I demand an explanation for this bullshit.

100 degrees and it's only May. This does not bode well for the rest of summer.

No, not me. My mom called me up this morning and the conversation basically went like this...

Mom: Hey Kaarin! I called you yesterday!
Me: Yea, I was going to call you back this morning, but I've been working.
Mom: Well, I just wanted to let you know, I'm getting married today!
Me: ... ... ... well, that's new and different...

So yea, I guess that's where I get my tendency to be bad at keeping in touch. Apparently they aren't having a big thing, just a judge coming to my mom's office to do the ceremony in the conference room. Still, though, it's the kind of thing I'd like to have at least known about more than a day in advance.

Other than that, not much is going on - still working at the same job, still living in the Bay Area. They've been jerking me around a bit, for a while they were planning to send me to Alaska for a month or two, then they were talking about sending me back to B'ham for a month, now it sounds like I'm not actually going anywhere after all. Who knows. Too bad, I was actually looking forward to going home for a bit.

Well, a quarter of one anyway.  Today I'm twenty five.  I always felt like twenty five was so far off, and that I'd have things figured out when I got there.  Of course things never work out that way, and I still have pretty much nothing figured out.  Mostly I feel good about the way things are going in my life, but it seems like every time I get ahead something happens to push me back.

Things with the boy are going well at least - we're learning how to co-exist peacefully in the same house.  I think it helps that both of us are fairly quiet and understand the need for alone time.  California has been interesting so far - surprisingly not as hot as I'd expected.  Living by the bay helps with that though, it's hot where I work since it's a bit inland up in the hills.

Not really sure what else to say... As far as my job goes, I've been here almost 3 years now and I'm still not sure if I like it.  Some days I do, but others I'm not so sure.  It's been a big adjustment to move down to the CA office though - there are definitely far fewer people here looking over my shoulder.  Not sure if that's a good thing - it's kind of hard for me to stay motivated some days.

I don't know that I'll ever get everything figured out to my satisfaction, but maybe someday I'll be okay with the fact that I don't know everything.


First we'd climb a tree and maybe then we'd talk
Or sit silently and listen to our thoughts
With illusions of someday casting a golden light
No dress rehearsal, this is our life

Lots of changes going on for me lately, and I've finally decided to rename my journal. Princesstrilian just wasn't working for me anymore, so I've renamed my journal to kaarin_e .  It's simpler, and I think I'm done being a princess for now.

The movers are coming to pack up my stuff on the 26th, and my mom and I are driving to California on the 1st of July.  I'm starting to get really excited and really nervous at the same time - I'm looking forward to being settled down there so I can feel more normal again.  After living in WA for 25 years, it's odd to think I won't be here anymore.  I'm ready for something different though, I'm starting to get tired of the same old stuff all the time.  Plus it'll be nice to live with the boy, instead of two states away.

So I haven't posted in a long time. Mostly because I haven't really had anything interesting to say. Well, I finally have something interesting - I'm moving to the Bay Area. If I can manage to get my shit together, I'll be leaving the last week of June and starting work on the 5th at my company's tiny California office.

Well, that's my big news. Wish me luck! :)

Ah man... there I go with the not updating for a month again. So let's see, what have I been up to? I got a letter on New Year's Eve informing me that I passed my EIT test, and I'm now certified to be an Engineer-in-Training. I know, doesn't sound that impressive, but it's the first step in getting certified to be a Professional Engineer. And if I get the PE certification... well, I'd get a neat stamp! Sort of like a notary in a way. ;)

Hmm, what else. Went to Heather & Katie's Holiday Party last weekend. I drank too much and woke up suitably embarassed on Sunday morning. Sorry guys. :/ Oh, and thanks to fenchurch1022 for helping me home and into bed. Seriously, bestest friend ever. Haha, I'm probably the only one that cares anyway, seems like there's always at least one person throwing up at every single party they have. At least I looked cute when I got there. :D

Work is going well, I got a raise last month. My job still bores me to tears at times, but it pays the bills. Besides that, there are some times when I get a really fun project and it doesn't suck nearly as much.

Other than that, things are kind of in limbo in my life. I'm looking for a new place to live - I'm feeling more and more that that was the right decision for me. I'm too independent to live with someone at this point in my life. Maybe a couple years down the road I'll change my mind... but for right now I just want to take care of me.

So, I had an awesome Thanksgiving. I went to visit fenchurch1022, who made awesome food. And it's always a good time hanging out with the Ari. Except I probably played too much WoW....but what else is new?

Anyway, she dragged me out on Saturday, I got my hair cut and bought some new clothes, and it was basically an all around good time. I think I should visit her more often, she cooks for me. :D

And when I started writing this, I really thought I had more to say. Work still sucks, I still play WoW, and I almost have 2 level 60 characters. That means nothing to most of you, and I don't care.

Malcolm left for Hawaii this morning. I'd forgotten how hard the leaving is. Eventually I'll get into a routine, and this won't feel so bad, but right now I just want to cry a lot. My cat threw up on the floor this morning, which is sort of how I feel. I haven't been motivated to clean it up yet, so I guess I'll have a pile of cat puke to clean up when I get home. Along with a kitchen that is somehow covered in dirty dishes even after Malcolm cleaned it yesterday. It's been so long that I've forgotten how to be by myself. I think this is going to be a hard week.

In less sad news, I took my EIT last weekend, and the farther away it gets the fuzzier all the questions get in my head and the more I feel like I might have passed. Approximately 9 more weeks and I'll know for sure. I also got to see fenchurch1022, which is always fun. I've decided to go down to her place for Thanksgiving, since I'm spending it by myself this year.

Malcolm & I drove up to Baker yesterday to see the snow. It was so pretty up there. I just hate that he's going to be gone for the entire winter. Winter is snuggle time. And now I'm getting maudlin again, so I suppose I ought to cut myself off while I'm ahead. I did take some phone-cam pictures of the snow, which I might post if I get motivated.

Happy birthday, electric_potato! You're really getting old! ;)

At the refinery today - things have been surprisingly quiet so far. I miss my old desk. I used to have a desk in the corner that made surfing the internet v. easy. Anyway, didn't go to Michelle's reception this weekend after all. fenchurch1022 was sick, and I hadn't really wanted to go anyway, so Malcolm & I stayed home.

My mom dragged me out for a bike ride on Monday, and I realized just how out of shape I've become. This is most definitely not a good thing. I guess I need to start walking/riding more and laying off the Warcrack. :D I did get to level 52 this weekend though, so it wasn't *all* bad. Yes, I'm obsessed, and no I don't care. :P

I suppose I had better get back to work, I've got far too much to do and not nearly enough time to do it in. I suppose this is what happens when I put everything off until the last minute.

OMGZORZ, 2 posts in one day! In one month, even! Ok, actually just felt like ressurecting one of my classic posts.

Make a little birdhouse in your soul, people. Seriously.

1. Holy crap, I suck at updating.
2. Still playing WoW ALL THE TIME.
3. Still working at same boring job.
4. Went to the beach for my birthday, got older, came back.
5. Have had too much coffee today and am slightly jittery.
6. Too lazy for complete sentences.
7. Malcolm is probably going to Hawaii for work in a couple months.
8. I'm having a terrible time thinking of 13 things.
9. My laptop died, and Malcolm and I are sharing his while it's being fixed. This is very difficult for me. :(
10. I'm ready to go home, and it's not even lunchtime yet. Fortunately I have lunch plans with Malcolm.
11. Oh crap, Michelle's stupid wedding reception is this weekend.
12. Are you still planning on going, fenchurch1022? I had forgotten all about it until just this minute.
13. Phew, I'm done!

1. I have been informed that 13 things is bigger than any of us had realized. *spooky music*
2. Okay, maybe #1 was just me.
3. I only work half a day on Fridays.
4. OMG YAY WEEKEND.
5. I am becoming an Access database guru. Because I rule.
6. 13 things takes a lot of the pressure off of updating. I don't even have to be interesting.
7. Yay for bandwagons!
8. I may get a new phone today - unfortunately I'd be copying fenchurch1022.
9. That also means I'd be switching to Verizon, and I'd finally be "IN." :D
10. I have metric assloads of work that needs to be done, but it's Friday and I'm going home in half an hour anyway.
11. I will get to level 40 in WoW this weekend.
12. My car needs an oil change.
13. I <3 my car.

1. Everyone is doing this 1-13 thing - Apparently ph3s1968 has started a fad.
2. Moved into the new place, it is awesome.
3. I love World of Warcraft.
4. Moving sucks and it is expensive.
5. New BBQ's rule, but are also expensive.
6. I need to plan a housewarming so people can come experience my new BBQ.
7. Work is very boring, and I can't find anything worth reading on the internet.
8. 13 items is a lot, I am running out of ideas already.
9. I really should be doing actual work right now.
10. All my furniture looks like crap in the new house, and I need nicer stuff.
11. New furniture is expensive as well.
12. I miss fenchurch1022
13. But I get to see her on Saturday!

So fenchurch1022's bachelorette party was a hit. At least I think it was. :P The massage/spa treatments the next day were fabulous, and I think I may have to go back. One of those spa day packages would be so much fun. :) Dancing at Rumors was less bad than I thought it would be, until about 11:30 at which point it became packed with slutty college girls. Probably not something I'll do again any time soon.

So the wedding is this weekend, the bridesmaid dresses are mostly done, and I'm not stressing nearly as much as I'm sure Ari is. :) There's still lots to do before I leave tomorrow, but I don't foresee any problems getting it done. My mom is apparently bringing an old friend to the wedding, as Craig has moved out and it doesn't look like he will be coming home any time soon. It's really too bad, I had finally gotten used to Craig being around. My mom has been pretty down the last few weeks as well, so I'm just trying to support her as much as I can.

We still haven't gotten clearance for moving on the 23rd, so I'm hoping they call soon. It would be nice to have at least one weekend to get stuff moved. Especially since I need to spend the 25th in Seattle for a workshop. I'm very excited to move though. I've really started to hate my apartment. Like a lot.

Well, that's about it for the parties & weddings & moving, I'm not sure if I actually had any STUFF to talk about other than that. :P I think I'm going to need to get Katie to help me plan the housewarming party, as I am bad at stuff like that and tend to slack off and never get it done. :) Well, I suppose I should get back to work - calculating greenhouse gas emissions, yay! (Or not.)

So. Hi everyone. It's been quite a while since I last updated, hasn't it? Well, I have news. Good news even.

I have a real job! I am now an environmental engineer for Anvil in Bellingham. It still feels a little strange to me, but I'm writing this from my lovely little cubicle while I avoid my latest task of calculating VOC emissions from storage tanks. It's so exciting to actually *do* stuff. :D :D Oh, and I get paid tons of money. Life is good for the Kaarin right now.

In fact, things are going so well that I finally got a new car. The old Geo Storm had just outlived its usefulness. I now have a Mazda 3. It is quite possibly the cutest freaking car ever. And it has four doors! I can have more than one passenger now and they won't be horribly cramped. Fabulous.

It's been snowy here for about 5 days now. Maybe 6. I'm starting to lose track. I'm surprised the snow has stuck around this long, and I kind of wish it would go away again. As much as I like snow, I really hate driving on icy roads and the temperature hasn't risen above freezing in about a week. In fact, I'm tempted to put my fuzzy gloves back on right now, it's so cold in here. Well, I guess I'll enjoy it while it lasts, I'd rather have snow than summer weather. :)

I'd like to write more, but the tank emissions aren't going to calculate themselves. Unfortunately.

Hey fenchurch1022! What do you want for your birthday? Or are you going to force me to wander the mall for hours getting progressively more annoyed with the people in search of the perfect present?

Yes, I know, I haven't posted in forever. I totally meant to make more regular updates when I posted last, but I suck at that. Anyway, I'm watching the last presidential debate on tv, and HOLY CRAP. Our current president is an idiot. I think one of the requirements for being president should be good public speaking skills. Arrgh. I don't know if I'll be able to watch this whole thing.

Anyway, on to better things. I have a job interview next week! With Anvil!! :D (For those of you who don't know, Anvil is a local engineering consulting company.) So I may get an opportunity to use my degree after all. Rock rock on.

It has been brought to my attention that I never update my journal. So here I am everyone. Updating. Just to make you all happy. :P

I went to a party tonight at laurajerry's, which was quite good fun. I think we shall all miss her very much when she goes to Germany. Or maybe I won't quite so much, because it has also been brought to my attention that I never go out. I just can't help it, I'm so fond of my apartment and my lapotop and my PS2. And also my kitty (Loki).

I suppose it's time that the status of myself and nottagoth is made public. We are no longer together, and I'll understand if some of you want to defriend me. I've noticed that a lot of my LJ friends are Joe's friends. I don't really feel like elaborating on the subject at this time, and apparently neither does he, but hopefully we will remain friends.

Speaking of LJ friends, man, is everyone in B'ham on LJ? I met criada, cheesetarget and mermaid_radio tonight (I hope those were right and that I didn't leave anyone out!) and I also found out that Crystal has an LJ. So hello to junipergrrl if you're reading this.

So yeah, I've pretty much been up to a lot of nothing. I've been knitting quite a bit, and am just about to finish my second sweater. Okay, they're both sleeveless sweaters, but still! I have a job interview on Monday, and I'm really hoping I get it because I'm sick of sitting at home doing nothing. SO BORING.

Wow, I actually had a surprising amount to say. Maybe I should check in more often. . . Also, I kind of dig the new update format. But it's ever so much easier to make the little LJ links in Semagic. Hmm, what to do? :P

Today seemed like an appropriate day for a triumphant return to my journal. I'll direct you here if you're not sure why. Actually, even if you are sure, you should check out the link, cuz that's good stuff right there. :D

I'm still unemployed, but I'm not living alone anymore. I have a kitty friend! He's my present to myself. I haven't figured out what to name him, but I'll probably post some pictures later. He's awfully cute. All black. Somehow that seemed appropriate, being as he was a present for my b-day, which just happens to be on Friday the 13th this year. For those who don't know, I was born on Friday the 13th. So I see no unlucky connotations about today.

For some reason I can't think of anything else to post. I haven't been around in a month, and I still don't have anything to say. I guess I'm just not that interesting right now. :P I can't seem to care too much about that tho, cuz I have a purry kitty on my tummy.