Monday, August 27, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

I got my car today, after 1.5 weeks of waiting for the dealer to make repairs. And a strange thing happened: I began to feel sad. Not sure I understand it. The car is fine. (I did notice that the alignment is off, but that is easily repairable and cheaper than one of the repairs I had them do.)

But still the sadness. It's not buyer's remorse. It's a nice car and beautiful. I just wonder if it's the emotional letdown after all of this time of anticipating and waiting. Sigh!

Anyway, this song is for today's mood.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

I had a full day today. And, while I felt tired, I didn't buckle under like yesterday. Sickness is nearly kicked. I just have to finish off my antibiotics.

I am prepped for my first class. I have my slides printed out and I have my presentation on a flashdrive. I emailed the assignment to my class (because the mass homework and information system was not "prepared" for the number of people accessing it today!). I went to a meeting for a group that I will be supporting with my research. And met with a number of other people. Honestly, a full day.

And, now I am packed for tomorrow. I head to New York for a follow up doctor's appointment. I also get to see some friends while in town. Before I go, I teach my first class and pick up my car, which I will park on campus before I hop on a bus to the airport. Excited about all of the above and a little nervous.

This will be a low tech weekend. I am leaving my computer at home for the first time. This, of course, means no blogging while away. I will do my best to keep notes so I can catch up when I return.

This song is a good one for the attitude I want to take. Cool. Calm. But flavorful.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

So today I went to work. I woke up refreshed and ready to go. I was even prepared in time to get a lift to campus. I felt a little off but was able to function, which was good. My class starts on Friday and I needed to notify my students of the assignment. And, it seems, meet with a professor about some research she wants me to do.

Around 3:30, though, I bonked out. I looked at the computer and couldn't quite force my mind to function. So, I packed and left for home. I had to walk since I left early; my car won't be ready until Friday. Not sure how long I took since I also took a detour into a cemetery.  Pretty calm walk, though.

Anyway, today I listened to the iTunes Essential Rihanna. A lot better than buying a bunch of albums that I don't want. This song stuck in my head.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

I've been home sick today. I passed out around 9:30 last night and woke up at 1am. Light still on. I got up and brushed my teeth, washed my face, took my meds. But I couldn't really get back to sleep. So I ate (I actually got hungry!!!) and read until I could sleep again. I only slept three hours! So I read and watched tv during the day. I tried to sleep in the afternoon but it was in fits and starts.

I feel a little better. My throat doesn't hurt much. But the sneezing and coughing is still there. And I my body aches from being sick and laying around. Not really a fix for that except not being sick and moving around. We'll see how I feel in the morning, whether I go to work. This is not the week to be sick. I have a class to teach on Friday. And students to notify of the assignment. Ugh! And I am going out of town on Friday, too.

On the plus side, the dealer called and they are repairing the broken door handle on my car. I hope they get other things done too--especially things I might have missed in my test drive. He knows I'm sick so maybe there's some sympathy for the new girl in town who is home sick.

This song has been in my head today. I'm pretty sure I haven't seen any Trident commercials, but the chorus is catchy and I caught it.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

For the first time in my life I got sent home with an infectious disease: strep throat. I feel kind a crappy and am tired. Really tired. I just thought I'd overdone it. Truly possible since I either walk or bike to and from work. Rain or shine.

Lucky for me someone mentioned that strep is going around campus. And that campus has a Wellness Center. I popped in to make an appointment (all of the instant appointments were gone) and then popped in for my visit. Did a check in with the nurse who wasn't really a good listener; I had to repeat a few things for her because she either didn't write it down or because she assumed things that I did not say. Got checked out by the nurse practitioner who diagnosed me for the flu. But she did a throat swab just in case. It came back positive for Strep. Yea for me! Luckily the Wellness Center also has a pharmacy. I got my antibiotics and cough medicine. I went back to my office to get my stuff and be treated like a leper. I went home. And then made a quick trip to the grocery to get a few things to tide me over until the contagion is over. Approximately 24 hours after I start my antibiotics I will be disease free. So I go back to work on Wednesday at the earliest.

Through it all, this song by INXS has been in my head. Nice and calming.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

I was exhausted when I went to bed last night. I could have fallen asleep at 8 and probably wouldn't have roused myself until morning. I woke up this morning with a sore throat. But I had to bike to the bank to get the loan check for my car. And then biked home. I spent the day snoozing on the couch in front of the tv.

I'm not sure this is a real cold. I have been juicing for a few weeks. But, I have been phasing out of so much cooked food. They say, as your body starts to detox, you feel a little ill. I'm hoping that is what this is. It'd be a shame for me to be broke-down so early in the school year.

I chose this song because it says, "rest your weary bones." That's what I've been doing this weekend. I'd never heard this song before, but I like it.

Song of the Day: Thursday


I feel as if I am settling into a groove. The initial moments of panic with a new job are starting to fade. I am starting realize that it's normal not to know how things go, but that I do know how to do my job. And, people expect me to be a little behind the 8 ball since I am new.

This song has been in my head for a few days. I walked around singing "We live in a beautiful world / yeah we do, yeah we do, yeah." I thought it was the title. Unbeknownst to me it's called "Don't Panic." How ironic.

Song of the Day: Friday

Today was an exciting day in my life: I bought a car!!! Actually, I test drove and put down a deposit on a car. After a couple of weeks of researching new cars and then used, I found a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta that was lingering at at Lexus dealership. It's black with tan interior. Gorgeous and drives well. And, the price had been further reduced from what I saw when I originally found the car. The dealer is making some requested repairs and, hopefully, I'll get the car on Monday.

This song comes to mind when I think about the car. Not that I mean a word of it. No one drives my car except for my mechanic.

Song of the Day: Wednesday

Today I got the surprise of my life today. Despite the fact that I just started my current job at the beginning of the month, I got another job offer today. It wasn't even an invitation to apply for a job; it was a bald-faced offer to be wooed to this new position if I was open to moving so soon! Hahahaha! What a great feeling! I said no, but it's nice to be desired.

In light of today's news, this song seems appropriate. Well, sort of. I like Pitbull's music if I don't watch the videos and think too hard about what he means.

Song of the Day: Sunday

So, it's been a little while since I have posted. Life at work has picked up quite a bit. Tomorrow is the first day of classes. I teach my first class on Friday. I am calm but nervous. I still need to get the temperature and feel of this place, but I will soon know.

I've been shut up in my apartment for the weekend. Sore throat, congestion, headache, post-nasal drip and cough. I spent most of today in bed, except for the obligatory trips to the kitchen and restroom and a foray to the living room so I can say that I got out of bed.

Despite being a shut-in, this song has been in my head. Kinda sassy for a sick girl.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

Today was a low-key day. I woke up early and walked to Mass. It felt good to get out and get moving--even though I wasn't quite awake when I headed out. I came home and made fresh juice and cooked a pizza. I watched Doctor Who before taking a nap. Other than that I did laundry and watched the Olympics.

This song stuck with me from the Olympics closing ceremony. Jessie J is a lot of fun and a great performer. She was the Freddie Mercury stand-in with Queen tonight. A lot of energy.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday


I spent most of the day in bed reading and watching tv. Last night when I got home, it was cold. Not winter cold. Just rainy, no sun, cold. I put on a sweatshirt and yoga pants to warm up. And I snuggled down in my bed. I was a bit cold when I woke up and it was raining. No reason to actually get out of bed. Except that I need a few groceries. And I had hoped to go to Mass today. And, that's what adults do: they get out of bed and take showers and get dressed.

I showered and dressed and got back in bed to do some research and watch tv. I discovered that Mass was at a Church a little further than I wanted to walk or bike, so I didn't go. And, around 5 I got up and walked to the grocery store (.5 miles). When I went outside I discovered that it was only cold in my apartment, and only because I wouldn't get out of my bed and open the blinds. And it was bright. Really bright. I felt a little like a vampire. Luckily I didn't disintegrate in the sun!

Anyway, reminds me of this song.

Song of the Day: Friday

My second week of work. Less than a week before classes begin. Two weeks before my class (?!?) begins. And, I am excited to be on my job. Crazy! I have a lot to learn before I can teach my students the hierarchy of authorities for legal research.

I went to the Law School picnic and got to meet the dean. She has a dry, deadpan sense of humor that I like. I also met with three different professors, one of whom I hope will be a friend. Maybe I can bring  Sherry hour here!

The surprise of the day was my boss. I mentioned on Thursday that my bike chain had broken; he repairs bikes as a hobby.  I asked whether that was in his expertise; it is not. He offered to help me get my car to a repair center. He also offered one of his many bikes to use until my bike gets repaired. I said that I might stop by this weekend to get a bike. So on Friday he brings a bike to work for me. I was content to walk, even though it's been raining since Wednesday; it's good exercise and good motivation to get a car sooner rather than later.

Anyway, even though I'm not quite used to it, my boss is looking out for me. The title of this song reminds me of him.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

Today was okay. Last night the chain on my bike broke, so I got to walk my bike home with the threat of rain. I walked to work today with the threat of rain. I walked home from work and it began raining when I was within sight of my building. It is supposed to rain for the next few days. This of course moves up my timeline for purchasing a car.

I am fine with taking a day trip out with a driving friend to get groceries and lunch. However, I have trouble with the possibility of taking a lift to and from work for days on end because of rain. So I have spent the past two nights looking for a car. I think I might not get my dream car because of how much it costs. It'd be great to get a used car, but there is the problem of making sure the car is sound. We'll see.

I can't remember the song that played in my head as I got rained on. But this one will do.

Song of the Day: Wednesday

I've been employed for over a week at my new job. I am still amazed at what a great deal this job is. There is a hair salon and a dry cleaner on campus!!! And I am amazed at how crazy cheap the benefits are. And I am adapting to work. A few twinges of bewilderment over what I should be doing, but mostly plenty of things to do with the need to prioritize.

Yael Naim has been in my head. This song is the one that I sang throughout the day.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday


I had a rough start this morning. I had to be on campus for orientation at 8:20. They wanted us there by 8:15 and I had to bike. In order to have made it on time, I needed to have left home at 7:30 so I could go to my office and get directions. I left at 7:50 and bike really fast. By 8:15 I was in my office trying to get directions so that I could bike over to orientation. Ironically I found the building without being too late (I'd been there before) but because I couldn't see the name anywhere, I assumed I was at the wrong building. So, when I found the correct building (again!) and room, I was about 5 minutes late for the start of orientation. But, they waited for stragglers like me!

After orientation, I am quite happy to be employed at Notre Dame. The benefits are awesome! I'll be paying much less than before. There is a wellness center on campus so my regular copays are half what I'd pay to see an off-campus doctor; I can also get my prescriptions on campus. And, even though I started last week I get paid next week! Can we say Happy?!!

Anyway, I had a Gaga moment. I played the entire album but this was this song inspired it.

Song of the Day: Tuesday

I am tired. I think it's the combination of the late nights and biking to and from work everyday. It is only about 2 miles if I bike directly. But, if I bike directly I have a really steep uphill to work. On a blind curve. Of a busy road. So I take an alternate route a little bit out of the way, which probably means I'm biking closer to 3 miles to work. It's the same route home, but a lot more coasting. And yesterday I changed from a borrowed 3-speed cruiser to my 18-speed mountain bike. I didn't realize the change of impact on my body. I'm using muscles that I had never anticipated and am a little sore right now.

I am juicing now. My juicer arrived on Friday and I started juicing Saturday as I finished up the solids in my fridge. I still have non-juiceables in the fridge. I've make toast when I get home from work. And, I've had some candy at work. But, otherwise  fresh fruit/vegetable juice and water. And a chamomile to warm me up. My body is adjusting. Although tonight I was searching online for a Chinese restaurant that delivers. None close enough. So, I had another juice and I feel much better.

Anyway, this song is currently on my mind. Apparently the Pretenders did it first. No matter. I am already dreaming of my bed while sitting on my couch.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

Today was a bit of a slow day. I slept in a bit more than I wanted before I biked to Mass. Fifteen minutes each direction. I came home, made juice, and took a nap. When I got up, I finally began to put away my clothes. I've got a couple of loads of laundry in, but then I will have my life (sort of) organized.

I've had a few songs flowing through my head today, but this one comes to mind at the moment.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Song of the Day: Friday

This week has been short but full. I worked three FULL days (actually 2.5) and I am tired. But I just realized that I am happy. I have slept well at night and woken up early in the mornings. While I didn't always get up when I awoke, I was happy to be awake. I even felt as motivated to get up to bike to work early.

These are not behaviors that I exhibited in New York. I disliked waking up early. I was not eager to go to work. And biking? Forget about!

This move feels right. I am settling in, unpacking. I am content to stay home reading and watching tv, which is good since I'd have to walk or bike to do anything else. I am happy.

So, here's today's song.

Song of the Day: Saturday

My one complaint with SB is the water. I tend not to drink soda, juice or milk. I love water. Not the  plastic stuff from the store. I want to be able to drink crisp, clear well water. In a pinch I will drink tap water. But not here.

The water tastes horrid. Even after filtering through a Brita, it is horrible; I tried it. I even let it sit uncovered in the fridge thinking that the horrid taste is a gas that needs to evaporate. That helped but not much.

I had been dreaming of a heavy-duty survivalist water filter but at over $200, it would have to wait. But then I remembered this water filter. I got it today to see it would work. It did. the water tastes good. I've been drinking glasses of water since I got home! So, here's today's song.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

So, today was my second day at my new job. I had a bit of panic. Instead of transitioning in slowly, the work began to creep in. I was given a cite-check for a professor's book. My boss decided he wanted to (slowly) walk me through the library website for cite check resources instead of just telling me what he thought I should use. I had a professor, whom I haven't seen since the interview, with a project for her Spring Class to be completed by November. I got an email from a visiting scholar about some research he is doing. I began delving into the class that I am teaching this semester. The professor from this morning came back with an author's statement  that she was trying to make sense of in an area of law that is new to me. And, I had to track down some work that my predecessor did for one of my professors. Nice second day!

As I biked home from work, I started singing this song out of the blue.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

I am finally home! The movers brought my things and set up my furniture in a manner that is pleasing to me--for now. I have slowly been unpacking and washing dishes and clothes to put away. I made up my bed and am sleeping in it tonight! What a great feeling!

Anyway, it all reminds me of this song.