Welp, we are here.
We spent just about two weeks in two different hotels, had way too many meals from a drive through or microwave, but we DID find all the places in town (well not all, but enough to keep things mostly interesting) where kids eat free. :) You know, its ALL about the free stuff when on a tight budget!
We’ve been taking loads of pictures, but we will not have cable at home until next Saturday, so I wont be able to share until then without gnawing off a limb as I wait for them to load. How am I posting at midnight on a Saturday then? Well, it turns out my department at Symantec is a Sales Division off-shoot, so we all use laptops :) Our neighbors have wireless, and have given us permission to hijack as much/often as we like. Hows that for some cool ass neighbors! So, while we have a computer and some access, its not the best of connections, and basically only good for surfing and the like :)
We got most everything into the trailer, save a few bits and bobs…and a boxspring. Despite my best efforts, I just couldnt do it. In fact, I owe my left tit and a whole lot more to Connie and Alissa (friends from Roseville) for helping, without them, I dont know what Dan would have done, as I hit some sort of emotional wall and breaking point that day. Utterly crumbled. Was quite embarrassing…..I guess I was just exhausted and rather stressed? In any regard we are here, the five of us and the cat. Unfortnately Haley’s hamster “Blackberry” travelled to the Big Hamster Wheel in the Sky the Monday before we left. Was quite sad really, the three of us (Dan and Haley and I) basically watched her draw her last little breath. *sigh* Haley was truley heartbroken, being that BB was her first real and sole pet. We have promised to go hamster shopping soon :) In the meantime, she helps me with Keiki, and that helps fill the furry void.
Lets see. OH! Yes, about *counts* 4 days after getting here, Dan also got a job out at Symantec! He really likes it. Its alot similar to the type of work we did at HP, so thats made the transition easy for him. He’s in a really big department, I would say about 120 people or so. (mine’s only around 15 I think) He will be working tons of overtime, and its a “foot in the door” type department, which is good as the starting pay for this particular position isnt the best.
Speaking of Symantec. Holy coolness batman! The site is AWESOME. Its totally the typical large company layout, but…cooler. I mean, they have a “game” room, equipped with pool, ping pong and FOOZ tables. HELLO!!! Cafeteria is awesome and GOOD! Not to mention CHEAP! They have a basketball court, full gym and a plethora of other awesome benefits. The coolest thing, is that even though we are currently “temps” we are still welcome to participate in all site events, and use all site facilities. This was strictly taboo at HP. I would LOVE to be there a long time, because even the energy in the building is cool. Its just like a whole building full of postive energied happy people. Can’t beat that with a stick!
Totally disjointed post. I’ve composed it several times in my head…but oh well.
We are in a duplex now. Its in need of some love, but nothing we can’t handle. It was a BITCH finding housing. For one, the university is back in session, and for two, our credit BLOWS. We finally, after nearly a dozen (literally) rejections, met a private owner that actually lives about 30 mins out of town, but has quite a few rentals in Eugene itself. He’s very cool. It worked out well, all the way around. The pet deposit was do-able, the kids schools are within walking distance, and we are close to a WINCO! (blessings to the retail food chain gods!!) Its like, 3 blocks from the “beltline” which is the main artery to Springfield where Symantec is, so thats making commuting (the whole 20 mins WITH traffic) in the morning a snap!
The kids all started school on Thursday, and all three seem to be thrilled to death! Good reports came home that day, of great teachers, friendly kids, and nice facilities. The older two seem to really like Eugene. We’ve done a bit of exploring and poking around town, still a TON of places to see and such, we will get there. They both mention often, that they are so glad we are here. I think one of Haley’s main reason is she has her own room, and the kids at her middle school are actually NICE to her. Concept? Poor kid.
*thinks* I am sure I am forgetting something.
GO DUCKS!
Heh. I dont think that was it, but still! The Ducks are H.U.G.E. here. Even THAT is an understatement. Its hard to not get pulled into the excitement. Hell, we were in WinCo today, and they actually announced the winning score over the loudspeaker as the clock ticked down for the Oklahoma game today. I think I might actually have to start learning about Football.
Well, I think thats it for now. I hope everyone out there (all 3 of you) are well. We sorely miss everyone, especially with less ways to communicate right now! We however, are also very excited to be in a place, and a home (after a bit) where we can have friends and family alike come visit, and not be mortally ashamed of our crackerbox living conditions. Besides, this has got to be some of THE MOST AMAZING landscape/terrain/area I’ve had the pleasure of living in. Its a TIE with Hawaii. Yes, I said it. TIE. So there’s your invitation! Give us a bit to set up house, replace the furniture we had to get rid of..sleeping on the floor so sucks..and we will look forward to see YOU soon! :)