Oh and the apartment in North Park about 3 posts ago - I never ended up applying for it. It was way too small. I'm glad I reconsidered it.
Now I signed a lease for a much better option!! 2bed/2bath nice kitchen, actual dining space, fire place, w/d, dishwasher, walk in closet. All good stuff! I'm excited to move in :)
Monday, July 21, 2008
blown tires?
Observations on the road:
Lots of pick up trucks carrying rolled up carpets.
Lots of blown out tires.
My last entry was about the carpets, and I still see them daily!
I feel like I'm always avoiding shredded tires in the middle of the road. Are people over inflating their tires or something? Last week I was in back of someone as their tire blew out!
Lots of pick up trucks carrying rolled up carpets.
Lots of blown out tires.
My last entry was about the carpets, and I still see them daily!
I feel like I'm always avoiding shredded tires in the middle of the road. Are people over inflating their tires or something? Last week I was in back of someone as their tire blew out!
Friday, July 11, 2008
carpets
Is anyone else noticing the increase of pick up trucks with rolled up carpets in them?
During my commute, or even if I'm driving at other times, I see them daily. Were they always there and I only notice them now that I commute?
Or is there an increase in dead bodies being transported hidden inside the rolled up carpets! Let your imaginations run wild people.
During my commute, or even if I'm driving at other times, I see them daily. Were they always there and I only notice them now that I commute?
Or is there an increase in dead bodies being transported hidden inside the rolled up carpets! Let your imaginations run wild people.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
The apartment search
I may have decided on an apartment.
It's not ideal, but I don't enjoy this process of looking. It's time consuming and somewhat stressful.
I visited an apartment in the North Park area today that fits some of our requirements and might be a fit. It's a 2 bedroom, 2 bath upstairs apartment with a washer and dryer, AC, and a garage.
The only real downside is the size. It's pretty small overall. However, I'm not overly concerned with storage as there is a garage.
The owners of the apartment seem like a nice and reasonable couple. I filled out an application. Hopefully I hear back from them soon.
This could work!
It's not ideal, but I don't enjoy this process of looking. It's time consuming and somewhat stressful.
I visited an apartment in the North Park area today that fits some of our requirements and might be a fit. It's a 2 bedroom, 2 bath upstairs apartment with a washer and dryer, AC, and a garage.
The only real downside is the size. It's pretty small overall. However, I'm not overly concerned with storage as there is a garage.
The owners of the apartment seem like a nice and reasonable couple. I filled out an application. Hopefully I hear back from them soon.
This could work!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Apartment Hunting
Last apt. hunting post I said that the bf was getting back on July 1st. Well that's now changed to July 20th unfortunately. So it's up to me to find us a place. It's a daunting task. It's one thing looking for myself, but it's another making a decision for someone else. Especially what that someone else's opinion matters a lot to you.
Fortunately, we've been able to discuss what we want together over the phone. We've decided on the North Park/University Heights area. We have quite a few friends who live out there, so it should be a fun place to be.
Yesterday I went there to investigate some of the housing ads from Craigslist. We like the idea of a house, so I went to visit a cottage. It was cute, but it was really small. Even though it was a 2-bedroom, it still felt like we'd be on top of each other (and not in the good way). So, I don't think we'll take that. I then visited an apartment that was really spacious with huge walk in closets in each bedroom. However, it was downstairs, no laundry, and the neighbors were LOUD! I heard their tv, and them running around upstairs. No thanks!
I drove by some other places, so I have a few on the list to call. I'm debating going through one of those agencies. I'm not sure if they could do better than myself? I have no real reason to trust them. My current thought is that if I try for a few weeks on my own and don't find something, I'll turn to them.
Fortunately, we've been able to discuss what we want together over the phone. We've decided on the North Park/University Heights area. We have quite a few friends who live out there, so it should be a fun place to be.
Yesterday I went there to investigate some of the housing ads from Craigslist. We like the idea of a house, so I went to visit a cottage. It was cute, but it was really small. Even though it was a 2-bedroom, it still felt like we'd be on top of each other (and not in the good way). So, I don't think we'll take that. I then visited an apartment that was really spacious with huge walk in closets in each bedroom. However, it was downstairs, no laundry, and the neighbors were LOUD! I heard their tv, and them running around upstairs. No thanks!
I drove by some other places, so I have a few on the list to call. I'm debating going through one of those agencies. I'm not sure if they could do better than myself? I have no real reason to trust them. My current thought is that if I try for a few weeks on my own and don't find something, I'll turn to them.
Weight Watchers... Round 2!
Four years ago I did weight watchers with success. I lost about 20 lbs and was feeling pretty good about myself. Then I gained the weight back and then some. Then I did another diet-tracking system (self.com) and lost enough weight to barely fit into a bridesmaid gown I had ordered the year before. Once that was over I put the weight back on and then some. I'm currently 50 (!!!) pounds heavier than I was when I was post-weight watchers in 2004! What's worse is that every time I go on the scale my weight goes up. It's rising like gas prices!!
I had thought that after I graduated I would get on top of this. Basically I used graduate school as an excuse. After that I used the starting of a new job as an excuse. I've also used, not being in a routine because Brian isn't back, as an excuse as well. I need to stop making excuses.
So I signed up for Weight Watchers last night. I have a daily allowance of Points. Points are calculated from calories, fat grams, and fiber that a particular food item has. I ate what I would normally eat for breakfast and found that it cut into 1/3 of my daily allowance. Yikes.
The more you exercise, the more you're allowed to eat. That's a great motivator to get into the gym! Now I just need to find the time................
Hopefully I don't become 'Points' obsessed.
Wish me luck!
I had thought that after I graduated I would get on top of this. Basically I used graduate school as an excuse. After that I used the starting of a new job as an excuse. I've also used, not being in a routine because Brian isn't back, as an excuse as well. I need to stop making excuses.
So I signed up for Weight Watchers last night. I have a daily allowance of Points. Points are calculated from calories, fat grams, and fiber that a particular food item has. I ate what I would normally eat for breakfast and found that it cut into 1/3 of my daily allowance. Yikes.
The more you exercise, the more you're allowed to eat. That's a great motivator to get into the gym! Now I just need to find the time................
Hopefully I don't become 'Points' obsessed.
Wish me luck!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Apartment Hunting
If I want to move into a place by August 1st, is it possible to wait until the first week of July to start looking, or will I be screwing myself? Brian gets back July 1st, and I have started looking around somewhat, but it would be so much better if he was with me!
I'll look around at a few places anyway. In fact, I have an appointment at a place this afternoon. The location is perfect. But I don't know if the apartment will be...
On a different topic. I just joined 24 hour fitness - I can go to any 24 hour fitness for one year (except for the super fancy ones) for $199. That comes out to ~$17/month! Not too bad :)
Now I actually have to start going! I bought it on Friday, it's now Sunday and I can't seem to find the motivation to begin a life of working out...
I'll look around at a few places anyway. In fact, I have an appointment at a place this afternoon. The location is perfect. But I don't know if the apartment will be...
On a different topic. I just joined 24 hour fitness - I can go to any 24 hour fitness for one year (except for the super fancy ones) for $199. That comes out to ~$17/month! Not too bad :)
Now I actually have to start going! I bought it on Friday, it's now Sunday and I can't seem to find the motivation to begin a life of working out...
Monday, May 12, 2008
It's been a long time
A few brief updates:
I have now earned the right to have the 3 letters, Ph.D. after my name.
The guy I started blogging about at the inception of this blog is still my boyfriend. We're serious, and it's awesome. The downside is that he's in India right now with his 1st love - turtles. We'll be moving in together in August :) By the way - if you get Zoo News - he has a story there!
I've started a new job as a contracts and business development analyst. It's my foot in the door to the non-academic world. So far I'm a fan. It's liberating not being a student anymore.
I'm excited to become an adult. At 31 I'm ready for it! Over the past couple years I've been settling down in my actions (I don't go out as much, I am not as boy crazy - just for the one! etc.) but I didn't have the life style to go with it. Now, that's starting to come together. The bf and I will move in together in a nice 'adult' apartment. We'll buy nice furniture. We'll discuss our future. I'll invest money in a retirement fund. I can't wait! Until then, I'm updating my wardrobe, throwing away tee-shirts that had holes in them. This weekend I gave away THIRTEEN bags of clothes and shoes to GoodWill! I have so much crap and it needs to GO!
Aside from what's going on in my life, the things most on my mind are - Lebanon and Burma.
The same old sh*t is going down in Lebanon. I hope that one day that place will see extended peace.
Burma is just f'd up. There was a cyclone killing thousands, and for nearly a week the Burmese government/junta refused aid from anyone! The UN delivered aid, and they just left it sitting there on the tarmac. They're starting to come around I think, it's hard to say. But sadly, one boat (I think UN) sank on the way to giving aid. Such a frustrating and sad situation.
Ok, with all that out of the way, maybe future posts can be about more interesting things. Maybe I'll even be emotional enough to rant about something!!
I have now earned the right to have the 3 letters, Ph.D. after my name.
The guy I started blogging about at the inception of this blog is still my boyfriend. We're serious, and it's awesome. The downside is that he's in India right now with his 1st love - turtles. We'll be moving in together in August :) By the way - if you get Zoo News - he has a story there!
I've started a new job as a contracts and business development analyst. It's my foot in the door to the non-academic world. So far I'm a fan. It's liberating not being a student anymore.
I'm excited to become an adult. At 31 I'm ready for it! Over the past couple years I've been settling down in my actions (I don't go out as much, I am not as boy crazy - just for the one! etc.) but I didn't have the life style to go with it. Now, that's starting to come together. The bf and I will move in together in a nice 'adult' apartment. We'll buy nice furniture. We'll discuss our future. I'll invest money in a retirement fund. I can't wait! Until then, I'm updating my wardrobe, throwing away tee-shirts that had holes in them. This weekend I gave away THIRTEEN bags of clothes and shoes to GoodWill! I have so much crap and it needs to GO!
Aside from what's going on in my life, the things most on my mind are - Lebanon and Burma.
The same old sh*t is going down in Lebanon. I hope that one day that place will see extended peace.
Burma is just f'd up. There was a cyclone killing thousands, and for nearly a week the Burmese government/junta refused aid from anyone! The UN delivered aid, and they just left it sitting there on the tarmac. They're starting to come around I think, it's hard to say. But sadly, one boat (I think UN) sank on the way to giving aid. Such a frustrating and sad situation.
Ok, with all that out of the way, maybe future posts can be about more interesting things. Maybe I'll even be emotional enough to rant about something!!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Baja
I just spent the weekend at a beach house in Baja, Mexico. My roommate rented this place out to celebrate her 30th birthday. It was pretty sweet! For $250 a night you get a house on the beach with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (well one wasn't working), full kitchen, tv, BBQ gas and charcoal grills, huge deck overlooking the water, gated(ish) community, etc... There were about 10 people each night so imagine how cheap the whole thing was! Best part it was ONE HOUR away from my apartment.
I want to plan a family reunion down there. It's almost stupid to not go there more often!
I want to plan a family reunion down there. It's almost stupid to not go there more often!
The great pyramid
I recently have been taking career advice from a VP of a local biotech company. Typically she's been very helpful, but last week's coffee was... interesting.
I've heard from others who have had coffee with her that after giving valid career advice she ends up asking them to be part of a potential pyramid scheme! Both people I've heard this from did not see it coming and felt shitty and manipulated afterwards. Last week she asked me if I wanted to get coffee. Interested to understand why a prominent business person was preying on broke graduate students to be part of a shady business scheme I agreed to meet with her.
The first half of our meeting was great. She was very helpful. She then offered me a business "opportunity". She went into a long pitch about how great these vitamins and health supplements she's selling are, how she uses them herself, and how she attributes her recent health to them (even though she recently started eating better and working out). She then introduced me to the business plan. Basically it was a hand out with a picture of a freaking pyramid on it! No joke. Anyway, I (nicely) told her that I didn't have the market to sell these overpriced vitamins too ($35 for a month's supply!). I also told her that I would look further into the company since she still seemed intent in having me join.
So yesterday I sent her an email thanking her for the opportunity, but would have to decline. I also wanted to bring to her attention recent troubling events. Turns out the company she's working for is currently under investigation by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) for being a pyramid scheme and for having its science board fudge their credentials! So I sent her some websites to see for her self and said I hoped for her sake that these claims against the company were false.
I don't know if she knew this ahead of time or what. She spoke like she thought she was doing me a favor. So weird....
Today she wrote me back. She gave me a contact name I had requested in the email, but said NOTHING about what I told her about her company! How weird is that?!
I also found out that yet ANOTHER friend was approached by her! So unprofessional!
I've heard from others who have had coffee with her that after giving valid career advice she ends up asking them to be part of a potential pyramid scheme! Both people I've heard this from did not see it coming and felt shitty and manipulated afterwards. Last week she asked me if I wanted to get coffee. Interested to understand why a prominent business person was preying on broke graduate students to be part of a shady business scheme I agreed to meet with her.
The first half of our meeting was great. She was very helpful. She then offered me a business "opportunity". She went into a long pitch about how great these vitamins and health supplements she's selling are, how she uses them herself, and how she attributes her recent health to them (even though she recently started eating better and working out). She then introduced me to the business plan. Basically it was a hand out with a picture of a freaking pyramid on it! No joke. Anyway, I (nicely) told her that I didn't have the market to sell these overpriced vitamins too ($35 for a month's supply!). I also told her that I would look further into the company since she still seemed intent in having me join.
So yesterday I sent her an email thanking her for the opportunity, but would have to decline. I also wanted to bring to her attention recent troubling events. Turns out the company she's working for is currently under investigation by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) for being a pyramid scheme and for having its science board fudge their credentials! So I sent her some websites to see for her self and said I hoped for her sake that these claims against the company were false.
I don't know if she knew this ahead of time or what. She spoke like she thought she was doing me a favor. So weird....
Today she wrote me back. She gave me a contact name I had requested in the email, but said NOTHING about what I told her about her company! How weird is that?!
I also found out that yet ANOTHER friend was approached by her! So unprofessional!
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