Sunday, February 8, 2009

Cat, Cormorants, Condo and Clouds

After spending Saturday around the house catching up on chores, today I headed down island to a seaside town to check out condos among other things. With Liv moving to a new location, I was inspired to look at alternative housing and lifestyles. Although I have recently changed jobs, it is proving to be much more intense than my previous one, and doesn't give me much time to add my spark of creativity which is important to me. I know it is early on in this particular job and things are becoming more familiar, but I have been in the business long enough to know that if anything, it will get busier ~ especially just before summer and in the fall when starting up again. I think it's healthy and sensible to be open to new ideas and I enjoyed my trip today.

It didn't snow and it didn't rain, but it didn't "sun" much either, so the following photos are not vivid at all.

Before I left home, I noticed Mr. Skulky neighbourhood cat checking out the back and the front before loping off. He checked all the spots where birds hang about and then left! He has a bit of "I mean business" look in those eyes, don't you think?



After a two hour drive, I arrived at my destination and spotted some preening black cormorants adorning the pilings. It was difficult to get a photo of them with their heads up!

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These gulls were much more co-operative!


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Although this particular Condo was beyond my "lifestyle change", the scenery fit the bill very nicely!

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At the end of the day my spirits were buoyed and the setting sun lent lightness to the distant clouds.

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11 comments:

  1. Mr. Skulky looks so handsome especially with his beautiful white gloves and shoes :)

    Love black cats!!!

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  2. It's nice to read, and see, that you had an enjoyable day out yesterday.
    Mr Skulky looks to be a bit of a prowler with a glint in his eyes!
    I hope that your buoyed spirits last you through the week. xx

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  3. I agree with Selba - what a handsome cat. You seem very open to change, Glo - and the move will simply life a bit for you?

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  4. Blimey, I seem to have inspired a couple of people already.

    It's interesting that people are seeing much more meaning in my DC move than they even did my NYC move.

    Anyway, are you simplifying/downsizing to give yourself less work outside of work?

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  5. Selby ~ Hi ~ I'm glad you like Mr. Skulky ~ I think he leaves feathers in his path, though!!

    Flighty ~ Yes, thanks, it was an enjoyable Sunday. I think 'prowler' describes Mr. Skulky purrfectly! There are other cats in the neighbourhood that I hope to take photos of eventually. My trip has given me lots to think about...

    I thought you'd like that black and white cat Nikki! Before I left my job and posted into the other, I was considering retirement ~ and still am. However, I would have a lot of sorting out today before selling my house ~ so it's not as easy as just up and moving. This complex I was looking at had a pool, workout area, etc. and wonderful seaside walks. It sure sounds like it would be a great alternative to working!!

    Liv ~ Blimey indeed ;) I am quite comfortable where I live, however I seem to spend most of my time either working at work, or working at home maintaining etc. ~ and I have been doing this for years. Now that my family has grown and I'm on my own, I think it would be good to find somewhere easier to care for, and get out and enjoy myself! This new job has made me realize that I am indoors a lot of the time ~ working.

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  6. Well, Glo, I want to wish you all the best with your new plans to rearrange your priorities.

    It's true that when the family is gone, it is time to move forward, on to your own life - do all the living you didn't do before. And with your work hours increasing, you don't want to expend more time working on the house, you need to take some leisure.

    You say you drove a couple of hours. Are the condos near to work? You don't want an unmanageable commute...

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  7. Hi Liv ~ Thanks for your thoughtful comment:) The condos are no where near my work...hence the attraction ;) If I moved, it would be retirement time! Time to do some other things! :) I'll keep you posted. There's lots to do in the meantime to get ready!

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  8. But you're not thinking of retiring yet, you just got the new job...!

    Anyway, do keep me posted as I am curious and slightly confused! :)

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  9. Hi Liv ~ If you feel confused, imagine how I feel! haha

    The "new" job came up when someone retired and I posted into the job, same school district ~ a lateral move with 1 more hour of work per day. I hope I will figure out by the end of June if I'll stay on for the fall term. I really am ready for some time for myself, and this job is much busier than my last one. I have to figure out what's best for me ~ sometimes one change is a step to the next one ~ you know how it is!

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  10. I know exactly how you feel Glo. I have no work/life balance at the moment, just work. What you say about the job becoming more familiar is true. I have been in mine for 5 months now and I am finding just a little more time for the things I enjoy, but still not nearly enough. I think getting out and about taking the photos and noticing what is going on in the outside world is important to keep one's sanity. Yes, the black/white cat means business! x

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