The past several days I have been down in the dumps. Back to regretting my decision to come to Wisconsin. Wondering why I wanted to leave an "easy" life to come to a place where the challenges I face are suffocating. Mad at myself for not appreciating more the life I had in Columbus.
Everything these past few days just seems so hard. For example, I had a sore throat and wasn't feeling well for several days. Had I needed medical attention, I had no idea where to go. I have no doctor here. For that matter....
I have no dentist here.
I have no gynecologist here.
I have no hair dresser here.
I have no friends here.
I have no family here.
Hell, my husband isn't even here right now.
I don't have a library card here.
I don't know who to call if I want to get the carpets cleaned.
I don't know a professional painter here.
I have no mechanic here.
I don't know my neighbors here.
I had a well-established life in Columbus. That's how I like it. Established. Predictable. If I needed something, I knew who to call. I had relationships and I am a relationship person. Here in Wisconsin, I have a massive deficit of relationships. I feel that void. It makes me sad.
Today (Saturday), I found myself in a situation in which I needed a relationship-- and quick. I needed a veterinarian. Back home in Columbus, I had a vet that I love(d). Seriously, I love him. If he wasn't married and I wasn't married, I would totally want to marry him. I don't care if he is almost old enough to be my father. I love him. He is smart and sensitive and kind and interesting and wise and handsome. My family has taken our pets to this wonderful man for vet care since I was in middle school---25+ years. I absolutely adore him.
But, here I am in Stoughton, Wisconsin and all of a sudden today I needed a vet (and quick!) for poor little Rudy-Patoody. I noticed a spot on the living room carpet where someone had an accident. I didn't know at first if it was Rudy or Jada, but I noticed blood in the urine spot and knew that wasn't good. A short time later, I took the dogs out and noticed when Rudy peed, she was peeing blood. A little bit of panic set in. I have no vet here. It's a Saturday. I don't know where the emergency vet clinics are in this town. Scott isn't here. What am I going to do?
I ended up calling a place here in Stoughton: Chalet Vet Clinic. The office was technically closed, but someone took a message and said she would have the on-call vet give me a call back. The emergency vet did call me back promptly. When I explained what was going on, he offered to meet me at the clinic in 20 minutes.
How nice was that?
I got a urine sample from Rudy, which was almost all blood. Bless her heart. I took the sample and Rudy and off we went to Chalet Vet Clinic to meet Dr. Johnson. The preliminary diagnosis is that Rudy has a bladder infection. She is now on meds and I'm hoping she starts to feel better soon. While on the surface this seems simple enough, I feel a sense of worry about the etiology of the bladder infection. She has never had one before and she has always been generally healthy. But, she is an old girl (turned 14 this past summer), which makes me wonder: why a bladder infection? why now? I hope there isn't something more serious going on with her than just a bladder infection.
For today, though, I felt enormous gratitude that Dr. Johnson was able to meet us and give Rudy the treatment she needed. Another plus is that Dr. Johnson got his veterinary degree from Ohio State, so I know he has been well-trained.
In addition to feeling gratitude for Dr. Johnson meeting us on an emergency basis, I also felt a mild sense of empowerment that I dealt with this situation as it presented itself. I had no one here to call for help or support. I just dealt with it.
I dealt with it the same way I have dealt with many similar situations over the past 10 months since moving here. For example, there was a time when I didn't know where any post offices were located, so I had to figure out where to find a post office. There was a time when I didn't know where Chase bank was located, so I had to figure out where to find a Chase bank. The list goes on and on. While in some ways it's been fun to explore and get to know a new city, in other ways it's been exhausting. Probably even more so since I have mostly been on my own up here. Things I used to do at home with little to no thought now require effort on my part here in Wisconsin. There are times when I just feel like I don't have any effort in me.
But, I'll chalk today up as a success of sorts. I still don't have a doctor, dentist, gynecologist, hair dresser, mechanic, friends, family or husband here. Today, though, a vet was needed. A vet was found. A small success.
Now let's just hope little Rudy gets to feeling better soon.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Not Available
Did you happen to read this post? OCD
The magnet in that post came from Orange Tree Imports. There are a lot of stores that sell that same genre of novelties, the 1950's pictures with humorous captions. I have another magnet to show you that came from Savior Faire, one of my favorite shops in Madison. Before I show you, let me side step briefly.
Everyone at my office has a sign on their door that looks similar to this:
These clever and functional signs designate one's status:
Available, please knock
Out of office
I'm not available
The signs are laminated, so one can use the attached marker to write a note on the sign. For example, if one is out of the office, (s)he could write on the sign, "PTO 10/1- 10/3". Or, one could write "In meeting until 3 PM", etc. Messages that are written on the signs can easily be erased with a tissue. And, as you can see, there is a place for a magnetic marker next to each of captions to indicate if one is available, out of the office, or not available. I currently use a round magnet with a design in the middle.
But, I'm wondering if I should use this magnet instead when I want to mark my status as unavailable:
The magnet in that post came from Orange Tree Imports. There are a lot of stores that sell that same genre of novelties, the 1950's pictures with humorous captions. I have another magnet to show you that came from Savior Faire, one of my favorite shops in Madison. Before I show you, let me side step briefly.
Everyone at my office has a sign on their door that looks similar to this:
(I blocked my last name out because this is the Internet after all....)
These clever and functional signs designate one's status:
Available, please knock
Out of office
I'm not available
The signs are laminated, so one can use the attached marker to write a note on the sign. For example, if one is out of the office, (s)he could write on the sign, "PTO 10/1- 10/3". Or, one could write "In meeting until 3 PM", etc. Messages that are written on the signs can easily be erased with a tissue. And, as you can see, there is a place for a magnetic marker next to each of captions to indicate if one is available, out of the office, or not available. I currently use a round magnet with a design in the middle.
But, I'm wondering if I should use this magnet instead when I want to mark my status as unavailable:
Monday, October 25, 2010
Another Car Fire
Remember this post? Car fires
When I wrote that post, I had seen 5 car fires in the 7 months since my move to Wisconsin. Last weekend, we saw another car fire. That makes a total of 6 car fires I've seen in WI, or roughly one every other month since I've lived here.
This car fire was right here in the neighborhood where we live. I didn't get a very good picture because someone who shall go unnamed was rushing me (again!)
A vintage VW bus on fire. That's not a vehicle that's easily replaced, that's for sure. Especially in that lovely green color with the white wall tires. I have wondered what causes all these car fires I've seen up here. In the case of the burning VW bus, I'm thinking it might have been caused by some hippy being careless while riding around and smoking a fatty. Wait....did I just stereotype people who drive vintage VW buses??
While I didn't get a good shot of the actual fire, here is a picture of the scene later in the day.
Damn. That fire burnt up some grass. I'd be salty if that was my yard.
All these car fires up here are a little unsettling. Although, admittedly, I'm thankful none of the cars on fire have been mine. Let's hope it stays that way.
When I wrote that post, I had seen 5 car fires in the 7 months since my move to Wisconsin. Last weekend, we saw another car fire. That makes a total of 6 car fires I've seen in WI, or roughly one every other month since I've lived here.
This car fire was right here in the neighborhood where we live. I didn't get a very good picture because someone who shall go unnamed was rushing me (again!)
A vintage VW bus on fire. That's not a vehicle that's easily replaced, that's for sure. Especially in that lovely green color with the white wall tires. I have wondered what causes all these car fires I've seen up here. In the case of the burning VW bus, I'm thinking it might have been caused by some hippy being careless while riding around and smoking a fatty. Wait....did I just stereotype people who drive vintage VW buses??
While I didn't get a good shot of the actual fire, here is a picture of the scene later in the day.
Damn. That fire burnt up some grass. I'd be salty if that was my yard.
All these car fires up here are a little unsettling. Although, admittedly, I'm thankful none of the cars on fire have been mine. Let's hope it stays that way.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Pour House
Since moving to Stoughton, I have been wanting to check out a downtown establishment called The Pour House. Actually, there are a number of places downtown that I would like to check out. I find downtown Stoughton charming. I need to get better pictures, but here are a couple to at least give you the flavor.
As you can see, it's an older downtown with store fronts. Often times there is music piped outside so as you are walking around, there is music to listen to and enjoy. It's quaint.
I'm not sure when I'll actually do the exploring that I want to do downtown, but we did at least check out The Pour House. Here is a picture of the entrance.
Again, not a great picture but I couldn't get any good outdoor shots because someone who shall go unnamed was rushing me....
We were at The Pour House in the early afternoon of a weekday, so it wasn't very busy. As the appearance of the entrance in the photo above shows, it's a narrow joint but it had a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. Creaky wood floors. A dark wood bar.
Couple things about Wisconsinites. We love our cheese. And we love our beer. These aren't just stereotypes. I have found them to be truths. Not that I expected anything less given the fact that we are in Wisconsin and the place is called The "Pour" House, but The Pour House had an extensive beer list.
The picture looks blurry here, but every item listed on that page in the photo above is some kind of beer. Scott likes more stout beers and this Wisconsin, home-town brew is one of his favorites.
The cow on the label is jumping over an image of the state of Wisconsin. Someone pointed out, though, that at a quick glance it looks like the cow is doing something naughty to a sheep. I don't think I'll ever look at the label of a Spotted Cow beer the same again.
I, personally, prefer watery domestic beers. But, hey, at least this brand is brewed right here in Wisconsin.
I have often thought that I would like to own a small, casual bar with a theme of loaded questions. Those of you who know me well know all about my loaded questions at parties. I even used to get requests to facilitate loaded questions at gatherings. Well, looks like The Pour House was on to the same idea. Each table had a cup on it with a variety of trivia cards.
They also have bands and dance parties at The Pour House. There is even an old-fashioned stage for performances.
The day we were there, our server told us that they were hosting some kind of a dance party that night. Scott said he wanted to return for the dance party and that he was going to get on the stage and do The Worm. Let me tell you something. My beloved husband doing The Worm is surefire way to make a visit to the emergency room for some kind of injury.
In addition to the trivia cards on the tables, there were other games available (like Taboo) for patrons to play while relaxing at The Pour House. Apparently, they have piano sing-alongs too.
Now being a part of a sing-along is more our speed than Scott doing The Worm on stage.
So, those are the highlights of The Pour House.
Much like the downtown that it's situated in, it is quaint and charming. A place we will return to, I'm sure. It's the kind of place that makes me feel even more positive about living in a small town like Stoughton.
As you can see, it's an older downtown with store fronts. Often times there is music piped outside so as you are walking around, there is music to listen to and enjoy. It's quaint.
I'm not sure when I'll actually do the exploring that I want to do downtown, but we did at least check out The Pour House. Here is a picture of the entrance.
Again, not a great picture but I couldn't get any good outdoor shots because someone who shall go unnamed was rushing me....
We were at The Pour House in the early afternoon of a weekday, so it wasn't very busy. As the appearance of the entrance in the photo above shows, it's a narrow joint but it had a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. Creaky wood floors. A dark wood bar.
Couple things about Wisconsinites. We love our cheese. And we love our beer. These aren't just stereotypes. I have found them to be truths. Not that I expected anything less given the fact that we are in Wisconsin and the place is called The "Pour" House, but The Pour House had an extensive beer list.
The picture looks blurry here, but every item listed on that page in the photo above is some kind of beer. Scott likes more stout beers and this Wisconsin, home-town brew is one of his favorites.
The cow on the label is jumping over an image of the state of Wisconsin. Someone pointed out, though, that at a quick glance it looks like the cow is doing something naughty to a sheep. I don't think I'll ever look at the label of a Spotted Cow beer the same again.
I, personally, prefer watery domestic beers. But, hey, at least this brand is brewed right here in Wisconsin.
I have often thought that I would like to own a small, casual bar with a theme of loaded questions. Those of you who know me well know all about my loaded questions at parties. I even used to get requests to facilitate loaded questions at gatherings. Well, looks like The Pour House was on to the same idea. Each table had a cup on it with a variety of trivia cards.
They also have bands and dance parties at The Pour House. There is even an old-fashioned stage for performances.
The day we were there, our server told us that they were hosting some kind of a dance party that night. Scott said he wanted to return for the dance party and that he was going to get on the stage and do The Worm. Let me tell you something. My beloved husband doing The Worm is surefire way to make a visit to the emergency room for some kind of injury.
In addition to the trivia cards on the tables, there were other games available (like Taboo) for patrons to play while relaxing at The Pour House. Apparently, they have piano sing-alongs too.
Now being a part of a sing-along is more our speed than Scott doing The Worm on stage.
So, those are the highlights of The Pour House.
Much like the downtown that it's situated in, it is quaint and charming. A place we will return to, I'm sure. It's the kind of place that makes me feel even more positive about living in a small town like Stoughton.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Orange Tree Imports, Etc.
Monroe Street is considered one of the hippest areas of Madison. My friend, Greg, and I ventured down to Monroe Street this past Monday. We imbibed at Barriques, perused Art Gecko, and then ended up at Orange Tree Imports.
I love Orange Tree Imports. I remember going there back in 2006, the first time I came to Madison. It's a charming shop, full mostly of gourmet kitchen items. I picked up these cute little Le Creuset silicon bowls, which will be nice for pre-measuring ingredients when cooking.
Aren't those little bowls just the cutest things?
Here is a list of some things I wish I could do: play the piano well, belt out tunes with a beautiful singing voice, and be a good baker. I'm a decent cook, but not so great on the baking tip. In spite of that knowledge about myself, I couldn't pass up this apparatus at Orange Tree Imports.
It's a scoop for cookie dough that has a flexible silicone bottom so you can just pop the cookie dough right out onto the baking sheet. Makes me want to go bake some cookies right this minute. I have a bit of an addiction to kitchen items (and beverage glasses....and cook books). Even though I haven't used it yet, this cookie scoop feeds the junkie in me just by looking at it.
I also picked this up. It's one of those Oxo liquid measuring cups that has the slanted thingy inside so you can easily see the amount of liquid you are measuring. This is a little baby measuring cup. It measures ounces. Perfect for liquid measurements for cocktails, especially because there is a spout for pouring.
Cosmo anyone??
So Orange Tree Imports is one of my favorite shops here in Madison. Another place that has risen to the top of my favorites list is Vom Fass.
I had heard of this place from a couple different people with whom I work. I went for the first time while Greg was visiting because I thought it might be the kind of place he would also enjoy. And I think he did enjoy it. We both did. It's a really neat place. They have vats of flavored vinegars, oils, and also liquors. You can sample any of them that interest you. To purchase, you select the size bottle you want and then whatever you are purchasing is poured to the milliliter. Store employees then hand write on the bottles what the contents are.
Walking in, we weren't sure where to begin. The young man who helped us was very friendly and very knowledgeable. He commented that the citrus vinegars were his favorite, so our first sample was a raspberry vinegar. OMG. It was so good I think my eyes rolled to the back of my head when I tasted it. After that first sample, it was on. We sampled numerous vinegars and oils and a couple of the liquors as well. I think I could have purchased a little bit of everything in the store. I settled on the following.
A raspberry flavored vinegar. A pomegranate flavored vinegar. (both should make good vinaigrette salad dressings) A peppery olive oil (which I prefer over the grassy varieties). And another olive oil and vinegar that, when mixed together, has dynamite flavor. I plan to use the combo to marinade some chicken for grilling. It's really hard to adequately describe Vom Fass. It's something to be experienced.
So, those were two of the stops Greg and I made on Monday. Orange Tree Imports and Vom Fass. Groovy places. After a little shopping, we stopped at Eno Vino-- which is a place that I think I've mentioned in a previous post.
Eno Vino had some interesting cocktail choices on their happy hour menu. One of the drinks I had involved muddled cucumbers, gin and a splash of lemonade. May sound a little strange for a cocktail but it was so tasty and very refreshing. In addition to drink specials, Eno Vino also has a few happy hour specials on food. Greg and I ordered these fries that came with 3 different kinds of dipping sauces. There was a Thai ketchup, some kind of white cheese sauce, and I forget what the third sauce was.
Now that's a mountain of fries right there. But, oooo, they were so good. They had a sprinkling of cracked black pepper and shredded Parmesan on them. I'm kind of in love with Eno Vino. It's a swanky place and the drinks and food there all have a touch of flair.
So, that was most of Monday.
Orange Tree Imports.
Vom Fass.
Eno Vino.
Perfect places for a Princess. And a Queen.
Aren't those little bowls just the cutest things?
Here is a list of some things I wish I could do: play the piano well, belt out tunes with a beautiful singing voice, and be a good baker. I'm a decent cook, but not so great on the baking tip. In spite of that knowledge about myself, I couldn't pass up this apparatus at Orange Tree Imports.
It's a scoop for cookie dough that has a flexible silicone bottom so you can just pop the cookie dough right out onto the baking sheet. Makes me want to go bake some cookies right this minute. I have a bit of an addiction to kitchen items (and beverage glasses....and cook books). Even though I haven't used it yet, this cookie scoop feeds the junkie in me just by looking at it.
I also picked this up. It's one of those Oxo liquid measuring cups that has the slanted thingy inside so you can easily see the amount of liquid you are measuring. This is a little baby measuring cup. It measures ounces. Perfect for liquid measurements for cocktails, especially because there is a spout for pouring.
Cosmo anyone??
So Orange Tree Imports is one of my favorite shops here in Madison. Another place that has risen to the top of my favorites list is Vom Fass.
I had heard of this place from a couple different people with whom I work. I went for the first time while Greg was visiting because I thought it might be the kind of place he would also enjoy. And I think he did enjoy it. We both did. It's a really neat place. They have vats of flavored vinegars, oils, and also liquors. You can sample any of them that interest you. To purchase, you select the size bottle you want and then whatever you are purchasing is poured to the milliliter. Store employees then hand write on the bottles what the contents are.
Walking in, we weren't sure where to begin. The young man who helped us was very friendly and very knowledgeable. He commented that the citrus vinegars were his favorite, so our first sample was a raspberry vinegar. OMG. It was so good I think my eyes rolled to the back of my head when I tasted it. After that first sample, it was on. We sampled numerous vinegars and oils and a couple of the liquors as well. I think I could have purchased a little bit of everything in the store. I settled on the following.
A raspberry flavored vinegar. A pomegranate flavored vinegar. (both should make good vinaigrette salad dressings) A peppery olive oil (which I prefer over the grassy varieties). And another olive oil and vinegar that, when mixed together, has dynamite flavor. I plan to use the combo to marinade some chicken for grilling. It's really hard to adequately describe Vom Fass. It's something to be experienced.
So, those were two of the stops Greg and I made on Monday. Orange Tree Imports and Vom Fass. Groovy places. After a little shopping, we stopped at Eno Vino-- which is a place that I think I've mentioned in a previous post.
Eno Vino had some interesting cocktail choices on their happy hour menu. One of the drinks I had involved muddled cucumbers, gin and a splash of lemonade. May sound a little strange for a cocktail but it was so tasty and very refreshing. In addition to drink specials, Eno Vino also has a few happy hour specials on food. Greg and I ordered these fries that came with 3 different kinds of dipping sauces. There was a Thai ketchup, some kind of white cheese sauce, and I forget what the third sauce was.
Now that's a mountain of fries right there. But, oooo, they were so good. They had a sprinkling of cracked black pepper and shredded Parmesan on them. I'm kind of in love with Eno Vino. It's a swanky place and the drinks and food there all have a touch of flair.
So, that was most of Monday.
Orange Tree Imports.
Vom Fass.
Eno Vino.
Perfect places for a Princess. And a Queen.
Monday, October 18, 2010
OCD
My friend, Greg, and I went to Orange Tree Imports today. I'll write more about it later. For now, just one thing: Greg found this magnet in the store. How funny is this?? The expression on the woman's face is priceless and, admittedly, I can related to the OCD message.....
The Great Dane
My friend, Greg, from "home" has been visiting here in Madison for the past few days. We've been out and about, hitting a number of different spots for food and drinks.
On Friday, one of the places we went was The Great Dane, which is a restaurant and microbrewery. Here is a picture of the bar area.
Their menu is like a newspaper.
I'm not a big fan of microbrews, but I like the atmosphere in The Great Dane and I think the food there is pretty good. It's nothing fancy; just pub food. But I happen to like pub food.
Anyone who comes from out of state to visit has to have cheese curds at some point while they are here. Cheese curds are a Wisconsin tradition. It's a tradition usually met with trepidation. The name doesn't really make one go, "Oh yum! Curds-- that sounds delicious!" In spite of the name, cheese curds are tasty. I have had them at a number of restaurants around Madison, but I think The Great Dane's are some of the best. As a matter of fact, we had one order that we polished off so we ordered another. Hey, no one will accuse us of making healthy choices.
The following poster was on the wall behind the table where we were sitting.
Unfortunately the caption for Great Dane Beer Soaps didn't show very well. It reads:
Get
CLEAN
but not necessarily
SOBER
Right on. No one will accuse us of making healthy choices or being sober.
On Friday, one of the places we went was The Great Dane, which is a restaurant and microbrewery. Here is a picture of the bar area.
Their menu is like a newspaper.
I'm not a big fan of microbrews, but I like the atmosphere in The Great Dane and I think the food there is pretty good. It's nothing fancy; just pub food. But I happen to like pub food.
Anyone who comes from out of state to visit has to have cheese curds at some point while they are here. Cheese curds are a Wisconsin tradition. It's a tradition usually met with trepidation. The name doesn't really make one go, "Oh yum! Curds-- that sounds delicious!" In spite of the name, cheese curds are tasty. I have had them at a number of restaurants around Madison, but I think The Great Dane's are some of the best. As a matter of fact, we had one order that we polished off so we ordered another. Hey, no one will accuse us of making healthy choices.
The following poster was on the wall behind the table where we were sitting.
Unfortunately the caption for Great Dane Beer Soaps didn't show very well. It reads:
Get
CLEAN
but not necessarily
SOBER
Right on. No one will accuse us of making healthy choices or being sober.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Cosmetic Home Improvements
For anyone who saw my post from this past Monday (before I took it down)---- I was clearly having a bad day! Thank goodness it passed. That's the blessing about bad days; they pass.
On a much lighter note, I thought I would share a few minor home improvements Scott and I have been working on. Nothing major. Just cosmetic stuff.
First up: change in lighting. Previous owner had a dated hanging light over the island in the kitchen. You can see it in this picture that I took during the inspection prior to finalizing the purchase of the home.
Here is the light we replaced it with. The photo is taken from a different angle, but I think it still shows the improvement. This is a pretty cool light! And, of course, Scott put it on a dimmer switch for me.
I absolutely love the lay-out of this kitchen and there are so many features that, like the new refrigerator, make me tingle. With the white washed cabinets and floors, it does have somewhat of a dated feel though. My friend, Stefanie, is the best decorator I know. Bar none. When she saw pictures of the kitchen, she suggested replacing the hardware with large, stainless steel, square knobs. I knew I wanted to replace the knobs, but I hadn't thought of getting square ones. I decided to try it. Score! As usual, Stefanie was right. Here is the before:
And after:
About a million times better, right? More befores and afters.....
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
And before:
And after:
Not the greatest pictures and not the greatest angles for shots. I still think the improvement shows though. What an amazing difference some new lighting and hardware makes. Changing lighting and hardware is relatively low cost and relatively high impact. Gotta love that. (tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle)
On a much lighter note, I thought I would share a few minor home improvements Scott and I have been working on. Nothing major. Just cosmetic stuff.
First up: change in lighting. Previous owner had a dated hanging light over the island in the kitchen. You can see it in this picture that I took during the inspection prior to finalizing the purchase of the home.
Here is the light we replaced it with. The photo is taken from a different angle, but I think it still shows the improvement. This is a pretty cool light! And, of course, Scott put it on a dimmer switch for me.
I absolutely love the lay-out of this kitchen and there are so many features that, like the new refrigerator, make me tingle. With the white washed cabinets and floors, it does have somewhat of a dated feel though. My friend, Stefanie, is the best decorator I know. Bar none. When she saw pictures of the kitchen, she suggested replacing the hardware with large, stainless steel, square knobs. I knew I wanted to replace the knobs, but I hadn't thought of getting square ones. I decided to try it. Score! As usual, Stefanie was right. Here is the before:
About a million times better, right? More befores and afters.....
Before:
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Much Better
I like the looks of side-by-side refrigerators. In terms of functionality, they suck.
This is the refrigerator that came with the house we bought here in Stoughton.
An old side-by-side. Blah. I can say 2 good things about it, however. #1 It worked. #2 I had never before had a refrigerator with water and ice available on the exterior door. It didn't take me long to get hooked on it. Can I tell you how much I love being able to immediately access crushed ice?
So, those were the good things about this refrigerator: it worked and the exterior availability of water and cubed and crushed ice. The interior, however, was intolerable. Perhaps embarrassment should preclude me from posting the following picture, but I'm an all-out-there kind of person, not afraid to show others the good, the bad, and the ugly of my life. Here's an example of the bad and the ugly.
What a mess. I couldn't take it. That refrigerator had to go. And go it did. To a used appliance broker from the Chicago area. Apparently this appliance broker dude buys used appliances and then re-sells them, mostly to landlords who need appliances for rental properties. He came in a truck and picked it up (little bit of poetry there) and gave us $175.00. See ya!
Out with the old and in with the new. Here is our new refrigerator.
How about that bad boy? To borrow a vulgar expression that an ex-boyfriend used to use: that refrigerator makes my nuts tingle. Who was the genius that invented the dual bottom freezer, french doors on top refrigerator? (tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle)
Compared to the side-by-side, this bad boy has so much more room and is so much easier to organize.
And we still have water and cubed/crushed ice on the exterior door (tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle).
Those blue lights are so cool (tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle) and so is the LED light on the inside (tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle).
You must think me crazy for being this excited about a refrigerator, but seriously-- I dig this bad boy so much I'm thinking about giving it a name.
This is the refrigerator that came with the house we bought here in Stoughton.
An old side-by-side. Blah. I can say 2 good things about it, however. #1 It worked. #2 I had never before had a refrigerator with water and ice available on the exterior door. It didn't take me long to get hooked on it. Can I tell you how much I love being able to immediately access crushed ice?
So, those were the good things about this refrigerator: it worked and the exterior availability of water and cubed and crushed ice. The interior, however, was intolerable. Perhaps embarrassment should preclude me from posting the following picture, but I'm an all-out-there kind of person, not afraid to show others the good, the bad, and the ugly of my life. Here's an example of the bad and the ugly.
What a mess. I couldn't take it. That refrigerator had to go. And go it did. To a used appliance broker from the Chicago area. Apparently this appliance broker dude buys used appliances and then re-sells them, mostly to landlords who need appliances for rental properties. He came in a truck and picked it up (little bit of poetry there) and gave us $175.00. See ya!
Out with the old and in with the new. Here is our new refrigerator.
How about that bad boy? To borrow a vulgar expression that an ex-boyfriend used to use: that refrigerator makes my nuts tingle. Who was the genius that invented the dual bottom freezer, french doors on top refrigerator? (tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle)
Compared to the side-by-side, this bad boy has so much more room and is so much easier to organize.
And we still have water and cubed/crushed ice on the exterior door (tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle).
Those blue lights are so cool (tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle) and so is the LED light on the inside (tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle).
You must think me crazy for being this excited about a refrigerator, but seriously-- I dig this bad boy so much I'm thinking about giving it a name.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
It's Not Just OSU Football
In my previous post, I pretty much slammed the Columbus, Ohio 10TV news website for having so many headline stories about Ohio State Buckeye football.
Apparently the scope of their absurdity in determining what constitutes a news headline isn't specific to Ohio State football. Case in point, the following headline from yesterday:
Big Meatball
I used to live in a predominantly Italian neighborhood, right down the street from the Columbus Italian Club. I can't count the number of days I walked by the CIC and saw crowds outside playing bocce. I always enjoyed that. The house I lived in was situated right amongst families with last names like Morone, Guida, and DePalma (although the kid from the Metzler family won the bocce tournament at the annual block party-- go figure.)
The point is:
I love Italians.
I am part Italian.
I have fond memories of the CIC.
I love meatballs.
But, a news headline about the CIC falling short of breaking the record for the world's largest meatball?
10TV- you're killin' me.
Apparently the scope of their absurdity in determining what constitutes a news headline isn't specific to Ohio State football. Case in point, the following headline from yesterday:
Big Meatball
I used to live in a predominantly Italian neighborhood, right down the street from the Columbus Italian Club. I can't count the number of days I walked by the CIC and saw crowds outside playing bocce. I always enjoyed that. The house I lived in was situated right amongst families with last names like Morone, Guida, and DePalma (although the kid from the Metzler family won the bocce tournament at the annual block party-- go figure.)
The point is:
I love Italians.
I am part Italian.
I have fond memories of the CIC.
I love meatballs.
But, a news headline about the CIC falling short of breaking the record for the world's largest meatball?
10TV- you're killin' me.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Sorry.....
.....but Ohio State Buckeye football fans are over the top. For real. To me, it's ridiculous. Absurd even. Although I now live in Madison, I still check the Columbus 10TV news website daily to see what is happening at "home". Since the start of the college football season, there are some days when 3 of the top 4 10TV news headlines on their website have to do with OSU Buckeye football.
Really? 3 of the top 4 news headlines?
How about a month or so ago when former Buckeye football standout Maurice Clarett made the Columbus news headlines about potentially returning to school at Ohio State? Seriously?? I have never posted a comment on a news website before, but when I saw the headline about Clarett, I couldn't help myself. I had to put a comment right up on the 10TV news website. Maurice Clarett is a washed-up, ignoramus thug convict who played football for Ohio State, like, 100 years ago. His potential return to school at OSU is a news headline? That's just pathetic. I can't believe that 10TV thought it was a news headline. I don't even think that was news worthy.
Here I am living in Madison, Wisconsin. Like Columbus, Madison is also a Big Ten college football town. The main campus of the University of Wisconsin is right in downtown Madison. People around here seem to enjoy UW Badger football. Do you know how many news headlines I see about it on-line? None.
Ah. The refreshing feeling of a little perspective. From what I can tell, the news stations here report on the score and other game details, but not as a news headline. And they don't go on ad nauseum after games, dissecting every play. Granted, I don't look at every single Madison news website, but in no way, shape or form is college football as pervasive here as it is in Columbus. Thank goodness.
I hope I'm not offending anyone. Being a Buckeye football fan is just fine. Watching the game? Great. Cheering for the Buckeyes? Woo-hoo. Being disappointed when they lose or don't play well? OK- bummer. Wearing a Buckeye's shirt to work the Friday before a game? Fine. Cute even. The camaraderie that comes from being a fan? I can appreciate that.
But 3 out of 4 news headlines about an upcoming game? Come on now.
When Scott and I were in Columbus for my Dad's surgery, we somehow ended up over near the Kroger in Grandview. This is a picture of the gas station in front of the Kroger store.
I have mentioned in previous posts that sometimes I have the sense of humor of a third grader. While this huge blow-up replica of an OSU linebacker on top of a gas station is just so...... typical....for the Columbus area, I had to laugh at this angle of it.
Really? 3 of the top 4 news headlines?
How about a month or so ago when former Buckeye football standout Maurice Clarett made the Columbus news headlines about potentially returning to school at Ohio State? Seriously?? I have never posted a comment on a news website before, but when I saw the headline about Clarett, I couldn't help myself. I had to put a comment right up on the 10TV news website. Maurice Clarett is a washed-up, ignoramus thug convict who played football for Ohio State, like, 100 years ago. His potential return to school at OSU is a news headline? That's just pathetic. I can't believe that 10TV thought it was a news headline. I don't even think that was news worthy.
Here I am living in Madison, Wisconsin. Like Columbus, Madison is also a Big Ten college football town. The main campus of the University of Wisconsin is right in downtown Madison. People around here seem to enjoy UW Badger football. Do you know how many news headlines I see about it on-line? None.
Ah. The refreshing feeling of a little perspective. From what I can tell, the news stations here report on the score and other game details, but not as a news headline. And they don't go on ad nauseum after games, dissecting every play. Granted, I don't look at every single Madison news website, but in no way, shape or form is college football as pervasive here as it is in Columbus. Thank goodness.
I hope I'm not offending anyone. Being a Buckeye football fan is just fine. Watching the game? Great. Cheering for the Buckeyes? Woo-hoo. Being disappointed when they lose or don't play well? OK- bummer. Wearing a Buckeye's shirt to work the Friday before a game? Fine. Cute even. The camaraderie that comes from being a fan? I can appreciate that.
But 3 out of 4 news headlines about an upcoming game? Come on now.
When Scott and I were in Columbus for my Dad's surgery, we somehow ended up over near the Kroger in Grandview. This is a picture of the gas station in front of the Kroger store.
Yes, you are seeing correctly. That is a huge, blow up replica of an OSU linebacker on top of the gas station. Here's a close up.
I have mentioned in previous posts that sometimes I have the sense of humor of a third grader. While this huge blow-up replica of an OSU linebacker on top of a gas station is just so...... typical....for the Columbus area, I had to laugh at this angle of it.
Now that's some ass. Why do I think that's funny? Who knows. Maybe because of my third-grader sense of humor. Or, maybe because it makes me happy to see an ass out there that's bigger than my own.
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