AN "ALL-ABOUT-ME" WEEKEND (KNITTING WITHOUT DOG HAIR IS NOT AN OPTION)

I was pretty busy this weekend. Somehow I feel - even tho' it was three days long - that it just zoomed by.

After ordering the IKEA furniture yesterday morning, I took the dogs for a walk and then I called Just Brakes which should be called Just Sucks.

When the girls and I took the Previa minivan to IKEA on Friday, we noticed that the breaks were squeaking. Well, usually Irwin took care of our cars and I am guessing that he didn't get around to get the brakes looked at. So, me being a big girl and all, took the matter in her hands and got an 8:30am appointment. Heavily armed with two knitting projects and a book, I drove to Just Brakes. I was checked in and told that it takes about 20 minutes for the assessment and then they could tell me how long it would take to get whatever would have to be repaired done. I wore on purpose a South Park t-shirt with Cartman saying "You're pissing me off over here." One of Irwin's many funny t-shirts (which I am all going to keep and wear). I figured - single female at a repair place equals easy prey and a high bill. The mechanic was actually pretty cool and explained very well what was wrong with the brakes. I know a lot more about how the brakes work now. And I was told that the job should be done within two hours. That was OK for me because I had a hair and massage appointment in-town in the afternoon. They promised to call me as soon as the car was ready and lucky me was picked by Jacquie for knitting and breakfast at her house until the car was done.

Well, time passed (I finished a baby bootie) and no call. I finally called and was told that one of the parts they needed was on the way but not delivered yet. I told the guy again that I needed to be in-town by 3:30pm and he said no problem. In the meantime Jacquie gave me her car to go home and shower and take care of the pooches. An hour later there was still no feedback from Just Sucks and I called again. The guy then said that the part was on its way and that they would not get it done before 6pm. And then I got pissed off (and you don't want to piss me off these days) - I guess the guy didn't notice my t-shirt… I don't mind if it takes all day to get car fixed, I just need to know to make arrangements. What I mind is that the guy in the front office told me a bunch of BS. And because I laid into the front office guy a bit too much, he connected me to the mechanic who apologized for the other idiot and told me the same - not done before 6pm. Oh well, what can I do, nothing… But in the end Jacquie got her car back and I picked up the Previa and now the brakes are just dandy.

So, in the afternoon I got my hair cut and a massage and then I had dinner with an old friend who is also an ex-colleague. My hairdresser and I decided that it would be good if I color my hair again. Don't get me wrong, I love my silver streaks but ever since I stopped dying my hair, it has gotten really limp.

Here is a picture with just the new haircut and then also the new color:

Boy, I look exhausted… I didn't realize until I saw the picture. Oh well, nothing I can do about that at the moment. I don't feel like make-up or eating or sleeping. It's 12:48am and I am blogging… Go figure… I guess I need to take another picture outside sometime because you can't really see the new color. It is shinny jetblack. If I'd start wearing black, I'd be the perfect Italian widow…

I had a nice visit with my hairdresser and his lovely wife who is a massage therapist. After the haircut I had a 1-hour massage and fell asleep. I love them - they are such a cute couple and we had a very good talk about everything that had happened with Irwin. Everyone I talk to is just so shocked that he is gone. And I am thinking - yeah, me too. Now what?

Afterwards I went to see a very dear friend and former coworker. We talked forever. She lost her husband several years ago and had to raise 4 kids by herself and she is also a doggie mommy. We have a lot in common and I feel bad that we lost touch a little bit ever since I left to work again for my German boss. Well, she and I will go to dinner on my birthday on Thursday. I am grateful for that because I didn't want to spend my first birthday without Irwin by myself at home with a bottle of wine.

When I came home yesterday evening, I was very restless and I needed something to do. I cleared out Irwin's closet and drawers and now all the clothes that I am not going to keep are neatly packed for pick-up. I'll keep his tie collection, his tux and all his funny t-shirts. Mostly there were gifts from me and since he was such a skinny guy, they all fit me. :-)

So, that was Saturday.

This morning I got up REALLY early. And I started with Irwin's office. I have to get to his paperwork and create an overview for the estate attorney. I have to say, his office looks like a big mess because of all the unpacked boxes, but all his paperwork is in perfect order. Mine is not… But that is another project for another time.

Here are some impressions before the clean-up:

I am sure Hermione was wondering what was going on. At least she looks at me with a questionmark on her face…

In the afternoon, I went to Jessica (Jacquie’s daughter) for a cook-out. I made another batch of banana bread and now all the bananas are gone. Thank goodness! The smell of ripe bananas is so disgusting to me. When Jessica was at my house a week ago, she got totally inspired by Irwin’s jigsaw puzzle collection. She told me that she went online to look for puzzles. I told her I would be very mad if she would buy a single puzzle. I am very glad that I can give her some of Irwin’s puzzles. I love for them to go to someone who cares and who knew him and his love for jigsaw puzzles.

So, I took a bunch over to her house and the girls sat down and started one. That made me very happy.

And we have a new knitter – Jacquie taught her son Paul and he is already knitting his first project, a beautiful scarf for his boss.

He is so into knitting that he made us all wait for dinner because he needed to finish his row. Jacquie and I will bring him to Knitch one Sunday, so he can knit with the guys. ;-)

And I started a new project with Melissa’s handspun.

But I am not sure that this simple scarf does the beautiful yarn justice. I need to think about it.

Jacquie’s family is just wonderful. I think I got adopted. Tomorrow I am invited for Fondue and on Tuesday they invited me to a BBQ. And I don’t have an appetite. Shoot…

And this is the office, after I started packing and cleaning today.

The boxes are still in the office – but that is another story for another day. But now I have room to work and take care of the paperwork.

AND THESE ARE MY FURRY HEROES (besides all my human ones!!!) – MY LITTLE SUNSHINES…

OH – and do you know what this is?

I brushed the dogs today and noticed that Hermione had gigantic dreadlocks on her flanks. I tried to brush them out but no luck. I felt like Mommy Dearest… Poor thing. But you can’t really see that I cut all this fur off. I guess more frequent brushing is in order.

Have a good night – I’ll am planning to get up early to go to the office for a few hours.

Comments (40)

Jacquie:

We had such fun tonight! One puzzle is already put together and another one is in process. Paul is still up knitting on his scarf. He can't seem to put it down!

See you tomorrow for fondue.

Posted by Jacquie | July 7, 2008 2:01 AM

Posted on July 7, 2008 02:01

evilsciencechick:

hooray! I'm so glad you're keeping busy and that Jacquie is taking good care of you - mmm, fondue!

*hugs!*

Posted by evilsciencechick | July 7, 2008 3:16 AM

Posted on July 7, 2008 03:16

Katey:

I was wondering what you had planned for your actual birthday, glad to hear that you're spending it with an old friend.

And it's awesome that Jacquie's family is having fun putting together Irwin's puzzles, I can't think of a better group of people to enjoy them on his behalf.

Posted by Katey | July 7, 2008 7:54 AM

Posted on July 7, 2008 07:54

Jessica Sedor:

Yay! We had so much fun Claudia! It has been great seeing you... I missed you tons while you were in Germany. I tried to put a picture of the finished puzzle in here, but I can't figure it out, so I'll e-mail it to you!!!

Posted by Jessica Sedor | July 7, 2008 8:50 AM

Posted on July 7, 2008 08:50

Angie:

I love the new hair color! And remember, if you want to look like an old Italian widow, it's not just the black clothes, you have to get a pair of those big, ugly, clunky orthopedic shoes! (my sisters and I always hope that being only half Italian, we can avoid looking like that in our old age!) :-)

Posted by Angie | July 7, 2008 9:15 AM

Posted on July 7, 2008 09:15

pixie:

A chat with Adam is always fun isnt it? Your new hair looks great!

Posted by pixie | July 7, 2008 9:56 AM

Posted on July 7, 2008 09:56

Janice in GA:

Those matted locks on dogs can develop practically overnight sometimes! (Ask me how I know this.) :) Best thing to do is what you did -- snip them off and go on your way.

I've been in one of those "we're waiting for the part" auto situations. You're right, it sucks. Big time.

Posted by Janice in GA | July 7, 2008 10:28 AM

Posted on July 7, 2008 10:28

Kathy:

I just received word of Irwin's passing. Irwin and I were friends and former co-workers in Texas. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please contact me. Thanks.

Posted by Kathy | July 7, 2008 10:30 AM

Posted on July 7, 2008 10:30

Brighton:

I love the t-shirt in one pic that Irwin was wearing that had the Monty Python line, Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition!

Posted by Brighton | July 7, 2008 3:51 PM

Posted on July 7, 2008 15:51

Jane:

Can't wait to see the new haircut/color in person. Looks like you are definitely keeping busy. See you Sunday! (or maybe first on Thursday at Knitch??)

Posted by Jane | July 7, 2008 5:07 PM

Posted on July 7, 2008 17:07

Roberta:

Claudia, I just read the announcement of Irwin's death on the AKG newsletter. I am so very sorry for your loss. What a shock it must have been!
I know there are no words I can write that would soften the pain, but I sure wish there were.

Best to you and the pooches,

Roberta

Posted by Roberta | July 7, 2008 7:15 PM

Posted on July 7, 2008 19:15

Phyllis:

Love the hair. Nothing like coloring to add proper texture & body!

Posted by Phyllis | July 7, 2008 10:10 PM

Posted on July 7, 2008 22:10

Lisa Mizro:

Hi Claudia! It was so nice meeting you while I was visiting in Georgia. I am back in New York today, checking my email and Aunt Jacquie had forwarded your blog...would love to keep in touch. Take care :):)

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