No Time for Excuses

It's almost summer, and I have been spending my on-line time on Facebook. That is not an excuse. It's been a pretty hectic few months. That's not an excuse. I have nothing to say. That is not an excuse (that in fact may be a lie). I am lazy, Again not an excuse.

I am very upset that my beloved Veronica Mars has been cancelled. A critically acclaimed show, cancelled because it doesn't make enough money, replaced by the reality show based on the Pussycat dolls. There is no excuse. Or how about Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip? A great show! Wonderfully acted and scripted.... cancelled because lack of $$$. Have you seen 30D Rock? If you haven't, you probably won't get a chance to see it again... it's been put on hiatus, probably being replaced by some pirate reality show. I don't buy the $$ issue as the main reason for these shows being cancelled, really a lame excuse. These shows make you feel good about watching television. Now I just have to feel guilty, when I watch Canada' s Next Top Model. Now that's definitely not an excuse. I really should concern myself with other issues.

Recent Ongoings

1. I work 9-5

2. My hair is a little longer

3. I got a IPOD thanks to SBP.

4. I saw spidey 3 ( and I liked it!)

5. On line dating continues...that;s all I really have to say about that.

Cooking Tip of the day: Make something with rhubarb. It's in season and it's growing everywhere this time of year and it is delicious!

What have I been up to lately?

It's finally spring, which is great! I have been pretty busy lately. My time has been occupied by nothing that significant but I love being busy. Work has been busy, with the Winter campaign coming to an end; my hours will return to normal in a few weeks and for that I am excited! Working at a University means summer arrives early. Once all the students leave, the University seems to take a nice long breather. I love my lunch hours by the Ottawa River, reading a book.

I have been out dancing at a bar twice. Yes, it is true!

I have been out on a blind date (well sort of).

I have been to the Le Nordik Spa. Unlike anything I have ever done before, but I felt great afterwards and my skin looked great too.

I have had many nice meals out with friends and family.

Oh and finally ( and maybe embarrassingly) I have joined facebook.

Life is good.

What I hope to accomplish today:

1. Clean the bathroom.

2. Bake some peanut butter and chocolate squares.

3. Laundry

4. Enjoy a fantastic easter meal with friends and family.

5. Watch some Grey's.

Cooking Tip of the day: My favorite and famous tomato sauce: 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2-3 gloves of garlic, a little olive oil, 1 tsp of brown sugar, basil 1 tsp, oregano 1tsp (if you happen to have fresh herbs, add them at the end) , a shake of hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste. Put all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil; then simmer for at least 30 minutes. At this point add some tomato paste until it reaches desired consistency. Simmer for another 15 minutes or so. Serve with hot pasta. My favorite is cheese tortellini. And finally sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan.

* this sauce is great the next day, and is awesome as a sauce for pizza*

The end of the weekend...

A picture that was taken on a weekend afternoon.

I really don't like Sundays evenings. A year ago they weren't so bad because Grey's was on, but they still have this depressing factor. Soon Monday will be here and with that the work week. Sunday evenings brings a little bit of dread. A list of things that should have been done but didn't, and a new to do list forms of upcoming tasks. UGGG!!!! and I am feeling that right now. Funny thing is I will forgot about this feeling at approximately 8:00 am on Monday morning.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and I wish you all a wonderful week!

What I did this weekend:

1. Saw Zodiac... great film.

2. Ate every single meal out... some would say that's a shame. I loved it!

3. Took my cat to the vet... again.

4. Bought a new watch..... which I love.

5. Watered my plant.

Now I know why I have that feeling of dread... I didn't accomplish anything but I did have great times with friends and family. Man.. are we ever hard on ourselves!!

Cooking tip of the day: Take a break from the kitchen every once and a while, you will come back with more energy and vigour.

Happy Anniversary!

Today is my 1st anniversary working at Carleton University. Time certainly flies. I have noticed a change in myself over the last year. I am happy. People who don't see me often have commented on how relaxed I look, I attribute this to my change in workplace. My last job did not make me happy. I was miserable. Some of you may know what it is like to wake up every morning and dread the upcoming day. It's terrible! In retrospect it wasn't worth it. Now it wasn't always like that. I did learn a lot in my position as operations manager, but the job and the corporate culture changed, and it wasn't for me. If you or someone you know feels this way about their current working situation, tell then to quit and find something else. It isn't worth it. Soon enough another opportunity will find your way.

I love working at Carleton, the people are great, the benefits are great and they are really flexible with your working arrangements, and in one year I have already been given many learning opportunities They are committed to seeing you grow professionally. A great working environment. Now don't get me wrong, there are tough times, but it is so nice to wake up and look forward to the day.

Projects I have take on lately:

1. I joined a political party

2. Started researching the possibility of completing my MBA

3.Internet dating - it is wacked! But seems fun!

4. Sent my resume to the Stephen Lewis foundation, I would like to volunteer there.

5. Researching the purchase of new tires for my car.

Cooking tip of the day: My new sandwich discovery (well wrap). Take a tortilla, spread some hummus on it, sprinkle with a little trail mix, feta cheese, cucumber and red pepper. Roll up and enjoy. It is my new favorite lunch.

Photographs!

I received a digital camera for my 32 birthday. In the last couple of months I have become the owner of 'new technologies'. First it started with an MP3 player, then a laptop and now a digital camera. Here are some pics I have taken over the last few weeks.


















Adelaide - Looking cute as always!

Cake - Christie's birthday cake... delicious and I was happy with the way it turned out.

Lalime - the picture says it all.

What I have been up to lately:

1. Work - last week I worked 52 hours. It was productive but I am still tired.

2. Filed my taxes

3. Dancing to JT in a bar... woo hoo!

4. Trying to grow indoor plants (no .. not that kind)

5. Watching some flicks (reviews to come later)

Cooking tip of the day: Bake some cookies for someone special. It doesn't take that much time, and the smiles you receive will be more than enough payback.

A Cynic by Nature?

I graduated from Trent University in 1999. In June of that year, I was so optimistic. I was going to change the world. I would continue to protest Tim Hortons (yes.... I attended a rally to protest the introduction of Tims on campus, knowing a mom and pop shop would lose out in the end), corporate takeovers of the world, oh and the list goes on. Almost 8 years later, and I've lost my will. Money talks, without it you might as well be silent because no one is going to hear you. I know what happened to my idealism. The working world, chipped it away. Even though I have worked in the not- for- profit sector, my cynicism level is high, or at least it was. Some of you know that I work with University students. They have incited in me a new level of hope for the future. There enthusiasm is contagious. They discuss current events with vigor and believe they can make a difference. And they will. I am going to try to get back in the game and volunteer my time and believe that what I do for a living does make a difference. It does. Education is one of the greatest gifts anyone can receive. A gift that everyone should have the right to open. With government cutbacks getting larger and larger, philanthropy will play a larger role in university and colleges across the country (for all you cynics out there - this was not presented to me at work as a brainwashing video) I guess what I needed was inspiration. I will take action! I will keep you posted on what happens! So there!

March brings ( a list of the obvious and not so obvious)....

1. CC 'sbirthday...yippee more cake.

2. Time change ... longer days!

3. Spring!

4. My last month working nights!

5. St. Patricks Day

Cooking Tip of the day: Nothing beats a box of mac and cheese. My favs? No name spirals mac and cheese, and PC's white cheddar mac and cheese. Don't eat it every day.. you'll get scurvy!

Because I Said So

Last night I went to see Because I said So. Oh I know what some of you may be thinking... why Kylie why? I enjoy the frivolous, romantic comedy on occasion. I enjoy the clothes and watching people have perfect lives. This movie however annoyed me. The movie is about a turbulent mother daughter relationship. A mother who worries about her daughter because she can't keep a man!! Her mother doesn't seem satisfied that her daughter has a successful business, friends, great apartment and a loving family. The only way her daughter could be truly happy is to have a man. Disturbing. Maybe I am a little agitated because over the last week I must have been asked, 'Kylie do you have a man?' a billion times. When I answered no, most people presented me with a face full of pity. THAT PISSES ME OFF!!!! Why don't people ask how my career is going? What my plans are for the summer?, or even, what I am having for dinner? Please do not feel sorry for me... you crazy people. Feel sorry for people who don't have great friends, a good job, a great family or a kitchen -aid mixer.

Upcoming events in my life:

1. A 3 day course this week, on discovering the leader that I am.

2. Lost Party!

3. OC series finale party

4. Cooking a homemade lasagna (which I am very excited about - I have been researching the recipes for weeks)

5. A haircut

6. A birthday party

7. A birthday dinner

8. The Academy awards

Cooking tip of the day: When selecting ingredients for your recipes, always buy the best quality ingredients you can afford. It will make a real difference. And remember the best quality is not always the most expensive.