I was hoping to have lots of fun photos to post today. I had an interview on Wall Street (went well, but the job was so not what I am looking for in a job - it would be helping a person who sells bonds to corporations so they can free up debts... I think... he was a nice guy, but I walked away not really knowing much about what a day would be like. It was definitely a very corporate environment - lots of cubicles, not a welcoming space, etc. So, keep your fingers crossed I hear from the third round place from yesterday) and I had hoped to take pictures of this church and cemetery that always catch my eye when I'm down in that area. I went prepared with my camera this time. And I had my blah buster in hopes to get some pictures of her enjoying NYC. But it was just too cold to be outside. So, those pictures will have to wait til spring arrives.

I do have a couple of pictures...


Here we have Jill enjoying her seat on the subwoofer. Using yarn as her pillow.


I'm making great progress on my felted bag. I'm hoping to get it done this weekend and start in on the second one. I've been told I need to make loser stitches so the felting is an easier process. That is my goal for attempt two.


And finally, my latest FO. Mom loved her scarf. I'm sure she's going to need it this weekend if it stays this cold here in New England.

I need to use the left over yarn from one of the christmas scarves to make myself a new hat. As mine got lost in the dark bar last night. I have a feeling tomorrow will be a lot of sitting around and knitting and reading. I'm wondering if I am coming down with something as I've been exhausted and feeling slightly off this afternoon. So, an day of taking it easy for me. Plus, I think they are forecasting horrid weather.

Thats all for this evening. I'm going to have a few more two bite brownies and curl up on my couch. And hope that the heat comes on. Usually it is stifling in my apartment, but tonight, I'm needing sweatshirts and blankets. Its very odd.

When's it my turn?

So, interview number two of the day, number three with said company, went well. I really like the people there. I love the atmosphere. Everyone seems happy to be at work, seems to like working with each other, seems like a great, fast paced, upbeat environment. The interview ended with a sort of under the breath comment, well, I think you'd fit in here. From the COO. So, cross your fingers. I really want an offer from them. It will be temp to start with, but I figure, that they will love me even more once I am there, and offer me the position full time after a week or two.

I do have another first round something tomorrow. But part of me just wants to blow it off. I know I won't. i just don't have it in me to do something like that, but I am just so sick of this process.

I went out and had a few drinks with friends tonight. Which was great. Til i got on the train by myself to come home. And started thinking when is it my turn. When do I get to get what I want? Yet again, he has what he wants (not me) and I don't have what I want (a job, a place, someone that thinks of me before anyone else). Exacerbated by a few drinks... well, I feel alone and depressed. I feel like I've been through so much - hard times, heart break, etc. - and I'm just tired of it. I want good things in my life. And I'm sick of waiting for them to get here.

One down, one to go

I'm back from the first interview. It wasn't quite what I was expecting. I'm big on gut reactions, and I didn't get the same feeling at this company. I didn't get the "I'm excited to work here" feeling from the people that interviewed me. I liked aspects of the job, and it could be a great stepping stone to something more, but I'm doubtful that it will challenge me and keep me busy enough for my liking. I'd be assisting assistants. Both of whom seemed nice, but not the energetic, thirst for life, personable people I've met in other places. I'm not ruling it out, but I'm not excited about it like I thought I would be. Also, the salary is well below where I was hoping to be. The highest they are willing to go is $10k below where I'd like to be. The benefits are great though... So, we'll see what they come back with. If they even liked me enough to want to see me again. I like the idea of working for a non-profit again, but I'm not sure this is the one for me. I feel to fast paced for the people I interviewed with.

I'm more hopeful for this afternoon's round. You don't bring someone back for a third round very often. I have a really good feeling about it. Obviously the person who I'd be supporting liked me, as he was the last interview I had, and they wanted me back again. I'm hopeful they are planning on making an offer.

So now a bit of down time. A bit of Harry Potter, me thinks. I'm enjoying the chance to reread (and its fun to laugh at the English exclamations, which are different from our American ones) them... Unfortunately, I'm on the last one before I've caught up to D, and he has the last two books with him on the road, which means two months before I can get to them.

Getting ready for a long day

In a way I'm dreading tomorrow. It is going to be a long day. I have to get up early - UGH! and be in midtown for 9 am for the first of the days interviews. They tell me that its going to be a 2.5 hour ordeal too. Meeting with three different people. After that, I have the third round interview at 3 pm. At the moment, I'm feeling drained, and not looking forward to tomorrow at all. I just reprinted resumes, I bought a new suit (well, two new suits, but the expensive one is going back over the weekend), and I'm hoping I am able to fall asleep so I am able to be my most fabulous self tomorrow.

I'm so ready to be done with this interview process. It is beyond draining and so full of stress.

I have made great progress on my bag though. I've got about 20 rows left on the bag itself, then the strap and the side pockets. If I keep knitting at this pace, I should have no issue being done before March 14th. Hopefully I'll have both bags done by then.

I took some pictures of FO's and WIP's and my blah buster (who I think we'll call Jill, as my other tiger is Jack). But I just don't have the energy to connect the camera and download them all tonight.

Mail Call!

I love ordering Barnes and Noble and living in the city. I ordered my books late on Saturday night. I had them in my hands today. Remarkable. And cheaper than the store too, especially with the free shipping. From now on, I'm browsing at the store and ordering online. I can wait 24 hours for book gratification.

I also got the yarn I ordered last week. I have the rest of the yarn to finish my bag. And make the one for my friend's birthday present. Now to just get them both finished before March 15th when I make the pilgrimage to mom and dad's for a few days. And to catch up with J and his tour. A night or two in the Park Plaza Hotel for me! Vodka infusions at Intermission Bar. Hanging out with friends and family. And hopefully St. Patrick's Day in Boston. It will be so much nicer to be in a town that actually knows how to celebrate the Irish, where the pubs will have a someone singing about unicorns and wild rovers and 7 old ladies who get locked in the lavatory and all the rest of the best drinking songs. Las Vegas just didn't know what they were doing.

I should have an interview tomorrow. I don't know what time yet, but I've been told this new company wants to meet with me. Which is exciting. I'll keep you posted.

New Projects

After the mistakes in my sweater on Thursday night, I decided it was time to get started on a different project. I started a tote - thanks to the pattern and yarn I got in the Cocoa Swap. I've got the bottom, and the first 11 or 48 rows for the sides done. I went out and bought different needles today - I didn't like the way the stitches were sliding on the bamboo versions, so I splurged on some Addis. With the tension in my stitches - no, I swear I'm not a stressed out person!! (HAHA!) - I find they slide so much easier on the metal.

In other adventures, I signed up for match.com. Its been interesting. I've gotten a fair number of winks in the last 24 hours and a few emails. Why is it that every guy is writing about how he can't characterize what he is looking for in a girl - that its all about the chemistry. Yes, chemistry is important, but you've got to have some basic criteria that you are looking for. Part of me is feeling a bit shallow - I'm looking for someone tall - but i wear heels all the time - and by heels I mean 3 inches. Which makes me stand at 5'9. Sorry, but I want my date to be taller than that. And there are other things that are just attractive or not to me - like a good smile... in shape... someone that would look good next to me. I think those things have to be there before you can see if there is chemistry. We'll see what adventures this leads too...

And now back to my night of Bobby Flay and Paula Dean...

Ouch

The adventure of carrying my water home yesterday has left me with sore shoulders. The weight managed to bruise the muscles I think. Another reason to not lug that much stuff home all at once. Its the only part of me that regrets canceling the mini trip I was going to take. Saying no was for the best reasons. I am proud of myself for doing so. But, man could my shoulders use some kneading.

I've been somewhat off all day. I kept thinking it was Friday. Even knowing full well it was only Thursday. I'm not quite sure why. Its an odd feeling - like everything is slightly off. I tried cleaning a bit - seeing if putting things in their places might help. But, not so much. I never was one for the mantra of a place for everything and everything in its place though. I prefer to have my place lived in.

I made some progress on my sweater. I'm halfway through the second 8 row repeat. i made a mistake on the left front edge. I'm not quite sure what happened, but I somehow managed to drop a stitch on the edge of a row. And as I tried to figure it out, I pulled the wrong way and dropped a whole bunch of stitches... and made a mess of it. But I wasn't about to rip out the four or five rows to figure out where the issue started. so I kind of folded the stitches around and used the crochet hook to attempt to put them back together in some sort of order. Certainly not perfect. But, everything has to have its flaws.

A new installment of Kitchen Adventures

I've been in the kitchen this evening. I wish I had someone here to help me enjoy my results, but it was nice to cook.

I started with dinner - a quick oven sweet potato fry and pork burger combo. Both toss together recipes, that came out great and will make future appearances.

Sweet Potato Oven Fries

As much sweet potato as is needed to feed your crowd, sliced into fry shapes - about 1/4 inch square
Toss with a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, chili powder, powdered ginger, brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle with olive oil.
Toss to coat
Place in preheated 375 degree oven.
Bake until sweet potatoes are slightly browned and cooked through. Toss once or twice during cooking to make sure they don't stick to cookie sheet.

Remove to serving platter and drizzle with honey before serving.

Cranberry Pork Burgers

1 lb ground pork
1 cup julienne napa cabbage
2 T grated carrot
1/2 T grated ginger
1 bunch chopped scallions
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 T worcestershire sauce
1/4 c panko bread crumbs
salt and pepper

Toss all together in a large bowl. Form patties. Grill or pan sear until pork is cooked through (about 140 degrees as an internal temp)

And after dinner, I continued the adventure with a recipe for Lemon Ginger Muffins.  Right now they remain stuck in the pan - as I didn't have any muffin papers.  They are tasty though.  I cut down the butter by a 1/4 cup - mainly because I forgot to defrost enough. I would advise to do more than 12 muffins though. Mine are all joined on the top as one giant muffin. I think a bit less batter in each would make a better muffin top.

Cooking really does make me feel a good better. (we'll see if that continues after I eat a second muffin though.) Its been really quiet in life this week. Some moments are good - like this one now - but others are lonely. Because I'm having a good evening, I feel odd thinking about the bad moments I've been through.  Fear they'll come back and take over my mind I guess.  

I also restarted the next steps on my sweater. Here's hoping that I can keep my knits and purls straight on this attempt. I ordered some yarn online - my first online yarn purchase. I needed a bit more to complete the pattern that KM included in my swap package - so I can now make the larger bag. And I think I'm going to make the smaller bag for a friends birthday.  I am so looking forward to getting started on those.  As I'll need to have them done in a few weeks when I make a pilgrimage to my parents to sort the boxes that arrived today.  I have no where to access a washer here in town that doesn't cost me lots of quarters.  

I also just finished The Friday Night Knitting Club.  It was a good book - until the end.  I don't quite understand why the author did what she did.  It made no sense to me.  (I won't spoil it for anyone - but it just seemed so odd of a turn of events...)

Note to self

Water is heavy. A gallon of water is really heavy. Saving 30 cents on said gallon of water is not worth the back pain from lugging it home along with all the other groceries. Buy all future water at corner store.

Starting over...

I had to completely rip out the skirt portion of my sweater. I somehow mixed up my knits with my purls in the rib pattern. I tried to only take out the row that I made the mistake in, but I am completely unsuccessful at ripping out lots of stitches. I have to tediously back stitch each one. But I got impatient, and pulled the needles back and unraveled the row. I thought if I'm patient, I can do this. I can get all the stitches back on the needles. Til they started dropping. And running. And then I threw it down, pulled the needles completely out and just ripped out all of my progress of the last week. So, now I have to start again. Perhaps after I get back from pigging out on sushi.

I had to wash my scarf after an unfortunate incident on saturday night caused it to fall to the beer and god only knows what else soaked floor. I've yet to wash any of my knitted objects - except for felting the penguin - so I'm a bit nervous. Its spread out on my floor drying.

I met with ANOTHER staffing agency today. I'm so sick of these meetings. I'm ready for my something good to happen. It seems like I see people all around me getting what they want, while I'm still waiting and reaching and not quite getting there. Yes, I know the grass isn't always greener. Yet, when you see someone close to you getting what they want, and what they want specifically is not you, it hits in a strange way. Even if you know you want more and better, the sting that an element of rejection provides still hurts. And sometimes I wonder if maybe I'm wanting the wrong things and thats why I'm not getting them. Or course, that brings up the question of am I wanting the wrong things? Am I wanting the wrong place? The wrong profession? And if I am wanting the wrong things in any of those categories, what are the right things to be wanting? Or maybe I'm just being taught more patience... Although, I've been at this job search since September, so how much more patience do I need? Guess I'm just feeling bit discouraged... I know that there is something out there perfect for me... now if only I could find it.

A photo

Through a couple of the sites I like to read, I stumbled upon this newly created endeavor, Shutter Sisters. I thought I'd post a favorite picture of mine that is their challenge of the day. Photography has always been a side interest of mine. And I can't wait til I can afford to treat myself to the dSLR camera that I'm lusting after.

This was a shot I took while drive through southern Canada. It was along the Coffee Creek - which, being a coffee addict, I enjoyed. We were on our way home from spending an afternoon at a hot spring. We had every imaginable weather as we traveled, seeing bright sun, rain, and even snow. But, here you have it, my attempt at shooting into the sun.


I finished the last of the scarfs for this season. And I'm making great progress on my sweater. Only 75 rows left to go on the skirt. Then one arm, and a neck.

And now its time to get ready to venture out for Saturday night on the town with the girls. I'm drinking quality vodka this time around though.

Hooray for cosmos and girlfriends

Yesterday ended up being a good day. I splurged on some new stuff for my closet - I'm in desperate need of clothes. And then I met with a friend. We ventured out to a couple of bars, and treated ourselves to martinis.
Lots of martinis. I'm playing for that today. But, we laughed, we made friends with the bar tender and bar back, we tried to make friends with the street food man - but his promises of free food were empty and he charged us for our pitas. I am reminded today why I stopped drinking rail vodka. The higher quality stuff just gets along with my body better. And I drink fewer of them, because they cost more.

Hope you're Thursdays were fabulous. Here's to a great weekend.

Don't my rain boots go smashingly with my business suit?

ok, so you don't get the full effect... but let me tell you, pouring rain and needing to get to interviews doesn't mix all that well. I do love my rain boots though.

The second interview went well today. It was short, but I liked the person I'd be assistant to. Which is definitely good. I'm still waiting and crossing my fingers that the top choice job will call and say they want to see me for a second interview. The initial feedback on Friday was that they loved meeting with me on Thursday. But, where I haven't heard anything more than that yet, I'm getting worried that they won't want to see me for a second interview. And that job sounds so much more geared towards me. This one I think will be interesting, but not perfect.

I started working on my sweater again. Picking up the stitches to start the skirt part. Thanks to the help of my knitting group I learned how to properly make one, as my M1s were resulting in holes. Only 80 more rows to go, and I'll have most of a sweater. As always, it was great to see the group - the conversation was lively and ranged from our latest projects to intestinal cleaning.

I'm not looking forward to tomorrow. I'm beyond sick of jewelry commercials, Hallmark's thoughts, and hearts everywhere. I've never been a fan of February 14th - especially since my first love broke my heart on February 15th. After pronouncing his never ending lover for me on the 14th. And being single for the first time in four years, I could just do without all these visual displays of love going on around me. I wish I had someone to send me flowers, or take me to dinner, but at the same time I'm not ready for a relationship - or really to even start dating again. I think I'm going to take myself shopping and treat myself to a bacon cheese burger and fries.

Taking advice and Being Tagged

So, I'm taking KM's advice, and filled the room with candles. Well, lit all the candles in the room, as they were already here. (and saying a prayer or two). And wishing I could take Turtle's advice of pampering myself - but that is the reward for getting the "You're hired" call. I figure a day at the spa is a better idea if I know that money is going to be coming in.

Turtle also tagged me to share 7 random facts with everyone... so here we go....
1. I've drive across the country. Once going east from Washington DC to Las Vegas, and once from Las Vegas to NYC. Both times I did alone, just me and my corolla.
2. If I had the money, I'd be opening a coffee and dessert shoppe. We'd serve tapas, fancy desserts and chocolates and coffees - including alcoholic ones. There'd be big comfy couches and chairs and board games, and baskets of yarn.
3. I survived a car accident where I rolled my car over. I walked away with a bruise from where my hand hit the rearview mirror when the airbag went off. That was 6 years ago.
4. I can type about 75 words per minute
5. I've been to all but 9 of the states.
6. I've been inside The Great Buddha - for 10 yen (or about 10 cents) you can go inside the structure. I prefer to say I've been in Buddha's belly.
7. I am anal about doing laundry. It has to be done my way. I have no issue doing yours but don't do mine.

So, there you have it... And I'm tagging anyone who reads this.... Cause I'm not knowing enough of you well enough to actually tag you individually - in fact I don't even think I've had 7 different people comment on my thoughts just yet. So, share 7 facts about yourselves. It will give you a topic to write on for the day.

And as the day draws to a close, I'm signing off for the night. Hopefully tomorrow I'll finish mom's scarf and start picking up stitches for my sweater. And have more news on the job search. (and oh, the job I was supposed to be researching last night ended up falling through. They didn't like the idea that one of my last jobs was "off the books" and wouldn't show up on a background check.... which most likely means it would be have been way too corporate for me)

Sleep really does make it better

Even though it was his comment that set me over the edge, it was his presence that made me feel better at the end of the night. Knowing that he was there, that he cared, that he worried, and that he let me vent and ramble made me really appreciative and thankful. It was so much last week. I was on and being the most fabulous me the entire time. Its draining. I want to return to a routine where I don't have to be so ON every second that I'm out cause I'm on my way to an interview, or every time I answer the phone cause I don't know who it will be on the other end. I want to not be pulled in a million different directions all at the same time and be thinking a million different thoughts.

There was an hour on Friday, between interviews and dinner, where I wrote two thank you notes, talked to D, learned my brother had broken his hand an needed to borrow my car, changed my clothes from suit to jeans, spoke with my consultant at the staffing agency no less than three times, spoke with the other consultant at the staffing agency no less than twice, ran up and down the stairs twice, and forgot to eat lunch. Yes, all of that in an hour. And I wonder why I felt overwhelmed last night.

I should be researching the company that one of my interviews is with on Tuesday. But I took today off. I finished a book. I made a tasty dinner. I took a nap during a Lifetime movie. Made my first ever rice pudding. I flipped through a magazine and found a bunch of things to make for dinner this week (now to make the grocery list). I thought of going to do laundry, as I'm out of clean socks, but left that for tomorrow. I think I'll get out my knitting and enjoy Iron Chef America.

Is running away an option?

Business first -- Swappy, if you could get in touch with or let me know where to send an email? I have an address update for you.... Otherwise my parents will be getting my scavenger hunt goodies.

And now for the what's going on with me part...

So, the night turned into one of those nights that just gets to you. A comment that gets read the wrong way, however innocent it may be, and suddenly it is all so overwhelming, you don't know what to do. And you aren't really sure how you got their either. I think life has been so insane this week, the constant running, the late nights, the being woken early by work crews outside the window, the running some more, the stress of dealing with people and interviewing, that I just collapsed with a comment that was most likely completely innocent and meant to make a laugh. Instead, it inspired a anxiety attack of the grandest sorts.

The day was going along quite well. I spent it at a local tea shop, knitting and chatting and enjoying myself. And was supposed to head out to celebrate a new friend's birthday tonight. I just couldn't put on the face needed for a party tonight though.

I had dinner with an ex last night- an ex, that after 4 years, as I told him I wanted something more and thought I had found it, decided to tell me for the first time he loved me. Turns out I hadn't found it, but that's a whole other saga in my life. It was nice to see him, and the food was fabulous - Bobby Flay's Bar Americian - but I think it drained me far more than I realized. I'm also dealing with stresses and dramas from other corners, from the job search, from the unconventional nature of myself and one of my specific relationships. I think more of me was involved that I believed... I was more vested that I thought. And comments and changes and questions seem to collide in my brain, and create this internal anxiety. Not of the relationship, but of myself, and my actions, needs and wants. And why I let myself settle once again for less than everything. With full knowledge that I was doing so. Or maybe, I just thought I was more vested, and needed the chance to over react and let it out, to find out, that I'm in a better place that I thought I was.

So, I do believe it is time to brew some of the new hot chocolate I was sent this week, and settle in with a movie. Perhaps some ice cream too... Cause I believe that combination will make it all better.

A good week

I feel like I've spent most of the week in high speed. Running from one corner to the next and back again. Its nice to be busy again. I like busy.

I'm about to get ready to head off to the interview of the day. It sounds promising as it is at a company that combines the corporate culture and entertainment. I think I'm starting to get a bit nervous. But, hopefully the cup of coffee will help that. The new staffing agency is fabulous. In less than 24 hours, they had me set up for two interviews and promises of at least one, if not two more. And they are so positive and upbeat. My counselor told me how much she loved some of my answers to her questions, and she felt they'd fit in perfectly with what this company was looking for. And once again, we all cross our fingers. Things are moving this week. It feels good.

My swap package arrived yesterday. So exciting.

ADayintheLife spoiled me quite nicely. She was able to find the pattern I've been searching for to make a bag. And she filled the box will all sorts of other treats as well. It was so exciting to unwrap and I can't wait to use my new yarn to make something or try my new hot chocolate. (I got my package in the mail yesterday, so my partner should be expecting it tomorrow)

I've gotten out and been social over the last few days too. A and I did dinner and shopping. And I met the girls for a fashion week party last night. I love free parties. We even saw some stars as we were chatting on the sidewalk to end our evening.

Issues with Timing and Cocoa question #4

My job search seems to have the worst timing right now. I got an offer to start tomorrow. On a temp to perm position, that might have worked out for me. But, another agency has already scheduled me an interview for tomorrow. And still another is working on scheduling me one for tomorrow or Thursday. So, I had to explain that. And it didn't work out. So, I have to think, that that wasn't the job for me. But its frustrating. Waiting for the timing to work out. At least the offers are there these days. It makes me more optimistic that the right job is around the corner.

I'm off to yet another agency in about an hour. So far my skills testing hasn't gone all that well for them though. So that is slightly disheartening. I went from typing 73 words per minute on yesterday's test to not hitting 50 words per minute on today's. I shouldn't have gone back to fix that mistake in the first sentence. And my spelling has always been an issue for me - so hopefully the grammar test isn't considered to seriously. I'm acing the Word test these days - does that count when you have all the questions memorized?

And for a brighter note... Cocoa Question number 4!

My favorite vacation... The business trip to Tokyo ranks up there. My boss at the time was invited to speak at a few meetings and a conference, over the span of 10 days. He suggested that he might need me to accompany him as his assistant. And the people inviting him went for it. So, I had 10 days in Tokyo... yes, there were meetings, but we had four days of completely free time. Where we wandered, saw temples and shrines. It was amazing. And I can't wait to go back. It was the best all around vacation - where I wouldn't change a moment... except for the meal we had in a french restaurant (but even that was only half bad - some courses were quite tasty, while others - umm... custard in beef broth?)

Other vacations had their moments too - the hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley. The friends wedding at Disney World - yes, I was obligated to go to Disney... how can you complain? Growing up and going to Maine for lobster each summer. The skiing weekends just after college. But Tokyo has to be my favorite.

How many staffing agencies can one town have?

It was a busy day today. Two interviews, with two new staffing agencies. And another one for tomorrow. It this crazy? I have 10 staffing agencies working with my resume. Granted, of those, I think two are disappearing agencies, who I've not heard from since the initial interviews... but still, I think the odds have to be in my favor at some point soon. I think things went well today - both agencies are passing along my resumes to spots. And to positions that sound intriguing.

I got a bit of work done on my mother's scarf while I watched that ridiculous game last night. I can't believe my team forgot to show up for the biggest game of the season. And after such a remarkable season too. Sad. Really sad. And being here in NYC and having to listen to all the insane cheering outside my window? UGH!

Does anyone out there have a fabulous baby blanket pattern? Friends of mine are expecting, and I'd love to make a blanket for them. But I can't find the perfect pattern. I want something that can easily go girl or boy, as they are going old fashioned and not finding out. (which I agree with - I so don't want to know whenever it is my time to have kids.... But then again, I'm the person who sits and looks at her wrapped Christmas or birthday presents for weeks and has no desire to touch them until the day of, so it only makes sense that I wouldn't want to know). And any suggestions on yarn too - I found this great soft cotton yesterday, but it pilled like crazy when I felt it. I want to avoid that, but retain the soft factor. And have something that is washable. And I love knitting with varying texture, so perhaps something that incorporates that...

I'm hoping to get my Hot Cocoa Swap box off into the mail tomorrow... I suppose I should find out where the post office is...

I feel like my life is consumed with the job search, making me a fairly boring individual. I promise more interesting notes when I have a job, and its not the only things on my mind.

Sometimes the mail brings more than junk

The mail made my day today. It had a great surprise for me. An unexpected bonus from my summer job. It made my nights. Seriously. Now if I could only track down the last W-2 and the 1099 from the bonus, there will be more unexpected gifts, this time from Uncle Sam. Wonder where they are...

The highlight of the day has been the food. I threw together a quick black bean soup for lunch. I made it up as I went and it came out just like I wanted. I sauteed some chopped up bacon til it was crispy, and then removed it from the pan. I chopped clove of garlic, a few green onions and some carrot went in next (I think a serrano or jalepeno would have been perfect here). Followed by chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Then the black beans (from a can, drained and rinsed) and some stock. Simmered for 10 to 15 minutes to blend the flavors and squished up some of the beans to get a thicker texture. Tossed the bacon back in and served with tortilla chips.

Dinner was a breakfast option - brown sugar oatmeal pancakes. I adapted a recipe from allrecipes.com, adding a bit of my own spin and shrinking it so I wouldn't be eating pancakes for days. A good, semi healthy comfort food for dinner.

And here it is, Friday night. I'm putting off the guy who I've been chatting with online who wants me to go meet him for a drink or coffee. I just don't feel like moving. He's been fun to talk to, but I'm not ready to make that jump into actually meeting just yet. And, he comes off much younger than what I'm looking for in photos. Not that I should really talk, as no one believes I'm as old as I am. I'm finally in a good mood... after a long day of being slightly depressed. I'd like to just enjoy that on my own.

And my buddy's blah buster is done. He's blind. But, done. I'm claiming his eyes are hidden behind his "feathers."