Holy fucking shit, a contractor is clearing the alley between Elkader and Ellerslie, including the mountain of snow the private bobcat made. I went down and told him they could put it in my parking pad, but THEY HAVE A DUMPSTER/TRUCK COMING. I think I might expire.

Yes, 11:30 at night is insane, but we've NEVER had our alley cleared.NEVER. At this point, given how other streets that are thoroughfares are a complete mess, who do I grateful-fuck? I really didn't wanna shovel more this weekend.

Thanks, yeah. Sucktastic day.

Now, I'm binging before Dr. Who disappears from Netflix and hulu.

I'm totally fine, but feeling pretty put out.

Bath time for me. And no electronics tomorrow. I need a break.

So, fuck. Contractor woke me up, went to see if he hadn't left a giant mountain, orange tabby lit into my arms. Lost somewhere in the basement now. Not Kittyboy, who wouldn't have jumped in my arms. The fuck?

I love the work I do and the people I do it with. I met up with someone I worked with at my former job and we were both like, So this is a decent work environment? Dude, I always wanted one of those. But the pay sucks. I'm bringing an expansive, technical and writing skill set to my position, as well as some pedagogical chops, and I'm using them every day. A masters is the bare minimum degree qualification, and several other people at my level have PhDs. And the pay really doesn't reflect that. Really really. There are six of us at my level, and I'm pretty sure we're gonna lose at least two this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see four go, plus our manager. I'm in for at least another year (assuming no nasty surprises), but that's partly because other places want to see two years experience. And partly because the work is fun. But I'm 48, and I'd like to own a house someday, so I can only let "fun" be so much of my work criteria.

I hope you got kitty out of the basement, sarameg.

Jackson has gotten into the habit of following me when I go to bed at night, and last night he actually curled up and slept *on* me for he first time.

It's hiding under the stairs where I can't get to it. Dropping a shovel down the stairs probably didn't help.

Wait- is there a stranger kitty in your house? That the contractor let in? Do you have a new cat?

sarameg, did you get the kitty out of your basement? How strange!

Jackson loves you, Matt!

I'm trying to get excited about spending the next two days cleaning my house.

Timelies all!

Planning on making a trip to the library today. I still have plenty of books on the to be read bookcase, but none of them are appealing right now.

Can anyone recommend a good stick vacuum? I need to get grit and pet hair off hard floors and area rugs, I need something lightweight, and I prefer bag to bagless because asthma. I'm sick of hauling out the big heavy vacuum every morning, and it seems to blow back almost as much crap as it sucks up.