Riding a sugar/terror high

I spent the weekend in a pre-Halloween haze. I wandered amongst a bunch of kids in their costumes on Saturday and glutted myself on scary movies on TV. I spent time working on my costume, too. I can't wait for Halloween tomorrow.

The shoe has dropped

Not about the car. Strictly project related. There was a big budget meeting yesterday and I'll be getting the results today. Initial report is a thumbs up.

Last night I made chocolate chip cookies. I figured they could be congratulatory or conciliatory. Either way, they are tasty. This is my evil plan - when I get a baking jones, I go ahead and bake, but I give away what I make. This time, it's a gift. Usually I wait until no one is looking and then I sneak it onto a table in the middle of the office. I get to hear "Oh no, who brought cookies/brownies/etc." even as they are sneaking a taste.

The photo is from the snow shower earlier this month. Nothing really stuck and we haven't had snow since, though we have had a hard frost. The snow made for a lovely walk in to work.

Le sigh

No car tomorrow. The starter is acting up. Bill is getting it fixed BEFORE he hands it off to me (very nice of him, I must say). So I won't be getting the car right away. I've still got my bus pass, but...I'M SO EXCITED TO HAVE A CAR. I really wanted it this weekend (for some Halloween cruising). Ah well. Soon.

Tomorrow is the big day

I get a car! I think I've got all my paperwork together. I go to the DVS (DMV in MN) and transfer title tomorrow. I can't wait. Whole new worlds are opening up.

snow today

From 80 degrees on Saturday to snow flurries today. But I love it. The air is not that cold, but the cold front has just started to pass through. There were beautiful snow flurries today. I was researching at the library this morning and I kept watching the snow fall outside the window.

My radiators came on last night. I went to bed in a cold room and woke up to warm air covering my like a blanket. It's one of the reasons I really like this apartment. The radiators keep me toasty warm all winter. Tempest likes to curl up near the one in the bedroom.

Keep your fingers crossed

I checked out the car last week and it looks good. I'm having it inspected tomorrow. If it passes, I'm buying it. I'm so excited.

This weekend was lovely. 80 degrees on Saturday and sunshine like liquid gold. I went shopping for presents for my mother and sister. Found some nice things at a store owned by local farmer's market vendors. Their cheese selection made me drool, but I restrained myself. I'll have to set myself a cheese allowance or I'll go overboard in there. I did get some lovely smoked trout, though, that I'll be noshing on soon.

Of course, the weather has now turned. Back to coats and cute boots. This weekend I'll be going to a sheepdog presentation. Should be wonderful

Free coffee

Caribou Coffee was handing out free coffee to commuters this morning, outside of the Xcel Center. It was in honor of the Wild's season opener. There was a band and everything. Fun to watch, although it annoyed others (slowed down traffic).

Yesterday's rain left us with cooler weather. We're in the upper 60's now. 83 on Sunday and Monday was nice, but I've already packed up my sandals. I'm ready for boots.

Speaking of which - I got two new pairs (on sale). The brown boots have the highest heels I've worn. I need to learn how to walk in them.

The photo is of a swarm of pigeons I saw on a walk into work. I did not investigate what they were swarming over, because they freaked me out.

I ate an amygdala

A paper one, but nonetheless. Just felt like it and I was staying late to work on a brain systems puzzle.

Sunday I went to the Renaissance Faire. There will be pictures of it soon (and of North Carolina). I had a great time. I got there early and spent a few hours wandering by myself. Then I was joined by Ethan, his girlfriend and her son. I was nominated guide (even though I only had a few hours on them). Such a nice Faire. Lots of music and acts and street theater. I saw the end of some phenomenal fire eating. The photos is me getting some lovin' from a puppy at the Herpetological Society Booth.

Last night was the season opener for Veronica Mars. I taped it for Susan.

And I'm looking at a car that a co-worker wants to sell. I'll test drive it tomorrow. I'm not the only one in the running, and I refuse to be rushed, but the price is right. We'll see.

Aaaaa...busy

In a good way, though. Works been slamming this week. Lots to get done and not enough people to do it. Lots of frustration and short tempers. I've been acting goofy to try and lighten the mood. Yesterday I ate a paper amygdala, leaving my team shocked but amused. I won a bet about what component our client would not pick (it was close, too. Too close).

On the home front, I was sick the beginning of the week, but massive infusions of water and hot mint tea seem to have alleviated most of the symptoms. But can anyone explain why I still spike a fever of 100 at night?

I did manage a night out. My colleague, Gene, was in town and on his last night here we went to Midtown Global Market. It's a new place, designed along the lines of Reading Terminal Market in Philly. All independent vendors, some food, some retail, all good. The best part is flitting from vendor to vendor getting momos here, bubble tea there, and why not a torta on the side. MMMMM.

Oh and YEA! Ethan's back. He was in NYC and he just stopped by to say hi. Beer tonight at the warehouse.

Weird allergy thing

I think it has mostly passed, but yesterday I woke up and my eyes were swollen. I felt itchy and sneezy all day. Massive dose of antihistimines seems to have minimized the symptoms, but I still feel weird. Fascinating, no?

Feeling temperate

Ahhhh...nothing like a nice relaxing vacation. The Outer Banks were wonderful. We went kayaking and ate delicious food. And there were hours of reading both inside and outside in the sun. Lots of wandering around and taking pictures, too. I'm still feeling relaxed and I can't wait to go back.

Today I remembered how much I love living in a temperate climate. We're having a cold snap, and this morning as I slipped on boots and a comfy turtleneck, I wiggled my toes around. I love wearing boots...and snuggly sweaters and all kinds of cold weather clothes. But I had a flash of deja vu from way back in spring when I got to break out my sandals and my toes got to be free. Guess I just like enjoying the change. There's always something to look forward to.

Almost on my way

Almost ready to leave. I've got a few work things to take care of. And I need to finish packing and cleaning house. But I think everything else is lined up. Can't wait.

Weekend wrap-up

After careful consideration, my plans changed. I'll go to the Ren Faire before the end of the month and I'll rent a car to get there. But it wasn't feasible for this weekend, since I worked on Monday. (I wanted to return the car Monday morning-but the rental place was closed, so they would have charged me for an extra day). And I skipped a return trip to the State Fair. I though long and hard about why I wanted to go back. Yes, the people watching is great and there were some exhibits I wanted to see. But really, I wanted to get to the junk food. So I skipped it.

Instead I made a loooong list of stuff that needs to get done (either in general or before my trip next week) and I got all but TWO items done! I'm pretty happy with that.

Now I'm working on cleaning out the perishable items and I'm making lists of "Things to eat using food I already have that will go bad if I don't finish it". Goat cheese omelet and roast chicken salad here I come.

what to do?

To rent or use the car share...that is the question. Despite anticipated rains, I really want to get out this weekend. I'd like to visit the State Fair one more time and I'd like to visit the MN Ren Faire (which is a ways out). Plus, there are a bunch of driving errands, some near and some far. So what's more economical, renting or car share? Not sure yet.

Locked out

I was locked out of Blogger yesterday. Weird. But all better now.

Calm time. I think my legs have recovered from Sundays Fair day. I would still like to get out for another day, but I'm not sure it will happen. It's just more fun with more than one, but I'm having trouble finding an new partner. All the more reason I'm glad I got Sunday.

Weather has been lovely. It's snuggling in the covers weather in the morning, which is okay with the cat and I. After every time I hit the snooze button, we find an new position and snuggle up.

State Fair

I went to the Guthrie on Friday night and saw Tom Stoppard's "Real Thing". Good play, and good conversation afterwards. Good cocktails, too.

Sunday I went to the State Fair. Kate and I were neophytes and we had primo guides in Rebecca and Beth. I'll post pictures soon.

State Fair

Tomorrow, the State Fair opens. I need to figure out when I'm going. There is so much to do and see. Lots of it is cool, some of it is cheesy. It's just a whole experience. It's here for a week and a half and then gone.

Blah

Feeling at odd ends today. Not sure what to do. I've got a bunch of stuff on hold and some stuff coming up. Nothing as pressing for now, though. Oh well.

Crop Art

So the art project I've been working on is now complete. I took it today to the State Fairgrounds and entered it in competition. You can't see it here (blogger won't let me upload a photo). But I emailed an update for OPhoto.

It's crop art. Which turns out to be lots of fun to do. My bad - it's good.

Wednesday already?

So Saturday was really fun. There were three different conductors who were being critiqued in the Master Class. Each one took a turn directing us. Then the instructor, other students, and even the choir got to offer comments. Really neat to have had so many conductors, so quickly. Makes you realize how much you come to learn the style and body language of your primary conductor. It becomes a symbiotic relationship very quickly.

My art piece is progressing nicely. I've finished the main design and am ready to fill in the background. I'll post pictures soon.

I had a horrible dream this morning. I was in a small house filled with all sorts of people who kept telling me I'd agreed to do things that I hadn't. I tried to talk to them, but my voice was drowned out by the sound of bagpipes being played indoors, very loudly, and slightly off key. It was maddening.

When I woke up? There's a construction crew ripping up the street outside my apartment. Not sure how long they'll be there, but they are astonishingly loud.