Chris is on a furlough day, so to save us gas/mileage, I'm working from home. It's probably better he's here. He'll be watching tv I won't want to watch, and that will help me stay tucked away in the bedroom/office, working on my things for work.
My to-do list only contains one home thing: wash sheets. I think I should put Chris on task fr that.
The weekend contians many home things and homework. Blech!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Definitions
Words have been making me pause and consider definitions lately. Ever feel like you are getting dumber by the year? I can't decide if I used to have a more sophisticated vocabulary (I don't recall ever having to look THAT much up), or I'm just aware of more words now and thus get puzzled more often.
The word "flotsam" came up somewhere...in a book maybe? It's been stuck in my mind to look up, as I wasn't sure exactly what it meant. I finally did. I think the context I heard it in meant "useless odds and ends."
The djs this morning were talking about the word "cynical" and started debating the difference in the meanings of "skeptical," "cynical" and "jaded." I need to figure out exactly what differentiates each of those, as there were many situations they brought up where I wasn't sure which word best fit. There were some where one clearly fit better than the others, but then other situations where all three seemed to be reasonable choices.
Any words puzzling you lately?
The word "flotsam" came up somewhere...in a book maybe? It's been stuck in my mind to look up, as I wasn't sure exactly what it meant. I finally did. I think the context I heard it in meant "useless odds and ends."
The djs this morning were talking about the word "cynical" and started debating the difference in the meanings of "skeptical," "cynical" and "jaded." I need to figure out exactly what differentiates each of those, as there were many situations they brought up where I wasn't sure which word best fit. There were some where one clearly fit better than the others, but then other situations where all three seemed to be reasonable choices.
Any words puzzling you lately?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Back from the Beach
Did you miss me? I'm back from our little Bahamas cruise getaway. Not my first choice of vacation spots, but the price was right.
A few pics (my sister took far more pics than I did):
Our ship. The little boat is a tender boat that took us to the one island we couldn't directly dock at. They had two tender boats running back and forth. We took this from one we were on.
Between those rocks was where I snorkled.
Cigar factory at the old Graycliff hotel.
A beautiful Bahamian traffic cop. There were a lot of limos due to the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament in Nassau starting that day.
The cruise wasn't as good as our previous cruises with NCL, but I think it was a) a more casual cruise because it was shorter and b) NCL hasn't changed their menus in at least three years (though as we speak they are rolling out new ones starting with a few ships at a time), so I'm kind of bored with the food. The entertainment was pretty lame, and well, we won't speak of the craptastic pub crawl experience (fit for 20somethings, not us old folks). However, I did learn to play Flip Cup and I'm quite good. The youngsters were having fun coaching the old lady.
The Bahamas are ok if you just want to beach and shop the days away. Chris bought me a Gucci purse that I'm quite sure is a knockoff, but it's convincing. I drank cocktails from coconuts, snorkeled in the warm Caribbean, and got a little tan. I won't complain. Other than our arrival weekend in Florida (drove through the Everglades in the rain), the entire cruise weather was perfect-sunny and in the low 80s.
Traveling with my sister and her husband was a new experience for us. It was good to have company, though it was harder to plan and do things. It was a little less "loose" than we are used to.
Traveling with my sister and her husband was a new experience for us. It was good to have company, though it was harder to plan and do things. It was a little less "loose" than we are used to.
We of course are looking to plan our next winter escape. Not sure if we'll cruise or do land based. We have a reason to go to Arizona (Taliesen West), but it's not really on my travel radar otherwise...have you been there?
A few pics (my sister took far more pics than I did):
Our ship. The little boat is a tender boat that took us to the one island we couldn't directly dock at. They had two tender boats running back and forth. We took this from one we were on. 
Between those rocks was where I snorkled.
Cigar factory at the old Graycliff hotel.
A beautiful Bahamian traffic cop. There were a lot of limos due to the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament in Nassau starting that day.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
There are a few things I get a little obsessive about
I'm not really OCD about much. When I throw parties, I kind of obsess about stupid things like straightening pillows. Otherwise, meh. However, another example hit me in the face yesterday. Summary of the conversation:
Coworker: Do you or Barb like to pick out food for meetings? I have to choose appetizers and desserts for a meeting of faculty after work hours and am not good at these things.
Me: YES!!!!!!!!!!!
Coworker: Here's the menu, here are the meeting details, a meeting will occur while they are eating, blah blah blah
Me: pecan chicken fingers could get soggy, the shrimp looks too extravagant in these tough fiscal times, about eight of these choices involve crunchy and/or potentially messy things that can be embarassing or distracting during the meeting, the artichoke and crab dip is too rich for this crowd, the andouille cajun fritters too meaty and fried for this crowd, and the beef is probably not a great choice for the 16:2 women to men ratio in this bunch. That leaves about six apps to choose from, and you want three. Here is my first suggestions, as they pair well together, here is my second combo choice....etc.
Coworker: Wow, you really put a lot of thought into these things.
Me: I admit, I can be a little obsessive.
I bet Frodis can appreciate this, as I recall her enjoyment of planning the baptism meal last year.
Coworker: Do you or Barb like to pick out food for meetings? I have to choose appetizers and desserts for a meeting of faculty after work hours and am not good at these things.
Me: YES!!!!!!!!!!!
Coworker: Here's the menu, here are the meeting details, a meeting will occur while they are eating, blah blah blah
Me: pecan chicken fingers could get soggy, the shrimp looks too extravagant in these tough fiscal times, about eight of these choices involve crunchy and/or potentially messy things that can be embarassing or distracting during the meeting, the artichoke and crab dip is too rich for this crowd, the andouille cajun fritters too meaty and fried for this crowd, and the beef is probably not a great choice for the 16:2 women to men ratio in this bunch. That leaves about six apps to choose from, and you want three. Here is my first suggestions, as they pair well together, here is my second combo choice....etc.
Coworker: Wow, you really put a lot of thought into these things.
Me: I admit, I can be a little obsessive.
I bet Frodis can appreciate this, as I recall her enjoyment of planning the baptism meal last year.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Rome if you want to...
My boss asked me to go to Rome in October for a conference. Um, ok.
I also am going to Australia at some point this year, as I was just hired on a grant there.
My biggest problem now becomes:
1) Do I stick with Delta? I was a Northwest loyalist until they switched to Delta last year. They have the most flights out of our tiny airport. I like MSP and DTW airports, which are usual hubs. I do not like Atlanta nor Cincinatti, which are additional new hubs for me with the switch. I only have about 15K miles with Delta right now, as we cash in free tickets fairly frequently. One international trip and I'm up to a free ticket with Delta and very close to upgraded status, which is very big.
2) Do I go with United? My boss flies United because they used to be the only carrier to get her to Australia easily from WI. However, they have very few flights out of Madison, and all go through O'hare, which is notorious for bad flight delays. My boss has massive status with them and is a member of their lounge club, so it's great to travel with her. If my ticket is booked with her, I'm also eligible for upgrades, which is important for long flights overseas. I'd be starting over, basically, with miles and status, though. So cons are starting over and fewer flights/O'hare issues. Pros are good chance of international upgrades and lounge use. Not to mention I've never been to Eurpose or Australia and it would be comforting to have my well-traveled boss by my side. Con to that is having to work more during flights.
Whomever I choose, I'll likely stick with for a long time. What to do, what to do. Any advice? What would blogland do?
I also am going to Australia at some point this year, as I was just hired on a grant there.
My biggest problem now becomes:
1) Do I stick with Delta? I was a Northwest loyalist until they switched to Delta last year. They have the most flights out of our tiny airport. I like MSP and DTW airports, which are usual hubs. I do not like Atlanta nor Cincinatti, which are additional new hubs for me with the switch. I only have about 15K miles with Delta right now, as we cash in free tickets fairly frequently. One international trip and I'm up to a free ticket with Delta and very close to upgraded status, which is very big.
2) Do I go with United? My boss flies United because they used to be the only carrier to get her to Australia easily from WI. However, they have very few flights out of Madison, and all go through O'hare, which is notorious for bad flight delays. My boss has massive status with them and is a member of their lounge club, so it's great to travel with her. If my ticket is booked with her, I'm also eligible for upgrades, which is important for long flights overseas. I'd be starting over, basically, with miles and status, though. So cons are starting over and fewer flights/O'hare issues. Pros are good chance of international upgrades and lounge use. Not to mention I've never been to Eurpose or Australia and it would be comforting to have my well-traveled boss by my side. Con to that is having to work more during flights.
Whomever I choose, I'll likely stick with for a long time. What to do, what to do. Any advice? What would blogland do?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Time's a wastin'
Classes start in a few weeks, and a week of that is vacation. So I have three weekend days to finish cleaning and organizing projects. Carp.
Yesterday: Freezer defrosting, shower grout scrubbing
Today: Basement organizing.
Yet to tackle: Cabinet organizing, tax receipt organizing
Any volunteers?
What's on your winter to-do list?
Yesterday: Freezer defrosting, shower grout scrubbing
Today: Basement organizing.
Yet to tackle: Cabinet organizing, tax receipt organizing
Any volunteers?
What's on your winter to-do list?
Monday, January 04, 2010
Photo vomit
I just downloaded a jumble of photos from the camera. Here are the highlights:
Christmas Gifts from MIL
Never one to disappoint, here are the craptastic gifts from MIL this year!
For those of you who have met me, please tell me none of this screams KIM! (well, ignore the cat creeping into the photo). For those curious, there's a used white/bulletin board, two sparkly pens, a sweater for a 70 year old church piano player, a pink little hand towel with embroidered bells and doves, a book of herbal remedies, a 25 cent bag of used, fake leaves and straw for decor, and a dust mit.
Hotlanta
The big billboard of Anderson Cooper is my favorite one.
My OTCC Chicken in Place of Beef Attempt
This is the dish before going into the oven. I should've resisted my urge to blend the veggies, because it looks better here than it did on my plate when I was done.
Cute Cats!
Chris's work partner gave us this cats-in-santa-hats blanket for Christmas. The cats adored it from minute one. That's big Bartleby in front and little Loki in back. Ali managed to sneak away from this pic.
Virginia Highlights
I feel like I'd better get this all out of my head before I forget details!
I arrived in Richmond on a Monday night. As I exited the secure area of the airport, I see what can only be someone waiting for ME! A darling little boy, with the biggest grin, was wearing a packer jersey and a big foam cheesehead. I literally LOL and proudly told the people next to me, that little guy was welcoming me to Richmond. The whole Boo-family came to pick me up at the airport. What a charming clan they are! Mr. Boo even took my suitcase so I could blab to Boo without causing harm to others.
We arrived in Pleasantville after dark, so I could only admire the quaint holiday decor in the neatly groomed neighborhood. Boo's home is everything you'd expect-nicely decorated, spacious and welcoming. The room I stayed in even had the benefit of a tv, computer and exercise equipment. I don't even get all that at a hotel in my room. No, I did not use the exercise equipment.
I was welcomed with a big steak dinner and mmmmmmm, it was good. Boo & Mr. Boo grill some mean steaks on their big grill (I have grill envy). We stayed up to watch the Bears beat the Vikings (always a good way to end a night).
The next day we took a driving tour of a few interesting areas in Richmond. I got to see a gorgeous neighborhood of big old and new houses with some of the fanciest holiday trimmings I'd ever seen. I also got to see the hip and eclectic area of Carytown, where Boo grew up. We even got to stop for cupcakes.
That afternoon we prepped the OTCC recipe and played games with Conner (ok, the games with Conner thing was pretty much constant when at home).
Mr. Boo came home from work that night, informing us his buddies were playing group trivia at BW3s in a few hours. This excited me, so they kindly bundled the family up (the weather there was disappointingly cold) after dinner and hit the wing joint. We had a blast, while Boo impressed with her hockey knowledge and Mr. Boo impressed with obscure Bond tidbits.
STEREOTYPE ENFORCING HIGHLIGHT: A pretty young blond thang at our table grabbed a can of chewing tobacco and stuck a dip in her mouth. Boo and I both sat there in shock!
Back at home, the family indulged me with the Badger game (Champs Sports Bowl) for a bit, though I was the only one that watched it to the end. Boo kindly put the game on in my room so I could curl up in bed and watch the final quarter.
Our final day, we had a mission. I needed a t-shirt for my nephew from the new local minor league baseball team in Richmond: The Flying Squirrels. *giggle* They have a huge stadium. I was impressed. Richmond must love baseball.
We snuck naps in that afternoon, as that night we were having a girls-night-out! Boo was kind enough to take me to two of Richmond's brewpubs in some neat areas of town. Downtown Richmond was beautifully lit at night, with white lights perfectly outlining all the buildings in the skyline. We played some SUPER pathetic games of pool and had a great time.
I left on a rainy, early morning the next day, and was sad to say goodbye to Boo and her family. Her little Conner is such a charming, smart young man. He definitely is just like his mom.
Thank you, Boo, for everything. *smooch*
I arrived in Richmond on a Monday night. As I exited the secure area of the airport, I see what can only be someone waiting for ME! A darling little boy, with the biggest grin, was wearing a packer jersey and a big foam cheesehead. I literally LOL and proudly told the people next to me, that little guy was welcoming me to Richmond. The whole Boo-family came to pick me up at the airport. What a charming clan they are! Mr. Boo even took my suitcase so I could blab to Boo without causing harm to others.
We arrived in Pleasantville after dark, so I could only admire the quaint holiday decor in the neatly groomed neighborhood. Boo's home is everything you'd expect-nicely decorated, spacious and welcoming. The room I stayed in even had the benefit of a tv, computer and exercise equipment. I don't even get all that at a hotel in my room. No, I did not use the exercise equipment.
I was welcomed with a big steak dinner and mmmmmmm, it was good. Boo & Mr. Boo grill some mean steaks on their big grill (I have grill envy). We stayed up to watch the Bears beat the Vikings (always a good way to end a night).
The next day we took a driving tour of a few interesting areas in Richmond. I got to see a gorgeous neighborhood of big old and new houses with some of the fanciest holiday trimmings I'd ever seen. I also got to see the hip and eclectic area of Carytown, where Boo grew up. We even got to stop for cupcakes.
That afternoon we prepped the OTCC recipe and played games with Conner (ok, the games with Conner thing was pretty much constant when at home).
Mr. Boo came home from work that night, informing us his buddies were playing group trivia at BW3s in a few hours. This excited me, so they kindly bundled the family up (the weather there was disappointingly cold) after dinner and hit the wing joint. We had a blast, while Boo impressed with her hockey knowledge and Mr. Boo impressed with obscure Bond tidbits.
STEREOTYPE ENFORCING HIGHLIGHT: A pretty young blond thang at our table grabbed a can of chewing tobacco and stuck a dip in her mouth. Boo and I both sat there in shock!
Back at home, the family indulged me with the Badger game (Champs Sports Bowl) for a bit, though I was the only one that watched it to the end. Boo kindly put the game on in my room so I could curl up in bed and watch the final quarter.
Our final day, we had a mission. I needed a t-shirt for my nephew from the new local minor league baseball team in Richmond: The Flying Squirrels. *giggle* They have a huge stadium. I was impressed. Richmond must love baseball.
We snuck naps in that afternoon, as that night we were having a girls-night-out! Boo was kind enough to take me to two of Richmond's brewpubs in some neat areas of town. Downtown Richmond was beautifully lit at night, with white lights perfectly outlining all the buildings in the skyline. We played some SUPER pathetic games of pool and had a great time.
I left on a rainy, early morning the next day, and was sad to say goodbye to Boo and her family. Her little Conner is such a charming, smart young man. He definitely is just like his mom.
Thank you, Boo, for everything. *smooch*
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