Terradyme: Trials and Tribulations

Sunday, September 26, 2004
sqrt 1296

I'm recharging from the weekend's whirlwind of activity. I made the right choice in taking Friday off. Mom came down from Banbury on the train & I met her at the station at about noon. We dropped her bag off at the house before doing a little shopping for stuff she's taking back to the States. We made our way up the hill to the hospital & spent an hour or so there so she could meet some of the people I work with. My lady boss was very busy & most introductions were brief, but at least now mom has a good picture of where I'm employed. After, we had an early dinner outside at the Head of the River. The food was very good but it was a bit cool and there's construction taking place on the Abingdon Road. I was able to get some last minute beer before taking the short bus journey up to CG's. As it was CG's birthday too, we had invited about ten colleagues & friends to her place for "cocktails and nibbles" (there was enough to feed an army). The evening turned into a latish night and we said our goodbyes around half ten. Yesterday morning we were up early. P came by shortly after nine for a tea and to drop off her laptop before heading to Barf. Mom and I did a bit more shopping, walking around Oxford, and lunching at The Mitre. Then it was another train ride for her, back to Banbury so should could report on the weekend's activities to Gran. I received many nice gifts and Birthday cards, through email and Royal Mail, about 80% of which featured cats or kittens. Guess some people think they know me....
3:25:00 PM

Friday, September 24, 2004
Today's Horoscope (washingtonpost.com)

"IF SEPTEMBER 24 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Good times are ahead, and you have the brainpower, energy, optimism and good fortune to accomplish anything you set your mind to. You have the golden touch for much of the year to come, and your immense charm and attractiveness will be something to reckon with. Be sure to keep things in balance to avoid overpowering others. Unexpected inspirations will seem to have a fated quality. Any uncertainty or pessimism you might feel will lift by February. By mid- to late March and in mid-June, use your sense of fair play to rise above petty disagreements. Other than that, it's not only clear sailing, but full speed ahead!"
11:43:00 PM

Thursday, September 23, 2004
Zooma Zooma II

Good news: Either the local Driving Standards Authority has decided to hire more testers or there's been a rash of cancellations; I was able to find a slot for my Practical Driving test and have booked it for Tuesday, November 30 in the afternoon. That gives me some time to take advantage of P's generous offer to escort me while I practice prowling around Oxford in her Peugot. I even have the required "L" plates ....
11:43:00 PM

Isn't life just ... grand?

My, how time flies when you're having Fun in the Fall. I kidnapped P Sunday afternoon when I decided it was probably one of the last sunny, warm days of the year to take her to University Parks, which she had never visited. A lot of other people had the same idea, but the park is large enough not to feel crowded; we admired the grand expanses of lawns, the late-blooming crocuses, and the teenage ducklings, soon to fly to warmer climates. We also hunted for conkers (horse chestnuts) but I think we may have been a week or two too early. Monday as usual I had an early night, and Tuesday P and I drove to Sainsbury's after work to buy booze for tomorrow's festivities and to pick up my free complimentary Birthday Box of Chocolates. We stopped by CG's (without calling first) to drop off the alcohol and had a nice chat. Yesterday I thought it might be nice to see my mom and gran and so I left work a bit early and took the train into Banbury. Mom met me at the station and of course Gran had a piping hot meal (stew & boiled spuds) ready as we walked in the door. She was a bit slow early in the evening but perked up as time went by, eventually putting mom and me to work to shift furniture around the ground floor rooms. I'm not sure she's made up her mind where things will settle, but there's currently enough seating in the sitting room for the entire Iraqi parliament. Today P came by to keep me company while I baked the Cake and cleaned the place up a bit for mom's visit tomorrow. We're due to wander up to my work around lunch, then have a pub meal, then cocktails and nibbles at CG's, then coffee and dessert at a Place Yet To Be Determined. Luckily there's no rain in the forecast, and I'm looking forward to the quality time. I've been remiss in my emails but I hope to catch up over the weekend. Otherwise no other plans besides Sleep!
11:26:00 PM

Sunday, September 19, 2004
What? Did you say something? WHAT? Are you talking to Me?

As there was no room to maneuver in my place, and because Gran was feeling a bit under the weather, mom and gran decided not to come down yesterday. Instead, I went up to Banbury by train after my visit to the leasing company. After a cup of tea and a short chat/shouting match, mom and I headed out to do the day's shopping and to find a nice pub for lunch. Mom seemed a bit surprised at the high cost of some items, but the �/$ exchange rate is quite lousy for her now. We had a very nice hot meal at The Cromwell (she had chicken, leek and corn pie and I had pasta carbonera) and washed it down with a few pints of Strongbow cider. We weren't in a huge rush to get back to the house. Of course, tea was prepared almost as soon as we returned. I packed up soon after; mom had very kindly brought some items over from the US, including the cake mix and frosting I always use for my birthday cake. When I got home, I was pleased to find the old bed had been removed, and the new one put in its place. They left the headboard, so that's a bonus.
8:44:00 PM

The second BJ

I've just read on the IMDB.com site that the new Bridget Jones will be released here November 12, a full week before its release in the US. There's a teaser official site here, with the full site due in mid-October. I have a feeling I'll be able to convince a few people from work to join me for a night out.
8:38:00 PM

Saturday, September 18, 2004
I just wanted a replacement mattress; is that so wrong?

After not hearing anything (again) from the leasing management company, I called Wednesday to find out that the landlord had agreed to replace the entire bed, not just the sagging mattress, and that it would be delivered Thursday. I was asked to clear the room and empty the bed's drawers so that it could be removed as well. Thursday came and went without any action. I called and left a message that night when I got home, and received a return message Friday a.m. apologizing for the inconvenience & indicating the bed would definitely be delivered first thing. After a nail varnish incident at the end of the work day (don't ask), I didn't get home until nearly 7 last night. This is what I found, in the middle of my living room:

My old bed is still upstairs. This new bed doesn't have drawers or a headboard, and it's ugly as sin. I took the bus to the leasing management company at 9 this a.m. and made a very strong request for this to be resolved today.
9:50:00 AM

Thursday, September 16, 2004
Reuters, AP, UPI, Terradyme

News item 1: After following P's rigorous training regimen, I was able to pass the Theory Test this morning, scoring 35 out of 35 on the multiple choice section and 68 out of 75 on the hazard perception video. I'm glad that's done with. I've got two years to pass the Practical (driving) portion before I have a full UK license. News item 2: Mom has arrived in country safe and fairly sound. News item 3: A new bed--not just a mattress--is due to be delivered shortly, to replace the old one I've been complaining about all year. News item 4: I've been approached to write an article for a fairly prestigious Mac computer technical magazine. We'll see how that pans out....
11:39:00 PM

Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Anachronism

For various reasons (see below) this past week I've been taking the bus from work into town most lunch hours. As I was standing in the queue for the #15 to get back to work, two japanese guys -- tourists probably, in their 20s -- stopped me and asked: "Escuse. This bus go for Banbuly Load?" No, I explained, they wanted a #7 or #2, at the top of Cornmarket Street. They'd obviously mastered one phrase in their Japanese/English dictionary, though. It was a bit disconcerting to hear their reply, in perfect BBC British: "Cheers mate, thanksalot."
7:21:00 PM

I'll plow your field for two sheep

I've been in a pissing match with both my UK and US banks during the past week; Lloyds made a typo when sending my monthly transfer to Wachovia in Virginia, and as a result my money was lost in the ether. I've had to make several international calls & I've had to make two trips in to the local Oxford branch during work hours. The money's been found, but Wachovia charged me $22 for the error. I'm now trying to get Lloyds to reimburse me that money. It's turned cooler; my front garden is full of leaves and the days are noticeably shorter. Still no word on the mattress.
7:09:00 PM

Saturday, September 11, 2004
Circles

Just as I was on my way out the door for my second trip to Banbury in under a fortnight, my sweetie darling friend Nicky rang to thank me for the bday card I'd sent and for a chat. It was so nice to hear how she's settling down in Dungarven & it sounds as if it's going so well for her and her family. Gran was a bit discombobulated when I arrived and wouldn't let me do much to help prep for mom's upcoming visit, so we had tea and bread & jam and more tea and a chat and some more tea. Then we made mom's bed. Then we had more tea. I've spent the evening sorting and cleaning and doing the wash. I'd forgotten to mention I'd had a look at the local online classifieds last weekend (the same from which I'd acquired the free TV last winter which is now on the fritz). No TVs, but there was someone selling a Dell 19" monitor for dead cheap, so I had it; early bday present. Delivery was included which was bonus. So now I no longer have to squint at a laptop screen. Business at work has picked up a notch (the lady boss is back from Greece), and will only increase through the end of next month. I've also got a Theory test to pass this week. Mom arrives Thursday & she and Gran will come here by train on Saturday. I've got to rummage around in a drawer or two for the Jesus & Mary calendars and mass cards Gran donated when I moved in last year.
11:58:00 PM

Tuesday, September 07, 2004
You know, Whomever you are

Thank you, anonymous person, for the two items which you ordered from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de and which were delivered to my house yesterday. I haven't opened the package yet to see what they are, but they are much appreciated. Only to weeks to wait (drums fingers).
3:48:00 PM

Wensleydale returns

Saturday, I was dragged out of the house at the ungodly hour of 11 to go shopping, at a Sainsbury's within driving range of my house. I was able to find some danish Havarti cheese finally. With some Jacob's crackers and a few Mini Melton Mowbray pork pies, we had a very nice afternoon snack.
3:34:00 PM

Monday, September 06, 2004
I needed a drink

Yesterday was one of the hottest days of the year, which was why it was such the perfect day to be out in the back garden of colleague NL and others from work to help celebrate her birthday. NL had invited about 25-30 people for lunch (friends, family and workmates) and laid out quite a spread. It was interesting to note the group separated, like a kind of warped, large scale mitosis, into those with babies and young children (the Family group) and those who have not yet lost all sense and reason (the Work group). NL has a lovely old house in Hook Norton, so the drive out there & the village itself were very pretty. Her garden in particular was very nicely landscaped, with a creek at the back of the property and a large lily pond, a hammock and several benches strategically situated throughout. After, P and I made our way to the Trout for a beverage and a serious convo. The evening turned quite chilly--a marked contrast from the afternoon. Guess it's Fall already.
10:21:00 PM

Who put that wall there?

I've had a few disorienting nights during the last week, as I've been sleeping in the single bed in the small bedroom; I had stripped the sheets from my double bed so that the Inspector would have fee access to my mattress & hopefully see the groove in the middle & springs sticking out, and would declare it a write-off. The small bedroom, at the back of the house, has its own set of outoor noises to contend with, and currently has no fan and only a ceiling light. I've had some strange dreams. And getting up in the middle of the night is a task more difficult than any Dungeon Master could create. The good news, however, is that after not having heard anything all last week, I rang the property managers again today, found out they had made their inspection last Thursday, and was delighted to hear they agree with me; it should be replaced. They will contact the landlord and see how she wants to respond. I may get a new (different?) mattress by 2006.
10:11:00 PM

Friday, September 03, 2004
...and then you die

You may have noticed I haven't posted details about any of the places I've worked over the years. That's by design, mainly. Unfortunately, though, because it's had such a huge impact, I need to mention that I rec'd the worst possible news about two of my friends/colleagues, separately but within hours of each other, yesterday. It's largely thrown everything out of perspective.
8:24:00 PM

A Night Out with MT and friends

I'll post this now as I don't want it to go by without being noted, but excuse the lack of detail: My colleague MT invited CG and me to her house after work Tuesday, the first day after the Bank Holiday weekend. We had sandwiches and I met her kids and grandaughter. After, MT, her husband, CG and I piled into the car and drove south to the village of Clifton Hampden. We parked near the summit of the Wittenham Clumps, two mounds dating from the Iron Age, and walked to the summit to see some amazing views of the River & farmland around Oxfordshire. CG had her camera so I'll see if I can get some copies later. After, we stopped for a couple pints at the Barley Mow. Of this pub, Jerome K. Jerome wrote in his Three Men in a Boat: "It is without exception the quaintest most old-fashioned inn up the river."�

not my photo
8:06:00 PM

Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Weak end

I hadn't meant for nearly a week to go by without blogging, especially as someone recently commented on how regular I had been lately, but it has been a whirlwind of activity in Oxon. To bring everyone up to date: Friday was the start of a three day weekend. I slept in late on Saturday & spent the afternoon running around, taking care of errands; I found a computer program at the Central Library to help me study for my theory test (only �3 to rent v. �12 to buy). I don't think there's any way I could be more prepared for the exam now. I also picked up a nice bottle of wine, as CG had invited PG from work, his wife, and me to her house for dinner that night. We were able to catch some of the Track & Field events on TV, including the UK's win in the men's 4x100 and England's Kelly Holmes' second gold, in the 1500m. We also had a delish meal and desert (chocolate pear trifle) and varied conversation (religion, philosophy and politics) until the early hours of the morning. Sunday I was up relatively early to meet P on the High Street for our coach into London. We wandered down Park Lane to South Kensington, grabbed a sandwich & crisps and hired folding deck chairs in Hyde Park. It was fairly warm and clear & nice to just sit and watch the ducks and the walkers, joggers, cyclists and horseback riders. We also just happened to stumble across the new Diana Memorial Fountain, which was recently reopened after problems with drainage and safety issues. I have to say I was a bit disappointed; it's quite small (only about 50m across) and looks unfinished. Because of all the rain we've had, the path around (which isn't paved) was nearly pure mud. There are "building site" fences which have been raised to provide temporary crowd control. I hope they get it together for next summer.

After, we found our way to the Science Museum, which I had never visited before. The exhibits there were interesting but were geared towards kids I think, and unfortunately half the interactive displays were not working. We also spent about an hour in the Natural History Museum, which is housed in an amazing Victorian building that is worth a visit on its own. Dinosaurs, precious gemstones, stuffed Dodos, and geological exhibits were all we were able to take in. I'll definitely make a repeat visit. Monday I took the train up to Banbury early to visit Gran. She had a fry-up waiting for me for when I arrived at noon. We chatted for a few hours about the Olympics and the US election. No chores this time but I made plans to see her again on the 11th before mom arrives. I was back in Oxford in time to invite P over for a pizza and to quiz me some more on my Theory Test. Fortunately we were sidetracked quite often away from the actual quizzing, so it was a relaxing, chill out evening.
9:53:00 PM