Well, my hubby and I bought a house, and while we are not going hog-wild about furnishing it and instead are taking our time, we took a trip to IKEA, which is about 2.5 hours away, and we found a couch and chairs for what will be our sitting area. We were going to wait to get the items, but they are not in the catalog, and we were told that they may not be restocked. Possibly a marketing ploy, but we also went furniture shopping in the area and didn't find anything we liked nearly as much for the same price, so we decided to bite the bullet and buy the items.
Last week, we bought one Jappling sofa (sofa or couch? I don't know which I prefer), two chairs, and two ottomans. As I had the little man with me in the stroller, I was unable to navigate a cart, so we loaded everything on one cart. It was a feat, and people were impressed as we wheeled our way to the checkout line.
After half an hour in the checkout line, we finally wheeled our haul over to the furniture delivery area. Our little 4-door sedan is not going to hold anything except an ottoman or two. Now, to make sure that we were in the delivery area, we called customer service. Twice. So imagine our surprise when we filled out our information, the associate entered our information, and then informed us that we were out of their delivery area.
"We contacted your customer service department on two separate occasions to make sure we were in the delivery area," we said.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that," our associate said. "They frequently give out the wrong information. We've had a lot of complaints about them."
......and? Because you have a crappy customer service department, we have to pay the price? Apparently so. We asked if they could hold it so we could get a truck, and they said no. So we had to return all our items. After 7 hours, we were home empty-handed.
Now, piss me off by doing something crappy like this, and I cut ties with you. No more of my business will you have. However, being in a marriage means that sometimes you are faced with someone articulate who makes compelling arguments: we tried to find something else, we didn't like what we saw, we didn't like the price of what we saw, and we really liked the stuff at IKEA.
Dammit.
While relaying this story to a coworker, John was offered said coworker's truck. We also used his truck to get our crib from Richmond. It's a 1993 Toyota Tacoma with 246,000 miles, and it's a stick-shift. John doesn't drive stick, but I do. So yesterday, at 8:20 am, we set off on our journey to reclaim our sitting room furniture.
With a baby in tow, everything is about an hour slower than it used to be because we have to fill up his tank first or else there's gonna be trouble. So around 10, we set off for IKEA, John and baby in one car, me in the truck.
We wasted no time at IKEA. We were there to get our items and get home. So that's what we did. When we got the items out to the truck, John realized just. how. big. the boxes were. The furniture itself is not that big, which is one reason why we liked it. But the packaging around them was enormous. Even a guy who had an Escalade wondered if the box would fit. John's original idea was to angle the couch on one side and the chairs on the other. However, the boxes were just too big for this. I started to sweat. We put the couch on the bottom, then the chairs on top. They cleared the top of the truck by about a foot. I said there was no way I'd be able to drive home with them like that. So he thought about putting the couch on the top because it was heavier and would anchor down the chairs. But that didn't change the problem of the height. Baby started to get tired of being in his carseat. I started to sweat more. Finally, John came up with a solution - take the furniture out of the boxes and place the chairs upside down on the couch, and strap everything down tight. So we took everything out and loaded it up, stopped at Wal Mart to get some duct tape to secure the cardboard we'd wedged between the straps and the furniture, fed the baby, and then headed out.
Our normal 2.5 hour trip took us over 3 hours to complete. We stopped twice to tear off paper that was shredding in the wind and to feed the boy. We rolled home around 6:30, and I again fed the boy while John unloaded and inspected the chairs for damage. All good. We unloaded the couch, gassed up the truck, and were on our way to drop it off. At 9:00 last night, we finally ate dinner.
We now have a new rule: if it don't fit in the car, we don't buy it from IKEA.
3.20.2011
Wow, now it's March
October was the last time I posted here, huh? Time has flown, and I've been busy. I had a baby in December (you can go here to read about my journey of pregnancy) and have consistently missed sleep. So when I have the option, I sleep. But now I am awake, and I am ready to write a post. Stay tuned.
10.10.2010
Where is my fall?
Virginia. The Shenandoah Valley. Skyline Drive. What do these things have in common?
They're all supposed to be beautiful during fall. Fall foliage - people drive for miles to see our beautiful landscape.
But this year, it's crap. We've not had much rain, so unfortunately, a lot of trees have already turned brown. Around town, there have been some stunning yellows and reds, but not nearly as many as there should be. And I've read that the fall foliage peaked this weekend.
Yuck.
In addition, temperatures soared into the mid-80s yesterday, today, and supposedly will tomorrow.
I WANT MY FALL!!!!!
They're all supposed to be beautiful during fall. Fall foliage - people drive for miles to see our beautiful landscape.
But this year, it's crap. We've not had much rain, so unfortunately, a lot of trees have already turned brown. Around town, there have been some stunning yellows and reds, but not nearly as many as there should be. And I've read that the fall foliage peaked this weekend.
Yuck.
In addition, temperatures soared into the mid-80s yesterday, today, and supposedly will tomorrow.
I WANT MY FALL!!!!!
6.23.2010
Eh.
I am now typing on my hubby's laptop. For the past month, it has been in the shop because the fan died, and when the fan died, the computer won't start up. Smart. The company didn't tell us until they'd had it a week that they had to order the fan from China, and there was no way to track it. So, fast forward a month, and here we are with a new fan in the computer. My hubby has his new desktop, I have his laptop, and things are ship-shape.
And while I am happy to be typing again on a computer that has a nice big screen and is not 11 years old (and fat and a little uncomfy), I think I may need to put this blogging thing on hold. See, I've been reading a lot of blogs ever since I went overseas, like The Simple Dollar, Mrs. Moneysaver, JustCara, General Blather, Get Rich Slowly, and Logtar's Blog, just to name a few (and I really do mean a few). I am a big fan of these blogs, but lately, writing my own just hasn't been as cathartic, or as interesting, as it had been. In order to have a sustainable audience, you need content and to be consistent. Right now, I've been neither of these things. And some things I think about don't need to be publicized for all to read. Like, for instance:
Is there ever a time in life where you don't question where you're going? There was a time I enjoyed the journey, but lately, it hasn't been as fun. I think it's because I don't know where I'm going. I see no purpose.
Will I ever find a job I like? I'm done being someone else's bitch, which is really how I've felt in this current position. Nothing I do is ever right. I don't answer the phone the right way. I don't save the Excel spreadsheets in the correct format. I print in color (gasp). I realize that the micromanaging boss is doing his job, but it is a real drag to go to a job where people don't think you're valuable and they never point out what you're doing right, only what you're doing "wrong". I have a subscription to Inc. magazine, and today I opened it up to read about companies people actually like to work for. I would like to belong to a place like that, but I'm finding it difficult to believe they actually exist. I also think starting a company would be great fun - and a ton of work - but not being a business person, I don't know where to begin going about it.
Will I ever find a church to belong to? One where people aren't just Sunday Christians, who are shitty to people during the week but think they're forgiven because they show up to zone out for an hour? And a place where I can swear with people nearby and they don't take offense or get all bent out of shape?
I guess the general theme here is, where do I belong?
And while I am happy to be typing again on a computer that has a nice big screen and is not 11 years old (and fat and a little uncomfy), I think I may need to put this blogging thing on hold. See, I've been reading a lot of blogs ever since I went overseas, like The Simple Dollar, Mrs. Moneysaver, JustCara, General Blather, Get Rich Slowly, and Logtar's Blog, just to name a few (and I really do mean a few). I am a big fan of these blogs, but lately, writing my own just hasn't been as cathartic, or as interesting, as it had been. In order to have a sustainable audience, you need content and to be consistent. Right now, I've been neither of these things. And some things I think about don't need to be publicized for all to read. Like, for instance:
Is there ever a time in life where you don't question where you're going? There was a time I enjoyed the journey, but lately, it hasn't been as fun. I think it's because I don't know where I'm going. I see no purpose.
Will I ever find a job I like? I'm done being someone else's bitch, which is really how I've felt in this current position. Nothing I do is ever right. I don't answer the phone the right way. I don't save the Excel spreadsheets in the correct format. I print in color (gasp). I realize that the micromanaging boss is doing his job, but it is a real drag to go to a job where people don't think you're valuable and they never point out what you're doing right, only what you're doing "wrong". I have a subscription to Inc. magazine, and today I opened it up to read about companies people actually like to work for. I would like to belong to a place like that, but I'm finding it difficult to believe they actually exist. I also think starting a company would be great fun - and a ton of work - but not being a business person, I don't know where to begin going about it.
Will I ever find a church to belong to? One where people aren't just Sunday Christians, who are shitty to people during the week but think they're forgiven because they show up to zone out for an hour? And a place where I can swear with people nearby and they don't take offense or get all bent out of shape?
I guess the general theme here is, where do I belong?
6.12.2010
Oh dear, where has the time gone?
Well, hello there! I didn't realize I hadn't posted anything here since April until Pomegranate said she went to the site and I hadn't posted anything since April. Oops. My bad.
Not entirely my fault, though. The main computer died, so my 11 year old dinosaur has been put into play and been taken over by my husband, who uses it all day long. I go to bed at 9 p.m. (I like my sleep). So there isn't much time for me to use it.
One set of in-laws visited a few weeks ago. Maybe a month ago now...and it rained the entire time. Muggy. Not quite pleasant. We tried driving on Skyline Drive. Waste of time because we couldn't see anything.
I found a hairstylist in Charlottesville that I love. Friendly, personable, and she cut my hair just the way I wanted it without any pictures. I will be going back.
We made it up to Chantilly to the new air and space museum, but I haven't gotten pictures off of my camera yet. But I got to see the space shuttle Enterprise. Discovery will be coming our way soon. I'm stoked.
We rearranged rooms in the house. The office is now in the basement, where it's cooler and larger. The hubby likes it a lot. And I do too, come to think of it, though I haven't been down here more than 30 minutes at a time. It helps that we have large windows so it doesn't really feel like a basement. It's technically the first floor of our home.
The construction job is still going. The happy corporate boss is a micromanager, and unfortunately, I don't really care for him. The site is getting busier and busier now. Drywall is up, trim is going in, painters are painting. Before you know it, the site will be done!
Not entirely my fault, though. The main computer died, so my 11 year old dinosaur has been put into play and been taken over by my husband, who uses it all day long. I go to bed at 9 p.m. (I like my sleep). So there isn't much time for me to use it.
One set of in-laws visited a few weeks ago. Maybe a month ago now...and it rained the entire time. Muggy. Not quite pleasant. We tried driving on Skyline Drive. Waste of time because we couldn't see anything.
I found a hairstylist in Charlottesville that I love. Friendly, personable, and she cut my hair just the way I wanted it without any pictures. I will be going back.
We made it up to Chantilly to the new air and space museum, but I haven't gotten pictures off of my camera yet. But I got to see the space shuttle Enterprise. Discovery will be coming our way soon. I'm stoked.
We rearranged rooms in the house. The office is now in the basement, where it's cooler and larger. The hubby likes it a lot. And I do too, come to think of it, though I haven't been down here more than 30 minutes at a time. It helps that we have large windows so it doesn't really feel like a basement. It's technically the first floor of our home.
The construction job is still going. The happy corporate boss is a micromanager, and unfortunately, I don't really care for him. The site is getting busier and busier now. Drywall is up, trim is going in, painters are painting. Before you know it, the site will be done!
4.09.2010
End of Week One.
Well, Dear Reader,
Here we are, again. This time I'm here to update you.
I got a job. A real, honest to goodness job. A 40 hour-a-week job, a you-don't-get-vacation-until-90-days job.
I'm an admin assistant on a construction site.
I'm overqualified. The reason I know this, in part, is because during my phone interview last week, the lady I replaced said, "You're overqualified." When I got to the wood-paneled trailer for my interview, my new boss said, "You're overqualified."
Yes, I know. But this job was one I applied to after thinking, Hey, this might be fun. And it'll get me away from the screaming children who live on the deck next door to me who do not know what a normal bedtime is for children.
It was the most bizarre interview I've ever had. Fun, yet not quite professional. Questions HR departments would be embarrassed to hear about, but I have a sense of humor and didn't bat an eye. The best (and legal) question I got was, "Have you had any experience around construction guys?" Apparently my 14 years in law firms with attorneys made them nervous that I couldn't handle heckling from the crews or give anyone a piece of my mind should the need arise.
Are they in for a shock. Sometimes, you'd think I was a sailor with the things that can come out of my mouth. I reserve those times for those closest to me, obviously. Or, if you've really pissed me off.
I landed the job that day, though I didn't know until my boss called me up about a half hour after I left the job site. And on Tuesday, I did some training in the corporate office an hour away, and had the last three days in the office with the admin I replaced. It's a lot of information. Scary words like "OSHA inspection" and "blemish that stays on your record for life" and "Porta John" (thankfully, I have my own). Guys who clean splinters out of their hands with pocket knives. Some who don't speak English. Tons of dirt, dust, and loose nails. Blueprints. Drills. Forklifts in yellow and green. Yes, green! Purchase orders, progress meetings, requests for information.
On Wednesday afternoon, I was a little flustered after the admin told me to go use the bathroom, and one of the bosses from the corporate office called, and I blanked on the name of the company. "Hello," I beamed and giggled nervously into the phone, "this is Melinda." The next day, I accidentally hung up on the same guy while trying to take off the mute button. He looks like a judge on The Wire, so I can't help but think he's a happy man. I hope I'm right. I think I am.
My boss, the superintendent, is 35, and also a farmer. He looks more seasoned. One of his cows had a calf today. The boss has long sandy colored hair that he always wears in a ponytail, and he has a belt buckle given to him by a friend that is maroon with a creme-colored imprint of guitar pegs in the middle. He's quite funny, loves coffee all day long, is pulled in all directions at once, and still manages to keep his cool. And he can take the ribbing from his admins. Like how he was so picky that the admin gave her notice a month ago and it took him 3 weeks to find me so all I got was four days' training.
The admin I'm replacing is fiery, to say the least. A huge flirt, which works well on this job, and about the size of my pinky, even though she eats all. day. long. She was one organized chick, so I have big shoes to fill. But I'm glad not to have to share the desk anymore. Today was a bit long. I hate being micromanaged. I can figure out Excel myself!
The guys....oh, the guys....everyday, the foremen report to me the number of guys they have on site, the time they get there and the time they leave, and what they're doing in the building. I take this information and put it in a daily report for the corporate office. So for the morning, it's relatively busy with guys coming in one after another to check in, and then they go out for the day. Sometimes I walk in the building to see what's going on. Tomorrow I'm to study the blueprints to figure out what everything means. I got a nice compliment today from one of the guys: "For a girl, I think you've done real well on the construction site."
Me and my pink hard hat agree.
Here we are, again. This time I'm here to update you.
I got a job. A real, honest to goodness job. A 40 hour-a-week job, a you-don't-get-vacation-until-90-days job.
I'm an admin assistant on a construction site.
I'm overqualified. The reason I know this, in part, is because during my phone interview last week, the lady I replaced said, "You're overqualified." When I got to the wood-paneled trailer for my interview, my new boss said, "You're overqualified."
Yes, I know. But this job was one I applied to after thinking, Hey, this might be fun. And it'll get me away from the screaming children who live on the deck next door to me who do not know what a normal bedtime is for children.
It was the most bizarre interview I've ever had. Fun, yet not quite professional. Questions HR departments would be embarrassed to hear about, but I have a sense of humor and didn't bat an eye. The best (and legal) question I got was, "Have you had any experience around construction guys?" Apparently my 14 years in law firms with attorneys made them nervous that I couldn't handle heckling from the crews or give anyone a piece of my mind should the need arise.
Are they in for a shock. Sometimes, you'd think I was a sailor with the things that can come out of my mouth. I reserve those times for those closest to me, obviously. Or, if you've really pissed me off.
I landed the job that day, though I didn't know until my boss called me up about a half hour after I left the job site. And on Tuesday, I did some training in the corporate office an hour away, and had the last three days in the office with the admin I replaced. It's a lot of information. Scary words like "OSHA inspection" and "blemish that stays on your record for life" and "Porta John" (thankfully, I have my own). Guys who clean splinters out of their hands with pocket knives. Some who don't speak English. Tons of dirt, dust, and loose nails. Blueprints. Drills. Forklifts in yellow and green. Yes, green! Purchase orders, progress meetings, requests for information.
On Wednesday afternoon, I was a little flustered after the admin told me to go use the bathroom, and one of the bosses from the corporate office called, and I blanked on the name of the company. "Hello," I beamed and giggled nervously into the phone, "this is Melinda." The next day, I accidentally hung up on the same guy while trying to take off the mute button. He looks like a judge on The Wire, so I can't help but think he's a happy man. I hope I'm right. I think I am.
My boss, the superintendent, is 35, and also a farmer. He looks more seasoned. One of his cows had a calf today. The boss has long sandy colored hair that he always wears in a ponytail, and he has a belt buckle given to him by a friend that is maroon with a creme-colored imprint of guitar pegs in the middle. He's quite funny, loves coffee all day long, is pulled in all directions at once, and still manages to keep his cool. And he can take the ribbing from his admins. Like how he was so picky that the admin gave her notice a month ago and it took him 3 weeks to find me so all I got was four days' training.
The admin I'm replacing is fiery, to say the least. A huge flirt, which works well on this job, and about the size of my pinky, even though she eats all. day. long. She was one organized chick, so I have big shoes to fill. But I'm glad not to have to share the desk anymore. Today was a bit long. I hate being micromanaged. I can figure out Excel myself!
The guys....oh, the guys....everyday, the foremen report to me the number of guys they have on site, the time they get there and the time they leave, and what they're doing in the building. I take this information and put it in a daily report for the corporate office. So for the morning, it's relatively busy with guys coming in one after another to check in, and then they go out for the day. Sometimes I walk in the building to see what's going on. Tomorrow I'm to study the blueprints to figure out what everything means. I got a nice compliment today from one of the guys: "For a girl, I think you've done real well on the construction site."
Me and my pink hard hat agree.
3.26.2010
I have grown seedlings!
Meet arugula:
And this is a cucumber, with some lettuce seedlings behind it:
I really don't have many problems starting seeds. It's keeping them alive that sometimes gets the better of me. Our weather has turned a little sour, with a high of 47 today and a low of 25 tonight, so my seeds and seedlings have gotten to know the top of my refrigerator quite well. I hope they make it.
And this is a cucumber, with some lettuce seedlings behind it:
I really don't have many problems starting seeds. It's keeping them alive that sometimes gets the better of me. Our weather has turned a little sour, with a high of 47 today and a low of 25 tonight, so my seeds and seedlings have gotten to know the top of my refrigerator quite well. I hope they make it.
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