Love being right...

We all now that I love to be right. That's probably why Judey doesn't like me all that much. Because I love being right so much that I try really, really hard not to be wrong. And I get this sense of satisfaction when I'm right, that I think is shown clearly on my face. Oh well... a lot of emotions show very clearly on my face - I have a look that says "fuck you" quite clearly, and I can't control it. Oh well, again. Judey will just have to deal with that.

Other than that... not much.

Watched a really cool new show on HBO today - The Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. It's about a woman in Africa who loses her father and decides she's going to move to the city and become a private detective. I love HBO because the show is actually filmed in Africa with wonderful actors. It's a great show if you have the time and opportunity.

Other than that... Work was okay. Boss is crazy... Literally. Nobody likes her. In fact, most people (at least on the staff) loathe her. And I'm not being overdramatic. It's sad - the department would be a really great place to work if it wasn't for her.

Am trying to figure out what I want to do this weekend - go home or stay in Berkeley. My state tax refund is in Stockton... but, I kind of want to hang out around here and do something fun. Not sure yet though. I do know I'll be in Stockton the following week for Easter... we'll see.

A Wonderfully Long Weekend and a Beautiful New Computer

I took Wednesday and Thursday of last week off, and then Friday was a holiday. So I had a wonderful five days off work. Tueday evening my Mom came down and we went to Barney's for dinner. Yummy, obviously. Wednesday we went to the California Academy of Sciences, which was awesome. They have the largest fully digital planetarium in the country, a really cool rainforest habitat, the Steinhart Aquarium, and the living roof. We saw some really amazing things like the albino alligator, the Chinese Giant Salamander (which was about three feet long - if not longer), penguins, and much more. We spent basically all day there and had a great time. We then came back to Berkeley and went to Cancun for dinner, which was excellent.

Thursday I went to Angel Island with Angie. We hiked to the top of Mount Livermore, which only has an elevation of about 782 feet, but an unparalleled view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. We then walked around the island on the Sunset Trail. The weather was superb. We then came back to Berkeley and made pesto - well, Angie made it. It was delicious! It was much easier than I thought to be gourmet.

Friday I went home to Stockton and hung out with Mom, Dad, Peter, and Angela. Then I went with Peter to take Angela to the doctor. The doctor gave her a couple of shots, she was not a happy camper. I felt so bad for her. She started screaming and crying. Peter told her not to be such a chicken. Then she bit him, and he said "OW!" I told him not to be such a chicken. Hahaha.

While we were leaving the doctor's office my roommate called. Someone had broken into our apartment, stolen our laptops, phone chargers, etc... More on this later.

Saturday I went to Great America with Peter, Melanie, Johnnie and Coonie (Melanie's godbrothers). I had a great time. Went on the Vortex, Invertigo, Demon, White Water Rapids, etc. Exhilirating. I also won Angela a huge stuffed whale (black with little sparklies on it). I was so proud of myself. I won it playing the ring toss right before we left. It didn't even fit in the trunk. I mean, it was huge.

Sunday I went to Best Buy with my Mom and bought a new laptop. It's very cool. And pretty. And it wasn't very expensive. Sadly, I have lost all of my pictures and everything else that was on my other laptop. Which was worth much more to me than the laptop itself. When I returned to Berkeley later in the day, I found that they had also taken my iPod docking station and my broadband internet card. So I went and bought a new phone charger and got a new broadband card. Stupid bastards. Ended up spending about $800 yesterday. Oh well. I really like my computer. I wanted a new one anyone, just didn't feel like it was an acceptable expense. But it quickly became acceptable when I no longer had a reliable, fully functional computer.

Today was back to work. The day actually didn't seem to long. Still would be nice to be able to sleep in. I surprised myself by waking up before six today (which is on time to get to work) even though I had forgotten to set my alarm clock. Sigh... Pays off that I can no longer sleep in. Haha.

The Dentist...

I went to the dentist today for the first time in... several years. Of course I have all of the normal excuses - no insurance, no time, no desire... But I finally had to go. Check up and a cleaning. Turns out I need to get a couple of fillings repaired (awesome!), which will cost $150. Geez-a-loo. But, it could be worse. I also made an appointment with an oral surgeon to get my wisdom teeth removed. The dentist today, Dr. Boeck, said... Yep, those definitely need to come out. There's just no room for them in your mouth. So... next month will be fun. hahaha.

Other than that... Things at work are a bit strange. My supervisor was changed. I'm not sure why. It doesn't make a lot of sense. Seems like half of the department staff are my unofficial supervisors. I also am feeling more comfortable speaking up to Judey about work matters - pointing out where her ideas may need revisions, etc. Being off probation is doing a lot for me. Although, after the 21st I may get bumped back down to 80%. My full time status was only temporary. It sounds like it will be extended, but I'm not sure.

Found out today that my walk to work is actually closer to two miles. Meaning I walk about four miles a day. Pretty impressive, if I do say so myself. I actually walked about six miles today - because I walked to the dentist. My feet are a teensy bit sore, but the exercise was worth it. Plus, I passed Cheeseboard on the way home and got a slice of pizza for a late lunch. Yummy! I had forgotten how awesome Cheeseboard is. And inexpensive too. Also, the weather was pretty wonderful. So that was nice.

Anywho... I think I may go see Watchmen. Although, I may wait until next week. Maybe I can go see it after my dental appointment on Tuesday... mmm... A sort of reward for taking care of my dental needs - well other than the fact that my teeth won't rot and fall out. :)

SURPRISE

Hahaha, I doubt anyone even checks to see if I update this anymore. I know I wouldn't, since it's been about four months.

I'm almost off probation at work! Which means that they won't be able to fire me without going through a big, big, big hassle. Especially since I'm union. In times such as these, that's all I can really ask for. I'm very happy to have a job and to work with people I really like... well, except for Judey, but in every life a little rain must fall... And the odd thing is, I think Judey has actually warmed up to me quite a bit and might actually like me. Bizarre. Today was a bit hilarious... Judey was wearing an all purple outfit (pants, shirt, sweater) and I kept thinking, what is so familiar about this? Then it hit me! She looks just like Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, post the dessert course of blueberry pie from the gum. Hahaha. It's also very nice to be accumulating vacation and sick leave, as well as being able to stick money in my savings account every month.

I'm not sure what I'm saving the money for, but I'm saving it. So many things I'd like to do - a new car (newish at least), a trip (or two), etc. etc.

Hm... other than that. Life is just kind of plodding along. My niece, Angela, turned 8 months old today. She's absolutely adorable. She's also a very happy little kid. She laughs and smiles and cuddles.

Adora's wedding plans are moving forward. Less than 10 months and one of my best friends will be married... Crazy! I hope to take a few days off around the wedding so that I can go down and help out with set up and everything. Plus I can take my time coming up and going down.

As for me, I don't plan to date, no matter how many people say that I should be. It's not like I want to be alone, but I don't want to go out and meet a bunch of strangers either...

Okay, so I haven't posted in... forever. I don't tend to use the computer much outside of work anymore. I guess I'm past the point of wanting to be on the computer 24/7. When I was in school it was never a problem; I was on it at home, at school, all the time. Now I'm on it at work, and a lot of the time I don't even turn on my home computer.

I've been working in the Astronomy department for about six or seven weeks now. It's an interesting job most of the time. I do reimbursements, I handle keeping track of the two cars and two parking spaces the department owns, I do the recharge journals (dealing with thousands of dollars... oooo), and various other things around the department. They really like me there - I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that the guy who had the job before me was completely and truly awful. He couldn't do the work, he yelled at people, and he smelled bad (or so they tell me). I can do the work quickly, I am friendly, and everybody (or almost) knew me from when I was a work study. I've been working 32 hours a week, but next week they're bumping me up to full time. Yay! Means more money, which I could use.

Mom and I are planning a trip to Florida to go to Disney World and visit some family in January of 2010. I know, seems like a long way off, but Mom likes to plan that far ahead. Plus, it will give me a chance to save up money and vacation time. :) Found out pretty quickly into the job that I'm not allowed to use my vacation time during my probationary period (the first six months), so that should definitely help me save it up. And because of this, I'm going to have to work on Christmas Eve! What a bummer. Oh well.

I also really want to take a trip sometime during the summer or fall. Perhaps to England. Or maybe somewhere a little closer. I haven't really decided yet. But something interesting and exciting.

Have been reading my way through the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. I really enjoy the Death books and the stories involving Rincewind. But I've only read about nine of them. I've been reading quite a bit. I finally read Mansfield Park. I enjoyed it, but obviously not as much as Pride and Prejudice. The ending didn't seem quite as satisfying - but it was still a happy one for my favorite character. I felt like I could really connect with Fanny Price. Right now am re-reading Jane Eyre. Sigh... I love this book.

Other than that... Peter has my car now. His died. I felt that because he drives to work everyday and has the little one that he needs the car much more than I do. I walk to work and rarely drove my car anymore. I might get it back in a while, but I'm not holding my breath or anything. Angela is beyond adorable. Everytime I see her she seems cuter than the last time. She's smiling and lauging now. She's very curious and loves to look around and play. She's just darling.

Um... that's my life in a nut shell. I work, watch DVDs (from Netflix), hang out with my roommate, Tina, and read books. I also occasionally visit Stockton or my family visits me here. All in all, I'm really enjoying Berkeley.

Moving

I'm moving tomorrow! As I said in my last post I found a really great apartment, and tomorrow is move in. I'm very excited, but in a tired, I can't wait to be done with moving, sort of way. Because I know that the after move - oh crap, I need... shopping will likely occur. Or, the, "maybe I can wait until I'm next at home" thoughts happen. But, it's all worth it.

My parents have also been super great about the whole thing. Financing the move, actually helping me move down there (Peter and Dad), and all that.