Max on my breakfast table, chewing up my newspaper:
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Unacceptable!
Some unacceptable things that have happened in my new apartment:
Max on my breakfast table, chewing up my newspaper:
Max, drinking water out of Beeps's cage, while Beeps is still in his cage! (They don't get along at all, and she was removed as soon as I took this picture):
I didn't have a table for the first couple of days, so I was eating breakfast on the floor. The parrots were in their room. I left for a short period of time, and found Calypso helping himself, and Max not far behind (she is at the top of this picture.)
And, not to leave me out of my unacceptable list: most of this stuff is now unpacked since it's been three weeks, but I still have more to go. I need to get motivated!
Max on my breakfast table, chewing up my newspaper:
Odometer update
I hadn't done one for 22222 miles, but here's where I was during the move. I took it as a good sign!
My mom was in the passenger seat while I took this picture; I think she thinks I'm a bit nuts!
Moved!
I have been entirely too remiss in updating my blog. I am really going to make an effort to do a much better job! I have been taking pictures and videos, so will try to get them up.
About three weeks ago, the parrots, Andreas, and I moved into an apartment closer to my new job. I explained everything to them, but they weren't happy about having to go into their carriers. They've now settled in to their new routines and are happy, so don't worry!
Calypso:
Max:
Beeps:
Stacked up, and ready to make the move:
Precariously stacked in the car; I moved them around after taking this picture to make them more secure. Ideally, they would have been belted in, but I wasn't thinking clearly.
Throughout the ride, we were whistling and I would put my finger in their carriers to give them scratches. Calypso was the most needy. He didn't want to let go of my finger, and held my hand for quite some time. Then, he put both feet on my finger and was perched while still inside his carrier. Poor guy; he really needed some reassurance.
As soon as we got to the new apartment, I got them into their cages, so they could start exploring their new area:
An overview of their bedroom:
Max and Beeps to the right:
Andreas and Calypso to the left:
Things are going very well! They enjoy their new place, and while they miss Thomas (well, Beeps and Max do), they are settling in to our new reality. More to come!
About three weeks ago, the parrots, Andreas, and I moved into an apartment closer to my new job. I explained everything to them, but they weren't happy about having to go into their carriers. They've now settled in to their new routines and are happy, so don't worry!
Calypso:
As soon as we got to the new apartment, I got them into their cages, so they could start exploring their new area:
An overview of their bedroom:
Friday, March 16, 2012
Rocky at the rescue
I was up at the rescue yesterday. Rocky was sitting on the lap of one of the volunteers when I pulled up. I'm not sure if he knew the sound of my car, or if he could see me through the distant window from the volunteer's lap, but I was sitting inside my car, window rolled down, when I suddenly heard that most distinctive of scream!
He saw me/knew I was there and started screaming shortly after I pulled in. As soon as I entered the room, he calmed down and started talking, singing, etc.
He seemed really happy to see me, and we went through his repertoire of songs, clicks, clucks, etc. When I went near him, he did threaten to bite me, but I believe that overall he was happy to see me.
He has been quite well-behaved at the rescue, stepping up for everyone (but me.) I am hopeful that we will find a permanent home for him soon, though he doesn't seem to mind being at the rescue right now. There is certainly a lot of activity for him to watch, and he is kept well-stocked in toys!
He saw me/knew I was there and started screaming shortly after I pulled in. As soon as I entered the room, he calmed down and started talking, singing, etc.
He has been quite well-behaved at the rescue, stepping up for everyone (but me.) I am hopeful that we will find a permanent home for him soon, though he doesn't seem to mind being at the rescue right now. There is certainly a lot of activity for him to watch, and he is kept well-stocked in toys!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Max attempts to irritate Beeps
but luckily he does not rise to the bait!
I think she might be missing Stella and the teasing they used to do to each other.
Last week, I had Beeps in his cage since I was painting and he kept flying to my shoulder. Calypso and Max were still out since they weren't flying to me. But Max decided to try to cause some trouble, anyway.
Beeps appeared oblivious to Max, and he continued on his merry way:
I think she might be missing Stella and the teasing they used to do to each other.
Last week, I had Beeps in his cage since I was painting and he kept flying to my shoulder. Calypso and Max were still out since they weren't flying to me. But Max decided to try to cause some trouble, anyway.
Beeps appeared oblivious to Max, and he continued on his merry way:
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Another personal update
Things are going well on the personal front. I have rented an apartment in a trendy part of town where lots of singles live. It's also about 2 miles away from work (so I can take the bus and frequently walk home!) and very close to amazing running. I have several friends who live less than half a mile away from my new place, so I am very excited about my upcoming life!
Perhaps the best part of my new apartment (pictures in a few weeks!) is that I am allowed, and it is big enough, for me to keep my three remaining parrots and my lizard! So, Max, Calypso, Beeps, and Andreas will be staying with me. (Thomas said he'd like to keep Max but he won't fight me for her. I am keeping her!) This is fantastic news as when Thomas broke the news about his infidelity, I feared the worst and thought I might need to rehome almost everyone.
It's a little over 100 years old, so it has gorgeous wood floors, built-in bookshelves, and lots of other charming accents. I can't wait!
This past week, I completed my first original painting. It was inspired by a picture that a friend took: trees silhouetted against a sunset.
First, I painted the sunset:
And then I added the trees:
I have no talent, but painting is so much fun! I highly recommend it to everyone! It is so peaceful to put paint to the canvas. I put on some music or a lecture and I paint away.
The parrots are nearby on perches, watching me.
Max had recently taken a bath:
Since Max was on his cage, Beeps flew over to a stand:
Calypso was out, too, but I didn't take a picture of him.
I never would have thought that this is the turn my life would have taken, but I am looking at it as an opportunity to explore new interests, reconnect with friends and family, make new friends, and really live life to the fullest. What other hobbies or interests might I pick up? Who knows?
I can get into my new apartment on March 17. I'm not sure when I will fully move in as I don't start my new job until April 16. I know I keep saying this, but I plan to update the blog more regularly now that life is settling into a new routine. I have a painting almost done that I hope to showcase tomorrow!
Perhaps the best part of my new apartment (pictures in a few weeks!) is that I am allowed, and it is big enough, for me to keep my three remaining parrots and my lizard! So, Max, Calypso, Beeps, and Andreas will be staying with me. (Thomas said he'd like to keep Max but he won't fight me for her. I am keeping her!) This is fantastic news as when Thomas broke the news about his infidelity, I feared the worst and thought I might need to rehome almost everyone.
It's a little over 100 years old, so it has gorgeous wood floors, built-in bookshelves, and lots of other charming accents. I can't wait!
This past week, I completed my first original painting. It was inspired by a picture that a friend took: trees silhouetted against a sunset.
First, I painted the sunset:
The parrots are nearby on perches, watching me.
Max had recently taken a bath:
I never would have thought that this is the turn my life would have taken, but I am looking at it as an opportunity to explore new interests, reconnect with friends and family, make new friends, and really live life to the fullest. What other hobbies or interests might I pick up? Who knows?
I can get into my new apartment on March 17. I'm not sure when I will fully move in as I don't start my new job until April 16. I know I keep saying this, but I plan to update the blog more regularly now that life is settling into a new routine. I have a painting almost done that I hope to showcase tomorrow!
Playful Beeps
Beeps has been enjoying his time in the kitchen. I absolutely love it when he sits in his rope swing:
When I let him out, he needs to either see me or be on me the vast majority of the time. It's rather comical -- as soon as I leave the kitchen, I hear him flapping to come and find me. The one exception is when he decides to go into the bathroom instead.
He plays on the top of the shower door:
And when he gets bored with that, he jumps to the shower head and goofs around a bit:
What a funny little guy!
He plays on the top of the shower door:
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Another personal update - no pictures
Today was one of the best days that I've had in a long time.
Yesterday, I had an interview at my dream job with two of the mid-level people. As I arrived home after, I got a phone call asking me if I would come in tomorrow (i.e. today) for a third and final interview with three senior people. Of course I said yes!
The interview went so well. These are people who are extremely well-known and respected in their field. The company is one that I've looked up to for a long time. They are consistently ranked as one of the top employers in the country. They support all of the arts groups in the community and are very supportive of their employees doing philanthropic work (which means I can leave work early to attend my monthly nonprofit board meetings.) It's as though the job had been created with my personality, experience, and skills in mind.
I thought the interview went well, but you never know what is going to happen. As I was driving home, I received a voicemail from the woman who will be my boss. She said that I "hit the ball out of the park" and repeated some compliments that the head of the department said about me. I saved that voicemail so I can listen to it again! She wanted to let me know that they are working on a formal job offer but hope that I will join their team!
I cannot convey how excited I am about this! This is the next step in my new beginning. Now that I have secured permanent employment, I can start looking for an apartment and truly begin my new life. I have not been so happy in years.
Later, I had a hair appointment scheduled. Since we were scrimping to try to pay off Thomas's student loans (and look how that backfired on me!), I usually just went to a cheap place for haircuts. I went to a fancy salon based on the recommendation of one of my (gorgeous, stylish) friends. It was so amazing and not that much more expensive than the cheap place. I don't know why I haven't gone here for years!
What a good day, you might say. But there is more!
When I got home, I found my art supplies waiting for me! I didn't have time tonight to start, but this weekend, I hope to produce a painting.
And still more!
Then, I was looking on craigslist for apartments. I want something that will allow me to keep the three parrots, has in-building laundry, and has dedicated parking. And I might have found where I'm going to live! This luxury condo is well within my price range, the landlord loves parrots, has dedicated in-unit laundry, and heated, assigned parking. Can things get any better than this? I have an appointment Sunday afternoon to see the place.
ETA: this apartment also has a sunroom and a balcony which I imagine the parrots will love. Plus bike storage, a HUGE walk-in closet, and so much more! And it's only 1.5 miles from work, so I can walk most days. Yay!
Wow. Just last month I was in the depths of despair because of Thomas's revelation, but I now realize that this might be one of the best things to ever happen to me! Amazing how things can turn so quickly!
Yesterday, I had an interview at my dream job with two of the mid-level people. As I arrived home after, I got a phone call asking me if I would come in tomorrow (i.e. today) for a third and final interview with three senior people. Of course I said yes!
The interview went so well. These are people who are extremely well-known and respected in their field. The company is one that I've looked up to for a long time. They are consistently ranked as one of the top employers in the country. They support all of the arts groups in the community and are very supportive of their employees doing philanthropic work (which means I can leave work early to attend my monthly nonprofit board meetings.) It's as though the job had been created with my personality, experience, and skills in mind.
I thought the interview went well, but you never know what is going to happen. As I was driving home, I received a voicemail from the woman who will be my boss. She said that I "hit the ball out of the park" and repeated some compliments that the head of the department said about me. I saved that voicemail so I can listen to it again! She wanted to let me know that they are working on a formal job offer but hope that I will join their team!
I cannot convey how excited I am about this! This is the next step in my new beginning. Now that I have secured permanent employment, I can start looking for an apartment and truly begin my new life. I have not been so happy in years.
Later, I had a hair appointment scheduled. Since we were scrimping to try to pay off Thomas's student loans (and look how that backfired on me!), I usually just went to a cheap place for haircuts. I went to a fancy salon based on the recommendation of one of my (gorgeous, stylish) friends. It was so amazing and not that much more expensive than the cheap place. I don't know why I haven't gone here for years!
What a good day, you might say. But there is more!
When I got home, I found my art supplies waiting for me! I didn't have time tonight to start, but this weekend, I hope to produce a painting.
And still more!
Then, I was looking on craigslist for apartments. I want something that will allow me to keep the three parrots, has in-building laundry, and has dedicated parking. And I might have found where I'm going to live! This luxury condo is well within my price range, the landlord loves parrots, has dedicated in-unit laundry, and heated, assigned parking. Can things get any better than this? I have an appointment Sunday afternoon to see the place.
ETA: this apartment also has a sunroom and a balcony which I imagine the parrots will love. Plus bike storage, a HUGE walk-in closet, and so much more! And it's only 1.5 miles from work, so I can walk most days. Yay!
Wow. Just last month I was in the depths of despair because of Thomas's revelation, but I now realize that this might be one of the best things to ever happen to me! Amazing how things can turn so quickly!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
All about Beeps
Beeps has been extremely hormonal lately. I had moved Calypso back into the living room, and this seemed to set Beeps off. Beeps started doing the caique freak-out, where he'd make this hard-to-describe screeching sound while attacking his leg. This is something I'd seen from Calypso in the past.
After a few days where Beeps wasn't getting any better, I moved him into the kitchen today, so he could be separated from Calypso. This is one of my main concerns about taking them both with me to my new apartment once I have to move out of the house due to my impending divorce (probably will happen next month.) I will be in a smaller place, so it will be more difficult to keep the caiques separated.
Anyway, I am trying to take things one day at a time and not get too hung up on the future! Beeps seems to love his new position in the kitchen. Funny, he prefers to spend time on the stand next to his cage, rather than his cage. There are tons of toys on/in his cage and not much to do on the stand, but who can get into the mind of a caique?
Then, he flew over to what was Stella's green stand, in the other corner of the kitchen, and hopped over to the counter. He'd never done this before!
So I took a little (not that interesting) video:
I've always heard that caiques hop instead of walk. I've seen videos, and occasionally I've seen it in my own caiques. However, in a combined 13 years of caique ownership (I've had Calypso for 8 years and Beeps for 5) I have seen maybe 15 seconds total of hopping. I keep talking to them about hopping and maybe they'll start doing it someday!
After a few days where Beeps wasn't getting any better, I moved him into the kitchen today, so he could be separated from Calypso. This is one of my main concerns about taking them both with me to my new apartment once I have to move out of the house due to my impending divorce (probably will happen next month.) I will be in a smaller place, so it will be more difficult to keep the caiques separated.
Anyway, I am trying to take things one day at a time and not get too hung up on the future! Beeps seems to love his new position in the kitchen. Funny, he prefers to spend time on the stand next to his cage, rather than his cage. There are tons of toys on/in his cage and not much to do on the stand, but who can get into the mind of a caique?
Then, he flew over to what was Stella's green stand, in the other corner of the kitchen, and hopped over to the counter. He'd never done this before!
So I took a little (not that interesting) video:
I've always heard that caiques hop instead of walk. I've seen videos, and occasionally I've seen it in my own caiques. However, in a combined 13 years of caique ownership (I've had Calypso for 8 years and Beeps for 5) I have seen maybe 15 seconds total of hopping. I keep talking to them about hopping and maybe they'll start doing it someday!
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