Pictures and a Small News Teaser

It's not even nine PM, plus I get more sleep when unemployed so I think I only got up about 12 hours ago, but I am yawning my head off! Whew. Let's look at some pictures.

I haven't taken pictures of the recently finished socks (I can NOT figure out where I put my sock blockers, it's just not a thing that I would use for anything else so why would I have moved them...grumble, grumble), but I did think to take a picture of the new one, in progress. Last Monday:

And this Monday:

I got past the heel decreases and am cruising down the foot. Not bad for under 2 weeks of work.

We have to have some cat pictures, right? The baby, nap interrupted:

And princess loudmouth. In addition to enjoying a good shoebox snooze:

She has another spot she has been patronizing recently: behind the books on a shelf. She only knocks books off sometimes.

"What? I can look at the curtain if I want to, can't I?"

Then, a few odds and ends seen around. This was in an ad, and I find it very strange. I know I went to college a million years ago, but I would have been stunned if I'd had a roommate pull out one of these.

I went over to Assembly Row in Somerville the other day, and was taken aback at this vehicle outside a burger joint.

Publicity, sure, but do they actually drive it? Because I feel like that would cause accidents.

In the same location, there was a tall guy outside the Legoland.

I love Legos.

I also liked this whimsical display outside Sugar Heaven. I managed not to go in; lead me not into temptation.

I was delighted to see that there's an Outback Steakhouse going in, too. Can't have enough of those, especially as I heard the one in Burlington is closing.

Right, so that's the photos. In other news, I have a quasi-interview-thing on Monday, so it's good to have something happening. More details if it seems promising after that; don't want to jinx it!

In Lieu of Intentions

I meant to get here earlier with some photos, but it's late and Carlos is nagging, so I will have to save that for tomorrow. For tonight, I will point you to this NPR story, celebrating the end of the winter's snow.

Yes, I know it is mid-July.

The last of the snow has finally melted in Boston. Somehow, this validates my feelings about last winter.

Check out the time-lapse melting:

Considering the Weekend

When one is not working, the meaning of the weekend shifts considerably.

To me as a worker, Friday night is a big sigh of relief, and Saturday and Sunday are the days when I try to Do All The Things.

Unemployed, Friday night is like any other night, and if anything, Saturday and Sunday are days when I am less likely to try to Do Things. I mean, stores and roads are less crowded during the week, so why would I go on the weekend?

Which doesn't mean I did nothing this weekend, but I didn't do much. It was fine. And now it's the week again, which also doesn't mean what it used to. It's a little disorienting.

The Friday Report, with a Bruins teaser

The unemployment check did in fact come in today's mail, so that's something. I also did some laundry, ran a few errands, made a pros and cons list, patted kitties, and read a couple of books. It's been a busy day.

Meanwhile, some lovely person made a video showing great moments by my favorite Bruin. I love that not only did they show goals and assists, but some of his excellent defensive work. What a player!



I caught the end of a Bruins game rerun on NESN this afternoon, and my goodness, I miss hockey. I don't know what kind of team the Bruins are going to have this year, but at this stage there's still hope they could be good. Hope is a good thing in many ways.

The Thursday Report

I think (knock on wood) that my unemployment claim is straightened out, so that's the good thing for today. Seeing as how the system was designed by people who have clearly never used computers before, and is set up in the most confusing bureaucrat-speak, this was an accomplishment. (What really boggles my mind is that I feel I am reasonably intelligent; how do less intelligent people figure it out? Perhaps all the fraud they keep warning about is just people who don't understand the system doing it wrong.)

I had tried last week to figure out how to attach the copy of my severance agreement that they claimed they had to have, and ended up calling and being told that that part of the claim had been voided or suspended or something, and they would have to undo it before I could proceed. Since, as far as I could tell this week, that hadn't yet happened, I made an appointment to see an unemployment rep at the career center (which is a place that the unemployed can get help and training and all--they aren't the unemployment people, but there's a rep there two days a week, so if you need help ... and face-to-face seemed easier to me than calling and waiting forever on hold again).

The nice man took a copy of my signed agreement and said he would put it in my file when he got back to the office tomorrow, and was also able to assure me that the lack of it hadn't held up my claim; in fact, he almost had a twinkle in his eye as he showed me the part of my account that said they had sent me the first check this week, and repeated, "The check is in the mail." Who would have expected a sense of humor in a government employee? It was quite a pleasant surprise. And as long as the check comes, and they keep coming* until I have another job, that will be a help.
*Metaphorically speaking; after the first one they are supposed to be direct-deposited.

So that was that. With the notice/vacation pay check and the severance payment, I wasn't worried for July, but now August doesn't look quite so scary. Which it was starting to seem, given the dearth of job openings I can find for what I want to do. I'm sure I wrote about this the last time I was laid off (but I shan't look back as it's sure to be depressing): editing and proofreading mean such different things to different people, that finding a job for what I mean by it is frustrating. There's no end of job titles with "editor" in them, but they mean a million different things, and the sorting and sifting gets old.

Still, it could be worse: I met up with my former co-editor yesterday for coffee-and-commiseration, and she told me about having an interview where she was already feeling a vibe that it wasn't the right place for her before the woman who would be her boss started describing what would be her duties, including, "You would turn on my computer before I got in, and wipe down my desk." What? You ... can't push the button to turn on your computer yourself? Your desk gets so dirty it needs daily cleaning? Aren't people fascinating, though? Still, perhaps not the reason my friend got her master's degree. Keep looking.

Anyway, I have to go. It turns out that even when you are laid off and spending much time being sad about it, your kitchen doesn't clean itself. Isn't that disappointing?

Fighting Off the Blues

Given the fit of my clothes these days, my usual strategy of comfort food in tough times is a dubious coping strategy, so when I felt the blues descending tonight (for no real reason, especially as it was a good day), I went to the library to pick up a few things.

I've already read more books this year than I did all of last year, and if this keeps up, I may set a new record. Which wouldn't be so bad, really.

A Quiet Hour

As I mentioned, the cats are definitely looking for more attention since I got back. This morning, I found myself on the bed with a cat at each elbow.

Left:

Right:

Happily, there was nowhere I had to be, so we could chill together for a while.

The Week That Was: Florida Edition

So, I went to Florida, did I mention? Yes, it's time for the avalanche of pictures.

The trip down was fine, except for a delay in the flight, somewhat annoying since it was an early flight that ought to be less prone to such things, but oh well. Still arrived in time for lunch, and happy to be there. Especially since it was raining and chilly when I left, sunny and warm when I arrived! Ahh.

We only walked on the beach twice during the week; it's something I could normally do every day, but man, with such hot air and only a small hot breeze, and the water feeling like bathwater instead of cooling you off ... you know I'm not complaining, but when that much sweat is dripping off, it's not ideal for walking miles. A couple of days we "swam" in the pool instead, if by swam you understand I mean mostly floated around. It's enjoyable.

And let's be clear, the beach was still very nice!

I like to pick up shells, and got a few, though as our timing worked out, it was better for walking than for shelling both days when we went, smoother and less shelly underfoot. My feet were glad of it! On Monday I found this shell, perfect.

And I had hopes for this one, but when I poked at it, its occupant turned it firmly back down, so I left it as it was. "I'm not done with it yet!"

Also on Monday we had a neighbors reunion, having lunch with sisters who lived across the street from us when we were kids. Funny how they seemed so much older than me then, and now, it doesn't register. It was so nice to see them again and do some catching up.

Tuesday we drove over to Everglades City to take the boat tour. Again, super hot, and it's a good thing I put on sunblock because in spite of it being overcast, I got some sun. Should have worn a hat, in fact, as the top of my head got tender, but then I might have passed out if I'd worn one, so perhaps best not.

When I'm in Florida, I always think of one of my friends who's into manatees in a big way. So I had to get a picture of the Manatee Zone sign, of course.

(Got one of Manatee Road another day, too.

)

Our friend the brown pelican.

And an osprey, chilling in a tree.

Another pelican.

Terns on a post.

Off in the hazy distance, Marco Island.

Nearer sunset, this will be covered with a million birds, more or less. I've seen it that way.

The dot in the middle there is a dolphin. Click on the picture to see it better.

Large (relatively) white bird in the middle. Ibis? Maybe?

Terns on the sign again, lined up better.

Driving home: a flock of egrets on a lawn.

Because that happens there.

The path to the beach.

Hot, yes, but gorgeous.

I mean, really.

Just perfect.

On Friday we took the little boat tour from the Conservancy in Naples. It's hard to believe that this is behind the scenes in the middle of a city.

That's a mango tree!

This time, instead of the usual tour, we took one that took us to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Fun change!

We also had time to look around the Conservancy before the tour. They had some very nice exhibits, new I think since my last visit. Another manatee sighting!

And a (live) turtle, floating with his reflection.

Fishes.

Dinner and a show Friday night: big lightning off in the distance while we ate. Kind of neat.

I mean, check out the sky.

And one night we saw a rainbow! Here's the left half.

And the right half!

Dinner on Thursday, and another threatening sky that fortunately did not douse us.

Some oddball things. Like, someone thinks their Nissan Versa is "gorgeous"?

See, above the Nissan logo? I guess that proves what is in the eye of the beholder, all right.

We had dinner Sunday at a local sports bar with this sign.

Which was somewhat ironic, as there were some people there who were very, very drunk, and really, really LOUD. The kind of thing that makes you hurry to leave, but is a good story later. (She has 13 brothers and sisters! And is on her third marriage! And...way more than I would ever want to know about even a friend, let alone a complete stranger.)

Meanwhile, in another restaurant, I liked this sign.

A funny thing to rule against, but I'm okay with it.

For my return flight, I was thrilled to have an empty seat next to me, such a rarity these days, and such a difference it makes in the comfort of the flight. When I had checked in on Friday, I saw that there was a window seat left that had an empty seat next to it, and I switched to it figuring that, while the middle seat would probably end up being filled, there was that chance--and it worked! Wonderful. That flight even left a little early; got in a little early; my bag was about the sixth one on the belt; the shuttle pulled up just as I got to the area for it; and I hit no traffic going home (not that I expected to, but still). All quite painless, and were the cats glad to see me! And how. Belmont has taken to coming to the bed when I go, something she has never regularly done, as though she just can't stand to be in the living room alone. They follow me around, and welcome me rapturously when I return after being gone for an hour. It's quite sweet, in a slightly suffocating way. Such are cats.

I Am Home

I got home last night, actually, and today I have piddled away with the cats and the newspapers and grocery shopping, and dinner with a friend, and I regret none of it, but it leaves me not updating here fully tonight. SorryNotSorry.

Come back tomorrow or so, for more like this.

And other assorted things. Though I didn't get a photo of the sign warning one not to harass the alligators. Next time. Always leave something for next time.

A Quiet Prep Day

Since I didn't have anything else on the docket today, I could intersperse packing and trip preparation with reading and cat maintenance*, making for a pleasantly non-rushed day. And the weather was perfect for making me appreciate my destination, since 70 and rain moving in is not my idea of summer weather. I painted my toenails, and my feet got cold before I could put slippers back on: ridiculous.
*They have no idea that I was trying to give them extra attention, of course; they take it in stride, and want more. Cats.

Other than the morning things, I just have to zip up the suitcase and put away a few things I didn't use, and I'll be set to go. I'm going to have dinner, wash a few dishes, and take out the trash, things like that, then get ready for bed.

Leaving, on a jet plane... Have a good week, everyone!

Of Hockey and Not Much Packing (yet)

Well, the Bruins have made some interesting moves today, if you define interesting as "only time will tell if they make any sense whatsoever".

• Since they couldn't afford to re-sign Soderberg, they traded his rights for draft picks.
• They couldn't come to terms with Dougie Hamilton, only one of their best defensemen (and man, I think he's only 22, too), so they traded him for ... draft picks.
• And then they traded Lucic to LA for an AHL player, a prospect, and  ... a draft pick. (And Lucic went on record that he was happy to be going to a team that knows how to win, which, ouch, dude, that is so tacky.)

The thinking was that perhaps, with the three draft picks they had mid-first round this year, perhaps they were planning something to move up, but either they weren't, or they couldn't make a deal, so they picked three guys (including one, picked at #15, who was estimated to go at #40, so way to pick down, guys. Lord.) who might, with luck, play in the NHL in a couple of years. Man, I hope this comes to make more sense sometime.

Meanwhile, I did some laundry, ran a few errands, went for a walk, and otherwise piddled about doing this and that. Tomorrow I have to buckle down and get to packing, as I leave Sunday morning at oh-god-hundred.

Speaking of the trip, I remember thinking when I made the reservation, early in May, that "by that time, it will be warm here!" Which it has been, at times, and then it gets cool again, and then warmer, and hot, and almost warm, and ... what we have not achieved is consistency. So I am delighted to be spending a week where I can expect the same weather every day.

And the fact that it's hot doesn't bother me a bit, thank you.

Plus, you know, my mama.

Always.

Accolades for my Favorite

Guess who was the only Bruin to win an award at last night's show?

And won it for the third time in four years!

Guess which shirt I was wearing today?

That's my boy.

The House of Sleeping Cats

At 2 AM, when Carlos decides he needs food, and gives a soft "mrp" every ten seconds until I get up, I am ready to kill him.

At any time, when Belmont decides she needs ... something ... and screeches "RAOW" over and over, I want to kill her.

But sometimes, peace descends.

Simultaneously, even.

In other scenes from around, I had to look up what the F L T on the Odd Fellows sign stood for (it's friendship, love, and truth, according to Wikipedia).

My dad was an Odd Fellow!

Next: spacing and why it matters, exhibit A.

Unless you can tell me what a "carec" is and why it has its own entrance.

And finally:

How much do you have to love toast to get it on your license plate?

Monday Report

Earlier today I went for a nice walk with one of my recent coworkers--it was a beautiful day, warm and with a breeze to take the edge off the humidity--and then we went for ice cream. Because why exercise without celebrating it properly? My feet are a little tender now, they're such wusses, but overall je ne regrette rien.

Then I was off to a friend's house to hang out with her kids while she went to a doctor's appointment; at 10 and 7, they could take care of themselves, so it really wasn't babysitting so much as being there in case of anything weird. (For that matter, she could have brought them and had them wait in the waiting room for her, but this way she didn't have to think about them; I was free, so why not?) She and I had a nice chat afterward, and agreed that we should get together regularly while we can. Looking on the bright side of unemployment!

I also heard from a recruiter today, through LinkedIn, and while it may come to absolutely nothing (it wasn't about a specific position, just generally), it still feels encouraging. I need encouraging. Don't we all, one way or another?

Tomorrow I'm going to visit my friend with the baby (to be honest, anyone who will let me hold their baby is a friend!), and get some mood enhancement that way. Then I have my haircut, and the macabre pleasure of telling the hairdresser about the layoff. I'm also going to go back to the layers; we were trying to grow them out, so still short hair but more all-one-length, but it's been getting on my nerves (and, in the car with the windows down, in my eyes, which Will Not Do), and just now, I need my hair to be quiet and not cause trouble.

I think that's all for today.