Wandering On

Katie's Amazing House Cleaning Service

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:23:00 +0000

I just hired a cleaning lady! I'm so excited. My apartment was an absolute sty. I kept planning to clean it, but couldn't muster the initiative. Finally I promised myself if I would at least straighten things up and put everything where it goes, then I would hire someone to do the actual cleaning (sweeping, mopping, cleaning the tub, etc.).

I looked on Craigslist and finally found someone available to clean in the afternoon/evening. Katie came by today to look around and set a price. It was the exact price I was hoping to pay! She will come once a month and do all the stuff I hate doing.

Why do good things happen to bad people?

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:51:00 +0000

(That title is totally tongue-in-cheek, btw.)

I got some juicy news at work this week. It kind of has me reeling.

Back in June, I posted some personal ads on Craigslist, just looking to go out on dates. I went out with one guy and had an okay time. I told a co-worker/friend about it. She was in the process of divorcing and was a little out of sorts. She decided to do it, too. (She also decided to start wearing low-cut tops now and then because I sometimes wear tank tops that show some cleavage. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so they say.)

Anyway, she met a guy sometime in late July or August. He moved in in early September. I gave her a stern talking-to, but she was really happy and seemed to have this well thought-out. Things continued going well in their relationship, and she mentioned that they were taking a trip to Houston this past Friday.

Monday and Tuesday at work she only worked half days because of jury duty, but while she was there, she didn't say more than "good morning" to me and I wondered why. I found out on Wednesday. Another co-worker told me that the trip to Houston was her honeymoon! They got married Friday morning at the JP!

I was so shocked! That's why she was avoiding me. She said she was afraid to tell me because she thought I'd be mad. Of course, I wasn't mad. I told her at least she was making it official and God would be happy she's no longer living in sin. Lol.

So, I was of two emotions about this: hurt and jealous. Hurt because she didn't tell me herself, but I was able to get over that after we talked. Jealous because what the hell? Here I am trying to do everything right and along comes a person having sex on the first date and shacking up and now she's happily married. I know exactly the point where we differed. I've corresponded with seemingly nice guys from the Internet, but when they start talking dirty, I'm out of there. She, however, thought it was great and continued on. I slept with a guy on the first date and was wracked with guilt. And you can't really go back to hand-holding after that.

I know I'm not going to abandon my values hoping I'll have the same success she's had, but it's still quite frustrating. I'm pretty sure I'll meet someone eventually, but even if I don't, deep down I'm okay. This situation rattled me, yet I think it also helped to ground me.

Clueless, that's me!

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:00:00 +0000

So, remember this post about my meeting a fellow scooterist for the first time? Well, I found out today just who that was that I met. It was Ryan Delahoussaye, the violinist from Blue October. People who are famous should be made to wear special buttons so out-of-the-loop folk like me will know who they are. I hope he didn't feel slighted when I didn't know who he was. It's not like he told me his full name or even mentioned that he was in a band. Ah, well.

I found out who he was on today's scooter ride. We finally got two more members in the scooter group, one of whom is another member of the band, Jeremy Furstenfeld.

The ride was great, btw. We went to Gruene, looked around and had lunch at the Gristmill.

Accident-free scooter group ride

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:59:00 +0000

Went on my second scooter group ride yesterday.

The 78666 Scoots group rode to Lockhart, TX for some good ol' BBQ. We went to Smitty's Market, one of 4 famous barbecue joints in town. It was delicious! I was not sure what to expect as I had heard it's just meat only: no sauce, no sides, just bread or crackers. Very different from typical Dallas bbq where sauce and sides are king. I'm pleased to report that I loved it. I can't wait to go back again. By the way, you can purchase cheese, onion, pickles, and peppers. Cole slaw, too, I think.

The ride was about 20 miles. We had beautiful weather. It was a great time all around. Fred and Jamie are fun people. Despite all the cards we've been handing out, there was still just the three of us. Hopefully more will join us soon.

I'm officially old

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:48:00 +0000

It's official. I've become that lady. It's 7:45 pm and I just called the complex security officer to complain about some rotten kids and their music. In my defense, they are blasting Nickelback outside. I can't tell if it's someone at the pool or if it's someone playing it off their balcony, but either way it's loud and it sucks. I might be more forgiving if it was something decent or if it was just bass coming through the walls. Nope, I can hear every blessed (and lame and poorly sung) word. I would also be more forgiving if I hadn't chosen this apartment complex because they bill themselves as "a quiet community" and the leasing agent hadn't said at least three times how they don't tolerate loud music, loud cars, or loud anything. Well, this is loud and I'm not going to take it anymore. Damn college kids!

My first group ride

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:43:00 +0000

I'm back from my inaugural scooter group ride. How was it, you ask? It was nice, then fun, then awesome, then horrible, then "God, please just let me get home okay," then "Thank you, God, for answered prayers."

Fred and Jaime and I met at 7 this morning to ride up to Austin. It was a nice ride on backroads. Some curves, nice speed. The weather was great. There had been rain predicted, but we didn't have any.

We got to Austin and met up with the scooter group for breakfast. They were a pretty cool lot. The leader, Pursuit, arrived about a half-hour late, and then proceeded to confirm my suspicion that he is an arrogant ass. He's not rude really, just arrogant and a little ignorant.

Anyway, we went on the ride which was from the restaurant up to the top of Mt. Bonnell. The views were just beautiful. Parts of the ride reminded me of Lakewood near my old apartment. The ride itself was a tough one. There were many sharp curves and steep hills. Pursuit was on a 50cc scooter, but it can really cook and he had us at a speedy pace.

We stopped at the top of Mt. Bonnell for a few minutes, then went for the second half of the ride and that's when it went bad. Thank God I didn't see it happen. I rounded a curve and saw that the people in front of me were stopping and dismounting. I saw one of our riders on the ground. It was so awful. Thankfully the guy wasn't completely messed up since he wasn't wearing any protective gear at all, but either his leg or ankle was clearly broken. I didn't get too close; I couldn't stand it.

Several people went to his aid and one guy was like a machine, taking charge and doing all the right stuff. The ambulance came and worked on hurt guy for a while. Pursuit had gone to help guide the ambulance to where we were and ended up near me kind of hanging back from the action. I looked over after a few minutes and he was bawling! So much for all that bravado at the restaurant. I went over and hugged him and we all tried to comfort him. He was feeling guilty for going so fast and feeling bad for his friend being hurt. I felt sorry for him. He's still kind of an ass, but I hope he's able to get over this. It was just an accident after all.

Fred and Jaime and I waited until hurt guy was stable in the ambulance and the police cleared the scene, then we headed home. I was so shaken up. I had calmed down quite a bit while we waited, but I was still nervous getting back on the scooter. Of course, I almost wiped out heading back up the hill. I went off the road onto the grassy shoulder, but I was able to stop before I hit the guardrail. Jaime told me to be calm, take a deep breath, and then I was ready to go. It was a shaky ride back. I kept thinking about hurt guy and how it must have looked when he went down. Again, I'm so glad I didn't actually see it. I'm sure I would have gone down, too.

We got back to San Marcos safely. That's where the thanks for answered prayers come in. Now I'm on the couch and I don't think I'm going to get up for a very long while. I really should go to church since I didn't go yesterday and since I have so very much to be thankful for. I just don't have it in me, and I hope that God will understand that. I'm sure He will. He knows my heart.

Sunday, busy Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:06:00 +0000

(No, I'm not dead. I'm just lazy.)

Yesterday was a big day. I met with the organizer of (78)666 Scoots and his wife. I had been looking off and on for someone to start a scooter club here in town and had finally told myself to bite the bullet and start my own. Well, lo and behold, there was a group waiting for me. The organizer (let's call him Fred) just started it at the beginning of July. I missed the first meeting, but he emailed me and after a little correspondence we decided to meet. We talked about some ideas for the group, and we had several of the same ideas (putting cards on scooters, the meeting place, routes to ride). And then we found out Fred and I have the same birthday. Freaky! The three of us are going to ride to Austin on Sunday morning to join up with Austin Scooter Club on their ride. I'm excited!!

After meeting with Fred and Jamie, I headed to the Cathedral to help serve breakfast with the young adults. That was alot of fun. I got to have more extended conversations with a couple of the members than I had been able to at bible study, and they invited me to join the planning committee. So now I'm going to help plan events and such and meet even more people. I'm excited about that, too!! Everyone in the group is really nice. Even the one girl who has been kind of stank was nice and asked if I am planning to participate in an activity she's helping chair.

The perfect guy revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:57:00 +0000

I was thinking about this post wherein I built the perfect guy. I realized I left off an important characteristic.
The perfect guy would have a great sense of humor like Patrick, aka #2.

Another update

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:28:00 +0000

I really should start writing more regularly. *Sigh*

Ok, so a couple of weeks ago, I posted a personals ad on craigslist. Weeded out the weirdos and one-line writers and was left with two prospects. Hey, now that I think about it, they have the same initials. Hunh.

Here's what happened: #1 turned out to be a Bore. When he talked, it was like dry reporting. He had little-to-no sense of humor, and he droned on and on about any topic. It didn't matter if I already knew about what he was talking about or had anything to contribute. I hardly got a word in edgewise. He called me daily for a week. I screened the calls a couple of times. We made plans to meet at a bar here in town. I was going to go along with it on the off chance that he would be different in person. Lass was going to make me stick to it as a punishment for other misdeeds, but then my sister said I shouldn't go because he sounded like a nutcase to her, so I wrote him an email and canceled. End of Bore.

#2 was fun. He has a fantastic sense of humor. We talked on the phone and wrote emails and had plans to meet on a Saturday. Just my luck, I got some kind of weird eye ailment and looked like someone punched me. I had to cancel. We ended up meeting later that week and had a great time. We saw the SRV statue and went to some bars. Some hijinks ensued at his place that I won't go into in mixed company. We continued to talk and such, had some laughs. My hairdresser is not too far from where he lives, so he invited me over after I finished my appointment. We talked and played Rockband. We went to see fireworks yesterday, and I don't quite know what went wrong, but something did. I think it's mutual, but I'm not really sure at this point. I don't really care if we see each other again, but I don't know if he feels the same way. I would assume so.

Now I'm debating posting again and having more dates or just forgetting the whole thing. It was nice getting out of the house and actually doing stuff.

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 02:01:00 +0000

Man, I've been horrible about posting this year. Well, here's some news:

Moved into a new apartment. It's so much nicer than ye olde rustic duplex. It's super quiet, too. I love it.

Beatrice (the scooter) is doing great. I got her blessed by the priest at the Catholic Student Center this week. No luck finding other scooterists to ride with. The guy who flagged me down never called. I posted on craigslist, but no responses. I'm thinking of leaving notes on all the scooters I see. The only problem is I really don't want to lead the scooter group/club. I just want to be in one.

Relatedly, the San Marcos social scene is totally getting me down. Where are the cool people my age? Both men and women, seriously. I'm at a neighborhood coffee shop right now. There are about 40 people in here. Two of them, besides me, are over 30 and they're the parents hosting a 12-year-old's slumber party group. Yeah, the band playing tonight just sang Happy Birthday to the birthday girl. I'm taking my focus to Austin. There are some activities listed on the church website for the young adults ministry in July. Here's hoping.

Work is still good, thankfully. Ironically, my boss is out of town this week and next, and I'm getting more cataloging done than ever. So much for "when the cat's away ...." Finally two weeks with no meetings. I've been averaging 6 meetings a week lately. That is insane. Good work stuff includes winning a $500 prize for the Outstanding Team award (or whatever it was called) and being eligible for a 3% merit raise (could be more or less depending on my dept. head's recommendation).

I'm taking group exercise classes at the student rec center. Yet another place where I'm the oldest one there. So far I've taken yoga and group barbell. I'm kinda proud of myself for not caring that everyone's younger. The good thing about yoga is that you have to find a focal point in order to keep your balance, so I'm sure no one's looking at me. I'm good at weight training, so I don't care if anyone looks in that class.

I think that's it for now.

Scooter update

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:21:00 +0000

After a slow start, I've been riding the scooter like crazy! I'm not as nervous anymore and I'm up for trying any route.
Memorial Day I went for a joy ride after gassing up Beatrice ($5 fill-up! Eat your heart out, Hummers!) This is the route I took:

View Larger Map
I took the Bishop/Craddock/RR12 loop twice because it was so fun!

Here's the route I took Friday after work. I went from work to a co-worker's house and then home. This was the busiest route traffic-wise that I had ever been on. I didn't have any problems. On the way home I got up to 50 mph. That's the fastest I've ever gone. The wind is a little rough at that speed, but it's not bad.

View Larger Map
I was talking about the scooter to friends of the co-worker on Saturday and told them I hadn't been on the highway yet, but she corrected me noting that 621 is indeed a highway and I was on it twice. I also went on 123, so technically I have been on highways now. I have not been on the interstate; that will take a while.

The first wave

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:03:00 +0000

I got my first wave on Friday! From reading my new favorite forum Modern Vespa, I learned that there is a phenomenon in the two-wheeled vehicle world wherein passing riders wave hello at each other. There was some talk that Harley riders rarely wave at scooter riders. I guess we don't count.

So on Friday I was riding home at lunch time and while I was waiting at a light, a group of Harleys passed. No one waved. I guess I could have waved first to see if they would wave back, but I didn't. Anyway, as I continued on, I passed a guy on a scooter and he waved! I was so excited.

A few seconds later I heard him honking behind me and I stopped. He introduced himself, we compared scooters and he said we should go riding sometime. I said that would be great because I don't know anyone who rides. He told me the street he lives on and said to look for his scooter under the carport. Yesterday, I drove by and left a note with my phone number on the scooter. I was too chicken to knock on his door, and I'm not sure I would have known which one it was. I hope he calls. It would be fun to have a riding partner.

Why do you think you need to tell me that?

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Thu, 08 May 2008 23:57:00 +0000

I have had a few people, upon learning that I'm riding a scooter, tell me about motorcycle fatalities. Why? Do you think I don't know that riding a two-wheeled vehicle is dangerous? Do you think I've never heard of someone getting hurt or killed? Is telling me that your friend's brother's son had to have his leg amputated after a motorcycle accident supposed to be helpful? Maybe they think telling me these things will make me be more careful. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. For the record, I'm extremely careful, I've vowed to wear ATGATT, and I'm an assertive but not aggressive rider.

It reminds me of the many advice columns I've read where pregnant women write in to complain about people telling them labor and delivery horror stories. Please, people, if you know something awful about a topic related to a person with whom you are conversing, keep it to yourself. If the person asks you for input, go for it. Otherwise, zip it. Thanks.

Vroom!

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Wed, 07 May 2008 01:32:00 +0000

I did it. Rode the scooter to work today! It was so fun! I woke up at 3 o'clock this morning so nervous and excited. I don't know when I got back to sleep but it was some time after four. Part of the excitement was that I read about a trick to help get the scooter off the center stand which is something I've had trouble with. I tried it today and it worked like a charm.

I got into three sticky situations in the parking garage at work. The two big ones were getting into and out of the motorcycle parking area, but I got out of both without dropping the bike! I was so proud of myself. The third one wasn't really sticky, but could have been disastrous: I nearly walked away leaving the key in the scooter! Both of my "park jobs" (work and home) were superb. Yay, me!

Thunderstorms are in the forecast again for tomorrow morning, so I don't know yet if I get to ride to work again. It's supposed to be sunny in the afternoon, so I'll probably go for a joy ride around the neighborhood.

Rain, rain go away

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:13:00 +0000

Okay, it rained. So, for really and for true, tomorrow will be the first day I ride my scooter to work. Keep your fingers crossed!

Tomorrow's the big day

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:24:00 +0000

Tomorrow (barring rain) I ride my scooter to work for the first time!

I got in some practice time yesterday and today. Yesterday was practicing getting out of and into the driveway and figuring out how best to park it in front of the house. My student worker, Heather, came over to help. Today was practicing the route my friend/co-worker, Hithia, takes to work. She led the way. My usual route is shorter, but on craptacular roads and crosses a busy street without a traffic signal. Her route is longer, smoother and less busy.

Each time I've had a ride scheduled (MSF class, practice in the neighborhood), I'm so nervous! I have butterflies and almost make myself sick. It starts hours before and lasts through donning my gear. I'm never nervous once I get going, though. I'm hoping the pre-ride jitters will pass once I get a few solo rides under my belt.

I got a scooter!

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:24:00 +0000

I have a 2007 Vespa GTS250ie in Midnight Blue. It's so beautiful!!

In the build up to buying it, I was looking at Italian boy names to name it, but now that she's home, I've discovered that she's a girl. Now I'll have to start over.

Here's my flickr set devoted to all things scooter related: Adventures in Scootering

15_?

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:08:00 +0000

I'm not weighing myself. I have been off track for going on three weeks now. I'm estimating that my weight is one fifty-something, but I'm not sure. By some miracle it could be one forty-something, since my pants and skirts are still loose.

My plan is to eventually get back on track, stick with the plan for two weeks, and then weigh. I don't want to weigh right off and discourage myself.

Lent 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:55:00 +0000

I don't think I ever wrote what I gave up for Lent this year. A co-worker suggested I give up music. I considered that, but I frequently turn off the radio in the car anyway, and I couldn't control music in the gym, at the hairdresser, in stores, etc. so giving up music wasn't really feasible.

Instead I decided to give up TV. Man, oh man, it was hard at first. I had been accustomed to clicking on the television soon after I walked into the house. When I left the living room for the bedroom, the first thing I would do upon entering was click on the bedroom TV. Didn't matter if there was anything watchable on or not, I'd have a TV on. When I was ready to go to sleep, I'd set the sleep timer and fall asleep with it on. The only time I didn't turn it on was in the mornings when I was getting ready for work.

Falling asleep without the TV was hardest. I used it as kind of a brain shut-down time, so the first few days it was hard to sleep. I didn't really miss any shows in particular. My only favorite was The First 48 and I got used to not seeing it. I was allowed to still watch Netflix movies, but not every day. I filled the rest of the time with the internet and reading books.

Now that Lent is over, I'm still not watching TV. It's amazing. When I went to Dallas for Easter, I was constantly turning off my parents' TVs. They have at least one TV on 24/7. During the daytime hours, two TVs are on. Most of the time, no one is looking at them. That's why I'd turn them off. The noise was getting on my nerves. Finally my mother compromised and turned to the digital music channels so the TV could be on, but I was satisfied that it wasn't a complete waste of energy.

When I got back here, I turned on the TV for one episode of Family Guy and turned it back off. Tonight, I watched part of an episode of The Simpsons while I ate dinner and it's off now. I'm going to call Grande (my cable company) and cancel cable. What's the point? I'll miss The First 48 on A&E, but it's on DVD. I'll catch it later. As for falling asleep, I read till I'm sleepy and then turn off the light. My mind doesn't race anymore and the silence doesn't bother me.

The perfect guy

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:12:00 +0000

I was daydreaming recently about how I would build the perfect boyfriend:

He would --
be a good listener like Brian
be affectionate and all about the PDA like Etch
have a kind heart like Paul
have Officer Do-Right's body
be educated and have a professional career like Chet
be Catholic like ...

Yeah, that's where I stopped and realized I've got to make being a practicing Catholic a priority in the guys I date.

Weight loss update

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:51:00 +0000

Been wondering where the scale pics are? Well, there are two in my camera and one that ain't happening.

Weigh-in 8 was 143.5 (-.5)
Weigh-in 9 was 143 (-.5)

After that was supposed to be the goal date. Originally it was March 1 at which point I was to have lost 20 pounds (139). I moved it to March 5 since I was weighing in on Wednesdays.

Well, I don't know what happened, but last week was a totally off week for me. I dined out 3 times and didn't bother to make healthy choices. I went to the gym regularly, but it wasn't enough to combat my poor eating. Then I made a cake for work on Sunday. Of course, I had to eat some and ended up eating three pieces. I haven't been to the gym since Sunday. A student worker brought cookies and brownies today and of course I ate some. Dinner Monday was a fatty bowl of chili from Jason's Deli and tonight was fried chicken. Ugh.

I don't know what the problem is. Anyway, I weighed this morning. 145 -- which in the grand scheme of things isn't that bad. At any rate, I didn't take a picture of it. Didn't feel up to it.

I think I'm going to go ahead and take the rest of the week off from the gym. But I've got to get my eating back on track. I picked the wrong week to be unhealthy: my niece is coming to town Sunday through Thursday and I know she's going to want to eat junk. I'm going to try my best to not join her and I'll definitely be hitting the gym every day.

Pics of WI 8 & 9 to be posted ... someday. :-)

Getting new digs

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:10:00 +0000

I'm moving out of the duplex in June. I was thinking I need to make a list of what I'm looking for in my next place and thought, "Why not blog it?" So here goes:

Musts

Entryway does not lead into or past kitchen (don't want the kitchen to be the first thing my guests see)

Bathroom is accessible via some route other than through bedroom

Has patio/balcony with afternoon sun

Trash disposal area is easily accessible

Has extra space somewhere (somewhat secluded) for two litter boxes

Rent is ≤ $750

Preferred

Is on first floor

Offers covered parking

Has washer and dryer or connections in unit

144

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 03:09:00 +0000

144
Originally uploaded by erloteiel

-2.5 Woohoo!! I'm trucking now. 5 more pounds to meet goal 1.1.

To recap: Initial NYR (goal 1) was to lose 10 lbs by March 1. Lost that in a hurry, so the next step (goal 1.1) was to lose 20 lbs by March 1. Starting weight 159, so 5 pounds till 139.

It's been so long since I was 130-anything! I can't wait!!

146.5

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 03:03:00 +0000

146.5
Originally uploaded by erloteiel

Okay, so this is a week old, but here it is. Overcame the aftermath of Super Bowl weekend and a lazy, practically gym-free week. Ate more healthily and hit the gym 6 times! Yay, me.

148

noreply@blogger.com (Samsara) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:01:00 +0000

148
Originally uploaded by erloteiel

Yep, you read that right. Up three pounds. It's my own fault (whose else would it be?) for not keeping my activity goals and for splurging twice instead of once. Not gonna beat myself up though.

And I may not have much great news to report next week either. I'm hitting the gym like mad, but I'm going to Dallas this weekend to watch the Super Bowl with my family. I'll try hard, but I know there will lots of temptation to indulge in fatty foods. C'mon, it's the Super Bowl! Doesn't that just scream hot wings and onion dip?!