The search has ended! I am now an employee of the DHL Library at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.
I received the telephone call late this morning. When they told me the salary, I was disappointed and slightly offended. They asked if I am interested in the position and I asked a little time to think about it.
The salary is less then what I made at SCAD so I first felt like it was an insult, but then after mulling over it for an hour I changed my mind.
A friend reminded me of the job security you have with the state as well as the state benefits. Another friend reminded me SCAD is a private institution and NCSU is a state institution so there is bound to be a difference in salaries and yet another friend reminded me that in times like a recession it is not wise to pass up an offer.
Sometimes one needs to take a step back before going forward.
My first day is next Wednesday.
02 April 2008
29 March 2008
Slender beams of moonlight enter this darkened place as I kneel, always somber, always silent, frozen here, waiting.
Haloed forms wrought in panes of glass loom as dust dances in the air, forming an image in my mind, sparing not my exposed soul.
A reflection on a mirror's face.
I raise my head, now defying this callous light.
24 March 2008
Too Familiar
I am heading back to North Carolina today. I am leaving a day later because of the martinis. That is all I am going to say about that.
The above picture is all too familiar lately. I believe I have almost everything, but there are a few more items I will need to come back for at some point. However, this should be the last UHaul I will need to rent. Yay!
It was fun to be back home and see everyone. We had a swell time. ☺
20 March 2008
Heading Home
I am heading home today for three days. My family and friends wish me to visit and I need to pick up more of my belongings. I really cannot afford to be doing this, but I figure I had better do it now in case I end up with a new job soon.
Apparently, my references are being checked because one of my references telephoned me to let me know. Yay, I may be employed again! It will be a bit odd not working for myself anymore, but then again actually having a regular salary, well that is just too sweet.
I guess I should pack a few things and get ready to leave a little later. It is a 5-½ hour drive and I do not wish to be getting to Savannah too late. I am a little dazed now because I woke up around 4:30 this morning. Tabitha, the destroyer, the annoying one, the NQR, was hurling herself against one of the bedroom windows making the freaky noises she often does.
Anyhow I kicked her out the room and closed the door and tried to go back to sleep, but to no avail. I finally got out of bed around 5:30. This should prove to be an interesting drive.
(*NQR= Not Quite Right. This is a term I use often to describe all sorts of things.)
19 March 2008
Cast Iron Tub
Today I helped Destin move her claw-foot cast iron tub up to her loft on the second level. She just had to have a cast iron tub!
My arms feel… no, I cannot feel my arms. My back well that I can feel. Oh, can I!
We then proceeded to play plumber and attached shower/tub fixtures. We also cut plastic pipes and reattached them to other plastic thingies with purple glue like substance that made us high.
13 March 2008
Ebay and Other News
I found some rather neat things to sell on ebay lately. I am not sure I will get much for these things, but they are sure interesting, if not a little amusing.
The pamphlet I believe is from around 1960. As you can see, they used the “R” word! I remember growing up you would hear kids calling other kids that name. A teacher or parent would politely say that it was not nice to call someone that because it is not fair to those who really are “that way”.
So times change. When I was at university and in art education the word of choice was "mentally deficient", MD for short. Ha! That’s great. We figured it was a less offensive word because children would be less likely to run around and call one another mentally deficient.
It just does not have the same ring to it. Anyhow, I am not sure what is PC now, but the last I heard was “Special Needs”. Of course, this is all in jest, but when I found this pamphlet, it did make me laugh. Times have changed, indeed.
I also found these dated materials on how to discus certain growing up issues with your children. They too, are very amusing.
Apparently in 1943, the key to getting the proper amount of iron in your diet was to eat mass quantities of molasses. Below is a small recipe booklet by a molasses company called, Grandma’s Old Fashioned Molasses.
In other news, I received a telephone call from NC State yesterday. They would like to hire me for a different position than the one I applied. It has better hours as well as more interesting duties to perform. However, since it is a State institution I have to go through all the hoops with the application process. Which means the position has to be listed for a certain period. Then they are required to interview a certain number of applicants, etc.
I was grateful and told them thank you and that I would apply immediately. I took care of it as soon as I hung up the phone. I noticed the position being listed for less than a week. The listing closes on the 14th and the proposed hire date is the 15th. Usually they list openings for two or three weeks. Also they stated they wanted me for the position. We shall see.
The pamphlet I believe is from around 1960. As you can see, they used the “R” word! I remember growing up you would hear kids calling other kids that name. A teacher or parent would politely say that it was not nice to call someone that because it is not fair to those who really are “that way”.
So times change. When I was at university and in art education the word of choice was "mentally deficient", MD for short. Ha! That’s great. We figured it was a less offensive word because children would be less likely to run around and call one another mentally deficient.
It just does not have the same ring to it. Anyhow, I am not sure what is PC now, but the last I heard was “Special Needs”. Of course, this is all in jest, but when I found this pamphlet, it did make me laugh. Times have changed, indeed.
I also found these dated materials on how to discus certain growing up issues with your children. They too, are very amusing.
Apparently in 1943, the key to getting the proper amount of iron in your diet was to eat mass quantities of molasses. Below is a small recipe booklet by a molasses company called, Grandma’s Old Fashioned Molasses.
You too can look like these kids, jacked up on sugar!
In other news, I received a telephone call from NC State yesterday. They would like to hire me for a different position than the one I applied. It has better hours as well as more interesting duties to perform. However, since it is a State institution I have to go through all the hoops with the application process. Which means the position has to be listed for a certain period. Then they are required to interview a certain number of applicants, etc.
I was grateful and told them thank you and that I would apply immediately. I took care of it as soon as I hung up the phone. I noticed the position being listed for less than a week. The listing closes on the 14th and the proposed hire date is the 15th. Usually they list openings for two or three weeks. Also they stated they wanted me for the position. We shall see.
06 March 2008
What Did You Do Today?
Today I cleaned up pigeon shit and dead pigeons.
In other news, I recently completed my first sales on eBay. I made $240 selling off bits of my life! Then this afternoon I come to find out I sent two bidders the wrong power cords to go with the computer equipment they purchased. They each got the other’s power cord.
Now I have pay for the return shipping on the power cords and then ship them back to the correct people. Ugh!
03 March 2008
Interview
The interview went well today and it did not take place in the coffee shop. We only met there. Everyone I met was nice and the meeting was very relaxed. I got a good vibe from the experience. The librarian I met with wanted to know if I was planning on going to library school. I mentioned have thought about it, but at this point the thought of adding more to my already outrageous student load debt makes me cringe.
She added employees receive three free classes an academic year and she would not be against me wanting to get a MLIS degree. She said she wants everyone to be happy working in the library and not feel as if they are stuck doing what they are doing. This made me feel positive about the environment.
After the interview, I met with a benefits coordinator. She went over some of the benefits briefly. I also had to give her a form I filled out for a background check.
It is odd. The state requires you to deduct 6% every month to go into a mandatory retirement fund. However, the money just sits in an account and earns no interest. What is up with that? I still think it is a good idea though. At least it is something.
Payday is monthly on the last working day of the month. That will take some getting used to and some very strong budgeting skills!
The drive into Raleigh was not too bad as was the return drive, but I can see where at some point the drive will probably get to me. It is an hour and ten minutes. However I have to look at the fact if I do get the position it's an evening shift so I will be driving reverse traffic.
We shall see.
She added employees receive three free classes an academic year and she would not be against me wanting to get a MLIS degree. She said she wants everyone to be happy working in the library and not feel as if they are stuck doing what they are doing. This made me feel positive about the environment.
After the interview, I met with a benefits coordinator. She went over some of the benefits briefly. I also had to give her a form I filled out for a background check.
It is odd. The state requires you to deduct 6% every month to go into a mandatory retirement fund. However, the money just sits in an account and earns no interest. What is up with that? I still think it is a good idea though. At least it is something.
Payday is monthly on the last working day of the month. That will take some getting used to and some very strong budgeting skills!
The drive into Raleigh was not too bad as was the return drive, but I can see where at some point the drive will probably get to me. It is an hour and ten minutes. However I have to look at the fact if I do get the position it's an evening shift so I will be driving reverse traffic.
We shall see.
02 March 2008
Outer Banks
Today Destin and I took a road trip to the Outer Banks. I think we both needed to get out of town and see the mighty ocean. We ended up driving to a rather secluded beach area on Nags Head. It was cold, but we had a good time and we took many photographs some of which are below.
Well, I would write more, but I am exhausted and I have a job interview tomorrow. Do you think I will get to sleep tonight? Ha!
The fabulous, Miss Destin.
Dynamic Duo
Moonscapes on the beach!
I love the macro setting on my camera.
We came across an abandoned hotel that was being buried by the sand. It must have been destroyed by one of the many hurricanes of two years ago. It is amazing how quickly nature is consuming this place. Destin and I have decided to move in.
27 February 2008
Job Interview
I have a job interview at NC State in Raleigh Monday afternoon at 4:00 PM. It has been awhile since I have been to one of those and I am not sure what I should wear. I guess people still wear suits to such things. On the other hand, has that formality gone the wayside too? We are meeting at a coffee shop located next to the library on campus. Very odd.
Anyway, I am financially wiped out so my own business, KAJC Designs has now become a part-time venture. During the end of last year, it just fizzled out. Like a great desert, my clients dried up. Now that I moved to a new state I need to build clients around here and this will take time and so it's back to being under the thumb of someone else. Sigh.
Oh well, it is actually the best way to get out and meet people. Oh my, is that a glimpse of a bright outlook? Wow and it is coming from me!
Anyway, I am financially wiped out so my own business, KAJC Designs has now become a part-time venture. During the end of last year, it just fizzled out. Like a great desert, my clients dried up. Now that I moved to a new state I need to build clients around here and this will take time and so it's back to being under the thumb of someone else. Sigh.
Oh well, it is actually the best way to get out and meet people. Oh my, is that a glimpse of a bright outlook? Wow and it is coming from me!
18 February 2008
Keyboard Grossness
Clean your keyboards! This weekend I decided to clean. One of the items was my iMac’s keyboard. The above picture shows you exactly how gross your keyboard can be.
Anyhow, I truly live an exciting life. Clean your keyboards!
11 February 2008
Bleak, Bleak, Bleak
I went to the Main Street Café this morning to have coffee and visit the Internet, BUT they were out of coffee and the Internet was non-functioning! WTF?
08 February 2008
I’m Here
I made it to Tarboro this Monday past. I left a day later the expected so I had very little help unloading the truck. So I moved everything all myself except at the very end when Miss Betty (aka StillMa or Destin and Emma’s mother) graciously offered to help with boxes and the beastly bedstead, which ways about the same as a Smart Car. She also provided constant pep talks. ☺
The next day I could barely move about, but I did my best. I did lose 3.6 lbs though! The house I am staying in while working in the loft is rather nice. So I have been trying to make it comfortable for a temporary stay without going overboard. Today I am still unpacking some items and searching for other items. It’s weird how things disappear when you move even though everything was clearly marked.
Last night I received an invitation from Robert Whitehead to attended a social function at the Blount-Bridgers House, a historic home directly across the street from where I am staying. Mr. Whitehead has some of his personal collection of African, Caribbean and African American art and memorabilia on display.
I met a few people and handed out my business card. It was quick little event, but I didn’t get to see much of the house. I will have to visit it some time later.
As far as Internet access goes I don’t have it at the house where I am staying, but there’s Internet access at the Main Street Café where I am currently writing this. Also I will be setting up a wireless system at the building where I will be living in soon.
You know it’s funny being new to such a small town. The people here are just so intrigued as to you who you are and where you come from. I mean just walking down the street people just stare. It’s a little unsettling, but amusing at the same time. I guess this is the closest thing to how a celebrity must feel like when out and about in daily life?
The next day I could barely move about, but I did my best. I did lose 3.6 lbs though! The house I am staying in while working in the loft is rather nice. So I have been trying to make it comfortable for a temporary stay without going overboard. Today I am still unpacking some items and searching for other items. It’s weird how things disappear when you move even though everything was clearly marked.
Last night I received an invitation from Robert Whitehead to attended a social function at the Blount-Bridgers House, a historic home directly across the street from where I am staying. Mr. Whitehead has some of his personal collection of African, Caribbean and African American art and memorabilia on display.
I met a few people and handed out my business card. It was quick little event, but I didn’t get to see much of the house. I will have to visit it some time later.
As far as Internet access goes I don’t have it at the house where I am staying, but there’s Internet access at the Main Street Café where I am currently writing this. Also I will be setting up a wireless system at the building where I will be living in soon.
You know it’s funny being new to such a small town. The people here are just so intrigued as to you who you are and where you come from. I mean just walking down the street people just stare. It’s a little unsettling, but amusing at the same time. I guess this is the closest thing to how a celebrity must feel like when out and about in daily life?
04 February 2008
Moving Day
The day finally has arrived! I was supposed to have left yesterday, but it turned out I could not fit everything into the truck so I had to pull stuff, rearrange and decide what could be left behind for me to pick up at another time. This was an all day affair.
Now here it is almost noon and I'm still not ready. Ugh! It's time to adopt the Doris Day attitude. Ka Sera Sera, what will be, will be. The truck doesn't have to be turned in until 1:25 PM tomorrow so I have decided not to worry about it.
I am exhausted. I was up at 2:30 AM, 3:15AM, 4:40 AM and then I finally go out of bed at 5:00 AM. Now it's time for a 5 1/2 hour journey.
Well I must dash. I have a few more things to gather up and then I need to round up the cats. Oh, joy!
01 February 2008
Middle-Aged?
I just realised I'm considered middle-aged. Apparently to some I have been middle-aged for five years now. I am not sure as to how I feel about this or if it should matter. Should I dress differently? Should I quit World of Warcraft? Should I begin taking Geritol?
I'm always the last to know.
I'm always the last to know.
29 January 2008
Last Minute Stuff
Wow, the moving day is fast approaching. I have plenty of last minute stuff to take care of and everyone seems to want to do something with me before I leave so trying to squeeze everything in is a bit daunting.
I was able to pay for two extra days for storage and this has pushed the moving day back to this Saturday. If I did not do this then I would be loading the truck myself. Now I have several friends who have offered to help. Yay!
However, I have so much to do in such little time, ahhhh!
I was able to pay for two extra days for storage and this has pushed the moving day back to this Saturday. If I did not do this then I would be loading the truck myself. Now I have several friends who have offered to help. Yay!
However, I have so much to do in such little time, ahhhh!
25 January 2008
The Tarboro Chronicles
This morning was freezing. I could not paint because it just wouldn’t dry very well and the paint probably was near frozen. The patches I did to the walls were still wet as was the caulk around the windows. I think my breath was freezing as it left my mouth and then fell to the floor and shattered. It was that cold.
Basically I cleaned everything up. I put all my tools away. I stared at pigeon shit. I paced the floors. I started thinking as to where all the furniture will go. I tried to light a kerosene heater, but all I got was soot… in my face. I thought about would my heaters be able to heat this place. I thought about how I will install air conditioners into the iron industrial windows.
I am heading home tomorrow. I have to figure out the move. Do I move everything now or do it later? There is so much stuff in the way of me getting my own stuff in I may need a month or so to clear things out first. Then I can return to Savannah and get the rest of my things.
The best news is I may stay in the house I am crashing in until May if I would like to. I think I am going to take them up on it for now. This means the cats and I will have a warm clean place to dwell. I can now work on the loft space at a more leisurely pace.
A few months ago I was so certain about this move, but not anymore. I’m still feeling disconnected from this whole thing. I am not sure why. I used to pick up and move all the time and not think twice. This time however I am so indecisive and removed.
Fortunately everyone here has been rather nice. Destin has helped me with moving things around and giving suggestions. Betty brought me lentil stew last night for dinner and a sandwich for lunch today. She’s such a mum!
Perhaps when the whole moving process and construction process and finding a job / clients process is over with I will feel much better about this.
Basically I cleaned everything up. I put all my tools away. I stared at pigeon shit. I paced the floors. I started thinking as to where all the furniture will go. I tried to light a kerosene heater, but all I got was soot… in my face. I thought about would my heaters be able to heat this place. I thought about how I will install air conditioners into the iron industrial windows.
I am heading home tomorrow. I have to figure out the move. Do I move everything now or do it later? There is so much stuff in the way of me getting my own stuff in I may need a month or so to clear things out first. Then I can return to Savannah and get the rest of my things.
The best news is I may stay in the house I am crashing in until May if I would like to. I think I am going to take them up on it for now. This means the cats and I will have a warm clean place to dwell. I can now work on the loft space at a more leisurely pace.
A few months ago I was so certain about this move, but not anymore. I’m still feeling disconnected from this whole thing. I am not sure why. I used to pick up and move all the time and not think twice. This time however I am so indecisive and removed.
Fortunately everyone here has been rather nice. Destin has helped me with moving things around and giving suggestions. Betty brought me lentil stew last night for dinner and a sandwich for lunch today. She’s such a mum!
Perhaps when the whole moving process and construction process and finding a job / clients process is over with I will feel much better about this.
24 January 2008
The Tarboro Chronicles
This morning I could not get out of bed, as my back would not cooperate. I have a back issue, which I never have bothered to have fully checked out. Apparently it’s a slipped disc. Anyhow I wanted to get up and out of bed, but my body would not cooperate so I stayed in bed ‘till I couldn’t any longer.
It was pathetic I had to roll myself off the air mattress and then get on my knees. I then proceeded with some Yoga exercises. With the aid of a wall and fireplace mantle I managed to stand up. I took a nice long shower and then proceeded to shave. That was an interesting experience! I had to spread eagle, slightly bend forward, prop myself up with one arm while using the other to wet my face!
I then made breakfast and hurried on out the door. I went to a hardware store to pick up a few items and then headed to the hellhole. When I got up to my level those two pigeons where hanging out in the area I just cleaned. You can imagine my distress.
I shooed them away and managed to get them out an open window. I then proceeded to close all the windows so they could not return. I feel a little sad for having to evict them from the building. They were paired together and I believe pigeons, like love birds mate for life. I don’t think they built a true nest nor did they lay any eggs yet because it is winter. However I am keeping my ears out for any peeping sounds. If I hear them the windows are going to be opened again. My love of animals and nature runs strong. I’m extremely empathetic. Yes, this means I am a sap.
However, I know it is for the best because I just can’t live with all the shit. Literally!
Today I managed do some repair work on the ceiling in the temporary living room / kitchenette. I patched several holes in the drywall. I hope it will all be dry tomorrow because I would like to get both rooms painted.
Working on a ceiling patch.
I managed to butcher a door, but I did get it hung. What can I say? The jig saw went right when it should have gone left! I also caulked the windows and added some weather stripping though I think it’s not going to be too effective. The windows are old iron industrial windows.
I also need to replace each pane of glass because they are currently opaque, which is to say you cannot see through them. There is one window that has a few panes of glass, which are clear, but I would like them all to be the same. I also think it’s important for the cats to be able to see outside.
Having this view has been keeping me going.
My plan was to head home tomorrow, but it looks like that’s not happening. I have way too much to do so I will stay until Saturday if I must. Like I mentioned before I still need to paint.
The weather has been progressively getting colder since I’ve been here. Tonight it’s supposed to go down to 22F and tomorrows high is only going to be 35F. This should prove interesting since the paint can states you should not paint below 50F. I have to paint anyway because this all needs to be completed before I leave.
I miss Nora-Grace and Tabitha. ☹
It was pathetic I had to roll myself off the air mattress and then get on my knees. I then proceeded with some Yoga exercises. With the aid of a wall and fireplace mantle I managed to stand up. I took a nice long shower and then proceeded to shave. That was an interesting experience! I had to spread eagle, slightly bend forward, prop myself up with one arm while using the other to wet my face!
I then made breakfast and hurried on out the door. I went to a hardware store to pick up a few items and then headed to the hellhole. When I got up to my level those two pigeons where hanging out in the area I just cleaned. You can imagine my distress.
I shooed them away and managed to get them out an open window. I then proceeded to close all the windows so they could not return. I feel a little sad for having to evict them from the building. They were paired together and I believe pigeons, like love birds mate for life. I don’t think they built a true nest nor did they lay any eggs yet because it is winter. However I am keeping my ears out for any peeping sounds. If I hear them the windows are going to be opened again. My love of animals and nature runs strong. I’m extremely empathetic. Yes, this means I am a sap.
However, I know it is for the best because I just can’t live with all the shit. Literally!
Today I managed do some repair work on the ceiling in the temporary living room / kitchenette. I patched several holes in the drywall. I hope it will all be dry tomorrow because I would like to get both rooms painted.
Working on a ceiling patch.
I managed to butcher a door, but I did get it hung. What can I say? The jig saw went right when it should have gone left! I also caulked the windows and added some weather stripping though I think it’s not going to be too effective. The windows are old iron industrial windows.
I also need to replace each pane of glass because they are currently opaque, which is to say you cannot see through them. There is one window that has a few panes of glass, which are clear, but I would like them all to be the same. I also think it’s important for the cats to be able to see outside.
Having this view has been keeping me going.
My plan was to head home tomorrow, but it looks like that’s not happening. I have way too much to do so I will stay until Saturday if I must. Like I mentioned before I still need to paint.
The weather has been progressively getting colder since I’ve been here. Tonight it’s supposed to go down to 22F and tomorrows high is only going to be 35F. This should prove interesting since the paint can states you should not paint below 50F. I have to paint anyway because this all needs to be completed before I leave.
I miss Nora-Grace and Tabitha. ☹
23 January 2008
The Tarboro Chronicles
Today was my first day working on the space. The loft, the studio, the HELLHOLE! What the bloody hell am I doing? Why am I here? WTF?
No, no. I know why I am here. I know what I have to do. It’s just not sitting right with me. Perhaps it’s all the work I must do to get this place habitable. Perhaps it’s because I am in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps it’s because it’s all unfamiliar. I think it’s all of these things. Though when I was younger I would not have thought twice about it.
Okay, let me take a sip of my bourbon and water. Ah… that’s good. When I got up this morning I had to return the U-Haul trailer. The return place was in what more or less I would describe as “The Hood”. It is a storage place and there are a few U-Haul trailers outside in the parking lot. There was no sign of an office. I had to enquire in a fuel station where a rather large, pregnant looking teenager with stringy greasy hair and acne greeted me.
“You’re not from around here”. I replied; “No mam, I’m from Georgia.” Georgia? What you doin’ here?” I finally get a word in … “Yes, Savannah, Georgia and I am relocating here.
“Why you moving here? No one moves here. Everyone leaves.” She starts to cackle, “Get out while you can!” I finally get to inquire as to where the U-Haul office is located and she points across the street. This “office” is located in the rear of a house and it had no signs. Anyhow I returned the damned thing late, but the smoking lady with the no smoking signs did not charge me extra. However I did have to drive back across the street and unhook the trailer myself.
So today I began working on the space, but I did spend about an hour freaking out about why I am here. Seeing the space now for the second time I discovered some more “issues” that are going to make it more of a challenge. I started to think about actually moving to Florida instead! Y’all know my opinion on Florida.
There are two pigeons flying about on my level. Now how do I get them out? At one time there were quite a few pigeons and so there is quite a bit of pigeon shit EVERYWHERE!
I spent a fair part of my day cleaning up pigeon shit and tomorrow I shall do the same and probably the next day too. Don’t worry I am wearing a mask. Those nasty droppings have particles that can cause blindness and I don’t want that. Who ever heard of a blind interior decorator?
Insulating the windows is going to be a bit of an issue too. Temporarily I intend on using that stick on plastic, which you shrink with a hair dryer, but I am not sure it will stick to the iron frame of the windows because there is very little frame to begin with.
My intention is to build storm windows out of wood and Plexiglas, but this is too expensive for me now. I may have to figure out away to do it anyway.
I did manage to cut an entrance between the two rooms I will be living in. It was quite rewarding using a reciprocating saw. I actually lost myself in it and didn’t think about my insane life for about 30 minutes. I also was able to vacuum years of dirt, dust and cobwebs.
It turns out I don’t have to stay in the building while I am working on it. My friends’ mother has a sister who purchased a house next to hers. It is a renovation project as they live in Florida. You see, I just can’t get away from Florida people! Anyway I am staying in this home. It is a wonderful house. It has a fabulous wrap around porch with Corinthian columns. The original house was built in 1895 and there was an addition added in 1915. It has been completely renovated with new wiring, windows and kitchen. The hardwood floors have been refinished too and there is an instant hot water shower, but most importantly there is HEAT!
Well, I’m off to bed. I believe tomorrow should prove equally interesting.
No, no. I know why I am here. I know what I have to do. It’s just not sitting right with me. Perhaps it’s all the work I must do to get this place habitable. Perhaps it’s because I am in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps it’s because it’s all unfamiliar. I think it’s all of these things. Though when I was younger I would not have thought twice about it.
The face of trepidation, anxiety & exhaustion.
Okay, let me take a sip of my bourbon and water. Ah… that’s good. When I got up this morning I had to return the U-Haul trailer. The return place was in what more or less I would describe as “The Hood”. It is a storage place and there are a few U-Haul trailers outside in the parking lot. There was no sign of an office. I had to enquire in a fuel station where a rather large, pregnant looking teenager with stringy greasy hair and acne greeted me.
“You’re not from around here”. I replied; “No mam, I’m from Georgia.” Georgia? What you doin’ here?” I finally get a word in … “Yes, Savannah, Georgia and I am relocating here.
“Why you moving here? No one moves here. Everyone leaves.” She starts to cackle, “Get out while you can!” I finally get to inquire as to where the U-Haul office is located and she points across the street. This “office” is located in the rear of a house and it had no signs. Anyhow I returned the damned thing late, but the smoking lady with the no smoking signs did not charge me extra. However I did have to drive back across the street and unhook the trailer myself.
So today I began working on the space, but I did spend about an hour freaking out about why I am here. Seeing the space now for the second time I discovered some more “issues” that are going to make it more of a challenge. I started to think about actually moving to Florida instead! Y’all know my opinion on Florida.
There are two pigeons flying about on my level. Now how do I get them out? At one time there were quite a few pigeons and so there is quite a bit of pigeon shit EVERYWHERE!
I spent a fair part of my day cleaning up pigeon shit and tomorrow I shall do the same and probably the next day too. Don’t worry I am wearing a mask. Those nasty droppings have particles that can cause blindness and I don’t want that. Who ever heard of a blind interior decorator?
Insulating the windows is going to be a bit of an issue too. Temporarily I intend on using that stick on plastic, which you shrink with a hair dryer, but I am not sure it will stick to the iron frame of the windows because there is very little frame to begin with.
My intention is to build storm windows out of wood and Plexiglas, but this is too expensive for me now. I may have to figure out away to do it anyway.
Ah, satisfaction!
I did manage to cut an entrance between the two rooms I will be living in. It was quite rewarding using a reciprocating saw. I actually lost myself in it and didn’t think about my insane life for about 30 minutes. I also was able to vacuum years of dirt, dust and cobwebs.
This will be the temporary living room/kitchenette.
It turns out I don’t have to stay in the building while I am working on it. My friends’ mother has a sister who purchased a house next to hers. It is a renovation project as they live in Florida. You see, I just can’t get away from Florida people! Anyway I am staying in this home. It is a wonderful house. It has a fabulous wrap around porch with Corinthian columns. The original house was built in 1895 and there was an addition added in 1915. It has been completely renovated with new wiring, windows and kitchen. The hardwood floors have been refinished too and there is an instant hot water shower, but most importantly there is HEAT!
Well, I’m off to bed. I believe tomorrow should prove equally interesting.
22 January 2008
North Carolina
Today I am heading to North Carolina with a load of stuff. I have a rather large armoire in the trailer, but most of the items are for creating a habitable space in the “warehouse” area of the building.
Of course, this is the week of cold weather in N.C. It supposed to warm up a bit after I return home! I truly prefer cooler weather to warm or hot, but I like to be personally warm with the cold around me. Therefore, this should be interesting.
Also according to the directions on the paint cans, it states one should not paint when the temperature is below 50F. That’s just great. It’s supposed to stay below 50 degrees until Saturday. I have to get the painting done so I am going to do it anyway. I need to get as much completed as possible before the bigh move on the 31st.
I have my tent, sleeping bag, and blankets, camp stove, etc. all packed. Yes, I will be camping… in a tent… in a warehouse. Heh, heh, this should be fun!
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