Thursday, August 25, 2011

oodreads Updates...


Bridget Jones's Diary (Bridget Jones, #1)Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A book to be read more than once, every 5 years or so...just plain o' good fun.






Smokin' Seventeen (Stephanie Plum, #17)Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Stephanie find herself in yet another crazy adventure and yes someone is trying to kill her again. The Plum books are a good read, but for my input she needs to make a bit more progress in her life in the next one. They are starting to feel like they are the same book over and over.





Alice's Tea Cup: Delectable Recipes for Scones, Cakes, Sandwiches, and More from New York's Most Whimsical Tea SpotAlice's Tea Cup: Delectable Recipes for Scones, Cakes, Sandwiches, and More from New York's Most Whimsical Tea Spot by Haley Fox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Love this book! I've made several of the recipes and they have all been great. Very colorful photos and easy to follow directions. Makes me want to visit Alice's Tea Cup in NYC.








Web of Evil (Ali Reynolds, #2)Web of Evil by J.A. Jance

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the second book in the Alison Reynolds series. Well done mystery!




Wednesday, August 17, 2011


Holy Macaroni...
 
Holy macaroni on a stick!  "Is there a hidden camera in my office."  Question I asked my co-worker about 10:30am this morning and it hasn't gotten much better.
 
There has been a parade of people in my office today. Everything from a prostitute having a breakdown in my office, telling me "prostitution kills your soul".  I've never been one, but I can imagine, yes, yes it would.  To the man who wanted a history lesson on higher education and who the Board of Regents is-and would not let the topic drop.  To the blond, who just doesn't know where she was, at least that is how it appeared.  To the mother of an adult daughter who just had brain surgery and has to basically relearn everything, and she needs a new career that will allow her time to take care of said daughter.  To, the point where I may loose my mind by the end of the day. 
 
Now I'm off to orientation.  Today, I would have preferred back to back orientations!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Updates from the Kitchen...

Rainbow Cupcakes!

These are easy, but add a bit of fun to any cupcake eating experience.

How To:
Mix your cake batter per box directions.
Separate the batter into a few different bowls, three or four.
Add food coloring to the batter, mix well.

Add a bit of each colored batter to the cupcake paper, careful not to stir, but to allow each color to stand on its own.

Bake as directed on the box.

Ice and decorate per your choice.


The fun happens when you bite into the cupcake.

Happy Friday!

Monday, August 08, 2011

Goodreads Update...



You Slay Me (Aisling Grey: Guardian Series, #1)You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Dragon in human form--silly, fun story. Katie MacAlister doing her thing.







Undead and Uneasy : Queen Betsy, Vol. 6 (The Undead, Vol. 6 of The Undead series)Undead and Uneasy : Queen Betsy, Vol. 6 by MaryJanice Davidson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Undead series continues to be funny.




Fire Me Up (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 2)Fire Me Up by Katie MacAlister

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


2nd book in the series, little content, but more info on the characters.






Spell Bound (Women of the Otherworld, #12)Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Excellent. Kelley Armstrong brings a wonderful web of interest in her supernatural series. Didn't want the book to end and will have to wait for the next installment.






Edge of Evil (Ali Reynolds, #1)Edge of Evil by J.A. Jance

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Good mystery with a solid lead female character.





Friday, August 05, 2011

Long Time No Blog...
 
This has been a difficult week and honestly I didn't feel like doing a blog entry or really talking to anyone. 
 
Tuesday I facilitated a meeting that going in I expected I would be the most hated person at the end of the day.  Good to know my crystal ball is working...I'm still the most hated person in the office this morning.  Funny how trying to make recommendations of "fair and equitable", terms this office doesn't understand, created such chaos.  What makes me a bit more sad is that a few people in the office get it.  They have been the ones to come to me and apologize.  Actually apologize for the unprofessional behavior of other "teammates". One poor lady was in tears on my behalf.  No reason for them to loose sleep over it, I've lost enough this week for them.  (Thank the Fates for Lite Mocha Fraps, Iced Tea, Chai, and all other caffeinated beverages.) My problem is I care--but I'm working on that. *sigh*
 
Good news is, I gave away all my responsibilities.  I'm not beating my head against a brick wall if the wall is never going to give- even a little.  So, I will do my basic role in my job, pretend to be busy during down times, and keep my head down and mouth shut.  This will allow me to make an ok wage with little responsibility and I will go on a cruise in October.  Is it October yet?
 
I will be headed to the Dublin Irish Fest this weekend, which makes me happy.  I'm worth it and need the mental health break.
 
I hope your weekend is grand!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Week In Review...
 
Let's see, it's been a crazy busy week so far.  I will not go into the mundane stuff, only things that may be considered semi-interesting.
 
Semi-interesting #1:
 
I had my plates run by the CPD this week.  I was stopped at a red light down town and looked out my car window to see a really nice view of the city.  I decided I needed to snap a quick photo.  The fastest camera I could get to was my the phone camera in my pocket. I powered the window down, got a whooosh of heat and humidity in my face, but push on and snapped a picture. 
 
As I turn back to the inside of the car to glance to see the light is still red, I also notice in my rearview mirror a CPD car.  Lovely!  I slowly put the phone down, kept a watch on the two gentlemen in the cruiser in my mirror and notice they are obviously running my plates.  Good to know there are no outstanding warrants for me, they followed for another block, then speed across three lanes of traffic to go off and do real police work.  Possible ticket situation averted.  I don't really think you can get a ticket for taking a photo out the window of a stopped car, but at this point, I don't know, they keep changing the laws on me.

My camera phone sucks and it's not even a good picture.  If you have a smart phone, how do you feel about the camera on it. I up for a new one as some point this year and am looking into one with a better camera.

 
 
Semi-interesting #2:
 
I applied for a new job.  It could be an fun career move for me.  Still in my same field, but at a different institution of higher education, but working in many ways with the students at my current institution. 
 
Getting to the interview was interesting enough.  How does one avoid sweat in Ohio in July?  If you know, please clue me in.  I am a lady-I know you are asking, really are you, but yes anatomically I am.  I do have the option of a skirt and a short sleeve suit jacket-thank goodness.  Men, I am sorry, you don't have the option to create somewhat cooler interview clothing.  My advice is only look for a new job in the cooler months, but then you may have to walk to an interview in a blizzard, which I did once and I don't recommend it. 
 
I did arrive early enough for the interview to slip into the ladies room and basically take a mini public restroom paper towel bath.  I cooled down as much as possible and headed to the third floor for my interview.  I had to wait about 15 minutes for the committee to arrive in a secret location, so I used the brochure next to me on the stand as a make shift fan.  I was calm, cool, and collected when the admin walked me down a flight of stairs to this secret location.  I walked into the room confident and a smile on my face.  The smile froze just a bit when I scanned the room and it never fully reach my eyes, at least I don't think.
 
I somewhat lost the ability to think clear for a moment.  Why you ask, panic, nerves, stubbed my toe.  No, good questions, but no.  I was taken aback by the one of the faces in the room.  It was a conference room with 6 individuals lined around the table and an empty chair for me at the head of the table.  They were prepared, they too knew the world revolves around me.  Back to the face.  It is a nice face, one I see on a Monday-Friday basis.  Oh yes ladies and gents, my boss was sitting in the room, ready to interview me for a job somewhere else.
 
What is one to do in this situation?  I had no freaking idea.  I had run interview questions in my head for about a week.  I had come up with brilliant ideas and answers.  I had not prepared for this.  I have never had this happen before.  I never spoken to anyone that has had this happen before.  I did what I could at the time.  I just kept going.  I kept walking into the room, introduced myself to the group, took my seat at the head of the table, and settled in to answer their questions.  I sent a small head nod to my boss in acknowledgment of her and move on.
 
I haven't actually spoken to her since, which is very interesting since her office is directly behind mine.  I don't fear for my current job. I do my job, I do it well most days.  It's just going to be a bit awkward until this entire job process is over, which could take a few weeks.
 
 
Semi-interesting #3:
 
I watched Kill the Irishman this week.  Very good mob movie.  I give it a solid B.  If you like mob movies, you will like this movie.  I also like that it is "based" on a true story.
 
Ok, so this was maybe not as interesting, but a true event from this week in my life.
 
Enjoy your weekend kids and drink lots of liquids...water is best but beer will do.


Thursday, July 21, 2011

Volunteer Opportunity...
 
If you are interested in donating your time to help build a home for the TV show Extreme Makeover Home Addition, you are in luck. You can volunteer at this link, http://www.pndbuildersltd.com/.
 
I don't know details, only that this company was chosen to build the house and you can help them.  Volunteer soon if you are interested, the construction will begin August 4.