More stuff to move the next time we move

So, after many weeks of cramming my groceries in to the kitchen cabinets, I found this beautiful hutch on craigslist. It comes apart into two pieces and guess what? We transported it in the back of my Element. The people we bought it form had just moved into their place from southern CA, actually the same town as Jeff's parents. The guy and Jeff stood at the back of the car saying it wasn't going to fit. I got in it from the front and told them what to do after I measured the height and width of the car and the hutch. And, it fit. So, the guy says, "Wow, how'd you do that? You must be good at crosswords or something." Huh?

Good news and bad news!

Good news:

This is the middle of my ninth week and my security check has finally come back clean and clear. This means that as of today, I can walk into SSA's buildings without needing to be signed in or escorted. Also, before today, I had to wear a bright orange tag that could be seen from miles away and identified me as a non-belonger. Now, I belong! Next step is to have my online access established so I can get work email and use the computer in my cube.

Bad news:

I am immune to shoes! About 4 weeks ago, I spent a day at the Annapolis Mall because I went with Jeff and he was working. I must have gone to 3 shoe stores and shoe departments in 4 other stores I tried on shoes I liked and then just didn't buy them. 3 weeks ago, I go back with Jeff and go into one store where I had liked the shoes the best. The shoes I had wanted were on sale, down to $7 from $30, and also buy one, get one free. I still didn't get any. I know of some outlet malls near me and last weekend, thought about going there and looking at shoes but no, didn't want to. Now, friends and family members who know me, and know of my relationship with shoes, will definitely understand how disconcerting this is to me.

I don't want to be immune. I like my shoes and would like to buy more. I just seem to have lost the inclination!

Wet cat

We gave Bandit his first bath and the poor guy looked like a wet rag.

He also loves the fridge apparently. I almost closed him in it once:

Fireworks from over the water

This year, Jeff and I decided we were not going to fight for parking or a sitting space to watch fireworks in Baltimore or Washington D.C. So, we went on a cruise out on the Chesapeake Bay. It was nice, food, music and then fireworks from a premium view!

Some photos: http://www-personal.si.umich.edu/~skhajuri/albums/july4_2006/

Wacky Wild Bandit Style!