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.
 
 

Friday, July 15, 2011

Indians Game...

I recently went to an Indians game.  Has a blast with a great friend.  The Indians lost the game, but did go into the 10th and made it a fun game to watch.




GRADY!!!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Love for The Chicken...
 
I love this blog that posts cartoons drawn on post it notes.  It cracks me up.  The blog is www.savagechickens.com.  If you haven't had a chance to check it out, do so.  The post from yesterday, July 13 is so where my job is right now.  I laugh because other wise I would have to think about it too much and well I need a paycheck.

Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

More Books...


Undead and Unpopular (Undead, #5)Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The Vampire Queen is still crass, still funny...moving on to the next one in the series.





Stolen (Women of the Otherworld, #2)Stolen by Kelley Armstrong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Excellent supernatural book! Werewolves, Vamps, Witches.  Solid plot. The book keeps the story moving, which is great.




BossypantsBossypants by Tina Fey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Excellent! The book covers parts of Fey's life, including SNL and 30 Rock.



Tina Fey is funny and so is her book. I actually listened to the audio book. I highly recommend this. I think Fey reading the book herself gives a a bit more than just reading the pages on your own.

Friday, July 08, 2011

More Kitchen Updates...

Ginger Molasses Cookies
-recipe adapted from Alice's Tea Cup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream
1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar


Add
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
Mix until smooth


Add
2 1/4 cup of flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Mix until smooth,workable dough


Use a spoon to create a small ball of dough, place dough on baking sheet.  Use the back of the spoon to pat down the top just a bit.  Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned and lightly cracking on top a bit.

Makes about two dozen cookies.


Super yummy--- 4 Stars!

Happy Friday Kids!

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Timing...
 
As you know I went to Vegas a couple of weeks ago. What you say, you would like more pictures, too bad you are going to get them anyway.
 
The New York, New York Hotel/Casino...










I've got to make it to New York and soon! It's on my list, but keeps getting moved.

Anyway, more back to this morning...
 
What you don't know is that I still haven't completely unpacked from Vegas.  Sad, but true.  When I got back, life went into fast forward, again, and I just never got to it.
 
This morning at 7:30am, I decided to start the unpacking/cleaning of my room.  What, why do I have such poor timing.  Why do I decide it's a good time to do this at 7:30am when I really needed to leave my house by 7:45am to get to work on time.  So, guess what, yep, 10 minutes late for work and of course my Director is standing in the hallway when I walk in to see me coming in late.  Only just a week from my review.  Oh well, life will go on. I do my job and I'll either stay late or not take a lunch, but she will of course not see that.  I can only hope that I feel like cleaning this afternoon when I get off work and actually make some headway in my room during a more appropriate time.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011


Kitchen Updates...
 
I seem to find myself cooking or really baking quite a bit lately.  I find it is a helpful way to get rid of some stress.  My new trick was borrowed from a friend.  Make the lovely treats then take them to work and get rid of them. I get one to try and the others are consumed, just not by me.
 
Recently I made White Chocolate Cranberry Scones.  I tweaked the recipe from the book Alice's Tea Cup by Haley Fox and Lauren Fox.
 
You will need...

3 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt--little less if using salted butter
1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups skim milk
2/3 cup white chocolate chips
2/3 cup dried cranberries
 
Mix, don't beat, ingredients in order listed above.  Then lighly flour a space to cut dough. I try to make a log about a couple of inchs wide and then cut triangles down the log.  Don't make them too small, they don't fluff as much-and in this case fluff is good.  You want about an 1 1/2 inches thick before your bake and they will expand.  (I tried mini ones and they were just not as good, better to make real size and then cut in half, if you want to serve more people.)
 
Once cut and on baking pan--brush top with milk and sprinkle sugar
1/4 cup skim milk for brushing
1/4 cup sugar for top sprinkle
 
Bake at 425 degree for about 12-15 minutes, until light/golden brown on top.  Makes 10-12 scones.


Grab a cuppa tea and enjoy!

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Goodreads Update...

If you are not familiar with Goodreads.com, it is helpful website to keep track of new books coming out, what you have already read, and what your friends are reading that you might enjoy.  I will try to put some of my reviews on the blog in case you are looking for new books.  My tastes vary, so you may not enjoy any of the books. Below are a few recent ones.

I've completed 3 books of the 8 needed for my summer reading program goal.

Are you reading any good books, let me know, I'll look into it.


Undead and Unreturnable (Undead #4)Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Funny, crass, entertaining- light read.








Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang by Katie MacAlister
Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang (Dark Ones Series #7)My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Like most Katie MacAlister books an easy silly read. Good for summer reading in the shade.




In the Company of VampiresIn the Company of Vampires by Katie MacAlister

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Light supernatural read.





Naked Heat (Nikki Heat #2)Naked Heat by Richard Castle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Good mystery, fun humor.