"On the verge of Vom..."

When the Alpha Sigma Sigma's reunited in DC this past January, Anna was kind enough to get me stuck on saying "vom" instead of it's full name, "vomit".

So, I finished up work at Ferro friday. It was sad, I can't seem to bring myself to think that I may never see some of those people ever again. It all felt uncomfortably final. I'm going to keep in touch, though. Then, Jen arrived and we went to the Wagner for the going away party...Fox Run style. VERY enjoyable. I thank everyone, again. But, at that time, I didn't feel like I was going to vomit.

By saturday, I was pretty sure I was going to die. I've been feeling like I am going to either a) cry or b) vomit since that morning. I've had some tough goodbyes since then, and it's not getting any better. I'm constantly "on the verge of vom"...

Will it?

At the family gathering on Saturday, I asked the daughter of a family friend (Olivia, 7, fabulously cute) if she wanted to see where I was going. She did, so I showed her a world map and where I was headed. She looked me square in the face and said, "You're crazy." I promptly asked her if she really thought I was that crazy, and she gave me a toothy grin and a nod and affirmed: "YES!"

Maybe she's right.

Cheers,
C

Morning Flapjacks

So, this morning I was late. As usual. I was arriving at about 6:30 am (due in at 6) because I had been jamming out and enjoying myself with some cereal a half an hour earlier. Well, I get to work, I notice that both of my boys had been calling me. I didn't return the calls because I was on my way. I walked into an empty lab and promptly went to the break room to put my lunch in the fridge.

Sean intercepted me and said, "Listen. Vern and Johnny J are looking for you, you better go over." He promptly grabbed my lunch from my hands and I sighed. I thought I was in trouble because he told me it had "something to do with pack data".

So, I begrudgingly went back to the SFM R&D lab, and I smelled something fabulous on the way back. There was Vern, sitting at his desk with a griddle in front of him, making chocolate chip pancakes. He looked at me and told me that it was my last day so he thought he'd make pancakes. I understand that this is some sort of tradition for the early morning crew, but I was absolutely honored to be involved. We got to sit there and chat, I learned about trout and New Zealand, and heard a few great Ferro stories that I do so love.

Some days, you get surprises. Some days, people surprise you. Those are good days, and good surprises.

Back to Grey's Anatomy...and commercial time packing.

Here's to good surprises,
Catrina

Down to The Wire

So, my visa came through last week. Today, I shipped my boxes to Mel filled with shoes (to the tune of $150!) and as far as I see it, I can't turn back now. Half of my most stylish shoes are well on their way to Australia, and I intend on retrieving them. In person.

So, I've got to get on that plane and go. I've also been assigned residence at Charles Sturt, which is a load off my ass. Now, I just need to pay for housing. My accommodation is all the way across campus from where I will be taking class. But, that's okay, more exercise for me!

So, on my flight from Rochester to NYC, (JetBlue Flight #27), I am with the Mitchell's! Alison's parents! Rock on, I love them. I am so super pumped. What luck! :-)

But, my nerves are shot. Scott told me just to "put some panties in a bag and go". If only it were that simple.

Beginning of my last week at Ferro tomorrow. Oh those boys...how I adore them and will miss them so.

Fox Run going away party Friday night at the Wagner. I think it may have started out as a secret, but the cat didn't stay in the bag for very long.

My cup really does runeth over. I get choked up when I think about leaving. This will be tough. Good thing email is cheap!

The above picture is of the occupants of Creekside 23 on the night I found out I got into Charles Sturt. April 12th, 2006. That night was interesting for more than one reason. Jennie is holding the bottle of champagne that caused the worst hangover of my life.

Cheers!

Fist Pump

MY VISA WENT THROUGH! And I just booked my Sydney hotel reservations and my train ticket from Sydney to Wagga.

Now I can actually start putting things in my suitcases. :-)

Casey

(case helping me with my crappy 460)

Things are getting close to go-time. Since I last wrote, I've resigned from my job at Ferro. Things went well, I think. It's nice to finally be able to share what makes me most joyful with all of those people. People are eager to talk about wine anyway, and they're even more eager if they know you know about wine. It's kind of a cool thing about wine...it makes people talk. Love or hate, you talk.

My boss knew what I was doing the instant I walked into his office. I was a wreck and I didn't even have to say anything to him. He made things a lot easier for me. He said: "You have an envelope. Oh. Give it to me...I wanna see where your going!" He read where I was off to and seemed as excited as I am! I then told some of my favorite R&D scientists, and was greeted with ecstatic screams. Everyone is super pumped for me, I think, which makes it more difficult to leave them all. I will miss them all, and I don't like the idea that I may never see them again. I don't like that idea at all.

The going away party is apparently in the works at Fox Run, Feb 2 at the Wagner. If you read this, don't believe Mary, you REALLY do not have to bring a gift. I am all good. You guys, honestly, are all gifts in yourselves. This is cliche, but true, I am lucky to have all of you and you bring me gifts everyday. Very true.

I am also feeling very anxious. For example, I am extremely worried that the number one man in my life, my cat Casey (17 yrs), will die while I am gone. And I am terribly afraid that he will die alone. I help him as a kitten, I feel like I should be there with him during his senescence. I worry about my favorite man :-( My poor kitty, I am sorry that I am going to leave you. Huh, I am such a worrier.

Anyway, I am tired!

Best,
Catrina

Surprise!

So, my physical and x-ray for my visa are completed as of this morning. Presently, a film picture of my chest innards and my entire medical history are on their way to Washington, DC to be evaluated by an embassy staffer to see if I am fit to enter their country. Scary thought, huh? I was in Washington this weekend, I should have stopped in to light a fire under some people's butts!

I was just watching President Bush on ABC and I still think he's a giant shit brick. I'll look forward to being on a different continent than him and so help me god, if he visits Australia, I might go to wherever he is and spit at him. Dude needs to clean it up and start listening to his people, the mass of which are finally wising up.

Anyway, I was just cruising the CSU page because someone finally sent me my log on, and it turns out...I have classes! I don't know when they meet, but I have them! Here there are:

BCM206	Structural Biochemistry	TUT	W	8
PSC214	Plant Physiology	INT	W	8
WSC111	Grape and Wine Science	INT	W	8
WSC210	Sensory Science	TUT	W	8

I'm pumped! 4 lab sciences! Too bad I don't have anywhere to live. I'll be living in the lab anyway!

They're cooking Watermelon Gnocchi on Top Chef. Those crazy gourmets.

Cheers,
C

That Is a Sweet Earth

Mel flew off to oz yesterday and it is officially 2007. I started sorting clothing into piles today and staring at my bank account nervously, wondering if there was enough money.

I forgot how funny The End of the World was. Watch and enjoy.

Fucking kangaroos.