My Totally Insane Day Before the Big Airplane Trip

 Just thinking about today makes my fingers jam up! Here’s a quick and easy chronology of my day:

I called Hertz at 7:00 a.m. to confirm car rental for the airport trip. Hertz goofed up my reservation, resulting in telephone crankiness. Nicole at Hertz sweetly squared everything away, nevertheless.

At 8:00 am, I dashed off to pick up rental car with Tyoma in tow. Hilton parking lot was JAMMED full of cars. I found the last space in the lot. Turns out, the Western Pecan Growers Association was having its annual meeting this morning. Jolly farmers in plaid shirts were everywhere.

The rental car, a monstrous Ford Expedition, partially blocked traffic in the lot since I parked illegally behind B.T. to install the car seat. Tyoma squalled as I fiddled with the seat, simultaneously freaked out by pecan growers in big deisel trucks inching around the Expedition and the strangeness of the super huge rental car’s interior.

We got home after 9:00 to find that the cleaning crew from Merry Maids consisted not of the three girls I was promised, but by one stressed out twenty-two year old named “Memorie.” I immediately quipped, “I bet everyone remembers your name.” Instantly I felt like an ass, so I quickly added, “Sorry, you must hear that a thousand times.” We had a little laugh (she probably hears that a lot, too). Having a new person in the house pushed Tyoma over the edge. He was inconsolable for the next twenty minutes.

The next few hours bounced between comforting Tyoma, packing up stuff and calling Mom, who had gotten ill. To compound matters, Dad had been selected for jury duty this morning, so he was not able to help Mom out as expected. Around one, Mom was still feeling sick so we cancelled her trip. It will work out better for her to come at another time anyway, without the insane rush.

At 1:30 the carpet cleaners came and Tyoma officially declared his nap skipped with lusty, heart-wrenching wails. Memorie was still cleaning house. To spare everyone the agonized shrieks of my son, I hauled Tyoma off to the post office where I mailed three final boxes of book to NH.

I was the mother with “that uncontrollable child” in line. I ran another errand or two and arrived home in time to write the carpet guy a check and to wave farewell to Memorie—she had been at our place for almost six hours (with ample tip in hand).

Ten minutes later, I realized that Memorie had not finished cleaning all of the household’s cabinets. I felt so sorry for her, but darn it, Merry Maids charged me an arm and a leg for the cleaning and they needed to complete the job or give me money. Another cranky phone call instantly made me $100 richer. All I had to do was drop off a check for the price adjustment before 5:00 (30 minutes from phone call). On the bright side, Tyoma is now less freaked by the Expedition.

At 6:15 I realized that I seriously underestimated luggage capacity, especially with Mom not coming. My carry on items were so overloaded that I had to leave one of his new travel toys behind and pack another in the checked luggage. Curses! Fortunately his cool magnetic gear thingy fit fine! Other toys and clothing items from the checked luggage were left behind, too—everything was way too heavy!!!

Near 7:00, I remembered that I was going to freeze my butt off sleeping on an air mattress in the sunroom. I had to relocate my bed since the carpets were still wet and smelly from the earlier cleaning. I frantically called Ewbliette and asked her to rescue me. She brought a blanket and a fluffy animal print comforter. Heh. Too bad my suitcases were so full, I’ve always liked that comforter….

It was so good to see her and say goodbye (sob!). It was even better that she helped me pack the last two suitcases and weigh everything (twice!). After she left, I seemed to find innumerable tiny things to occupy myself with until 10, when I passed out.

He looks like he knows that we are going to New Hamphire and leaving him behind!

Last Wheelbarrow Ride in Las Cruces

*sniff* It's hard saying goodbye. Tennisfiend will be leaving in two weeks for New Hampshire. For-ever. Goodbye first home!

Dinner With Rusty and Nova

E's business partner invited us over for a convivial farewell dinner.  I was so touched  by the care and love they put into our delicious meal.  It was a delightful gesture, with my favorite pinot noir and cheese, salmon and decadent "better than sex" chocolate cake.

Despite the inherent sadness of the occasion (E's departure is not good for the company),  our evening was upbeat, jolly and showed a great deal of respect for E and his part of the company.

I was anxious to go, but glad that I did.

Snow Pants!

Since we are moving to New Hampshire, we need to stock up on winter gear. I picked up a pair of ski pants on sale today: He walks like a robot in them! Actually, it's been pretty windy here, so once I pick up a little hooded jacket, I'll be turning him looose outside more often.

BAE

E has a Phone interview with BAE in Nashua NH this morning at 9:00 am. 

Heart Failure.

Deep Breath.

He asks, do I want to look up housing in New Hampshire?

Uhm. Sure!

Small World

The head hunter who contacted us re a position on the East Coast over the summer sent us an email requesting E's resume. I was a bit annoyed, since I had told her we were not interested on relocating out east. But, we need to keep our options open.

It will take California two more weeks to get back to us about the interview. E's been vetted and it looks very promising, but no one is telling us to pack our shit. We need to check this out quickly.

Hi Egor,

I got the resume, and forwarded it to XXX last night. I spoke with XXX this morning and told him you were a hot ticket for his positions, but that we had to turn the entire process around within 3 weeks.

Ironically, XXX grew up in El Segundo, and his father worked for Aerospace Corp. for years.

He had not read your resume when we spoke, but said that from what I told him of your background it sounded good. He is going to read it and get back to me sometime this afternoon. There is a chance that I will be setting up a telephone conversation for you this weekend with either XXX , or YYY who reports to XXX.

I will call you right after I hear from XXX.

Best regards,

Letters of Thanks

I recovered enough today to send out a carefully worded letter to the real-estate agent, Susan. She sent a prompt, courteous reply. Looking at the listings again, I wonder if we would every be able to afford anything other than a townhouse.

Nothing wrong with townhouses--but condos are nicer. No stairs for Tyoma to cope with. But, I suppose generations of kids grew up with stairs, so that's a lousy excuse. What I will certainly miss is having a real yard. Pat and Kurt have a swell condo with a lovely, spacious yard, but such land in LA would certainly put it WAY above our price range. Sigh.

Real Estate Adventure

This morning we burst out of bed ready to face our day with the realtor, Susan.  I gobbled three eggs for my diet, but they menaced my stomach all morning.  It was my job to orient Egor on the way to the realtor's office, but I became completely lost and confused within minutes.  We still made it there on time.  I noted the traffic and shuddered.

Susan was mid fifty-ish and tastefully dressed.  I did not regret the trouble I took to pick out the perfect outfit.  We started off in the more affordable neighborhoods ($650K) and then she whisked us off to the $1 million dollar homes.  I have to ask myself, what is she thinking?  the company sent her to us and we told her what we could afford.  The houses in Torrance were uninspiring, pasteboard looking creations, clumped closely together and barrio looking.  The expensive homes  in Palos Verdes offered an exquisite view of the ocean, and darling courtyards.  Sadly the homes themselves had a palpable 1964 vibe, older but not old enough to be quaint. Location, indeed.

Rentals in the neighborhoods we likes were about $500 more than we could afford unless we wanted to share a bedroom with Tyoma.  I despised the cramped townhouses with tiny thumbprints for backyards.  I need to re-evaluate raising Tyoma somewhere he could not run free or have a backyard.

We broke for lunch at a wonderful restaurant named Marmalade's.  My diet has gone to hell.  I had chicken a la orange and it was superb. Rice! Yum! E noshed on the most scrumptious fettuccine with real wild mushrooms.  We looked at more homes during the afternoon.  Prices were $650-$800 range.

I confess on the outings we saw some of the ugliest interiors ever.  I guess when location is so valuable, folks feel, they can do any damn thing they please. Big bold wallpaper patterns, matching upholstery and smug owners who wanted us to experience their home were not uncommon.  I cherish weird, smile at tacky, and contemplate the odd. Pretentiousness leaves me cold.  I don't want the snooty wallpaper to keep me up at night with its specious observations.

One rental home was painted bright lemon yellow.  The yellow prevailed inside the house on all the walls.  the only things non yellow were the lilac door and the uncoordinating cherry floors.  Another odd thing.  Many homes were about 1300 feet or less and had very dark flooring which made all of the rooms look cramped.  Anyway, the landlord of the Lemon House greeted us at the door with a bossiness that was jarring.  she was impatient and domineering and kept after us about the rental particulars, no smoking, no shoes on in the house, when rent due, and so on.  she was almost hysterical and I wondered if she was on drugs.  She seemed to be going through the worst PMS ever after drinking 40 cups of coffee.  I watched her eyes, she did not seem stoned, she seemed, mad--old fashioned mad.  Gripped by the sort or irritability and rushing speech that I bipolar person might experience.

In the evening we dragged ourselves in at 4:30.  It was time to unwind for the big meeting tomorrow.  I counter the minutes until the free snack bar opened and loaded up on South Beach friendly fare.  I longed for a glass of wine, but at $12.50 a glass, I drank tap water and vending machine ice.

We wound up ordering room service.  I don't think my poor brain could handle giving E the wrong directions one more time today.  We conked out at 9:30.

Aquarium Monday

We finally found a home for our aquarium!

E drove mom's disintegrating van to Robert's place to drop off our 55 gallon aquarium.  Mom's van is always full of ominous creaks, rattles and smells and driving without the A/C made the whole experience rather, unsettling.

Roberts place is a single wide trailer which he has gutted and plans to build anew.  Walls have been torn down and electronic fixtures dangle menacingly, giving the space a post-apocalypse feel. He plans to fit the floors and walls with lacquered plywood, stainless steel and glass for an ultra modern feel.  I wish him luck. This could take years.

But!  His home is on an acre of breathtaking land overlooking the mountains.  Personally, I think a few throw pillows and paper lanterns would suffice, his location is gorgeous!  Egor said if he even finished up half his space like he planned he could sell his place for a fortune.  I don't see it. Robert would host fabulous parties and everyone would come and worship him!

Lexus

Tennisfiend came home tonight and mentioned that we might get a new car.  A connection with a local bank gave us an in on the auction of a foreclosed car--a 2000 Lexus coupe. Whoa. Might work out, TF seems ecstatic.

I am surprised. Where are we going to get the money?

Maybe,  I am not so surprised. Egor's Taurus is 15 years old. We bought it from one of his co-workers for next to nothing. It has gold peeling paint and no air conditioner. And it clicks ominously when you turn it. Sigh.

All this right before our trip. We don't know if we will get the job. A security clearence is vital in his feild of work and he just doesn't have one. And damn, if we move to LA we will be living in a shoe box that costs a fortune. But we must buy a new car. We will see what happens. If this looks like a good deal, we will take it. We can't drive his crappy Taurus from here to there and the shipping on the car would cost more than it's worth. My vote, get a car there after we've moved. Alas!

Hell Week, Day Two...

Sooo...

I've managed to put all the pics related to Tyoma's birthday party online for Tennisfiend's family in Russia. Whew. Most are backdated, natch. Heck, most of my journal is backdated!

Tennisfiend's interview is finally scheduled in California. Babysitting for us, my folks are ready to take Tyoma for three days since I'm going to Cali, too. We're looking for houses/condos/apartments/shacks. This is happening so quickly. And da-yumn, real estate in California is expensive!

Tennisfiend's business may or may not get sold. We are praying for a sale, but fear that the other board members will be foolishly greedy. How will a company buyout affect the job search? All depends on what California is like. We could love it. Or not. We'll know more about the buyout as the week progresses. Meanwhile, TF is putting together a seminar for his interview in California. Meanwhile, I'm still prowling the net, looking for new jobs.

A new car seems like a distant dream. Actually, a September paycheck could be a distant dream.

Farewell

We stopped by to wish A & I good luck before their departure on Monday. Flushed and sublimely happy, "I" greeted us at the door. the two of them looked as if they were still several hours from a final departure (we could see their beds and boxes strewn about). Irina fussed sweetly over Tyoma while "A" politely concealed his enthusiasm to contine loading the moving van.

When we left, I felt melancholy, recalling our own marriage and related milestones. How sweet is to be with the one you love! Mom emailed a progress report today; the pair arrived safely, despite double flat tires and sluggish roadside assistance. I understand that the humidity is near 98% and the temperature matches it. Whew!

Good-bye Aquarium

Since we might be packing up and leaving, I decided to give our aquarium the ole heave-ho. I donated the remaining fish to Petco (Rest In Peace) and spent the rest of the day with buckets of bleach and siphon hose. Tennisfiend  will store the behemoth in th garage until we can find a good home for it. Sigh.