Hola estrippers!
I would like to formally report from the Sleep Inn in Amherst that chico and I have landed!!
After much nail biting (our stuff didn't fit on the truck in NJ [we wanted the bigger size and got the smaller one] so we were forced to get a second truck..), we arrived in town around midnight Monday.
Yesterday was "move all your crap into the new apartment" day. Me, chico and two friends of ours who were SO KIND to make the trip from NJ and Long Island to help us. (kudos, dudes)
We realized quickly that (1) our office desk will not fit up the stairway. OK, no prob. Picked up by a donation place - we could use a different desk anyway.
OK, but the bed - it's a queen, but doesn't have a split boxspring. In our old place, which was also an old house, we got the thing up over the balcony. In this place, no such luck....
Chico and JS tried to get it up the back stairs, and after (1) lodging it in the stairwell, (2) breaking a window trying to dislodge it, (3) making a HOLE in the wall trying to dislodge it the OTHER way and (4) sawing the f'ing thing in HALF to get it back out of the house, I SERIOUSLY needed a Valium and a moment of silence for the boxspring (jesus, the set cost a LOT of money and it's only 2 years old!). *sigh*
Always with the best laid plans - *raspberries*
the good news, tho, is that our neighbor in the house is real nice, landlord and his wife are super nice and the apartment is big and airy and light.
With apologies to Master Card...
Jettisoned Ikea desk set - $200
Sawed-in-half Fancy schmancy boxspring - $900
Meeting nice people in a new place - priceless
Lastly, I think I speak for me and chico when I say MANY THANKS! to the (e:peeps) for your advice and help about all things Buffalo.
Hope to post again soon, but it's almost time for check out!!
see ya around!
Chicoschica's Journal
My Podcast Link
08/09/2006 09:21 #21220
Moving Daze08/02/2006 23:05 #21219
If you got time to lean......you got time to clean!
And clean we did! Me, sistah and moms - sweating it out in the apartment. It turned out pretty great - though I think I'll have to buy a LOT more swiffers to cover all that floor space - woo hoo!
My mom got this industrial strength fan to blow around the apartment. And what's really funny is that it is REALLY strong - on low it's like an airplane...I mean look at what happened when we turned it on "medium"...
Almost blew me out the window!
By the way - we went to Romeo&Juliet's for lunch - YUM. My sister and I ate a quattro formaggio pizza with spinach and tomato and my mom had some panini with olive focaccia. It was yum-ified. Thanks for the great recommendations.
Here is another photo of me with the clock my father gave to me. It's circa 1920-30s - belonged to my great uncle. It's completely mechanical and I love it. It reminds me of my dad...
Here's a pic of my sister demonstrating how you can crap AND vomit at the same time in our little half-bathroom...
Thanks for that!
And thanks to mom and sister N. for travelling up and working hard and hanging out....
the crew, glistening with sweat, but satisfied with a half day's work:
And clean we did! Me, sistah and moms - sweating it out in the apartment. It turned out pretty great - though I think I'll have to buy a LOT more swiffers to cover all that floor space - woo hoo!
My mom got this industrial strength fan to blow around the apartment. And what's really funny is that it is REALLY strong - on low it's like an airplane...I mean look at what happened when we turned it on "medium"...
Almost blew me out the window!
By the way - we went to Romeo&Juliet's for lunch - YUM. My sister and I ate a quattro formaggio pizza with spinach and tomato and my mom had some panini with olive focaccia. It was yum-ified. Thanks for the great recommendations.
Here is another photo of me with the clock my father gave to me. It's circa 1920-30s - belonged to my great uncle. It's completely mechanical and I love it. It reminds me of my dad...
Here's a pic of my sister demonstrating how you can crap AND vomit at the same time in our little half-bathroom...
Thanks for that!
And thanks to mom and sister N. for travelling up and working hard and hanging out....
the crew, glistening with sweat, but satisfied with a half day's work:
08/01/2006 23:22 #21218
Yeah, I'm in BuffaloYou know it peeps!
Mom, sister and I are going to be skulking around tomorrow he he he. We're going to clean up our new apt (which is fantastically clean already, but you know, gotta put "the touch" on it and make everything smell like Simple Green..)
The drive was great - 6.25 hours with 2 stops. Probably averaged close to 70 mph - not (e:chico)'s record, but I still have time. ;-)
Our apt is HUGE. Methinks if anyone has some info about a place to get some bedroom furniture, area rugs and perhaps a nice LR chair (or 2), that would be fantastic. I'm not shopping on this trip, but it would be good info to have for when we "officially" move up next week!
Another Q for you (e:peeps) -
Where can we three go tomorrow for some lunch that would be sort of inexpensive but yummy? Doesn't have to be sit down - we were even thinking of a pizza joint if there's a good one around. We're around the park/cemetary area, so it's easy to jump on the 198 and get down to Elmwood or Delaware or wherever (I say that like I know where I'm going..HA!).
Come on (e:peeps) - gimme the food!
ps - chico is correct to say I'm 5 foot -- tho I'm the oldest sister, I am *sigh* the shortest. The 29-ish thing was pretty nice though...he he....
Mom, sister and I are going to be skulking around tomorrow he he he. We're going to clean up our new apt (which is fantastically clean already, but you know, gotta put "the touch" on it and make everything smell like Simple Green..)
The drive was great - 6.25 hours with 2 stops. Probably averaged close to 70 mph - not (e:chico)'s record, but I still have time. ;-)
Our apt is HUGE. Methinks if anyone has some info about a place to get some bedroom furniture, area rugs and perhaps a nice LR chair (or 2), that would be fantastic. I'm not shopping on this trip, but it would be good info to have for when we "officially" move up next week!
Another Q for you (e:peeps) -
Where can we three go tomorrow for some lunch that would be sort of inexpensive but yummy? Doesn't have to be sit down - we were even thinking of a pizza joint if there's a good one around. We're around the park/cemetary area, so it's easy to jump on the 198 and get down to Elmwood or Delaware or wherever (I say that like I know where I'm going..HA!).
Come on (e:peeps) - gimme the food!
ps - chico is correct to say I'm 5 foot -- tho I'm the oldest sister, I am *sigh* the shortest. The 29-ish thing was pretty nice though...he he....
metalpeter - 08/02/06 19:00
I'm surprised no one said anything about The Aqua Teen Hunger force picture (good show that I never get to see) it is kinda ironic that you are asking about food. But I will suggest a couple places. I assume you want to eat at a local place and not at a chain like Applebees on Delaware wich is part of the target plaza near by there is an Andersons who don't only sell ice cream and a sub place called quizmos. Havn't been there in some time but Elmwood Taco and Subs ETS might be a choice. If you want more of a sit down place there is always Panos also on Elmwood across the street is a good indain place India Gate if I remember correctly. Or if you are up for some fun you can explore Hertel I know there are a few differant Resturants you could try there.
I'm surprised no one said anything about The Aqua Teen Hunger force picture (good show that I never get to see) it is kinda ironic that you are asking about food. But I will suggest a couple places. I assume you want to eat at a local place and not at a chain like Applebees on Delaware wich is part of the target plaza near by there is an Andersons who don't only sell ice cream and a sub place called quizmos. Havn't been there in some time but Elmwood Taco and Subs ETS might be a choice. If you want more of a sit down place there is always Panos also on Elmwood across the street is a good indain place India Gate if I remember correctly. Or if you are up for some fun you can explore Hertel I know there are a few differant Resturants you could try there.
jenks - 08/02/06 18:02
i've had mixed luck with globe, but it's certainly worth checking out. Not to mention it's right across from our beloved spot. And right next to our beloved larson twins. And the sushi place. I'm not worried about you finding food. :)
i've had mixed luck with globe, but it's certainly worth checking out. Not to mention it's right across from our beloved spot. And right next to our beloved larson twins. And the sushi place. I'm not worried about you finding food. :)
sbrugger - 08/02/06 12:21
Maybe I'm just a simple soul....but kids...I've got three words for any new Buffalonian: JIM'S STEAK-OUT!!! (Is that 3 words, 2 and a half, or just 2? who's counting??) It's cheap, and it's Buffalo. 'nough said. ;)
Have fun in the B-lo. I'm playing "portable dive platform" for a couple of new friends out here tonight...we'll see just how much I've mastered the kayaking on the open ocean thing...
Maybe I'm just a simple soul....but kids...I've got three words for any new Buffalonian: JIM'S STEAK-OUT!!! (Is that 3 words, 2 and a half, or just 2? who's counting??) It's cheap, and it's Buffalo. 'nough said. ;)
Have fun in the B-lo. I'm playing "portable dive platform" for a couple of new friends out here tonight...we'll see just how much I've mastered the kayaking on the open ocean thing...
mrmike - 08/02/06 10:22
I second or third the love for the falafel bar. Pizza Wise - Just Pizza on Elmwood works with Mr. Pizza being just fine as well.
El Canelo makes good cheap Mexican dishes.
Cecelia's on Elmwood makes great pasta dishes - but its too damn hot for them.
Surprised nobody mentioned Spot for the sandwiches there.
It's Elmwood, you won't starve
I second or third the love for the falafel bar. Pizza Wise - Just Pizza on Elmwood works with Mr. Pizza being just fine as well.
El Canelo makes good cheap Mexican dishes.
Cecelia's on Elmwood makes great pasta dishes - but its too damn hot for them.
Surprised nobody mentioned Spot for the sandwiches there.
It's Elmwood, you won't starve
imk2 - 08/02/06 10:00
i second the romeo and juliets, get the portabello pizza with gargonzola. it feeds two and is truly the best pizza i've ever had. 1292 hertel ave. :::link:::
i second the romeo and juliets, get the portabello pizza with gargonzola. it feeds two and is truly the best pizza i've ever had. 1292 hertel ave. :::link:::
paul - 08/02/06 09:46
I would suggest globe market. It is right in the heart of the elmwoodstrip and you can walk around that area. It at 762 Elmwood Avenue right around the corner of Cleveland and Elmwood. Grab an artvoice newspaper while you are there, it will give you plenty of stuff to do. IF they don't have one, you can get one across the street at spot coffee.
I would suggest globe market. It is right in the heart of the elmwoodstrip and you can walk around that area. It at 762 Elmwood Avenue right around the corner of Cleveland and Elmwood. Grab an artvoice newspaper while you are there, it will give you plenty of stuff to do. IF they don't have one, you can get one across the street at spot coffee.
zobar - 08/02/06 07:45
+1 for Romeo & Juliet's :::link:::
+1 for Ikea Burlington :::link::: [Bonus: spend > CDN$200 and get your sales tax refunded :::link::: ]
- Z
+1 for Romeo & Juliet's :::link:::
+1 for Ikea Burlington :::link::: [Bonus: spend > CDN$200 and get your sales tax refunded :::link::: ]
- Z
jenks - 08/02/06 06:28
yeah I second falafel bar (or is that third...)
And as far as furniture- there's a new store called Room on elmwood (near falarel bar actually) that looks cute but I haven't been in. But as far as staples, there Ikea an hour or so away in Canada. I love that place.
yeah I second falafel bar (or is that third...)
And as far as furniture- there's a new store called Room on elmwood (near falarel bar actually) that looks cute but I haven't been in. But as far as staples, there Ikea an hour or so away in Canada. I love that place.
leetee - 08/02/06 00:31
I highly recommend Taste Good Chinese :::link::: . It is a total dive, like quite a few strip mall chinese food places.. but the food is very good, very inexpensive (lunch specials, for both myself and Uncut will be less than 10 bucks), and, to make everything even better, then have really good vegetarian choices (i think i recall you or Chico mentioning you're a vegetarian?). I love their vegetarian orange beef and the vegetarian curry chicken is really good too... if you like a wee bit o spice.
I agree with Libertad that the Falafel Bar on Elmwood is good! So is Sahara Grill (even if the service isn't great, the food is not too shabby), on the corner of Elmwood and Bidwell Parkway.
Maybe it's me, but i have never had great luck at Globe... Like having limited choices and staff that can't seem to understand being a vegetarian means i do NOT want the chicken.
Also, if you don't mind a bit of a drive, El Canello :::link:::
has darned good Tex Mex for very reasonable prices.
I highly recommend Taste Good Chinese :::link::: . It is a total dive, like quite a few strip mall chinese food places.. but the food is very good, very inexpensive (lunch specials, for both myself and Uncut will be less than 10 bucks), and, to make everything even better, then have really good vegetarian choices (i think i recall you or Chico mentioning you're a vegetarian?). I love their vegetarian orange beef and the vegetarian curry chicken is really good too... if you like a wee bit o spice.
I agree with Libertad that the Falafel Bar on Elmwood is good! So is Sahara Grill (even if the service isn't great, the food is not too shabby), on the corner of Elmwood and Bidwell Parkway.
Maybe it's me, but i have never had great luck at Globe... Like having limited choices and staff that can't seem to understand being a vegetarian means i do NOT want the chicken.
Also, if you don't mind a bit of a drive, El Canello :::link:::
has darned good Tex Mex for very reasonable prices.
libertad - 08/01/06 23:52
I always reclean a place that i move into. It just doesn't seem right unless you do it yourself in my book. Food hmmm.
Romeo and Juliets-hertel ave (good sandwiches under $10)
falafel bar- elmwood (great falafel and fish fry)
Globe market-elmwood (fresh and healthy relatively cheap)
I always reclean a place that i move into. It just doesn't seem right unless you do it yourself in my book. Food hmmm.
Romeo and Juliets-hertel ave (good sandwiches under $10)
falafel bar- elmwood (great falafel and fish fry)
Globe market-elmwood (fresh and healthy relatively cheap)
07/19/2006 14:20 #21217
the end of an eraWell, this is my last week at work, the place where I have spent my time for the last 12 years.
I was just a green 23 year old, new graduate student and in the time I've been here, so much has happened to shape me as a person.
Dealing with my boss has never been easy, but somehow working with the people I work with has made the insanity bearable.
I love my lab not just because I'm surrounded with smart, funny people, but because we're such a mish-mash of people from different countries, races and backgrounds. The times we've spent together chatting at work, outside of work, over yummy food and drinks have been a total blast.
I've learned most of what I know about far away places not from going there (though I'd like to do that someday), but by listening to stories and philosophies of my labmates.
As a matter of fact, I kind of feel less like they're colleagues that I'm friendly with than friends I just happen to spend the day working with. =)
Sorry for the sap, but I'm really gonna miss these guys.
It's not often you find a group of people who really like you and are willing to put up with your shit (and vice versa). That rocks.
libertad - 07/19/06 19:08
I hope that you are able to find your new colleagues just as diverse and good natured!
I hope that you are able to find your new colleagues just as diverse and good natured!
06/29/2006 11:02 #21216
bad medicine..you know you're gonna take it, but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow...
Well -
here's the update since yesterday.
Apparently, my sister made a bet with my mom that if she called my grandmother, my mom has to buy her drinks at the tiki bar down the shore.
How did I not get in on that??
I spoke with my sister - she said that the only reason she was going to call was for my dad bcz it would have made him happy.
How to argue with that?
And goddammit, I don't want to be the ONLY asshole who didn't call - so after talking with my sister (who said it wasn't all that bad talking to my grandmother) and thanking her a lot for calling grandma (F-you is actually what I said - we laughed really hard), I called.
It was a short chat - she was already in bed at 8:15 it seems. But it was pleasant enough - she thanked me for calling and told me to be good and to be nice.
So I did the deed - hopefully my dad is happy.
I know my mother is - she won't catch heat because we didn't call.
In the words of John Hyatt - "Thank God the tiki bar is open."
Methinks somebody done owes me some drinks......
Well -
here's the update since yesterday.
Apparently, my sister made a bet with my mom that if she called my grandmother, my mom has to buy her drinks at the tiki bar down the shore.
How did I not get in on that??
I spoke with my sister - she said that the only reason she was going to call was for my dad bcz it would have made him happy.
- sigh*
How to argue with that?
And goddammit, I don't want to be the ONLY asshole who didn't call - so after talking with my sister (who said it wasn't all that bad talking to my grandmother) and thanking her a lot for calling grandma (F-you is actually what I said - we laughed really hard), I called.
It was a short chat - she was already in bed at 8:15 it seems. But it was pleasant enough - she thanked me for calling and told me to be good and to be nice.
So I did the deed - hopefully my dad is happy.
I know my mother is - she won't catch heat because we didn't call.
In the words of John Hyatt - "Thank God the tiki bar is open."
Methinks somebody done owes me some drinks......
codypomeray - 06/29/06 18:21
tiki bar in point pleasant? or is that belmar? i was there two years ago for the 4th of july!! awesome place
tiki bar in point pleasant? or is that belmar? i was there two years ago for the 4th of july!! awesome place
imk2 - 06/29/06 15:23
i know exactly what you mean when it comes to bad feelings within the family. i havent spoken to my grandmother in 11 years (even when she comes to the house, we stay in seperate rooms). she is 83 years old now and is going to die soon and i had to tell my mother that unfortunately i will not be going to her funeral when she hits the pavement. she is the most evil, horrible, nasty and spiteful human being that walked this earth. so, she and all of my mothers side of the family can kiss my huge white ass!
i know exactly what you mean when it comes to bad feelings within the family. i havent spoken to my grandmother in 11 years (even when she comes to the house, we stay in seperate rooms). she is 83 years old now and is going to die soon and i had to tell my mother that unfortunately i will not be going to her funeral when she hits the pavement. she is the most evil, horrible, nasty and spiteful human being that walked this earth. so, she and all of my mothers side of the family can kiss my huge white ass!
Welcome to Buffalo!
I was just thinking of you guys since I think I drive past your house on my way to work...
Welcome welcome!
When's the housewarming party? ;)
welcome home and were did you Jettison the desk???