who's gonna drive you home...

As I entered Wilmington this morning and was passing the Corning plant I saw what I thought was a squirrel crossing the 6 lane highway. As I passed the animal I realized it was not a squirrel; it was a very small kitten. As soon as I could, I turned around and pulled over. The kitten was terrified and so very small. Somehow he had made it across all 6 lanes and was in the grass headed toward Corning. As I was corraling him against a chain link fence another person pulled over to help. Then a yard crew pulled over. We all worked together to get this little guy out of trouble. I was prepared to take him into the office but the man on the other side of the chain link fence decided to take him home. He said he was going to name him "Ally" for the alimony he would soon be paying after bringing that cat home to his wife. I told him not to worry - his wife would melt as soon as she saw the little blue-eyed calico. I hope it works out for them.

If life is a highway...

Over the past few weeks I've been getting used to my commute. Takes me about an hour and 20 to get to work. Most if it is a straight shot on I-40. On my way home last night the fuel light came on. I was probably about 30 minutes from home and there really is not much between here and there. I pull off on an exit with nothing listed on the food board, and only one "Pure" gas station listed on the fuel board. As I approach the off ramp the next sign says the gas station is 3 miles to the right. I drive and drive and see nothing. It is dark and I am starting to panic. No one wants to run out of gas alone, at night, in the middle of friggin nowhere. Finally about 10-15 miles later I end up in Mt. Olive. As I was pumping my gas I noticed the smell of pickles in the air. Mt. Olive, NC is THE Mt. Olive - Home of the pickle! Who knew?

http://www.mtolivepickles.com/

counting flowers on the wall

Our new home is located in a little subdivision nestled within very a rural area. I can see cows outside the family room window and hear mooing when I'm outside. I love it. The drive to and from the house in either direction is flanked by fields of tobacco, corn, soybean, and cotton. Things are quiet and people are kind. My brain can calm down here. Life is good.

bad boys bad boys watcha gonna do?

So I'm on the computer, half watching a 48 hours Mystery when I hear sirens, lots and lots of sirens - getting louder and louder. I then notice all the flashing blue lights strobing through the room. I peep out the window and see what must be over 10 police cars and SUVs, a German Sheppard and a Policeman. One of them starts yelling at presumably whomever they have chased down. STEP BACK, STEP BACK...ETC. Not knowing what would happen during the stand off I crouch down so that I am not near the window or anything that might come through it. Added to the medley - a helicopter. Holy Jeebus. Thanks to my peeps for chatting during the ordeal to keep me relatively calm.

Now things have cleared out. I called campus police and they sent an officer out to check the perimeter. He assured me that I was safe and that they patrol regularly. Again I'm not in a bad area per se but near one...SIGH. Gonna have to take some benadryl tonight to get to sleep.

I think the cats and I are packing up and moving out tomorrow morning.

has it only been 4 days cause it feels like a life time

I miss my boy.

bring it on down for homelessville

While getting my morning coffee I heard loud knocking on the front door. I peep out the window and see some guy standing there - knocking - incessantly. Knocking so loud in fact that he could not hear me yell: "Can I help you?"

He finally walked off and I got ready for the day. As I left I saw a police car out front and a man in a UNCW t-shirt speaking with the officer. Apparently they are looking for the guy who knocked on my door. As the police left, the UNCW guy came over to speak to me about safety. I am warned not to walk less than a block to the jiffy mart after dark. I am told that the neighborhood is safe but not safe. Apparently the knocker is a homeless person who has been stealing things and is "a little crazy." Great.

At least I feel safe on campus...

I booked myself into the YWCA, I said I like it here can I stay, I like it here can I stay - Do you have a vacancy...

Wow, it has been awhile.

The upcoming month is going to be difficult. I have no place to live. I may turn into an academic hobo, living on an air mattress in my office, using the student gym as my bathroom.

On a brighter note, the first draft of my dissertation has been submitted to the editorial office for review. I'll be defending July 21st and graduating August 8th!