James is Good at Picking Out Chick Stuff!

So, It turns out that James is good, dare I say GREAT, at picking out chick stuff--As long as its for a computer/electronic device.  Here are the two new gadgets that James has gotten for my new computer.

Wireless Mouse: Logitech V220 Optical Mouse

It may be hard to tell, but it has butterflies & flowers on it (I love butterflies & flowers & James picked it out!).  It is also wireless, which is the whole point of getting a separate mouse.  I love a real mouse, as I am not as proficient with the touch pad.  I like that it is small enough to take with me & the wireless stick slides together with the mouse, so they don't lose each other. James did such a great job on this one!

Laptop Sleeve: BUILT Laptop Sleeve 16"

James picked out the sleeve although I picked out the fabric design.  I just got it in the mail as an early birthday present. Its made of neoprene, & unlike traditional sleeves this one zips on the small end.  I like this feature because I can slide the computer in and out of my backpack with out necessarily taking the sleeve out of the backpack.  There isn't a lot of bulk, and fits right around the computer.  I got the 16" size for my lap top that has a 15.4" screen.  Also the hour glass shape hugs the computer in place. Perfect fit! The sleeve is machine washable, and hangs to dry, so in case it gets dirty or something spilled on it the sleeve is not ruined.  The last great point about this sleeve is that you can put your computer into a large purse making ANY BAG A COMPUTER BAG!  How fabulous is that?!

James, Has anyone ever told you that you are Pretty & Smart?  You are!

The Secret of Kells

One of the movies on my list to review is The Secret of Kells.  I have been searching for where to rent or watch this film.  I heard on the radio this afternoon that the film has not been released in the US yet.  What?!?!? How can it be nominated?

So instead of me reviewing it, I will share what Bob Mondello of NPR had to say.  I want to see this one! 

How Do You Eat an Elephant?

I am well into my first week of not having a job. Wednesday morning was the first breakdown.  I was on my way to running an errand, and since I slept late I didn't see James before he left for work.  I called him on the phone, and he talked me off the ledge.

I have been digesting the things that I learned in the DBM wrokshop.  I basically have not been working for the past three months (even though I have been collecting a paycheck), and the tasks ahead of me are ENOURMOUS.  Its hard not become overwhelmed. 

So here is my plan.  I am going to get up at a decent hour everyday.  I am going to eat breakfast.  I am going to go somwhere (even if its around the block), and I am going to get to work on finding full time work. 

So, How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.   Don't worry-I am not into eating REAL elephants!

My Photo Man

It rained, then it sleeted, then it snowed.  It snowed and snowed and snowed.  Yesterday, El Nino attacked Central Texas with a true winter storm.  James went down to Bull Creek with his 2nd love (the camera).  He really got some great shots and I thought that I would share them with you. 

It really took a lot of arm twisting to get these from him, so I hope you enjoy.

Knowing Who You Are

Today I went to a career develpment workshop.  It was put on by DBM, and the consultant was great.  She was easy to listen to, and the information was good to know.  Elenor provided insight on how resumes get pre-screened by a computer, and how to make sure my resume gets through.

I have a lot of study ahead of me.  I have to study about who I am.  What I have done and how I communicate (I do it loud and directly).  I have to learn about the companies that I am applying to, and I have to come up with questions to ask them.

I guess these are things that I already knew, but the workshop provided strategies to get it done.  I am actually looking forward to practicing articulating what I am all about.  I look forwatrd to putting into better words how pretty & smart I am.

My Last Days at Work - Part II

Today was supposed to be my third last day at work.  I have been keeping a count down, and today was to be the day.  As noted in several past posts, I have been let go from the job I have had for the last two years. 

Two days ago the remaining loan center employees were called together and we were told that we would be done at 3:00 that day.  (There are only 5 people remaining in my old department & that number includes 3 managers.) That was Wednesday so, the way I see it is I got two days of vacation.  I wanted to put this post on the day that I have been counting down to.  I wanted this post to sit for a little while, so could process the early release.

As soon as the Big Boss called us all together I knew the words before she spoke them.  I wasn't sad.  I was RELIEVED!   It has been fifteen months.  Fifteen months ago the company's stock fell to an all time low.  Fourteen months ago half of the department was laid off.  Thirteen months ago we started the new year in high hopes.  Twelve months ago faith began to fade.  Six months ago the FDIC shut us down & the Spanish Overlords took over.  Five months ago we were offered severance.  One month ago we started to wrap up the good byes.  Really, we have been saying good-bye for one year and two months. 

I am glad that this downhill ride is finally over, but I want to tell you my friends that you all have enriched my life like no other.  I will miss eating lunch (and sometimes breakfast) everyday with you all.  Tea Time will be missed.

To you Andrea, Chantel, & Dee you all have become my sisters.  It took me a long time to know what it means to have and be a sister, so I hope you know how you all have impacted me. 

To Dan, Aaron & Omair, You all have been the best male friends I have ever had. Thank you for being my friends.  Thanks for the final Tea Time toast.  You guys rock!

The Hurt Locker

This is another one that I saw on DVD.  James had been wanting to see this one for awhile, but we missed it in the theatre. 

Here's the recap:
The story takes place in Iraq.  We are following a team that disarms undetonated bombs.  One of the main team members has been replaced, with a tension that really likes to live on the edge.

This movie is intense.  You never relax, but I think that is proof that the film maker knew what she was doing.  We are constantly reminded that they are out to kill us--well at least on the "battlefield".  The team dos survive the part of the story that we are privy to. 

I did like this movie, and recommend it.  Just be ready to be sitting forward for about 90 minutes.

Jeremy Renner who plays the main character is nominated for Best Actor.  Kathryn Bigleow is nominated for Best Director.

Do You Believe in Karma?

Do you believe in Karma?  Well, I do.  Here is my anecdote of karma in action from Saturday.  James and I were getting breakfast at Einstein's, and I saw a mug that I really liked.  The mug was $2.49, and the first cup of coffee was free-- $0.99 after that.  The order taker had rung me up for the $0.99 refill.  When we got down to the cashier I corrected her and paid the extra $1.50.  Well, honesty pays.  On our way home from our errands of the day another driver caught our attention, and told us that our back tire was low on air.  We were saved about $80 for a new tire! 

I think my honesty made everything line up, so I wouldn't be out the cost of the tire.  I hope being nice and honest is something that makes you happy.   This type of situation happens often to me.  I know because I am aware when strangers are nice and kind.  Reminds me of a carpenter from long ago.  I hope that you find joy in being nice and honest.  People are just waiting to return the gesture.

Talking to Carly

This weekend I went and purchased a new laptop.  I am so glad that I have a computer to call my own.  This is the computer that I bought: 

James has been holding our computer hostage for the whole time we have been living together.  A friend of me told me, "Love means not having to share your computer."  I agree. 

So I have known about Skype for awhile.  I have officially set up my account.  I was able to talk to my friend Emily and her haby Carly.  They live in Cinncinnati.  I miss them.  I was so glad to see them.  Here they are; mother and daughter.

Carly will be two in June, but I took this when I was with them shortly after Carly's birth. Our chat this afternoon made me feel like I was back in their living room again. I can't wait talk to Carly Girl & Emily soon!

Skype udate:  I got connected to Soni too!

Julie & Julia

Here is the first post on the road to the Oscars. 

I saw Julie & Julia via DVD.  I loved it!  This movie played a small part in why I started this blog.  If you don't know the basic idea here it is:

An office worker named Julie Powell needed to feel need in the world, and was inspired by Julia Child to write a blog about her adventure cooking of through Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  The movie chronicles the ups & downs of both women.  Julia Child as she persues her passion of writing a French cookbook for the American cook while living with her husband in Paris.  Julie Powell as she finds that she is able to make an inpact in the universe even though she is a lowly secretary working in a government agency manageing the September 11, 2001 tragedy for the victim's families. 

It was nice to see the history of Julia Child.  The movie showed that she had a great love affair with her husband. I learned that she was not perfect.  She struggled with jelousy of her sister when she conceives a child.  She struggled with pride over wanting to be not only the very best woman, but the very best student in the cooking school.  She struggled with not having enough be enough.  I was glad to see Julia Child was not perfect.  Julia Child was a real woman.  I really like Julia Child.

It was nice to see a woman like me in Julie Powell.  I often say that I work to live, not live to work.  It was nice to see that there was another woman that is searching for something more than just punching a clock. Julie Powell learned a lot about herself through blogging, and that also rings true for me.

I would recomend seeing this movie.

Meryl Streep who played Julia Child is nominated for Best Actress.

Rock Trivia Part II

So, I had a friend (let's call him "Yo-Your Blog is Wrong") email me today about Mike + The Mechanics.  This is my attempt to put the record straight.  Mike Rutherford (which is also the name of my childhood  BFF's dad--The cat's name's sake's father) left Genesis to create a new band, and is expained in further detail here:

From: “Yo--Your Blog is Wrong”
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 1:45 PM
To: HAM
Subject: Blog
      So I was reading your blog yesterday and wanted to tell you that Mike and the Mechanics did not use to be Genesis.
    Sincerely,
“Yo--Your Blog is Wrong “

From: HAM
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 1:46 PM
To: “Yo--Your Blog is Wrong”
Subject: RE: Blog
     Please explain further.
HAM

From: “Yo--Your Blog is Wrong”
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 1:52 PM
To: HAM
Subject: RE: Blog
     It was a solo project for Mike Rutherford, bassist/guitartist for Genesis. Basically he got tired of sitting around with his thumb up his [rear-end] every time Phil Collins wanted to make a solo record so he decided to do something on his own as well.
“Yo--Your Blog is Wrong”

Thank you, "Yo-Your Blog is Wrong", for the information.  I wouldn't want to be mistaken for a crazy dog of the female gender co-worker with the same last name.  Yo, "Yo-Your Blog is Wrong",You're Pretty & Smart.

This Week's Morning Prayer

Every week there is a Morning Prayer that is spoken aloud during Sunday service. (One, among many. Obviously.) Sometimes I cut them from the bulletin, and place them in the little notebook that I carry in my purse. This prayer made me laugh, and I really like things that make me laugh. So, instead of putting this little treasure in my purse, I have taped it to my computer monitor at work.

Here is the prayer that was said in Sunday service yesterday:

Bake of us, O God, a bread of worship. Take this Sunday morning crust of the week and, through your blessing, let the yeast of the Spirit rise. We bring our crumbs of courage, pita of prayer, kolache of listening, and the tortilla, challah, rice cake and naan of our diversity to be shared, so that our community may truly become the Body of Christ in this place and for all your world. Amen.

Have a laugh today. I hope your day is great, and don’t forget you’re pretty & smart.

Challenge:  Who can tell me what the picture is instructing?
1.  It's not a lanyard.- Thanks Rick for playing!
2. It is how to braid!  Thanks Jennifer D.! 

The picture is specifically how to make a challah loaf.
 

Let's Go to the Movies

As you may have already known, or just heard there are 10 best picture nominations. I am not sure how I feel about this increase from 5, but I am looking forward to seeing the ones that I have not seen yet. Over the next month I am going to be viewing these 10 movies as well as 13 other films that had actors nominated or were nominated in other categories, and share my thoughts.

Here are the 2010 Best Picture Nominations:

Avatar
(James Cameron nominated for Best Director)

The Blind Side
 (Sandra Bullock nominated for Best Actress)

District 9

An Education
(Carey Mulligan nominated for Best Actress)

The Hurt Locker
(Jeremy Renner nominated for Best Actor, Kathryn Bigelow nominated for Best Director)

Inglourious Basterds
(Christoph Waltz nominated for Best Supporting Actor,
Quentin Tarantino nominated for Best Director)

Precious
(Gabourey Sidibe nominated for Best Actress, Mo’Nique nominated for Best Supporting Actress,
Lee Daniels nominated for Best Director)

A Serious Man

Up
(also nominated for Best Animated Feature Film)

Up in the Air
(George Clooney nominated for Best Actor, Vera Farmiga &
Anna Kendrick nominated for Best supporting actress, Jason Reitman nominated for Best Director)

I would like to review these other films:

Crazy Heart
(Jeff Bridges nominated for Best Actor, Maggie Gyllenhaall nominated for Best Supporting Actress)

A Single Man
(Colin Firth nominated for Best Actor)

Invictus
(Morgan Freeman Nominated for Best Actor, Matt Damon nominated for Best Supporting Actor)

The Messenger
(Woody Harrelson nominated for Best Supporting Actor)

The Last Station
(Christopher Plummer nominated for Best Supporting Actor,
Helen Mirren nominated for Best Actress)

The Lovely Bones
(Stanley Tucci nominated for Best Supporting Actor)

Julie & Julia
(Meryl Streep nominated for Best Actress)

Nine
(Penelope Cruz nominated for Best Supporting Actress)

Coraline

Fantastic Mr Fox

The Princess and the Frog

The Secret of Kells

Sherlock Holmes

Wish me luck!  I have a lot to do in the next 32 days!