Monday, February 8, 2010

Menu Plan Monday




Menu for Week of February 8th

·      Monday: Beef Tenderloin and Garlic/Cheese Orzo


·      Wednesday: Chicken Tortellini Soup

·      Thursday: Crock-Pot Salsa Pork Burritos

·      Friday: Mini Beef Wellington (from Tuesday leftovers)

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Job/PhD/Life Update

Several weeks ago, you'll likely recall I expressed my nerves about the job search (If you've forgotten, you can refresh your memory here).  Well, I wanted to give you an update...

When searching for jobs, I applied for three positions: (1) policy job in DC, (2) assistant professor of early childhood education at a local college, and (3) assistant professor of special education at a local university.  A little over a month ago, I received notification that position #1 in DC is on hold because of budget cuts.  Two weeks ago, I participated in a phone interview for position #2.  I am a finalist for the position, and I went for my last interview/guest lecture on Thursday.  Last week, I participated in a phone interview for position #3.  Monday, I received notification that I will be participating in an on-campus interview/guest lecture next week for that position.  

The on-campus interviews are filled with meetings and guest lectures.  It is slightly intimidating, but I am anxiously giddy about the experience.  So, I hope to know something in the next couple of weeks.  I'm once again requesting your thoughts and prayers over the next couple of hectic weeks!  Thanks again for all of your support so far.  

Hopefully, I can secure a job and get back to more crafting!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Quilt Project: Week 2

Button

Remember this post?  Well, the tasks for week 1 included very minimal work:

Purchase 10 cuts of 1/3 yard of print fabrics
Purchase 1 cut of 2 yards of neutral/solid fabric
Wash fabric
Hang to dry
Iron

Pretty easy, right?  Well, I finally took care of that on Monday.  So, week 2 includes a little more work:

Cut 100 rectangles from print fabrics
Cut 100 rectangles from solid fabrics

I think I better get busy.  This might take a little longer than I planned.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Fuji Instamax Mini Camera

Have you seen this new little handy dandy?  It is the Fuji Instamax Mini Camera.  For those of us "old school" folks, it is similar to the Polaroid.  Well, I'm dying for one.  However, with the new and self-imposed budget...not going to happen.  


Albeit, if I could win this fabulous contest...well, then it would be fabulous.  Check it out here.  However, if you win...I must get some usage out the hot commodity.  

Crafting Organization

My crafting supplies are taking over my house!  I spent the past month or so (since the unfortunate flood) purging my office of all sorts of supplies.  Now, I've moved to hanging organization.  That is the only area of my office that is not overflowing.


With a jewelry organizer, I was able to separate my chipboard letters.  The organizer is front and back, and it holds A LOT of chipboard.  I love using the organizer because of it's quick and easy accessibility.  Plus, the clear pockets, make it even easier to see exactly what I need while in the midst of the creative juices.

 

As always, I'm looking for more organization tips for your crafting supplies...nothing makes me more giddy than some great organization (I'm well aware I'm a dork)!  So, what are your favorite tricks?

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Photo of the Week

The back story to this picture...

During my first year teaching, I applied for an educator grant through the Raymond Cash Foundation.  The grant paid for one person to go on an Earthwatch Expedition.  This organization focuses on solving environmental issues.  I chose to travel to Africa and work on a research study investigating the declining population of the Grevy zebra.  I met some of the most interesting people and saw the most gorgeous earthly treasures which exist.  While on one of the expeditions, I met a little girl named Daisy.  Her mother cooked for the researchers and scientists at the camp.  Daisy was adorable, and I loved spending my early evenings entertaining her.  So, here is the picture of us one evening.


Monday, February 1, 2010

Menu Monday


I cannot believe it is February.  Time is flying by way too fast.  On a different note, I'm trying to get some food out of my freezer.  So, my goal is to stay out of the grocery store this week and use only what I have on hand.  I will admit, I had to borrow a chili seasoning pack from my sister...I'm not counting that.  Anyway, this is a hectic week with school/job related appointments.  So, nothing on my menu plan requires much time.  I hope to create two printable recipe cards this week (since I am behind from last week).  That will all depend on how diligently I accomplish everything else on my "to-do" list.

Monday:  Homemade Chili

Tuesday:  Athens Teaching and Dad's Gubernatorial Debate

Wednesday:  Leftover Chili Bake

Thursday:  Herb Chicken and Rice Crock Pot Meal