Archive for January, 2009

Dog tired

Friday, January 30th, 2009

I have put more overtime in the last few days than I have in a long long time. I have one more presentation to go t a conference that I am really excited about. Both the topic of the conference and the topic of my presentation. Hopefully all will go well.

I do have to say that between this conference, bottling our wine next Thursday, and us being furloughed a day of pay on Friday, I only have to go into the office two days next week. Sweet!

The Newness

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

So here I am about to take a pay cut of about 10%. And all I can really think about is new things. First of all, our winery is getting off the ground, which is a HUGE deal. Something that I fretted over for weeks. I have finally come to a level of contentment. It feels like everything is going to work out. So I am trying to start a saving plan for this endeavor, until we sell our first vintage. Because of course, our first vintage is bad ass and we will sell out in a matter of weeks. =) But seriously. I am optimistic about the future of this venture.

Second to the newness is a new car. My car, though hanging in there, is doing just that. It is hanging in there. I am probably a few hundred (maybe thousand) miles away from what will inevitably be an expensive trip to the mechanic. I don’t know what has clicked in my brain, but I think that a new car is in order. Which means there is test driving. And more budget planning. And justification. And I am just about there in the “convince myself it is a good thing” department. So maybe in the next few weeks we will engage in a discussion of what car I am considering and how many other “really” good things that money can go towards.

Favorite Grains, Part 1.

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

I love quinoa. I just don’ eat it enough. But one of my favorite things about it, is the little tail that popps out once it is cooked. Even if I didn’t like the taste of it, which I totally do, I would probably still eat it because it is just cute.

quinoagrains

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

The best chicken ever from Smitten Kitchen.

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Today’s History

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

I have been tagged a pessimist. I sometimes have a hard time believing that everything is going to be alright. But I have to say, no matter how naively optimistic it sounds, that today I am filled with optimism.

I am optimistic that I am in a country where the government is my government. Where my voice was finally heard.

I am optimistic that I am going to be a part of the change that is needed. That I am no longer going to sit back and blame government for the flaws of this country.

I am optimistic that my goals aren’t just my goals, but ones that a country is reaching for. That my job for the government is not fruitless and futile.

It is the first time, since I can remember really, where I might not hesitate to say that I am American. Because I want to believe, with all of my heart, that this time will be the difference. This time, my voice will be heard.