Hi all,
Well, last night was certainly interesting. After some very tricking backing up (on both my part and the car I was following...) and a confusing drive, we made it to where the concert was at. As usual, it was crowded and hot. Since I was DDing I only had a drink and tried to keep tabs on our small group. I had a lot of fun hanging out with a co-worker that I'd only seen in passing and she kept me good company (she also had the misfortune to walk through the door after the sound guy placed a firecracker in a piece of cake, and got to wear it for the rest of the evening...). We also met some co-workers from another camp nearby, and that was quite the experience.
The group ended up splitting up, and when I was certain the other two had a ride home I set off. Unfamiliar with the route, and paranoid about all the speeding traps I'd seen/heard about I was extra cautious. They have these annoying "End 30" signs, but don't state the limit. Supposedly it's 55 if not stated, but lots of curves have reduced limits. I'd just hit a stretch of highway with 3 lanes, 2 on my side. I was going 40 and just as I was about to speed up I noticed a cop car cresting the hill in front of me. Paranoid, I kept my course steady. I was so engrossed I made a little mistake. Before I know it, I see them turn around in my rearview mirror and start flashing their lights.
I knew to pull over immediately, and had my license at a ready. The co-worker who was navigating was a titch tipsy, and couldn't find the registration..."What does it even look like?!?"
It was shaping up great. Here's the convo between the cop and myself:
"Hey there. Do you know why I pulled you over?"
"No, actually"
"You didn't dim your brights."
"Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry..."
"I see you're from MN...what are you doing here?"
"********"
"Ohhhh. I see."
"Have you been drinking tonight?"
"Yes, I had a drink a few hours ago"
"What was it?"
(Other co-worker helpfully murmurs "Uh, wasn't it a beer?")
"No. It was a vodka mixed with energy drink."
"Oh, like Redbull?"
"No. It was AMP. Bleh."
"Yeah. Well, drive safely!"
"Um. Thanks, and the speed limit here is 55, right?"
"Yup."
"Ok, Thank you very much!"
What?!
Apparently I could've potentially gotten a $35 ticket, although they were supposed to flash their lights. Perhaps the fact that I was only driving 40-45 convinced them to pull me over. So when I'd said I had a drink, I thought I'd for sure be taking a sobriety test. I'd never been pulled over before, so I have to say it was a novel and not-so-fun experience.
However, I have now improved my record, thus being tied for the moment. I got minorly turned around but nothing major. I had a really good day hanging out with Schmee (also her day off). We went to a coffee shop, had Italian for lunch (splitting this enormous carafe of wine...yum!) and watched a movie on voting for our civic service requirement. Part of it was cartoons...
So, yeah. A really good day after a pretty crazy night...
Hope all is well,
Steph
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sugar Coma
Hi all,
After the morning cleaning, the late lunch and a hurried shower, I was all ready for Connie's birthday party. She had a bunch of ladies over, and the chocolate cake (and some of my back-up pumpkin) was set upon. Housemom and two of the kids left fairly early on, so after I did some cleaning up I curled up on the couch. Beau looked through a book and Connie did some knitting. I fell asleep (apparently) with the 6 year old patting my head while she read, perched up on the couch arm.
I only know that I fell asleep because I had a terrible dream that it was Saturday morning (ha) and we had to have oatmeal for breakfast. I was quite upset. However, as I woke up and figured out where I was, I had a lovely warming sensation. I was quite happy to find myself snug in the house and woke up feeling a strong sense of goodwill towards everyone around me!
I woke up in time to get everyone ready to go out for dinner, and after a slight van mishap (housemom accidentally took the wrong van, causing quite a panic for another house with a birthday!) we were on our way. The food was pretty good, although I didn't eat much. I think I was still too full from cake! We had fun reading about our zodiac signs (I've impeccable manners, good intellect and creative, but disposed towards moodiness and disinterest, apparently) and no one kept an eye on Beau when the fortune cookies came, so he ingested his fortune. His eyes opened wide when we told him (thinking we were going to be upset??), but otherwise he really didn't seem to concerned by this pronouncement.
We dropped off the van at the house we borrowed it from, and cut across the village using the paths. I had my arms full. One hand had the two left-over bags and 3 eggs (raw, from the chickens that housemom closed into the coop just before we left) and the other was grasped by the three year old. It was a long walk...but my fingers and the eggs made it! I'm sure it was quite the sight, especially as I'd worn my shoes. Just one of those: didn't see that coming, sort of affairs.
I think I'm going out tonight with a group, and I'm supposed to go and hang out in Hudson tomorrow, so that should be fun. Small chance of a hair cut, but it's a good start!
Hope all is well,
Steph
After the morning cleaning, the late lunch and a hurried shower, I was all ready for Connie's birthday party. She had a bunch of ladies over, and the chocolate cake (and some of my back-up pumpkin) was set upon. Housemom and two of the kids left fairly early on, so after I did some cleaning up I curled up on the couch. Beau looked through a book and Connie did some knitting. I fell asleep (apparently) with the 6 year old patting my head while she read, perched up on the couch arm.
I only know that I fell asleep because I had a terrible dream that it was Saturday morning (ha) and we had to have oatmeal for breakfast. I was quite upset. However, as I woke up and figured out where I was, I had a lovely warming sensation. I was quite happy to find myself snug in the house and woke up feeling a strong sense of goodwill towards everyone around me!
I woke up in time to get everyone ready to go out for dinner, and after a slight van mishap (housemom accidentally took the wrong van, causing quite a panic for another house with a birthday!) we were on our way. The food was pretty good, although I didn't eat much. I think I was still too full from cake! We had fun reading about our zodiac signs (I've impeccable manners, good intellect and creative, but disposed towards moodiness and disinterest, apparently) and no one kept an eye on Beau when the fortune cookies came, so he ingested his fortune. His eyes opened wide when we told him (thinking we were going to be upset??), but otherwise he really didn't seem to concerned by this pronouncement.
We dropped off the van at the house we borrowed it from, and cut across the village using the paths. I had my arms full. One hand had the two left-over bags and 3 eggs (raw, from the chickens that housemom closed into the coop just before we left) and the other was grasped by the three year old. It was a long walk...but my fingers and the eggs made it! I'm sure it was quite the sight, especially as I'd worn my shoes. Just one of those: didn't see that coming, sort of affairs.
I think I'm going out tonight with a group, and I'm supposed to go and hang out in Hudson tomorrow, so that should be fun. Small chance of a hair cut, but it's a good start!
Hope all is well,
Steph
Friday, February 26, 2010
...And THAT'S how we Ended up with 6 Dozen Eggs...
Hi all,
Need I say it was a long day? Housemom had all the kids out of school to go to dentist appointments. So I was home (with the housedad, but he's, well, yeah). So there was lots to do. I managed to bake/frost a cake, bake pumpkin bread (to use up the can), make lunch, get the milk pail dropped off, a trip to the co-op orchestrated, and got everyone where they needed to go on time. The co-op run was pretty essential, as we needed a few eggs to make the cake and bread. I sent her off, and she returned without them, saying they had none. Now, I'd seen two whole boxes full of flats of eggs, so I knew something wasn't right. I called for clarification and found out that they'd been out of cartons to put the eggs in, but now had some. Luckily, they had someone who could drop some off. Not 5 minutes after he dropped off the two dozen, the bakery delivery guy came in and unloaded 4 dozen more! Apparently our request to only get 2 dozen (delivered on Thursdays...) got messed up. So, yeah, we have 6 dozen expensive eggs ($4 a dozen...)...any guesses what's for brunch???
I somehow survived the morning, and lunch with our guests that invited themselves. Immediately afterwards I had to hike over to another house to borrow their fan to do the town run. Only 2 of the 3 people who'd reserved a spot showed up. So we got into town and back in record time. And I didn't miss the turn!
The co-op was pretty typical. One co-worker didn't bother to show up or call, the printer decided not to work, the produce came in and I got to do the ordering list. We did enjoy some pretty scrumptions pumpkin bread topped with extra maple/creamcheese frosting though. Have I mentioned that I'm enjoying maple syrup for the first time in my life on a regular basis? I hate that processed shit that they call "syrup" which is the lowest grade imaginable mixed with a ton of sugar and is practically black. Thankfully, we're all too organic for that here. Although that's pretty much the only thing that I find vastly superior.
Supper was a nice time. Afterwards, when cleaning up, we got a bit giggly. I've been having issues with "Connie" (short for controversial...nice, right?) as she cleans up every day with wiping the table and sweeping. As I'm doing the dishes, she likes to say "Excuse me!" and practically butts me out the way for the water. So we're working on waiting for me to move. Tonight she thought it was funny as I approached the sink to give me a little hip bump, and then giggled. I giggled back. Housemom had been singing, and so Connie sang
"Do you like my siiiiinging?"
"Yes I like your siiiiinging!"
And suddenly the ball was rolling. The children and housemom got into a competition to see who could sing highest. Suddenly, my charge - Maria - barges into the kitchen and excited asks if she can try.
The ear-piercing operatic tone that ensued was fantastic. I literally was jumping up and down with laughter. She was declared the winner. Honestly, it was just hysterical.
The villagers were all invited to a neighbor's house for Mama Mia! tonight. Beau, our basically non-verbal guy (he likes to pet my arm and sometimes kiss it...) was vehemently opposed and actually left the table. So he stayed home tonight. I set him up with a magazine to read, while I plopped into the beanbag chair by one of the couches. Naturally, he sat nearest the end to where I was at - occasionally reaching down to pat my head. Suddenly, something falling caught my eye. Looking over, I confirmed my suspicion. Beau has partial dentures, which has some natural side effects. Apparently this now includes drooling onto my head. Well, mostly my hair.
All I could think to say was:
"Beau! You just drooled on me!"
"Yuh..."
A slightly concerned look passed his face, which slyly turned into a small giggle. I suppose I should be rather grossed out by this, but really...who can say they've literally been drooled over?
Hope all is well (and dry!),
Steph
PS And no, of course we have no idea of when we'll be getting a new male co-worker. Don't be silly.
Need I say it was a long day? Housemom had all the kids out of school to go to dentist appointments. So I was home (with the housedad, but he's, well, yeah). So there was lots to do. I managed to bake/frost a cake, bake pumpkin bread (to use up the can), make lunch, get the milk pail dropped off, a trip to the co-op orchestrated, and got everyone where they needed to go on time. The co-op run was pretty essential, as we needed a few eggs to make the cake and bread. I sent her off, and she returned without them, saying they had none. Now, I'd seen two whole boxes full of flats of eggs, so I knew something wasn't right. I called for clarification and found out that they'd been out of cartons to put the eggs in, but now had some. Luckily, they had someone who could drop some off. Not 5 minutes after he dropped off the two dozen, the bakery delivery guy came in and unloaded 4 dozen more! Apparently our request to only get 2 dozen (delivered on Thursdays...) got messed up. So, yeah, we have 6 dozen expensive eggs ($4 a dozen...)...any guesses what's for brunch???
I somehow survived the morning, and lunch with our guests that invited themselves. Immediately afterwards I had to hike over to another house to borrow their fan to do the town run. Only 2 of the 3 people who'd reserved a spot showed up. So we got into town and back in record time. And I didn't miss the turn!
The co-op was pretty typical. One co-worker didn't bother to show up or call, the printer decided not to work, the produce came in and I got to do the ordering list. We did enjoy some pretty scrumptions pumpkin bread topped with extra maple/creamcheese frosting though. Have I mentioned that I'm enjoying maple syrup for the first time in my life on a regular basis? I hate that processed shit that they call "syrup" which is the lowest grade imaginable mixed with a ton of sugar and is practically black. Thankfully, we're all too organic for that here. Although that's pretty much the only thing that I find vastly superior.
Supper was a nice time. Afterwards, when cleaning up, we got a bit giggly. I've been having issues with "Connie" (short for controversial...nice, right?) as she cleans up every day with wiping the table and sweeping. As I'm doing the dishes, she likes to say "Excuse me!" and practically butts me out the way for the water. So we're working on waiting for me to move. Tonight she thought it was funny as I approached the sink to give me a little hip bump, and then giggled. I giggled back. Housemom had been singing, and so Connie sang
"Do you like my siiiiinging?"
"Yes I like your siiiiinging!"
And suddenly the ball was rolling. The children and housemom got into a competition to see who could sing highest. Suddenly, my charge - Maria - barges into the kitchen and excited asks if she can try.
The ear-piercing operatic tone that ensued was fantastic. I literally was jumping up and down with laughter. She was declared the winner. Honestly, it was just hysterical.
The villagers were all invited to a neighbor's house for Mama Mia! tonight. Beau, our basically non-verbal guy (he likes to pet my arm and sometimes kiss it...) was vehemently opposed and actually left the table. So he stayed home tonight. I set him up with a magazine to read, while I plopped into the beanbag chair by one of the couches. Naturally, he sat nearest the end to where I was at - occasionally reaching down to pat my head. Suddenly, something falling caught my eye. Looking over, I confirmed my suspicion. Beau has partial dentures, which has some natural side effects. Apparently this now includes drooling onto my head. Well, mostly my hair.
All I could think to say was:
"Beau! You just drooled on me!"
"Yuh..."
A slightly concerned look passed his face, which slyly turned into a small giggle. I suppose I should be rather grossed out by this, but really...who can say they've literally been drooled over?
Hope all is well (and dry!),
Steph
PS And no, of course we have no idea of when we'll be getting a new male co-worker. Don't be silly.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Taking a Break from Kissing Strange Men
Hi all,
And it's only because I feel such an onerous burden towards all of you. That, and to guarantee that my lips wouldn't implode. It was a long afternoon in the co-op. Lots of little squabbles and nit-picking. At one point, (for some reason now lost to my mind), I finally interjected "...Because I've been kissing all those strange men!". My controversy-loving villager replied quite emphaticall that I couldn't have been. Amused, I continued the thread, including that perhaps there'd been some women, and actually, I had been with all of the co-workers. Funnily enough, when pressed on WHY I couldn't have been, she wouldn't give me an answer! I must admit, I was slightly disappointed.
Thus, I must find some strange men to kiss.
Obviously.
Riiiight.
Anyhow, the village has saturated my subconscious. The last two nights running, I've had dreams centered around life here. The first one I was helping to give showers (although I only help 1 person...) and I got really mad because when I wasn't looking, she crept back in for a second one. I was quite peeved. Last night was a whole new realm. First there were a bunch of wild steers and all the German guys decided they were going to ride them. This obviously went well. I was then skiing with the housemom/dad/kids but my boots wouldn't fit into my skis. Suddenly, a mob (not the mob...although that would've been kinda cool...) started following me. They eventually ripped off one of my shoes (?) and threw it into a deep hole. Dream ended there - so not really sure what to tell you about that one...
If anyone cares to analyze those, they can drop me a line.
Moving on. Tomorrow I will be doing the run into town during the rest time because it is my house's turn. So far, two villagers have called to reserve a spot. I'm kind of hoping another co-worker will call, because last time I did miss the turn coming back. However, I'll probably be hyper-paranoid, so maybe it'll be ok.
So yeah, other than having my non-existing sexual proclivities discussed and dreaming of work, my day was pretty mundane. It did rain, however, ALL DAY LONG. Might do so for the next two days. Joy.
We will be saying goodbye to our co-worker tomorrow (and hopefully, HOPEFULLY finding out about a new one?) and so things might get a little emotional. I, for one, have no particularly strong feelings on the matter. He clearly wasn't happy and didn't enjoy his job and so therefore didn't take any pride or real care in what he was doing. Now, we may get another person who is indignant that he had to move and resents us for it. Could be a ton of fun.
Hope all is well,
Steph
And it's only because I feel such an onerous burden towards all of you. That, and to guarantee that my lips wouldn't implode. It was a long afternoon in the co-op. Lots of little squabbles and nit-picking. At one point, (for some reason now lost to my mind), I finally interjected "...Because I've been kissing all those strange men!". My controversy-loving villager replied quite emphaticall that I couldn't have been. Amused, I continued the thread, including that perhaps there'd been some women, and actually, I had been with all of the co-workers. Funnily enough, when pressed on WHY I couldn't have been, she wouldn't give me an answer! I must admit, I was slightly disappointed.
Thus, I must find some strange men to kiss.
Obviously.
Riiiight.
Anyhow, the village has saturated my subconscious. The last two nights running, I've had dreams centered around life here. The first one I was helping to give showers (although I only help 1 person...) and I got really mad because when I wasn't looking, she crept back in for a second one. I was quite peeved. Last night was a whole new realm. First there were a bunch of wild steers and all the German guys decided they were going to ride them. This obviously went well. I was then skiing with the housemom/dad/kids but my boots wouldn't fit into my skis. Suddenly, a mob (not the mob...although that would've been kinda cool...) started following me. They eventually ripped off one of my shoes (?) and threw it into a deep hole. Dream ended there - so not really sure what to tell you about that one...
If anyone cares to analyze those, they can drop me a line.
Moving on. Tomorrow I will be doing the run into town during the rest time because it is my house's turn. So far, two villagers have called to reserve a spot. I'm kind of hoping another co-worker will call, because last time I did miss the turn coming back. However, I'll probably be hyper-paranoid, so maybe it'll be ok.
So yeah, other than having my non-existing sexual proclivities discussed and dreaming of work, my day was pretty mundane. It did rain, however, ALL DAY LONG. Might do so for the next two days. Joy.
We will be saying goodbye to our co-worker tomorrow (and hopefully, HOPEFULLY finding out about a new one?) and so things might get a little emotional. I, for one, have no particularly strong feelings on the matter. He clearly wasn't happy and didn't enjoy his job and so therefore didn't take any pride or real care in what he was doing. Now, we may get another person who is indignant that he had to move and resents us for it. Could be a ton of fun.
Hope all is well,
Steph
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