a bit of both sides of our family.
After Christmas it was time to head back home to Atlanta. We took a red eye arriving in Atlanta around 11 am. I was 45 minutes late for work (supposed to be there at noon but our flight was delayed out of Chicago so I didn't get there until 12:45. Oh well.)
Swell and I both worked the day we returned. We were exhausted for the next few days and have just found the time and energy to unpack and clean our house. We received lots of neat things from family from books and clothes, to Wii's and DVDs to money and souvenirs. It was a great week at home.
Since returning to Atlanta we've been working and growing to despise it here even more. Swell has gone off the deep end at work. Everyday I am required to hear story after story of what a terrible place it is.
I've had enough.
I told her that no matter what she wasn't allowed to work there past mid-February.
Luckily we officially have other work beginning mid-February. On Feb. 13th or 14th we'll be flying out of ATL to head to Nome, Alaska. We will work for three weeks and then fly to Portland, OR to visit Swell's Parents. After the amazing time we will have there we will fly out of Portland to visit Gilda in Maui.
Its a sacrifice for us but its our turn to visit. It will be tough to spend 11 days in Maui but its what we do for friends.
We're good people.
The best people.
But now I have to get into swimsuit shape. Haven't had a Dr. Pepper all year and we're eating at home more than ever before. Saves money and its better for us.
Following that visit its back to Portland for a couple of days and then we'll fly back to the ATL and have our nephew Cami come and visit for a week. Following that we'll be dirt poor and need to do two things 1) Get our place fixed up to sell and 2) Head back to Nome to work some more.
We'll be in Nome for three weeks and then off until sometime in June. After the June trip it's my sister's wedding (!?) and then off to Romania with my other sisters.
We've got a lot planned. Here's hoping we can sell our place to at least save some money, if not make some money.
We were considering going to South Africa in March but we're not now. Also considering going to a conference in London in April but I don't think we'll do that either. Too expensive.
So I've given notice at both my jobs. Easy to give notice when you're an independent contractor.
Me Hey employer. I'm not available after mid-February anymore. Nice working with you.
Employer Ok. We'll miss you.
Swell hasn't quit yet but is looking forward to doing it.
Well she wants me to do it for her... via email... because she's a scaredy cat. Doesn't like to disappoint people.
Ironically it doesn't seem to phase her that by not quitting she'll disappoint me.
We're very excited that Swell didn't get sick this Christmas. We think its because we traveled a lot less than usual and didn't go out into the wild and crazy malls.
We're also very excited to go to Nome and see what that is all about.
One of these days we're going to have to settle down.
But not until Summer 2008 is over...
at the earliest.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Ignore this post unless you're family
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JDL and PA!
Hope you both have a great day and an even better year.
Hope you both have a great day and an even better year.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
RIP
Destiny,
I liked it when you sat on my lap. You were too big to sit on my lap! Swell liked it when you tackled her last Christmas. She thought you were going to stop before you got to her but you ran her right over!
RIP the best big dog we ever did know. It wasn't nice of you to leave us without warning but we'll always remember you fondly.
Sorry JDL
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
01/01/08
Happy New Year
and if I hear one more person say Happy New Years I will scream.
My first day of 2008 will be spent working. Yippee!
p.s. For God's sake Dick Clark, just retire already.
and if I hear one more person say Happy New Years I will scream.
My first day of 2008 will be spent working. Yippee!
p.s. For God's sake Dick Clark, just retire already.
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