Last and First

So my story has come to end- this chapter anyway.
I didn't write the last few days of the trip because I was honestly too tired and stressed out.

So, from where I left off, it was getting close to taking the final exam. I wasn't sleeping. I was so worried about passing the test. About finishing the final project. About coming home to a house that was hopefully still standing.

I went for another tattoo. The opening line to my favorite a-ha song. It just felt like something I had to do. Almost exactly a year after I got the original. And that helped ground me oddly enough.

So I studied. And I freakin' passed. And with a better score than I even got on the first one. Perfectly respectable scores, both of them. Woah. After that I just wanted to sleep. I had nothing left. The wall had been hit. I was so relieved.

Then we had to go work at the store nearby for a bit, and man am I jealous of that store. They have staff! And then there was the ever-so-fun role play exercise. Damn I really hate those. I've done my bit with improv. Put in my time. And I ended up having to do mine in front of the whole class. I was the only one. But it didn't matter. Knocked it out of the park. The trainer was playing a mean customer and I made him laugh. Yeah. I got that shit.

But we weren't done yet. There was a cocktail party, and the final project still had to be completed. (Yes- some screwy posh cocktail reception instead of the beer bashes they throw in Cupertino.) I showed up so as not to be rude, but I was out in half an hour without so much as an ice water.

When I got back to the room, I passed out. Woke up at nine and started work on the film for the project due the next day. While I was waiting for rendering, I started gathering everything together to pack. Organizing all the stuff and readied the last of the laundry to be sent out. Since they were paying for laundry service, I totally took advantage of that. :)

Stayed up later than I had the whole time. Figured I may as well as I was heading home. I never really did adjust to that time zone.

Finished the silly little film, but was still rendering in the morning. Because of course it was me and I kept making changes up to the last. Always do....

The shit part was being in such a rush that I dropped an earring down the elevator shaft. I know I wear the same silver hoops every single day, but it's because I got those with my sister in Logandale on her birthday at the Native American museum and they were pure silver made by Navajo. But now I only have one. Ordered replacements on Amazon, but it's not the same...

Half the class was hung over from the cocktail do. That was pretty funny. And the fact that they were still trying to teach us things on the last day. Nobody was comprehending a thing at that point. I mean, c'mon. We just wanted to go home. Class was finally over. We had our certificates. And planes to catch.

Packing! Mad dash to get it all squished in. Had an hour suddenly till it was time to load the car. Most of my laundry was there. But they had to go find the rest. And I had to go put my leftover food in the lounge for the next group. Couldn't waste it.

Then the mad dash for the airport, and then the epic waiting. And then our flight was delayed and the waiting was even more epic. Yay. Airports. Emma was just chilling in her little bag. She was fine. The plane was delayed even further after we boarded. They kept letting people in fluorescent jackets on to inspect something in the cockpit. Whatever. I just wanted to go home.

Halfway through, I was asleep with Emma on my lap, all enclosed in her bag as was the rule. But the jackass flight attendant woke me up to tell me I had to keep her under the seat. I was/ am so pissed. They will so be getting a letter from me. As will Apple travel. I have to pay a fee, and I follow your rules, and you make me shove my sleeping dog under the seat for hours? Oh fuck you, Woody-the-flight-attendant. I even got an email survey. They are so gonna rue that crap decision....

And then baggage was forever. And Ayrian was waiting for me. And it was four in the morning.

But finally I was out. And he was there. And because we're the damn same, he said exactly what I was thinking. So the perfect time for Del Taco.

My house shrunk and my dogs grew. Not really, but that's what it felt like coming home. They all looked so huge after only being around Emma. And the hotel was just a teeny bit bigger than my house... Ah but everything smelled right again. And my ice was so much better. And there was my Ayrian and the calm was settling in. I was home. There was my bed. There were weird nightmares unfortunately, but I know where that was coming from. And some of it resolved itself.

Stayed in bed all Saturday catching up on my TiVo. (If you aren't watching The Killing, you're missing out.) And just reveling in being surrounded by my books and my dogs. Mmmmmmm...... Damn I ate a lot of ice. Emptied the ice maker.

And then the day was gone and I had to get up to go back to work. Woke up before my alarm. Ick. It was weird to have to drive after all those weeks of just getting in the elevator. It was weird being behind the wheel at all for that matter.

First day as a Genius. Special 10 year all store meeting. COMPLETELY anti-climactic. They used to give us shit all the time. And after ten years, nothing. Horseshit. Whatever.

And then bar-bitch. Such is my fate. Mobile queue. Got it. And then Mac queue. Weird. Never really spent any time doing that and there I was. But I knew I would be OK because I knew the others had my back. Still a bit weird though. But I got it handled. Ended up helping loads of people that showed up the wrong day or time. That was kinda funny. Tons of new faces. Had no idea what time it was. Still don't. So many things changed while I was gone. And I wonder if I did. Not something I could really see. Unfortunately, some things were exactly the same. But what can you do. Shit is what it is. But I made it through my first day as a Genius, and I think I did OK.

And now on to the fact that my birthday was totally skipped over. I think that needs serious rectifying. I guess that's my next project.

So fond farewell to that chapter. I look forward to what's coming. I don't know what it is, but it's all new and I will face it head on like I always do. No blinking. No shying away. Just feet firmly planted, head down, full steam ahead. Wish me luck.





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Location:Vegas, Baby.

Caught up

All this work has caught up with me. And even the off-time.
I couldn't even write yesterday because I was too wiped out.

Jim wanted to go to the Aquarium. Well I'd just been working on my project all afternoon, and Tiffiny was too hungover to go for tattoos, so I enthusiastically agreed.

But since there were cars, I assumed we were taking one of them. Big mistake. I left in what I had on, which was what I had planned for a day of mostly sitting around with Tiffiny. But for some crazy reason we were walking? Man I wish I has known that. I would have dressed much more practically. But by the time I realized what was going on, I couldn't say anything. I couldn't be the girl whining about her shoes. Not in that crowd where just being a girl was enough.

So we walked. Rode the train a bit. Waited. And walked. We did get to the Aquarium, and walked some more.

Don't get me wrong, it was a really fun Aquarium. For someone who doesn't like the ocean, or bodies of water in general, I can really appreciate an Aquarium. There were whale sharks, and hammerheads, and manta rays, and beluga whales, and otters, and super cute penguins. They were playing with me through the glass. Awesome experience.

And then there was more walking. And more train. More waiting. And more walking.

Six enormous blisters. To go with my already mutilated knees. Ow. Just ow. I can't even remember the last time I had a blister. I am much more sensible than that. My toes all look deformed. Good lord.

So today class was long. I feel like there's still so much to know and that somehow we aren't getting to it. So much time on iRepair. Really? How would we have even gotten here if we didn't know the basics of iRepair. Refining our skills, fine. But hours spent on that? I need to know more about troubleshooting and screwdriver types and battery covers how computers work. Stuff like that....

After that I was wiped out. I actually fell asleep right after class. And then woke up and started more work on our final project. Ordered room service. Just had no energy to do anything. Though the swelling in my knees has gone down ha ha....

I think Emma is getting homesick. She has gone to all of the training, and she has done great, but I just get the feeling that she misses the others and home. Can't blame her. She's been away from everyone so long. We go outside, we play in the room, she watches the training, and when she gets bored she sleeps in her little travel bag. The teacher keeps making jokes about her being the only mac os certified dog. She's really been great, and I'm so glad she's here, but I'm glad I'm taking her home soon.

Me, not so much. From what little I've heard, there's nothing but mess waiting for me when I get home. Drama and mess. Oh goody.

And I like this place. I can't believe I feel that way, but it really isn't bad in the city. I have a feeling the outlying areas would be a different story, but it really is green here.

Well that catches me up, and it's time for bed. Four am comes kinda early....


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Location:Georgia 141,Atlanta,United States

The list

Somehow we ended up with a bunch of things we wanted to get done today.

Urban Outfitters was having a sale. Tiffiny bought tons- including a film camera. I had no idea we were going there again. She even got film... I bought a little dress though. One totally outside my box (it has orange on it). And a hat and a scarf. Won't be wearing dresses anytime soon though. My knees look like abused baseballs. Eesh.

We had to research local tattoo places. Emma ran around in the lounge while we called places.

We commandeered Chris and his car again and set out. We drove along tree lined roads and old, classic homes. The kinds with woods for backyards. Quite lovely.
We had lunch outside in some really lovely weather. Some random pizza joint. Good- portions too big. Tried a calzone- never had one before. We left a lot behind.

Went to an area called 5 Points and wandered a bit. We found a place that made t shirts, but they were too expensive. (It was on our list.)
We wandered into a record store. (Not on the list.)
Found the tattoo place that we had driven there for and they were truly awful. Rude. Jackasses. We left.

Went to the tattoo place we checked out the other day, but they were too busy, so we decided to try again.

Tiffiny wanted to go to a show, but I was too tired. Plus a new episode of the Doctor was on...
And we have a project we have to turn in, so I thought I'd work on it a bit. But if my knees weren't so shot, I think I would have gone. It was nice to spend the evening with Emma.

Tomorrow is already our last free day...


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Location:Georgia 141,Atlanta,United States

Busted

Long day in class. I think everyone was a bit over-saturated by the end of today. It wasn't a bad day, but I don't much remember it. We did something dangerous, but I'm so tired I don't even remember what it was called.

Now after class off we were for adventure. And it started early. I totally ate it in the parking lot. Wearing a dress. Skid on the pavement. But I got up and laughed and dusted myself off and we went on our way. Looks of utter shock on their faces at my lack of a fuss.

We went first to get our Friday the Thirteenth tattoos. That was super fun. Tiffiny has been doing it for ages, but that was the first one for the rest of us.

Then we went to Dave and Busters. We were all so stoked cause we'd never been. But really, eh. Just ended up making us all tired. We didn't even play any games. Just ate and headed straight back for the hotel.

But we have big plans for tomorrow. We'll see how much of it we actually accomplish. But I think we're going to have fun. Ukeleles and dancing may be involved. ;)

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Location:Peachtree Rd NE,Atlanta,United States

Fondue friends

In class we played tool Jeopardy.
We learned ESD safety.
We laughed at juvenile jokes.
No one kicked the dog. But a nice lady tried to pet her and it freaked her out. I ended up wearing a lot of coffee.

So I changed my shirt for dinner, as I was still all coffee stained.
We went to the Melting Pot.
Always wanted to. Just me, Tiffiny, and Chris.
We had a great time. Totally great and goofy food, excellent conversation, bottle of wine. Seriously great night. I'm gonna miss those two when I leave.

And tomorrow's the 13th and I think Tiffiny and I are going to try for as many tattoos as possible ha ha.

You know, this place is kinda pretty?
Weird.

Well I'm too full of cheese and tofu and chocolate to continue.....
Night y'all.


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Location:Georgia 141,Atlanta,United States

Hot tin roof

Well hello to the heat in the South. Can't say I missed you at all, but since you're here, it seems the only polite- and Southern- thing to do. I have to say this for ya. When you come on, you come on.

Some crappy old lady kicked Emma this morning. The hotel staff was in a frenzy. They came running over... She also spilled my coffee when she decided kicking a puppy out of the way was the best way to get around it. So then there was coffee everywhere and the staff are helping me clean it up and everyone has this incredulous look on their face. It was so odd. Crap, that was some shit behavior.

We had role play in class. Got us out of our seats. Thank goodness. All that sitting and staring can get to a person. I got to rebuff a rumor seeker. I think I may have done that once or twice. Oh and the guest trainer guy is boring. Nice. But boring. Or maybe pixels are boring. But I think it was him.

I'm trying to find a bank here that will accept a deposit from my bank. Despite a lot of walking and driving, there has been no luck. Phone call after phone call I'm told something different. What a pain in the ass.

So I thought this was as good a time as any to open a Chase account so I can just take pictures of checks. Cause I'm well over this old school fill out a slip bullshit. But I forgot. My license just expired. No big. Faxed the necessaries into the DMV, and all will be quickly sorted. But I have to wait for that to go through before I can do the Chase account.

And the New Hampshire boy thought I should join him at the pool. Naive little man.

Thank God I'm not a cat, or this would be damn sticky....

Location:Georgia 141,Atlanta,United States

Rainy days and Mondays

Went to bed early. Or at least, I tried. I'm trying to strike some sort of balance.

And trying to manage things at home from 1500 miles away. Eesh. Ashley's having a family crisis, sister having drama...

And I had my first test today. So I wanted to be somewhat alert. But you all know how fond I am of the 7-4 shift. Now I'm working what is equivalent to 5.30-2.30. And trying to learn. To say this is a challenge for me, would truly be an understatement. But I want to soak this in. So I'm trying. But I don't forsee a lot of tourism. I'm just too damn tired to care.

But I passed my test. I did perfectly fine on it. And knowing how crap I am at tests, I'm totally pleased.

We had a really cool bug lab too. That was great practice. I can't believe all the things I'm learning that I've never even heard of before.

I guess some of the guys accidentally ended up in the gay district this weekend- including Matt. I'm sorry, but that's too funny. Matt in a gay bar. Wow. He took it in stride though. He's actually been great. I'm sorry we've lost him.

Emma is still doing great. I think this is really helping her learn things it's hard for her to pick up in the group setting. And she's getting more socialized. What's super funny is there is really only one guy she doesn't like and he's really the only ass as far as I can tell. So, good dog! ;) She's having fun interacting with everyone else, and still comes to class with me every day. The instructor wanted her to have a prometrics login and take the test with us. He seems sure she would pass....

I'm not homesick. I know everyone else was by now, but I'm glad to be away from all the crap waiting for me back home. I find I don't want to deal with other people's drama. I've enough of my own. Enough of my own that I'm happy to be separate from. Hopefully get some perspective. I can pay my bills on the internet, and my beautiful boy helping me keep an eye on things. And sis and mom have the dogs. So I'm taking the opportunity to sleep, and read, and everything else I never get around to.

So that's what I'm heading back to. A book, or a British mini-series, or just plain ole' bed. I only have two things outside of class that I want to accomplish, and those will keep till the weekend.

My best to everyone at home.
<3 to Ashley.
And Ayrian and Stinky.
And me, wish me luck. ;)



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Location:Atlanta,United States

Easy like...

Studied.
Watched Doctor Who.
Went to Walgreens.
Studied.
Fell asleep.
Studied.
Had dinner while studying.
Studied.
Called it quits.

Damn I hope I pass that test.


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Location:Atlanta,United States

Thread and pizza

I went back to my time zone. I slept till when I would normally wake up on my own and the day has been much more pleasant.

And it had nothing to do with falling asleep to Doctor Who and waking up to more Doctor Who. Promise.

So I lounged. And played with Emma. And walked over to the mall and got my face threaded. Did that last on New Years. Was time. Went back to my room, and it was the Star Trek and X Files time of day on BBC. I fell asleep. Out cold.

Woke up when the sun started to go down and more Doctor Who was on. Damn I love BBC.

And was summoned to the lounge. It was karaoke night.

We sat around in the lounge for a while and then walked to a karaoke joint. I can't accurately describe what it was like walking into the place. But we stood out. Really stood out. This was a Luther Vandross crowd. And our tattooed and pierced Canadian sang Wanted Dead or Alive and the other girl on the trip (from Texas) sang You're So Vain. And the crowd dug it. What a surreal experience.

There was a church across the street when we were walking though that freaked me out. I found the giant, white, wooden cross pounded into the ground offensive.

I mean, really? But evidently that's fine. Huh. Things like that really point out that you're somewhere else. Maybe it has some sort of positive meaning to people here, but it still wiggs me out. Fifty years ago this place was still segregated. But maybe that's it. It was fifty years ago.

I have yet to see a single peach, however. I think we're in entirely the wrong neighborhood for that. Too many high end shops and fancy cars.

But as I sit here at this crazy pizza joint that actually stopped serving pizza, is playing old school Bobby Brown, and my cohorts are planning their next song, I know I'm glad I came. This ain't Vegas baby.

Opposite

How come every professional Apple trainer is always really outgoing and funny and also an ass? Why can't any of them just be one side of the coin? Heather gets people to do anything she wants, but she doesn't have to bully for it. Why does that have to be the exception?

We're all exhausted. But I think we're doing ok. I mean I think we're soaking in some great information. And I have to say these guys are nice.

Went to dinner tonight with the Canadians in the group. We ended up at some Mexican joint with weird prices and grits in tacos. Too funny. Tomorrow I'm checking out the tattoo place with the girl. Least that's the plan. We'll see.

After I got back tonight I played with Emma. She has been so good. And the room is big enough to play fetch. So I threw her favorite ball til she for tired. I really think she has jetlag too. Either that or she's channeling my moods. But judging from how sacked out she is, I'm thinking jetlag. And she's decided she doesn't want to walk everywhere. She jumps at me to pick her up. That's pretty funny. At least part of it is because she feels safer when I have her.

It's time to start thinking about what I want to do for the weekend and I have no idea. Right now I just want sleep. But I should see the city. I suppose.

Flowers and permissions

Emma woke up with the crazies this morning. Running all around the room like she'd been taken hold by a demon. So absolutely funny when they do that.

It's great to see things like that when your body still knows its 4am. But the sun is shining, so that helps. But I find my mind still wanders.

Permissions. I think we spent the whole day on permissions. There were user accounts and terminal and console and breaking the computer on purpose, but its the permissions that stick out. Oh, and as an aside to those that will understand, I accidentally deleted my entire frameworks folder. Won't do that again.... But I digress.

I have been using permissions for years for things that there is no way it would ever fix. And what I find odd is that was advice I learned. "Start with permissions repair". But that's totally bad advice as fix all. And you can change the stupid short name after you've made it four miles long. Another thing I was told was impossible.

So through the dense fog that is my jetlag, I suppose a few things are seeping through. Thank God. I can feel all the knowledge this guy has to share and I just want to remember everything he says, but I know its just not possible. He's from back in Nan's day. He knows it. Like I know stupid sci fi trivia.

And Emma comes to class everyday and sleeps in her bag/bed by my feet. Sometimes she wakes up and chews on things I've brought her, but mostly she's out. Do dogs get jetlag?

I don't get the idea most groups are this segregated. We seem to have an odd dynamic.

But in the elevator today a couple of them were lamenting that no one would want to get a tattoo and I piped up. I hadn't realized there was a Friday the 13th coming up. But I already got a card for a nearby place from one of the guys here. I gave them the card. So there's a group activity of a sort... I guess Tiffiny wants to get a quote on some flowers....

That's all I have for today. I literally got right into bed after class. Turned off BBC, and turned on my iPad. Watched classic Doctor Who with Sarah Jane and Lark Rise of course. Even Emma was out.

So that's me west coast. Up at 4am and in bed by 3pm. Egad. How dull.

Location:Peachtree Rd NE,Atlanta,United States

Cart transport

Getting around here is proving to be a bit of a challenge so far. The guy with the car isn't exactly what I would call reliable. Good intentions, but we all know how that goes.

The jetlag is just killing us. I can see my zombie face mirrored in Matt's. I feel sallow and am pleased to be that bright.

And its that usual crew. One of everyone we know is represented pretty much. A few of our special ones don't seem to be present though. The purell stations have not been drooled over and the wit doesn't have the right bite. But its still what you would expect.

Although I have to say that I did not expect wine and beer in Target. And no liquor in wal mart. But one thing they both have is middle escalators just for your carts. Keeps them level and everything. Jim got so excited he had to try it. If I'd have put mine on, it would have been a carnival ride for Emma. I don't know that she would have appreciated that.

The group seems slow to warm up, but maybe that will change. I reached out to someone else with a car because I can't be waiting around for this other dude. And I'd love to hang out with some people I have more in common with. So far, Emma has been my best companion. But everyone adores her. How could you not?

Learned a lot despite my zombie status, and am looking forward to tomorrow. I his hope I'll be more awake. I'm trying so hard to suck in all this amazing information. And talk about stress relief to have Emma sleeping and playing in her bag by my feet.

So here's to tomorrow and what it may hold. More brain expansion, getting to know the group a bit better, more ice consumption, and a continued bonding with the little one. She is doing remarkably well behavior-wise. But I'm afraid she's a tad racist. I'm hoping all this social exposure will do her some good.

Location:Peachtree Rd NE,Atlanta,United States

Balloons

Odd day.

Good day.

Took Emma to class with me on the teacher's suggestion. That was nice. And I think she appreciated the company.

Struggled with my jetlag. Yawning and miserable all day.

Went to dinner with Jim, so I didn't sit in my room on my birthday. We just walked across the street to the Italian joint. We had really good food and it was nice to get out.

The hotel staff left me purple balloons. That was unexpected and kind.

And it rained. We got quite wet. Very nice out. That was a bonus.

But I fell asleep and now I'm up again. Crap. Jetlag and I are not friends.

So I will turn instead back to my friends in Lark Rise and Candleford.

Then hopefully to dream and another day of learning.

I am not eating enough ice. This bothers me. And my stomach. Just haven't got the hang of the place yet I guess.

Did find a tattoo place around the corner though....

Foreign Soil

It's my birthday. But not in my time zone. Just the one I'm in now.
This place is weird. And it's weird because it's just not that weird.
Traffic, old highways, lots of trees, Target, PetsMart...

Training is going well- we seem to have a decent group so far. No lunatics spotted yet. And the instructor already made a red shirt reference, so I know I'm in good company.

The weather isn't even what I expected so far. We are supposed to be getting a thunderstorm. That would be an awesome birthday present. We have this suite we all get to use as a lounge and it has a great view. I bet a thunderstorm in there would be super fun. And a scary movie on Netflix.

It is all strange and yet familiar. I think Ayrian was right- he usually is to be fair. It's like a new beginning. A fresh start with a fresh perspective. As each hour goes by I am equally confused by the time zone, and clarified on what I want.

I love my dogs. I love my house. I love my sister. I love my friends. (In no particular order.) And I want more love in my life. Giving has never really been that difficult for me. Accepting it however, was like Chinese Water Torture or something. And admitting I wanted it? Ha! But even with all these wonderful treasures in my life that I so appreciate, I know I have more to give.

So on this weirdest of birthdays where I find myself literally on the most foreign soil I have ever set foot on, my wish is that I get to share more love and that maybe some more will come my way. I want that for everyone. But on my birthday, the one day that is mine, my most sincere wish is love.

That is all. Goodnight y'all.


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Location:Bulkhead, Atlanta, GA