Summer 2014 July 2 Wednesday (Smoke Alarm Sadism)

Summer 2014 July 2 Wednesday (Smoke Alarm Sadism) 

75 degrees this morning. 

Head a loud obvious “beep” this morning around 2 a.m.  Of course I knew whatever it was, it wasn’t good.  The smoke alarm decided on this time to start the loud obtrusive “beep” of a low battery.  I can imagine the shouts of glee in the smoke alarm factory when the sadists who make them discover a particularly loud “warning” of a low battery and program it to go off at the worst possible time.

For us it is the worst possible time, considering that the smoke alarm, for some reason, is placed on the highest place on a “vaulted” ceiling in the master bedroom.  (The last place any smoke would reach.)  Of course, the only furniture in the house is two folding chairs and an air mattress, not even a stick or tool to knock the smoke alarm down.  It currently has stopped, but who knows when it will start again.  Obviously the last occupants didn’t follow the rules about chaining the smoke alarm batteries.  

I did listen to music (Enya in this case).  I realized how long it has been since I have simply listened to music, and not while was driving, walking, reading, talking or something else.  I realized again how close to poetry music is.  

Hung out at McDonalds for about 3 hours Tuesday morning using their internet, drinking coffee and eating a parfait.  I probably mentioned before the parfait is wonderful and only $1.00. They also have nice background music (kind of a jazzy classical sound) and some interesting characters who apparently hang out there.  McDonalds internet is  a lot easier to access than Starbucks.  Not sure why, but I log on the McDonalds with no problems, while sometimes I have to fight with Starbucks internet, although eventually i always get on.

Overall good day yesterday, weather was good, went to the Apple Store for a short session on “iPhoto”.  Watched the US soccer game, and ate “Hideaway” pizza (their pizza is a real treat).

We anticipate at least a partial unload of our household goods today (hopefully our tall ladder will be on the truck). It has been nice to be able to have time to get things done (including reading etc.) without having the “shoulds” looming over your shoulder.  I think we will also be glad to get into a routine, although the routine we have had (even with no internet, TV or furniture) hasn’t been all that bad, as long as that darned smoke alarm stays off.  Of course, we know (or at least hope) it is temporary.

It will be so nice to get my bicycle  back.  I miss it and walking.  We are not in a “walkable”/“bicyclable” area, but I can design routes for each.  (I expect I will get lost a few times in the neighborhood, the planners went nuts on this addition.) I will also be glad to get my weights etc.  I haven’t used the “heavy bag” or punching bag for years, but I will try it, if I don’t use it i’m sure i know people who would love to have it.  

I thin that is what makes donating books bearable, I think the books will have the opportunity to be read by someone who will enjoy them, perhaps the books I donate will play a role in someone enjoying or changing their life.

I was thinking, my future is wide open, as I begin to fully realize I have a lot of options I can look at.  Realistically, I have a good 10, probably 15 years of work life left and I may was well do something i enjoy and is rewarding.  Money is important, but secondary.  It was a great 12 years. I am even thinking of going to school to get some additional skills if I need to.  

The next part of our journey is beginning with the delivery of our furniture.  We will place the furniture and then the furniture will start placing us as we adapt to our new environment and life.  

Direct from McDonalds, that’s it for now, Wednesday, July 2, 2014. (Actually, the wi fi in McDonalds was so poor this morning, I went to the Starbucks!)