We are both running out of contacts... for our eyes, that is. Actually, we still have a couple each, but we both needed newer perscriptions. We are both basically blind. Although we found out that Tommy's are a little worse than mine! HA! My sister and I decided our children will just be born without eyeballs, and just skip the whole losing-their-purpose experience we've had. For example, you know that big E? Yeah, that's not there anymore for Tommy, Madison, and I when they take away our contacts and glasses. Just, gone. It's a way to shame us and make us more humble... which is a good thing?
Anyway. We arrived at the doctor's office before it opened and were helped pretty quickly once we got inside. Eventually, we got out of the exam rooms but had to pick out glasses, which our insurance was helping us pay for. And of course, Mrs. Lady who Helps with Glasses decides to flirt with Tommy, and tell him he has great eyes and looks just like Tom Cruise and he's such a cutie he can pull off anything. BARF. Back off, old lady. And so after we took forever to find frames we liked, it took another forever of waiting for them to be ordered while having to chat with that same lady.
Three hours later, we got to have a sweet and quick lunch together, which we never get to do during the work week. After dropping him off at work, I had to go to the Chevrolet dealership. The remote to our car was broken. Both of us were so excited to finally have a remote to unlock our new car- both of our old cars had dead or lost remotes and we felt behind the times. So we HAD to get a new one, of course! But the dealership has to "program" it to your car. So, off I went!
When I pulled into the parking lot, I pulled in right behind the ice cream man! A big old ice cream truck, circa 1952. And yes, all the men in their ties and garage polos were jogging to get their treats. Hilarious. And such a good idea! If I had a business, I'd ask them to come for my employees... and me.
So then. I had to wait a long while- until it was time to pick up Tommy from work. It took an odd amount of time to program a remote. What all does that entail!? But at least I got to enjoy a vending machine coke and watching.... Cold Case? Is that what it's called? It was about an opera singing teenager from Russia who had found her 'voice' and then was murdered. It would've been sad, but she sang an opera part over a pitiful cover of 'Free Falling'. So bad. It made my face hurt. Just leave it to Tom or John. I would've rather had a cold case of coke. HA.
When I picked up Tommy, he said he hadn't needed to go in. Sigh. Coulda sat with me and been bored together instead of bored alone. To make up for his workless day, he unloaded the dishwasher and then cooked yummy burgers for dinner. I appreciated that kind of work!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
week, end! thanks.
The weekend FINALLY came! Tommy had a slow work week but got to see an amazing mullet. The poor guy had a regular short haircut all the way around his head, but a circle in the middle back was long- past his shoulder blades. With it pulled back, it made a nice white circle of scalp show thru- it was the most exciting picture Tommy has ever texted to me.
He also surprised me with a flower delivery!! Addressed to Mallory Pipkin. I laughed really hard. He said, "bad habits are hard to break."
To kick off the weekend right, we made tacos, visited the mall for fifteen minutes, and then hit Jon and Kim's! There, we discovered the bonding that occurs over the popular game "Rock Band." I cannot play the stupid drums or the stupid guitar to save my life. Since there were four of us and only 3 ways to play, I spent a lot of the time being only the bass pedal of the drums. It's the hardest part, so I was helpful to whoever was the official drummer at the time.
We then played a game called Quelf. Have you ever heard of it?? We hadn't. It is literally the most random game you could play. It's almost like they were a little drunk or a little high when they started writing the rules and the different cards. It would take too long to explain on here, so here are examples to give you an idea of the craziness: Kim had to stick both thumbs in her mouth when it wasn't her turn, I had to hold a plunger "like a sword," Jon wrote and recited a poem while spinning with his head on his shoulder, and Tommy lost a round because he couldn't think of another one-syllable color. But we had fun. And I won!! And we stayed there until almost 1 in the morning. Which, for us old folks, is crazy late.
Saturday we thought we'd just take it easy. But then we decided to repay the favor to the Mollers and have them over. We were planning on using their small grill over here so we can have it close to the door, rather than hiking over to the public ones scattered around our apartment complex. But for some reason, either its size or poor charcoal, it just would not stay lit long enough for the rocks to get ashy. So after an intense game of "bags"/"corn hole" we decided to just bite the bullet and use the dirty public grills. Tommy and I had bbq chicken, and, because they're so healthy, Kim and Jon had turkey burgers (we liked to tease them. gross.) and we all pitched in for sides- baked beans, guacamole, queso dip, zucchini and squash- yum yum yum. We enjoyed the food. A lot.
Sunday we went to the church we've been trying AND then went to their newcomers lunch. We had a good time chatting with a couple of people we've already met and got to hear from the pastor about the heart of the church. We're still deciding on becoming members- we want to be serious about committing! Decisions, decisions....
But then the weekend was over. Not enough weekend.
He also surprised me with a flower delivery!! Addressed to Mallory Pipkin. I laughed really hard. He said, "bad habits are hard to break."
To kick off the weekend right, we made tacos, visited the mall for fifteen minutes, and then hit Jon and Kim's! There, we discovered the bonding that occurs over the popular game "Rock Band." I cannot play the stupid drums or the stupid guitar to save my life. Since there were four of us and only 3 ways to play, I spent a lot of the time being only the bass pedal of the drums. It's the hardest part, so I was helpful to whoever was the official drummer at the time.
We then played a game called Quelf. Have you ever heard of it?? We hadn't. It is literally the most random game you could play. It's almost like they were a little drunk or a little high when they started writing the rules and the different cards. It would take too long to explain on here, so here are examples to give you an idea of the craziness: Kim had to stick both thumbs in her mouth when it wasn't her turn, I had to hold a plunger "like a sword," Jon wrote and recited a poem while spinning with his head on his shoulder, and Tommy lost a round because he couldn't think of another one-syllable color. But we had fun. And I won!! And we stayed there until almost 1 in the morning. Which, for us old folks, is crazy late.
Saturday we thought we'd just take it easy. But then we decided to repay the favor to the Mollers and have them over. We were planning on using their small grill over here so we can have it close to the door, rather than hiking over to the public ones scattered around our apartment complex. But for some reason, either its size or poor charcoal, it just would not stay lit long enough for the rocks to get ashy. So after an intense game of "bags"/"corn hole" we decided to just bite the bullet and use the dirty public grills. Tommy and I had bbq chicken, and, because they're so healthy, Kim and Jon had turkey burgers (we liked to tease them. gross.) and we all pitched in for sides- baked beans, guacamole, queso dip, zucchini and squash- yum yum yum. We enjoyed the food. A lot.
Sunday we went to the church we've been trying AND then went to their newcomers lunch. We had a good time chatting with a couple of people we've already met and got to hear from the pastor about the heart of the church. We're still deciding on becoming members- we want to be serious about committing! Decisions, decisions....
But then the weekend was over. Not enough weekend.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
his shoes weren't made for walkin.
Tommy is entering uncharted territory... he is striking out into the unknown... he is going where no man has gone before. Ok, these are all exaggerations, but he is starting something neither of us has done before. Our Gainesville pals, Kim and Jon, are super fitness-y. They think they are moderately workout minded, but compared to me and Tommy, they are like the goal people like us strive towards. So they are planning on running a marathon that is taking place in DisneyWorld. MY mindset is this: who in their right mind would go there to RUN?! And then we learn that my good childhood friend Lindsey has gotten into running and also wants to run at least the half-marathon that takes place at the same time. So Tommy was not as immune to this crazy-ness and has been inspired. He takes care of himself, used to play baseball, dive, and was a short-distance runner in high school, but has never seen himself as a long-distance person. I, personally, loathe running. I blame our middle school boot-camp-like P.E. classes.
Anyway! We went out and bought him super crazy running shoes. I picked them out because they looked the best, and they happened to also be Nike's best shoes they're advertising for. He also got this Nike sensor that you place inside your shoe. It actually is pretty impressive- it hooks up with his iPhone and laptop. It charts your runs, rewards you for goals met, and offers training that you can custom pick which come through your headphones during your workout. And for being a new long distance runner, he is impressing me. He can run like 5 miles pretty quickly without being exhausted or even too winded. But he does get amazingly soaked with sweat. Lovely.
The sad thing is, now 3 of the 4 of us here are runners. I am forever devoted to the elliptical and will never join this insanity. I will be the picture taker and cheerer on-er.
Anyway! We went out and bought him super crazy running shoes. I picked them out because they looked the best, and they happened to also be Nike's best shoes they're advertising for. He also got this Nike sensor that you place inside your shoe. It actually is pretty impressive- it hooks up with his iPhone and laptop. It charts your runs, rewards you for goals met, and offers training that you can custom pick which come through your headphones during your workout. And for being a new long distance runner, he is impressing me. He can run like 5 miles pretty quickly without being exhausted or even too winded. But he does get amazingly soaked with sweat. Lovely.
The sad thing is, now 3 of the 4 of us here are runners. I am forever devoted to the elliptical and will never join this insanity. I will be the picture taker and cheerer on-er.
Monday, August 16, 2010
week, pt 2.
So, on Thursday, Kim decided she wanted to humble me a little bit.
Have you ever heard of Zumba? I think it's also sometimes spelled 'Zoomba' but we will use a 'u' here because it looks more... Lion King-ish.
Well, it's like Latin dance, mixed with hip hop, and some workout exercising moves thrown in. Basically, anything that will make you look like an uncoordinated fish out of water will be worked into the routine. And of course, when the leader at the front of the packed class says into her mic "remember, we don't care about what we look like!" you know you're about to make a fool of yourself. Since it was my first time doing anything at all with my body since the appendectomy, I did sweat a lot. But the booty popping and body rolling the leader asked for were not at all accomplished. I felt like my feet and hands weren't heavy enough to let me have control over what my limbs were doing. Things were flying everywhere. Picture.... a giraffe trying to shake ants off his feet. That's what everyone behind me had to watch. OH the embarrassment. I don't know if I have the self-esteem left over to go back.
And then that night, we met with a couple from a church we've been attending. Poor Tommy and Jon had a surprise meeting at 5:00, which made our Starbucks meeting more of a rushed dinner sitting outside with take-out...which was fun because when things got awkwardly quiet, which always happens with new people, you can take a few bites of your food. Or at least get interested in the leftovers. The two new people are about our age and the girl, Miranda, works where Tommy and Jon do! Brian works at an advertising company and has to learn about all kinds of crazy stuff. For instance, a company that "washes trucks" (like 18-wheelers) actually washes out the inside carriers of the trucks who ship food products like milk... and stuff? I don't think I've ever seen a truck carrying milk.... but I swear that was the example Brian gave us.
Friday....it must have been a very boring afternoon because neither one of us can remember what the heck we did.
Saturday, Tommy decided his hair needed to once again be cut. His first haircut here was the first that his mom didn't do. It was also the first haircut in ages that didn't leave a shaggy, rakish front that he could toss over. It was...shocking. But, he got used to styling it and made peace with a completely different look. This time, he decided to use a coupon we got in the mail to <> SuperCuts!! How excited was he when the person (male? female??) with a blue mohawk started triming his hair. And, now, it is very, very short. He was sad. I think he might've shed a tear or two, in private.
Sunday, we returned to the church we've been visiting. The sermon was great- the pastor is starting a series on Isaiah- that book is packed!! It was a wonderful reminder that God looks at the heart, not our repetition of the motion of worship- even the worship He mapped out! It is supposed to be an expression of love and devotion- and we so easily turn it into something different, something selfish. We also got a firm reminder that mature Christians need to feel conviction the most and lead the church in repentance- I loved the quote: "conviction of sin is the severe love of God over-ruling our compulsive dishonesty, our willful blindness, our favorite excuses."
Over and out.
Have you ever heard of Zumba? I think it's also sometimes spelled 'Zoomba' but we will use a 'u' here because it looks more... Lion King-ish.
Well, it's like Latin dance, mixed with hip hop, and some workout exercising moves thrown in. Basically, anything that will make you look like an uncoordinated fish out of water will be worked into the routine. And of course, when the leader at the front of the packed class says into her mic "remember, we don't care about what we look like!" you know you're about to make a fool of yourself. Since it was my first time doing anything at all with my body since the appendectomy, I did sweat a lot. But the booty popping and body rolling the leader asked for were not at all accomplished. I felt like my feet and hands weren't heavy enough to let me have control over what my limbs were doing. Things were flying everywhere. Picture.... a giraffe trying to shake ants off his feet. That's what everyone behind me had to watch. OH the embarrassment. I don't know if I have the self-esteem left over to go back.
And then that night, we met with a couple from a church we've been attending. Poor Tommy and Jon had a surprise meeting at 5:00, which made our Starbucks meeting more of a rushed dinner sitting outside with take-out...which was fun because when things got awkwardly quiet, which always happens with new people, you can take a few bites of your food. Or at least get interested in the leftovers. The two new people are about our age and the girl, Miranda, works where Tommy and Jon do! Brian works at an advertising company and has to learn about all kinds of crazy stuff. For instance, a company that "washes trucks" (like 18-wheelers) actually washes out the inside carriers of the trucks who ship food products like milk... and stuff? I don't think I've ever seen a truck carrying milk.... but I swear that was the example Brian gave us.
Friday....it must have been a very boring afternoon because neither one of us can remember what the heck we did.
Saturday, Tommy decided his hair needed to once again be cut. His first haircut here was the first that his mom didn't do. It was also the first haircut in ages that didn't leave a shaggy, rakish front that he could toss over. It was...shocking. But, he got used to styling it and made peace with a completely different look. This time, he decided to use a coupon we got in the mail to <
Sunday, we returned to the church we've been visiting. The sermon was great- the pastor is starting a series on Isaiah- that book is packed!! It was a wonderful reminder that God looks at the heart, not our repetition of the motion of worship- even the worship He mapped out! It is supposed to be an expression of love and devotion- and we so easily turn it into something different, something selfish. We also got a firm reminder that mature Christians need to feel conviction the most and lead the church in repentance- I loved the quote: "conviction of sin is the severe love of God over-ruling our compulsive dishonesty, our willful blindness, our favorite excuses."
Over and out.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
week, pt 1.
This has just been the fullest week.
With the offer on Monday, I've had to do all that pre-work stuff which is oh so fun. I had to pee in a cup again - that makes the official count 4 times in three weeks. Gross.
I also went to the hospital clinic on Tuesday so they could check on my progress from the appendectomy. What a happy surprise I got when I pulled into the parking deck and there was my sweet Tommy to join me! He didn't want me to worry about figuring out where to go, so left his pushing-patients job (yeah, they're still doing that) to walk me in and get me all comfy in the waiting room. He could only stay for 20 minutes or so, but that time was greatly appreciated.
But THEN when he LEFT, it turned into awkward time at the clinic. This old guy, very Willie Nelson without the beard, decides to sit next to me, on a 3 foot long bench, and starts talking to me. I've tried to block this painful experience, but the few phrases I remember include: "what are you, eighteen?" and "the docs don't have anything to fix on you". And this is to a girl in a t-shirt and no make-up. What the heck would he have done to some poor girl who was actually looking nice that day?! Talk about HEEBEE JEEBEES.
And after the hour and a half wait, the nice doc told me I was healing nicely and I could go in all of six minutes. But at least I'm healed!
Then, to celebrate the job, Tommy and I decided to take our new friends to Carrabba's (YUM). It was so lovely. Normally, 'going out to eat' means like hitting up Chipotle or Zaxby's, so this was just heaven. I ate half of mine so I could enjoy it again the next day for lunch! Then we met up with Jon's brother and his co-worker who are in for their job, and we all went to YogaBerry- a local (?) yogurt place that uses all organic and fresh ingredients and has the best toppings. We just all sat outside enjoying our treats, talking about the best and worst pranks we've been a part of, enjoying the Florida breeze and each other. -Le Sigh- (I'll give you five bucks if you know what "le sigh" is from)
Wednesday, Jon and Kim had his brother and co-worker, and the two of us over to grill out on their little back patio! Jon and Tommy went out to get lighter fluid and the four of us left stuffed our faces with the homemade quacamole from Kim. And then we got to eat HUGE slabs of steak. And then we got to enjoy fresh banana bread with chocolate chips. Oh so good. With that dinner and the one at Carrabba's, I think we all gained 5 pounds just this week.
More on this week to come!!
With the offer on Monday, I've had to do all that pre-work stuff which is oh so fun. I had to pee in a cup again - that makes the official count 4 times in three weeks. Gross.
I also went to the hospital clinic on Tuesday so they could check on my progress from the appendectomy. What a happy surprise I got when I pulled into the parking deck and there was my sweet Tommy to join me! He didn't want me to worry about figuring out where to go, so left his pushing-patients job (yeah, they're still doing that) to walk me in and get me all comfy in the waiting room. He could only stay for 20 minutes or so, but that time was greatly appreciated.
But THEN when he LEFT, it turned into awkward time at the clinic. This old guy, very Willie Nelson without the beard, decides to sit next to me, on a 3 foot long bench, and starts talking to me. I've tried to block this painful experience, but the few phrases I remember include: "what are you, eighteen?" and "the docs don't have anything to fix on you". And this is to a girl in a t-shirt and no make-up. What the heck would he have done to some poor girl who was actually looking nice that day?! Talk about HEEBEE JEEBEES.
And after the hour and a half wait, the nice doc told me I was healing nicely and I could go in all of six minutes. But at least I'm healed!
Then, to celebrate the job, Tommy and I decided to take our new friends to Carrabba's (YUM). It was so lovely. Normally, 'going out to eat' means like hitting up Chipotle or Zaxby's, so this was just heaven. I ate half of mine so I could enjoy it again the next day for lunch! Then we met up with Jon's brother and his co-worker who are in for their job, and we all went to YogaBerry- a local (?) yogurt place that uses all organic and fresh ingredients and has the best toppings. We just all sat outside enjoying our treats, talking about the best and worst pranks we've been a part of, enjoying the Florida breeze and each other. -Le Sigh- (I'll give you five bucks if you know what "le sigh" is from)
Wednesday, Jon and Kim had his brother and co-worker, and the two of us over to grill out on their little back patio! Jon and Tommy went out to get lighter fluid and the four of us left stuffed our faces with the homemade quacamole from Kim. And then we got to eat HUGE slabs of steak. And then we got to enjoy fresh banana bread with chocolate chips. Oh so good. With that dinner and the one at Carrabba's, I think we all gained 5 pounds just this week.
More on this week to come!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
PTL.
Well praise the Lord- Early Learning Coalition decided that I should join them!!
They called Monday to offer me the job. But, alas, no bells, whistles, horns, confetti... nothin'. Just a "we'd like to offer you the job and here's what all that entails....' But I was still jumping around full of the HAPPY. And they had said they'd let me know on the 27th, but offering on the 9th was much nicer and quite a surprise. Less waiting, more preparing time. ("I hate waiting." -movie quote for you to search)
Tommy's mom, Mrs. Lynda, asked me yesterday if I was excited. Well, I AM excited to feel the benefits of two incomes. Not that we love money, and we aren't desperate (yet!), but it will just be nice to not have to constantly think about dumb money so much and so often. But am I excited about the job? Meh. We will see how it goes. I'm excited at the idea of it- helping those who help kids, using creativity, and being a real adult out in the world. So let's hope the actuality of it comes close to what I'm envisioning!
Whew.
They called Monday to offer me the job. But, alas, no bells, whistles, horns, confetti... nothin'. Just a "we'd like to offer you the job and here's what all that entails....' But I was still jumping around full of the HAPPY. And they had said they'd let me know on the 27th, but offering on the 9th was much nicer and quite a surprise. Less waiting, more preparing time. ("I hate waiting." -movie quote for you to search)
Tommy's mom, Mrs. Lynda, asked me yesterday if I was excited. Well, I AM excited to feel the benefits of two incomes. Not that we love money, and we aren't desperate (yet!), but it will just be nice to not have to constantly think about dumb money so much and so often. But am I excited about the job? Meh. We will see how it goes. I'm excited at the idea of it- helping those who help kids, using creativity, and being a real adult out in the world. So let's hope the actuality of it comes close to what I'm envisioning!
Whew.
Friday, August 6, 2010
unique week.
Wednesday, we helped Jon and Kim (our new and only friends!) move into their new place. We found out that the first complex they lived in (which they subleased for only two months) was the location of the first killing of the Gainesville Ripper back in 1990!! CREEPY. They knew which apartment is was and looked up all the details of who and how he killed....gruesome. We were all glad they had already planned to move out! Their new place should be less filled with roaches and more filled with... us. They are ready to be the hosts for game night!
When we walked out of their new apartment the first time, we met 2 surly young neighbors who said 'we hope yall don't mind our loud music too much, ha'. The second time, we met the 4 elevator installer neighbors who were all planning on going to management as a group to complain about the 'motorcycles' and the 'partying at 3 am in the parking lot.' So, we're all hoping that it's mostly exaggeration and the super cool kids will grow up and calm their partying down. We also got treated to Chic-Fil-A as a reward for helping them. I hope I did enough moving to earn it since my recently appendectomy-ed belly can't handle liftting more than 10 pounds! But Jon and Kim were both really grateful that Tommy could help lift the furniture instead of Kim... and we can feel all proud of ourselves for helping them.
The most important part of the day for ME was during the move when.... a kitty came over to see us!! I've been rejected a lot by cats lately.... I really do see them everywhere. And most of the time they like me a lot. We once had a white one follow us on a walk that took us at least a mile away. But all the cats in Gainesville do not want to come anywhere near me. Until Wednesday! He was so pretty. But when he got up close, it was very obvious he'd had a few bad days. His long black and white fur was a little patchy on his face. And when I pet him I realized his bones were sticking out way too much to just be a healthy wild child. It was just heartbreaking. A few weeks ago, Tommy and I went to a vet to play with their pets who were up for adoption, and they told us that one of the dogs had been a rescue off the side of the road. So I decided that the next day, when that vet's office was open, I would take this friendly cat over there so he could get treated and get HAPPY!
So first thing on Thursday, I got alllllll prepared. After I dropped Tommy off, I covered all the seats in the car with our dark and cheap beach towels. I filled a cup with kitty food, and a cup of water. I prayed that God would let this little adventure go well! I definately didn't need a panicky cat to scratch my eye out or bite off an ear.
When I got to Jon and Kim's, I walked down the row they're on calling 'kiiittttyyy'.... but not loudly bc I didn't want to look like a crazy lady.... or, I guess, a REALLY crazy lady. I already looked pretty nutty, since I had a cup of cat food in one hand and my camera on the other shoulder. I walked back to my car and contemplated sitting on the sidewalk, then thought I should take some artsy nature pictures, and then the cat showed up! It was so nice to see him run towards me- how heartwarming. I let him eat out of the cup for a minute (you don't want him to be too full on his first car ride....) and he followed me over to the car. He didn't want to get in but likes being held so I just picked him up and plopped him in!
He got a little nervous at first. But, after living with a cat for a few years, I am very comfortable talking to cats for however long they need. So, I told him he was fine, cars are fun, he's pretty, and generally sounded like an idiot for the fifteen minute car ride to the vet's. About halfway there he decided to crawl onto my lap and rest his little chin on my forearm. SOBB. He really did stink, and I'm sure my car, my apartment, and myself now have fleas, but OH SO SAD.
When we got to the vet, I didn't want to just carry him in if they didn't want him or there were big dogs waiting to get their teeth filed down, so I called from the car. After a few minutes of discussing and filling out paperwork from the window, they took him in and said they would test him for leukemia and aids (in a cat?!) and then would see if he could be adopted. I called Friday and the test was negative and he is getting neutered today so he can have a happy home!! I'm so excited. And I'm really not crazy. I just want animals to enjoy themselves.
And all week, Tommy and Jon have had a special assignment. In their jobs, they were supposed to be meeting all the people who were in charge of things. So they've been having individual meetings with managers and coordinators and directors. But for the next two weeks, they are in "transportation". Basically, they are helping push patients from one department to another. Yesterday, some lady in one of the departments asked him why they were wasting two whole weeks in transportation. Tommy tried to explain they were learning how the whole hospital works because of this one experience. But she just went on and on about how it was a waste of time. And the poor girl who works in transportation was standing there, just listening how her job isn't interesting or worth learning. Awkward...
Also, on the job front! I had a second interview Tuesday which went fine, and then they asked me to come in today (Friday) to meet the other coordinators! That can't be a bad sign, right??
We are just having a full week of unique experiences.
When we walked out of their new apartment the first time, we met 2 surly young neighbors who said 'we hope yall don't mind our loud music too much, ha'. The second time, we met the 4 elevator installer neighbors who were all planning on going to management as a group to complain about the 'motorcycles' and the 'partying at 3 am in the parking lot.' So, we're all hoping that it's mostly exaggeration and the super cool kids will grow up and calm their partying down. We also got treated to Chic-Fil-A as a reward for helping them. I hope I did enough moving to earn it since my recently appendectomy-ed belly can't handle liftting more than 10 pounds! But Jon and Kim were both really grateful that Tommy could help lift the furniture instead of Kim... and we can feel all proud of ourselves for helping them.
The most important part of the day for ME was during the move when.... a kitty came over to see us!! I've been rejected a lot by cats lately.... I really do see them everywhere. And most of the time they like me a lot. We once had a white one follow us on a walk that took us at least a mile away. But all the cats in Gainesville do not want to come anywhere near me. Until Wednesday! He was so pretty. But when he got up close, it was very obvious he'd had a few bad days. His long black and white fur was a little patchy on his face. And when I pet him I realized his bones were sticking out way too much to just be a healthy wild child. It was just heartbreaking. A few weeks ago, Tommy and I went to a vet to play with their pets who were up for adoption, and they told us that one of the dogs had been a rescue off the side of the road. So I decided that the next day, when that vet's office was open, I would take this friendly cat over there so he could get treated and get HAPPY!
So first thing on Thursday, I got alllllll prepared. After I dropped Tommy off, I covered all the seats in the car with our dark and cheap beach towels. I filled a cup with kitty food, and a cup of water. I prayed that God would let this little adventure go well! I definately didn't need a panicky cat to scratch my eye out or bite off an ear.
When I got to Jon and Kim's, I walked down the row they're on calling 'kiiittttyyy'.... but not loudly bc I didn't want to look like a crazy lady.... or, I guess, a REALLY crazy lady. I already looked pretty nutty, since I had a cup of cat food in one hand and my camera on the other shoulder. I walked back to my car and contemplated sitting on the sidewalk, then thought I should take some artsy nature pictures, and then the cat showed up! It was so nice to see him run towards me- how heartwarming. I let him eat out of the cup for a minute (you don't want him to be too full on his first car ride....) and he followed me over to the car. He didn't want to get in but likes being held so I just picked him up and plopped him in!
He got a little nervous at first. But, after living with a cat for a few years, I am very comfortable talking to cats for however long they need. So, I told him he was fine, cars are fun, he's pretty, and generally sounded like an idiot for the fifteen minute car ride to the vet's. About halfway there he decided to crawl onto my lap and rest his little chin on my forearm. SOBB. He really did stink, and I'm sure my car, my apartment, and myself now have fleas, but OH SO SAD.
When we got to the vet, I didn't want to just carry him in if they didn't want him or there were big dogs waiting to get their teeth filed down, so I called from the car. After a few minutes of discussing and filling out paperwork from the window, they took him in and said they would test him for leukemia and aids (in a cat?!) and then would see if he could be adopted. I called Friday and the test was negative and he is getting neutered today so he can have a happy home!! I'm so excited. And I'm really not crazy. I just want animals to enjoy themselves.
And all week, Tommy and Jon have had a special assignment. In their jobs, they were supposed to be meeting all the people who were in charge of things. So they've been having individual meetings with managers and coordinators and directors. But for the next two weeks, they are in "transportation". Basically, they are helping push patients from one department to another. Yesterday, some lady in one of the departments asked him why they were wasting two whole weeks in transportation. Tommy tried to explain they were learning how the whole hospital works because of this one experience. But she just went on and on about how it was a waste of time. And the poor girl who works in transportation was standing there, just listening how her job isn't interesting or worth learning. Awkward...
Also, on the job front! I had a second interview Tuesday which went fine, and then they asked me to come in today (Friday) to meet the other coordinators! That can't be a bad sign, right??
We are just having a full week of unique experiences.
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