I have been checking the weather far too often. I am not exactly sure what I am expecting to see by going back so often to view the same information I got the last time I checked. I think I am hoping for higher temperatures. I know I am hoping for that but here's the deal...I can't control it by looking...I can't control it at all. So leave it, girl. It is what it is.
I must have things pretty dang good if all I have to worry about is the weather. I could weave a nest of problems if I really wanted to. It would be easy for me to boo-hoo, whoa-is-me, hand me that crying towel while I work up some creative way to bring myself down scenario. Oh, come on, you know I could do it!
Let's face it...me and Jay were actually unsure about this trip. With all the things that have been going on we weren't sure it was the best time financially to take this trip. Then we booked a four star hotel and we are just po' folk and we will be hanging with all these European sophisticates.
Well, it’s utterly ridiculous since the trip is all-inclusive and has been paid in full for over a month. The hotel is absolutely fabulous with everything we could possibly need right there at the resort including spa, gym, pool, beach, trails…and all those European sophisticates that I am sure I will be talking to at some point during the stay.
I just don’t know how to take a vacation. It takes me so long to try to sit still long enough to decompress. And I could come up with a whirlwind of scenarios but that’s something that I will need to put on hold until later or never. I will be carrying a packet of index cards just in case.
And yes, I will probably check the weather one last time.
TT
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Yet
It's not so early now and maybe it's time to write. I'm not sure but I'm going to give it a go. It turned out to be a beautiful Saturday. The weather shaped up quite nicely and the only thing I should have done but didn't, was go out for a run when I realized how gorgeous it was outside. I lazily opted to sit outside and read instead.
But hey, I hear that is what people do when they are on vacation. I guess I can say I am officially on vacation right now even though it is the weekend. Does that mean the vacation doesn't actually start until Monday? It doesn't really matter. If I haven't started already I am starting now. I already have the open beer to prove it. (Just a slight adjustment from the coffee I had in hand this morning. Although I still can't type with one hand and I'm sure the more beer the harder it will get.)
The clothes are washed, the kitchen is in order, packing will happen some time tomorrow if I decide what I want to take with me. I stopped by the bookstore and picked up a couple of paperbacks. It sure sounds like a vacation should be happening soon. I might need to get a list going. I'm surprised I don't have one already started but things are supposed to be at a slower pace right about now, aren't they?
I'm on vacation.
TT
But hey, I hear that is what people do when they are on vacation. I guess I can say I am officially on vacation right now even though it is the weekend. Does that mean the vacation doesn't actually start until Monday? It doesn't really matter. If I haven't started already I am starting now. I already have the open beer to prove it. (Just a slight adjustment from the coffee I had in hand this morning. Although I still can't type with one hand and I'm sure the more beer the harder it will get.)
The clothes are washed, the kitchen is in order, packing will happen some time tomorrow if I decide what I want to take with me. I stopped by the bookstore and picked up a couple of paperbacks. It sure sounds like a vacation should be happening soon. I might need to get a list going. I'm surprised I don't have one already started but things are supposed to be at a slower pace right about now, aren't they?
I'm on vacation.
TT
Not yet
It's not too early for a Saturday, is it? I mean for me to be up with coffee in hand and clicking a keyboard? Well, the coffee isn't in hand at the moment. I'm not that good (or fast) with one handed typing. But it isn't too early, is it?
I sometimes wonder when I am here in the all quiet if I should still be in bed. I think about it for as long as it took to read that sentence and then I'm up and out. Besides, it's a Saturday and I have stuff. I must have stuff, right? There is always stuff. Stuff to say, stuff to do, stuff to get or put away, stuff to get rid of...
I always have stuff even when it isn't planned. I had someone ask me about my plans for the weekend. I paused for the smallest second and said, I don't have any plans. I don't usually make plans. He seemed taken aback. I get the impression most people actually think ahead and make plans. I might have some ideas of what I would like to do in a day but they are usually so roughly vague it cannot be called a plan. Of course, there are times when a friend might decide to meet me for coffee or lunch and a time is set. That would be a plan but I have a tendency to avoid most of those situations. Besides, I would have to have friends that would make the arrangements since I won't. It might be due to the fact I plan so much for others all week long.
There is also the fact that I don't like to decide. Most things I'm perfectly happy to go along with so I don't have a preference. I find most others have definite preferences and if they decide it skips the ackward back and forth of trying to do what the other wants. I just want them to decide and I'm fine. It's ackward for me to end up picking something they would rather not.
What am I going on about? Maybe it isn't too early on a Saturday to be up...I just shouldn't be writing yet.
I sometimes wonder when I am here in the all quiet if I should still be in bed. I think about it for as long as it took to read that sentence and then I'm up and out. Besides, it's a Saturday and I have stuff. I must have stuff, right? There is always stuff. Stuff to say, stuff to do, stuff to get or put away, stuff to get rid of...
I always have stuff even when it isn't planned. I had someone ask me about my plans for the weekend. I paused for the smallest second and said, I don't have any plans. I don't usually make plans. He seemed taken aback. I get the impression most people actually think ahead and make plans. I might have some ideas of what I would like to do in a day but they are usually so roughly vague it cannot be called a plan. Of course, there are times when a friend might decide to meet me for coffee or lunch and a time is set. That would be a plan but I have a tendency to avoid most of those situations. Besides, I would have to have friends that would make the arrangements since I won't. It might be due to the fact I plan so much for others all week long.
There is also the fact that I don't like to decide. Most things I'm perfectly happy to go along with so I don't have a preference. I find most others have definite preferences and if they decide it skips the ackward back and forth of trying to do what the other wants. I just want them to decide and I'm fine. It's ackward for me to end up picking something they would rather not.
What am I going on about? Maybe it isn't too early on a Saturday to be up...I just shouldn't be writing yet.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Pick a phase
There have been a few things going on at work. I have been able to keep up with it this week and yet I still have a modicum of the getting ready to take time off slow down. I think that is just something that happens to everyone who has finally reached within a few days of knowing they will be taking time off.
I know I went through the need to cross as many to-do’s off my list first phase. I worked frantically to get the list cut down and accomplished early on. That is such a crazy statement to make because as soon as that list gets worked down more comes in at almost the same rate.
That is when phase two kicks in and I realize there will be things occurring when I won’t be around to take care of them. How much time do I spend on trying to prep someone else on the possibilities of how to take care of things that might come up? And then what if they don’t and I should have spent time showing them something else. That is when phase three begins.
I realize there is no way to show anyone all the things that could possibly come up. First of all I can’t think of all of them. Second, they would have to do my job for a while to be able to know how I do it. Even if I gave them a high level overview about the way I work most don’t work that way. People ask me how I know who to call if this happens or where do I have the information on how to do this. That’s the problem. I don’t have that kind of information written down or anywhere where anyone else could find it. It isn’t because I don’t want them to know but it would be constantly changing and I don’t have time to write myself job aides. It’s in my head. At lot of it is common sense and paying attention. Then there is the Radar factor that I can’t teach. You either have it or not. You know Radar…from movie turned popular TV show...Mash. The one that was always a step ahead of his commander and had the information before it was asked for. Or think of the executive secretary in any movie where the CEO asks her to do these impossible assignments. He, of course, will be in the next scene doing exactly what he had tasked her to do…impossibly. Like that. I can’t teach that in Phase three.
But by that time you reach Phase four. That is when you realize it is only a day before you go on vacation and you frantically try to get everything possibly done in a short amount of time. Then you realize there isn’t enough time and there isn't much else you can do to make any difference.
So you smile and laugh and get through the last day and set up your e-mail and voicemail to say…I’m not here, won’t be for a while…and that’s phase five.
Isn’t Phase five terrific?
TT
I know I went through the need to cross as many to-do’s off my list first phase. I worked frantically to get the list cut down and accomplished early on. That is such a crazy statement to make because as soon as that list gets worked down more comes in at almost the same rate.
That is when phase two kicks in and I realize there will be things occurring when I won’t be around to take care of them. How much time do I spend on trying to prep someone else on the possibilities of how to take care of things that might come up? And then what if they don’t and I should have spent time showing them something else. That is when phase three begins.
I realize there is no way to show anyone all the things that could possibly come up. First of all I can’t think of all of them. Second, they would have to do my job for a while to be able to know how I do it. Even if I gave them a high level overview about the way I work most don’t work that way. People ask me how I know who to call if this happens or where do I have the information on how to do this. That’s the problem. I don’t have that kind of information written down or anywhere where anyone else could find it. It isn’t because I don’t want them to know but it would be constantly changing and I don’t have time to write myself job aides. It’s in my head. At lot of it is common sense and paying attention. Then there is the Radar factor that I can’t teach. You either have it or not. You know Radar…from movie turned popular TV show...Mash. The one that was always a step ahead of his commander and had the information before it was asked for. Or think of the executive secretary in any movie where the CEO asks her to do these impossible assignments. He, of course, will be in the next scene doing exactly what he had tasked her to do…impossibly. Like that. I can’t teach that in Phase three.
But by that time you reach Phase four. That is when you realize it is only a day before you go on vacation and you frantically try to get everything possibly done in a short amount of time. Then you realize there isn’t enough time and there isn't much else you can do to make any difference.
So you smile and laugh and get through the last day and set up your e-mail and voicemail to say…I’m not here, won’t be for a while…and that’s phase five.
Isn’t Phase five terrific?
TT
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Only snow
It snowed for approximately 3 minutes on Tuesday about 11:00 am. No. I mean it. Snow. Enough so you could definitely see it coming down for about three full minutes. Everyone got up and opened the blinds and stood and watched. Some actually took a few pictures or video’d stuff with their phones. I wasn't impressed. I knew it wasn't anything I was interested in.
I have seen it snow here before. No. I mean it. Really snow. It started on a Friday and didn’t stop all weekend. It accumulated into piles of white gloppy, icy mess. I was home alone that weekend with a three year old Sonny. Dante was born that year on May 3rd so I was also pregnant. We had just moved from the closest thing to the tropics and still be in the United States – the southern most tip – where it only gets to 32 degrees for a few hours once a year. We had just moved here and it snowed. I watched it snow and snow and not stop and it was piling higher and higher and I kept thinking it was going to bury the outside heating unit and it would go out. They would find a three year old boy and his mother frozen from no heat. What did I know? I was from the near tropics? We didn’t have houses there made with the materials for that kind of temperatures. We didn’t have clothes that were made for that kind of temperatures. I knew just enough to make me worry. I wasn’t the only one there to worry about.
And people wonder why I have problem with the cold. They think I don’t know or haven’t experienced the winter wonderland of it all. It takes on a whole different face when you are dealing with it unexpectedly and totally unprepared for something that wasn’t supposed to happen in this area at all.
They said at the time it was a good thing it happened on a weekend because the entire loop that transported everyone everywhere was completely shut down. The city was caught totally unprepared. It wasn’t a fun, exciting or fanciful experience. We tried to make it fun. Sonny went out and tried to play and came back with soaked shoes and socks and wet gloves. I changed them out and stuck big plastic bags over his shoes and hands to keep them dry. He went out again and gathering enough snow to make the smallest snowman in the history of the world. We actually built it inside at the kitchen table it was so cold for us and then took it back outside. We tried, but that one time was too many for me.
So I was unimpressed when it snowed on Tuesday for three minutes. I stayed warm inside with multiple layers of clothing knowing the three year old is now 28 and the other will be 25 on May 3rd this year. We made it through what turned out to have been a historic weekend for the city and one that was more fearful for me than I had thought about in a long time.
Isn’t it silly how some things stay with you after all these years?
I have seen it snow here before. No. I mean it. Really snow. It started on a Friday and didn’t stop all weekend. It accumulated into piles of white gloppy, icy mess. I was home alone that weekend with a three year old Sonny. Dante was born that year on May 3rd so I was also pregnant. We had just moved from the closest thing to the tropics and still be in the United States – the southern most tip – where it only gets to 32 degrees for a few hours once a year. We had just moved here and it snowed. I watched it snow and snow and not stop and it was piling higher and higher and I kept thinking it was going to bury the outside heating unit and it would go out. They would find a three year old boy and his mother frozen from no heat. What did I know? I was from the near tropics? We didn’t have houses there made with the materials for that kind of temperatures. We didn’t have clothes that were made for that kind of temperatures. I knew just enough to make me worry. I wasn’t the only one there to worry about.
And people wonder why I have problem with the cold. They think I don’t know or haven’t experienced the winter wonderland of it all. It takes on a whole different face when you are dealing with it unexpectedly and totally unprepared for something that wasn’t supposed to happen in this area at all.
They said at the time it was a good thing it happened on a weekend because the entire loop that transported everyone everywhere was completely shut down. The city was caught totally unprepared. It wasn’t a fun, exciting or fanciful experience. We tried to make it fun. Sonny went out and tried to play and came back with soaked shoes and socks and wet gloves. I changed them out and stuck big plastic bags over his shoes and hands to keep them dry. He went out again and gathering enough snow to make the smallest snowman in the history of the world. We actually built it inside at the kitchen table it was so cold for us and then took it back outside. We tried, but that one time was too many for me.
So I was unimpressed when it snowed on Tuesday for three minutes. I stayed warm inside with multiple layers of clothing knowing the three year old is now 28 and the other will be 25 on May 3rd this year. We made it through what turned out to have been a historic weekend for the city and one that was more fearful for me than I had thought about in a long time.
Isn’t it silly how some things stay with you after all these years?
January 1985 - 13.5 inches of snow
TT
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Book sale
I sold my bundle of books. I packed up all the books I have read, piled them into a box and sold them back to the bookstore for a few pennies. I don’t keep my books. I read them and send them along their way for someone else to enjoy. I allow myself one small narrow bookshelf in the bedroom for books I have read. Once the shelf is covered with my most recently finished books I take them away. I may pull them and give a few to friends I think might enjoy them but mostly I sell them.
I know I am the outrage of the reading community for doing this. I am told how I should collect at least my hardbacks and how their shelves are full and overflowing of books so good they could never part with them. I have been asked and told continually of how the good books should be kept for re-reading at another time.
I don’t re-read books. Even if they are good, there are so many other good books out there waiting to be read. I know it doesn’t do me any good to hold on to them. I want to read something else, not something I already did.
I don’t have room for all the books I read and I won’t make room. Well, except for my one small narrow bookshelf. I needed to dust that shelf the other day so I sold my bundle of books.
I don’t want to imagine the amount of dusting it would take if I kept all the books I read.
TT
I know I am the outrage of the reading community for doing this. I am told how I should collect at least my hardbacks and how their shelves are full and overflowing of books so good they could never part with them. I have been asked and told continually of how the good books should be kept for re-reading at another time.
I don’t re-read books. Even if they are good, there are so many other good books out there waiting to be read. I know it doesn’t do me any good to hold on to them. I want to read something else, not something I already did.
I don’t have room for all the books I read and I won’t make room. Well, except for my one small narrow bookshelf. I needed to dust that shelf the other day so I sold my bundle of books.
I don’t want to imagine the amount of dusting it would take if I kept all the books I read.
TT
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thank you already
I got a couple of compliments yesterday at work. They were for my work and my looks from two different people who had not seen me for a while. Harmless stuff but still complimentary and it still threw me off kilter when it happened. It always does and I don’t know that it is worth my time anymore to try to figure out why.
If I get feedback on something I need to change I can immediately start processing what I need to do to put that into motion. I can work out steps if it is complicated or jump right to a better procedure if it’s something simple.
If someone just surprises me with a compliment I have nowhere to go with it. I’m stuck. It is put out there and I’m supposed to do what with it? What do I do with it?
I have tried to train myself and I can hear my brain immediately kick in when it happens, “Say thank you, say thank you…hurry up and say thank you.”
“Thank you,” I finally say. But it doesn’t seem right. Thank you? Sounds lame, besides I haven’t had a chance to see if I really believe what they are telling me anyway. Am I allowed to say thank you if I don’t think it’s true? I’ve been ambushed and haven’t had a chance to think this through yet.
So that’s why I’ve tried to train myself to just say Thank you. ‘Cuz I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do and I’ve found that it seems to be rude when you ignore it or act like you don’t believe them or argue the point.
I’ve tried to pay attention when other people get compliments so I can try to steal their responses. I can’t seem to remember how they respond. They do it so seamlessly, like nothing, and it is over and done with before I realize I don’t know how they responded.
Then I am left thinking how did they do that? That whole exchange came and went and what…? Like it didn’t stick, or maybe it did and I’m the only one who really takes this stuff seriously. Maybe that’s it. I am making it more than it is and I have been know to do that - to take things too seriously. I should just shrug it off like it is nothing. But wait, that wouldn’t come off right either.
So I guess I should just hope it doesn’t happen again too soon and I will try to stick with the immediate Thank you response and leave it at that.
Geez.
TT
If I get feedback on something I need to change I can immediately start processing what I need to do to put that into motion. I can work out steps if it is complicated or jump right to a better procedure if it’s something simple.
If someone just surprises me with a compliment I have nowhere to go with it. I’m stuck. It is put out there and I’m supposed to do what with it? What do I do with it?
I have tried to train myself and I can hear my brain immediately kick in when it happens, “Say thank you, say thank you…hurry up and say thank you.”
“Thank you,” I finally say. But it doesn’t seem right. Thank you? Sounds lame, besides I haven’t had a chance to see if I really believe what they are telling me anyway. Am I allowed to say thank you if I don’t think it’s true? I’ve been ambushed and haven’t had a chance to think this through yet.
So that’s why I’ve tried to train myself to just say Thank you. ‘Cuz I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do and I’ve found that it seems to be rude when you ignore it or act like you don’t believe them or argue the point.
I’ve tried to pay attention when other people get compliments so I can try to steal their responses. I can’t seem to remember how they respond. They do it so seamlessly, like nothing, and it is over and done with before I realize I don’t know how they responded.
Then I am left thinking how did they do that? That whole exchange came and went and what…? Like it didn’t stick, or maybe it did and I’m the only one who really takes this stuff seriously. Maybe that’s it. I am making it more than it is and I have been know to do that - to take things too seriously. I should just shrug it off like it is nothing. But wait, that wouldn’t come off right either.
So I guess I should just hope it doesn’t happen again too soon and I will try to stick with the immediate Thank you response and leave it at that.
Geez.
TT
Monday, February 22, 2010
Still first
I went to the site to check on my bowling league. No, I am not on a league but I have oddest link to a team of bowlers that work for a different company a million miles away. I was even given their logo’d shirt and I keep up with their status by way of their website.
I wasn’t sure if the most recent week’s stats were up but I checked and it looked like they were still in first place or maybe tied for first. It is hard for me to read the numbers when they are that close. They looked very close to me although the teams name on top was the one I wanted to be on top. I will go with that as far as saying they are still in first.
But it’s close. I’ve watched how they have powered themselves into that position. Once they had achieved it, I have watched them add the numbers that kept them there. It only seems that by pure force of gravity it would begin to pull slightly downward again at this point. It seems it would be the natural way of things it would take a slight downturn when the fight to the top has been so close.
It is also the way of mind and skill to keep the spot most coveted. I know, I am talking about a bowling team I have never actually seen a ball hit a pin. A team I haven’t met the majority of the players. Yet there is definitely a link when I am included on their email threads and have been acknowledged for edibles sent when they first hit the coveted top spot.
I have been called unusual. I guess this is just one way I have proved that to be true.
So?
TT
I wasn’t sure if the most recent week’s stats were up but I checked and it looked like they were still in first place or maybe tied for first. It is hard for me to read the numbers when they are that close. They looked very close to me although the teams name on top was the one I wanted to be on top. I will go with that as far as saying they are still in first.
But it’s close. I’ve watched how they have powered themselves into that position. Once they had achieved it, I have watched them add the numbers that kept them there. It only seems that by pure force of gravity it would begin to pull slightly downward again at this point. It seems it would be the natural way of things it would take a slight downturn when the fight to the top has been so close.
It is also the way of mind and skill to keep the spot most coveted. I know, I am talking about a bowling team I have never actually seen a ball hit a pin. A team I haven’t met the majority of the players. Yet there is definitely a link when I am included on their email threads and have been acknowledged for edibles sent when they first hit the coveted top spot.
I have been called unusual. I guess this is just one way I have proved that to be true.
So?
TT
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Short break
At about 2:45 this afternoon my energy started to take a downward spiral. I hadn't thought about it but all of a sudden I realized I was a bit lagging. I tried to sit and start a new book and then realized I hadn't eaten anything and I probably should. I tried to grab a few bagel chips to make do until dinner but that only prompted my stomach to demand more.
I needed a sandwich. I am not sure why - maybe because I have been eating a lot of turkey sandwiches for lunch - I decided to have a peanut butter and pickle sandwich instead. I have only had one prior to this but for some reason I actually wanted another.
I went ahead and allowed myself to spread a thick layer of extra crunchy over a slice of whole wheat bread and apply the green disks right over it. I topped it with the other layer of wheat bread and squeezed it together. I didn't cut the sandwich on a diagonal or straight down the center but left it whole. Sometimes I just prefer it that way. I ate the entire crust around the sandwich first. When the crust was gone I was left to enjoy the hefty filled middle section. Always leave the best for last.
It didn't really do much to help my lagging energy. I think it was just a Sunday afternoon where I had done quite a few things and needed to break for a while. I forget to take breaks for myself almost the same way I forget to eat.
So now it's almost 5:00 and I'm still not hungry for dinner. I don't have to worry about that for a bit yet but thought I'd catch a minute to break and to think how a sandwich that sounds the way it does isn't really so bad.
Now I think I will go grab a beer before the weekend is over. My break needs to be a little longer...
TT
I needed a sandwich. I am not sure why - maybe because I have been eating a lot of turkey sandwiches for lunch - I decided to have a peanut butter and pickle sandwich instead. I have only had one prior to this but for some reason I actually wanted another.
I went ahead and allowed myself to spread a thick layer of extra crunchy over a slice of whole wheat bread and apply the green disks right over it. I topped it with the other layer of wheat bread and squeezed it together. I didn't cut the sandwich on a diagonal or straight down the center but left it whole. Sometimes I just prefer it that way. I ate the entire crust around the sandwich first. When the crust was gone I was left to enjoy the hefty filled middle section. Always leave the best for last.
It didn't really do much to help my lagging energy. I think it was just a Sunday afternoon where I had done quite a few things and needed to break for a while. I forget to take breaks for myself almost the same way I forget to eat.
So now it's almost 5:00 and I'm still not hungry for dinner. I don't have to worry about that for a bit yet but thought I'd catch a minute to break and to think how a sandwich that sounds the way it does isn't really so bad.
Now I think I will go grab a beer before the weekend is over. My break needs to be a little longer...
TT
Simple Sunday
It is a Sunday morning a little after 10:00am. I have opened most of the windows in the house and pulled back all the drapes. There is the freshest breeze lightly wafting through and the light is actually more subdued than I would like due to the cloudy overcast outside.
I’ve had more than a few cups of strong coffee, cleaned up the little that was needed in the kitchen and have started my second load of laundry. What a great Sunday morning. There is a promise of sunshine as the day progresses and I will carve a run outside sometime during that prime time of the day.
Isn’t it bliss? No real chores or destinations that can’t be put off or done at a later time. It’s another golden day of my decision to do this or that, not pressing issues making the decisions for me.
It’s nice to ramble aimless around the house or sit and ponder while the quiet neighborhood pulls your attention and releases it again. I have had that happen a few times this morning with the windows open. It’s nice to have time to watch the ordinary for a change.
It is a little after 10:00am on a Sunday morning. I have a few things done and there isn’t much more that can’t wait until later.
Isn’t it bliss?
TT
I’ve had more than a few cups of strong coffee, cleaned up the little that was needed in the kitchen and have started my second load of laundry. What a great Sunday morning. There is a promise of sunshine as the day progresses and I will carve a run outside sometime during that prime time of the day.
Isn’t it bliss? No real chores or destinations that can’t be put off or done at a later time. It’s another golden day of my decision to do this or that, not pressing issues making the decisions for me.
It’s nice to ramble aimless around the house or sit and ponder while the quiet neighborhood pulls your attention and releases it again. I have had that happen a few times this morning with the windows open. It’s nice to have time to watch the ordinary for a change.
It is a little after 10:00am on a Sunday morning. I have a few things done and there isn’t much more that can’t wait until later.
Isn’t it bliss?
TT
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Easy reference
Sonny, my oldest son, called me last night. He wanted to know what temperature he needed to put the oven on. He was recreating a baked fish dish we had prepared on Christmas Day.
He does that on occasion. He will call while he is cooking and it usually goes about the same each time.
“Hello.”
“Hey, mom. What temperature do I put the oven on for that fish we did on Christmas day…What do you usually put into the sauce for scalloped potatoes…What spices did you use on that dry rub…what should I do with my red sauce it isn’t smelling quite right…
Depending if he is just cooking a weekday meal or a special get together defines the intensity of his questions. He still asks and he will still question the answers. He didn’t believe my answer on the temperature for the fish. We got into a friendly volley of accusations of lying and motives behind it.
“Why would I give you the wrong information?”
“Well, you didn’t sound sure.”
“Okay, then, use you’re lower temperature and you’ll have soggy, watery fish. Then you can pitch that, start over at the temperature I gave you and make it right.”
“So, I’ll get soggy fish if I use the lower temperature?”
“Yeah, you want to bake it, not slow cook it. It will lose its texture if you cook it too slow.”
“I don’t want blackened fish.”
“You’re not going to get blackened fish! Not in the oven.”
It went like that back and forth for a while with noises of baking pans and clatter coming over from his side of the phone. He finally agreed that I was probably right. He went on to tell me about some rice he had found he knew I would have to try it was so good.
It goes like that.
I know his girlfriend doesn’t mind that he takes charge in the kitchen. I know I don’t mind when he calls to compare cooking notes.
Oh, he also told me he had bought himself a new laptop and I could have my netbook back that he had borrowed.
Isn’t it nice that he didn’t just look up the temperature for the fish on his new laptop?
TT
He does that on occasion. He will call while he is cooking and it usually goes about the same each time.
“Hello.”
“Hey, mom. What temperature do I put the oven on for that fish we did on Christmas day…What do you usually put into the sauce for scalloped potatoes…What spices did you use on that dry rub…what should I do with my red sauce it isn’t smelling quite right…
Depending if he is just cooking a weekday meal or a special get together defines the intensity of his questions. He still asks and he will still question the answers. He didn’t believe my answer on the temperature for the fish. We got into a friendly volley of accusations of lying and motives behind it.
“Why would I give you the wrong information?”
“Well, you didn’t sound sure.”
“Okay, then, use you’re lower temperature and you’ll have soggy, watery fish. Then you can pitch that, start over at the temperature I gave you and make it right.”
“So, I’ll get soggy fish if I use the lower temperature?”
“Yeah, you want to bake it, not slow cook it. It will lose its texture if you cook it too slow.”
“I don’t want blackened fish.”
“You’re not going to get blackened fish! Not in the oven.”
It went like that back and forth for a while with noises of baking pans and clatter coming over from his side of the phone. He finally agreed that I was probably right. He went on to tell me about some rice he had found he knew I would have to try it was so good.
It goes like that.
I know his girlfriend doesn’t mind that he takes charge in the kitchen. I know I don’t mind when he calls to compare cooking notes.
Oh, he also told me he had bought himself a new laptop and I could have my netbook back that he had borrowed.
Isn’t it nice that he didn’t just look up the temperature for the fish on his new laptop?
TT
Friday, February 19, 2010
Oddly melodious
Something has happened recently. There has been a change that I have felt coming on for a while. I have sensed it the way an old bloodhound picks up a trail of a stranger from the scent of a shirt. It has become familiar and I am getting better at seeking it out.
I can tell. It feels like something has snapped into place. It hasn’t exactly snapped but more very simply clicked almost inaudibly. I wouldn’t have noticed it at all if I wasn’t so much like that old bloodhound. I have been straining at the leash for quite some time. You would have thought I would have given up by now. There was something about that scent that I couldn’t let go of. I had to follow that trail and find that stranger.
I am not trying to be so abstract. This just seems to be the way I have been feeling about these words I keep arranging on all of these pages.
I feel like I have been on the trail of a stranger thinking I might find them. There have been more and more instances that I feel I have come close. There are many instances I have just enjoyed barking along down the trail. I have been loud and snarling at times and stubbornly focused at others. I have lost the scent and wanted to give up and went a little further and found it again, sometimes faintly. But with that and my hopefulness to succeed I found it to be enough to urge me on.
I have to tell myself at this point to look at what I have done. Look at what I have learned. Look at what I have achieved by absolute determination and not knowing better than to quit.
And now it feels like something ever so slightly clicked into the right place. It was there before but never so comfortable. It no longer seems to pinch at odd times and I don’t notice any sharp reminders when I turn unexpectedly. It glides so smoothly with me now that I don’t notice it is there anymore.
There is a lot more joy when I allow the words to glide smoothly. I am overjoyed by what I have learned and anxious to see what I have yet to learn. This strange trail has been a thoroughly pleasurable adventure.
And hasn't this been a lovely, melodious, metaphorical bit of conjecture? Well, now that I got that out of the way don’t think for a moment I will stop barking.
TT
I can tell. It feels like something has snapped into place. It hasn’t exactly snapped but more very simply clicked almost inaudibly. I wouldn’t have noticed it at all if I wasn’t so much like that old bloodhound. I have been straining at the leash for quite some time. You would have thought I would have given up by now. There was something about that scent that I couldn’t let go of. I had to follow that trail and find that stranger.
I am not trying to be so abstract. This just seems to be the way I have been feeling about these words I keep arranging on all of these pages.
I feel like I have been on the trail of a stranger thinking I might find them. There have been more and more instances that I feel I have come close. There are many instances I have just enjoyed barking along down the trail. I have been loud and snarling at times and stubbornly focused at others. I have lost the scent and wanted to give up and went a little further and found it again, sometimes faintly. But with that and my hopefulness to succeed I found it to be enough to urge me on.
I have to tell myself at this point to look at what I have done. Look at what I have learned. Look at what I have achieved by absolute determination and not knowing better than to quit.
And now it feels like something ever so slightly clicked into the right place. It was there before but never so comfortable. It no longer seems to pinch at odd times and I don’t notice any sharp reminders when I turn unexpectedly. It glides so smoothly with me now that I don’t notice it is there anymore.
There is a lot more joy when I allow the words to glide smoothly. I am overjoyed by what I have learned and anxious to see what I have yet to learn. This strange trail has been a thoroughly pleasurable adventure.
And hasn't this been a lovely, melodious, metaphorical bit of conjecture? Well, now that I got that out of the way don’t think for a moment I will stop barking.
TT
No complaints
I heard it was Bring Summer Back day yesterday but I didn't get the memo. I don't think whoever is in charge got it either. It wasn’t exactly summer yesterday so I am thinking it didn’t get brought back yet.
I know it hasn’t come back when I have had frost on my black ragtop the last two mornings. I would take a picture and post it for you but I am too cold to stand out there long enough to take the picture. My only thought is to get into the car and let the defroster take care of the rest. That is exactly what I have done the last two days when this has happened.
But that is enough about the weather.
It is a Friday. I have lots of work at work and that is making time pass quite nicely and quickly for me. That means I get another wonderful weekend to spend and then only a week of work before I will have another wonderful weekend before I take an entire week off from work. How could I dare complain when everything is lined up so perfectly?
It is a simple thing. I won’t complain. I will not complain about the weather or the frost. I may state the fact that it has happened but it won’t be a complaint. I know there is a fine line but sometimes I can’t avoid stating facts that are sometimes perceived as complaints.
This would be the complaint. “Oh, gads, can you believe it was so bloody cold this morning I had frost on my convertible?”
What I said was…”I have had frost on my black ragtop the last two mornings.”
Can you see the difference? The second was clearly just stating the fact and not a complaint at all. That is what I said. It could hardly be considered a complaint (in comparison).
Besides, I am in too good a mood thinking about my week off where there will be no chance of frost. I can’t change the weather here so I will go where the weather has already changed.
Maybe by the time I get back Bring Summer Back will be closer to a reality.
I can't help but be in a good mood thinking about it. And it's a Friday to boot!
Lucky me.
TT
I know it hasn’t come back when I have had frost on my black ragtop the last two mornings. I would take a picture and post it for you but I am too cold to stand out there long enough to take the picture. My only thought is to get into the car and let the defroster take care of the rest. That is exactly what I have done the last two days when this has happened.
But that is enough about the weather.
It is a Friday. I have lots of work at work and that is making time pass quite nicely and quickly for me. That means I get another wonderful weekend to spend and then only a week of work before I will have another wonderful weekend before I take an entire week off from work. How could I dare complain when everything is lined up so perfectly?
It is a simple thing. I won’t complain. I will not complain about the weather or the frost. I may state the fact that it has happened but it won’t be a complaint. I know there is a fine line but sometimes I can’t avoid stating facts that are sometimes perceived as complaints.
This would be the complaint. “Oh, gads, can you believe it was so bloody cold this morning I had frost on my convertible?”
What I said was…”I have had frost on my black ragtop the last two mornings.”
Can you see the difference? The second was clearly just stating the fact and not a complaint at all. That is what I said. It could hardly be considered a complaint (in comparison).
Besides, I am in too good a mood thinking about my week off where there will be no chance of frost. I can’t change the weather here so I will go where the weather has already changed.
Maybe by the time I get back Bring Summer Back will be closer to a reality.
I can't help but be in a good mood thinking about it. And it's a Friday to boot!
Lucky me.
TT
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Me myself
There have been quite a few posts recently that begin with I. I made, I thought, I did, I would. Not all of them. I went back and scanned the last most recent few and not all of them start with I. But most of them did. I thought so.
I don't know why I thought so but I did. I thought, “I bet I have been starting most of my post lately with I.” I was. I have been.
I don’t think I like that. I don’t think I even like the idea that I am starting them that way. With I.
Starting them with I seems very narcissistic. It seems very all about me. Me, me, me…I, I, I. I can almost see the beginnings of being very self-absorbed or self-centered. I promise that isn’t what I’ve tried to be doing. I promise. Really I do. But what if it progresses that way? What will I do?
I need to stop this. I need to stop sooner rather than later. I wonder what I can do to change this. I need to find a solution. I need to do it soon.
Don’t you think so? Is there anything you can think of to help change this? What do you think I should do? Do you know of a quick way to resolve this sudden need to start with I?
Maybe it isn’t sudden. Maybe this is something that has been going on for a while and I wasn’t aware of it until now. Maybe I should go back and check as many posts as possible to see if this is something that has been more of a problem then I realized.
Well, I could do that but I really just wanted to see how far I could take this. A thought had crossed my mind and I was just being curious.
See how nothing can turn into a problem if you try hard enough?
I - I mean I…
TT
I don't know why I thought so but I did. I thought, “I bet I have been starting most of my post lately with I.” I was. I have been.
I don’t think I like that. I don’t think I even like the idea that I am starting them that way. With I.
Starting them with I seems very narcissistic. It seems very all about me. Me, me, me…I, I, I. I can almost see the beginnings of being very self-absorbed or self-centered. I promise that isn’t what I’ve tried to be doing. I promise. Really I do. But what if it progresses that way? What will I do?
I need to stop this. I need to stop sooner rather than later. I wonder what I can do to change this. I need to find a solution. I need to do it soon.
Don’t you think so? Is there anything you can think of to help change this? What do you think I should do? Do you know of a quick way to resolve this sudden need to start with I?
Maybe it isn’t sudden. Maybe this is something that has been going on for a while and I wasn’t aware of it until now. Maybe I should go back and check as many posts as possible to see if this is something that has been more of a problem then I realized.
Well, I could do that but I really just wanted to see how far I could take this. A thought had crossed my mind and I was just being curious.
See how nothing can turn into a problem if you try hard enough?
I - I mean I…
TT
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Being prepared
I am making myself notes on index cards again. I am finding myself in the middle of something and have an immediate need to scribble on an index card. I wrote all over the one and only one I could find on my nightstand yesterday. It was a mad and furious rush of things that needed to get jotted down. And they needed to get jotted down immediately. I filled both sides, drew slanted lines to separate thoughts and cleared another empty space to write more. It was a frenzied moment and it has calmed since then so no need to worry if you were.
I know I will need to keep a small supply on the nightstand, in my purse, on my desk, in my pocket.
I never know when the furious desire to write myself notes will strike again or if at all. I only know I need to be prepared. This one instance is usually a beginning after such a dry spell I’ve had lately. This one happenstance is usually followed by at least a few more. Idea generates idea which causes more and more index cards to be scrawled upon.
It is a wonderful thing when that happens. I’ve spent a little time organizing the thoughts scribbled down and that again serves as another form of getting the ideas fresh and straight in my head. The cards are just a holding spot until I can do that. But I have found that if I don’t put them first on the card, they are never thought of again. I get to a place where I am ready to work and I sit and ponder and wonder and tell myself…I thought I had an idea, now what exactly was it? It usually never comes to mind again. It is gone that quickly if not doodled down on the available card.
So I am now stocked and ready. And no, I didn’t forget to stash the required pencil along with the cards. That could hold me up worse than not having a card.
TT
I know I will need to keep a small supply on the nightstand, in my purse, on my desk, in my pocket.
I never know when the furious desire to write myself notes will strike again or if at all. I only know I need to be prepared. This one instance is usually a beginning after such a dry spell I’ve had lately. This one happenstance is usually followed by at least a few more. Idea generates idea which causes more and more index cards to be scrawled upon.
It is a wonderful thing when that happens. I’ve spent a little time organizing the thoughts scribbled down and that again serves as another form of getting the ideas fresh and straight in my head. The cards are just a holding spot until I can do that. But I have found that if I don’t put them first on the card, they are never thought of again. I get to a place where I am ready to work and I sit and ponder and wonder and tell myself…I thought I had an idea, now what exactly was it? It usually never comes to mind again. It is gone that quickly if not doodled down on the available card.
So I am now stocked and ready. And no, I didn’t forget to stash the required pencil along with the cards. That could hold me up worse than not having a card.
TT
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Print job
I made hardcopies of my blog for this year (2010). I will need to go back and do the same for last year but that will be an undertaking and I will probably need to go out and buy more ink for my printer. I don't have any copies of this blog except here on blogspot and I have so many posts I thought I should have something. There are a smattering of posts that I consider fair.
It is easier for me to see what I've done when I have something more tangible in hand. That seems to be hardcopies in this case but a USB flashdrive would work as well or better in some cases. I would prefer that but I would have to copy and save the blog into documents to do it that way. I don't know of another way.
My biggest problem is that I seem to have so many posts in the amount of time I have been doing this. I have viewed links to many other blogs and the sheer numbers I have seems to be considerable in comparison.
I'm not sure what that means? My first impression is that I am doing this too often. The next thing I think is they are not doing it enough. Then I think I don't understand what anyone else is doing so how do I know what I am doing if I am using them as a comparison?
It has gotten confusing again when I try to research this and try to figure it out.
No matter...less thought, more doing. I will tackle the project of printing last year a piece at a time and maybe even flashdriving documents one by one as I go.
Once I am caught up it will be simpler to do a few at a time. Why I think it's necessary to have copies of all this I'm not sure.
I think it's because there are a smattering of posts that I consider fair.
TT
It is easier for me to see what I've done when I have something more tangible in hand. That seems to be hardcopies in this case but a USB flashdrive would work as well or better in some cases. I would prefer that but I would have to copy and save the blog into documents to do it that way. I don't know of another way.
My biggest problem is that I seem to have so many posts in the amount of time I have been doing this. I have viewed links to many other blogs and the sheer numbers I have seems to be considerable in comparison.
I'm not sure what that means? My first impression is that I am doing this too often. The next thing I think is they are not doing it enough. Then I think I don't understand what anyone else is doing so how do I know what I am doing if I am using them as a comparison?
It has gotten confusing again when I try to research this and try to figure it out.
No matter...less thought, more doing. I will tackle the project of printing last year a piece at a time and maybe even flashdriving documents one by one as I go.
Once I am caught up it will be simpler to do a few at a time. Why I think it's necessary to have copies of all this I'm not sure.
I think it's because there are a smattering of posts that I consider fair.
TT
Dreaming out loud
I would like:
• to have time off all the time
I thought I was going to make a list of all the things I would like. Currently, I can't think of much more I would like that just the one. I think it is a pretty universal "would like". I am sure I have heard more than a few others say the same.
I am lucky enough to have another day and will have an entire week in not too long a time. That week will prove to be different since I will not be at home with the freedom to do as I please when I want. Oh, I will, but not the things I would do in my own surroundings. I know I could easily extend what I have been doing the last few days here at home.
But then I hear changing things up is good. That must translate in how you spend your time off, too. I am looking forward to my coming week off. I just need to muddle through the in-between time.
But if I got what I would really like, it would be to have time off all the time.
Wouldn't that be velvety luxury?
TT
• to have time off all the time
I thought I was going to make a list of all the things I would like. Currently, I can't think of much more I would like that just the one. I think it is a pretty universal "would like". I am sure I have heard more than a few others say the same.
I am lucky enough to have another day and will have an entire week in not too long a time. That week will prove to be different since I will not be at home with the freedom to do as I please when I want. Oh, I will, but not the things I would do in my own surroundings. I know I could easily extend what I have been doing the last few days here at home.
But then I hear changing things up is good. That must translate in how you spend your time off, too. I am looking forward to my coming week off. I just need to muddle through the in-between time.
But if I got what I would really like, it would be to have time off all the time.
Wouldn't that be velvety luxury?
TT
Monday, February 15, 2010
All what?
It seems to be getting late in the day. I took two vacation days linked with today's holiday so I have been off for four days now and will have another day off tomorrow. It seems my normal routines have been ousted.
I can only say there are positive things about ousting normal routines every now and again. I needed the time off. Better yet, I needed some consistent time off and not the normal one day kind of time off I usually opt for. It has given me some time to laze around and not have to be anywhere at any given time. It has given me the option to NOT decide to do something until I decide to do it.
Here is exact proof. I didn’t think I was coming up here to write at this moment and yet I thought…oh, it’s almost 1:00 pm. I hadn’t realized the time. That’s a good thing for me. I am always aware of how much time I have spent on something and what else I can fit in to do before the day gets away from me. It doesn’t seem to have worked out that way today and the best part is that I’m not terribly concerned about it when normally I might be.
I guess if I had to tally up the things I’ve done today I could count balancing the checkbook, cleaning the kitchen, taking packages to be shipped.
I guess I can add this post to the list although this is a rather blah posting. Okay, it’s not exactly blah but it is in keeping with the atmosphere of a non-eventful blasé ousting of routine.
Wow, that sounds like I was working really hard at something. Who knew I was working to create this carefree environment in order to expel my customary habits.
Sure why not? That sounds good. That sounds like I’m really accomplishing something. Who knew I was doing all that?
Now, where did I leave my book…
TT
I can only say there are positive things about ousting normal routines every now and again. I needed the time off. Better yet, I needed some consistent time off and not the normal one day kind of time off I usually opt for. It has given me some time to laze around and not have to be anywhere at any given time. It has given me the option to NOT decide to do something until I decide to do it.
Here is exact proof. I didn’t think I was coming up here to write at this moment and yet I thought…oh, it’s almost 1:00 pm. I hadn’t realized the time. That’s a good thing for me. I am always aware of how much time I have spent on something and what else I can fit in to do before the day gets away from me. It doesn’t seem to have worked out that way today and the best part is that I’m not terribly concerned about it when normally I might be.
I guess if I had to tally up the things I’ve done today I could count balancing the checkbook, cleaning the kitchen, taking packages to be shipped.
I guess I can add this post to the list although this is a rather blah posting. Okay, it’s not exactly blah but it is in keeping with the atmosphere of a non-eventful blasé ousting of routine.
Wow, that sounds like I was working really hard at something. Who knew I was working to create this carefree environment in order to expel my customary habits.
Sure why not? That sounds good. That sounds like I’m really accomplishing something. Who knew I was doing all that?
Now, where did I leave my book…
TT
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Extra ingredient
(I seem to use index cards for all the important things.)
You know what all these pictures mean. I have been in the kitchen again with my baking utensils and camera. I might as well start a food blog...or a cookie blog for as often I have posted about cookies recently. I won't. I am not adding another thing to my list of things to do and that would be another I would need to keep track of.
I did get to baking yesterday afternoon.
I received a small shipment of cookie tins and I had another idea for a concept cookie. It turns out I probably didn't order enough tins and they aren't in exactly the right sizes. It's getting a little difficult because there seems to be a growing number that want cookies or that I don't want to forget to send to. I'm not doing a good job of keeping up.
I baked what are turning out to be my solid threesome: Chocolate chips with walnuts, Five Chocolate, and Cherry with Macadamia and White Chocolate. These three alone seem to keep everyone happy.
I tried again to "fix" my latest caramel pecan cookie. I changed the chocolate in the cookie dough and cut the caramel candies larger. No go. I will ditch these cookies. I don't like them and they don't come up to standard as far as I am concerned. Anyone receiving the last of these cookies beware...major sticking to the teeth involved. I don't like them and I am taking them off the list of availability.
I had another concept of using the classic raspberry and chocolate combination. I had done the same in a cake but wanted to see if I could pull it out in a cookie instead. I couldn't find any dried raspberries but was able to find a freeze-dried pure raspberry. I got it home and tasted it and it seemed very intense.
Now...here is how I test the flavor combinations. Pay attention, it can get very involved. I put one small piece of freeze-dried raspberry in the palm of my hand. I shake out 6 semi-sweet chocolate chips and add them. I get 3 white chocolate chips and then add 2-3 slivers of almonds all in the same palm of my hand. I lift the palm to my mouth and let them all fall in. Chew a minute with an intellectual look on your face. It helps if you can pick a far off object and stare intensely without really looking at it. Hmmm, well.
A few adjustments needed to be made. Maybe two white chips to 6 chocolate and almonds are good. Very scientific. Of course then I have to convert it all into measuring sizes for the recipe but that's about it. Then I bake them, ship them and leave it to the tasters.
It would probably help if I actually listened to what the tasters try to tell me about the cookies. Not that I don't listen when they give me feedback, it's just the compliments I don't always listen to. I keep thinking it's only a cookie. I had to think again when Jay came home and saw 5 racks of different cookies spread out and cooling on the kitchen table. He said, "You sure love to do this." And I do.
I wouldn't listen when a dear friend tried to tell me how good the cookies are because I bake them with love.
It seems I do.
I never made the connection between the cookies and how I loved to make them for others.
I thought that was just part of the normal ingredients.
TT
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sounds pathetic
"So what do you do for laughs?"
"I don't know...I read a lot and I jog."
She looked at me, waiting for the punch line. "That's it? You read a lot and you jog?"
I laughed. "It does sound pathetic when you think of it."
Excerpt from R is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton
Does it?
I read that just now before I was going out, wait for it, here it comes, wait...yes...I read that right now before I was going out for a jog.
I'm not sure if it says it all or not enough. Isn't it strangely disconcerting when fiction starts to get too close to reality? It certainly is disconcerting to me when it turns out to be so close to my reality.
I think if anyone asked me what I did in my free time I would have to say I read a lot and I run on a fairly consistent basis. They could very easily say, that's it?
I can hear them saying it. That's it?
I guess at that point I would have to shrug my shoulders and say yep. I would probably just resign myself and repeat, "yep, that's it."
Oh course, unbeknownst to them I might get mildly defensive. To myself I might be saying, "well, yeah...but don't I actually read quite a few books? and how many miles or times do I run in a week?"
But who cares? No one really, except me.
If they think that's all I do they certainly won't be thinking about me or what I do for more than a few minutes.
But it certainly was an odd coincidence for me to come across that short bit of dialogue from the book I am currently reading. It couldn't have used two things that are more dominate in what I do. It was enough of a coincidence that I stopped reading to write this up and post before I went out for my jog.
Oh, yeah, I forgot...I do sometimes write, too.
No, no...you WILL not believe this. From my upstairs window I can see the FedEx truck. It can't be...I just ordered these yesterday morning. Wait, hold on while I run down and check.
Yes. It is the cookie tins I ordered.
More coincidences?
So it goes like this. "Oh, yeah, I read a lot and I jog. I do sometimes write. But then I also bake cookies."
I don't know...does that still sound pathetic?
TT
"I don't know...I read a lot and I jog."
She looked at me, waiting for the punch line. "That's it? You read a lot and you jog?"
I laughed. "It does sound pathetic when you think of it."
Excerpt from R is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton
Does it?
I read that just now before I was going out, wait for it, here it comes, wait...yes...I read that right now before I was going out for a jog.
I'm not sure if it says it all or not enough. Isn't it strangely disconcerting when fiction starts to get too close to reality? It certainly is disconcerting to me when it turns out to be so close to my reality.
I think if anyone asked me what I did in my free time I would have to say I read a lot and I run on a fairly consistent basis. They could very easily say, that's it?
I can hear them saying it. That's it?
I guess at that point I would have to shrug my shoulders and say yep. I would probably just resign myself and repeat, "yep, that's it."
Oh course, unbeknownst to them I might get mildly defensive. To myself I might be saying, "well, yeah...but don't I actually read quite a few books? and how many miles or times do I run in a week?"
But who cares? No one really, except me.
If they think that's all I do they certainly won't be thinking about me or what I do for more than a few minutes.
But it certainly was an odd coincidence for me to come across that short bit of dialogue from the book I am currently reading. It couldn't have used two things that are more dominate in what I do. It was enough of a coincidence that I stopped reading to write this up and post before I went out for my jog.
Oh, yeah, I forgot...I do sometimes write, too.
No, no...you WILL not believe this. From my upstairs window I can see the FedEx truck. It can't be...I just ordered these yesterday morning. Wait, hold on while I run down and check.
Yes. It is the cookie tins I ordered.
More coincidences?
So it goes like this. "Oh, yeah, I read a lot and I jog. I do sometimes write. But then I also bake cookies."
I don't know...does that still sound pathetic?
TT
Curious list
I was digging around and found a note that is over a year old. It is a list of 10 things I was suppose to write about myself. I read through it and it seemed to still hold up and to be a pretty accurate list of 10 things about me. It's not everything about me, of course, but for a list of 10 it wasn't far off the mark for a lot of things that still hold very true.
It was interesting that I intro'd #1 the way I did. It really is obvious. I've only said these things over and over right here in this blog. (Everyone's tired of it, but 'ya know, for me, look...it's #1).
I was going to point out a couple that I thought were high on the accuracy list, like #6 or #9 or, but I realized it wouldn't be completely fair to single these out since all are high on the accuracy list.
The good thing about the list is that I laid it all out as fact. I didn't give the wavering undercurrents of whether I should be this way or not, just that I am that way. I guess I made up a logical list and didn't judge the "if" about the way I am. What if I didn't set such high expectations or if I wasn't so old fashioned.
Like I said...I was digging around and found a list.
It makes me curious what image it brings up in someone else's mind about me.
1. First the obvious: I am addicted to black coffee, salt air & sun, and cannot tolerate the least bit of cold weather.
2. Theatre was my entire life for at least a decade over 30 years ago.
3. I was cast as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when I really wanted to be the Wicked Witch and was cast in male roles for two other separate musicals out of the many roles I played.
4. I place extremely high expectations on myself and probably won't change that.
5. It took almost 5 years to get over my mothers death but once I jumped the fence I found out some amazing things about myself.
6. I am old fashioned and a rebel and risk taker all at the same time.
7. I have to have some type (or several) creative outlets to be happy.
8. I will do without rather than skimp on quality any longer.
9. I can be extremely patient until I'm not. Then I just want to get on with it.
10. I pay attention to details, listen, and take many simple things to heart.
Just curious.
TT
It was interesting that I intro'd #1 the way I did. It really is obvious. I've only said these things over and over right here in this blog. (Everyone's tired of it, but 'ya know, for me, look...it's #1).
I was going to point out a couple that I thought were high on the accuracy list, like #6 or #9 or, but I realized it wouldn't be completely fair to single these out since all are high on the accuracy list.
The good thing about the list is that I laid it all out as fact. I didn't give the wavering undercurrents of whether I should be this way or not, just that I am that way. I guess I made up a logical list and didn't judge the "if" about the way I am. What if I didn't set such high expectations or if I wasn't so old fashioned.
Like I said...I was digging around and found a list.
It makes me curious what image it brings up in someone else's mind about me.
1. First the obvious: I am addicted to black coffee, salt air & sun, and cannot tolerate the least bit of cold weather.
2. Theatre was my entire life for at least a decade over 30 years ago.
3. I was cast as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when I really wanted to be the Wicked Witch and was cast in male roles for two other separate musicals out of the many roles I played.
4. I place extremely high expectations on myself and probably won't change that.
5. It took almost 5 years to get over my mothers death but once I jumped the fence I found out some amazing things about myself.
6. I am old fashioned and a rebel and risk taker all at the same time.
7. I have to have some type (or several) creative outlets to be happy.
8. I will do without rather than skimp on quality any longer.
9. I can be extremely patient until I'm not. Then I just want to get on with it.
10. I pay attention to details, listen, and take many simple things to heart.
Just curious.
TT
Friday, February 12, 2010
With a little work
When I opened my dashboard this morning my blog told me this was my 299th post. I guess I should have waited until it was 300 to mention it but I was a little surprised. I have a fascination for stats and this is another fascinating thing that happens to apply to me.
I remember being thoroughly excited when I was coming up on 100 posts. I couldn't believe I had reached that many and never expected to. I thought it warranted a celebration with cake!
Everyone gave me crooked side-ways glances and raised eyebrows. I was told no. No cake for a mere 100 posts...maybe after 500 posts. I was told a cupcake would be more in line for 100 posts. A cupcake.
Well, I skipped the cupcake at 100 posts and opened a bottle of wine instead. Nobody said anything until my lips turned purple and told me I had enough. I had enough wine but obviously not enough posts.
I've kept at it. I've kept posting. I've tried to give it up and I keep coming back. I went back and re-read my entry from 7/29/09 and found some things that are good to remind myself of.
I was using the blog as a tool to write because I knew if I committed myself to do it I would. I’ve always said I didn’t mind who read it, and I don’t (even the insanity), so it was more of a way for me to trick myself into doing something in a small way to get started on something I have been very much wanting to do.
It seems I've tricked myself fairly well to have reached this many. It will be a long while until I reach 500 and there are times I just know I won't reach it. Then there are other days when I can't write down the thoughts fast enough.
I won't be celebrating 300 posts with a cupcake. I won't be looking for a reward. I am hoping to carve more time out to write.
This has never stopped being a tool for me and it must be working somehow since it seems to have become a discipline. The numbers are great and I am excited but they don’t reflect the rest of what all of this means to me.
I didn't have a clue when I started and I still can't get the entire grasp of what...what?! it is all about...but something is working, I think.
And that's what it seems to take. A little work.
TT
I remember being thoroughly excited when I was coming up on 100 posts. I couldn't believe I had reached that many and never expected to. I thought it warranted a celebration with cake!
Everyone gave me crooked side-ways glances and raised eyebrows. I was told no. No cake for a mere 100 posts...maybe after 500 posts. I was told a cupcake would be more in line for 100 posts. A cupcake.
Well, I skipped the cupcake at 100 posts and opened a bottle of wine instead. Nobody said anything until my lips turned purple and told me I had enough. I had enough wine but obviously not enough posts.
I've kept at it. I've kept posting. I've tried to give it up and I keep coming back. I went back and re-read my entry from 7/29/09 and found some things that are good to remind myself of.
I was using the blog as a tool to write because I knew if I committed myself to do it I would. I’ve always said I didn’t mind who read it, and I don’t (even the insanity), so it was more of a way for me to trick myself into doing something in a small way to get started on something I have been very much wanting to do.
It seems I've tricked myself fairly well to have reached this many. It will be a long while until I reach 500 and there are times I just know I won't reach it. Then there are other days when I can't write down the thoughts fast enough.
I won't be celebrating 300 posts with a cupcake. I won't be looking for a reward. I am hoping to carve more time out to write.
This has never stopped being a tool for me and it must be working somehow since it seems to have become a discipline. The numbers are great and I am excited but they don’t reflect the rest of what all of this means to me.
I didn't have a clue when I started and I still can't get the entire grasp of what...what?! it is all about...but something is working, I think.
And that's what it seems to take. A little work.
TT
Thursday, February 11, 2010
More of the same
The way things have been going this week I knew I couldn't keep up with everything that I would normally. It is also the middle of February and somehow I thought I might escape the season that falls this time of year completely. No such luck. There was no escaping from it. It caught up to me as I tried to flee, pushed me down and made me cry.
I knew before noon Tuesday there was no way I was going to keep my running schedule. I decided on the spot that I would not run this week at all. Not at all. It was a better decision than thinking every day I would try and never do it. I eliminated all the back and forth indecision. The decision was made and there will be and hasn't been any running.
I can't right now. No, I can't.
This will all change soon enough or as soon as it will. It could never change soon enough for me because I don't want it at all but that's my bad attitude again. Push me down so many times and I get a bad attitude.
I have read a bit and am now on "Q" of my series. I haven't done much else but what else can I do?
It's been a tough week and it's not over yet. It isn't easy with all the shoving and crying and bad attitudes and all.
TT
I knew before noon Tuesday there was no way I was going to keep my running schedule. I decided on the spot that I would not run this week at all. Not at all. It was a better decision than thinking every day I would try and never do it. I eliminated all the back and forth indecision. The decision was made and there will be and hasn't been any running.
I can't right now. No, I can't.
This will all change soon enough or as soon as it will. It could never change soon enough for me because I don't want it at all but that's my bad attitude again. Push me down so many times and I get a bad attitude.
I have read a bit and am now on "Q" of my series. I haven't done much else but what else can I do?
It's been a tough week and it's not over yet. It isn't easy with all the shoving and crying and bad attitudes and all.
TT
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Bad prose
I tried to write last evening so I wouldn't feel a need to rush and wing it this morning. I did write but there is no way I would or could get myself to post any of the collision of words that managed to appear. I don’t have any expectations for what I am writing now and maybe that might make it a slight modicum better than what happened yesterday. At least this will be short and spare you the breathy nonsense that was yesterdays prose.
Even this is sounding weird.
Who’s writing this?
TT
Even this is sounding weird.
Who’s writing this?
TT
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Bad getting worse
I think I have managed to bring myself down into an all time...hmmm...what do I call it?...bad weather mode, cold weather mode, can't do a thing because of the weather mode.
I guess I could do something while this weather is going on. All these years and I still haven't figured out how. I do manage the absolute responsible things like going to work and pretending to be fine as long as someone doesn't decide to become a weather man and fill me in on how it's all going down in the next few days.
It doesn't look good. I've already missed running days Sunday and Monday after I was expressly told..."run when you are supposed to." Being told that keeps the thought swirling around my brain as I bundle myself up and do exactly the opposite. I haven't clocked a single mile this week and the weather...It isn't getting any better.
I tried to distract myself and went to a friends networking website and gee...pictures posted everywhere of...yeah...just what I was trying to get away from...Bad Weather. Bad to me...Very Bad weather to me since more than a few people had run out and posted pictures of snow! Oh no...I am barely hanging on here the past two weeks and this was my way of distraction? Why do I do that to myself? I knew I shouldn't have gone to that site. I certainly shouldn't have stopped to look at the pictures!
I can say my plan is to try and run at noon at the gym at work since my boss will be working from home the rest of this week. Even if I can only get in a few miles it will be better than no miles at all. It's on site where I work so I don't have to leave the building. I am hoping that might work even if the runs need to be shorter.
Sorry I talked about the weather...I tried really hard not to say anything but boy. I really have a hard time with it.
TT
I guess I could do something while this weather is going on. All these years and I still haven't figured out how. I do manage the absolute responsible things like going to work and pretending to be fine as long as someone doesn't decide to become a weather man and fill me in on how it's all going down in the next few days.
It doesn't look good. I've already missed running days Sunday and Monday after I was expressly told..."run when you are supposed to." Being told that keeps the thought swirling around my brain as I bundle myself up and do exactly the opposite. I haven't clocked a single mile this week and the weather...It isn't getting any better.
I tried to distract myself and went to a friends networking website and gee...pictures posted everywhere of...yeah...just what I was trying to get away from...Bad Weather. Bad to me...Very Bad weather to me since more than a few people had run out and posted pictures of snow! Oh no...I am barely hanging on here the past two weeks and this was my way of distraction? Why do I do that to myself? I knew I shouldn't have gone to that site. I certainly shouldn't have stopped to look at the pictures!
I can say my plan is to try and run at noon at the gym at work since my boss will be working from home the rest of this week. Even if I can only get in a few miles it will be better than no miles at all. It's on site where I work so I don't have to leave the building. I am hoping that might work even if the runs need to be shorter.
Sorry I talked about the weather...I tried really hard not to say anything but boy. I really have a hard time with it.
TT
Monday, February 8, 2010
PB & P
You know what this is.
If you are staring at this in wonder and confusion I will explain. This is a Peanut Butter (Jif extra crunchy) with Bread and Butter Pickles on whole grain bread. If you are still staring in confusion and asking why??...well...because.Because I am caught up in reading a series of books where the fictional main character doesn't have a thing in her pantry and finds herself starving without anything more than these few ingredients. She actually eats them quite often (because she likes them and they remind her of childhood) and always cuts them on the diagonal.
For some reason the idea has been on my mind since I've been reading these books and I had to try it. Yes. I had to. I knew it was going to stay with me until I did or finished the books and I still have a few to go and I didn't think the character was going to stop. She wasn't going to stop eating them and mentioning the fact in her stories. So I had no choice, you see.
So, I got the specific ingredients and went for it. I made up the sandwich and cut it on the diagonal. It doesn't look all that bad and to tell the truth...it doesn't taste all that bad. That probably isn't the best way to describe something to eat...that it doesn't taste all that bad...like it should but it barely escaped the blughh, puueehee, spit it out part.
It wasn't like that at all. Now I will say it probably isn't a good idea to use hamburger dill pickles instead of the bread and butter pickles. There is probably way too much tang in those to be counteracted by the butter crunch of the peanut butter and hearty bread.
So, the conclusion is that I think a PB & P sandwich is pretty good. I would eat another as I am sure the fictional character will too.
Then just to keep my culinary cred...I also baked a cake.
It is white cake with red rasberry filling in the center and chocolate icing.
If this cake doesn't give me back some culinary respect that the Peanut Butter and Pickle sandwich took away, nothing will.
Well...maybe a cookie would.
TT
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thicker than water
My day didn't exactly turn out the way I thought it might. That isn't always a bad thing and it wouldn't be interesting if the unexpected didn't happen every now and again. I thought I would have my day pretty much open to do priority things like running and writing. I didn't have a time frame and was just looking for an easy, breezy day when even this post would have been done sooner in the normal course of things.
But again I find myself posting at a later time than my norm but unlike yesterday, today was different.
I got a call about 11:00 am from Jay's sister asking if I could take her daughter, my niece, to the hospital. Jay's sister and her family are the only other relatives we have here in town since moving away from "back home." Jewel, my niece, is now almost 25, just a few months older than my son, Dante. Well, of course, I could take her, is she alright? She only needed to follow-up with a procedure she had done on Wednesday but somehow their transportation had evaporated.
I picked her up and took her. She had this crazy idea I was going to drop her off and leave her there. No, Jewel, I am dropping you off here and will park and meet you inside which is what I did.
When I got inside and asked about my niece, the nurse took me to the space she was waiting. The nurse proceeded to announce to my niece how her favorite TÃa had arrived.
I didn't know exactly how that would go over. Jewel has six other blood-related Aunt's with me being the only Aunt by marriage. I shouldn’t have worried. I could tell by the smile Jewel gave me in answer that my concern was for naught.
So with the wait time and all things getting done to satisfaction I am just now home and able to sit and put a few words to paper. It was an unexpected afternoon where things had to be put aside. It was good to have the time with my niece. It could have been under better circumstances but it wasn't bad and I was there and able to do it. I was glad they asked me and I was glad to spend the time with my niece under any circumstances.
The idea for the post I had for today can wait. Today wasn’t the norm and that was a good thing.
Besides, I wouldn’t trade the smile I got from her for all the easy, breezy afternoons stacked to the moon.
TT
But again I find myself posting at a later time than my norm but unlike yesterday, today was different.
I got a call about 11:00 am from Jay's sister asking if I could take her daughter, my niece, to the hospital. Jay's sister and her family are the only other relatives we have here in town since moving away from "back home." Jewel, my niece, is now almost 25, just a few months older than my son, Dante. Well, of course, I could take her, is she alright? She only needed to follow-up with a procedure she had done on Wednesday but somehow their transportation had evaporated.
I picked her up and took her. She had this crazy idea I was going to drop her off and leave her there. No, Jewel, I am dropping you off here and will park and meet you inside which is what I did.
When I got inside and asked about my niece, the nurse took me to the space she was waiting. The nurse proceeded to announce to my niece how her favorite TÃa had arrived.
I didn't know exactly how that would go over. Jewel has six other blood-related Aunt's with me being the only Aunt by marriage. I shouldn’t have worried. I could tell by the smile Jewel gave me in answer that my concern was for naught.
So with the wait time and all things getting done to satisfaction I am just now home and able to sit and put a few words to paper. It was an unexpected afternoon where things had to be put aside. It was good to have the time with my niece. It could have been under better circumstances but it wasn't bad and I was there and able to do it. I was glad they asked me and I was glad to spend the time with my niece under any circumstances.
The idea for the post I had for today can wait. Today wasn’t the norm and that was a good thing.
Besides, I wouldn’t trade the smile I got from her for all the easy, breezy afternoons stacked to the moon.
TT
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Late...r
Acckk! It is amazing the sense of rushing I can get whether it is this time late in the morning or evening. I am only more than 12 hours later in posting than my norm. Take a comparison look and this time is usually a.m. not p.m.
I cannot account for myself today so there is no accounting for it.
I am just now getting home from the gym after procrastinating all day long and at 5:18 (pm) decided I had to roll myself out of the house, which I did and managed a 3.25 mile run. I know my week didn't measure up in the mileage department but I still got three runs in this week and that will need to be - it will need to be - 'cause that's what it is.
I have read three books this month...what is today?..started a fourth if you can count 21 pages into a book starting it. I feel like I have to be further along but then, well.
I think I am jealous of the main character of the series of books I am currently reading. She does a three mile run at 6:00am most mornings. Yeah, I am jealous. She gets to roll out of bed, walk out of her apartment and run along the ocean. She can do that. I'm jealous of her being able to run there, that close to her apartment, by the water.
She does eat a lot of McDonalds that I can't tolerate too well but I find her sandwiches very interesting.
I know I am going to get me some extra chunky Jif, bread and butter pickles, and hearty grain bread to throw together and cut on a diagonal. Then there is the pimento cheese sandwich that is cut in four long fingers or the hot sliced hard-boiled egg sandwich with hellmans mayo and lot's of pepper. I don't think she has said how she cuts that one if at all. I'll be checking for that.
So I am late, jealous, and in need to sandwich ingredients.
...later.
TT
I cannot account for myself today so there is no accounting for it.
I am just now getting home from the gym after procrastinating all day long and at 5:18 (pm) decided I had to roll myself out of the house, which I did and managed a 3.25 mile run. I know my week didn't measure up in the mileage department but I still got three runs in this week and that will need to be - it will need to be - 'cause that's what it is.
I have read three books this month...what is today?..started a fourth if you can count 21 pages into a book starting it. I feel like I have to be further along but then, well.
I think I am jealous of the main character of the series of books I am currently reading. She does a three mile run at 6:00am most mornings. Yeah, I am jealous. She gets to roll out of bed, walk out of her apartment and run along the ocean. She can do that. I'm jealous of her being able to run there, that close to her apartment, by the water.
She does eat a lot of McDonalds that I can't tolerate too well but I find her sandwiches very interesting.
I know I am going to get me some extra chunky Jif, bread and butter pickles, and hearty grain bread to throw together and cut on a diagonal. Then there is the pimento cheese sandwich that is cut in four long fingers or the hot sliced hard-boiled egg sandwich with hellmans mayo and lot's of pepper. I don't think she has said how she cuts that one if at all. I'll be checking for that.
So I am late, jealous, and in need to sandwich ingredients.
...later.
TT
Friday, February 5, 2010
Sunshine wanted
I mentioned earlier how I had been reading. I am bringing it up again since I know I caught myself stealing time away just to read. I stole time away from the gym in order to read. I have to be careful when I do things like that. I can manage to fool myself I am doing things for one reason when I have another I just don't want to tell anyone and try to fool myself.
I skipped two days from the gym and came directly home to read. Granted, one day was a scheduled rest day but the other was just a horribly rainy, cold day and I used it as an excuse. It was actually more than one horribly rainy, cold day but I forgave a few. I will not reach my mile total this week because of it and all I have to show is...well all I have to show for it is another book finished.
I started this particular book on Wednesday night (after just finishing another) and completed it at about 9:30pm last night - Thursday. And yes, I've started another but only barely.
So I used the weather as an excuse to burrow away and read when I should have stuck to my running schedule. And then the writing...
The sun better come out soon or total hibernation might not be that far out of the picture.
TT
I skipped two days from the gym and came directly home to read. Granted, one day was a scheduled rest day but the other was just a horribly rainy, cold day and I used it as an excuse. It was actually more than one horribly rainy, cold day but I forgave a few. I will not reach my mile total this week because of it and all I have to show is...well all I have to show for it is another book finished.
I started this particular book on Wednesday night (after just finishing another) and completed it at about 9:30pm last night - Thursday. And yes, I've started another but only barely.
So I used the weather as an excuse to burrow away and read when I should have stuck to my running schedule. And then the writing...
The sun better come out soon or total hibernation might not be that far out of the picture.
TT
Plans no plans
Getting through work today will mean I have another of my weekends I look so forward to. The weather might straighten itself out enough for me to see some glimmer of sunshine peeking out of the rain clouds that have filled the length of the past few days. I won’t reiterate the way the cold has such a grippingly ill effect on me.
I can even look forward to next week since I am forced to take some days away from work in order to keep my vacation accounting in order. I knew I had hit the accumulation maximum again on that plane and in order to keep things balanced I knew the necessity of taking two days off.
I thought since I had to take them I should make the best of it and I decided to take the days surrounding an already acclaimed holiday. I thought next Friday and the following Tuesday would work fine. Then I will have a consecutive five days away since Monday, Feb 15th is a holiday.
I haven’t made plans and don’t know that I will until I decide or not. I did manage to get enrolled in a 5K that will take place on Saturday the 13th. It is an American Lung Association charity event that I have been involved with for – I am going to guess – the past 10 years. The company sponsors participants and I have been team captain many years but not this year. In fact, I wasn’t sure I would participate but I put my name into the hat for a chance at being selected and I was.
It is close to my house, doesn’t start until 10:00 when I’m used to these starting at 8:00 and it is always too cold. I usually run the race and come straight home without waiting for the activities after the event.
But that’s a week or so away and I will think about it later. Today I need to finish off today and then I can grab hold of my weekends I so look forward to.
TT
I can even look forward to next week since I am forced to take some days away from work in order to keep my vacation accounting in order. I knew I had hit the accumulation maximum again on that plane and in order to keep things balanced I knew the necessity of taking two days off.
I thought since I had to take them I should make the best of it and I decided to take the days surrounding an already acclaimed holiday. I thought next Friday and the following Tuesday would work fine. Then I will have a consecutive five days away since Monday, Feb 15th is a holiday.
I haven’t made plans and don’t know that I will until I decide or not. I did manage to get enrolled in a 5K that will take place on Saturday the 13th. It is an American Lung Association charity event that I have been involved with for – I am going to guess – the past 10 years. The company sponsors participants and I have been team captain many years but not this year. In fact, I wasn’t sure I would participate but I put my name into the hat for a chance at being selected and I was.
It is close to my house, doesn’t start until 10:00 when I’m used to these starting at 8:00 and it is always too cold. I usually run the race and come straight home without waiting for the activities after the event.
But that’s a week or so away and I will think about it later. Today I need to finish off today and then I can grab hold of my weekends I so look forward to.
TT
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Maria/Marla
I have been reading again. I say that almost as if it is something I need to come clean about. Like it isn't something I am supposed to be doing or spending my time on. I've been told I shouldn't act that way but it always seems to me that I can spend a lot of time with my nose buried in a book. I guess it isn't any worse than a lot of other things I could be doing.
I have recently been reading a series of books that I have been enjoying very much and I came across a curiosity in the last one I read that has nothing to do with the story. Things like this always grab my attention away from what is going on in the book. It always makes me wonder how they happen.
A good way into this particular book it mentioned the name of an ex-wife of a character. This ex-wife was only mentioned and was never a big part of the story line. The first time the character talked about her, he called her by the name Maria. Good. Fine. Keep reading. Two paragraphs later she was called Marla, then Marla again.
Okay, I’m thinking. It was only two paragraphs ago, on the same page. I went back and read through that entire section again. I tried not to let it bother me but it she was definitely called Maria then Marla.
So what happened? Did the author not like Maria and meant to change it to Marla but didn’t catch it the first time? Was it handwritten and the typist didn’t know if it was an i or an L? No one caught this?
I tried to let it go…but of course, many chapters later toward the end of the book this ex-wife is mentioned again. She is mentioned again as both Maria and Marla.
So what’s going on? Is the author messing with me? Did she do it on purpose or was it a mistake and on whose part? The author, the typist, the print setter, the proof-reader, editor, anyone?
Is this one of those things in books like the subtle, subliminal things that movies try sometimes? I don’t miss those either if I ever watch a movie.
Maybe I do spend too much time reading.
TT
I have recently been reading a series of books that I have been enjoying very much and I came across a curiosity in the last one I read that has nothing to do with the story. Things like this always grab my attention away from what is going on in the book. It always makes me wonder how they happen.
A good way into this particular book it mentioned the name of an ex-wife of a character. This ex-wife was only mentioned and was never a big part of the story line. The first time the character talked about her, he called her by the name Maria. Good. Fine. Keep reading. Two paragraphs later she was called Marla, then Marla again.
Okay, I’m thinking. It was only two paragraphs ago, on the same page. I went back and read through that entire section again. I tried not to let it bother me but it she was definitely called Maria then Marla.
So what happened? Did the author not like Maria and meant to change it to Marla but didn’t catch it the first time? Was it handwritten and the typist didn’t know if it was an i or an L? No one caught this?
I tried to let it go…but of course, many chapters later toward the end of the book this ex-wife is mentioned again. She is mentioned again as both Maria and Marla.
So what’s going on? Is the author messing with me? Did she do it on purpose or was it a mistake and on whose part? The author, the typist, the print setter, the proof-reader, editor, anyone?
Is this one of those things in books like the subtle, subliminal things that movies try sometimes? I don’t miss those either if I ever watch a movie.
Maybe I do spend too much time reading.
TT
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
15 points-$400
I left the house early yesterday morning because I was scheduled for a biometric screening at work. This is part of our wellness program and if you accumulate 15 points by the end of November and are still working for the company they will give you $400.00 to cover “healthy stuff”. You know, things like gym costs and running shoes only this year they aren’t asking for receipts or anything just that you get 15 points and they turn over the bucks.
Since I am one of those “health nuts” anyway it doesn’t take me much to reach the 15 points. Now the trick is to stay employed and collect the money at the end of the year.
And yes, I am the person they joke about in the forwarded email…you know the one. I am the health nut that will go to the hospital and die of nothing. So, this turned out to be another confirmation of that fact.
They did a simple finger prick to get enough blood to fill a needle as small as a hummingbird’s beak. I say simple because that is what it is for the average person which doesn’t include me. The nurse was kind enough to hold my hand, not because I was scared or needed reassurance, but because my hand was cold and he was afraid he wouldn’t draw enough blood from my frozen finger. Sure enough, I couldn’t bleed enough to fill the tiny needle. I told him to hit it again in the same place to make the hole bigger. He wasn’t willing to listen to my suggestions. He did try the next finger and I had to keep squeezing it to get the blood out. He was afraid to do it himself for fear of hurting me. He didn’t seem to be too comfortable around someone (me) that wasn’t afraid of needles or blood or being bruised by multiple finger compressions.
I was finally able to come up with the minimum amount of required blood and he happily sent me off to the counselor to read the results.
I was then weighed and my blood pressure was taken. The counselor sat down with me and went over all the results.
I don’t know that you are interested in the results but I understand that old people like to talk about their ailments. I don’t seem to have any so it’s hard for me, not being average and all. All my numbers for blood pressure, BMI, HDL/LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides and glucose were all optimal or better. Yeah or better…like an example of the optimal HDL is greater than 60 and mine was 79. LDL needed to be less than 100 and mine was 81. Like that.
Then the counselor is finished and tells me (no joke), “You are the healthiest person I’ve seen today!” I’m thinking (but kept my mouth shut), “Yeah, well, and it’s all of 6:45 am…how many people have you seen?” But then, that’s just me.
I’m not complaining and when you finally have to come see me in the hospital please have something to talk about other than ailments. I am going to keep trying to die of nothing. It sure seems to me to be a lot better than some of the alternatives out there.
TT
Since I am one of those “health nuts” anyway it doesn’t take me much to reach the 15 points. Now the trick is to stay employed and collect the money at the end of the year.
And yes, I am the person they joke about in the forwarded email…you know the one. I am the health nut that will go to the hospital and die of nothing. So, this turned out to be another confirmation of that fact.
They did a simple finger prick to get enough blood to fill a needle as small as a hummingbird’s beak. I say simple because that is what it is for the average person which doesn’t include me. The nurse was kind enough to hold my hand, not because I was scared or needed reassurance, but because my hand was cold and he was afraid he wouldn’t draw enough blood from my frozen finger. Sure enough, I couldn’t bleed enough to fill the tiny needle. I told him to hit it again in the same place to make the hole bigger. He wasn’t willing to listen to my suggestions. He did try the next finger and I had to keep squeezing it to get the blood out. He was afraid to do it himself for fear of hurting me. He didn’t seem to be too comfortable around someone (me) that wasn’t afraid of needles or blood or being bruised by multiple finger compressions.
I was finally able to come up with the minimum amount of required blood and he happily sent me off to the counselor to read the results.
I was then weighed and my blood pressure was taken. The counselor sat down with me and went over all the results.
I don’t know that you are interested in the results but I understand that old people like to talk about their ailments. I don’t seem to have any so it’s hard for me, not being average and all. All my numbers for blood pressure, BMI, HDL/LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides and glucose were all optimal or better. Yeah or better…like an example of the optimal HDL is greater than 60 and mine was 79. LDL needed to be less than 100 and mine was 81. Like that.
Then the counselor is finished and tells me (no joke), “You are the healthiest person I’ve seen today!” I’m thinking (but kept my mouth shut), “Yeah, well, and it’s all of 6:45 am…how many people have you seen?” But then, that’s just me.
I’m not complaining and when you finally have to come see me in the hospital please have something to talk about other than ailments. I am going to keep trying to die of nothing. It sure seems to me to be a lot better than some of the alternatives out there.
TT
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Cookie results
The results are in on the test cookies from yesterday. I brought the entire batch which was approximately a little over two pounds of chocolate, caramel and pecan cookies to work. I set them out and let whoever wanted to try them to have at it.
They were pretty much gone before I got back from lunch. The tins were empty and I retrieved them from the place I had put them when they were full.
I had quite a few positive responses. I tried to explain they really didn't come out the way I had imagined them. I tried to explain I was hoping the caramel would have stayed a creamier consistency instead of the more brittle-like texture.
I was told it was actually better the way they turned out. It was explained to me that the cookie would have been too sweet if the caramel had stayed creamier. I was told it was a perfect balance of caramel flavor with the pecans and chocolate. I was told they were very good. I was told anytime I wanted to experiment there would be plenty that would be happy to taste them for me.
Then I was told, well, maybe I needed to work on them again. Maybe I needed to try some others and bring them in for tasting. Yes, maybe I needed to have more to sample.
I was even told by someone that since I liked to experiment, he would be more than happy to move into my spare bedroom so he would be available to taste everything I fixed.
Hmm...right. I told him not to hurry to pack up his stuff. I'd get back to him later on that one.
Boy, some people will do anything for cookies.
TT
They were pretty much gone before I got back from lunch. The tins were empty and I retrieved them from the place I had put them when they were full.
I had quite a few positive responses. I tried to explain they really didn't come out the way I had imagined them. I tried to explain I was hoping the caramel would have stayed a creamier consistency instead of the more brittle-like texture.
I was told it was actually better the way they turned out. It was explained to me that the cookie would have been too sweet if the caramel had stayed creamier. I was told it was a perfect balance of caramel flavor with the pecans and chocolate. I was told they were very good. I was told anytime I wanted to experiment there would be plenty that would be happy to taste them for me.
Then I was told, well, maybe I needed to work on them again. Maybe I needed to try some others and bring them in for tasting. Yes, maybe I needed to have more to sample.
I was even told by someone that since I liked to experiment, he would be more than happy to move into my spare bedroom so he would be available to taste everything I fixed.
Hmm...right. I told him not to hurry to pack up his stuff. I'd get back to him later on that one.
Boy, some people will do anything for cookies.
TT
Monday, February 1, 2010
Test cookie
I attempted a concept cookie that I have had in my mind for a while. I wanted to take the flavors of a candy...namely a turtle...and see if I could do it in a cookie.
I had the idea that if I took my basic chocolate cookie dough and add the main ingredients from the candy which are caramel and pecans, it would make an interesting cookie.
Since they don't sell caramel in chip form (like chocolate chips and such) and since I didn't want to go to the trouble of making my own (which I have done but not in a long time) I bought the packaged candy and cut into smaller pieces.
I also took some pecan half's and kept most of them intact to have a bigger bite of nut in each cookie instead of using the pieces you can sometimes get away with.
I prepped all my ingredients, whipped up my chocolate cookie batter and added in my extra ingredients of caramel and pecans.
I dropped them all by tablespoonful onto a prepared baking sheet and popped them into the pre-heated oven.
Then I set the timer and waited. Half way through the cooking process I flipped the light on in the oven and took a peek without opening the door to avoid dropping the baking temperature.
When they were done I removed them and transferred them to the cooling racks. I knew then they weren't going to be exactly as planned. The baking time for the cookies is longer than caramel should be cooked but I would need to wait and see after they cooled but I knew.
They look splendid. But I am not sure they are the concept I started out with. The caramel doesn't have the gooey rich consistency that I would have liked to compliment the crisp of the nut. Instead, the caramel took on an almost crunchy brittle type flavor which isn't bad but not smooth.
I will have to take the test batch to work and see what feedback I get. These aren't the "turtle candy cookies" I thought I was going for but maybe they can be something else...like a brittle pecan chocolate cookie.
Maybe...or just another experiment in the kitchen. I don't think anyone at work will mind too badly to give them a try and maybe even give me an inspiration for something else.
Inspiration is always good.
TT
I had the idea that if I took my basic chocolate cookie dough and add the main ingredients from the candy which are caramel and pecans, it would make an interesting cookie.
Since they don't sell caramel in chip form (like chocolate chips and such) and since I didn't want to go to the trouble of making my own (which I have done but not in a long time) I bought the packaged candy and cut into smaller pieces.
I also took some pecan half's and kept most of them intact to have a bigger bite of nut in each cookie instead of using the pieces you can sometimes get away with.
I prepped all my ingredients, whipped up my chocolate cookie batter and added in my extra ingredients of caramel and pecans.
I dropped them all by tablespoonful onto a prepared baking sheet and popped them into the pre-heated oven.
Then I set the timer and waited. Half way through the cooking process I flipped the light on in the oven and took a peek without opening the door to avoid dropping the baking temperature.
When they were done I removed them and transferred them to the cooling racks. I knew then they weren't going to be exactly as planned. The baking time for the cookies is longer than caramel should be cooked but I would need to wait and see after they cooled but I knew.
I will have to take the test batch to work and see what feedback I get. These aren't the "turtle candy cookies" I thought I was going for but maybe they can be something else...like a brittle pecan chocolate cookie.
Maybe...or just another experiment in the kitchen. I don't think anyone at work will mind too badly to give them a try and maybe even give me an inspiration for something else.
Inspiration is always good.
TT
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