The best advice that I have received in a while was from the IT personnel at UW-La Crosse.
I emailed the Information Technology Office with a dilemma of not being able log into my email after changing my password. Lucky me. I clearly described who I was, what my problem was, all the usual items to include. I received the following email in return:
Lindsey, Unfortunately for security reasons you will have to stop by room 103 of the Wing Technology Center with a photo ID for us to reset your password. Sorry for any inconveniences. Thanks. ITS Support Center
Sweet. Thanks for that. Sure let me drive on up there to reset my password...Just what I want to spend an entire day doing. Two minutes later, I received the following email:
Lindsey, After sending you my previous e-mail I noticed that you are an online grad student. In this case you may give us a call so that we can reset your password, but we will have to ask you a few security questions.Sorry for the confusion with my previous e-mail. Thanks. ITS Support Center
Ha, thanks pal. :) Needless to say, all is well now, and I do not anticipate changing my password again...ever.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
May?
On a completely unrelated note from the previous post...can anyone believe that it's really May already? I mean seriously.
Cell Phone, Oh Cell Phone...
So, five long years have past that I have called la Ville de Platte (um...that's Platteville for those of you who don't speak French...or whatever language that may be) home. And in those five years, I have always kept my Iowa local cell phone number. Convenient to those that call me most (Mom, that would be you), but not so convenient to the Plattevillians who want to get ahold of me without paying something like 49 cents per minute to chat. And who can blame them. My wisdom is surely not worth 49 cents per minute.
So, yesterday, I took a leap. I went into the local Radio Shack, and signed up for my own cell phone. The cord has been cut, the damage done. There's no turning back. But for the next few weeks, as I try frantically to tell everyone I know to call my new number (which shouldn't take too long, I don't know all that many people), I will have three phones to keep track of. Original cell phone, which has treated me well all through my higher education, Home phone line, which was only created as a desperate plea to hold a free Internet connection, and New cell phone, which hopefully soon with be my one and only phone.
So, in an effort to clear up the confusion, please call the following number (unless you are Mom and Dad, which is probably 50% of my current subscribers): 608-330-0903. Mom and Dad, you can continue to call my old number for a while since, well, you're paying for it. :)
Countdown 'til moving day: 23 days! (That reminds me, I better get packing.)
So, yesterday, I took a leap. I went into the local Radio Shack, and signed up for my own cell phone. The cord has been cut, the damage done. There's no turning back. But for the next few weeks, as I try frantically to tell everyone I know to call my new number (which shouldn't take too long, I don't know all that many people), I will have three phones to keep track of. Original cell phone, which has treated me well all through my higher education, Home phone line, which was only created as a desperate plea to hold a free Internet connection, and New cell phone, which hopefully soon with be my one and only phone.
So, in an effort to clear up the confusion, please call the following number (unless you are Mom and Dad, which is probably 50% of my current subscribers): 608-330-0903. Mom and Dad, you can continue to call my old number for a while since, well, you're paying for it. :)
Countdown 'til moving day: 23 days! (That reminds me, I better get packing.)
Monday, April 23, 2007
My Pal
This is my pal, Isabelle. The big guy, that's Isabelle's Daddy. The little guy, that's Isabelle's new(ish) baby brother, Daniel.
Isabelle's hair, not so hot this particular day. But I still love her. And I love her brother. They are pretty much my kids...well, as much as someone else's kids could be my kids. You know.
More photos to come of a ten week older Isabelle and Daniel.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Harboring Bitterness
I came to a realization the other day. I harbor bitterness. It's true. And you know, it's something that I maybe always knew but never wanted to admit. Or maybe I never really thought it through well enough to realize that what was coming out of my mouth was even bitter. But man. It really is, isn't it.
There are so many little things that I make into bigger issues. But the worst of it is, I make them non-issues in the presence of the cause and huge issues to anyone else who will listen. Right, Alisha? I mean, how many times have I said to my roommate, "Oh, I'll clean the bathroom. I really don't mind," only to turn around to my parents and say, "Guess who had to clean the toilet again. Man, I hate that." Or how many times have a listened to the piddly drama in my office with a smile on my face, only to rush to a friend outside of work and acknowledge how much it really steams me.
The true fact of the matter is that the bitterness that comes out of my mouth in the face of trusted friends stems from what should be non-issues in life. Does it really bother me all that much to clean the toilet if it needs to be cleaned? Is it really such a big deal if the assistants in the office are at each others' throats every now and then? And even if office drama did directly effect me, does it even matter then? If someone says something about me, if I get caught in the crossfire...even then, in the end, in the whole mad scheme of life, is it really worth getting riled about? Does it really matter that much?
And to put my friends and family into such a situation to have to listen to only my complaints, only my angry bitter thoughts...how fair is that to them? And how true is that to my real heart? Is that what is really in my heart? And as I reflect, maybe it is. It was. But to what end?
So, today is my turning point. It is a day to reflect on my many seeds of bitterness, many of which are harbored deep within, for no reason but to take up space. Today will be the start of a change, a much needed change, in my heart, in my very way of thinking. All the little things of life that should not take up space, should not waste my time, should not effect my heart...they will be washed out, restoring me to the happy, true-loving soul that I once was. And I won't be doing it alone. An amazing God has brought this to my attention, and He will, as He always does, continue to work on me. And that is the hope that I hold onto.
It's a beautiful day, isn't it? A refreshing day to be lived to the fullest. And starting today, I will.
(And if you're wondering where in the world all this came from, I would highly suggest reading "The Shofar Blew" by Francine Rivers.)
There are so many little things that I make into bigger issues. But the worst of it is, I make them non-issues in the presence of the cause and huge issues to anyone else who will listen. Right, Alisha? I mean, how many times have I said to my roommate, "Oh, I'll clean the bathroom. I really don't mind," only to turn around to my parents and say, "Guess who had to clean the toilet again. Man, I hate that." Or how many times have a listened to the piddly drama in my office with a smile on my face, only to rush to a friend outside of work and acknowledge how much it really steams me.
The true fact of the matter is that the bitterness that comes out of my mouth in the face of trusted friends stems from what should be non-issues in life. Does it really bother me all that much to clean the toilet if it needs to be cleaned? Is it really such a big deal if the assistants in the office are at each others' throats every now and then? And even if office drama did directly effect me, does it even matter then? If someone says something about me, if I get caught in the crossfire...even then, in the end, in the whole mad scheme of life, is it really worth getting riled about? Does it really matter that much?
And to put my friends and family into such a situation to have to listen to only my complaints, only my angry bitter thoughts...how fair is that to them? And how true is that to my real heart? Is that what is really in my heart? And as I reflect, maybe it is. It was. But to what end?
So, today is my turning point. It is a day to reflect on my many seeds of bitterness, many of which are harbored deep within, for no reason but to take up space. Today will be the start of a change, a much needed change, in my heart, in my very way of thinking. All the little things of life that should not take up space, should not waste my time, should not effect my heart...they will be washed out, restoring me to the happy, true-loving soul that I once was. And I won't be doing it alone. An amazing God has brought this to my attention, and He will, as He always does, continue to work on me. And that is the hope that I hold onto.
It's a beautiful day, isn't it? A refreshing day to be lived to the fullest. And starting today, I will.
(And if you're wondering where in the world all this came from, I would highly suggest reading "The Shofar Blew" by Francine Rivers.)
Monday, April 09, 2007
Check Transmission
Easter has quickly come and gone, but it was every bit worth driving home for. And even though I only got about an hour and a half of tradition, it filled that little spot in my heart. My favorite moment was just walking in the door. The general hustle and bustle of holiday feasts was just wrapping up and all the kids were playing in the living room, and Kelton quickly rushed to hug my legs tight. He may have actually been excited to see me, but the odds are better that he was more excited to get outside and finally get those hidden Easter eggs. "Wait for Lindsey" must have been said a hundred times or more as the four year olds patiently watched the windows for me to arrive. Either way, it was worth every mile.
On a completely unrelated note, how seriously should one take the "Check Transmission" light? Because I'd really love to be stranded four or so hours from home on day one of a four day trip. Yeah, that'd be fun.
On a completely unrelated note, how seriously should one take the "Check Transmission" light? Because I'd really love to be stranded four or so hours from home on day one of a four day trip. Yeah, that'd be fun.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Easter, Really?
Is anyone else having a hard time believing that this weekend is Easter already? There are certain holidays and markers throughout the year that I typically use to follow time, perhaps in an effort to slow it down, and Easter is typically one of them.
Now, last year, my family graciously came to Platteville for Easter so that I could both sing in the church choir and spend Easter dinner with them. And, as much as I enjoyed spending that time, after it was all said and done, I felt a strange guilt/sadness that at first I couldn't really explain. As it turns out, that feeling was one of tradition lost. For twenty two years, or at least as long as I could remember, Easter had been exactly the same. Easter baskets filled with bad-for-your-teeth goodies, Sunday morning church service, then a feast at Aunt Myra's house with the whole family. And let's not forget the egg hunt that took place even after we were too old to enjoy it.
There was just something special about that time as a family, and having something, as trivial as it was, that stood the test of time. Now, I would imagine that this life-long tradition will not be one that holds for too many more years as we all grow up, and our families grow bigger, but for now, there's nothing better than the status quo, and I could not be more excited about going home, even for a day.
I know I say this all the time, but this weekend, it couldn't seem more true, that time goes by faster and faster every year that you're alive. And, sitting here at just below the quarter-century mark, it's hard to believe that life could go any faster. To anyone older than I: How in the world do you do it? How do you hold on to just enough time to accomplish life?
Although I could continue this reminiscence about the pace of life, for now I will get back to work. Life is calling, and who am I to ignore the call? Enjoy your Easter weekend, cherish your family, and live!
Now, last year, my family graciously came to Platteville for Easter so that I could both sing in the church choir and spend Easter dinner with them. And, as much as I enjoyed spending that time, after it was all said and done, I felt a strange guilt/sadness that at first I couldn't really explain. As it turns out, that feeling was one of tradition lost. For twenty two years, or at least as long as I could remember, Easter had been exactly the same. Easter baskets filled with bad-for-your-teeth goodies, Sunday morning church service, then a feast at Aunt Myra's house with the whole family. And let's not forget the egg hunt that took place even after we were too old to enjoy it.
There was just something special about that time as a family, and having something, as trivial as it was, that stood the test of time. Now, I would imagine that this life-long tradition will not be one that holds for too many more years as we all grow up, and our families grow bigger, but for now, there's nothing better than the status quo, and I could not be more excited about going home, even for a day.
I know I say this all the time, but this weekend, it couldn't seem more true, that time goes by faster and faster every year that you're alive. And, sitting here at just below the quarter-century mark, it's hard to believe that life could go any faster. To anyone older than I: How in the world do you do it? How do you hold on to just enough time to accomplish life?
Although I could continue this reminiscence about the pace of life, for now I will get back to work. Life is calling, and who am I to ignore the call? Enjoy your Easter weekend, cherish your family, and live!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Here's a Good One
So, today I'm driving (big surprise, I know) in the Appleton area, and I saw the greatest thing ever. I really wished I had my camera with me.
I drove down a fairly crappy road, no gutters or shoulders or anything, but on one side there was a really nice set of apartment buildings. They looked pretty new, maybe built within the last five years or so. The name of the complex was "Sky View Apartments." The view? Not so much sky. In fact, on the other side of the road was a giant landfill! Ha! Sky View...I think not.
I bet the rent's cheap. Man, I should make a coffee table book.
I drove down a fairly crappy road, no gutters or shoulders or anything, but on one side there was a really nice set of apartment buildings. They looked pretty new, maybe built within the last five years or so. The name of the complex was "Sky View Apartments." The view? Not so much sky. In fact, on the other side of the road was a giant landfill! Ha! Sky View...I think not.
I bet the rent's cheap. Man, I should make a coffee table book.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Green Beer, Goose Talk, Boom!
The past few days have been some very exciting ones.
As you know, Saturday was St. Patrick's Day. Now I've never been big into this holiday, being neither Irish or Irish history savvy, but I was invited to a parade this year, so I happily attended. When invited by my friend Alisha, whom I will lovingly refer to as 'Smith, you know that an adventure will probably ensue. 'Smith's grandma, mom, and cousin all came along. We went to a soul food joint in Mad-town. Soul food? Really? Five white women come bustin' into a soul food place to have a little lunch... Now, I love soul food as much as the other guy, but how weird must that have looked? Anyway, after some good eats, and some great coffee, we watched a nifty little parade decked fully in green and all the accompanies St. Patrick's Day. (Oh, and we didn't get the chance to enjoy any green beer, but that was alright with me.)
After gathering minimal amounts of candy, 'Smith and I took off for home, but along the way we took a detour to Governor Dodge State Park. It was a cool day, but the sun was warm, and I had been itching to get outside and experience some adventure for a few weeks already. At first, 'Smith wasn't really into it, but I drug her out on a path or two, and then the mood hit her, and we were off. We headed for a rocky, dare I say mountainous, peak that overlooked the thinly frozen lake. We sat there 
on that peak for probably an hour or more. While we were there, two geese came to check us out. It turns out that goose wings make a horrendous amount of noise when flapping. Something like a baseball card in bike spokes. Who knew? Anyway, watching geese interact became quite comical and entertaining.
Sunday was rather uneventful, church, choir, babysitting...nothing too noteworthy.
But today, oh Monday...I was going about my business, entering a school's main doors. There seemed to be a bit of commotion, but nothing too out of the ordinary. The lady at the front desk promptly stated, "I cannot let any visitors in at this time." Um...what? I need to just walk across the hall to the guidance office...this is weird. "May I ask..." "Bomb threat. We've had a bomb threat, and we're evacuating the building." That was all I needed to hear. I turned around, and walked at a near sprint to my car, got in, and peeled my way right out of that parking lot. Now, as far as I know, the school did not blow up, and no bomb was found, but still. Holy crap.
As you know, Saturday was St. Patrick's Day. Now I've never been big into this holiday, being neither Irish or Irish history savvy, but I was invited to a parade this year, so I happily attended. When invited by my friend Alisha, whom I will lovingly refer to as 'Smith, you know that an adventure will probably ensue. 'Smith's grandma, mom, and cousin all came along. We went to a soul food joint in Mad-town. Soul food? Really? Five white women come bustin' into a soul food place to have a little lunch... Now, I love soul food as much as the other guy, but how weird must that have looked? Anyway, after some good eats, and some great coffee, we watched a nifty little parade decked fully in green and all the accompanies St. Patrick's Day. (Oh, and we didn't get the chance to enjoy any green beer, but that was alright with me.)
After gathering minimal amounts of candy, 'Smith and I took off for home, but along the way we took a detour to Governor Dodge State Park. It was a cool day, but the sun was warm, and I had been itching to get outside and experience some adventure for a few weeks already. At first, 'Smith wasn't really into it, but I drug her out on a path or two, and then the mood hit her, and we were off. We headed for a rocky, dare I say mountainous, peak that overlooked the thinly frozen lake. We sat there 
on that peak for probably an hour or more. While we were there, two geese came to check us out. It turns out that goose wings make a horrendous amount of noise when flapping. Something like a baseball card in bike spokes. Who knew? Anyway, watching geese interact became quite comical and entertaining. Sunday was rather uneventful, church, choir, babysitting...nothing too noteworthy.
But today, oh Monday...I was going about my business, entering a school's main doors. There seemed to be a bit of commotion, but nothing too out of the ordinary. The lady at the front desk promptly stated, "I cannot let any visitors in at this time." Um...what? I need to just walk across the hall to the guidance office...this is weird. "May I ask..." "Bomb threat. We've had a bomb threat, and we're evacuating the building." That was all I needed to hear. I turned around, and walked at a near sprint to my car, got in, and peeled my way right out of that parking lot. Now, as far as I know, the school did not blow up, and no bomb was found, but still. Holy crap.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Nothing Like a Little Drive
Did you know that it is just about 300 miles from Platteville to Sturgeon Bay? And it takes just over four hours with no stops. You know when a drive like that is fun? When you're, say, going on vacation, traveling with a friend, going to sightsee... You know when it's not fun? When you drive all that way to talk with students about UW-Platteville and no one shows up to talk to you. That is no fun. No fun at all. I hope tomorrow fairs better. If not, I may just give up and go home.
Feeling a Little Savage
One of my favorite types of dining, a fairly new concept, is the carside-to-go of a few smart and delicious restaurants. This travel season, I have had more carside meals than ever before. Typically, I have had decent luck with the services, however, there have been a few mishaps. Once, a few weeks back, I ordered from an Applebee's, but after I placed my order, I couldn't find the place. I was almost a half an hour late, and my food was beyond just cooled off. But tonight was the worst luck of all when it comes to this usually amazing service.
The food: delicious; the service: prompt; the silverware: ? Well, there wasn't any. Now, perhaps I was expected to request them, but I don't recall ever having to do this before. So, I didn't ask for any while on the phone. And I didn't check for any until back safely in my hotel room. After realizing the mistake, I had a few different options: go all the way back to Applebee's...well, that was out right away; go down to the front desk or the hotel lounge and ask for some...well, this one was definitely feasible, but the food was so hot and smelled amazing....so nah; eat. This option won me over because I was so darn hungry, and once you get a whiff of sirloin, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh steamed broccoli. I couldn't wait any longer.
Ok, so it was a little savage to say the least. But what's a hungry girl to do? I sure did scoop individual fingers full of mashed potatoes from plastic dish to drooling lips. And I sure did pick up that entire nine ounce stake, dripping with natural juices, and ate it without setting it back down once. It was, needless to say, a delicious but messy meal.
Moral of the story: ask for silverware, but if you forget, improvise.
The food: delicious; the service: prompt; the silverware: ? Well, there wasn't any. Now, perhaps I was expected to request them, but I don't recall ever having to do this before. So, I didn't ask for any while on the phone. And I didn't check for any until back safely in my hotel room. After realizing the mistake, I had a few different options: go all the way back to Applebee's...well, that was out right away; go down to the front desk or the hotel lounge and ask for some...well, this one was definitely feasible, but the food was so hot and smelled amazing....so nah; eat. This option won me over because I was so darn hungry, and once you get a whiff of sirloin, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh steamed broccoli. I couldn't wait any longer.
Ok, so it was a little savage to say the least. But what's a hungry girl to do? I sure did scoop individual fingers full of mashed potatoes from plastic dish to drooling lips. And I sure did pick up that entire nine ounce stake, dripping with natural juices, and ate it without setting it back down once. It was, needless to say, a delicious but messy meal.
Moral of the story: ask for silverware, but if you forget, improvise.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
It's Official!
Well, after much ado, it's finally official. I signed a lease today for a beautiful two bedroom apartment with a huge kitchen, laundry on the floor, water included....just a fantastic place. I cannot wait to move in.
I think Belmont will treat me well. It'll feel just like being home. After all, moving to Platteville back in the day seemed like heading for the big city. Belmont is just the place. There are gas stations and a post office, some little downtown businesses, and even it's own school. Perfect.
Well, I move in May 26th. So if you're interested in getting sweaty and lifting some super heavy furniture, you be sure to give me a call.
I think Belmont will treat me well. It'll feel just like being home. After all, moving to Platteville back in the day seemed like heading for the big city. Belmont is just the place. There are gas stations and a post office, some little downtown businesses, and even it's own school. Perfect.
Well, I move in May 26th. So if you're interested in getting sweaty and lifting some super heavy furniture, you be sure to give me a call.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Appleton...Ugh!
After a very long week on the road, seeing very few students, we had a reception for students last night in Waukesha. It went pretty well with only a few no shows. Today we headed up north (der, eh) to Appleton where the weather got a little nasty with freezing rain, rain, and snow.
We debated if we wanted to cancel the reception here in Appleton, figuring that no one would show up anyway, but we were already here. So we ate a happy dinner and set up for the reception. Right at 6:00 we figured that no one was really coming and we happily started to eat all the food (not that we ever could consume that much food...cheese and fruit for 100). But shortly after that, we did have a few (a very few) students and their families show up.
But now we are tragically stuck in Appleton staying at yet another hotel. And with a Preview day lurking around the corner this Saturday, I would kill for a good night's sleep in my own bed, a shower in my own bathroom, and a meal cooked with my own hands. But I guess that will have to wait until tomorrow...hopefully tomorrow.
Sleep well everyone.
We debated if we wanted to cancel the reception here in Appleton, figuring that no one would show up anyway, but we were already here. So we ate a happy dinner and set up for the reception. Right at 6:00 we figured that no one was really coming and we happily started to eat all the food (not that we ever could consume that much food...cheese and fruit for 100). But shortly after that, we did have a few (a very few) students and their families show up.
But now we are tragically stuck in Appleton staying at yet another hotel. And with a Preview day lurking around the corner this Saturday, I would kill for a good night's sleep in my own bed, a shower in my own bathroom, and a meal cooked with my own hands. But I guess that will have to wait until tomorrow...hopefully tomorrow.
Sleep well everyone.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
A House is Not a Home, but a School Could Be
Well, I hate to make assumptions, but I think it's pretty safe to say that I have finally found a place to live. I will, at this point, give props to my coworker Deb, for pointing me toward it.
I will be moving to Belmont. In Belmont, there is an old school house, built circa 1901, that some very nice rich people took the time, energy, and money to utilize original features while creating unique and modern spaces. And did I mention that they're beautiful? Original hardwood floors, big windows, high ceilings...lockers in the hallways, original chalkboards in each unit, washers and dryers on each floor, gas fireplaces in the basement units...ok, so I can't afford those units, but they have them. In a word, these places are sweet.
I almost cried when I was talking with the owner, telling her how many terrible places I had seen, and that all I was looking for was a place that I could walk in and think, "Ahhh." A pleasant sigh was all I was really looking for. But I walked into their building and though, "Wow! Amazing!" And that was about it. I had pretty much decided.
So all I have to say at this point is, thank God for Belmont, and thank God for non-student geared housing. :)
I will be moving to Belmont. In Belmont, there is an old school house, built circa 1901, that some very nice rich people took the time, energy, and money to utilize original features while creating unique and modern spaces. And did I mention that they're beautiful? Original hardwood floors, big windows, high ceilings...lockers in the hallways, original chalkboards in each unit, washers and dryers on each floor, gas fireplaces in the basement units...ok, so I can't afford those units, but they have them. In a word, these places are sweet.
I almost cried when I was talking with the owner, telling her how many terrible places I had seen, and that all I was looking for was a place that I could walk in and think, "Ahhh." A pleasant sigh was all I was really looking for. But I walked into their building and though, "Wow! Amazing!" And that was about it. I had pretty much decided.
So all I have to say at this point is, thank God for Belmont, and thank God for non-student geared housing. :)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Big Loser
So there I was, eating my dinner quietly in Applebee's. I was happily finishing my financial planning book, completing a very typical meal. Then it happened. I always joked that it happened all the time, but it had never actually really happened. My waitress came up to me and said that she was really feeling sorry for me sitting all the way across the restaurant all by myself. Ugh. Well, if I wasn't already feeling like a big loser, that statement solidified that I probably should.
I politely explained that this was an everyday sort of occurrence for me as a traveler. I explained my job and all that. Then she asked me if I had my own house or just literally traveled all the time. Seriously? Wow. Well, the loser factor just increased.
So, sweet. A waitress feels sorry for me. This travel season is starting off about as well as it could.
I politely explained that this was an everyday sort of occurrence for me as a traveler. I explained my job and all that. Then she asked me if I had my own house or just literally traveled all the time. Seriously? Wow. Well, the loser factor just increased.
So, sweet. A waitress feels sorry for me. This travel season is starting off about as well as it could.
Monday, February 12, 2007
On the Road Again....
Today is my first day back on the road. Well, I don't actually leave until say noon-ish today, but this should be a great week.
I scheduled light, so that I could ease my way back into the swing of travel life. My easing hasn't been so smooth though. I'm not really packed yet, I have to stop at the bank and the post office, and and my fleet car is not filled up with gas. Sweet. Oh well. I am trying my hardest to keep a positive attitude about this travel season. I started off dreading it, but you know, it might be kind of fun. Last season wasn't horrible, it was just a season. And so too will this one be.
So wish me luck as I brave the weather, snow, and a different fleet car that usual (which has reportedly had previous transmission troubles), and head up north. And please, please give me a hug next time you see me. :)
I scheduled light, so that I could ease my way back into the swing of travel life. My easing hasn't been so smooth though. I'm not really packed yet, I have to stop at the bank and the post office, and and my fleet car is not filled up with gas. Sweet. Oh well. I am trying my hardest to keep a positive attitude about this travel season. I started off dreading it, but you know, it might be kind of fun. Last season wasn't horrible, it was just a season. And so too will this one be.
So wish me luck as I brave the weather, snow, and a different fleet car that usual (which has reportedly had previous transmission troubles), and head up north. And please, please give me a hug next time you see me. :)
Monday, February 05, 2007
Just Call Me Picky McPickerson
Maybe I'm just too picky. I don't know. But it is seeming to be more and more difficult to find a new place to live that I really like. I always thought that my perfect place was waiting out there for me at the price I want. Turns out...it's not.
Well, actually, that's not true. It is out there...was. It was out there. But it only took one dumb landlord to really ruin my day. I sure did find my dream rental. I was very impressed with it's overall quality and affordability. It came with lots of extras like a two car attached garage, dishwasher, brand new washer and dryer, central air, deck, big back yard, nice residential neighborhood. And best of all - not available. "Oh, sorry I showed that place to you, and offered to show you a second time, but the tenants changed their minds and will be staying." Yoink. The rug gets yanked from under my firmly planted feet.
So, now the search continues for the perfect place to call home. This sure would be a lot easier if my standards were low...there are lots of places out there if you don't care that you live in a dump.
Well, actually, that's not true. It is out there...was. It was out there. But it only took one dumb landlord to really ruin my day. I sure did find my dream rental. I was very impressed with it's overall quality and affordability. It came with lots of extras like a two car attached garage, dishwasher, brand new washer and dryer, central air, deck, big back yard, nice residential neighborhood. And best of all - not available. "Oh, sorry I showed that place to you, and offered to show you a second time, but the tenants changed their minds and will be staying." Yoink. The rug gets yanked from under my firmly planted feet.
So, now the search continues for the perfect place to call home. This sure would be a lot easier if my standards were low...there are lots of places out there if you don't care that you live in a dump.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Hunt Continues
I'm still in the middle of possibly the widest and most in depth rental property search ever. I'm sure there's a landlord's guild somewhere, where they're all getting together, playing cards with a beer or two, and the table conversation going something like this:
"Are you holding places right now for some prospective tenants?"
"Yeah, actually, one of my best."
"Me too."
"Me too."
"Can I ask who you're holding for?"
"Sure, it's this really annoying woman who asks four million questions and has called me more than once with follow-up questions. And you know, she called the other day for a second viewing...Who does that?"
"You're kidding! I think I'm holding for the same freak!"
"Wait, me too!"
"Is here name Lindsey, by chance?"
"Yep."
"Yeah."
"Uh-huh."
"What a freak."
But I've decided I just don't care. I will find the most interesting place to live in Platteville for the best price. And, you know what else? It probably won't be the listed price either. Never settle for listed price. Monthly rent is always negotiable. :)
My latest prospect is a little unique space near downtown. Possibly the strangest, but could-be-cutest place ever. You walk into an "L" shaped living room, followed by a small front bedroom. Then there's a really wide hallway leading back to the kitchen, bathroom, and other bedroom that is definitely wide enough to put a dining set in. The kitchen is small, but there is a walk-in pantry-fun! And the master bedroom has a walk-in closet. Oh, and did I mention there's a full basement with laundry that is clean! So, pretty much, it's weird, and cool, and strange all in one wonderful package. So we'll see. I'll keep you posted. I have to call the landlord back for a second visit to take measurements and check shower water pressure and such important things. Hee hee.
"Are you holding places right now for some prospective tenants?"
"Yeah, actually, one of my best."
"Me too."
"Me too."
"Can I ask who you're holding for?"
"Sure, it's this really annoying woman who asks four million questions and has called me more than once with follow-up questions. And you know, she called the other day for a second viewing...Who does that?"
"You're kidding! I think I'm holding for the same freak!"
"Wait, me too!"
"Is here name Lindsey, by chance?"
"Yep."
"Yeah."
"Uh-huh."
"What a freak."
But I've decided I just don't care. I will find the most interesting place to live in Platteville for the best price. And, you know what else? It probably won't be the listed price either. Never settle for listed price. Monthly rent is always negotiable. :)
My latest prospect is a little unique space near downtown. Possibly the strangest, but could-be-cutest place ever. You walk into an "L" shaped living room, followed by a small front bedroom. Then there's a really wide hallway leading back to the kitchen, bathroom, and other bedroom that is definitely wide enough to put a dining set in. The kitchen is small, but there is a walk-in pantry-fun! And the master bedroom has a walk-in closet. Oh, and did I mention there's a full basement with laundry that is clean! So, pretty much, it's weird, and cool, and strange all in one wonderful package. So we'll see. I'll keep you posted. I have to call the landlord back for a second visit to take measurements and check shower water pressure and such important things. Hee hee.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Grad School: Take Two
Back about a year ago, if you recall, I went through a round of applications to a few graduate schools and couldn't nail down the perfect opportunity, so I aptly withdrew my applications. I decided that I just wasn't ready for the move to graduate school. But after nearly a year in the workforce, I'm quickly realizing that I will not be able to move up any chain of command without a higher level degree...which, strange. I thought that a bachelor's degree was a fairly high degree...but schmee. Whatever.
So I once again plunge into another application process for another grad school. This situation, though, does seem to be exactly what I'm looking for. UW-La Crosse has a brand new all online grad program which means I get to keep working full-time and take classes at an almost full-time pace. How exciting!
Please stop me if I've written a post about this already. I don't think I have, but frankly, I'm too lazy to check.
So wish me luck on my second attempt at greatness...or something like that.
Oh, and on a completely unrelated note, I could be a realtor if this whole student affairs thing falls through. This weekend I drove around for several hours taking photos and collecting contact information on many different rental properties in town. I am working on finding the best bang for my buck which means a deep and wide scale search of every property just for good measure. You never know what hidden gems are just waiting to be found.
And then do you know what happens? I get to go furniture shopping! And that is possibly the most exciting news of all.
So I once again plunge into another application process for another grad school. This situation, though, does seem to be exactly what I'm looking for. UW-La Crosse has a brand new all online grad program which means I get to keep working full-time and take classes at an almost full-time pace. How exciting!
Please stop me if I've written a post about this already. I don't think I have, but frankly, I'm too lazy to check.
So wish me luck on my second attempt at greatness...or something like that.
Oh, and on a completely unrelated note, I could be a realtor if this whole student affairs thing falls through. This weekend I drove around for several hours taking photos and collecting contact information on many different rental properties in town. I am working on finding the best bang for my buck which means a deep and wide scale search of every property just for good measure. You never know what hidden gems are just waiting to be found.
And then do you know what happens? I get to go furniture shopping! And that is possibly the most exciting news of all.
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