Well, we leave on Wednesday. Today I'm doing the laundry, and setting aside what to pack. We did our run to the CVS and the Credit Union, called our cards to let them know we're traveling, and picked up those 99 cent travel toiletries (I have such fun looking at those.)
I'm trying to be good, and I'm only taking one notebook, one camera (the smaller one), and 2 paperback books. I am, however, loading up my iPod with audio books. Correction, Podiobooks. Free audio books that are released via podcast. This was a great find for me, and I am excited to re-listen to parts 1-4 of Mur Lafferty's Heaven series. I'm disappointed that I'll be missing the release of some of the 5th and last part, WAR, as it is starting to be relased on Monday.
Anyway, as Mur is graciously releasing these books for free via podcast, and since I love them enough to want to listen to them again just so I can come into the 5th book with a fresh listen (even though I just found out about them 2 months ago - I listened to all 4 straight, and they are much fun) - but they are free, I want to recommend them to anyone who is looking for something new to listen to. The easiest ways to get each book are from podiobooks.com, titles linked below: And the 5th book, WAR will launch on podiobooks.com and at Heavennovel.com.
Ah well, back to doing pre-trip things. Gotta stock up on Cat litter for the house-sitter (well, for her to have for the cats), and instructions on how to change the water in The Bard's tank. Doesn't really seem like we're leaving this week. Here's hoping I'm ready in time.
When someone asked me on Sunday how my week was, I said it was normal - nothing really good or really bad happened. I quickly amended my statement, however, as I remembered the small kitchen fire I set on Tuesday.
Everyone is okay, and the only lasting effects are the loss of the souvenir potpourri pot-holder which had been on the back burner (which I accidentally turned on instead of the front burner, where the kettle lives), a residue of said potholder on that back burner (It is a glass top, I'm going to have to go at it again with a razor blade) and a lingering smell of incense. I guess if you are going to have a lasting smoke smell, we could do worse than having burned a potpourri based item.
Toby and I stayed home to air out the house / ensure there weren't any stray embers that were going to burn the place down once we left. Still shaken, I called my parents, and learned that my sister-in-law and two nephews were in a car accident on Monday. They are all okay, but the car is totaled. Marina wants to get another Forester to replace it, given how safe the occupants were even given the crash. I promised my mom that I'd keep an eye on my younger sister, figuring if anything was going to happen to round out the traditional "three", pattern was for her on Wednesday. Luckily she's avoided any danger.
Thursday we were able to meet again and bake - vegan scones and vegan Devonshire cream. I'll post a separate entry about that experience. (In fact, I'm even considering a separate blog just for thoughts on our vegan cafe ventures / experiments in recipes.
Friday was the library staff picnic - catered for the first time (in the past library personnel have manned the grills, cooking up burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers). The only reason we can guess that the event had to be catered is that in case someone gets ill, the library / UF can't be held liable. I found out, when I received confirmation of my submission form, that the same is going to apply for the Edible Book Contest that Lila, Alison and I are entering. For the first time, we "get" to take our entries home, rather than allowing the general public (whom are being asked to vote for the different categories) to then consume the entries. I am saddened by this turn of events - it means that the efforts to make a vegan entry, so anyone could partake (minus certain food allergies), is thwarted.
Saturday I rallied the troupes (sister and Alison) and we headed to Mastercuts at the mall, where I informed them that I wanted to donate my pony-tail and get a chin-length 'do. I was distressed at how much hair I still had on my head once the stylist clipped off my ponytail. I truly hope that the ponytail was at least 10 inches (the minimum to donate to Locks of Love). I was disheartened, and didn't measure it before sending, as my hair hung still below my shoulder length once she made the cut. I asked for a cut which was higher in the back, and angled to come down to chin-length in the front. First attempt, reached by the magic of clippers, different clippers and a razor, was totally not what I asked for. It barely had any angle, and wasn't as short in the back. It had this fringe thing going that I didn't understand or want. But I was still frazzled from the thought that the ponytail was butchered and not long enough, so I waved over my support group, and between the 3 of us explained again what I wanted. Second time was much closer, though she did trim the front a bit more than I expected, and thus, still not as sharp of an angle. She didn't pull out the scissors until she was trimming away the stray long hairs after the main cut was done. She had me stand for this, during which time the stylist next to her observed how tall I was (perhaps she would have been better to use the chair to raise me up?)
When all is said and done, I donated the hair without measuring it, and still desperately hoping it is long enough. I did not take the offer to insure the package which contained it for up to $100. It hasn't taken me as long as I thought it would to be used to short hair again, and it has been interesting to see which people comment, and what they say.
Sunday I helped my Asian neighbors catch a pet rabbit that had gotten loose from it's cage. Toby went out to help first, scooping up a rake to help herd it, along with the neighbor's efforts with a net. In the end, I think they wore it out, running back and forth across two yards (thankfully not darting under the fence at the just-sold house across the cul-de-sac from us), and it stopped under a bush, where I was able to inch closer and scoop it up. I finally met one of the neighbors, introductions and all, her name is Li (and I'm assuming at the spelling here) the rabbit is her granddaughter's, and was frightened by the dog which they are watching while the family is on spring break.
And finally, on the writing front, I have downloaded the 30 day trial of Scrivener, and think I'll end up buying the software, because it is SO what I needed to help me organize my notes and story. Plus, I got the cross-grade to MacSpeech Dictate, and oh-my-god it works so much better than the last 3 speech recognition software programs I've had. I have a little trouble with it selecting the word I want for correction (sometimes it goes back one character too far, but I just adjust it with my mouse), but other than that and still needing to learn how to train words (like Theon and Grennel - names that I've made up for my story), it works amazingly well. I am very pleased with it. :-) All I need now is an ergonomic split keyboard that doesn't have a built in wrist-rest so that I can use it with my roller mouse set up. Less urgent now that I have the speech rec. software that works, though.
I guess that about sums up the past week. I'll try to post a picture or two of my haircut once I figure out how to upload the pics from my new camera to the computer.
Lila was in charge of finding the cookie recipe that we would try, and thus we had our Thursday cooking meeting (one week late due to personal conflicts) at Lila's house. She found 3 recipes online, I printed copies, and brought those and my cooling racks over to her place. The idea of using the leftover frosting from the cupcakes went out the window as we figured the lifespan of the frosting had expired. I did bring the leftover vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips from when we made brownies.
We spread out the 3 recipes on the table, considered the ingredients we had compared to the ingredients in the different versions, and picked which recipe we'd try first. While we pulled out the right ingredients from the multitude of things Lila had spread out, we decided that the next time we tried cookies, she would get the recipe her mother uses.
Alison put together the dry ingredients while Lila mixed together the wet, and I stood away from the crowded counter space calling out to them what to add next to each respective bowl.
At first glance we picked the most difficult recipe - there wasn't even white space on the single sheet / single spaced page for me to jot my notes (though the back of the sheet sufficed for this). The truth was this was the quickest recipe we've done yet.
Alison created a well in the dry ingredients, but not big enough, we quickly saw, for the wet ingredients that Lila had mixed. Nothing to sweat over, though, as the next step was to mix it all up. We blended the dough by spoon, then separated it into approximately half, once we had a good mix. Half the batter got the left-over vegan semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies - that dough made a dozen on one cookie sheet; the other half got craisins (dried cranberries) and almond slivers. That made a batch of 11, fulfilling the recipe's promise of "Almost 2 dozen cookies."
Because of the ingredients we added, and because of the individual touch (making each cookie by hand), we came up with a batch of cookies that were of inconsistent size. We decided that in the future we'd pre-make the dough, roll it into a standard size, and freeze it (for just a couple of hours, to let it set) so we could then slice cookies from the roll and have consistent cookies (the guess was for about 1 cm thick).
Following the recipe we put both pans in to bake, then half-way through the baking process we switched which pan was on the top, which was on the bottom, and rotated them 180 degrees. We ended up leaving the cranberry almond cookies in for a bit longer, and the chocolate chip cookies were in for an additional 2 minutes.
This recipe didn't call for egg or egg replacer (as the other recipes did), but seemed to just substitute oil in (we followed the recipe exactly). In the future we may try replacing some of the oil with applesauce, reducing the oil, or just finding another recipe. The first taste of these was oily. The cookies were good, otherwise, though in the future, if we keep Cranberry Almond on the menu, we'll try adding almond or lemon extract. (We'll try both, but not at the same time).
We took the cookies to gaming, and once again we discovered that the day after our baking, the treat tastes better. These particular cookies were soft to the point of crumbly, and though the day after was tastier, it was still a bit to oily for our preferences. I think something other than straight oil would help with both problems. We will definitely look into other cookie recipes, and keep in mind the trick of working from rolled dough to have more consistent size cookies, all the easier to sell, and to adjust the baking time.
Happy Birthday to Max!
Last week's vegan baking experiment was Vegan Cupcakes - Red Velvet Cupcakes with a Cream Cheese frosting, to be exact.
I never knew that Red Velvet cake (and therefore cupcakes) were secretly chocolate, but the recipe called for cocoa powder, and I brought that, as well as some of the other cross-over ingredients from the brownies (such as the organic unsweetened applesauce, and the soy milk I had on hand and open from a previous baking exercise), a large mixing bowl and my muffin pan over to Alison's place. She had bought the rest of the ingredients, and I think Lila, Alison and I determined we'll try to do cross-over recipes as close together as possible, to help maximize use of common ingredients in a timely manner. Also, we've decided we'll all have on hand flour and sugar at all times - because really, when baking, those are pretty much a must.
When I got to Alison's place she had all the ingredients she had out, and the margarine and tofu better than cream cheese out on the counter to get to room temperature. She set out the soy milk and apple cider vinegar right away to give the milk a chance to curdle. Lila arrived, and she and I sifted the dry ingredients together - Alison had them measured out. We didn't have a sifter, but I did have a mesh strainer with a long handle - Lila poured the ingredients into the strainer, and I shook it to mix the ingredients. In lieu of a second sifting, Lila set to stirring the dry ingredients. This stirred up a lot less dust, and made everyone's noses much happier.
The recipe called for 2 oz. of red food coloring, which Alison bought - McCormick food coloring. At lunch that day my sister said "Gee, I hope that's vegan - you know that for some food coloring to get the red they use ground up beetles." This sent me on a quick Internet search to determine which reds were used in the food coloring (FD&C Red 40 and 3), and if those had beetles in them (Nope, that's Red 4). *Phew* Anyway, that was a lot of red food coloring we added to the batter. We wondered if halving the food coloring would end up with pink velvet cupcakes - an idea for October, or February.
Like with the brownies, we substituted applesauce in for some of the oil (though this time we used vegetable oil instead of canola oil). The fun part was trying to do the math. With the converted recipe we had, the note said to substitute some of the oil for applesauce, but we did not have the amount. Fortunately I had the brownie recipe with me - where 1 cup of oil was changed out for 1/2 cup of applesauce and 1/4 cup of oil. Unfortunately, the cupcake recipe called for 2/3 a cup of oil, which then involved some tricky math - and Alison pulling out her cell phone as a calculator, to end up with 1/3 a cup of apple sauce and 1/6 a cup of oil (which we had to eyeball in the 1/3 cup measure.)
The batter was very liquidy, and so we used the 1/4 cup measure to scoop batter into the cups which was perfect to fill the cupcake cups 3/4 full. We only had a few mishaps, where this blood red batter dripped on the counter or floor, but those were quickly cleaned up. We finished filling the first pan, and put it in the oven, then set to filling the second pan worth of cupcakes. We were a little more generous with these as we finished filling them, but still had some batter left in the bowl, and hey, waste not, right?
The bake time was 20 minutes, so when we finished filling the second pan, we decided to wait for the timer to get down to 10 minutes we'd add the second pan to the oven. When the first batch was done, and pulled out to cool on Alison's broiling pan (I forgot to bring my cooling racks), we started making the frosting. As we were mixing in the 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar (and wiping our brow that my box and Alison's box - both previously open and partially full actually had enough), we discussed in the future playing with reducing the amount of sugar in recipes, to see how it affects the taste. We also discussed trying to substitute some whole wheat flour for some of the while flour (though my co-worker warns to not do more than half and half, since the whole wheat flour would make things heavier).
With the icing made, and the second batch of cupcakes out of the oven, we set to icing the first batch while the second cooled. We could have probably stood to let them cool a bit more before starting icing, but we were eager to try our creations. One thing we noticed as a difference between the second batch and the first was that we had to put the second batch in for an additional two minutes (they were still goopy) and then the tops didn't just rise, but also spread out a bit (usually on one side) over the cups. I think that was due to the extra batter we put in those cups, but I can't rule out the fact that we were using two different cupcake pans (Lila's and mine), so there is that variable in play, also.
We iced the cupcakes, then dug in. All three of us had problems with a large part of the cupcake sticking to the paper. We pondered foil lined cups, but since all the cupcakes we ate a day later, at gaming, came out of the paper perfectly, it could have been that they were still too warm for good removal from the paper wrappers. Alison and Lila, who have a taste for this sort of thing, discussed using orange extract (or lemon) in the cupcakes, and then adding the same zest to the top of the icing. Likewise, perhaps adding nuts of some kind to the batter, then on top of the icing.
The cupcakes seemed to go over well with our test subjects, ahem, with our friends. We did have more icing than was warranted by the number of cupcakes (we'll have to look at scaling the frosting batch to match the cupcake batch), so when we try various vegan cookies (this week's baking experiment), some of them will be iced, and some will have the remainder of the semi-sweet chocolate chips left over from making brownies.
On Thursday last week Lila, Alison and I met at my place, and settled in with a modified recipe for vegan brownies, and to discuss our cafe idea.
We decided to make two batches, one with the vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips, one without. We used two aluminum foil 9x13 pans I happened to find in my cupboard, in order to ensure that any difference in the brownies was only the ingredients, not due to differences in pans. (I did have two "real" 9x13 pans, but only one in condition to do baking - the other is old and greasy and I only use to bake frozen fish fillets).
I had all the ingredients out on the counter, lined up in the order the recipe called for, and pulled out two mixing bowls. We took turns going down the line, measuring and scooping the ingredients into the two bowls. We took turns mixing, and as we added the wet ingredients, I let Lila and Alison take over while I put away the ingredients, a "clean as you go" effort.
The recipe, for those who are interested, was a variation that used a mix of canola oil and unsweetened applesauce in place of egg. We also added a hint of almond extract along with the vanilla extract. We realized the disposable baking pans didn't have a lot of structure to them as we went to put the brownies in the oven, and had to be very careful at not spilling them and not burning ourselves as we positioned them on the oven rack.
The modified recipe said 23-25 minutes for ooey-gooey delicious brownies. The base recipe said 25-30 minutes. We started at 20 minutes, then added 3 minutes, and another 2 minutes, and took the brownies out to cool. The edges were solidifying nicely, but when I tried cutting them, there was a large, seemingly unbaked spot in the middle of each pan, though it was a larger area on the brownies with the chocolate chips. We put the brownies back in the oven to bake another stretch of time (I can't recall if it was 3 or 5 minutes, in the end).
The edges dried out, but once again, the middle was still more pudding-like than brownie like (a lot more than "ooey-gooey" - more like "this needs a spoon"). We discussed possible solutions (playing with the recipe to get a more solid consistency, just selling the the middle as brownie pudding (there is no egg, so no worries of undercookedness), using square pans, etc). We also discussed how to improve the taste of the recipe, by adding other flavors, etc.
By the end of the night, I was brownied out (tasting both pudding-like and more solid brownies from each of the 2 pans after each of the rounds of baking = a lot of brownie). The next day we took our creation, including the brownie-pudding, to our gaming session. It was received well, and we discovered that the almond extract really was more noticeable after the confections had sat for a day.
I'm excited by our first experiment, and on re-visiting brownies - to see how we can improve the recipe, though not for a while. This week we are either working on cupcakes or cookies (determined by a thumb war between Lila and Alison - just kidding - they each are getting ingredients for one of them, and I guess we should figure out which we are trying this week, and which next week). Anyway, it gives us some time away from the brownies (though, I still have some of the brownie-pudding in a container at home, even after giving away over a pan of brownies to my gaming group).
It is quiet at work today. Presidents’ Day has the public schools closed, so one of my co-workers with children stayed home. Another called in sick, and a third has a young child she is letting sleep since he wasn’t feeling well, so she’ll be in late, or not at all. And this is all in my immediate office area, so that leaves me and one co-worker and a quiet Monday. I made Chicken Marsala for Toby last night, and ended up preparing roasted asparagus (thanks to everyone who chimed in with cooking tips for the asparagus). It was okay, but I think (from what I’ve read) that it would have been better if I’d had thicker stalks. Cheesecake for dessert was also a hit. I was a bit embarrassed by the state of my office when my parents came. I’ve got a lot of papers spread out all over the floor (I’m sorting it into piles, and waiting for a filing cabinet so I can put it away). I was pleased, though, that my dad seemed excited about the café idea, though he did caution that restaurants / food service are the hardest small business to run since there is such a margin for dishonesty among employees – and lack of quality control, if one of the owners isn’t there. I’ve hit a lull with my writing. I think I’m at the “fill the well” stage. Nothing I’m working on seems to be working right, or even really holding my interest. Although my last writing burst did result in a happy rejection letter. I submitted a story to “The First Line,” and though I got what feels like the standard form rejection e-mail, there was also a personal note at the bottom: “The writing was excellent, Christy. I enjoyed it. It just came down to the fact that we had too many similar stories. Please try us again.” Don’t worry. I will :-D Now I just need to figure out what to do with that story. I’ll probably end up posting it (friends locked) over on my writing journal, for those who are interested in seeing it / to allow me to delight in the whole thing just a little more.
Been a while since I updated, I know. First, I wish everyone who reads this journal a happy Valentine's day.
I went grocery shopping this morning, mostly for ingredients for dinner for Toby. I don't know if I'll be making it tonight or tomorrow, as I found out yesterday that my parents are coming through town, and want to take us out to eat. My fault for not clarifying with them WHEN they wanted to eat - lunch or dinner, though since they are going to Micanopy for antique shopping, I suspect it is more a dinner time venture.
The thing is, then, the possible conflict of when I'm meeting with Alison and Lila to start our planning, and first baking day. We are thinking of opening a vegan cafe / bakery. The first recipe on our list to try out is vegan brownies. Also, I expect we'll talk more about what kind of planning we need to do - business classes, etc.
Anyway, I'm sort of excited to be cooking dinner for Toby, he doesn't know what we're having. I'm going to make Chicken Marsala, angel hair pasta, asparagus (still debating on roasting or what), I got a cheesecake to finish. I'm most nervous about the asparagus, since I've only really cooked it once and that was so long ago, I don't remember how I cooked it (may even back in high school?). Heck, it might have been canned, and then just heated. I really can't say. So I've been looking for recipes for cooking asparagus. My cookbooks have been disappointing, since most of the recipes for it are using asparagus as part of a much larger dish / conglomeration.
*sigh* Anyway, wish me luck.
| Date: | 2009-01-20 08:59 |
| Subject: | Weekend |
| Security: | Public |
I had a nice, relaxing, friend and family filled weekend.
And And sugar cookies.
It felt weird having 9 people stream out of my house to go to McAllister's on Sunday night. It was kind of like a clown car - when are they going to stop coming through the door?
My parents stopped by on Monday, on their way back to Tallahassee from Tampa. I feel bad because they ended up paying for lunch for my friends, and I didn't mean for them to.
I'm not ready to leave for Denver yet. I have to do laundry to have enough long-sleeve shirts, and I need to make sure I know which meetings and discussions I am attending. I've never been to a Midwinter before, so I'm kinda at a loss. I think, honestly, next year if I volunteer for a committee work with ALA, it'll be one where I can complete my duties online. I enjoy going to the conferences, but sort of feel out of place, being just support staff and not a full librarian. Like I can still learn stuff, but I'm not really in a position to apply it through my job, and I've not got practical experience I can share with others, so why bother going to conferences until I get (if I get) a librarian position?
Yesterday, instead of working on my writing goals, I spent the evening watching a Korean movie, and two episodes of a Japanese Drama. It was nice to veg, and I don't feel too bad about it - watching them put me in a much better mood than was in my forecast.
Denver is going to be cold. Ugh.
Oh, and our new travel itinerary to Europe this summer looks like it may include Portugal, Spain and maybe a day-trip to Morocco, as well as France and Ireland. Yay!
Things I need or want:
carrying case for my camera (Sony Cybershot T-70) with clip for wearing (not belt loop)
Subscription to The Writer *may be getting for birthday from parents*
Subscription to Writer's Digest
CD 1st season Writing Excuses podcast
new backpack - ergonomic / padded straps
small dry erase board for door
office organizing supplies
two-drawer file cabinet
day-bed for guest room
airline tickets to Chicago for ALA and a place to stay
To save money:
limit tea to two times a week (deja brew)
Limit purchase of books (buy only manga for at least a few months) - check out books from library / read other books I already own
Pack lunch some days
| Date: | 2009-01-08 11:26 |
| Subject: | |
| Security: | Public |
Toby is recovering well after his surgery yesterday. The doctor said the procedure went well, and that what they thought were two new occurrences of the cyst was really only one and an infection, which they were able to clean out. I didn't ask, but I'm pretty sure they still had to remove that other tooth.
I am in charge of keeping straight all his medications, mouth rinses, and preparing of soft foods. I'm trying to not hover too much, but every time he looks like he's going to get off the couch to get something, I hop up and ask what he needs, so I can get it for him.
Sarah has curled up to sleep with him some when he's asleep, and kneeding and purring on him when he's awake. I think she'll probably do so more next week as he finishes recovering, but I am back at work.
I got up early on Jan. 1st, and went with Ron, Lila and Rick to the Paynes Prairie observation deck on 441 to watch the new year sunrise. It was chilly, but a beautiful show. By the time the sun had risen, painting the sky pink and gold, and waking birds to wheel across the prairie, there were about 15 people loitering along the walk and deck, to watch the start of the new year morning.
Afterwords we went for bagels (um, just the 4 of us, not all 15).
The rest of the day was spent hanging out with people, and I finished a book "New Moon" by Stephanie Meyer. I sort of want to keep track of what I'm reading, so I'll try to add books as I finish them, to my posts.
I don't have a resolution this year, but my goal is to do something writerly every day - and 4 of 7 days in the week this should constituent actual writing. The other 3 it can be reading writing books, researching markets, etc, etc. Although yesterday I did learn that actual writing cannot be done on the laptop - the keyboard makes my fingers hurt.
Depending on how it goes, I may be writing more by hand, and using my speech recognition software to input things into the computer. Joy.
Day two of the New Year and I overslept, then had a massage appointment. I'm glad the university gave us the day off, I may try to get some cleaning done, then we are gaming later. Haven't gamed since September, so I'm looking forward to it :-)
Cleaning off files on my computer. This one was labeled "For LJ" so I took this quiz, and forgot? to post it (I don't know if I have or haven't actually, but figured I'd post it now, and clean up a bit of space on my hard drive :-)
I am behind on my word count. I didn't even make the 30k by last night that Chris Baty set as a little less than where we need to be, but we can still make it goal.
I am tired, and I think I might be coming down with the crud that has had Toby knocked out for the past several days, and Ron before that.
The write in event last night went well, but it was busy! So busy, I didn't even get 500 words!
I don't know what I want for Christmas (well I have some ideas, but haven't had a chance to make a list yet) - I don't know how the second batch of Amish friendship bread will turn out, after spending a day in the fridge (which the Internet said was okay, but was a no-no in the instructions...)
I got put on more new prescriptions - well, that's my fault - well, as much as it can be. The Celebrex I was on last wasn't working for me. Pretty much figured out that no matter what the best course is regular exercise and strengthening, which I know, but is so hard to implement. Gotta make that lifestyle adjustment, though.
I still owe money on my credit card, and haven't yet figured out how much is from Japan, and how much has been me eating out most every day since I've been back.
My computer did a massive slow down the other day - almost out of memory? I know I've got duplicate pictures and stuff that are just eating up space, and I should take the time to clear those out. Now that time machine is working again, I feel better about doing it.
Which brings me back to my first "wah" - I'm behind on my word count!
So, even though I'm in a fairly descent mood, I needed to get that out. Check that off my list as another procrastination tool, and perhaps back to writing.
| Date: | 2008-08-24 10:37 |
| Subject: | Quick Update |
| Security: | Public |
| Mood: |  awake |
Fay went over, got lots of rain, and some gusts, but no damage. Our power didn't even go out (though others on this side of town did have short black-outs). But a 3 day weekend because of it.
Upcoming things that I am, and not looking forward too:
more occupational therapy
limited computer time
movie day with friends -watching Star Trek two, I think ....KAHN!
Matt and Ania's post wedding reception on Labor day. Yay!
pre-planning for NaNo WriMo 2008 - starting to think about what events for this year
learning how to encapusulate maps at work (to give me some non-computer stuff to do) - it's fun - I like learning things.
Going to Japan in October - all planned, reservations all made, just gotta save a bit more funds, and pack
Finished watching Live Action Hana Kimi with Anne and Alison - getting hooked on J-dramas online too.
many friends are teachers this year (3 at 3 different kinds of school) - sending best of luck to them
Parents on the tail end of their trip to Alaska, wishing them safe travels
That's about all that is currently jumbled in my brain right now - and since I have limited computer time, (gotta rest my fingers/ hands/ arms/ etc) I'll leave it at that.
Ja mata
I apologize in advance, this post will be kind of scattered, that's just how my brain is making connections this morning :-)
I think I need to either re-make / re-design my website (CrushedMuffin.com), or remove it from my work resume. Or both.
At ALA I failed to get my resume reviewed, perhaps I should do that via the e-mail review service.
I need to / want to figure out what consists of a book review. Self edification. I know where to start too, as I've been neglecting to really pay attention to my friends lists (especially on my writing journal) and there have been reviews posted there.
I have not been in contact with my niece lately regarding our writing project. I have created my character (Meribel) and a bit of her back story. I don't know if Tessa did the character worksheet I sent to Marina, but last week I did get an e-mail with a complete two-page story about her character Lucy. I need to talk with her and see if she is willing to look at events in Lucy's life a little more closely (the story goes from her birth, and subsequent "adoption" through to the point where she is grown up and living happily, having faced her big life-choice dilemma. I have not written anything else on Meribel's story, as I've been waiting to talk with Tessa, to decide "what next".
Not that there should be surprise. I haven't written much of anything lately. I did finish the scene of Divine Madness I was editing. The problem is thus: the next scene will be a brand-new scene, an effort to get one of the "bad guys" introduced earlier in the book. But I don't know him very well. I sat down yesterday to start the 100 question interview for him, but I got his name, and then took a wild guess at age, and got frustrated and gave up. I don't know the character so badly that I am timid to make any speculations about him.
We had a barbeque on Friday. Toby took control over the grill that we borrowed from Anne and Nicki. There was a great flash of fire that caught our attention at one point, where he was trying to get the charcoal to be ready to re-light by adding lighter fluid. Apparently there was still a coal on fire from the time before and Woosh! flames. Much later we noticed that Anne had a bit of light tips on some of the hair on one side (she was wearing it brushed up), apparently she was very near the grill when the fire went Woosh, and she got a little singed on the ends of her hair. She's okay, but it was a startling after-the-fact realization.
Yesterday we went to see Wall-E. Much fun. I enjoyed the move.
Yesterday was very much a tv kind of day. I watched parts of several on-tv movies, we watched some of season 3 of Avatar the Last Airbender (we are excited the rest of the season will be aired from July 14- 19th) I also watched the first 3 episodes of season 1 of InuYasha, and when Alison came over, a few episodes of season one of Fushigi Yuugi.
I haven't really done my stretches or my morning pages this weekend. I have slept in (as much as my cats will let me).
At ALA, I got to see Leah and Ronnie and Jeremy, hurray. We met up at downtown Disney. I also went to some really neat sessions - the orientations sessions (where our speaker on the exhibitors talked over time, both sessions), a session on the future of Face-to-Face reference, a session where sci-fi and fantasy authors discussed intellectual property, and a session on binding. At the one with the authors, I was early enough to get a bag with books by each of the authors to have autographed after (the first 150 people got the bag). I was really stoked because Brandon Sanderson one of the authors who does the podcast writing excuses was there. I told him I liked his podcast, and got him to sign the first book of his Mistborn Trilogy. I was told by one of the other people waiting in line for autographs that one of the vendors had the third book in the trilogy as an advance reader's copy. I managed to get one of those, as well. I read Mistborn: The Final Empire on the airplane on the return flight on Monday (which was delayed. I left LA at 11:50 am, instead of 10 am, and arrived in Gainesville at 11pm, instead of 8:15 pm.) I finished it on Wednesday night, but I had already gone with Alison to buy the second book in the trilogy. Now I have all three *celebration hands*
When i checked my e-mail upon returning to work on Wednesday, I found an e-mail from the Tower Road branch of the public library. Where I had applied for a librarian position. They sent all applicants information about what they are looking for at the interview, and an assessment to be proctored by you current supervisor. The e-mail asked candidates to prepare a 10 minute preschool program, a young adult book talk, and a short info session on using the catalog. It mentioned it was looking for people with strong young adult background / interest. I decided I would go ahead and complete the assessment, and then think about things, since the assessment was due by the end of the same day. I opened the assessment, with the set hour to complete it. After about 8 minutes, I came to terms with the fact that this wasn't the job for me, and I didn't complete the assessment.
As for the job at Santa Fe College (formerly Santa Fe Community College), well, there was an article in the Gainesville Sun a few weeks ago that might explain why I haven't heard anything back. Due to budget constraints, all vacant faculty positions are frozen.
So, I am where I am for now.
I did talk with a few librarians who are in their first years at ALA, and I'm still trying to evaluate my own skills, my desires and education, and try to figure out where I best belong.
I haven't yet e-mailed the librarians and library school students I met at ALA, but that is on my list for this weekend. As is finishing laundry. Toby and I may even finally finish the transition of decor in our living room from faeries to travel items. We took down a lot of our pictures and prints earlier, but haven't gotten around to replacing them yet.
At our Thursday night gaming session I got to introduce my newest character, Georgiana. She is a first level rogue, first level sorcerer, who has an interesting backstory. I just have to decide how long it has been since the magic incident that reverted her from a middle age woman to a nine-year-old, and how well she is taking it in stride vs. being bitter.
Hurm, what else. I think I'm done rambling for now. This has been a (very) hodge podge look at what I'm up to lately, and what I'm not up to. Oh, yeah, last night I went through and re-alphabetized my netflix queue. Great fun, ne?
I went with Anne and Alison and Toby to Home Depot a few weeks ago. Alison and Anne were looking around for plants, and I ended up eyeing the violets. I used to have violets in my room growing up, and they made me sort of nostalgic. I decided that at $3 I could afford to indulge in one.
There were two that had a color flower that I wanted (A rich purple), but the leaves were in really beat-up shape. Those with good leaves had this funky pinky/purple color that I didn't like. I aganoized over it for several minutes, then finally decided on one. I picked one that had very healthy looking leaves, but no flowers. It is now budding, and I am looking forward to see what color the flowers will be.
On another note, we corrupted our dog-loving friend. I went with Alison last week to the Humane Society, and she adopted a kitten. As she is out of town for Father's Day, I am on kitten playing duty. Nana is an adorable calico kitten, and she loves to play. I'm excited to spend time with her.
Yay kittens!
I have not heard back from the SFCC job yet, except that it is still under review. I will also be applying for some public librarian positions that were recently posted for the Tower road location.
I send happy Father's Day wishes to my dad who is en route to Alaska.
And for those of you who read Anne's webcomic, Jack and Jill, she now updates on Mondays. It has worked well so far, and look forward to more gallery pics this upcoming Monday.
Well, brief update, but my fingers are hurting today, and it is now the weekend. Yay weekend!
| Date: | 2008-06-04 21:50 |
| Subject: | meme |
| Security: | Public |
| Mood: |  bored |
Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They must be real places, names, things.
You can NOT use your name for the boy/girl name question.
Your Name - Christy
Girl's Name - Cindy
Boy's Name - Charles
Type of Car - Corvette
City - Charleston
Vegetable - cauliflower
Fruit – Cherry
Color - Cream
Body Part - canine
Something You Can Wear - clothes! (urm, chaps)
Cartoon Character - Cardcaptor Sakura
Reason for being late – car accident
Animal - cat
Occupation - clerk
Celebrity – Charlie Sheen
Something Found in Your Bathroom - Clarinex
Word to Describe You – creative
|
|
|
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
weylyn42's journal
Caffienated
excited
content