Ok, it's Monday, so no work for me today. Lots of errands, and laundry, so at least I'm not bored!
Found a nice laundromat, and did a couple of small loads of washing. Not bad, and had time to call a friend while the clothes were in the washer. Clothes do seem to dry faster out here! Price was reasonable, same as the laundromat I used to use in Elkhart a few years ago.
Next stop, a late lunch and internet at the SF Baking Co. Cafe. Had a wonderful Tofu & Black Bean Burrito with tomatoes, onions, cheese and green chilies. Couldn't finish it, so there's a snack for later! Seriously, this thing was huge.
Next stop is Trader Joe's, since it's right here in the same plaza. Just a few essentials, bread, milk, etc.
A quick stop at the library to trade books and then I think I'm done for the day.
Tomorrow, I'm going to call back a lady I spoke with today about a house for rent out in Pecos. That's only about 10 miles further from where I'm currently staying, so not too far to commute. We'll see. It's worth taking a look at, anyway, even if I decide not to get this one. Housing is expensive out here, no doubt. I think I may talk to my bank people and see what can be done about buying, just to see what budget range I should be looking in. I'm not in a hurry, but the more info I have, the better.
Catch y'all later!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
T. G. I. S.?
Hmmm....this Wednesday thru Sunday schedule is going to take some getting used to. All the fun stuff happens on weekends, of course, but so far it also seems to run the same hours during the day! Guess my social life is going to have to wait till I can figure out what goes on in the evenings!
It's Sunday, I'm at work (12-5, not bad), and it's actually been a bit busy. I'm the only one here on Sundays, so I'm mainly out front dealing with customers. My work day is half over already, and I haven't touched a horn yet! Not complaining, mind you, since I have sold a few things.
....An hour or so later....
Well, that was certainly interesting! I think I just used every bit of Spanish in my brain! Spent a while with a customer talking about saxophones, and ended up selling him a lesson book, care kit and a couple of reeds. I know I didn't understand everything he said, but we managed to have a decent conversation. Boy, do I need that language course on CD soon! Pretty proud of myself, actually, considering that I haven't taken a course in Spanish in "mumble,mumble" years...
Anyway, only 45 minutes to go, so I'd better get off of here and start tidying up!
It's Sunday, I'm at work (12-5, not bad), and it's actually been a bit busy. I'm the only one here on Sundays, so I'm mainly out front dealing with customers. My work day is half over already, and I haven't touched a horn yet! Not complaining, mind you, since I have sold a few things.
....An hour or so later....
Well, that was certainly interesting! I think I just used every bit of Spanish in my brain! Spent a while with a customer talking about saxophones, and ended up selling him a lesson book, care kit and a couple of reeds. I know I didn't understand everything he said, but we managed to have a decent conversation. Boy, do I need that language course on CD soon! Pretty proud of myself, actually, considering that I haven't taken a course in Spanish in "mumble,mumble" years...
Anyway, only 45 minutes to go, so I'd better get off of here and start tidying up!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
First official day at work
My week of 'vacation' is over, and I'm actually glad to be really working now. I did do some more shopping today, but it was a quick run to the Santa Fe Jewelers' Supply store (www.sfjs.net) for some essential tools and Home Depot for a few other items for work. I'll let you do your own drooling over the jewelry supply store....
Work hours are going to be 10 - 6 Wed-Sat, and 12 - 5 on Sunday, it looks like, but since I'm on salary, I still get paid for a full time week. Wow. Of course, since I have keys, I am permitted to go in early or stay late if needed. There may be a couple of projects where I need to do that, actually, so I appreciate the flexibility!
On a more personal note...I finally got to talk to Matti yesterday! It was just a short phone call, but he actually answered the phone. He's ok, tired as heck, very busy, but doing alright. Insert sigh of relief here... There's also a possibility that he'll go to the Gaelic Storm concert with me on the 29th. We'll see. I think he could use some fun downtime, and I know I could, too.
Tonight's internet connection is courtesy of the Counter Culture Cafe on Baca St. Nice place, decent food, good selection of coffees, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads. Lots of vegetarian options, too, which is a plus. I am trying to go veggie as much as I can, for health reasons. No more fast food if I can manage to avoid it.
That's about all I can think of for now. Here's a pic for ya:
This is the house that my apartment is in. The corner by the truck is my room.
Work hours are going to be 10 - 6 Wed-Sat, and 12 - 5 on Sunday, it looks like, but since I'm on salary, I still get paid for a full time week. Wow. Of course, since I have keys, I am permitted to go in early or stay late if needed. There may be a couple of projects where I need to do that, actually, so I appreciate the flexibility!
On a more personal note...I finally got to talk to Matti yesterday! It was just a short phone call, but he actually answered the phone. He's ok, tired as heck, very busy, but doing alright. Insert sigh of relief here... There's also a possibility that he'll go to the Gaelic Storm concert with me on the 29th. We'll see. I think he could use some fun downtime, and I know I could, too.
Tonight's internet connection is courtesy of the Counter Culture Cafe on Baca St. Nice place, decent food, good selection of coffees, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads. Lots of vegetarian options, too, which is a plus. I am trying to go veggie as much as I can, for health reasons. No more fast food if I can manage to avoid it.
That's about all I can think of for now. Here's a pic for ya:
This is the house that my apartment is in. The corner by the truck is my room.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Getting settled, sort of
Ok, it's been a week since I left Indiana. Time to catch my breath a little bit!
My work schedule has been modified, so I don't truly start my job till Wednesday the 20th. Not a problem. I'll be working Weds. through Sunday, but there's enough flex that I can still arrange to do social things when I find them.
Meanwhile, I've been finding my way around town, and getting used to things. Saturday I was down in Cibola National Forest at one of the campsites, hanging out with some heathen folk from the area. Nice people, very friendly and welcoming. Heck, one of the guys wants to see about getting a yurt (if I can ever get hold of Matt...)!
Found some cool places today. Natural Stones is a store full of just that...crystals and gems and rocks, oh my! There's also another coffeehouse called Counter Culture right by that. Will have to check them out when they're open later, and they also have internet. Bonus! Let's see, what else... Goodwill, of course, and their clearance store (unorganized as heck, but cheap!), I'm sitting in Santa Fe Baking Co. right now, and I found another mall today with the most awesome shop called Heart of the Lotus. More Ganesh and other Hindu figures than even Moonbow can find room for (but you know she'd try)! Wonderful stuff, and the gal who runs it used to live in Indiana! Small planet, huh? They also have an interiors store across town with...Mongolian and Tibetan Furniture!!!! Oh, boy! LOL
Anyway, I'm trying not to spend too much money, but it's nice to have ideas of where neat things are. And these are places that the tourist types won't find, which is even better.
So that's what's up. I wish I didn't have to come into town to get online, but once I get working it'll be part of the routine instead of a special reason to leave the house. But now I have to head home shortly, so I can get myself some dinner and try to get to bed at a reasonable hour. More in a day or so!
Oh, let me try this real quick and see if I can get a picture to show up in here. If it works, you should see a pic of the view from my apartment.
My work schedule has been modified, so I don't truly start my job till Wednesday the 20th. Not a problem. I'll be working Weds. through Sunday, but there's enough flex that I can still arrange to do social things when I find them.
Meanwhile, I've been finding my way around town, and getting used to things. Saturday I was down in Cibola National Forest at one of the campsites, hanging out with some heathen folk from the area. Nice people, very friendly and welcoming. Heck, one of the guys wants to see about getting a yurt (if I can ever get hold of Matt...)!
Found some cool places today. Natural Stones is a store full of just that...crystals and gems and rocks, oh my! There's also another coffeehouse called Counter Culture right by that. Will have to check them out when they're open later, and they also have internet. Bonus! Let's see, what else... Goodwill, of course, and their clearance store (unorganized as heck, but cheap!), I'm sitting in Santa Fe Baking Co. right now, and I found another mall today with the most awesome shop called Heart of the Lotus. More Ganesh and other Hindu figures than even Moonbow can find room for (but you know she'd try)! Wonderful stuff, and the gal who runs it used to live in Indiana! Small planet, huh? They also have an interiors store across town with...Mongolian and Tibetan Furniture!!!! Oh, boy! LOL
Anyway, I'm trying not to spend too much money, but it's nice to have ideas of where neat things are. And these are places that the tourist types won't find, which is even better.
So that's what's up. I wish I didn't have to come into town to get online, but once I get working it'll be part of the routine instead of a special reason to leave the house. But now I have to head home shortly, so I can get myself some dinner and try to get to bed at a reasonable hour. More in a day or so!
Oh, let me try this real quick and see if I can get a picture to show up in here. If it works, you should see a pic of the view from my apartment.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Home at last
I've had a day to settle in, so got some pics of my new digs up onto Photobucket.
http://s108.photobucket.com/albums/n4/hengle/The%20Big%20Move/
Take a look. The pics are out of order, naturally. :-( Hopefully the titles will help.
I'm getting address changes made, got my cellphone upgraded (same number, don't worry), and have found Goodwill, Albertson's (cousin of Kroger's), Wal-Mart (not a supercenter, though) and some other useful places. I'm getting better at finding my way around, too.
Still got a lot to do, so this will be a short entry today. Enjoy the pictures!!
http://s108.photobucket.com/albums/n4/hengle/The%20Big%20Move/
Take a look. The pics are out of order, naturally. :-( Hopefully the titles will help.
I'm getting address changes made, got my cellphone upgraded (same number, don't worry), and have found Goodwill, Albertson's (cousin of Kroger's), Wal-Mart (not a supercenter, though) and some other useful places. I'm getting better at finding my way around, too.
Still got a lot to do, so this will be a short entry today. Enjoy the pictures!!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Da Trip: Made It!!!!
So, here I am in
I got into town about
I did realize this morning that I had lost one of the rainshields on the truck, the gray plastic thing over the top of the window on the driver’s-side back door. No biggie, I can get another one. Frankly, if that’s the only thing to go wrong on the trip, I’m ecstatic!!
Anyway, my first stop was at the
I got to the house around
My little room/apartment is so neat. The main room is about 15 ft. square, but two of the corners are clipped, one of them being a fireplace. I think they call it kiva-style, as it is rounded, smooth adobe/stucco finish, with a small arched opening like an old fashioned oven. Very pretty. I will post pics, honestly, but for now, here’s a quick description. Walk in the door, and turn right. The bed comes out at an angle from the next corner (a clipped corner). It’s a full-size, with a wrought metal headboard. Next wall, straight in front of you, is 3 windows, with a wonderful view down the canyon. Left from that is the fireplace corner, then the next wall has 4 windows. It’s almost like having no walls at all, and makes it so much more spacious in feel. Under the 4-window wall is a round table with 2 chairs. Next corner to the left has two small steps up to the bathroom door. More on that in a second. Then the final wall has a large closet with twin folding doors, and finally the kitchenette area. A fridge, small gas stove with oven, a bit of counter and a large sink. Lots of cupboards, thank goodness.
The bathroom is sheer luxury to me! A Jacuzzi tub! There's a separate shower stall, all glass walled. Nice sink with counter space, and cabinets and drawers for my stuff. The kitties are in there for now, till they settle in a bit and hopefully the dog outside won't freak when they show themselves in the window.
Right now I am at the SantaFe Baking Co. Cafe. I just got done getting a few things at Trader Joe's. I'm eating a wonderful Mandarin Chicken Salad, drinking herbal iced tea (Red Zinger, I think) and sitting outside. Ahhhhh.............
I do plan to hit Wal-Mart after this, so I can get other essentials, like catfood. Then back to the house.
More tomorrow, but I gotta check email! Bye!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Da Trip: Day Two
The travel is going much smoother than I had anticipated. I am already in Tucumcari, NM!!
Weather was a bit rough at the start, and I drove through some pretty heavy rain while I was still in MO. When I hit the OK line, it cleared right up! A few little squalls in TX, but mostly clear all day. Very nice, especially with construction along the way.
Anyway, I made my lunch stop in OK City, at a Waffle House. Yum. Had lunch "with" Sandy. Ok, she was on the other end of the cell phone, but it was nice to talk instead of text for a while! That was one tank of gas down the road. I figured my second tank would get me to Amarillo, TX. It did, but when I realized that it was only 6:00, and Tucumcari was only a couple of hours further, I decided to push on while the light and weather were good.
There was a wow moment about 12 miles before I hit the NM border. I came up over a ridge, and suddenly this wonderful valley was just laid out before me. The vegetation, mesas, and all just changed radically, and I thought "Now *that* looks right for NM!". Really a neat thing.
As I was getting close to Tucumcari, I started checking signs for hotels and such. I think I'm turning into a New Mexican already....I picked my exit because it had a Lotaburger restaurant. Mmmm.....breakfast burrito with green chiles..... :-D (Had catfish tonight, though. Yummy.)
The kitties are handling the trip fairly well, I think. The hotel (Best Western) is out of pet rooms, unfortunately. I did make a small sacrifice and take the smoking room downstairs instead of the upstairs non-smoking so that I can run out and check on kitties easier. I fed and watered them before taking care of my own dinner. I'm glad tomorrow's drive will be fairly short, and I can let them settle in again. They were both really lovey-dovey last night, and I will be paying them lots of extra attention for a while.
I do owe the kitties an apology, though. I smelled something nasty near Wildorado, TX, and was blaming them till I realized that I was passing a large cattle operation!
It's been kind of neat being able to see parts of old Route 66 from the interstate. Didn't find anything worth pulling over for, but saw neat buildings. Also got to see a huge wind turbine farm in TX. I knew those 3-blade windmills were big, but dang! They are really huge! I tried to snag pics with the phone, but haven't looked at them yet.
According to the maps, I should only have a 3 hour drive ahead of me tomorrow, give or take a bit. Wow. I know the cats will be happy! I will be, too. I mean, I've got my little 'cockpit area' of the truck set up pretty well, and the A/C is a blessing, but...let's just say I'll be glad for more walking around!
Time to unwind now, and get some rest. More tomorrow, I hope!
Weather was a bit rough at the start, and I drove through some pretty heavy rain while I was still in MO. When I hit the OK line, it cleared right up! A few little squalls in TX, but mostly clear all day. Very nice, especially with construction along the way.
Anyway, I made my lunch stop in OK City, at a Waffle House. Yum. Had lunch "with" Sandy. Ok, she was on the other end of the cell phone, but it was nice to talk instead of text for a while! That was one tank of gas down the road. I figured my second tank would get me to Amarillo, TX. It did, but when I realized that it was only 6:00, and Tucumcari was only a couple of hours further, I decided to push on while the light and weather were good.
There was a wow moment about 12 miles before I hit the NM border. I came up over a ridge, and suddenly this wonderful valley was just laid out before me. The vegetation, mesas, and all just changed radically, and I thought "Now *that* looks right for NM!". Really a neat thing.
As I was getting close to Tucumcari, I started checking signs for hotels and such. I think I'm turning into a New Mexican already....I picked my exit because it had a Lotaburger restaurant. Mmmm.....breakfast burrito with green chiles..... :-D (Had catfish tonight, though. Yummy.)
The kitties are handling the trip fairly well, I think. The hotel (Best Western) is out of pet rooms, unfortunately. I did make a small sacrifice and take the smoking room downstairs instead of the upstairs non-smoking so that I can run out and check on kitties easier. I fed and watered them before taking care of my own dinner. I'm glad tomorrow's drive will be fairly short, and I can let them settle in again. They were both really lovey-dovey last night, and I will be paying them lots of extra attention for a while.
I do owe the kitties an apology, though. I smelled something nasty near Wildorado, TX, and was blaming them till I realized that I was passing a large cattle operation!
It's been kind of neat being able to see parts of old Route 66 from the interstate. Didn't find anything worth pulling over for, but saw neat buildings. Also got to see a huge wind turbine farm in TX. I knew those 3-blade windmills were big, but dang! They are really huge! I tried to snag pics with the phone, but haven't looked at them yet.
According to the maps, I should only have a 3 hour drive ahead of me tomorrow, give or take a bit. Wow. I know the cats will be happy! I will be, too. I mean, I've got my little 'cockpit area' of the truck set up pretty well, and the A/C is a blessing, but...let's just say I'll be glad for more walking around!
Time to unwind now, and get some rest. More tomorrow, I hope!
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