Settling In

We did a 24hr. whirlwind trip down to Wichita Falls this past weekend. U-Haul finally got their act together enough to get me a 1-Way truck. Between my arcade games from JD's, and the rest of our stuff from the storage unit, the truck was filled to capacity from floor to ceiling. We managed to get everything unloaded just in time to start work again on Monday.

After 2+ years in storage, most of our stuff was filthy with dust. It took quite a while to clean off the appliances enough to take them inside the house. We stressed out a bit after our fridge wouldn't work initially, but it finally came to life on Monday afternoon...whew! The only thing that didn't handle the storage and move was the dryer, so we bought a new one Tuesday.

JD took remarkably good care of my MAME cabinet. I have it running in the office now, and it facinates Griffin. We enjoyed a little cooperative-play Robotron 2084 last night. I haven't even attempted to beat JD and friends' ridiculous highscores on Galaga and Track & Field....but I've checked out my competition, and it's going to be tough to knock anybody off those charts. Jason's going to have to come up to visit and help me out. I've got a little cosmetic work to perform on the MAME machine, and then I'm going to start working on the Omega Race repairs. It was operational (albeit cranky) before I left Wichita Falls, but some part(s) have failed since then. I'm no expert, but I'll figure it out and get it running again.

One of the things that I've enjoyed the most over the past few days has been the ability to sit down and eat at a dining room table. Due to the incredibly small size of our apartment, we didn't have a table set up (it was the computer desk or a table...but not both). The past two nights Amy, Griffin and I have enjoyed our meals like "normal" people. Doesn't sound like much, but it's the little things that make a difference...and not having to eat from the coffee table makes me feel much better.

I'm still working with ConocoPhillips on the COE project. Since the research center that I've been working with has so many labs and specialized systems, my job has been extended for the next couple of months. I'll be busy converting the instrument controller and workstation computers. Hopefully, they'll find something else to assign me to, once this location is completed.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Summer. I can't believe that August is already almost over. School is back in session, and before long the mornings are going to be cool and crisp.

Work beckons me...so I'm out for now. Carpe Diem.

 
We're Moved!

Whew...over three weeks since we closed on our house, and we FINALLY got moved in this weekend. Special thanks to Eric for driving all the way to Tulsa from Ft. Worth to help me load/unload the truck. I couldn't have done it without you! Also, a big thanks to Melissa, Rusty, Mom and Dad for watching Griffin during the heaviest part of the move. It certainly made things a little easier without having to worry about him being underfoot. All of our things seem to have made it over intact and undamaged. No bones were broken, and minimal blood was shed. Now, Amy's moving through boxes at a rapid pace...assimilating the contents into the new house. She's got her work cut out for her. Griffin is having a blast discovering his new surroundings. He seems to be having no difficulty accepting his new home.

Next weekend, we'll head down to Wichita Falls for the final items in storage, including our refrigerator, washer/dryer and my arcade games. It'll be really good to have everything back in one place again.

There's lots to do before we get anywhere close to settled in, but we're getting there. As usual, I've been taking lots of pictures....so at some point in time, I'll get them posted up for your viewing pleasure (or torture...however you wish to look at it!).