winter in washingon
Well, if this is winter in Washington.... I'll take it.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
magellan is back in action.
So, I got to thinking about the past month while flying home last week. It was a great travel month for me - made it to NYC, MO, FL, The Bahamas and Puerto Rico - and so I started adding it up. It was not so great for the environment, but what a fun month and I'll tell ya - I was a balla on a budget while doin it.
days counted: 30
miles traveled: 18,969 +/- a few
transportation used: plane, subway, cab, ship, bus, car, ferry
states/territories visited: 6; countries: 2
plane tickets purchased: 2
travel vouchers used: 2
hotel rooms purchased: 1 night (+2 more with travel points)
days out of office: 16 (yay private school winter breaks)
days in office: 7
vacation days used: 7
old friends seen: 30+
new cool people met: um... a lot.
Loves it.
things i may have failed to mention...
Ummm... so this past month it has been brought to my attention that I may not have shared that I have recently relocated! I accepted a new position at a university in Tacoma, WA and moved north mid-summer. I'm enjoying more of the Pacific Northwest, living 45 minutes from Mt. Rainer, 15 minutes from the Puget Sound and super close to Seattle. Adventures galore!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
for the love.
When did televisions become so freakin' difficult to turn on and use? What happened to the day when all you had to press was on/off, channel up or down, and volume or mute?
I'm house/dog sitting this week and the big flat screen with cable is one of the perks (I don't have a tv in my house). Now if only I could get a picture AND sound when I turn it on... seriously.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
love.
Love comes in many forms and from many places. Each day, I give thanks for bounty of love that exists in my world. It is amazing just how deeply one can love another and I am grateful to have experienced deep, unexplainable, unwavering love in my life.
To all those I love and who love me, I wish you a very happy Valentines Day. I'm so glad you're in my world.
Love comes in many forms and from many places. Each day, I give thanks for bounty of love that exists in my world. It is amazing just how deeply one can love another and I am grateful to have experienced deep, unexplainable, unwavering love in my life.
To all those I love and who love me, I wish you a very happy Valentines Day. I'm so glad you're in my world.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
it's all in the name...
About 2 weeks ago my colleague, Bryan. asked if I'd play on staff co-ed recreational basketball team for the campus intramural league. We'd had a team a couple of years ago (the Globesquatters), had a blast & somehow we actually made it to the championship game.
Bryan decided that we should do it again and put a team together. He gave us the team name "Vicious and Delicious". All was fine and good until he sent out a team e-mail about our next game and decided to abbreviate the name. He sent a lovely e-mail addressed to the VDers. Yes, the VDers. Needless to say, I walked into his office after reading that laughed and just shook my head. He claims he didn't even think about what that looked like. I'm not quite sure I believe him...his sense of humor is a little warped at times.
I'm just glad he hasn't made the t-shirts yet, I'd much rather have a shirt that says Vicious and Delicious instead of one that says VD - even if the extra letters do cost more!
About 2 weeks ago my colleague, Bryan. asked if I'd play on staff co-ed recreational basketball team for the campus intramural league. We'd had a team a couple of years ago (the Globesquatters), had a blast & somehow we actually made it to the championship game.
Bryan decided that we should do it again and put a team together. He gave us the team name "Vicious and Delicious". All was fine and good until he sent out a team e-mail about our next game and decided to abbreviate the name. He sent a lovely e-mail addressed to the VDers. Yes, the VDers. Needless to say, I walked into his office after reading that laughed and just shook my head. He claims he didn't even think about what that looked like. I'm not quite sure I believe him...his sense of humor is a little warped at times.
I'm just glad he hasn't made the t-shirts yet, I'd much rather have a shirt that says Vicious and Delicious instead of one that says VD - even if the extra letters do cost more!
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
random friends
Hello again. Finally. I think maybe we're doing the every other day February blogging game!
Well, I'll let you know that the "veggie-crack" was once again a hit! The double batch was cleaned out pretty well and the small amount of leftovers were hijacked by the hosts as I was leaving. I'm telling you... try it.
I spent the Superbowl party with a group of folks that I've met, somewhat randomly, over the past year or so. They have been absolutely a blast to get to know and the funniest part about it all is that more than half of the group (of about 15) is from the mid-west - and 5 of us are from Missouri! Crazy right?
One of the ring-leaders (Christy) is notorious for adding random people into the group. She is amazingly extroverted and meets fun people wherever she goes. For example, she recently brought someone new into the group and we asked where she met him... she simply replied "Oh! I found him in the basement at Venti's (a local restaurant/bar) last week."
Found him. Yes, that seems appropriate... I think many of us have been "found" by Christy and are very grateful for new friendships she has helped bring into our lives. I don't know if it's the mid-westerners, attitudes or just people I gravitate towards, but this group reminds me a lot (a lot) of the groups I kicked it with in Omaha. I've missed those groups SO much, so this has really helped me adjust to life here. One of the other great parts about this group is that none of the people work with me, so hanging out with them means that we talk about anything BUT our jobs most of the time! This group was very needed in my world and I am grateful for them.
Hello again. Finally. I think maybe we're doing the every other day February blogging game!
Well, I'll let you know that the "veggie-crack" was once again a hit! The double batch was cleaned out pretty well and the small amount of leftovers were hijacked by the hosts as I was leaving. I'm telling you... try it.
I spent the Superbowl party with a group of folks that I've met, somewhat randomly, over the past year or so. They have been absolutely a blast to get to know and the funniest part about it all is that more than half of the group (of about 15) is from the mid-west - and 5 of us are from Missouri! Crazy right?
One of the ring-leaders (Christy) is notorious for adding random people into the group. She is amazingly extroverted and meets fun people wherever she goes. For example, she recently brought someone new into the group and we asked where she met him... she simply replied "Oh! I found him in the basement at Venti's (a local restaurant/bar) last week."
Found him. Yes, that seems appropriate... I think many of us have been "found" by Christy and are very grateful for new friendships she has helped bring into our lives. I don't know if it's the mid-westerners, attitudes or just people I gravitate towards, but this group reminds me a lot (a lot) of the groups I kicked it with in Omaha. I've missed those groups SO much, so this has really helped me adjust to life here. One of the other great parts about this group is that none of the people work with me, so hanging out with them means that we talk about anything BUT our jobs most of the time! This group was very needed in my world and I am grateful for them.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
"well, the street name is 'veggie-crack'"
The technical name is Avocado/Black Bean Salsa and I got the recipe from my mother's neighbor and friend. My friends have nick-named it veggie-crack because it's oh so addicting and oh so good. It's also my go-to potluck contribution these days, so if you're reading this and we're going to the same party... call me before making it. It's easy to make, a guaranteed crowd pleaser and healthy (except for the tortilla chips).
Chop and combine the following in a bowl - if you stir it hard it will make a guacamole type dip, but I like it best folded into one another so the avocados stay in chunks. Serve with tortilla chips or on top of many dishes - I like it with blue corn tortilla chips!
2 roma tomatoes
1/2 of a red onion
3 green onions
juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 can black beans
1 can shoepeg corn
2 avocados
So yea... this is what I'm bringing to the superbowl party today and yes, don't worry. I made a double batch!
The technical name is Avocado/Black Bean Salsa and I got the recipe from my mother's neighbor and friend. My friends have nick-named it veggie-crack because it's oh so addicting and oh so good. It's also my go-to potluck contribution these days, so if you're reading this and we're going to the same party... call me before making it. It's easy to make, a guaranteed crowd pleaser and healthy (except for the tortilla chips).
Chop and combine the following in a bowl - if you stir it hard it will make a guacamole type dip, but I like it best folded into one another so the avocados stay in chunks. Serve with tortilla chips or on top of many dishes - I like it with blue corn tortilla chips!
2 roma tomatoes
1/2 of a red onion
3 green onions
juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 can black beans
1 can shoepeg corn
2 avocados
So yea... this is what I'm bringing to the superbowl party today and yes, don't worry. I made a double batch!
saturday, february 6, 2010
V.I.C.T.O.R.Y
About two months ago I added lap swimming into my workout routine. I've been swimming about twice a week and this weekend, on Saturday morning, I swam my first mile-long swim!
Iron-man triathlon here I come. Ha. Ok, maybe not... but it was still an accomplishment in my book!
V.I.C.T.O.R.Y
About two months ago I added lap swimming into my workout routine. I've been swimming about twice a week and this weekend, on Saturday morning, I swam my first mile-long swim!
Iron-man triathlon here I come. Ha. Ok, maybe not... but it was still an accomplishment in my book!
friday, february 5, 2010
overheard...
I know, I know... I'm not off to a good start here with the blogging everyday game. Let's see if I can make it up to you by giving you three on one day.
My new advisee, a first-year student (F), was sitting outside my office the other day talking to another student. I will often try and tune out conversations happening outside my office, but here's what I heard him say.
F: So, I was watching the movie ET for the first time the other day.
S: Great, huh?
F: Yea, I had no idea that Reese's Pieces candies were so OLD.
K: sigh.
I think turning 30 this year would feel a lot different if I wasn't surrounded by 18-22 year old students every day.
overheard...
I know, I know... I'm not off to a good start here with the blogging everyday game. Let's see if I can make it up to you by giving you three on one day.
My new advisee, a first-year student (F), was sitting outside my office the other day talking to another student. I will often try and tune out conversations happening outside my office, but here's what I heard him say.
F: So, I was watching the movie ET for the first time the other day.
S: Great, huh?
F: Yea, I had no idea that Reese's Pieces candies were so OLD.
K: sigh.
I think turning 30 this year would feel a lot different if I wasn't surrounded by 18-22 year old students every day.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
a good idea? really?
I've said it before and I know I'll say it again.... my students continually crack me up and they are seriously the best part of my job. Sadly, I have to play the role of the "fun-stealer" sometimes when the brilliant brainstorm turns into something that is too high risk or puts too much liability on the university. I try very hard not to say "no" to students, but rather get them to make solid (and responsible) choices on their own.
So, the latest brainstorm from some students is to do a "Fear Factor" event. They approached me about how to make this work and what they could do for it. I entertained most of their ideas and made some suggestions on how they could actually make this event happen. I must say, it felt like they might have listened to the suggestions, but didn't actually HEAR what I had to say.
The big idea for the finale of this event? [You sitting down?] Get this - they thought it would be great if they could "get the fire department to bring over those safety nets that they use to rescue people out of burning buildings. Then we could have students jump from the top floor of one of the residence halls onto the net as the last challenge in the WU Fear Factor game."
Seriously? Seriously.
My educational hat flew right out the window and I couldn't help but laugh out loud before I said "No way. That is not going to happen. There is absolutely no way that our insurance company or risk managers will ever let you do that. In fact, I can't even imagine that the fire department would be willing to come over and do that. It's too much liability and risk. Those things are safe enough if your options are that or burning in the building, but they are not foolproof or safe."
The students just sort of nodded and said they'd get back to me with some other ideas.
Today I got a phone call from another staff member inquiring about my conversation with them. She asked me if I had, in fact, said that this stunt would be possible if they just got the fire department to come over and run it.
WHAT? No. That is not at all what we discussed.
Needless to say, I clarified what had happened in the initial conversation. According to this staff member, the students hadn't believed me and decided to call the fire department to see if it was possible. SFD said that it was "too high risk and too much of a liability." Shocking.
So... I think the students are back at square one. If you have any "Fear Factor" ideas for them, I'd value some creative input here.
I've said it before and I know I'll say it again.... my students continually crack me up and they are seriously the best part of my job. Sadly, I have to play the role of the "fun-stealer" sometimes when the brilliant brainstorm turns into something that is too high risk or puts too much liability on the university. I try very hard not to say "no" to students, but rather get them to make solid (and responsible) choices on their own.
So, the latest brainstorm from some students is to do a "Fear Factor" event. They approached me about how to make this work and what they could do for it. I entertained most of their ideas and made some suggestions on how they could actually make this event happen. I must say, it felt like they might have listened to the suggestions, but didn't actually HEAR what I had to say.
The big idea for the finale of this event? [You sitting down?] Get this - they thought it would be great if they could "get the fire department to bring over those safety nets that they use to rescue people out of burning buildings. Then we could have students jump from the top floor of one of the residence halls onto the net as the last challenge in the WU Fear Factor game."
Seriously? Seriously.
My educational hat flew right out the window and I couldn't help but laugh out loud before I said "No way. That is not going to happen. There is absolutely no way that our insurance company or risk managers will ever let you do that. In fact, I can't even imagine that the fire department would be willing to come over and do that. It's too much liability and risk. Those things are safe enough if your options are that or burning in the building, but they are not foolproof or safe."
The students just sort of nodded and said they'd get back to me with some other ideas.
Today I got a phone call from another staff member inquiring about my conversation with them. She asked me if I had, in fact, said that this stunt would be possible if they just got the fire department to come over and run it.
WHAT? No. That is not at all what we discussed.
Needless to say, I clarified what had happened in the initial conversation. According to this staff member, the students hadn't believed me and decided to call the fire department to see if it was possible. SFD said that it was "too high risk and too much of a liability." Shocking.
So... I think the students are back at square one. If you have any "Fear Factor" ideas for them, I'd value some creative input here.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
"I'm sorry. We're experiencing unexpected delays."
I knew it had the likelihood of being an unpredictable trip, but not at all for the reasons I expected. In October I started looking at tickets to get home to Missouri for the holidays. [Can I just say, sometimes flight prices at that time of year are enough to get me thinking about moving back to the mid-west - ugh.] The only option near the dates that I wanted, and for less than $900-$1000 took me right through Denver, Colorado.
Don't get me wrong... I LOVE Denver, but if you have ever flown through Denver in the dead of winter (or watched the news) you probably know why I was a bit hesitant to book that flight. But, it was my only option to get home to see the fam over the break, so I booked it. In my head I just assumed that there would be snow delays along with the holiday crowds and that I might end up having to stay in the airport overnight. In fact, all of my flights were right on time...no issues at all on the way there.
The way back, however, was a different story. We were delayed slightly getting out of KC and then the flight from Denver to Oregon was also delayed. Then delayed again. And, just for good measure, one final time. When we'd finally boarded the plane and everyone was seated and ready to go the captain got on the speaker to apologize for the delays.
He said "Ladies and gentlemen, I am very sorry for the delays we've been experiencing this evening. I just can't help but tell you why we are so delayed as it's due to something I've not seen before." [insert nervous chatter and giggling around the plane] "You see, there was a big Vikings football game yesterday and they lost to da Bears. The plane that we were supposed to fly on arrived in Denver from Chicago this evening and, as the passengers were exiting the plane one tall (and slightly inebriated) Vikings fan was getting off the plane. He was wearing a Viking helmet with horns attached and well... somehow managed to take out the exit sign as he left. Since broken exit signs happen to be a 'no-fly' issue, we had to wait for a new plane. So, I'm sorry for these unexpected delays, but we uhhh, had a Viking horn through an exit sign. You can't make this stuff up folks. Please make sure to watch out for those Viking fans... they can be dangerous."
So, no snow delays in Denver... next time I book a flight I guess I should check the football schedules instead.
I knew it had the likelihood of being an unpredictable trip, but not at all for the reasons I expected. In October I started looking at tickets to get home to Missouri for the holidays. [Can I just say, sometimes flight prices at that time of year are enough to get me thinking about moving back to the mid-west - ugh.] The only option near the dates that I wanted, and for less than $900-$1000 took me right through Denver, Colorado.
Don't get me wrong... I LOVE Denver, but if you have ever flown through Denver in the dead of winter (or watched the news) you probably know why I was a bit hesitant to book that flight. But, it was my only option to get home to see the fam over the break, so I booked it. In my head I just assumed that there would be snow delays along with the holiday crowds and that I might end up having to stay in the airport overnight. In fact, all of my flights were right on time...no issues at all on the way there.
The way back, however, was a different story. We were delayed slightly getting out of KC and then the flight from Denver to Oregon was also delayed. Then delayed again. And, just for good measure, one final time. When we'd finally boarded the plane and everyone was seated and ready to go the captain got on the speaker to apologize for the delays.
He said "Ladies and gentlemen, I am very sorry for the delays we've been experiencing this evening. I just can't help but tell you why we are so delayed as it's due to something I've not seen before." [insert nervous chatter and giggling around the plane] "You see, there was a big Vikings football game yesterday and they lost to da Bears. The plane that we were supposed to fly on arrived in Denver from Chicago this evening and, as the passengers were exiting the plane one tall (and slightly inebriated) Vikings fan was getting off the plane. He was wearing a Viking helmet with horns attached and well... somehow managed to take out the exit sign as he left. Since broken exit signs happen to be a 'no-fly' issue, we had to wait for a new plane. So, I'm sorry for these unexpected delays, but we uhhh, had a Viking horn through an exit sign. You can't make this stuff up folks. Please make sure to watch out for those Viking fans... they can be dangerous."
So, no snow delays in Denver... next time I book a flight I guess I should check the football schedules instead.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Well now, let's try this again.
In November I attempted the NaBloPoMo event, trying to blog every day for a month. I was close, but alas... life got in the way and I did not complete the project. Boo. I've decided that I'm going to attempt this again in February. Yes, I know it's the shortest month, but maybe that means I'll actually reach said goal. Now there is a theme for the month (ties) and I haven't quite decided if I'm going to color inside the lines (so to speak) or if I'm going to just write. I guess we'll find out now, won't we?
I have tomorrow off from work - hooray for a random Tuesday not in the office! So I'll definitely have some time to give ya something. For now, good night. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
In November I attempted the NaBloPoMo event, trying to blog every day for a month. I was close, but alas... life got in the way and I did not complete the project. Boo. I've decided that I'm going to attempt this again in February. Yes, I know it's the shortest month, but maybe that means I'll actually reach said goal. Now there is a theme for the month (ties) and I haven't quite decided if I'm going to color inside the lines (so to speak) or if I'm going to just write. I guess we'll find out now, won't we?
I have tomorrow off from work - hooray for a random Tuesday not in the office! So I'll definitely have some time to give ya something. For now, good night. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
mea culpa.
Sorry for the lack of blogging. It has been a very emotional week and I've been focusing on just living it. I'm struggling with some big things right now (that I'm not ready to share) and would really just value your thoughts and prayers.
I will be back later with some fun/funny stories for ya, but for now... sleep.
I am thankful for each of you and your presence and support in my life.
Sorry for the lack of blogging. It has been a very emotional week and I've been focusing on just living it. I'm struggling with some big things right now (that I'm not ready to share) and would really just value your thoughts and prayers.
I will be back later with some fun/funny stories for ya, but for now... sleep.
I am thankful for each of you and your presence and support in my life.
Monday, November 23, 2009
ya know, M might be right here...
So, in response to my post from last week, M said
"Yup. Working with college students DOES resemble working with toddlers occasionally. Maybe you can rewrite "Parenting with Love and Logic" for college administrators."
At the university we sometimes joke about how working with college students is often like working with toddlers, lets compare shall we? At times, both...
So, in response to my post from last week, M said
"Yup. Working with college students DOES resemble working with toddlers occasionally. Maybe you can rewrite "Parenting with Love and Logic" for college administrators."
At the university we sometimes joke about how working with college students is often like working with toddlers, lets compare shall we? At times, both...
- wear pajamas
- drink from bottles
- take naps
- miss mamma/dadda
- play with toys
- color
- watch cartoons
- throw fits when they don't get their way
- get "time outs" when they misbehave
- are dependent on others for food
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
dang it.
I was close folks... I've even had blog topics for the past two nights ready to go... what happened? I don't know, a random outing to a bar, a few long phone calls, trip to the grocery store, staying late at work, a sore jaw and voila, hit the bed without so much a thought that I hadn't written the blog that day.
So, in my recent trip to WinCo (a grocery store chain that I heart!) I discovered something that I was slightly disturbing. Now, first I need to tell you a bit about WinCo so that you understand my usual support for this store. It's one of those no-frills type of stores where the displays are a bit more warehouse feeling, you bag your own groceries and the prices are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than any other store in the area. To top it off there is this great bulk food section where you can get a variety of items - dog treats, pastas, nuts, snacks, flour, cereal, spices, fresh ground peanut or almond butter (nuts only), lentils... you name it, you can pretty much get it. The benefit to this, you only purchase as much as you need or as much as you want (have room) to store in your kitchen and it can significantly cut down on packaging and waste, so it's a bit more sustainable. Win win win right?
Well, I was grabbing some spices the other night and ran across this. Not so sure about "brown gravy powder" that is actually gray. This must be a new add for the holiday season? I don't know, maybe brown gravy packets contain the same stuff... I don't really like gravy in any form so I don't know. This made me gag a little though. =)
.jpg)
I was close folks... I've even had blog topics for the past two nights ready to go... what happened? I don't know, a random outing to a bar, a few long phone calls, trip to the grocery store, staying late at work, a sore jaw and voila, hit the bed without so much a thought that I hadn't written the blog that day.
So, in my recent trip to WinCo (a grocery store chain that I heart!) I discovered something that I was slightly disturbing. Now, first I need to tell you a bit about WinCo so that you understand my usual support for this store. It's one of those no-frills type of stores where the displays are a bit more warehouse feeling, you bag your own groceries and the prices are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than any other store in the area. To top it off there is this great bulk food section where you can get a variety of items - dog treats, pastas, nuts, snacks, flour, cereal, spices, fresh ground peanut or almond butter (nuts only), lentils... you name it, you can pretty much get it. The benefit to this, you only purchase as much as you need or as much as you want (have room) to store in your kitchen and it can significantly cut down on packaging and waste, so it's a bit more sustainable. Win win win right?
Well, I was grabbing some spices the other night and ran across this. Not so sure about "brown gravy powder" that is actually gray. This must be a new add for the holiday season? I don't know, maybe brown gravy packets contain the same stuff... I don't really like gravy in any form so I don't know. This made me gag a little though. =)
.jpg)
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