The Blog is in time-out until things settled down. Things are going great; I really do love the new jobs. But it’s amazing how I find myself no longer, um, doing blog posts at work since I actually, you know, like the work. So I’ll probably only be doing one post on a week night and one during the weekend in the future. Since the purpose of this blog wasn’t to attract a wide readership – just a space to share photos and some info with family and friends in other parts of the country – I’m sure you all understand. Miss you all!
October 19, 2008
Cowboy Up
The new job is going well. I now interact regularly with folks in the College of Agriculture, and last week I got to witness style I hereto have not been aware of.
An administrator for the College was giving a talk – wearing a nice suit, two-toned dress shirt (the type where the collar is a white. What’s that called?) and a stylish tie. He paired this nicely with a 4×6 belt buckle emblazoned with his name and cowboy boots. Yee Haw!
October 17, 2008
Friday Catblogging
The windows will be opening less and less in the next two weeks. We’ve already had our first frost, yet we still haven’t turned the heat on. This morning it was 52 in the house, but didn’t feel too terribly cold. I think we may actually keep the house at 58 this year and see how that goes. Samwise, of course, has started to snuggle in bed with us to keep warm. He serves as my own personal foot warmer 
October 12, 2008
Freedom from “The Man”
I finished up my old job on Friday, and start the new one on Tuesday. Three day weekend!
I am really looking forward to returning to my passion. I know no job is perfect, but I feel so happy at this change. As a Lutheran, vocation has always been important to me. It can’t just be a job. I don’t do this just for myself. It has to mean something. And this past year has really taught me that I do have talents. Not everything comes easy. Those talents were meant to be used properly. And so I’m looking forward to using my strengths once again.
Last week my co-teacher brought in a few members of the congregation to talk about vocation to our Confirmation kids. It ranged from one lady talking about that quiet voice that just wouldn’t go away, to another talking about how even working in a cubicle admist a large insurance company can have meaning.
I just wanted to share my excitement. And if you dislike your job, if it’s not a good match; Courage Up. Take that leap. Find a vocation that celebrates your strengths rather than belittles you for your weaknesses. You’re worth it.
October 10, 2008
Friday Catblogging
I still haven’t gotten around to replacing these pillows. I’m only working part-time next week as I transition into the new jobs, so that’s on my list of things to sew. And you can see the lovely flannel covering we put down over the seats of the couch (we remove it when company comes).
October 9, 2008
Blue Eyed Child
Babies are pretty nondescript until a certain age, so I don’t think I’m violating any chance of identifying this baby. He’s the child of close friends of ours, and I got to visit with him and his mom on a recent business trip to their state. He has the bluest eyes.
This was our second time meeting. I saw him at 2 months and then again here at 4 months. It’s in such contrast to his older sister who I saw every week. I miss their mother dearly. And I miss being part of their lives. I have no idea where they or us will finally end up (Thanks, Academia!), but I hope beyond hope that it’s nearby.
October 8, 2008
Rug
I don’t think I ever showed you the new rug. We got it on clearance at Kohl’s. Matches perfectly with the blue furniture, tan curtains and chocolate brown recliner. Samwise looks a little evil in this picture. Don’t mind that. He’s a sweet kitty, I swear. Here’s the furniture shot before the new rug.
October 7, 2008
Pumpkin
I was going to post photos of the pumpkin that I baked yesterday in preparation for a pumpkin pie tonight (baking pumpkins were on sale for 2 for $1). But then I realized one of the blogs I read did a post about it yesterday, and she has a WAY better camera than I do.
I like the Pioneer Woman site because she has good photos, tells interesting stories, and one day I hope to win one of her give-a-ways. I’m hoping she gives away a food processor soon because mine bit the dust last weekend. Anyway, click on her photo below and it’ll take you to the post about baking pumpkins. Hope you enjoy!
October 5, 2008
Plum Pie
I’ve never made plum pies before this summer. In fact, I don’t really recall eating plums. For whatever reason, I had it in my head that they tasted weird (keeping in mind I don’t recall ever eating one).
Last month they were on sale for $0.58 a pound, so I decided to scoop them up and let my frugal heart find out how good they were. I’m happy to say I love them! They taste kind of like a cross between an apricot and a nectarine. And in terms of pie making, super easy. The skin is so thin that you don’t need to peel them.
7 cups sliced and pitted plums (I used a mixture of black and red plums)
1/3 cup plus 2 Tablespoon sugar
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1.5 Tablespoon cornstarch
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix plums and 1/3 cup sugar and lemon juice and mix well. Sit 5 minutes. Combine 2 Tablespoons sugar and cornstarch in cereal size bowl. Add to plums and then pour into crust. Put your top crust on (and cover edges with pie guard or aluminum foil) and then bake 25 minutes. Remove crust guard and lower temp to 375. Bake 30 minutes.
Modified from Haedrich, K. (2004) Pie: 300 Tried-and-True Recipes for Delicious Homemade Pie. Boston, MA: The Harved Common Press, pp. 117-120.
