Elusive Ink

Currently Listening
I'm Yours
Jason Mraz



Honestly, I had no idea that it was New Year's Eve tonight until I woke up this morning and one of my siblings turned to the other and goes "Tomorrow it will be 2009!" Man, what a way to wake up. Another year passing and I didn't even know. Of course, my wheels immediately began turning with the thought "what should I make?" I'm thinking, sparkling white grape juice, with a green chile/cheese fondue is in order - and maybe some board games and Wii sports. Yeah, I'm really the life of the party.

I didn't realize it'd been so long since I posted - the days all seem to just blur together in one big streak of not-enough-productivity. But reflecting back on where and who I was even just a year ago I'm so thankful to be who I am today. I have a loving, supportive family, a fantastic job, great friends, and a very sweet and patient boyfriend. All constant reminders of how blessed I am, even if I tend to run myself into a rut with my procrastination.

I guess I'm doing the same thing today as everyone else on the planet right about now, reflecting back on my life, on the past year. Maybe, rather than doing that one day a year - we should do that once a week, just to prove to ourselves that no matter where we are...we've come a long way.

So, looking back into more recent past - the holidays were fantastic. My grandparents ended up driving up from Arkansas for Christmas, and we all had a phenomenal time. (Although I can say very positively that I will not be making another turkey dinner any time in the near future.) I managed to survive the holidays working in retail for the first time in my life, and while it did push me further behind in my classes...it was definitely a learning experience. We had our "office" christmas party at my house, which was an absolute blast...and my parents got a night out together while I stayed home with the kids. Plus, I know Mom has been very thankful to have two and a half weeks off work.

I actually don't have much to say at the moment - but before I close my last post of 2008, I'm going to share a list of things I'd like to happen over the course of the next year. It's always fun to go back and compare these things, and see how my life, and expectations have changed.

Things I'd Like to See Happen in 2009:

• Finally get my name legally changed.
• Make it through my last few courses.
• Get a driver's license. (Yep, I've been saying that for...how many years now? =/)
• Live a more active lifestyle, and take good advantage of our rec center membership.
• Get at least 5 paid photography commissions.
• Grandma make it through her knee surgeries and recovery without any complications.
• Sell a painting.
• Nathan get an internship here and spend the summer with me.
• Go to Bop on the Lake again, in September.
• See the Met in New York City.
• Buy a Macbook Pro to replace my little white macbook.
• ...And an Espresso machine.

Anyway - I suppose that's all for that. More later. Next year.
-Lindsey

Currently Listening
I Need A Silent Night
Amy Grant



I am feeling pretty liberated at the moment...my first day off in...a while, and I have three off in a row. Time to get caught up with some school, finish up christmas gifts, and finish planning out my feast. The past few weeks have been absolutely insane - but I think it's just that time of year. I don't mind it as much as if it were any other time of the year. I'm sooo glad to be away from work though. Trying to get things organized for our store Christmas party. Should be a pretty fun affair, it's looking more and more like it's going to be at my house.

My mother also gave me the inspiration to try and get a bop club started here locally - so I'm beginning to make my list to hopefully get the ball rolling on that sometime after the first of the year. With enough planning, and enough willing volunteers - I might be able to make it happen. We'll see. :-)

We're having several guests over for Christmas dinner so it's going to be crazy busy for me, planning and cooking all day. I learned enough from Thanksgiving, however, that I think I can streamline the process. I'm making gingerbread mini-muffins and a baked egg casserole for everyone to much on Christmas day while I prepare the meal. Pies will be made ahead of time, fudge (we'll see how THAT turns out), etc. I'm quite excited, and it's looking to be fantastic.

We went to a christmas light-show and carnival the other day that I plan to post pictures of pretty soon...I'm running off now though.

More later,
-Lindsey

Currently Listening
The Christmas Song
Josh Groban



I know, I know, it's been far too long since I've posted. But I do have a good excuse! A very special guy came to visit me over Thanksgiving. (He's probably the only person who reads this blog, to be honest.) So, I've postponed blogging for the past week in favor of spending some time with him. :) He left early yesterday morning, and while I already miss him, my blog is now receiving some much-needed TLC.

So, let's see...where to begin? Thanksgiving was fantastic, the feast I'd been planning for weeks came off flawlessly, everything was completely homemade, nothing from a box or a can. I'm going to be a little puffy and show off for a moment, humility is not my strong suit, and I am proud to say that not only was the feast delicious and finished on-time, but it looked beautiful too. I was nervous to attempt a Turkey this year, in the midst of trying to cook everything else from scratch - but even the turkey turned out beautiful and tender! (Thanks to some tips I found online.) I plan to make a post with pictures, recipes, and a few tips I learned while making Thanksgiving dinner. Edit: Made the post, you can find the recipes here.

Also...Williams Sonoma Marketplace is quickly becoming my absolute favorite store. I could go crazy in that place. In the past week and a half I've bought a rolling pin, pie crust cutters, fondue fuel, and a few other little things from there. (As well as receiving a gorgeous coffee grinder from there as an early Christmas gift from Nathan.) Next on my list is this set of mixing bowls, an espresso machine, and a kitchen aid mixer. All of this is quite amusing in light of the fact that I do not have a kitchen of my own. :P I will be totally outfitted once I do.

Inspired (once again) by Heidi Swanson, I've begun to seek out some nice vintage cookware. Pieces with character for serving and such. Not to the point where all of my stuff is outdated, kitschy, and grunge looking, but where mixed with my Le Creuset, and other newwer items will make a nice ecclectic mix. In fact, I'm anxiously waiting at the moment for an ebay auction to end on some handpainted polish ramekins. (Ramekins have become a favorite dish of mine, after my thanksgiving Cheesy Potato Ramekin bread was loved by all.)

So yeah, while Thanksgiving was great...black friday definitely wore me out. It wasn't as bad as I'd imagined, though, and after I got off work I found out that Nathan had asked my parents official permission to pursue a relationship. So we went on our first "date" friday night, sushi and bowling. Had a blast...oh, and I'm way better at bowling than him. Pursuing new relationships -- be it friendship or something more -- is always exciting, and scary. But I like to think that I'm a risk taker, or I try to be...and Nathan is absolutely fantastic, definitely someone worth taking a leap of faith for. I like to believe that every person we encounter is there for a reason, every relationship we pursue, every friendship that we lose. People come and go out of our lives, but we should appreciate and adore them for the time that they're here, and know that they were here to teach us something, to help us grow into better people. Some people are always around, others may drift, and others you may only know for a short amount of time...but there's definitely value to every relationship, friendship, and random conversation in an elevator. That was a weird little rant, just something I'd been thinking about. Don't get me wrong, I don't intend to let Nathan drift anywhere anytime soon!

My weekend was spent in Christmasy efforts, almost finished my christmas shopping. (It was far more exciting than it should've been to buy an Easy Bake oven for my sister.) We enjoyed my first attempt at fondue, re-discovered that "A Christmas Story" never gets old, and put up our tree and stockings. The house definitely feels like Christmas now, which is always a good thing...I'm a sucker for holidays. Not sure why, we've always been pretty laid back about the decorations and such. I just love the holiday season. (But only IN the holiday season, it really bothers me when people listen to Christmas music before black friday, or after Christmas.)

The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying my time with Nathan, and in pursuit of an answer to the question: "If DJ Lance were to chew up and spit out a candied Gabbaland, what color would the spit be?" The answer? Teal. In actuality I am painting a Gabbaland "cube" for my youngest sister, Molly, who has all but one of the little plush dolls and requests "gabba" on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, Yo Gabba Gabba has not been popular enough for long enough yet to justify a lot of merchandising. They have a few items, but not a huge selection. Which pretty much demands creativity. (Creativity happens to be my specialty.)

This is what I've got so far, It's still a work in progress though.


Anyway - I've got some things to do, but I'll write more later! :)

-Lindsey

Here's a few pictures, recipes for, and tips from my Thanksgiving dinner. :)















In addition to all of these things, I also had my go-to apple bread, these amazing vanilla mashed sweet potatoes (which look as good as they taste) and a green bean casserole. Above all these things, however, the thing of which I am most proud is the apple pie. They were pretty basic apple pies, but I thoroughly enjoyed making them with some beautiful pie-crust cutters that I found at williams sonoma. I used a light egg wash to seal and help them brown evenly...and the result was beautiful and delicious.

Currently Reading
Fondue
Lou Seibert Pappas


First of all...Yo Gabba Gabba is actually quite entertaining for a preschool show. Much less painful than many others. (Can we say "Caillou"? Way to promote whineyness in children!) But as Molly says "Gabba Gabba" is actually quite tolerable, and her excitement upon first seeing DJ lance walk onto the white screen is beyond cherishable. So, we have all adopted a yo gabba gabba way of life...and somehow the songs swim around my brain all day long. Because of this I've decided that -- compensating for the lack of "gabba gabba" merchandise -- I am making Molly hand painted "Gabbaland" for christmas. I still can't find pictures of the individual lands though, and I am obsessively persnickety about everything looking perfect.

Now, I must ask - does anything wreak of kitchen geek like gaining pure joy from finally finding Turbinado sugar? I have trouble finding specialty foods in our area, and went to Super Target a few days ago to tackle my (incredibly long) Thanksgiving shopping list, pretty much figuring on having to substutite at lest 35% of the things on my list for similar ingredients. I was absolutely overjoyed when looking on the baking asile I found whole wheat flour, organic white sugar, and turbinado sugar. All ingredients that they generally tend to be out of. I've enjoyed spending my day off making all kinds of goodies for Thanksgiving. In my new Le Creuset mixing bowls, no less. Everything ahs turned out perfectly so far, so I'm bracing myself for some kind of monumental disaster. Knowing me, it'll be on something important: a.k.a. The Turkey. :P But I am definitely pleased with how everything's come out thusfar, even my pecan pie is beautiful, and I've fought with pecan pies in the past.

I've several pictures to post later of some of my recent creations, and some tips that have helped my thanksgiving feast get to this point. :-)

For now, I'm off to make a last minute trip to Target for the lemon I forgot -- I'm doing most of the cooking today because I'm going to be out all day tomorrow. I'm very tempted to impulse buy an espresso maker while I'm out...I also need some cookie cutters and a rolling pin, but I'll probably wait and get those at Sonoma.

More later!!
-Lindsey

...making pies, and cranberry jam. :-) Pictures to come.

Oh, and loving my new Le Creuset cookware (and borrowing some that I gave to my mother, for Thanksgiving purposes.) in fact, I went and spent another good bit on a few more pieces today. The insanity continues.

I have worked the past 7 days straight, including a couple of ten-hour shifts and it's been quite tiring, but I look forward to having a few days off to spend with friends, family, study, and enjoy my new pots. And of course blogging with all of my fantastic thanksgiving foods, culinary experiments, and day-to-day ramblings. (With photography, as always...I feel so official now, I have business cards, and a portrait commission for January! :P )

-Lindsey
http://www.flickr.com/elusive-photography

Currently Listening
Razor
Foo Fighters



I know that I should be getting up, grabbing some coffee, rinsing my work shirts and running out the door for another hectic day. At the moment, however, I have no motivation do do anything but lay here snuggled under my covers. As much as I love my job, and as much as I love having money to put towards pots - I couldn't do this all the time. 40-hour weeks are not fun at all. I feel like I haven't seen my family in forever. lol I sat with Molly for about twenty minutes last night and realized I hadn't seen her in two days. She's napping when I leave for work, and by the time I'd been getting home...she was in bed for the night. :(

On the up side, after tomorrow I have three days off, then I do work black friday, but then I have saturday after off. Time to get some studying done, and moreover - lots of baking. :D

Well - I have to go wash my hair and get changed for work. Then I'll be gone for a few hours after work grocery shopping for Thanksgiving.

-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Imaginary Girl
The Silver Seas



Well it's shaping up to be a crazy day. "Not good crazy, not bad crazy, just crazy." Trying to rush through and finish up module 4 in chemistry so that I can just be done with it (I'm making such good progress with that goal -- sitting here blogging!) and I'd really like to submit my lab report today too. Plus, it's shipment day at work...which is never pleasant. Last time we had shipment we had two pallets, took us about a week, and the boxes were so piled we couldn't walk through the store. This time we have eleven pallets and I have no IDEA what we're going to do with it all. It's not like it's a bunch of boxes of packing peanuts, these are HEAVY massive cast iron pots.

Not that I minded the heavy massive cast iron last night when I was bringing our (Mom and my) new pots home. :D Finallyyy. I'll post pictures later, they're so gorgeous. I can't wait to buy more next month.

So let's see...aside from work and school, I am totally hyped for Nathan's visit next week! (A week from today!!! :D) I can't WAIT to see him, and Thanksgiving is going to be phenomenal. I just hope we can get all the groceries in time. Leftover pizza isn't a great Thanksgiving dinner...but I could make it work. (A little red and yellow food coloring can work miracles!) My supervisor was nice enough to give me the 26th off so I could get my computer fixed, and hang out with my friend Caitlin who will be in town for the day from Vermont. She also gave me the 29th off so that I could spend that Saturday with Nathan, which I'm so excited about...now we've gotta find something to plan to do!

Anyway, not much else going on in life right now...I digitized some old photos last night, which I have a feeling I'll share on here over the next few weeks, with the stories and memories that accompany them.

In the meantime...I hate shipment.

More later!
-Lindsey

It will be a English Bulldog named Ziggy, and I will take the time to train her well and walk her often. (Which benefits me, too!)

-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Sky
Joshua Radin feat. Ingrid Michaelson



First of all Joshua Radin + Ingrid Michaelson is absolutely one of the best combinations, possibly ever. They are both favorites of mine, and the other day I stumbled across a couple of duets and my initial reaction was "holy crap! this is amazing!" -- definitely something worth checking out. Now if only Sam Phillips would pair up with David Ford. (And Corrine Bailey Rae with Michael Franti...)

Moving on, I thought I was going to be working today and rejoiced upon receiving a call from my supervisor last night telling me I didn't have to come in if I didn't want to. I didn't. I have so much school stuff to get caught up on, and last-minute Thanksgiving stuff. I am going into work for a bit today, not to work but to *finally* buy my pots. I'm so excited, maybe we'll have some chocolate fondue tonight? :P We'll see. I'm actually not getting any pots for myself until next month. (Next month I'm getting a wok, and a saucier.) I am getting a fondue, mixing bowls, and a utensil crock today though. I'm getting my Mom a pot, and a skillet.

I think I'm discovering that as the holidays near, people are far more difficult. Night before last, I was due to get off work around 6:30 (which is when my coworker would've started closing the store and such on a sunday night) and a family came in at 5:15 and started looking around. The mother told me she wanted to replace all her pots and she wanted our brand. So I spent about an hour and a half with her, picking out pieces, switching them out, I gave her a good discount, and free shipping...then her husband walked in and told her she wasn't going to buy it all impusively and that they'd talk about it and come back, or call and order everything. By this point it was past closing time and they stood there and debated for a while longer. Such is the life of retail I suppose.

I do love the holidays though, I don't even mind the cold weather so much when it's accompanied with holidays. I spend SO much money around the holidays, for several reasons: #1. I love buying presents for people...not even christmas presents, just random gifts. #2. I loooveee winter clothes. I know it's ridiculous, but I honestly do. Scarves, boots, jeans, courdoroy pants, sweaters. It's my "thing." #3. I tend to get inspired to cook more, and end up buying myself random stuff like zesters and magic cooking machines. :P

While I love the holidays, I do try and pace myself...no Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. No planning for Thanksgiving until the month of November. (Although I did break that rule a bit this year, only because I knew I'd be working a lot and I wanted to make sure everything was done.) I don't know why I enjoy November and December so much, but I do. :P

Anyway - I have tons of other things to blog about but I really MUST get some chemistry done, put together a presentation, and then go pick up my Le Creuset! :D

More later,
-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Lose Yourself
Eminem



I'm not a huge sweet potato fan, and never choose to use sweet potatoes if other alternatives are available. I'm not very picky at all, but sweet potatoes just happen to be one of the few things I don't like. Because of this, I groan inwardly (sometimes outwardly) when upon preparing my lists for a holiday meal, my Dad insists that we have a sweet potato casserole. I can't help but wonder why such an intelligent man could be so duped into believing a mass of yams, brown sugar, and marshmellows is a good idea. (Moreover, one that should be perpetuated?) So this year...in search of some healthier alternatives for Thanksgiving I stumbled upon 101cookbooks.com (which I've mentioned in a few earlier posts) and found this fantastic recipe that made sweet potatoes look appealing to even me.

The first time has never been a charm for me, however, and rather than risk trying something new (only to have it turn out terribly) for thanksgiving, I decided that a trial run was in order. I halfed the recipe and made a small portion of Vanilla Mashed Sweet Potatoes to try them out. They were actually a surprising success, I didn't alter the recipe much...and aside from going a bit overboard with the cream (giving them a slightly thinner consistency) - they turned out perfectly the first time around.

Overall though, a great recipe that I look forward to using to replace our old, disgusting marshmellow tradition.

Currently Listening
Oh What a Day
Ingrid Michaelson



Man, just when I thought things couldn't get more complicated, they have. It's become even more pressing that I get caught up NOW!

In essence, I'm working pretty much the next 11 days straight - and then it's Thanksgiving. =/ Man, where has the year gone?

Don't even have time to write more tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Lose Yourself
Vitamin String Quartet



I woke up tired this morning, always a sure sign of getting sick. I fought something for a few weeks, and now I've got this awful cough, all last night and today. Can't seem to shake it, despite massive quantities of cough drops, and herbal tea. I studied far too little this morning, and then had a decently enjoyable history class. Having no desire to try and cram my already snot-filled head (see? feeling cynical...another sign of getting sick.) with chemistry homework so I decided to venture into the world of leavened breads. Bread is one of the few things I've really no experience whatsoever with, as far as baking goes. I've made cakes, cookies, cheescakes, tarts, pastries, etc. etc. etc. and I decided today was the day to give bread bowls and cinnamon rolls a shot. I was foolish enough to make this spontaneous attempt when I didn't honestly have all of the exact correct ingredients on hand (Mostly the right kind of flour) and had done absolutely no research on breadmaking. But there I dove, right into the midst of a doughy chaos, mixing and kneading the bread for the bread bowls. Oh-so-cleverly adding a little garlic, and a little rosemary. The bread bowls would've been fine, had I not overkneaded the bread. Whups! There went the yeast's power-to-ressurect. "Merry Christmas, Grandma, here's a new doorstop for ya!" My poor breadbowls looked more like heavy rocks, in the end. But I'd learned my lesson, and out came the cinnamon roll recipe.

Instead of kneading by hand this particular recipe called for a bread maker (which conveniently, I had.) so it did all the kneading for me. Well...after kneading the dough for about fifteen seconds in the large bowl, I decided it had been long enough. Because of course, I wanted these to RISE...no overkneading this time! The sticky dough was a lot more like goo than dough at this point, so my mother suggested that I spray my hands, and the dough with olive oil before proceeding to roll it out onto the counter. So despite the fact that the pan they were about to grace was already liberally sprayed...olive oil coated my hands and the dough in front of me. Voila, no more sticking! I followed the directions explicitly, and left the cut cinnamon rolls in a warm place, covered with a damp cloth for forty-five minutes. I eagerly returned to my pan...and still, no rising. Despite this fact, they looked decently fluffy so I put them into the oven at the appropriate time. I proceeded to clean up, and make the frosting for the cinnamon rolls. Finally, I pulled them out, only to find masses of curly-bob thick, doughy, hard lumps in a pool of bubbling cinnamon oil. Ick...

So, after my terribly epic fail learning experience I made a trip to the grocery store, aka Target, to replenish everything I'd used up and grab some necessities. (Praying that no one I knew would see me, despite the fact that I used to work there, because I looked horrible and sick.) I managed to make it out of there with all the necessities, and the ingredients to make a quiche, and cranberry jam. Upon returning home, I decided that I refused to end the evening on a failure, so I pulled out all the quiche making ingredients and whipped them together. Egg, Spinach, Ricotta Cheese, Onions, and I added some garlic and Brie for good measure. (Brie is fantastic in stratas, lasagnas, and quiches.) Finally, a success. The Quiche turned out brilliantly and I'm very very pleased. To the point where...now, I must go to sleep because I have work tomorrow.




More tomorrow.
-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Daydream in Blue
iMonster



Lots more excitement in the past 24 hours - found out last night that my friend Caitlin is going to be in town over thanksgiving (all the way from Vermont) and I'm going to be able to spend some time with her. So I'm pretty hyped about that.

Other than that, juts everyday life I guess. I have a grocery list going in a draft email, a client list in a textedit document, a lab report minimized in Pages, and am actually using my chemistry book as an elbow rest. Tonight I'm going out with some friends to see Plan 9 From Outer Space at our local theater. (Yes, the one I raved so excitedly about back in May.)

I thought I might have something profound to say today. I don't. More later.

-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Miss Gradenko
The Police



Ya'know...I started thinking how frivolous I must be sounding lately. Expensive pots, beautiful new ring, and coach watch. The truth is, I'm really pretty frugal...I wait to buy clothes until they're 75% off at Kohls if I can manage it. When I do spend substantial money on something, I make it last. (Generally: Coats, Jeans, Slacks) I get pants tailored, never put them in the dryer, and make sure they're always washed correctly. I can still wear the jeans I bought over a year now, and provided I don't get any bigger they will last a while longer. I do need to have the cuffs fixed on one pair, and another few taken in...but it's so much cheaper than buying a new pair of jeans. And they're good quality in the first place, good fit and fabric. As far as the pots go...I get a substantial employee discount...and they're quality, lifetime guaranteed pieces. It's incredible to see ladies coming in to buy stuff, saying they had a pot for 40 years, and something happened to the pot, and Le Creuset replaced it for them, totally free. And the watch, was on an incredible sale.

Essentially, I find great deals on nice things...or invest on nice things, on rare occasions...but make them last. This is particularly important for me since I've got to start thinking about college costs, and making decisions that will truely effect my future. While I'm sure it will be incredible regardless, it's hard knowing which decisions are the right ones to make. For instance, I really wanted to live and work overseas next summer...then I realized I couldn't get a work permit to work overseas for that short amount of time. So I decided I'd just save up and make a trip. It's always been really important to me to absorb the culture of other countries and experience the world while I'm young, and unattached. Unhindered by family, career, etc. I just have a feeling that once I get all caught up in college, and then a career, and then a family...years will slip away and I'll really regret it if I don't do some of these things that I've had on my heart for as long as I can remember.

It all sounds really reasonable - except for the fact that if I want to get into the college that provides me with the BEST opportunities to build a good career in fine arts, I have to go through the expensive summer portfolio course next year. Which means, trip cut short if not cancelled altogether. Kind of a no brainer, right? College is more important, but I can't help thinking there must be a way for me to figure out how to afford them both. We'll see.

Speaking of growing money...I've been looking into investing. I don't have a ton of experience in the area, but I've got help from a few people I really trust and it seems like a smart move to make while stocks are so cheap. The market's down right now, but it's a good time to buy because eventually it's going to go back up, and I could honestly make quite a good bit off of it.

Potentially pay for a car, college classes, etc. etc. etc. The big things. The important things.

Of course, if I DO go through the summer course and get accepted to the college...and somehow get some kind of phenomenal scholarship to be able to actually afford attendance, they're going to provide me with so many opportunities to broaden my horizons. Study abroad programs, internships, etc. etc. etc.

Ahhh...so many decisions. Lots to think about.

And so I keep thinking...

Until tomorrow!
-Lindsey

Speaking of beautiful (oh, and Nathan, whom I adore) Nathan was sweet enough to make it possible for me to purchase a beautiful new watch. It really is pretty stunning...Coach brand, with twenty little diamonds around the watch face. Great quality, and I got it at a GREAT price. Definitely the benefit of working at an outlet, 75% off outlet prices on holiday weekends. Huge veterans day sales this weekend have definitely worked to my benefit.


In other news, I have resurrected my love for Star Trek...we've been rewatching some Deep Space Nine, and I'd forgotten how much I adore this show. The storylines following the genetically enhanced characters, in particular. Jack, Patrick, Serena, and Lauren, such sympathetic characters! Such a phenomenal show overall, with cherishable relationships, and (for the most part) great stories.

Anyway - I'm so glad to be at home, after three days at work, I get worn out - and I'm SO ready to try and get caught up in chemistry. It's really been weighing on me, and I'd like to be caught up to a point where I can really enjoy Nathan's stay. I was able to come home a little early tonight, and haven't been feeling well...probably gonna head to bed pretty soon.

More later!
-Lindsey

Currently Watching
Just Like Gwen & Gavin
Gilmore Girls Season 6



The Fondue Debacle.

I do sorta love that word: Debacle. Well a few posts ago I was celebrating the purchase of my first Le Creuset piece. (Ironically, NOT from the store that I work in.) I got a great deal on the pot for a 1.5 qt. fondue in the flame (Orange) color, which matches the other things I plan to buy on the 16th when I get my fantastic employee discount. I was very excited on Tuesday to recieved the package from the ebay seller from whom I bought my lovely fondue pot, and managed to pull myself away from chemistry long enough to open the box and (to my despair) found a large ugly-as-he** copper frying pan. Ugh. Fortunately, one quick email to the seller and MY fondue pot was on it's way. A few days later...and it finally arrived. (FedEx guy picked up the frying pan same-day, and hopefully it's new owner appreciates it way more than I would've.) I would be all excited that I could now make fondue...and I suppose technically I could. Because Le Creuset pieces can be used in the oven, freezer, fridge, dishwasher, AND stovetop. But I'll have the stand, burner, and forks for it next week...then it will be even more phenomenal.

Working...or not.

Have I mentioned I have the most phenomenal (if not, at times, the most boring) job ever? The other day the supervisor handed me a picture and says "Make the tables look like the pictures." What could be more fun than building displays? I mean...being PAID to build displays. I do that kind of stuff on our dining room table for free. :P Although then there are days like today...slower than molasses. Despite the fact that it was sunny, I couldn't help but think of the oh-so-melancholy and classic quote:

The sun did not shine.
It was too wet to play.
So we sat in the house
All that cold, cold, wet day.

I sat there with Sally.
We sat there, we two.
And I said, "How I wish
We had something to do!"

Too wet to go out
And too cold to play ball.
So we sat in the house.
We did nothing at all.

So all we could do was to
Sit!
Sit!
Sit!
Sit!
And we did not like it.
Not one little bit.

So yeah...our a/c was broken and we had NO customers. Jack and I sat, and looked up employee prices. I've decided to make it a habit to take books so I can study when it gets like that. Otherwise, it's just wasted time, which definitely aggravates me. Then I got to fight with the a/c repair guy. Big fun. Not that I'm complaining, I don't come home dead tired, I love the product, my discount is phenomenal, and the pay is great to sit there and do nothing. (Or, if I remember my books, getting paid to study!)

Another exciting thing, Nathan's coming for Thanksgiving!!! :D I'm so excited. (Mostly to show off my cooking skills...haha, maybe not.) Should be a ton of fun. I'm thoroughly excited, since I thought it would be January before we got to spend time together again. Anyway - I'm getting verrryyy sleepy. I'll write more tomorrow if I'm not too swamped with work and Chemistry.

-Lindsey, who is off to pull her jello out of the fridge.

Currently Reading
Making Money from Photography
(In Every Conceivable Way)
Steve Bavister


Good morning! Well - I SHOULD be getting ready for work, but I couldn't resist jumping on to write a quick post. I just finished a piece of this amazing apple cake with my coffee this morning. One of my recent culinary concoctions. I started with a base of this recipe...and then made some adaptations - namely, I threw together a crumb topping to top it off, to offset the fact that I used tart green apples rather than red apples. I also didn't have any buttermilk, so I used regular milk, didn't seem to affect it much though. (My family tends to prefer crisper apples in baked goods.) 101cookbooks.com is pretty fantastic, btw. Especially for anyone who doesn't love meat. Definitely a recipe to keep around. Took me about 45 minutes, but I have a feeling I could whip it out in 20 minutes the next time.




Anyway, I should probably be heading for work. (Which will only make me hungrier...the detriments of working at a cookware store.) More later!

-Lindsey

Currently Reading
Falling Cloudberries
Tessa Kiros



I'm not sure if it is my new job, or the time of year - but I've been inspired to start cooking again over the past few months. I used to cook all the time, but I think somewhere along the way I convinced myself that it wreaked of domesticity, and therefore was a horrible thing to become. In retrospect, maybe I mislead myself a little in the belief that any resemblance to a domestic homemaker was bad. I'm not sure what lead to my strong desire to disassociate myself with that stereotype, but whatever it was...I'm glad that it's not carried over into this new phase of life.

In the past several weeks, I've made whole grain poppyseed cookies, crepes, apple cake, organic carrot cake, and a few other wonderful recipes. Since my blog has always sort of had a living, breathing life of it's own - and a desire to grow and broaden it's horizons as much as I do, I've decided to add a new category dedicated to this resurfaced interest in culinary arts.

You know what's absolutely crazy is that I'm already thinking about Thanksgiving. I suppose it's not that far off, but I'm not generally the sort of person who plans that far ahead. I've been making our thanksgiving dinners for the past 3 years or so, and am particularly excited about it this year because I'm trying out some new, healthier alternatives. Ramekin Pumpkin Bread, rather than twice baked potatoes - whipped vanilla/butter yams - homemade cranberry jam...the list goes on. I'm doing "trial runs" on most of these recipes so that my thanksgiving table is BEAUTIFUL.

Anyway - I'm going to run now, but I fully intend to post a picture of the Apple Cake I made today later on.

-Lindsey

Currently Listening
I Need Love
Sam Phillips



I'm trying to overcome what has seemed to me like a horrendous day. Granted, I'm in a terrible mood. But those "bad" things that could be comical aren't seeming funny at all at the moment. Like, instead of receiving my beautiful flame le creuset fondue today...I got a copper frying pan. My chemistry class went terribly, and I'm still struggling to catch up. (And...here's some hope for ya...my chem sub who happens to be the book author just happened to say "this is a fast paced course and you have to ask questions, because if you fall behind...it's pretty impossible to catch up." Wow.)

To top it all off...I'm absolutely sick of hearing about the election. I've stayed out of it as far as taking sides thusfar. But I am going to say one thing: I'm sick of my liberal friends gloating, and equally sick of my conservative friends mourning. It's not the end of the world, nor is Obama some kind of savior...yes it has an affect on us. Just pick up, and move on. For better or worse. I'm just trying to ignore all of the melodramatic status messages from everyone.

I think that's about the end of my annoyed rant for now. dinner's ready...maybe that will make me feel better.

-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Grace Like Rain
Todd Agnew



It's just one of those deary, bleak, overcast days where all I can do is wander through thought after thought and idea after idea. Imagining and hoping for all the things to come, and completely ignoring all of the things sitting right in front of me. (Namely, my chemistry book.) I'm so tired, despite the fact that I got ten hours sleep last night, and have had plenty of coffee today. I want to just go curl up and take a nap.

I'm so content with my life right now, my family's great, my new job is spectacular, I have money and am feeling confident in learning how to manage and budget it wisely. And honestly, I really am very content being single. But despite all this, I can't help getting a little jealous when my closest friends all have someone special, making holiday plans...or weekend parties, or just someone to sit with while they're mutually studying. I guess it's natural, to want something like that, but I feel like it contradicts all my feelings of peace and contentment about being single right now. Honestly, I wouldn't want the complications of a relationship...I have too many plans and goals to try and work around one more person. To be emotionally accountable to someone.

Not that I don't have special people in my life, I'm so thankful for close friends like Nathan, and Grace...yet on the other hand, they're all so far away and have lives of their own. I guess all I'm really saying is...I'm good on my own, but "Hey God, if you want to send someone my way...that'd be alright too." Hehe. Not that I haven't had interested guys lately, or even guys who I have mutual affection for, but with each one there's been some *thing* holding me back. Distance, personality conflict, political differences, or just a "feeling." That's okay, really–I'm in no rush to commit myself to anyone, and I figure that despite the fact that it hurts terribly to reject, and worse to be rejected...that they deserve someone who cares about them without reservation. Without any doubts, or "off" feelings. Better to just realize that early on and give them the opportunity to find someone who will completely adore them, than lead people on and on to a more painful rejection.

Regardless of any romance and relationship conflicts within myself, petty jealousy vs. what I know I really don't need right now, I am really not lonely for the first time in a long time. I hang out with my parents, and have even started meeting people in this area to spend time with. (I'm actually going to Maryland with a friend of mine in a few hours.) Well, and of course I work with people in my job constantly, my coworkers, and customers.

Speaking of my job...have I mentioned it's spectacular? Really. I could not have asked for a better position, and am so thrilled to be working for a company that I've become so enthusiastic about. I honestly really love the Le Creuset products and have begun my own collection. The enameled cast iron is such a great idea–probably why the company has been around so long–and I love that it's so versatile: from the fridge, to the stovetop, to the oven, to the freezer, to the dishwasher...it's honestly so functional, and energy-efficient. It has all the benefits of raw cast iron, without the drawbacks. (Seasoning, washing by hand, etc.) I go home every night anxious to cook, wanting to try out all kinds of new recipes. And I haven't even gotten a cast iron piece yet! The coolest thing though, is their lifetime warranty, I had a lady come in the other day with her 25 year old Le Creuset cookware, and one of her pots had stained to the point of no return. She called warranty claims, and they're replacing her 25 year old pot, with a brand new one, for free. The company is really committed to providing great customer service, standing behind their product, and building a client base that will come back for more and more.

Ok, ok, no more about work, I promise. I know everyone's rolling their eyes by now. But wait until christmas when they all recieve and start using their new pots. They'll be just as thrilled as I am, I guarantee.

One thing I'm quickly discovering is that I love having money, but dislike spending it. (Until I actually do it, but then I'm really satisfied with whatever I've obsessed about for weeks before finally buying.) I'm having fun learning how to allocate my funds, and am currently almost to a point where I can buy one of the new macbook pros. Which, thanks to Jason, I found out I will be able to still transfer and edit video with. It's looking more and more like my brother will get my old macbook. Although I'm beginning to feel a bit sentimental about this laptop. It really represented a coming of age for me, and I guess this is one of those times when you want to roll your eyes at yourself for being so ridiculous. I'm sure I'll convince myself to get the new computer, eventually.

Plus, I need some new clothes. For fall/winter, etc. I've changed, in size, shape, and taste, so much since last winter. I actually surprised myself when I was looking at clothes earlier and was not at all tempted by the Product (Red) shirts that Gap has on clearance right now. I have no desire to wear any bottoms other than well-tailored wide leg slacks, and I kind of love having just a few good quality sweaters and button downs, rather than a ton of ill fitted t-shirts. I'm getting pickier...either that or I have better taste. Or a combination of both. :P Oh well. I do need a new watch, not sure where I'll end up getting one from though.

Anyway - I'm off to go finish my coffee and see if I can muster up some concentration for the rest of the evening. More later!
-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Sunday Morning
Maroon 5



I am probably the most relaxed I've been during any time over the past three weeks. Not that they've been bad, just an absolute whirlwind. I am really enjoying having a morning to sit here and just chill in the quiet of a Sunday morning at home. Despite the fact that I'm sitting here with earbuds, in my own little world...there's something particularly comforting by being surrounded by your family always. For better or worse. We've been through so much of the "worst" together, that these moments of better are always something to cherish. Despite any difficulties we may have right now, overall I must say...things are good. Life is good.

I finally finished my (incredibly extensive) training for my new job, as a sales associate for Le Creuset last Friday. Yesterday was my first day working with the customers, I really enjoyed it - selling is really my "thing." I'm not nearly as agressive as my supervisor, but I think I will be good at it and I definitely enjoy it. Now, I have the next four days off. I'm so very pleased. Time to rest, get caught up, and enjoy not working before I go back on thursday with sales goals and commission on the line. :P It's fun though...exciting.

Moreover, I like having money. I realized yesterday I have significantly more than I thought in savings, which I'm really pleased about. I'm just letting it collect up, not sure what I'll put it towards, maybe a summer class, or a trip somewhere. Or maybe I'll be thrifty and go three or four places. I definitely want to go to NYC, maybe visit my Aunt/Uncle, and Cousins in AZ over winter break (which happens to be rodeo break for them) and maybe go back to AR over spring break.

We'll see where life goes. I'm in no rush for anything at the moment, just enjoying every bit as it comes.

I come home every night wanting to create a myriad of exotic delicasies, and sinful desserts. :P I've already fallen in love with the product I'm selling, and am really enjoying experimenting, and enjoying cooking again. I bought a set of mixing bowls, which I should be able to pick up today - and I did break down and get that fondue that I really don't need. :P I don't regret it at all though, I think it'll be a fun piece to have.

Oh, and my new favorite website is quickly becoming 101cookbooks.com -- I'm not much of a meat eater, so it's really great organic/vegetarian meals and ideas. I'm not a vegetarian, just have always preferred meatless meals. I'm so excited to start building my collection of Le Creuset cookware (and my Mom's collection) to try some of these dishes. My first cast iron piece is going to be the wok, with a bamboo steamer...because I really want to make this recipe.

I finally broke down and bought some cufflinks yesterday - I didn't end up with the Tiffany ones yet, because I want to wait and be sure that this is going to be a worthwhile investment. So I got a pair of less expensive ones just to hold me over because the button links that came with my shirt are so damaged.

I guess I don't have much more to talk about - I had about a billion things whirling through my head 30 minutes ago when I started this post, but at this point I'm struggling for anything that would hold anyone's interest.

One more thing though...what is UP with the new MacBook pros? Are they serious? No firewire? I am actually looking into buying a macbook pro, however, I use my firewire all the time...what am I supposed to do in place of it? That doesn't even make sense...so now, I guess I either buy a refurb or...wait until Apple comes to their senses? This is just ridiculous...

More later, I'm sure. I intend to enjoy my days off, and blog lots.
-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Lie To Me
Daniel Powter



So, I officially love my new job. Period. End of sentence. Only one more working day and then I have fouuurrr days off to sleep lots, study more, and not pay exorbitant amounts of money for one meal so I can use Panera's wifi.

I'm beginning to build my Le Creuset collection on sunday and I'm SO excited. My collection will be in the Flame, Kiwi, and (Outlet Exclusive) Shiny Black.

I'll post more tomorrow...

At the moment, however, I'm in a bit of a debate with myself, because I've been wanting a fondue set since I started working at Le Creuset. I think it'd be a fun thing to have, and ours are particularly easy to use. My siblings would certainly get a kick out of it. And I can honestly see myself having a fondue party with my sisters, rather than like a "tea party" (gotta remember...I'm the cool sister.) but the only ones that we have at my store are Cherry Red (as opposed to my orange, lime green, and black cookware) sooo...I started looking online and after pages and pages of looking, finally found ONE Flame (orange) fondue pot, just the pot. I was ecstatic, but I'm not sure if it iwll fit in the stands we have. I'll have to find out tomorrow. I do want it desperately though, but am thinking it's probably a superflous expenditure.

Ah well, decisions decisions...

More tomorrow!
Lindsey

Currently Listening
Lost!
Coldplay



Life is pretty fantastic right now. Busy, and stressful, but fantastic.

Before I go into the past few days, there's been something I've been wanting to share for a while. I have people ask me this all the time, and I keep typing it out over and over and over again, so once and for all...this is it. This is my hope, my plans, my overriding "someday" goal for the future, as told to a friend of mine tonight. He got me started thinking about it, and I thought I'd post it once and for all. That way I can just refer back to this post when people ask.

I've always felt like my purpose in life was to make people feel accepted and loved, to give them a friend who would never judge them, and always be there, and a place where they could pursue their passions, and God-given gifts, without judgment, only support and encouragement. Somewhere of acceptance and friendship, in a very relaxed, chill atmosphere. I've also felt very strongly about supporting the arts.

So, my dream has always been to restore a historic house and convert it into bookstore/coffeehouse type of thing. That's not really what it is, but the best way I have to describe it. My working name for it is "The Passion Center" although that is definitely only a working name, and won't be the final name. I have pages and pages of notes, drawings, and plans for it. The left half will be filled with books, floor to ceiling, and free coffee, exotic teas, and hot chocolate, and the books will all be handpicked, the best of the best, meaty classics, inspirational and thought provoking best sellers, priceless antiques, and unbelievably compelling reference books.

The right side will have several round antique tables, with a mixture of modern decor to really give it a bohemian vibe, round tables to symbolize that no one is better than anyone else
and it will be a place for people to meet with friends, have book clubs, and study groups - where local bands can share their flavor and get exposure, local starving artists can have shows, and I can host lectures by really positive speakers, to help people find their passion, grow them, and develop them – all in a very warm, loving, accepting atmosphere.

The top level of the building will house my studio, for photography and artwork,
and my children will grow up in this free-spirited atmosphere, completely devoted to learning, and growing, and being creative, and accepting of anyone, no matter what, just like Christ would. A place that would be completely devoted to giving people a place to pursue whatever fulfilled them, and using their imagination. My friend compared it to "the closest thing God will allow to intellectual heaven on earth." but it's really not about academics, it's about, growing fruits of the spirit.

Maybe I'm an idealist, and maybe it will never come to pass...but it's important to me that I try, that I pursue and at least attempt to conquer.

I always have said, and continue to stand by the fact that I will not have a television in my living room when I get into my own place. I've always thought television was such a distraction from using your brain, and your imagination and your capability for creativity so, when I have children, my family will have a really nice, really expensive projector, and surround sound - and watching movies will be a cinematic experience, really spectacular, but rare, and special - because don't get me wrong, I appreciate good quality films. In fact, I'm a bit of a film buff myself. Not top-notch or anything, but I like to think I can appreciate a good variety of shows and movies. I will be the first to admit, however, that over the past few years I've watched a lot more television than I ever did growing up.

My siblings watch so much TV...and I remember, playing outside a ton when I was little.
My memories of being little are COMPLETELY integrated with my imaginary games
and I remember things so clearly that weren't even there: dreams, and adventures.
I associate memories with whatever adventure I was going on at the time with peter pan, or alice in wonderland, or undercover with my spy agency. I want to give my future children the same benefit. To be able to explore that world of just, being young, and innocent.

So, that's just a little of my optimistic hope for the future.

Moving on...the past week has been an absolute whirlwind. My grandmother was here staying with us for ten days, left yesterday. And I've been in the middle of transitioning between two jobs, and trying to stay on top of school. (Unsuccessfully.) I'm finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I think I'll be ok, provided I can make it through the rest of this week.

Alright, my mind is beginning to wander to all the things I need to do today. More rambling later.

-Lindsey

Currently Listening
Be OK
Ingrid Michaelson



Well, what a day yesterday. I am in an exhausted daze. While I did miss being able to enjoy the family outing, my first day of work at Le Creuset proved to be great, and very productive. I felt like I actually *did* something, and while the first few hours proved to be very comprehensive and overwhelming: it's challenging, fun, and I think I'll pick it up pretty fast. I get along with my coworkers really well so far. (There's only five employees with the entire store, and I worked with two of them, everyone's really great.)

The training program is pretty cool, actually - very unique. Rather than watching a billion videos about unions, and legal crap, they give you a workbook and a cast iron cookbook, and you get to research about all the different sizes/styles of cast iron cookware. It's really overwhelming, a lot of information to retain - but it's interesting and enjoyable, too. Especially for me, since I like to cook. Made me want to buy stuff and start cooking. (Too bad I don't get my employee discount for another month!)

My day today was somewhat less chaotic, at the moment I'm trying desperately not to fall off the kitchen stool while waiting for a cake to come out of the oven. Ah, there it is. More later.

Currently Listening
Hey World (Don't Give Up)
Michael Franti & Spearhead


Well, the past few days have been a whirlwind, and I continue learning how to maintain balance in a tortured, brilliant, grown-up world. Not to say I'm "there" yet...far from it, and that fact becomes more and more evident to me with every passing day. But I keep learning, and growing, and trying to be accepting of the fact that maybe I'm not as smart as I like to think sometimes.

So, let's see...where did I leave off my last post? Oh! The job. Well, after getting the call I found out that they wanted me to go in for a second interview that day. I went to the interview, and was very excited to be offered the position (at a higher rate than most part-time employees, no less.) --- it's a really great job, and I've been excited and maybe a little overeager. I did make a couple of key mistakes in taking my new job. Mostly relating to scheduling. Anyone who knows me well is aware of the fact that, while I really do enjoy studying, I'm sporatic in my diligence at best. Yes, I am working on it – and have improved greatly over the past year and a half or so, but it's a constant struggle for me, and I continue to learn new methods that help me to stay on top of things. This semester in particular has been a struggle, because I've been balancing my first job, with my last highschool classes. It seems like my mind is constantly spinning with everything that needs to be done. Study, work, laundry, and all of the things I want to do, and moreover, the fact that I actually enjoy spending time with my family and view them as a priority in my life.

.:: Five Hours Later ::.

Yeah, so...I ran off and didn't finish this blog post. Then I returned and had totally lost my train of thought. I have a headache.

But yeah - in essence, I'm disappointed that I will miss out on yet another family outing tomorrow, but conflicted because I'm excited about starting my new job. Yay! :D

So now I have to head off to work (Target work.) but...I shall return, and blog more. I have sooo much to do. But before I part...I have three things to say.

Check out Michael Franti & Spearhead. Their new album "All Rebel Rockers" is possibly one of the most amazing CDs ever, and I don't say that lightly about music. I'm actually going to see them in concert in November, which definitely says something as to their quality of music, because I don't go to concerts often.

New Ingrid Michaelson CD "Be Ok"!! I'm so excited.

I watched a movie last night, called Chocolat, which is undoubtedly going to be my November movie of the month - I was very impressed about how they were able to convey the level of passion and intensity, and dare I say: romance – without "showing anything." The characters are fun, and whimsical, and I love the end message. I was skeptical about what it was trying to get across about spirituality at first, but in the end...it was one of the best movies I've seen in a while. Really redeemed itself. Plus, you cannot beat Johnny Depp. Ever.

Anyway, more later!
-Lindsey

Currently Listening
I'm In Love With a Girl
Gavin DeGraw



Continuing on my theme from my last post...I am SO excited. I sent my resume in for a phenomenal job, which I feel I'm perfectly suited for. I'm hoping that the fact it's Tuesday and I've still heard nothing from them doesn't mean they aren't even going to interview me. Regardless, I have been seeking out new employment maybe something with better promotion opportunity and a little bit better pay for the amount of work I'm doing. It's exciting looking through all of the jobs on craigslist and knowing that they all might be life-changing for me. That at this point, the whole world is open to me. I'm in no rush though, I love the people at Target (well, for the most part) even if the pay isn't wonderful, and the communication through the ranks is pretty sucky.

On another, equally as excited note...

I can now buy sudafed!!

Hah, kidding...although I can. Actually I've been considering my options for a trip next summer. I'm very proud at how well I've been doing with saving my Money since I've started working at Target. (Although, I do owe my Grandmother some money from framing my parents anniversary gift.) As I continue to save, it's become clear to me that I want to go somewhere after graduation, before college. I have yet to decide whether I want to go to the Carribean, or Hawaii, or Europe, or South America...ahhhh too many choices!! Regardless, I am going somewhere.

I'd also like to take a short trip to NYC over winter break in February. Although I'm not sure if I can find someone to go with me. I am tempted to go alone, it's significantly cheaper if I do...and I adore traveling alone. The thought of wandering through museum after museum, and spontaneously popping in wherever I want is so appealing. My Grandmother, however, thinks that going on my own would be a bad idea the first time, that I should have someone with me. (Even if it's someone who's also never been.) I've been trying to weigh this suggestion with the fact that my Grandparents, and Parents, are all very protective. Don't get me wrong, I love this about them...and I do realize that I'm young and I don't want to jump into something unprepared. The other, more adventureous (and probably overconfident) part of me, says that I could handle myself fine, it would be an experience of a lifetime, an adventure. It would be a determining factor in whether I wanted to take a larger scale trip alone during the summer. Better to get lost four hours away, than in another country, right? I love wandering around places, with just my camera. Picking a bench to sit on and photographing people who pass for a while.

Not that it's an issue for a while, just lots of exciting things going through my head. I had to make a really tough decision over the weekend...whether to be a good, committed employee, or take the rare opportunity to spend time with my PaPa. In the end, he understood my decision to go to work - rather than the family outing with them. I really wanted to go with them, but I'd already taken a day off last week to get caught up with school, and I couldn't afford another. I don't particularly like my supervisor, but I don't want him to think badly of me either. (I don't really want anyone to think badly of me...ever...lol...maybe I still have my naive points?)

One thing I do love about working at Target is all of the people. I am discovering more and more that I am a people person. I'd gotten into a rut, but the more I get out, the more comfortable I am with striking up conversations with people at work, or going to sit next to them in the lunch room. And hey, I'm good at it..and people like me! Go figure. Anyway, I was sitting with one of the cashiers the other day, and we were chatting about the area and I asked how long she'd lived here, and it turns out that she moved from India less than a year ago to live with her parents and brother (who have lived here for eight years.) --- it was so cool to hear about her country, and what it was like making such a big move. She said that all of her friends still live in India, and have no intention of moving here. She's engaged, and her fiance is going to be here in December before Christmas, and she told me that if they have the wedding here she'd like to have me as her photographer. How cool is that? She also paints, which is really neat. I'm considering seeing if she wants to go into the National Gallery of Art with me since I don't have a lot of people around here to hang out with, either, and it's always neat to find people who value their families and art as much as I do. Just one example of the diversity of people I work with.

I've taken to the very odd habit of carrying around a little memo notebook with me everywhere I go, it's about 2"x 3" (I bought a package of five of them) and carry pens with me everywhere I go. That way, if I'm inspired I can immediately write it down, rather than following inspiration down the path of no return. Which seems to be detrimental to my study habits. Darn-you real life!! It has proven to be a really useful tool, though, because sometimes I'll just have an entire paragraph of a story pop into my head...and I'll take a "bathroom break" at work to go write it down. (Yeah, this means that I don't actually use the bathroom until my break. Which can be uncomfortable, at times. But anything for the sake of art, right?)

Anyway, just some random thoughts. I had a great weekend hanging out with the family. It's always nice to have my Grandfather here, even if he doesn't usually stay long.

OH MY GOSH...okay I'm sitting here writing this and my phone beeps that I have a voicemail. So I listen to it and I JUST got a call back for a second interview with the position I interviewed for last week. She wants to see me for a job interview TODAY! Thus ends my rambling I suppose...more later!! :D

-Lindsey