Oh, home made bread......

This morning's project....

We've been watching the British Baking Show ~ which far surpasses any American version of the same in our opinion ~ and we didn't have any bread, so I decided we needed some home made bread today.  I used to make bread all the time.  The past 5 to 8 years it's something I do only once in awhile.  I used a recipe I've probably only made once or twice.  So, although I used to have loads of confidence in my bread making skills, today I was worried that I "over proofed" it.  Turns out I didn't ~ its hard to see in the picture but the loaf on the left is really tall.  It would make a huge sandwich.  The one on the right is a bit smaller, but both rose much higher in the oven than I thought they would.  

Have you ever wanted to make bread, but felt intimidated by the idea?  I ran across a web site that takes you step by step with great suggestions.  The only thing you might not have is a scale that measures grams.  Everything else is negotiable, but handy.  I'm going to try his white bread recipe on Monday or Tuesday, because it looks awesome.

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The "blizzard" sort of fizzled out, but when we first woke up yesterday the wind was blowing fiercely and it did have a blizzard look.  I guess.  I've never been in one before, haha.  But I told the auto shop that I wouldn't be venturing out to pick up my suv until Monday.  Today the roads look pretty clear, but the shop is closed on the weekend.  It's been an emotional roller coaster.  First it's just the stuff I mentioned in my last post, and then there was another "noise" that they attributed to my transmission.  They offered to replace my transmission filter to see if that clears things up ~ at no charge, which was a bit of a surprise.  I finally spoke to them yesterday afternoon and they said that they had replaced the filter and there is no noise on the test drive.  BUT they mentioned how dark the fluid was when they changed it, and asked me about the service I had done a couple of years ago.  So, there's some discrepancy, which is driving me nuts.  I remember the transmission shop telling me they did not want to change the fluid because sometimes it creates more problems in older vehicles.  But when the current shop called the other shop, the guy told them they did change the fluid.  But I distinctly remember him telling me they didn't.  So, shop #1 said that if they did, it was a problem for it to look so dark after 1100 miles ~ but if they didn't it would be normal.  Ugh.  And of course, the paperwork is in my glove box.  Romeo is really upset, because it implies that ~ in the worst case scenario ~  I have a transmission problem.  Which is a huge problem because it would cost more to replace the transmission than my jalopy is worth.  All I can do at this point is hope for the best.  Cross your fingers for me, will ya?

Love, 365

Nuisances of life......

This isn't my suv, but it's what mine looks like.  

I was surprised that I didn't have many photos of mine. 

When we lived in San Antonio (Texas, of course) I bought an suv ~ a champagne beige Isuzu Rodeo.  It was not a 4wd, nor did it have cup holders.  But I drove it until we moved to Albuquerque and ended up buying another Rodeo in 2003, complete with cup holders, 4 CD player, and 4WD.  It now has over 80,000 miles on it, which is really awesome to have such low mileage for a vehicle that old (almost 16 years).  

I've replaced the tires 3 times, had the oil changed regularly along with the usual filters, had the brakes done, repaired a leaky transmission line, had maintenance done on the 4WD, and had my radiator repaired. 

Recently it has been making noise that it shouldn't.  I knew I needed to take it in.  It's just one of those things you just don't want to do, because you know the outcome!  I could be an inexpensive fix, or not.  But the noise increased in volume and so I quit driving it until I could get it in.

****In the meantime, I somehow became terribly sick with the stomach flu or a migraine (sometimes it just doesn't seem to make a difference).  Beginning Sunday night I began throwing up and you know, the other end was throwing up too, so to speak.  I slept most of Monday and got sick again, and laid around all of Tuesday too ~ Christmas eve and Christmas.  Ho ho ho, very funny, Santa.  By Tuesday night I figured I was going to live after all, and could probably go into work on Wednesday, the same day I was scheduled to take in the suv.

So, yesterday I did hear from the shop, and the "ahem" grand total is 1325.00.  I had to have my timing belt, water pump, tensioner pulley replaced and a coolant flush .  Which at first made me feel like I'm an unlucky loser, then after I had time to think about it I realized that considering the age and mileage, it wasn't all that bad.  Do I have the money for it?  Hell no.  I will not go into the reasons why.  I will have to charge it, which is the very last thing I want to do.  But, at the same time I feel lucky to have the resources to pay, even though I would rather do cash.  I'm just afraid I'll need the cash I do have.  So, here I am.

But the good news was I received a call from the shop, and they figured it would be ready today.  And then guess what happened?  Verizon goes out all across the U.S. (don't you love the "United States of America" label?  For Pete's sake......

⇤

So, likely they tried to call me, but everything is going straight to voice mail that I can't access. 

No telling when the phones will be back up, might be tomorrow.  I hope. 

At any rate, I will go down there to pick up my suv, and hopefully I can call and find out if it's ready beforehand.  

Is this one of those "crap comes in threes things"?  

Love, 365

Simply Christmas

If you came by today, you might think the Grinch stopped by.  There is no tree (it's in the closet) or decor (also in the closet) nor are there lights or anything else.  

I didn't really plan it, or rather I failed to make plans.  I thought about putting up the tree and decorations right around Thanksgiving.  But then I needed to finish my final paper, and then before I knew it, it was finals week.  

I did bake cookies though.  I invited a friend to come over last Saturday to bake.  In preparation for that I did all the shopping and cleaning on Friday.  She texted me she would be an hour late, which was no big deal.  I started baking the cookies I had made the day before.  By the time she arrived I had a good head start on it.  

She started with putting together wedding cookies (which I don't like, although that isn't the point) by re-interpreting the recipe so that it would be gluten free.  I kept baking while she was putting it together.  She put that batch in the refrigerator to cool and then started out with the sugar cookie dough she brought with her, which was in two batches ~ red and white.  She explains we take a bit of each color, roll each into a 4 inch rope and twist them together to make a sort of 3D candy cane cookie.  Her first one looked pretty good.  But mine were awful.  I don't know if I over worked the dough, but when I started to twist the two ropes, one color rope would break.  I started again.  Same result.  We spent at least 30 minutes trying to get this to work, with pretty awful results.  I think if she hadn't put ground almonds into the dough, it might have gone better ~ and it was a good idea to give the dough a little texture, but it changed the consistency of the dough. 

Well, you don't really need a blow by blow of how the afternoon went.  She had come over at 11 am and a 4 pm I was exhausted.  As sweet as she is, I was ready for her to go home!  So I mentioned I needed to get to the post office before they closed, and she said "well, I should go then!".  In the end I had baked nearly all my cookies.  My kitchen was a total mess.  She didn't even offer to help me clean up.  And there will be no invitation next year.

Love, 365

Catching up.......

Yesterday was a whirlwind ~ racquetball with my peeps in the morning, the grocery store with my list in hand for today's baking extravaganza,  vacuuming and mopping along with cleaning the stove top and putting away miscellaneous junk, cleaning the counter tops, a quick dinner of salmon and salad, and then another couple of hours putting together cookies that need to be refrigerated before baking.    I was done by 8 pm, so we watched another episode of The Last Kingdom.  I think it's only on Netflix, but I'm not sure.  This is the story of the beginnings of what we now call England, and is based on the books by Bernard Cornwell.  He writes some ass kicking history novels.  Jeez, how did I go from busy to history?  It's like my mind just races from one place to another for no apparent reason.....

I invited *Barb to come and bake Christmas cookies today.  She asked me if I have decorating stuff, which I don't.  I've never done the fancy sugar cookies with icing as a decor.  In my family we always used those silly colored sprinkles ~ you know, the ones that fall off when you eat them?  I decided I'm not using those anymore and was content with plain ol' cookies, but apparently Barb has some skills.  Now I just have to find my bag and tips ~ I don't even remember the last time I used it.  I'm sure it's in my kitchen somewhere.  ;-/

I really need to get this baking done for the cookie gifts I give out, and with Christmas in 10 days, I need to get going!  And baking is always more fun with a friend.

Love, 365

Is it ever enough?

And the sun sets on another day.......

I am done.  Done with study.  The final is tomorrow & I am ready.  And sick and tired of all this nonsense.  

One more class & I will have the degree in my hand.  

I will dance with a lamp shade on my head, with complete abandon ~ somewhere where no one has to see it of course, lest it comes back to bite me in the ass on Facebook.  :D

Love, 365

Oh! The holidays.....

At least my blog has some Christmas decor

It is exam time.  My final is on Tuesday, so I have been studying & fashioning my note sheet going on 3 days now.  I did have fun last night at one of our racquetball parties, but I didn't stay very long.  At 8:30 I announced that I had to go which prompted a mass exodus of all but a few.  

 

The food was great & the ping pong games were highly spirited :)

Thinking forward to spring, when I take my last history class to qualify for graduation, I ran into a schedule issue.  I bet you aren't surprised.  I have complained about the UNM history department many times.  It is my minor, and I've put off taking many of the classes because they are all during the day.  No evening or upper division online classes for history.  But this time they had a class listed for 4:30, which intrigued me.  But no class description.  Just the dates and times.  So I sent a whiny e-mail to the head of the department, and the next day there was a class description.  Interesting, no?  I haven't registered for it yet though.  I want to wait a little bit to see if enough students will register so that the class happens.  1 out of a max of 40 just isn't going to cut it, but in the next 4 weeks I'm sure enough students will register for it.  I hope.

Well, back to my studies!  Ho ho ho

Love, 365

What happens at the end of a semester?

Well, here's a visual  :D

A CNM (Central NM Community college) professor posted this on FB, and I laughed, and then thought how true it is.  How eager and excited we are at the beginning of the semester.  How detailed we are with our assignments.  And, how that all changes when we realize that we have to take some short cuts and become less enamored toward the end, when all we want to do is finish.  And, that is where all of us student (and professors too I would imagine) are right now.  I submitted my final paper for The History of Christianity last night.  I had made quite a bit of progress on it before the weekend (imagine that!!), so instead of doing a marathon this weekend, it was only a few hours on Sat & Sun.  

My paper was on the Black Death and the impact on Christian life.  We had a choice between three different books ~ books that contain primary documents.  And wow, that was an eye opener.  The one that affected me the most was Giovanni Boccaccio's Introduction to The Decameron, written in 1340-1351.  He describes the horror of it well.  

I have always been fascinated by the Black Death, which changed our world so dramatically, but the previous books I had read were secondary documents ~ written by historians, usually much later than the events took place.  So The Black Death: The Great Mortality of 1348-1350 by John Aberth was quite enlightening.  It is relatively inexpensive if you are interested.  

One week from tomorrow is our final exam. As usual, our professor hasn't posted the study guide for it yet.  I hope it is not comprehensive.  

Well, I suppose I should start my day ~ I hope all of you have a great week!

Love, 365

It's really too late for this nonsense.....

Ugh, it is past my bedtime, but I'm a little too wound up to rush off to bed. 

Registration quirkyness:  my last semester is in the spring, and supposedly I will graduate in May.  However, the degree audit I did tonight shows some discrepancies that will make going to the advisor a necessity.  I hate going.  I have to take time out of my schedule to wait around ~ despite making an appointment.  It's always so vague.  I wish (and I've said this before) that the student should be able to pick and choose the classes that fit their interests.  Of course you have to take the basics, but when you start getting into your junior year, it should be up to us.  Not the stupid curriculum book.  Hmph.

Today's idiocy:  Instead of leaving at 10:20 for class from work, I wasn't really paying attention and left at 9:20.  By the time I was at a stop light and could read the text my coworker sent me, it would not have made sense to go back to work and leave 15-20 min later to go again.  So, tomorrow I will have to eat lunch at my desk ~ which I detest ~ to make up that hour.  Sheesh. 

Vegan Wednesdays: the Orthodox faith asks it's members to avoid eating meat and dairy on Wednesdays.  Although I understand the reasoning they use, it's a pain because I don't really like beans.  I don't want to eat peanut butter every Wednesday of my life to get some protein.  I made a vegan lentil soup for tomorrow.  But although I will get used to stuff like that, I don't think I'm going to enjoy it.  I asked my friend who attends the same church if she follows the restrictions, and she looked at me with a funny expression and said "no".   However, I don't like doing things half-assed, so I'm going with it.  At least on Friday I can have fish. 

Ok, now maybe I can get some sleep. 
Maybe I'll dream of hamburgers and graduation.
Love, 365

The details of humor.......

First watch this

You might have already watched it....it's had over 11 million views :-O

I love this guy, who so effortlessly pulls off a hilarious speech at his brother's wedding.  I can say with some certainty that I couldn't do it ~ which my family must know, because no one ever asked me.  Not even son #1, who's had two weddings.  Son #2 probably won't ever get married, unless he gets himself out and about.  Mostly he works all day and then goes home to play online video games, which is his way to relax ~ which makes it tough to meet women.  Not that son #1 hasn't reminded him constantly that "he needs a girl".  Son #2 does what he does whenever anyone tries to give him advice, which is to ignore it completely after he's given you the head nod, indicating you might be right.  Then he turns his attention elsewhere, letting you know the sage advise just rolled off his back like water off a duck.  

I do love those two boys.  They are both frustrating and irritating and wonderful.  I suppose most parents have the same feelings.  Right?

That speech makes me wish I were clever and funny and spontaneous.  That I could come back with a witty remark on the fly.  I, however, always think of those like an hour later, a day later, and every once in awhile, a week later.  If I had a buck every time that happened, I could take a Hawaiian vacation.  

I would love the ability to insult someone that simultaneously shows that I love that person unconditionally.    Or, just be funny.  I have a difficult time telling jokes.  If I hear a great one, I will get halfway through and then bungle the punch line.  Or, worse yet, no one laughs.  That happens a lot.  I wonder if I'm missing the gene that provides that comedic timing that I not only lack, but probably wouldn't recognize if it bit me on the ass.  

What about you?  

Love, 365

Cleaning day bonus....

Twice yearly, our entire office staff cleans the office from top to bottom.  All the plastic toys are washed, the carpets thoroughly vacuumed, windows cleaned ~ everything is cleaned.  It takes all of us (17 in total) about 2 1/2 hours to do it.  This time of year it is always on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  In exchange, we have Wednesday off, which gives those of us who cook an extra day for baking, or preparing.  I made our pie (Romeo picked pecan) and cooked the sausage for the stuffing.  Later I'll cut up celery and onions and other little jobs I can do that will make it easier tomorrow.  It's a very nice perk that de-stresses Thanksgiving a bit. 

A few years ago we did this....I don't know where those stick on mustaches went, but it was fun to be silly.  

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love, 365

Going left & the sacrifice.......

I don't remember where I first heard this phrase....maybe in a novel I was reading, or on the radio.  No matter where, I have put it into action a few times.  The most recent is when I attended services at St. George Greek Orthodox Church for the first time.  

Where to go?  Hmmm, I think I'll go left, and so now I always take my place to the left of the isle.  My friend who also attends asked me why I sit on this side, so I had to admit it's just something I heard or read somewhere once.  

She thinks I'm a little nutty.

She might be right (haha).  Then asked if I had any problem with the right side, and I said no, why?  Apparently there's a lady who seems lonely, never comes with anyone, and would I mind keeping her company during the liturgy?  So, next Sunday I'll be taking a trip to the right side.  

One of the students in class is being christmated next Sunday, so I want to be there for that (which is sort of like being confirmed).  I am curious to see what that entails. 

In the meantime, of my own choice of course, I'm missing Sunday morning racquetball which runs from 10 am to noonish ~ this is the sacrifice I mentioned.  I asked if anyone would be interested in moving it from 11 to 1, but no takers so far.  I am not surprised, because no one like change, and it is nice to be done in time for whatever else Sunday holds.  When I told *Frances, she recommended skipping one Sunday a month, which is a decent compromise.  I could always go to the service on Saturday night instead ~ I've never been to a vespers service, so might as well experience that too. 

In the meantime

Have a great week!

Love, 365

Beautiful beginnings.....

I looked out the window and saw this incredible sunrise....

It reminds me of the great impressionists paintings.

So, there was nothing for it but to venture out in pj's and socks to snap this picture from my back yard.  

A few minutes later, it was all white and blue, the beautiful pink, purple, orange, yellow colors were gone.  It felt like a gift given to me, although I know there were many who enjoyed it.  That is if you were up and around at 6:20ish.  It was rather inspirational.  

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Love, 365

 

Why don't I feel smart?

Uh, scratch that make everyone else happy part.....I've no time for that nonsense.

I just spend an hour and a half quickly doing my reading for the week ~ which I normally do on Sunday afternoon ~ and taking my reading quiz.  We get 20 minutes, and I finished it in 8.  10 out of 10.  I hate those reading quizzes, even though I understand the rationale behind them.  Remember that the majority (vast, vast majority) of my peers in class are between 19 to 25, and will skip the readings if they can.  Oh, hell, what am I saying?  I would probably skim them instead of paying close attention except for the quiz.  I have quit hand writing notes on the readings, because I realize that taking good notes in class is way better since she emphasizes the stuff she thinks is important.  So, I just highlight. 

But, the main focus of this post tonight is about my intelligence.  Which, regardless of my grade point average, doesn't seem very smart to me.  I received my test back today, and even though she wrote some criticism, I still made a 93.  No doubt that I studied hard to make sure I would do well.  But is it good enough?  I feel like I am smart enough to know that I am not as smart as my grades make me out to be.  Does that make sense?  It's like I should be able to interpret the stuff I'm reading in a more insightful way.  And yet, in some ways I feel that college itself doesn't show me how to analyze and reinterpret the stuff I'm reading.  It's more like regurgitating the salient points instead of being able to write the underlying message and what it means.  ARGHHHHHHH. 

See, I can't even adequately explain what it is I'm wanting to express.  These are the moments I think the degree is pointless.  Which kinda pisses me off ~ I mean, I've spent countless hours, energy, worry, money on obtaining it.  Perhaps it's a universal feeling that everyone has at one point, whether in college or not.  I just hope that I've not wasted my time and energy working so damn hard to get it.  

More than anything, it is a testament to my bull headedness.  There have been a few moments of weakness where I thought "this is stupid, what are you doing??", and the worst: "you're too old".  And yet I keep on.  I persevere.  No matter what.  

Love, 365

To all our veterans and active duty ~ Thank You!

To all of you

Who've fought and served

We are thankful

And will never forget.

Love, 365

My ridiculous countdown........

 

Oh, I'm anticipating alright.  I have approximately seven months until I've completed this degree ~ so close, and yet sooooo far away.  I suppose that this is the natural consequence of taking one to two classes a semester for nearly 10 years.  A freaking decade.  Uggggh.  

I keep fantasizing about all the things I'll have time to do.  I could go to the gym more (although if today was any indicator, that's a stretch).  Start doing stained glass again.  Make a quilt for our new bed.  Travel more.  The list goes on and on.......

And the obvious: keep the house cleaner.  There is a definite build up of dog hair in certain places.  It must be the air flow and the traffic patterns.  

 

 Or brushing your teeth WITH oreos.

But the truth is, home is not home without a dog.  I would get another dog, to keep the first dog company while we are at work, but our current dog is kind of a one man show.  She doesn't like other dogs.  And she doesn't like to share her dog bed, even with Romero (she will kick him in the head eventually), who is her favorite human in the world.  

Love, 365

Silly stuff that drives us nuts.....

 

This isn't true at home (because Romeo and I don't share a bathroom, best thing ever...) but at work it's crazy true. 

It is silly ~ we have toilet paper holders with two rolls in it at work.  It's designed so that people can't steal the rolls ~ which is also silly because there's a basket with a bunch of rolls in it.  Anyway, for some reason the majority of the people in our office apparently don't know how to replace the paper when one runs out.  Once I went in and both were empty.  I drives me crazy.  On the other hand, if they want to pay for my time to put on new paper, well, ok.  But seriously?  All you have to do is tear off the cardboard thingy and then you can get the holder out.  Troglodytes.

 This is to the guy who refused to let me merge right after I left the freeway returning to work on Thursday.  And yes, I had my turn signal on.

 

Like the guy behind me in class that kept coughing and sneezing, and probably no hankie (what are those????) or tissue.  The back of my head felt contaminated....

 

Does this habit make you crazy too?  This and the drivers that slooooow waaaay down because the light ahead is red....so that you miss the protected left turn and have to wait through another change of traffic lights.  Love that one.....

Okie dokie then.

Love, 365

Ch-ch-ch-changes.......

Basically, this is the crux of the matter, lol..

Most of us don't think of it this way (see above) ~ we see it not as "more time", just more time to play outside.  Last night I exclaimed "It's 6:30 and totally dark out!!".  This is what we don't like.  But really, does it make sense to ALWAYS be on daylight savings time?  I just want this madness to end ~ and based on what I hear on the radio, the majority of people (Europe included) don't want the time to change twice a year.  It's already proven that productivity declines and especially in the spring, it messes up my sleep schedule.  

The problem is no one can agree if we should return to regular time or stay on daylight savings time.  Therein lies the conundrum.  No one agrees on what we should do, well, except for the few states that don't participate at all.  I think we should just take the government out of the equation and put it to a vote and be done with it.  

The time change isn't the only change going on in our household right now.  Romeo can't renew his provisional license anymore so is forced to be demoted to substitute teaching until he takes and passes his final test before he can apply for his license.  This creates a challenge, as it will mean a reduction of pay, and the loss of insurance.  I kinda saw the handwriting on the wall a few months ago and took care of my medical appointments and had an eye exam with a new contacts lens subscription.  He is frustrated and angry, and I can't blame him for that.  But it also means that he is grumpy and isn't sleeping well.  Part of the problem is that the dept. of education called this summer and told him he was scheduled for the wrong test, so he cancelled and rescheduled ~ only to discover that he was signed up for the right one.  So he missed that test date and had to reschedule.  The test is in December.  And what do you want to bet that they will deny his benefits for the summer because of the break in licensing?  In the meantime, regardless of how this will all work out, he is going to look for another job.  

Love, 365

Conodonts.......

I was just cleaning out my UNM mailbox and ran across an article about conodonts ~ once the most common creature to be found in the oceans, now extinct since the Triassic period, and apparently ranges greatly in size from a centimeter or so up to 40cm, and resemble eels.  

I can hear it now ~ what the heck is she talking about?  This is what caught my attention:

 

 Photo: Geological Museum of the Polish Geological Institute in Warsaw

Conodonts, like eels, have very soft bodies.  What you are looking at here are what scientists call conodont elements apparently because they don't quite classify as bones or teeth, comprised of calcium phosphate  ~the picture above represent ONE conodont's mouth parts.  There is a cool you tube video that shows how it might work here which is really cool to watch.  

These creatures are known as "index fossils" used to identify geological periods.  They are also thought to be a distant relative of the hag fish ~ ugh.  

So, there you go.  I just had to share, in hopes that you enjoy this kind of weirdness too.....

Love, 365

Threading the needle.......

Photo credit

If I didn't have a university class every Tuesday and Thursday, my ventures onto the freeway would be reduced to maybe once a week.  Even then, I could get where I need to go without it on that one day.  I could get to UNM on side streets as well, but it would take forever, and I've already posted more than one rant about how this one class is a sacrifice of 2 1/2 hours of pay every week, threatening to remove me from the rolls of "full time = full benefits" (which amounts to paid time off as the other benefit is free dental care).   So, I hop onto I25 south every Tues. & Thurs. for that really fun round trip.  

To be clear, I don't have a problem with driving on the freeway.  

However, there are some really scary moments that I don't experience on the side streets that involve driving 65 mph (or 70, depending).   I am old school ~ I still recall much of the safety lessons from my days in drivers ed.  I know kids still take drivers ed., but I am beginning to believe that it's a far cry from what I was taught back in the day......

There are lots of aggressive, stupid, distracted drivers out there, and they are at their most crazy when the speeds are over 40.  

I like to maintain at least one car length between me and the car in front of me pretty much no matter what speed we're going, but most especially when we're zooming down the freeway.  Of course, this space seems to be an open invitation for anyone who isn't happy with the lane they're in.  Whatever.  I just drop my speed enough to open that space again.  Which, yeah, is a vicious cycle.  What I witness as I'm driving down the freeway is people that don't plan ahead and thread the needle of traffic across as many as 3 lanes (or more) to take that exit they somehow forgot to take.  It's stuff like that.  It really freaks me out.  

What about you? Be safe out there.....

Love, 365

Happy Halloween!

Office shenanigans.....

Many years ago I worked for a pediatric dentist, and we had to dress up for Halloween every year.  I hated wearing a costume all day, because they just weren't that comfortable.  This year one of my coworkers decided to get us witches hats, and we would wear black.  I thought, great idea!  Until the darned hat gave me a headache and gave me the dreaded "hat hair".  My boss is in the batman head....  

Romeo and I quit giving out candy 5 years ago due to the dog going absolutely bonkers.  Her bark rouses the entire neighborhood.  And I didn't like having candy left over either.  So, we don't do it anymore.  I notice that we have fewer and fewer neighbors that participate every year.  Most parents probably take their kids to a party or event.  When I was a kid we lived in a huge neighborhood and brought home tons of candy.  But we didn't have to worry about drugs or razer blades either. 

I have finished my exam notes.  It can be two sided, but my printer doesn't do that.  It took me 3 tries to figure out which way to put the paper in to do both sides.  Just goes to show that being in an honor society and having a 3.9 grade point average doesn't mean everything, haha.  I also took the day off from work, which will give me a nice break of 5 days since this is my "long" weekend.  So, all I need to do is go to class & take my exam and then I'm free to do whatever.   

Maybe I'll take a nap first....

Love, 365

Slog it out......

Los Poblanos ~ organic lavender

Slogging: working hard over a period of time; a spell of difficult, tiring work or travel......yeah, I wish I were traveling.  That sounds like a better slog than working, doesn't it?  I have been working on my exam study guide all day, and have a full day of it tomorrow as well.  Oh, wait, I signed up for this and actually paid for the privilege!  Well, I think I just lost my edge on this argument.....wah wah wah

While looking for crock pot recipes that don't suck, I stumbled on chicken and dumplings recipe on FB and it actually turned out great!  I made another batch so that we could freeze some for those evenings we don't feel like cooking, or are too busy to think about it.  Do you like to cook more than you need and freeze it for busy week days?  We do it all the time ~ currently we have the aforementioned chicken & dumplings and enchiladas.  Sure beats bringing home fast food for dinner.

Lets lighten this up, shall we?

Love, 365

TGIF everybody.......

It was a beautiful day here in Albuquerque today ~mid 60s, sunny blue skies, only a small breeze.  I was wishing to be outside, but it's my work Friday (which isn't too bad, 8 to 2).  Thankfully it will be a nice weekend too!  I will have to make time to get out for walks to enjoy it even though I have an exam next Thursday.

***Has anyone watched the Netflix show "Designated Survivor"?  I watched a few episodes last night, and I must say, it's so similar to "24" to be laughable.  Correction, it was originally aired on ABC, and was to be cancelled until Netflix picked it up.  So, apparently there will be a season 3.  The real difference between 24 & DS is that Kiefer Sutherland is that he's not running around trying to avoid death's door every minute.  There was another series called Touch that was very brief, and again, Kiefer plays a man who is fighting for justice just as in 24 and DS.  It would seem he has been typecast or he wants to play the role of hero instead of the villain.  Not sure why I like Kiefer, maybe it all stems from The Lost Boys, which I found hugely entertaining ~ realizing he wasn't the star in that movie, nor was he a hero.....hmmmmm

Well, I gotta go study.  Have a wonderful weekend!
Love, 365

Monday, Monday......

 

White Sands, New Mexico...

After spending the entire afternoon on an assignment, I'm catching up on the readings for class & the quiz due on Wednesday.  Although I'm enjoying the class, I am tired of school.  I've been going for too many years.  I am ready to be done ~ which, if all goes well, will be done by next May.  So close, and so far away.......   I have a test on the 1st of November, so I don't see any spare time coming up soon.

This is how I spend my Monday off.  Studying and reading.  Ugh.

This is also the week I have to cut one of my lunch hours down to 30 minutes so that I can meet the minimum number of hours to maintain "full time benefits".  For pity's sake.  Really?  The OM made it very clear that there is no leeway in this requirement, although there are two hygienists and one of the front desk employees that I know for a fact do not work the minimum every week.  And she tried to convince me that they don't have "full time benefits".  The only problem is, I know it's not true.  So, I could fuss and fume, take it to the Doc, or just cut one lunch hour down 30 minutes and let it go.  I'm doing the latter because I just don't have the time or energy to fight it.  

And now for some Monday fun:

Love, 365

Trying something new......

Mosaic in St George Greek Orthodox Church

Before I get going here, I want to say that it is not my intention to suddenly be all holy and preachy.  This is something I'm doing for me.   Romeo isn't interested, and likely won't be.   And I don't really know how to explain my interest in Orthodoxy.  It is rather the culmination of many things over years and years.  Some of the history of religion classes steered me one way, but much of it like I said, accumulated.  

I sat here for 10 minutes trying to figure out a way to explain it.  I just can't.

The service was long.  It's a good thing I took 1/2 of one of my anxiety meds.  The last thing I wanted was to feel sick or get a migraine.  I was almost late.  But apparently coming at a certain time isn't a big deal at this church. I arrived at 9am, but there was a steady stream that came in dribs and dabs until about 10 or so.  And it was long.  It ended at 11.  I didn't really notice because it was all new and unfamiliar.  

In so many ways it was mystical.  The incense, the singing....well I didn't participate much because I didn't know about the book that takes you through the service.  I met Abbey, who was standing next to me and asked if I were "new".  And I left feeling that I might be home.  

Love, 365

Happy Friday!

Northern New Mexico 

It's been a crazy week, but what's new?  It seems like every week is crazy.  

For some strange reason, I am unable to post comments if I'm using the Safari browser, but when I use the Firefox browser I can comment on your blog.  This just started a few weeks ago and is still happening.  Maybe there is a change in settings I changed without knowing, or blogger changed something .......... or something, haha.  I admit I'm not a computer nerd.  I should have taken that darn IT class.

I am currently taking a 16 week class at a Greek Orthodox church, which basically teaches us history of the church, and what it means to be Orthodox.  I think this interest is rather odd since I've spent the last 10+ years denying the existence of God.  I can't explain it properly.  It's just a feeling that I need to go.  So, I'm going.  

We had a nice taste of winter this week, with blustery winds and chilly temperatures.  It's supposed to be fall ~ my favorite season.  Romeo shut down the evaporative cooler a couple of weeks ago & turned on the furnace.  The cooler is covered during the winter for a variety of reasons.  But a few days ago we had howling winds and Romeo had to go up on the roof and tighten the straps that keep it on, and then again when he got home from work.  It was a nasty day ~ when the wind blows that hard the sand, leaves, and whatever else is laying around is swirling about getting in your eyes, mouth, ears.....there's nothing that is uncovered that escapes it.  Windy days are not my favorite.....

There was a new balloon in the Fiesta this year:

I named it "Gogh away", lol.

Enjoy your Friday and the weekend to come!

Love, 365

Maybe I'm getting in over my head......

Foggy Texas morning....

My class is moving along.  I made a 99 on my exam which surprised me, although I figured I did well, that was higher than I anticipated.  I have a rather sizable assignment due on the 21st, and as you likely guessed, I have not started on anything but the mental preparation.  Which sadly doesn't amount to much.  Thinking, thinking.  If only I had an eidetic memory.  Although it's not great for those horrible memories that time inevitably glosses over.  Still, I might be willing to chance it, haha.

Work ~ going well, there are always those crazy moments where the road becomes a little bumpy. I was having a regular conversation with "Jessica" when she mentioned she will be taking her social security benefits at 62.  She then explained that by the time she is ready to retire, she will have a savings next egg of over 50,000.  She doesn't believe in "leaving money on the table", and I have to say that it made a lot of sense.  I have been thinking of doing the same.  Romeo and I will talk about it tomorrow when we go to the Harvest Festival tomorrow.  ****Actually, she would not have that much money in her nest egg.  I did a bit of research last night and I won't be jumping on her bandwagon ~ she is not considering how much of the benefit will be deducted based on her earnings.  

The view I have at my desk.....

From a few years ago....

The Balloon Fiesta is nearly over, which means traffic will be much more reasonable.  I'm not affected by it very much, but many of my co-workers are.  We've had good weather and the balloons flew all but one morning.  I didn't go ~ I wasn't really interested in getting up at 4am!  But it is nice having the view on my way to work, and for an hour or so in the morning.  

I am starting a different sort of class this coming Monday, one that will be ongoing for about 16 weeks.  Luckily I don't have to pay for this one.  I'll discuss it more as time goes on.  Right now I feel like keeping the details to myself. 

Well, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Love, 365

Greekin' it.......

The kids were so cute at the Greek dances..

I don't know what the dollar bills were for, I assumed as a fund raiser...

I wandered around becoming hungry for a gyro, but there was literally tons of great smelling food.  I was wishing I could have a beer to go along with it, but as I drove there, I abstained.  Drat.  

I don't know how I managed it, but even though I wanted the baklava sundae, I walked by without getting any.  Doesn't a baklava sundae sound delicious?

The church was beautiful, with many example of fine mosaics.  It is a small church, but very elaborate in decor.  I've never seen so many icons in one place before!

The only dark cloud on this fun outing was I went alone.  Romeo had a large chore he had already planned to do.  He is not much on things like this, so if I can't talk him into going, I go by myself because I don't want to miss the experience by refusing to go without him.  :-(  Kind of a good/bad thing.  

I also attended the church tour, as I can write a short paper about it and be rewarded with extra points in class.  I have one more extra credit opportunity, so I might attend a lecture or visit a church denomination I've never been to before.  There's a Quaker church in Albuquerque that I've heard is very interesting to visit.  

That's it!  If you ever have the opportunity to go to a Greek festival, I suggest you go hungry!

Love, 365