Do you know that Target (well, at least the Cary Target) now sells wine? 

This is good, because I needed some wine upon finding out that they do not sell the Dixon Ticonderoga No. 2 soft pencil.  Which is the Best.  Pencil.  Ever.  Had to get stupid mechanical pencils. 

So, if my computer suddenly dies, it is because I just noticed that on the side of the box of CD-Rs I bought last night, it says, "For computer burning."  So, apparently my computer won't so much die as burst into flames.  Lesson?  Aways read the label.

I just received an e-mail from 2.0, and it contained the following advice (caps hers).  DO NOT E-MAIL THE TRUTH TO YOUR MOM.

This morning I received a voice mail from the NC Board of Engineers and Surveyors.  I had skipped an entire column while filling out my application.  When I called them, they told me I could drop off the completed page this afternoon.  I went to tell Cool Boss.

WG:  I have to leave early today because I am a moron. 
CB:  That's not good.  Why are you a moron?

I told him the story, when I noticed that there was an instruction manual for a balance in his trashcan.

WG:  Why are you throwing this out?
CB:  Well, I didn't think we could send it to the people who stole the balance. 
WG:  We still have this balance.  (Pulls out another manual.)  And this one, too. 
CB:  But the file was labeled "Sartorius Balance."  I'm a moron too.  But am I a moron at filing, or a moron about checking what is in the file?

So, I was browsing cars online today, and the ones I want?  Are expensive.  More than I want to pay, even used.  Depressing.  However, it's not a problem for now, because I have delayed all life-altering decisions until after I pass the PE.  Which means that in December (hopefully!) I can think about a new(ish) car, and maybe look for a new job, and really think about whether or not I want to stay in North Carolina.  (To my NC friends:  Nothing personal.  I love you all and invite you to move with me!)   It's not that I don't like NC; I do.  I just don't love it, and I don't feel that there is much holding me here.  That said, I don't know where I do want to go.  I'd go back to MA, but the cost of living scares me.  (Also, once I asked Orion if he wanted to move to Massachusetts, and he bit me.)  California is a no.  Florida is a no.  I'd move to Virginia if I could live in the Culpeper-Orange-Madison area, but the jobs in my field aren't there. 

I rode yesterday; this was after cancelling lessons (the scheduled and the make-up).  I actually just paid for the missed lesson, because my last riding lesson wasn't fun.  I was looking for the ride to do what it usually does- raise my spirits.  It didn't do that, even though I rode (and specially requested) Solie.  Riding is what I do to get away from life, and if it wasn't going to do that, I didn't want to ride.  Unfortunately, I have a show coming up.  So, I sucked it up yesterday and went.  It was a better ride, technically.  I'm still not spiritually there, and am concentrating way too much on the mechanics. 

I spent three days this week doing field sampling.  (Very hot!)  I walked in to Cool Boss's office today, and he said, "You're brown!"  (Note:  I did wear sunblock.  No burn!)  And the brown?  Extends all the way down to my feet, where I have a Teva tan.  Because I am just cool like that. 

Y'all, I met with MW yesterday.  It was something I needed to do, for completely selfish reasons.  I met him at a coffeehouse, we made small talk for about 30 minutes, and then we started discussing our relationship and what happened.  (I won't post the details here, as that's really just between the two of us.)   After about an hour, I had this sudden realization that he wasn't The One, and not only weren't we going to get back together, I didn't want that.  So I walked out of the coffee shop on him (I did tell him I was leaving).  That was probably kind of bitchy, but a.) I can be bitchy at times, and b.) Dude broke up with me over e-mail, so really, he ought to be able to forgive that. 

I am still sad that the relationship ended, because I did enjoy being with him.  The overall lesson?  I would have told you that I am happy being single career gal for the rest of my life.  Now, I am happy with my life, and I am comfortable in my own skin, but I do want to share my life with someone.  Point?  I will take some time to heal, and then I am getting back in the dating pool.  What does this mean for you guys?  Tales of bad dates.  I seem to collect those.  Maybe later I will tell you The One with the Guy Who Couldn't Get Back Into His Own House After the Date. 

... when I order a latte or a mocha made with skim milk, does the barista always ask, "Do you want whipped cream on that?"   (Note:  The answer is, "No."  I ordered it with skim milk for a reason.)

Yesterday, I was at PetSmart buying cat supplies.  When I went to pay, I was in front of two college-aged girls, who were your typical coeds.  They were buying a Betta fish. 

Coed #2 (the one along for the ride):  So, like, what kind of water do you put him in?

Coed #1 (the one actually buying the fish):  I don't know.  I'll have to ask.  (Pauses)  Distilled water?

Coed #2:  That sounds right.

Watergirl:  vigorously shakes head "No."

Coed #1:  Not distilled water?

Watergirl:  Not unless you want to kill him.  I mean, the pH is wrong, and...

Coed #1:  So what do I use?

Watergirl:  You can use tap water, just set it out overnight so that the chlorine dissipates.

PetSmart Cashier:  Or you can use spring water

Coed #1:  You mean like Evian?

So, today I went to the gym for the first time in months.  The gym and I, we have a love/hate relationship.  I enjoy working out, I feel better when I do, but I have the hardest time dragging my ass there.  If I fall out of the gym groove, I have to start telling people about how I am going back, because then I will go, if only so I don't have to admit I didn't. 

Also, I started studying for the PE exam yesterday, which lead to a panicked phone call to Phoebs, in which I was all, "Centroids?  I have to know centroids?"  (Note:  I don't have to know centroids.  Thankfully.  Also, I am taking the Environmental Engineering PE, and why centroids are even in the review book is beyond me.)    So that will be fun for the next three months.  Y'all are jealous, I know.

I have a Gmail account, and it rules.  If you want one, let me know. 

Oh, and Randy?  When TRgirl and I are on the phone and you keep interrupting, do you know who that's just like?  Our Dad. 

So, I was ranting to Little Matty about how one of our instruments was broken, and the PTB were being penny wise and pound foolish.  He looked at me and said, "I have never heard anyone use that phrase in actual conversation." 

Yesterday, Cdub and I went out to dinner.  After dinner, we went to Office Max, because I needed Post-It flags for the PE studying.  I also bought Quadrille Paper and the famous Dixon Ticonderoga #2 Pencils.   Now, I really have to start studying.

Also, yesterday?  My new purse came, and I love it.  Problem?  I now want this one in mallard and this one in black.  I have a problem.  I am addicted to purses. 

Show Sunday.  Ride times?   0900 and 1031.  Time to be at the show?  0730.

So, TJ asked a really good question.  I apologize for not explaining this.  The PE exam is the Professional Engineering exam.  I am an Environmental Engineer; although my current position doesn't require it, it's good to have that license, as it will make it much easier for me should I ever want to switch jobs.  Although I like my current job, I'm not sure the opportunities for advancement are there, so it's a good option for me to keep open. 

The steps for licensure (OK, the most common steps) are as follows:

1. Graduate with a degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET (American Board of Engineering Technologies) accredited program.  This is why I spent 4 years at UMass getting my Master's- my bachelor's degree is in physics;  the M.S. program at UMass is one of the few accredited ones in the U.S., but it did mean that I had to take a lot of undergrad courses as well as complete my graduate work.  (Note:  Once, upon learning that I had been working on my Master's for 3 years (at that time) this guy in a bar who had been trying to pick me up said,  "Why?  Are you stupid?")
2. Take and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
3. Apply for licensure as an Engineering Intern or Engineer in Training (that depends on the state) with the Engineering board of the state in which you took the FE.
4. Work under a licensed engineer for a set number of years (the number of years required varies).
5. Apply to sit for the PE.
6. Hopefully, pass PE. 

So, an alternate title for this post could be "Now that you all know what a geek I truly am, you will probably never come back."

So, Shea asked a good question yesterday.  Why did I decide to go into Environmental Engineering?  First, maybe I should define it, as in my experience it is a little known field.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor:

“Using the principles of biology and chemistry, environmental engineers develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues. Environmental engineers conduct hazardous-waste management studies in which they evaluate the significance of the hazard, offer analysis on treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps. They design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems. They conduct research on proposed environmental projects, analyze scientific data, and perform quality control checks.

Environmental engineers are concerned with local and worldwide environmental issues. They study and attempt to minimize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion. They also are involved in the protection of wildlife.”

Now, the simple answer to that question is that when I was a sophomore in high school, my dad grounded me until I had decided what I wanted to study in college.  (The relationship I have with my dad is complicated, and we are not actually very close.)  I picked Environmental Engineering, mostly because I liked science and math.  I didn't really know what it was about. 

When I was a senior in high school, I had the opportunity to intern at our local water treatment plant.  There, I discovered that I found water treatment fascinating, and decided that that was what I wanted to do. After a poor initial college choice, and a transfer to a school that I loved, but where I got an essentially useless (to me, anyway) degree, I ended up at UMass, where I met Angeler and Phoebs.  They are still 2 of my closest friends.

On second thought, I didn't just "end up" at UMass.  My professors at GCC (now GCU) knew I wanted to go into engineering, and found me several summer internships to apply for.  (And the degree isn't totally useless- an engineer with a liberal arts degree is a rare creature.  Y'all will have to trust me when I assure you that you would not read the blogs of my colleagues.)  I applied for, and was accepted to, an internship at UMass.  The work I did that summer further convinced me that I wanted to study EvE.

So, UMass 4 years, got my degree, and a job in NC.  I was running a drinking water pilot plant for my current firm, albeit at another office.  At that office, I did mostly drinking water work, with some wastewater work thrown in for variety.  After orchestrating a transfer to my current office, I now work mostly on groundwater remediation, doing technology demonstration studies.  I am trying to pick up more drinking water optimization studies, but that has been a tough sell.  However, I think that will come.

I enjoy what I do, and I like that I am, in some sense, helping to make the world a better place.  My family has a history of service-oriented careers, and that is important to me.

As an aside, I enjoy it when y'all ask questions.  Please do!  (Although, I won't promise to answer all of them.  Most of them, but depends on the subject matter.)

We've been working on circles and corners in preparation for today's show.  And those went much better.  Actually, I felt that my rides were the best they've been.  Unfortunately, this judge was very tough, so my scores were low.  She made some valid comments, but I feel like she really low-balled me.  It's one of the frustrating things about dressage.  Although, she did say Solie and I made a "cute pair", but as this is not a pageant, cuteness doesn't count. 

So, my parents are planning to come to the next show.  I have mixed feelings about that.  Now, not only will I be stressed about showing, but I will be stressed about my dad being here.  To put it mildly, my dad is not the most easy-going person in the world.  I cannot explain to him, like I can to others, that I get nervous before a show, and Nervous Watergirl = Snappish Watergirl (Heather knows, and deals quite admirably.)  Also, my dad is never on time for anything.  We will be waiting for him to show up to his own damn funeral.  The dressage world is the type of world where ride times are given as 10:24, 10:39, etc.  It is not a world that cottons to lateness.  Also, I stress when I am late.  So anyway, September's show should be a disaster of epic proportions.  So looking forward to that.

Today I am angry that I trusted someone I shouldn't have. 

I am angry that I made a 1515 appointment with my NP, and didn't see her until 1615.  I am thankful that she was sensitive to the reason I was there, and that she had tissues.   I am also thankful for good phlebotomists. 

I am angry that I cut my thumb with a box cutter while trying to remove a label from a bucket.  I am also angry that Babu thought I was joking when I called him to report it.  I am thankful for Kimmy, who, when I walked in and said, "Kim, I need help," saw the blood dripping from my thumb and helped me bandage it. 

I am angry about the dressage show. 

I am frustrated with life, and angry that I am so frustrated.

Today has not been good.

So, after the box cutter incident yesterday,  I had to send out an e-mail explaining how to avoid such things in the future.  In the e-mail, I noted that "cuts from box cutters hurt and are very bleedy."

Little Matty:  Bleedy?   Did you just make that word up?
Watergirl:  Yep.
Kimmy:  Didn't it make it clear to you what she was talking about?
Little Matty:  But can you just make up words?
Watergirl:  Shakespeare did.
Little Matty:  So in 400 years, high school students will be reading your incident report?

If you are a guy who is related to me, you definitely don't want to read this.

(Approximately 10:30 AM today)
Watergirl: (Dials phone)
2.0:  Hello?
Watergirl:  Hello.  How are you?  Is there a baby yet?  (Do y'all know 2.0 is pregnant?  Very pregnant.)
2.0:  I'm good.  No baby yet, but I am so ready. 
Watergirl:  I hear the end of pregnancy does that to you.
2.0:  I couldn't sleep last night, so I kicked 2.0 Spouse out of bed and read Harry Potter.
Watergirl:   (laughs)
2.0:  How's the studying going?
Watergirl:  Eh, not to well.  Having trouble concentrating at home.  I'm going to try studying at Barnes and Noble tonight, since I have to be out that way for a 7:00 appointment.
2.0:  What kind of appointment?
Watergirl:  (looks around office furtively, mumbles)  Bikini wax
2.0:  (whispering) I'm sorry I made you say "bikini wax" at work. 

Well, except for the part where the drain hose came off of the washer and flooded the kitchen. That part I could have done without. But it is fixed. Am handy.

Yesterday was Leila and Steve's annual Tiki Bar Party, held at Club Steve. (Club Steve is fun. Sometimes you are fed game animals there.)  It was very warm, but there were babies (I'd only been there for an hour before I had spit-up on my shirt.  Am sexy.)  OK, it was one baby.  But he's cute!  I also told Ion (he's 2.0's son) to hurry up and come out, because we all want to meet him! 

The Tiki Party is a pig-pickin'; if you don't know, North Carolinians are serious about their barbeque.  Here it is always a noun, never a verb.  And if there won't be pig, it's a cookout.  I love Eastern NC barbeque, with the spicy, vinegar-based sauce.  (Note:  I brought 2 pounds of coleslaw to the party, and came home with an empty bowl.  I also came home with barbeque.)  It was great to be around people, socializing.  Haven't done that for a few weeks.   I missed people!

Today, I cleaned, made 2.0's ziti (I make everyone I know who's having a baby either a ziti or lasagna.), and delivered it to them.  I also spent the day thinking that I'd really like to go on a date- nothing serious, drinks or coffee with someone. 

Guess what?  I have a date.  Tomorrow.  (After tomorrow, our schedules don't mesh for over a week.)  Nothing fancy- drinks at a local pub.  With a guy.  Who makes me laugh. 

For the first time since the accident, I feel off a horse.  Well, actually, I fell off Solie.  I don't fall off of Heather's other horses.  I was riding bareback today (what is with me and Solie and the bareback?), and when I was getting on, he wasn't paying attention.  So all of a sudden something was on his back, and he jumped a bit sideways.  I came off the side, and landed on my forearms and face.  Nothing broken!  I have now completed all the major hurdles in my recovery.   

When I called mom to tell her, she said, "Are you broken?"

Dear Ion (aka 2.0.1),

You joined us yesterday.  We haven't met yet, but we will.  I'm so excited and can't wait to hold you.  You are a very lucky little boy.  Your mommy and daddy are two of my favorite people.  Be good to them.  Your mommy even gave up the car she loved for you.  Now she drives a 4-door automatic.  I don't think she'd do that for anyone else. 

Sweetheart, I won't lie to you.  Life is hard, and there are times of incredible sadness.  But that is forgotten in times of joy, like the births of new babies.  I promise you that the good in life far outweighs the bad. 

You will learn this, because you come into this world in love.  Not only your Mama and Daddy, but your Grandmommie, your Uncle Johnny, Jbabe, and me.   Many more, I am sure, but these are the people I know. 

Grow strong, grow brave, and be nice to Gully.

Love,

Watergirl

(approximately 11:30 yesterday)

Watergirl:  Dials phone

TRgirl:  Hello?

Watergirl:  Guess who's not getting a birthday card tomorrow?

TRgirl:  You?

For the next 3 months, you are only 2 years younger than I am.  (And I am so old that I brought my heating pad to work today because my back hurts.) Ha! 

Have a good one!

The joy that is TRgirl's 27th birthday is mitigated by pictures of the devastation in Louisiana,  Mississippi, and Alabama due to Hurricane Katrina.  Although I don't know anyone directly affected, I know several people whose family and friends were.  Please consider donating what you can to disaster relief.  Here are several organizations:

• Episcopal Relief and Development
• The American Red Cross
• America's Second Harvest

Angeler!

Angeler came down from Buffalo for four days, and we did the Triangle's Hottest Spots Tour.  On Thursday, I picked her up from the airport, and then we went to Get Outdoors to look at a kayak.  (Why? Well, mom and dad are buying me one for my birthday/Christmas, so dad wanted me to look at it.)  We came back to the house, and Angeler met the boys.  Jasper loves her.  Ri was jealous and upset about the change in routine.  Then we hit Rockford's for dinner.

On Friday, we went to Duke Gardens.  It's the only time I took pictures this entire weekend. Pictures are here.  But first, Angeler!

Afterwards, shopping!  That night, we went out on the town to see Rich Emily- a friend of mine from here joined us.  Much fun was had by all!  The best part?  There was this guy who looked like Sanjeev from The Kumars at No. 42 doing interpretive dance to 70s classics.  Priceless.  Everyone in the place was laughing at him.  The restaurant staff was calling their colleagues back to the kitchen to watch him. 

Saturday, we went to the flea market, where Angeler got a purse.  That afternoon we went to Lazy Daze with JBabe, and I finally got this picture (#66).  When did I first mention it?  April?  May?  I don't remember.

Sunday we went to Chapel Hill, and yesterday we hung out by the pool.  A fun, relaxing weekend.

Also this weekend?  Jasper lost his last snaggletooth.  Teeth count: 3.

if you live in a state where there are Food Lions.

Seriously y'all, the people most affected by this are the people who can least afford it.  I'm not wealthy, and I don't have a lot to give, but if we all give what we can, it will make a difference.