My woe is me post was getting old. :-)
How is everyone doing? What are you doing? Facebook sort of helps with that...your lives in snipits! I was happy to see an MTW update on OT.
Job
Still lucky to have a job. Chris and I begin taking home $500 total per month less with new pension and health insurance contribution rates taking effect. Given we've had no raises in over four years, we can't seem to get ahead. But at least we can still pay our bills. Although a certain dental insurance battle is pissing me off and we may need to plop a few thousand on the credit card.
The good news is that I've applied for a new title, given we got two new grants in, and I'm the co-investigator on one. That gives me a little raise, without costing the state anything (as my salary is grant funded), and it helps make up some of that $500 our take-home is reduced by.
The big grant that had me terrified was not funded, so I'm relieved. If my new title didn't go through, I was going to walk. Now, all can remain fairly stable and I can maintain the (semi) flexibility my job affords me. It's flexible often, but very inflexible other times. Hence spending vacations working half the time. I think many of you are in similar situations.
Cats
Bartleby decided to play cat bowling last night on the dining room table, just after me and my guests had put all the food, water and wine on the table. He ran at the table (which we rarely use) at full speed and jumped, sending the glasses flying. He managed to miss stepping on plates and bowls, though! Dork.
Movies and Books
I've had some time for reading and movie watching in the last month. It's been great! I'm reading The Killing Floor (thanks, Breezy, for the recommendation!) and Stuff White People Like (my coffee table reader right now). Just finished Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. It was very good. Have been using the library on campus (books are checked out by the semester instead of a few short weeks!) and half priced book store.
We went to one movie in the theater this year so far! That's big for us. Tonight we are going to Bridesmaids. Groupon, Living Social, etc. all had a deal with Fandango, so we bought a few offers and are enjoying the flicks. We also are using Red Box a little this summer since we cut Netflix out due to reducing bills. Just watched The Town and Despicable Me. Both were great.
That's all I've got. As you know, the midwest is dry and hot. We haven't had rain in our town for over three weeks and it's consistently been in the high 80s/high 90s with a fair amount of humidity. Yuck.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Thursday, June 09, 2011
So confused
It's been awhile and I'm in a "slower" time, so thought I'd take the time to sort my thoughts out by blogging.
JobI'm still busy, but it's slowed a bit. The next rush comes at the end of this month when we find out if we got a HUGE grant or not. If we didn't get it, the hunt starts for other funding and possibly modify the program for which we are seeking funding. If we do get it, I'm terrified of the next few years' workload. I'm basically keeping an eye out for other jobs, but delaying making a decision until we hear about this grant. I'm kind of hoping we don't get it, as the timing is horrid. We have two other grants starting, one of which will require travel and is a really complex collaborative grant with researchers across the country.
EconomyWe've felt the economic pinch over the last few years, but lucky for us, it's just meant our income has been stagnant for three years, or even shrunk just slightly. We are about ready to see another slight shrink. But, I also have prospects of reclassifying my job to a little higher pay rate, so it might be a wash. In terms of what it's meant to us, it's more coupon clipping, fewer "fun" activities (we basically don't go to any brewing events anymore, but used to frequent several brewfests in the summers), less eating out (was never that frequent for us, but it's now only about four times per month and always somewhere cheap-Subway, cheap bar burger, etc.). I only bought about $20 worth of veggie plants and landscaping flowers this year. Often it's at least $50. I'm not really sad about that. Ok, maybe a little.
I worry about those that are still struggling to find work. I feel guilty that we are in an ok spot and still do some fun things while others can't make ends meet. But our savings is almost completely depleted because we suck at saving money. I mean really suck. Thank goodness we have required retirement contributions or I fear we'd suck at retirement savings, too.
HouseWe've been toying with selling the house and moving into Madison in a condo downtown, or a small old house on the skirts of downtown. We are getting a few small projects done around the house, like a front deck railing and finishing drywall in the garage, so we are in a better spot to make a decision next year. I love the country for many reasons, but miss being in the city. But then I feel we'll tire of the city and miss the country. Perhaps we should just sell the house, pay our taxes, invest the rest and rent for a few years. I don't know. We are restless. It all might amount to nothing come next year.
In other news, my coffee this morning is really good.
Thanks for listening, bloggy friends. How is everyone else doing? I worry when I don't hear much from people.
JobI'm still busy, but it's slowed a bit. The next rush comes at the end of this month when we find out if we got a HUGE grant or not. If we didn't get it, the hunt starts for other funding and possibly modify the program for which we are seeking funding. If we do get it, I'm terrified of the next few years' workload. I'm basically keeping an eye out for other jobs, but delaying making a decision until we hear about this grant. I'm kind of hoping we don't get it, as the timing is horrid. We have two other grants starting, one of which will require travel and is a really complex collaborative grant with researchers across the country.
EconomyWe've felt the economic pinch over the last few years, but lucky for us, it's just meant our income has been stagnant for three years, or even shrunk just slightly. We are about ready to see another slight shrink. But, I also have prospects of reclassifying my job to a little higher pay rate, so it might be a wash. In terms of what it's meant to us, it's more coupon clipping, fewer "fun" activities (we basically don't go to any brewing events anymore, but used to frequent several brewfests in the summers), less eating out (was never that frequent for us, but it's now only about four times per month and always somewhere cheap-Subway, cheap bar burger, etc.). I only bought about $20 worth of veggie plants and landscaping flowers this year. Often it's at least $50. I'm not really sad about that. Ok, maybe a little.
I worry about those that are still struggling to find work. I feel guilty that we are in an ok spot and still do some fun things while others can't make ends meet. But our savings is almost completely depleted because we suck at saving money. I mean really suck. Thank goodness we have required retirement contributions or I fear we'd suck at retirement savings, too.
HouseWe've been toying with selling the house and moving into Madison in a condo downtown, or a small old house on the skirts of downtown. We are getting a few small projects done around the house, like a front deck railing and finishing drywall in the garage, so we are in a better spot to make a decision next year. I love the country for many reasons, but miss being in the city. But then I feel we'll tire of the city and miss the country. Perhaps we should just sell the house, pay our taxes, invest the rest and rent for a few years. I don't know. We are restless. It all might amount to nothing come next year.
In other news, my coffee this morning is really good.
Thanks for listening, bloggy friends. How is everyone else doing? I worry when I don't hear much from people.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Hating my Job
I needed a safe place to post and vent. This is fairly safe.
I'm in the midst of a job meltdown. I've been working every weekend at least 8 hours and at least a few extra nights per week since the first of the year, and it only gets worse from here on out. There's no end in sight. Sigh. It's not fun and interesting anymore.
I've had great opportunities, and my boss is really great (other than her inability to say no most of the time), it's just become too much. She's offered to work on a raise for me, but that's not even the point. That only makes it harder to get grants with more expensive staff attached. Sigh.
Sorry, just needed to vent.
I'm in the midst of a job meltdown. I've been working every weekend at least 8 hours and at least a few extra nights per week since the first of the year, and it only gets worse from here on out. There's no end in sight. Sigh. It's not fun and interesting anymore.
I've had great opportunities, and my boss is really great (other than her inability to say no most of the time), it's just become too much. She's offered to work on a raise for me, but that's not even the point. That only makes it harder to get grants with more expensive staff attached. Sigh.
Sorry, just needed to vent.
Friday, April 08, 2011
3 Day 2011
Some begging by his former crewmates lured Chris and I into crewing in the Chicago 3 Day this year. Chris will be the route marking captain and I will be on his crew. Visions of Wiley Coyote & the Acme Corp. are dancing in his head.
If anyone is reading this, remember our friend Breezy is walking in Michigan this year and could use our support!
http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/MichiganEvent2011?px=3131607&pg=personal&fr_id=1625
or go to her facebook or blog to get her healthy cookbook and she'll donate the proceeds to Susan G. Komen!
If anyone is reading this, remember our friend Breezy is walking in Michigan this year and could use our support!
http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/MichiganEvent2011?px=3131607&pg=personal&fr_id=1625
or go to her facebook or blog to get her healthy cookbook and she'll donate the proceeds to Susan G. Komen!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Spring is coming!
Ok, so we still have some lousy cold hanging on, but the sun was out yesterday and it made for a cool, but nice day out in the yard. Lots of lilies, irises and daffodils popping up. The deal Chris struck with the tree cutting guys paid off-all the important trees are down and removed with minimal damage (one nice branch off a nice tree). We still have a lot of bark/sticks/branches to clean up, though.
I'm trying to only have one "social" plan on weekends this year. The other weekends I'd like to have more flexible. First, our paychecks are taking about a $400/month hit, so we don't have room in the budget. Second, I want to spend more time in the yard this year where it doesn't feel like rushed work. We aren't doing our CSA, so I want to carefully tend what we are planting (watermelon, fingerling potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, raspberries, and am planting blueberry bushes). My garlic planted in early November last year is coming up. Yay! I plant my lettuce and spinach in pots...also toying with trying some patio strawberries. They don't do well in our regular soil.
What are you planting this year?
I'm trying to only have one "social" plan on weekends this year. The other weekends I'd like to have more flexible. First, our paychecks are taking about a $400/month hit, so we don't have room in the budget. Second, I want to spend more time in the yard this year where it doesn't feel like rushed work. We aren't doing our CSA, so I want to carefully tend what we are planting (watermelon, fingerling potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, raspberries, and am planting blueberry bushes). My garlic planted in early November last year is coming up. Yay! I plant my lettuce and spinach in pots...also toying with trying some patio strawberries. They don't do well in our regular soil.
What are you planting this year?
Monday, March 21, 2011
life update
Things are getting back to normal after a busy travel season.
WORK
Work is still horrendous (thus why not so many blog updates), but at least I'm not working all weekend, every weekend. Had to work on my furlough day this week (which is technically illegal, but I digress), but I worked at Panera Friday morning so it seemed less painful.
I'm currently writing a job description for a 25% time secretary. Let's hope we can find the moolah and right person for the job. There are lots of grants being offered up for our research team, but not enough hands to even write the proposals. Once we get the money we can hire people, but it's not that straight forward. When you need 10% of a person with these qualifications to do X duties, and 20% of another with different qualifications to do Y duties for each project, it's a mess. And they are all 1-3 year projects, so it's not like you can promise a long term job. Hoping the job market works to our advantage right now.
A crazy coworker has filed a grievance against the School. She is crazy, but has some valid points. She seems to want to chat with me about it. But now my boss is reviewing the grievance as the "internal" reviewer. As Vince Vaughn would say in Old School, "earmuffs!"
HOME
Chris has had a staph infection. I have had a lack of energy, but keep trying to push forward.
We just had our annual NCAA tournament weekend. I missed Thursday night and the daytime on Friday and Saturday. It was an odd year, as my BIL insisted everyone help him process a bazillion pounds of venison, pork and beef (there was elk, too, but it was rotten) for him and his friends/coworkers this weekend. That meant nobody was watching basketball at the same time. It wasn't fun. Not to mention someone had to be up overnight to tend the smoker every three-four hours.
My dad is getting married next year, which is good. He needs to sell the house, which is good, but it's a TON of work. Better now that when he's old and in poor health. I spent Saturday taking a first pass at the closets. Lots of stuff from my teen years. Scanning some things and sending to friends (such as the birthday book my friend made that was New Kids on the Block themed...a narration with magazine photo cut outs of them trying to get to WI for my birthday). I'm not very sentimental, though, so tossed a ton of stuff. Brought home a few things to check on ebay...only a few were worth my time. Tossed the rest (including a Cabbage Patch Kid that was in need of some TLC).
STATE
Our state is in a meltdown, as you may have noticed. The new governor is laying down the smack. I don't have a problem with all of his measures...it's more about his dicator methods and how he's in bed with the wealthy corporations. The university where I work is also looking at spinning off from the UW system with the governor's blessing. That's mostly good, but also causes some concerns.
THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
It's birthday season for my family, so lots to do in the next few weeks socially. Looking forward to yard work. Also, Cannon Running (the state bar road trip we did last year).
How is YOUR spring shaping up?
WORK
Work is still horrendous (thus why not so many blog updates), but at least I'm not working all weekend, every weekend. Had to work on my furlough day this week (which is technically illegal, but I digress), but I worked at Panera Friday morning so it seemed less painful.
I'm currently writing a job description for a 25% time secretary. Let's hope we can find the moolah and right person for the job. There are lots of grants being offered up for our research team, but not enough hands to even write the proposals. Once we get the money we can hire people, but it's not that straight forward. When you need 10% of a person with these qualifications to do X duties, and 20% of another with different qualifications to do Y duties for each project, it's a mess. And they are all 1-3 year projects, so it's not like you can promise a long term job. Hoping the job market works to our advantage right now.
A crazy coworker has filed a grievance against the School. She is crazy, but has some valid points. She seems to want to chat with me about it. But now my boss is reviewing the grievance as the "internal" reviewer. As Vince Vaughn would say in Old School, "earmuffs!"
HOME
Chris has had a staph infection. I have had a lack of energy, but keep trying to push forward.
We just had our annual NCAA tournament weekend. I missed Thursday night and the daytime on Friday and Saturday. It was an odd year, as my BIL insisted everyone help him process a bazillion pounds of venison, pork and beef (there was elk, too, but it was rotten) for him and his friends/coworkers this weekend. That meant nobody was watching basketball at the same time. It wasn't fun. Not to mention someone had to be up overnight to tend the smoker every three-four hours.
My dad is getting married next year, which is good. He needs to sell the house, which is good, but it's a TON of work. Better now that when he's old and in poor health. I spent Saturday taking a first pass at the closets. Lots of stuff from my teen years. Scanning some things and sending to friends (such as the birthday book my friend made that was New Kids on the Block themed...a narration with magazine photo cut outs of them trying to get to WI for my birthday). I'm not very sentimental, though, so tossed a ton of stuff. Brought home a few things to check on ebay...only a few were worth my time. Tossed the rest (including a Cabbage Patch Kid that was in need of some TLC).
STATE
Our state is in a meltdown, as you may have noticed. The new governor is laying down the smack. I don't have a problem with all of his measures...it's more about his dicator methods and how he's in bed with the wealthy corporations. The university where I work is also looking at spinning off from the UW system with the governor's blessing. That's mostly good, but also causes some concerns.
THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
It's birthday season for my family, so lots to do in the next few weeks socially. Looking forward to yard work. Also, Cannon Running (the state bar road trip we did last year).
How is YOUR spring shaping up?
Monday, February 07, 2011
Yeehaw! Texas trip
Ya'll make me laugh! I had a little camera issue, but am back on track. Here's a summary of our Texas trip. This vacation was focused on visiting Food Network recommended spots, mostly for BBQ (nothing fancy), and brewpubs/bars.
Austin
We were very excited to visit Austin, as we've been told it's much like Madison, WI. The universities and state government are a big part of both cities. Austin is really like Madison on steriods. They have a larger population, but a much more vibrant retail and food industry.
We realized in Texas, to be classified a good beer bar, you needed to have about 20 taps or more. It was great! There were also plenty of Brewpubs, including "Uncle Billy's."
We went to the State Capitol, which was beautiful, but our camera battery was dead, so no pics. The inside of the capitol wasn't much special, but the huge sprawling grounds were beautiful.
The LBJ Presidential Library was amazing. If you ever have a chance ot visit, do it. It's right on the university campus, and is awe inspiring. LBJ was an amazing president of the people. It was a moving experience.
Lake Travis was pretty. Lots of gated communities around Austin with beautiful homes. The lakeside communities were no exception.
Food report:
The staples of Texas bbq are beef brisket, pork spareribs or baby back ribs, sausages, chicken and turkey. Sometimes there were beef ribs.
Meals generally came with coleslaw and beans. The coleslaw was generally ok, the beans were not my cup of tea. Generally boring. Give me some boston baked beans any day.
Louie Mueller had our favorite brisket and sausage by far. The place was a dive, in a dead town. But they had a James Beard award! I would go back to Louie's in a heart beat. Thanks, Guy, for the recommendation!
Ironworks sucked...lots of Austin folks recommended it, along with Rachel or Giada, but it wasn't worth it.
The Salt Lick was recommended by almost every Food Networker, from Bobby Flay to Duff, to Giada. And every Austin-ite also seemed to recommend it. The location, about 20 miles outside of Austin, was beautiful. Giant building and vineyard. But the seating was casual picnic tables, and you bring your own alcohol. The beef ribs were to die for. Brisket was good.
Green Mesquite, a Food Network recommendation, was nothing to write home about.
Another food notable: breakfasts. Magnolia Cafe (a food network recommendation from Guy and Giada), was great! The gingerbread pancakes and "Migas with Love" were the best breakfast we had the whole trip. Love the great Tex Mex breakfast and dinners we had on the trip.
Ooh, one more food notable. I wanted to eat at food carts, but we were always too full of bbq. One night we skipped dinner, and went out on the town. I had a 10 pm hankering for something and we saw a funky hot dog cart. I had a hot dog with chipotle sauce, chopped bacon, onion, and peppers. Yum!
We got to watch the Packers beat the Bears in Austin. Lots of both fans, so had a great time. We were invited back to Packers' fans house with brats and beers, but the guys got in a scuffle as they were leaving the bar, and we decided that was a bad idea.
San Antonio
Of course we had to hit the Alamo and quote Pee Wee's Big Adventure. I was surprised The Alamo was right in the heart of San Antonio and not outside the city. It was actually quite moving.
We found a great outdoor bar and happened to be one of few guests. Tried lots of new good beers while enjoying some sun.
The Riverwalk area was beautiful.
We stayed at an old grand hotel that John Wayne and Audie Murphy often stayed at. Chris thought that was cool. We hit "Howl at the Moon" piano bar two nights and had a very fun time. You can pay to have quotes put on the mirrors behind the players, and some Packers, Bears and Steelers fans were exchanging jabs. You can see that in the photos if you look closely.
We did drive out to Freidericksburg, an old German town. It didn't excite us, but we did stop at a good winery that many online recommended. I thought the wineries would have mostly sweet wines, but there were some good dry reds.
Texas Pride BBQ was out of the way, but pretty darn good. By then we were getting a little sick of BBQ, but it was a good experience.
Chris also made me visit a flight museum, where I found interesting things about underage servicemembers and flying monkeys! These are chairs they sent monkeys into space in.
Finally, we did hit the Spoetzel Brewery, home to Shiner Beer.
Galveston
Weather was cold and foggy most of our Galveston stay. Our hotel across the street from the beach did little good. Galveston was not a place I'd recommend for couples our age without families. There were a lot of closed buisinesses from Hurricane Ike years ago, and generally not much to do. We found a decent bar outside of town where we chatted and drank with some competition bbq cookers. Very nice folks, but a little rednecky. Made for entertainmentment.
We also went to an offshore oil drilling museum. I felt dirty paying admission, but it was really interesting and well done. I tried to ignore the propaganda (the "minimizing environmental impact" display sponsored by the oil companies).It wasn't busy, so we took full advantage of the children's interactive zone.
On the way home, the storms across the midwest made our travel challenging. Were supposed to fly from Houston to Minneapolis to Madison on Tuesday. Made it to Minneapolis, but no available flights to Madison until THURSDAY. Ended up renting a car and driving home, with an overnight stop in a cheap motel. Then Chris locked the keys in the rental in our driveway, while it was running. Smooth move, Chris.
Austin
We were very excited to visit Austin, as we've been told it's much like Madison, WI. The universities and state government are a big part of both cities. Austin is really like Madison on steriods. They have a larger population, but a much more vibrant retail and food industry.
We realized in Texas, to be classified a good beer bar, you needed to have about 20 taps or more. It was great! There were also plenty of Brewpubs, including "Uncle Billy's."
We went to the State Capitol, which was beautiful, but our camera battery was dead, so no pics. The inside of the capitol wasn't much special, but the huge sprawling grounds were beautiful.
The LBJ Presidential Library was amazing. If you ever have a chance ot visit, do it. It's right on the university campus, and is awe inspiring. LBJ was an amazing president of the people. It was a moving experience.
Lake Travis was pretty. Lots of gated communities around Austin with beautiful homes. The lakeside communities were no exception.
Food report:
The staples of Texas bbq are beef brisket, pork spareribs or baby back ribs, sausages, chicken and turkey. Sometimes there were beef ribs.
Meals generally came with coleslaw and beans. The coleslaw was generally ok, the beans were not my cup of tea. Generally boring. Give me some boston baked beans any day.
Louie Mueller had our favorite brisket and sausage by far. The place was a dive, in a dead town. But they had a James Beard award! I would go back to Louie's in a heart beat. Thanks, Guy, for the recommendation!
Ironworks sucked...lots of Austin folks recommended it, along with Rachel or Giada, but it wasn't worth it.
The Salt Lick was recommended by almost every Food Networker, from Bobby Flay to Duff, to Giada. And every Austin-ite also seemed to recommend it. The location, about 20 miles outside of Austin, was beautiful. Giant building and vineyard. But the seating was casual picnic tables, and you bring your own alcohol. The beef ribs were to die for. Brisket was good.
Green Mesquite, a Food Network recommendation, was nothing to write home about.
Another food notable: breakfasts. Magnolia Cafe (a food network recommendation from Guy and Giada), was great! The gingerbread pancakes and "Migas with Love" were the best breakfast we had the whole trip. Love the great Tex Mex breakfast and dinners we had on the trip.
Ooh, one more food notable. I wanted to eat at food carts, but we were always too full of bbq. One night we skipped dinner, and went out on the town. I had a 10 pm hankering for something and we saw a funky hot dog cart. I had a hot dog with chipotle sauce, chopped bacon, onion, and peppers. Yum!
We got to watch the Packers beat the Bears in Austin. Lots of both fans, so had a great time. We were invited back to Packers' fans house with brats and beers, but the guys got in a scuffle as they were leaving the bar, and we decided that was a bad idea.
San Antonio
Of course we had to hit the Alamo and quote Pee Wee's Big Adventure. I was surprised The Alamo was right in the heart of San Antonio and not outside the city. It was actually quite moving.
We found a great outdoor bar and happened to be one of few guests. Tried lots of new good beers while enjoying some sun.
The Riverwalk area was beautiful.
We stayed at an old grand hotel that John Wayne and Audie Murphy often stayed at. Chris thought that was cool. We hit "Howl at the Moon" piano bar two nights and had a very fun time. You can pay to have quotes put on the mirrors behind the players, and some Packers, Bears and Steelers fans were exchanging jabs. You can see that in the photos if you look closely.
We did drive out to Freidericksburg, an old German town. It didn't excite us, but we did stop at a good winery that many online recommended. I thought the wineries would have mostly sweet wines, but there were some good dry reds.
Texas Pride BBQ was out of the way, but pretty darn good. By then we were getting a little sick of BBQ, but it was a good experience.
Chris also made me visit a flight museum, where I found interesting things about underage servicemembers and flying monkeys! These are chairs they sent monkeys into space in.
Finally, we did hit the Spoetzel Brewery, home to Shiner Beer.
Galveston
Weather was cold and foggy most of our Galveston stay. Our hotel across the street from the beach did little good. Galveston was not a place I'd recommend for couples our age without families. There were a lot of closed buisinesses from Hurricane Ike years ago, and generally not much to do. We found a decent bar outside of town where we chatted and drank with some competition bbq cookers. Very nice folks, but a little rednecky. Made for entertainmentment.
We also went to an offshore oil drilling museum. I felt dirty paying admission, but it was really interesting and well done. I tried to ignore the propaganda (the "minimizing environmental impact" display sponsored by the oil companies).It wasn't busy, so we took full advantage of the children's interactive zone.
A noteable food stop was "T Bone Tom's." We had "armadillo eggs." It's pulled pork with bbq sauce , stuffed in a jalepeno, breaded and deep fried. About the size of a baseball! So delicious.
On the way home, the storms across the midwest made our travel challenging. Were supposed to fly from Houston to Minneapolis to Madison on Tuesday. Made it to Minneapolis, but no available flights to Madison until THURSDAY. Ended up renting a car and driving home, with an overnight stop in a cheap motel. Then Chris locked the keys in the rental in our driveway, while it was running. Smooth move, Chris.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Texas and Work
It's driving me nuts that I haven't posted anything since December!
Work has been hellabusy. I'm working 12 hours this weekend and 12 hours next on a project. Yuck!
Chris and I decided to take a winter vacation, and the only week that could possibly work for both of us was the last week in Jan. I kind of regret it now, as the work timing is TERRIBLE. I've never been this busy for this long. I expect the first weekend of vacation I'll be working a lot. Boo hiss. That means waking up early (6:30 a.m.) and getting work done before 11:00. Not a great way to spend vacation.
Anywhoooo, we were going to hit Arizona, but I just couldn't get excited about it. Late spring or fall seems like a better time to visit there and soak in all the sites. In the winter, there just isn't much to do unless you ski or golf, and even that is iffy in some spots. And I'm just not a huge "southwest" architecture, nature, art lover. Some of the natural beauty is gorgeous, but it seems like once you've seen one beautiful desert scene, it's all pretty similar.
Southern Texas, on the other hand, seems to have more consistent southern weather and seems a lot more "laid back" and fun. I've been to Dallas and didn't love it, but have always wanted to visit Austin and San Antonio. We are hitting Galveston for a few days to get our beachy/water fix, even though it will be too chilly to throw a suit on and lay in the sun. Lots of brewpubs, bbq, and mexican food. Not to mention food carts in Austin. Yum!
So, we are off to Texas on Jan. 21st. Yeeehaw!
Work has been hellabusy. I'm working 12 hours this weekend and 12 hours next on a project. Yuck!
Chris and I decided to take a winter vacation, and the only week that could possibly work for both of us was the last week in Jan. I kind of regret it now, as the work timing is TERRIBLE. I've never been this busy for this long. I expect the first weekend of vacation I'll be working a lot. Boo hiss. That means waking up early (6:30 a.m.) and getting work done before 11:00. Not a great way to spend vacation.
Anywhoooo, we were going to hit Arizona, but I just couldn't get excited about it. Late spring or fall seems like a better time to visit there and soak in all the sites. In the winter, there just isn't much to do unless you ski or golf, and even that is iffy in some spots. And I'm just not a huge "southwest" architecture, nature, art lover. Some of the natural beauty is gorgeous, but it seems like once you've seen one beautiful desert scene, it's all pretty similar.
Southern Texas, on the other hand, seems to have more consistent southern weather and seems a lot more "laid back" and fun. I've been to Dallas and didn't love it, but have always wanted to visit Austin and San Antonio. We are hitting Galveston for a few days to get our beachy/water fix, even though it will be too chilly to throw a suit on and lay in the sun. Lots of brewpubs, bbq, and mexican food. Not to mention food carts in Austin. Yum!
So, we are off to Texas on Jan. 21st. Yeeehaw!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Because I know you are curious
Christmas with MIL was this weekend. I seriously think there's some early stage dementia showing. Or, as my BIL also suspects, it could just be "isolationitis."
Gas is so expensive that she only goes into town twice a week now. Her food pantry volunteer day and church choir practice. She has quit her other activities. Might be gas costs, might be other reasons.
She always does "signing grace." She forgot the words halfway through this year. Might have been the wine. Might not.
She has her answering machine "script" by her answering machine. She has also taped her phone number to the phones and has it written by the bed.
She loves to cook "traditional" dinner (turkey and all the trimmings) when we visit because she's alone and can't cook that much food for herself. At least once a year she cooks this. She left the plastic bag with the heart, etc. in the cavity along with the neck, and also left the plastic on the legs.
And now for the gifts. The gifts to me were uneventful. One good present: Tastefully Simple Mulling Spice. Not my favorite TS item, but very usable. Used mittens and a used ear covering headband for being outside, ugly as sin coasters, used snowman dishtowel and candle topper (without candle) and a cheesy "display" plate with a cat on it, a calendar from the humane society and a religious themed purse calendar with miscellaneous free pen. Chris also got a used headband, along with the centerpiece USED BOXER SHORTS. His brother got USED BOXER BRIEFS. Ew Ew Ew.
We ended up donating to the animal shelter she got her new cat from. The new cat is pretty awesome and loving.
A bonus photo of my sister's pretty living room and my new sock monkey wine bottle cover.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Pre Christmas flurries (of activity)
I was only "holiday stressed" for a day or so. We had several weekends at home, so I was able to settle down, prioritize and focus, so all has calmly worked out.
1) I had big plans to do big homemade stuff gift baskets. Well, they will be smaller than planned, but they are still happening. This just meant I also had to get some regular gifts. Final food bags will include three types of homemade pasta (gnocchi, beef ravioli, cheese tortellini) in small quantities, a container of homemade cookie dough, and spent-grain bread (the leftover grains from homebrewing are mixed into a yeast bread recipe...really flavorful and robust).
2) Gifts are all purchased. I'm not thrilled with what my SIL is getting, nor my step-MIL, but it's done. I'm still mulling over something more for my dad and girlfriend, but we'll see.
3) My charity plan for MIL went completely awry and we aren't doing it. She forgot or just never really understood the plan, so we are again getting some crappy little rummage sale gifts from her instead. I'm still donating in lieu of gifts. Tried to get her to pick a chairty for us to donate to, but she just couldn't wrap her head it, so we need to make a decision. I said we could donate to the food pantry she both volunteers and "shops" at, therefore it would almost be like giving her a gift.
4) My FIL volunteers to drive the Veterans van to the VA hospital, which is attached to the building I work in. He had a few vets to bring yesterday, so we had coffee. He told me step-MIL has some suspicious lymph nodes and a spot on her liver. But I'm not to even tell Chris until they know more (which will be February). Ack. Why would he do this to me? I managed to keep my mouth shut so far.
5) Tonight is a friend's raclette party. This was the one where she told me the EXACT salad to bring last year. This year it was luckily bring a dessert or drink to share. I baked Fro's caramel pecan chocolate bars-easy and yummy!
6) I said no to a party on Sunday over a month ago because I knew it would end up causing scheduling problems with family Christmas. I was right. Wise choice, Kim.
7) I decided not to haul out any Christmas or winter decor this year. We aren't having any visitors and I'm enjoying the slower pace of the weekends with only a few things on the to-do list.
8) Our water heater has been acting up. I was in my robe and slippers this morning at 6 a.m., on my hands and knees in the basement. The flame is having trouble staying lit. So, today I call for service. Sigh. I think we can manage to wait until next week, so no weekend service charge.
9) I baked fewer cookies and treats this year. I usually bake about four or five different items. This year I limited myself to sugar cookies so far. Tomorrow I'm making peanut blossoms. That's it!
10) Edited for Swami. I'm worried about my bloggy friends. How is your holiday stress level?
1) I had big plans to do big homemade stuff gift baskets. Well, they will be smaller than planned, but they are still happening. This just meant I also had to get some regular gifts. Final food bags will include three types of homemade pasta (gnocchi, beef ravioli, cheese tortellini) in small quantities, a container of homemade cookie dough, and spent-grain bread (the leftover grains from homebrewing are mixed into a yeast bread recipe...really flavorful and robust).
2) Gifts are all purchased. I'm not thrilled with what my SIL is getting, nor my step-MIL, but it's done. I'm still mulling over something more for my dad and girlfriend, but we'll see.
3) My charity plan for MIL went completely awry and we aren't doing it. She forgot or just never really understood the plan, so we are again getting some crappy little rummage sale gifts from her instead. I'm still donating in lieu of gifts. Tried to get her to pick a chairty for us to donate to, but she just couldn't wrap her head it, so we need to make a decision. I said we could donate to the food pantry she both volunteers and "shops" at, therefore it would almost be like giving her a gift.
4) My FIL volunteers to drive the Veterans van to the VA hospital, which is attached to the building I work in. He had a few vets to bring yesterday, so we had coffee. He told me step-MIL has some suspicious lymph nodes and a spot on her liver. But I'm not to even tell Chris until they know more (which will be February). Ack. Why would he do this to me? I managed to keep my mouth shut so far.
5) Tonight is a friend's raclette party. This was the one where she told me the EXACT salad to bring last year. This year it was luckily bring a dessert or drink to share. I baked Fro's caramel pecan chocolate bars-easy and yummy!
6) I said no to a party on Sunday over a month ago because I knew it would end up causing scheduling problems with family Christmas. I was right. Wise choice, Kim.
7) I decided not to haul out any Christmas or winter decor this year. We aren't having any visitors and I'm enjoying the slower pace of the weekends with only a few things on the to-do list.
8) Our water heater has been acting up. I was in my robe and slippers this morning at 6 a.m., on my hands and knees in the basement. The flame is having trouble staying lit. So, today I call for service. Sigh. I think we can manage to wait until next week, so no weekend service charge.
9) I baked fewer cookies and treats this year. I usually bake about four or five different items. This year I limited myself to sugar cookies so far. Tomorrow I'm making peanut blossoms. That's it!
10) Edited for Swami. I'm worried about my bloggy friends. How is your holiday stress level?
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Extravagance
I know I shouldn't let this bother me, and other people's choices aren't my business. BUT, I'm trying not to sink into a Christmas funk as I'm shopping for gifts.
The sheer extravagance of gifting is bumming me out. A Kindle, and Ipad, Iphone, a $300 gaming system, etc. It seems more and more commonplace. Even to buy a video game is frickin $50. And then you want to give more than one thing, so you end up spending hundreds.
Sure, these are great gifts. And if you don't splurge the rest of the year and can afford to splurge now, great! I just feel this pressure that I hate. And I worry that if I don't give the fancier gift, they'll see what I got them as "clutter" (like I view the .50 garage sale items MIL buys us). Thus, I've been trying to do more consumable items. It's just all causing me some low-level, weird internal stress this year.
The good news? We (BIL & SIL, Chris and I) decided to approach MIL about donating to charity instead of buying gifts this year. Each year we'd rotate who picks the charity and send off an envelope. This was mostly meant to curb the crapola garage sale trinkets she spent money on for us each year. Instead she can take that $30 and put it towards a charity, and we can do the same. And she doesn't always like what we get her. She claims the Under Armor we got her makes her cold, she couldn't figure out the camping lantern and proclaimed it "broken" (when it just needed new batteries instead of the 10 year old rusty ones she put in), etc. Still, she said she bought us some gifts throughout the year, so great, more crap. *sigh*
I also just inquired about volunteering at the local nursing home. It's been on my to-do list for a few months and maybe it will help me with my mood.
The sheer extravagance of gifting is bumming me out. A Kindle, and Ipad, Iphone, a $300 gaming system, etc. It seems more and more commonplace. Even to buy a video game is frickin $50. And then you want to give more than one thing, so you end up spending hundreds.
Sure, these are great gifts. And if you don't splurge the rest of the year and can afford to splurge now, great! I just feel this pressure that I hate. And I worry that if I don't give the fancier gift, they'll see what I got them as "clutter" (like I view the .50 garage sale items MIL buys us). Thus, I've been trying to do more consumable items. It's just all causing me some low-level, weird internal stress this year.
The good news? We (BIL & SIL, Chris and I) decided to approach MIL about donating to charity instead of buying gifts this year. Each year we'd rotate who picks the charity and send off an envelope. This was mostly meant to curb the crapola garage sale trinkets she spent money on for us each year. Instead she can take that $30 and put it towards a charity, and we can do the same. And she doesn't always like what we get her. She claims the Under Armor we got her makes her cold, she couldn't figure out the camping lantern and proclaimed it "broken" (when it just needed new batteries instead of the 10 year old rusty ones she put in), etc. Still, she said she bought us some gifts throughout the year, so great, more crap. *sigh*
I also just inquired about volunteering at the local nursing home. It's been on my to-do list for a few months and maybe it will help me with my mood.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thanksgiving week
Flying back today from my annual conference that always falls on the weekend before Thanksgiving. This year it was in New Orleans. I arrived on Friday and didn't even have a drop of alcohol until last night (Monday). How sad is that? I'd been to NO a few times before, so didn't feel the need to go out, plus I was super busy til 8 pm every night. Glad to be done with the conference and my presentation. Now I only have one day of work this week!
Next year the conference is in Boston. It will be a good chance to catch up with an old friend from high school. I've been toying with not going, though, as it always falls on hunting weekend, meaning I have some nice time to myself at home.
The airport in New Orleans is quiet today. So glad!
Thursday I think we don't have any plans! Good day to clean the house because Friday evening my family is coming for Thanksgiving dinner. We are doing two 12 lb. turkeys-one smoked and flash fried, and one traditionally roasted. I've been in the mood to traditionally roast a turkey, which I haven't done for a few years.
I'm considering heading out for some Black Friday shopping for the first time ever. It's not really my usual cup of tea, but I'm in a pretty relaxed mood this year. I know, no better way to kill THAT than going out on Friday.
So, what are you up to?
Next year the conference is in Boston. It will be a good chance to catch up with an old friend from high school. I've been toying with not going, though, as it always falls on hunting weekend, meaning I have some nice time to myself at home.
The airport in New Orleans is quiet today. So glad!
Thursday I think we don't have any plans! Good day to clean the house because Friday evening my family is coming for Thanksgiving dinner. We are doing two 12 lb. turkeys-one smoked and flash fried, and one traditionally roasted. I've been in the mood to traditionally roast a turkey, which I haven't done for a few years.
I'm considering heading out for some Black Friday shopping for the first time ever. It's not really my usual cup of tea, but I'm in a pretty relaxed mood this year. I know, no better way to kill THAT than going out on Friday.
So, what are you up to?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
State worries
This time of year I'm usually excited about planning for the next year. Vacations, diet goals, hobbies, etc. However, our newly elected VERY conservative governor has his red pen poised to drastically slash the state budget deficit. He's made it clear he'll do it mostly on the backs of state workers. He thinks we're all grossly overpaid and pampered compared to the private sector. Not true for salary in a vast percentage of cases. Yes, our benefits are nice, but that's why we stick around given the comparatively crappy salary. His current proposal has a furlough and additional benefits contribution that would result in a net 25% pay loss for state employees. That's 25% off both Chris's paycheck and mine.
The only shining light is that the UW is pushing for more autonomy given the shrinking contribution the state makes to the UW budget. Less than 12% of the UW budget is funded by the state, yet the control the entire UW budget and many of the policies. Running a research intensive university like a state agency doesn't work for many reasons. Our chancellor's push for more independence has some drawbacks...
The good:
The only shining light is that the UW is pushing for more autonomy given the shrinking contribution the state makes to the UW budget. Less than 12% of the UW budget is funded by the state, yet the control the entire UW budget and many of the policies. Running a research intensive university like a state agency doesn't work for many reasons. Our chancellor's push for more independence has some drawbacks...
- that ~10% gap would need to be made up, but could be done via some cost savings by not being locked into state contracts for supplies-many of which currently cost a lot more because they are obscure research supplies that no other state agency uses.
- less "cohesiveness" with the state to promote the university
- a hit for unions, as they'd have less influence at the UW...and some would argue this would be bad for workers.
- tution increases wouldn't need to be approved by the legislature. This could and possibly should concern students.
The good:
- wouldn't be at the whim of the current legislature on what kind of research we could do (e.g., stem cells)
- wouldn't be on nonsense furloughs (e.g., 80% of my position comes from federal grant funds or private research foundations, yet I'm on the same furlough as other employees...frankly, grant agencies aren't happy about the Wisconsin situation and it's not saving the state much money. A sensible solution would've been to prorate the amount of furlough taken according to how much of the position is from state funding).
- could better adjust faculty compensation to be competitive with other Big 10 and competing schools. We are losing a lot of faculty and that's a dangerous thing for a research intensive university in particular.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Italy Pics
If anyone wants to peruse some Italy pics, without any commentary/labels, feel free to browse my Walgreen's album:
Friday, November 05, 2010
The Bathroom Project
I'm just going to keep blogging even if nobody reads it. :-)
We finally started our shower remodel project. We have a big tile walk in shower, and the liner under the tile shifted at some point and caused some major water damage to the sub floor. Turns out the year we built was about the last year the industry used those liners, as too many problems were developing and a new product was coming out. Sigh.
Our contractor came highly recommended and is someone my father works with. He's the "expert" in our region on these shower systems. So, this is good.
Had to knock out almost half the tile on the wall and all of the floor, so we had to design a tile scheme that looks complimentary. Given I don't like how light our old tile is (cream with very light tan marbling-tends to look peachy or pink in the wrong light), it was a challenge. But it would've been financially wasteful (about $1000 more in labor and tile) to redo the whole thing.
So, we are leaving the light cream on top, using a 6" border of 2x2 mixed color in brown-tone tiles in the middle, a marbled medium tan on the bottom and the same 2x2s as the border on the floor.
The side effects of remodel:
-Cats must be locked in a bedroom with their food and litterboxes all day while the contracter is there. He lets them out when he leaves for the day.
-Chris and I have to share a single sink and mirror in our other bathroom. I'm not sure I could adjust to that ever again after having two sinks and a big mirror for this long! It's driving me crazy.
We finally started our shower remodel project. We have a big tile walk in shower, and the liner under the tile shifted at some point and caused some major water damage to the sub floor. Turns out the year we built was about the last year the industry used those liners, as too many problems were developing and a new product was coming out. Sigh.
Our contractor came highly recommended and is someone my father works with. He's the "expert" in our region on these shower systems. So, this is good.
Had to knock out almost half the tile on the wall and all of the floor, so we had to design a tile scheme that looks complimentary. Given I don't like how light our old tile is (cream with very light tan marbling-tends to look peachy or pink in the wrong light), it was a challenge. But it would've been financially wasteful (about $1000 more in labor and tile) to redo the whole thing.
So, we are leaving the light cream on top, using a 6" border of 2x2 mixed color in brown-tone tiles in the middle, a marbled medium tan on the bottom and the same 2x2s as the border on the floor.
The side effects of remodel:
-Cats must be locked in a bedroom with their food and litterboxes all day while the contracter is there. He lets them out when he leaves for the day.
-Chris and I have to share a single sink and mirror in our other bathroom. I'm not sure I could adjust to that ever again after having two sinks and a big mirror for this long! It's driving me crazy.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
I'm on a food kick
...and it shows. I need to stop the madness!
Apple pie: Made a crumb topped apple pie and it was the best apple pie evah! Didn't even use a fancy recipe-Just Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, with pecans added to the crumb. I used our home grown apples that I'd held over in the crisper drawer from September harvest. I think those apples were the key.
Tastefully Simple: Was looking at buying some fall/winter items for myself and gifts, but holy hell have their prices gone up. I'm not buying an $8.00 box of pumpkin bread mix. I like it, but it's gone up $2.00 a box since three years ago. No way!
Smoked deviled eggs: Rumor has it they are good. I have no evidence, but would like to try them.
Apple pie: Made a crumb topped apple pie and it was the best apple pie evah! Didn't even use a fancy recipe-Just Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, with pecans added to the crumb. I used our home grown apples that I'd held over in the crisper drawer from September harvest. I think those apples were the key.
Tastefully Simple: Was looking at buying some fall/winter items for myself and gifts, but holy hell have their prices gone up. I'm not buying an $8.00 box of pumpkin bread mix. I like it, but it's gone up $2.00 a box since three years ago. No way!
Smoked deviled eggs: Rumor has it they are good. I have no evidence, but would like to try them.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Speaking of cooking
I need to document this somewhere. For my BIL and FIL, I'm suggesting Nolay and I make giant food baskets. Ideas we've had, given our strengths and cooking appliances:
FROZEN:
Chicken tamales
Stuffed chicken breasts (not sure what they'll be stuffed with....probably prosciutto, sage and cheese)
Beef ravioli
Spinach and cheese tortellini
Gnocci
Spent grain (from brewing) bread loaves
A soup of some sort (That chicken and corn chowder on OT looks great, but not sure it would freeze well?)
Frozen cookie dough (anyone have tips on this? I've never done it)
OTHER:
Sun Dried Tomatoes I made this summer
????
FROZEN:
Chicken tamales
Stuffed chicken breasts (not sure what they'll be stuffed with....probably prosciutto, sage and cheese)
Beef ravioli
Spinach and cheese tortellini
Gnocci
Spent grain (from brewing) bread loaves
A soup of some sort (That chicken and corn chowder on OT looks great, but not sure it would freeze well?)
Frozen cookie dough (anyone have tips on this? I've never done it)
OTHER:
Sun Dried Tomatoes I made this summer
????
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuscan dinner
I'll be cooking a big Tuscan dinner for one set of in-laws (the foodie ones) on either Thanksgiving or Christmas. Potential dishes that reflect our dining experiences:
-Roasted veggies
-Roasted lamb or Wild boar (we'd just use regular pork unless I could wrangle up some wild boar)
-Tagliatelle with beef and tomatoes or Lamb ravioli or Shrimp spaghetti (using ground shrimp-surprisingly good) or Gnocci with cheese and tomato sauce. I'll likely pick two.
-Panna Cotta with blueberry red wine sauce
In other cooking news, I have a potluck party as my boss's house on Thursday. I'm making the crockpot butternut squash soup I love, and drizzling it with honey because Tummy told me to last year.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Things I miss
It's been almost two weeks that we've been gone. Sunday I start my conferences. :-(
So what do I miss about home/the U.S.?
Regular coffee. While lattes, cappucinos, caffe americanos are ok, I do miss sitting down with a full pot of coffee in the morning.
Eggs. For breakfast they generally have bread, butter, jam and coffee. Luckily a few places have also had yogurt. The good news is, there's almost always some kind of cake or cookie, and I love a country that has cake and cookies for breakfast. This morning we skipped breakfast at our seaside lodge, as we were traveling early to Genoa. We knew we'd be passing a McDonald's about 15 minutes into our trip and planned to stop in for breakfast. I was looking forward to something egg related. Instead, they had nothing of the sorts. Only pastries and various coffee items, and not staff working the counter in sight. Boo, maybe you should go whip these European McDonald's into shape.
Normal dinner hours. Eating at 8pm almost every night sucks.
Wash cloths. You get these giant towels-bigger than our hand towels. Handscrubbing my face doesn't get it fully clean, so I end up making a big mess with these giant towels that are similar to the "tea towel" material we use for some lightweight dishtowels in the U.S.
I know, wah, wah, wah. Miss you all!
So what do I miss about home/the U.S.?
Regular coffee. While lattes, cappucinos, caffe americanos are ok, I do miss sitting down with a full pot of coffee in the morning.
Eggs. For breakfast they generally have bread, butter, jam and coffee. Luckily a few places have also had yogurt. The good news is, there's almost always some kind of cake or cookie, and I love a country that has cake and cookies for breakfast. This morning we skipped breakfast at our seaside lodge, as we were traveling early to Genoa. We knew we'd be passing a McDonald's about 15 minutes into our trip and planned to stop in for breakfast. I was looking forward to something egg related. Instead, they had nothing of the sorts. Only pastries and various coffee items, and not staff working the counter in sight. Boo, maybe you should go whip these European McDonald's into shape.
Normal dinner hours. Eating at 8pm almost every night sucks.
Wash cloths. You get these giant towels-bigger than our hand towels. Handscrubbing my face doesn't get it fully clean, so I end up making a big mess with these giant towels that are similar to the "tea towel" material we use for some lightweight dishtowels in the U.S.
I know, wah, wah, wah. Miss you all!
Monday, October 04, 2010
Tick tock!
When preparing for a long trip, it's all the little things that take up too much time!
Today I have to figure out train reservations from Prato to Rome. Should be a fun lunch hour. Not.
- Food. You don't want to waste food, and it's CSA season for us. I've still had to cook meals to use up things in the fridge, so no quickie frozen pizzas for us!
- Renting the international cell. It wasn't that hard, but it took a fair amount of time to research and understand things. We went with a company online that shipped the phone to us, so we are ready to go.
- GPS/maps. Downloading & plotting points. Still a thousand times better than printing off a bunch of maps.
- Leaving instructions for the cat sitter and making sure there's enough food, etc. for three weeks.
Today I have to figure out train reservations from Prato to Rome. Should be a fun lunch hour. Not.
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