I always look forward to Thursday nights at 9:00pm because that is when the greatest show on earth, The Office comes on. (And you thought I was talking about the circus! Hah!)
Well, not anymore. Just reruns sporadically. Big bummer. Dashed hopes. Shattered dreams.
And what is going on with Pam and Jim? I need an update!
Tomorrow, NBC is airing a repeat of one of my favorite episodes--the one where Michael and the rest of the crew make a commercial. It's pretty hilarious.
But, I can't be content with just reruns for much longer. Come back, please. Come back.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
...and the search continues!
Today marks the end of week 3 of my job search. Really, the job search started sometime in October, but since I was also working and going to school, it was not a dedicated search—merely looking here and there, at this and that when the mood struck me. (Can I get any vaguer?)
I have now been on three interviews, one of them with a staffing agency. I actually went on one interview this week at a construction supply company where the gentleman interviewing began with an open door, but a few moments into the meeting he got up and gently shut the door. He proceeded to tell me “Look, being honest with you—you don’t want to work here. You’re nice and intelligent, and trust me, you wouldn’t want to be here.” (He didn’t know that compliments like that go straight to my head, in the same way that Krispy Kremes go straight to my hips.) We talked a few moments more, and while he remained pretty elusive about the specific reasons I wouldn’t want to work in his office, I got the hint. I appreciate the candor, I suppose.
The interviewer and I talked about the job market and how hard it is to get a job these days—it turns out he commutes from Orlando. To me, that’s absurd. Shouldn’t we be commuting to Orlando, not vice versa? He also said that it took his wife six months to find a job in Orlando. If Orlando’s job situation is a barometer as to Melbourne’s, well then, I feel very discouraged!
Either way, I am continuing to trudge along in my pursuit of fulfilling employment. I am being a good wife, listening to good music, and exercising. It really does feel nice to have time to myself, although I really think would find more bliss in employment.
I am currently working on filing an application and going through the arduous process of becoming a teacher. I think I’d like to teach home economics/family and consumer sciences in high school. At least the starting salary is $36K. It’s so funny that everyone complains about how poorly teachers are compensated, but their salary is looking awesome to me!
From here on out, I am done wallowing in self-pity.
I have now been on three interviews, one of them with a staffing agency. I actually went on one interview this week at a construction supply company where the gentleman interviewing began with an open door, but a few moments into the meeting he got up and gently shut the door. He proceeded to tell me “Look, being honest with you—you don’t want to work here. You’re nice and intelligent, and trust me, you wouldn’t want to be here.” (He didn’t know that compliments like that go straight to my head, in the same way that Krispy Kremes go straight to my hips.) We talked a few moments more, and while he remained pretty elusive about the specific reasons I wouldn’t want to work in his office, I got the hint. I appreciate the candor, I suppose.
The interviewer and I talked about the job market and how hard it is to get a job these days—it turns out he commutes from Orlando. To me, that’s absurd. Shouldn’t we be commuting to Orlando, not vice versa? He also said that it took his wife six months to find a job in Orlando. If Orlando’s job situation is a barometer as to Melbourne’s, well then, I feel very discouraged!
Either way, I am continuing to trudge along in my pursuit of fulfilling employment. I am being a good wife, listening to good music, and exercising. It really does feel nice to have time to myself, although I really think would find more bliss in employment.
I am currently working on filing an application and going through the arduous process of becoming a teacher. I think I’d like to teach home economics/family and consumer sciences in high school. At least the starting salary is $36K. It’s so funny that everyone complains about how poorly teachers are compensated, but their salary is looking awesome to me!
From here on out, I am done wallowing in self-pity.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Mushy Bananas
Bananas are pretty popular at the Wright house. Not only do James and I like them, but our dog Brian is CRAZY about bananas. One may even say he "goes bananas" for bananas. (Ahh, I love puns!) This little guy can be sleeping under the bed, but the moment you separate a banana from the bunch, he is at your feet. It's almost like he has a sixth sense when it comes to the delicious yellow fruit.
While bananas rarely make it to the spotty, brown, over-ripe stage in our house, I often buy extra so I can make these wonderful muffins. They're low fat/low cholesterol (only 3 tablespoons of oil and 2 egg whites--no yolks) but you'd never know it! Try this recipe when you have some mushy bananas on hand!
Banana-Nut Muffins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
pinch of salt
2 egg whites
1 cup mashed bananas (that's 2 or 3 bananas--either way, they come out well)
3/4 cup sugar
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. lemon zest (but I like 2 tsp.--the lemon is so subtle but good!)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (or, 1/2 cup chocolate chips-- your choice!)
While bananas rarely make it to the spotty, brown, over-ripe stage in our house, I often buy extra so I can make these wonderful muffins. They're low fat/low cholesterol (only 3 tablespoons of oil and 2 egg whites--no yolks) but you'd never know it! Try this recipe when you have some mushy bananas on hand!
Banana-Nut Muffins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
pinch of salt
2 egg whites
1 cup mashed bananas (that's 2 or 3 bananas--either way, they come out well)
3/4 cup sugar
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. lemon zest (but I like 2 tsp.--the lemon is so subtle but good!)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (or, 1/2 cup chocolate chips-- your choice!)
- Preheat oven to 350. Spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a medium bowl, beat egg whites slightly. Stir in bananas, sugar, oil, and lemon peel. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Stir in pecans (or chocolate chips). Fill muffin tin cups 2/3 full.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until tops are slightly browned. Cool for 5-10 minutes before removing from pan. Makes 12 muffins, though I consistently make 11.
Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do--leave a comment if you make them and tell me what you think!
P.S. In my humble opinion, muffins always taste better when served from a basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin. Pretty food always tastes better.
P.P.S. I haven't ever tried to print these blog pages, but I am pretty sure they wouldn't print well. My advice? Copy and paste the recipe into a word document, and then print it. Don't waste your time writing it out--get in the kitchen!
Where Shopping is a Pleasure
This week, I once again spent about an hour clipping coupons and researching the Publix sales ad. I went grocery shopping and bought sixteen items that I needed. Now, some of these items were staple items that there are not coupons for, generally speaking. Milk and eggs, for instance, you rarely get a break on. Anyhow, This week I spent $16.44 on $38.67 worth of groceries!
That's a savings of $22.23 (thankfully, this is broken down on my receipt!) and I ended up saving more money than I actually spent. I actually got 2 huge boxes of delicious and healthy Total Raisin Bran for only $1.34 per box--the regular price of these is $4.79. It's kind of exciting to save so much money.
Over the past few years, I have really been impressed with myself. I have curbed my spending in so many ways. First of all, I rarely shop for clothes now, although there was a time in my life that I nearly bought a new outfit every week. I also haven't been getting my hair cut as often as I used to--I used to follow the "every six weeks" rule. About every other haircut, I would get highlights as well. That's also a luxury I have cut out. While James and I still go out to eat frequently, I have lowered my standards of restaurants so that I don't take a toll on our pocketbook. (Thank goodness, though, that I have a husband who knows what I like--he has treated me occasionally to wonderful special restaurants because he knows how much I enjoy it!) I am not paying for an expensive gym membership that I don't use. I am not purchasing things for the house that we really don't need. I have really kicked a lot of bad habits out of necessity, and I think that it will make good impact on how I continue to spend (or not spend) in the future!
I am trying to get over my materialistic "want, want, want" attitude, and finding myself more content with what we have. So what that we have an empty living room with no furniture--it makes a great place to play ball with our little dog. The blue tile on the floor still bothers me, but I know it's a priority for us both to fix it as soon as we have the means.
That's a savings of $22.23 (thankfully, this is broken down on my receipt!) and I ended up saving more money than I actually spent. I actually got 2 huge boxes of delicious and healthy Total Raisin Bran for only $1.34 per box--the regular price of these is $4.79. It's kind of exciting to save so much money.
Over the past few years, I have really been impressed with myself. I have curbed my spending in so many ways. First of all, I rarely shop for clothes now, although there was a time in my life that I nearly bought a new outfit every week. I also haven't been getting my hair cut as often as I used to--I used to follow the "every six weeks" rule. About every other haircut, I would get highlights as well. That's also a luxury I have cut out. While James and I still go out to eat frequently, I have lowered my standards of restaurants so that I don't take a toll on our pocketbook. (Thank goodness, though, that I have a husband who knows what I like--he has treated me occasionally to wonderful special restaurants because he knows how much I enjoy it!) I am not paying for an expensive gym membership that I don't use. I am not purchasing things for the house that we really don't need. I have really kicked a lot of bad habits out of necessity, and I think that it will make good impact on how I continue to spend (or not spend) in the future!
I am trying to get over my materialistic "want, want, want" attitude, and finding myself more content with what we have. So what that we have an empty living room with no furniture--it makes a great place to play ball with our little dog. The blue tile on the floor still bothers me, but I know it's a priority for us both to fix it as soon as we have the means.
In the meantime, life is pretty good!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Double Feature
When James and I go to the movies, we typically catch a double feature. No, it's not a cinema promo or anything like that--but James figures that if he's already got me at the movie theatre, he may as well force me into another movie! (You see, it's really not my favorite thing to go to the movies. But anyhow, it's getting less and less painful.)I have a suggestion for a double feature--two movies that we recently saw and loved. The first is the movie Juno. It's about a 16-year-old spunky, smart-mouthed girl who gets pregnant from having first-time experimental sex with her best friend, Bleeker whose only vice is orange tic-tacs. It was charming, and I really enjoyed the small hilarious moments in the film-which contrast the quiet depth of the movie. Also, James and I both loved the music from the movie. It's a little funky, but we downloaded the soundtrack and really enjoyed listening to it.
Another must-see is No Country for Old Men. We had not heard of the movie or seen any previews, but decided to go see it because no other movies really struck our fancy. We figured that it's hard to be let down if you have no expectations of a movie. So, we grabbed some Skittles, an Icee, and some good seats and braced ourselves for a mystery-box film. From the title, I thought it would be about the industrialization of rural areas, and subdivisions taking the place of family-owned farms. I was delightfully wrong. In actuality, it was an adaptation of a book by author Cormac McCarthy (you may recognize the name--his recent book "The Road" was an Oprah Book Club pick). I won't spoil it--but it has everything you can ask for in a movie--tons of heroin, drug money, theft, revenge, murder, self-surgery--what more can you ask for?!
Facing the facts: You can save money with coupons.
So, from a marketing standpoint, coupons are for suckers who will purchase a product they generally don't buy just for the sake of "saving money". It's also a company's way to con people into trying their new products.
I have learned, however, that coupons can save consumers (yes, even ones like me) money if used correctly. What is correctly? Before I share my advice on how to use coupons, I would first like to give credit to a few others who actually made me re-think the concept of "coupon-ing". My sis-in-law, Angie, first told me about how people save money with coupons. I wasn't interested at the time because I pretty much shopped exclusively at Whole Foods and was more concerned with organics than price. These days, I am really pinching pennies, so I have new motivation, I suppose. Also, the websites Grocery Game and Coupon Mom are helpful resources if you're trying to learn to use coupons. And yes, you do have to learn how to use coupons in order for them to actually save you money.
Ok, ok, so credit has been given where credit is due--now, on to my savings tips.
...And I only bought staple items that I actually use and need.
*The bummer is that there are not coupons for produce or meats, which I would estimate that I generally spend 70% of my grocery money on. However, you can still significantly save on produce and meats by shopping with the specials. If broccoli is on special, incorporate it into your meals for the week. If whole chickens are on sale, roast a chicken! Shop with the specials!
Also, frequent your local farmer's markets, if they're available. Produce is much cheaper through these venues because of low overhead and minimal mark-up. And as a bonus, you can feel good about supporting the "little man" and your local economy.
I have learned, however, that coupons can save consumers (yes, even ones like me) money if used correctly. What is correctly? Before I share my advice on how to use coupons, I would first like to give credit to a few others who actually made me re-think the concept of "coupon-ing". My sis-in-law, Angie, first told me about how people save money with coupons. I wasn't interested at the time because I pretty much shopped exclusively at Whole Foods and was more concerned with organics than price. These days, I am really pinching pennies, so I have new motivation, I suppose. Also, the websites Grocery Game and Coupon Mom are helpful resources if you're trying to learn to use coupons. And yes, you do have to learn how to use coupons in order for them to actually save you money.
Ok, ok, so credit has been given where credit is due--now, on to my savings tips.
- Buy the Sunday paper. Not only are there great comics (which I am a sucker for), crossword puzzles, and of course news--it is chock-full of coupons.
- Only use coupons for items that you actually use, or products that you are not brand-picky about. (For instance, if there's a great deal on dishwasher detergent but it's not the one you typically use--it may be worth trying the brand that you can get a deal on. Why not?)
- Study the ads for your local store. I am not all about going from store to store in search of a deal, honestly, so I stick to just my favorite store--Publix. I know that they announce the weeks specials on Thursdays. I pull the ads up online and use my coupons in conjunction with the weeks specials.
- Use printable online coupons. I use Coupon Bug and non-store specific coupons found on the Albertson's website of all places.
- Use coupons with your store's promotions. For instance, this week Publix is having a buy-one-get-one-free promo on Betty Crocker muffin mixes. Score, right? But even better--I have a coupon for $1 off when you buy two! I get the two muffin mixes for the price of one, less one dollar. Ultimately, I spend $1.50 total on two Betty Crocker muffin mixes--only $ .75 each!
- Don't feel like you're being cheap! If you can save money, save it! Think of all the other wonderful things your money can do.
...And I only bought staple items that I actually use and need.
*The bummer is that there are not coupons for produce or meats, which I would estimate that I generally spend 70% of my grocery money on. However, you can still significantly save on produce and meats by shopping with the specials. If broccoli is on special, incorporate it into your meals for the week. If whole chickens are on sale, roast a chicken! Shop with the specials!
Also, frequent your local farmer's markets, if they're available. Produce is much cheaper through these venues because of low overhead and minimal mark-up. And as a bonus, you can feel good about supporting the "little man" and your local economy.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Not Bittersweet--just pure Sweet!
Today is my last exam of my college career. It's hard to believe it's already here, but I am ready to move on and do something new that doesn't involve going to class and homework!
Today is also my last day of work and I am jumping for joy!
Monday, December 3, 2007
The most wonderful time of the year...
So, James and I are celebrating our 4th Christmas together as a married couple. It's the first time that I am actually sending out Christmas cards and I am really proud. The picture above is not the picture that is on the card, but it is my 2nd favorite. I think it's really sweet and I love the fact that Brian is caught with his tongue out.
Traffic School Graduation
Today, I graduated from a four-hour online traffic school course. I now have to drive four miles to the Clerk of Court to give them my certificate of completion.
In four days, I graduate from UCF with my four-year degree.
Now I have to go take a four-minute shower if I plan on making it to class on time!
(This post has been brought to you by the number four.)
In four days, I graduate from UCF with my four-year degree.
Now I have to go take a four-minute shower if I plan on making it to class on time!
(This post has been brought to you by the number four.)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Yuppy Puppy
Well, November is almost over and I have no blogs posted thus far in this month! Shameful, I know, but in my defense it has been a busy month.
James and I are getting ready for the Christmas holidays--we've bought a tree, decorated it, and even put up lights on the outside of the house. Ahh, I live for Christmas time. I love the music, the friends and family, cozy sweaters, piping hot apple cider, and Christmas cheer in general.
This upcoming month is very exciting for me because I graduate from the University of Central Florida with my bachelor's degree. That's big! I am also looking for a job, which is pretty time-consuming. Thus far, I estimate that I have sent my resume to about 20 companies, and have received only one call back. I am not discouraged though; I have faith that the right job will find me if I work hard enough. It's tough to think about finding a job in the midst of final exams, research papers and numerous final projects. At this point though, I only have to make it through 1 and a half weeks, and I will be through! What an encouraging thought...
I'd throw off the groove of my blog if I just left an update on my life with no poignant thoughts on something worth thinking about. What I want to say isn't really that important though--it's actually quite self-centered. But isn't that part of blogging? If I wasn't self-centered, I wouldn't bother to blog in hopes that a bored public would be entertained by my musings. Anyhow...
Today, my millionaire boss called me a "yuppy". This came about after I explained how a particular salary wouldn't justify the work involved in a particular job. ($35K annually for a job that often requires 60-70 and sometimes 80 hours of work per week!) My Mercedes-AND-Lamborghini driving boss proceeded to tell me how she and her son could easily survive on 35K annually. She paid no attention to my arguments, but rather insisted that I am a "yuppy" because I don't shop at WAL-Mart and I drive a Honda Element.
What?!
She knows that I choose not to shop at WAL-Mart because of their un-humanistic capitalism and their disrespect for their employees and customers (and millions of other reasons!) And what does driving a Honda have to do with being a yuppy? Did she bother to look in her own garage? Because there is a Lamborghini and a Mercedes SUV sitting in there! Can you afford either on $35,000 a year? An Element is, in my opinion, a humble and function-oriented car. It has never been a status-symbol for me. Ever. I just like the dang car!
Here’s the thing—I think of yuppies as being materialistic and socially-driven. I never want that to be me. In fact, it is not me. But if I am a “yuppy” because I drive a Honda Element and I have strong ideals, so be it. I am not a snob.
I am probably a lot more agitated about the comment than I should be; I just don't ever want to be classified as a "yuppy".
And on that note, I am taking my dog Brian to his groomer, called "The Yuppy Puppy" on Friday for a haircut.
Sheesh...can't they change the name?
James and I are getting ready for the Christmas holidays--we've bought a tree, decorated it, and even put up lights on the outside of the house. Ahh, I live for Christmas time. I love the music, the friends and family, cozy sweaters, piping hot apple cider, and Christmas cheer in general.
This upcoming month is very exciting for me because I graduate from the University of Central Florida with my bachelor's degree. That's big! I am also looking for a job, which is pretty time-consuming. Thus far, I estimate that I have sent my resume to about 20 companies, and have received only one call back. I am not discouraged though; I have faith that the right job will find me if I work hard enough. It's tough to think about finding a job in the midst of final exams, research papers and numerous final projects. At this point though, I only have to make it through 1 and a half weeks, and I will be through! What an encouraging thought...
I'd throw off the groove of my blog if I just left an update on my life with no poignant thoughts on something worth thinking about. What I want to say isn't really that important though--it's actually quite self-centered. But isn't that part of blogging? If I wasn't self-centered, I wouldn't bother to blog in hopes that a bored public would be entertained by my musings. Anyhow...
Today, my millionaire boss called me a "yuppy". This came about after I explained how a particular salary wouldn't justify the work involved in a particular job. ($35K annually for a job that often requires 60-70 and sometimes 80 hours of work per week!) My Mercedes-AND-Lamborghini driving boss proceeded to tell me how she and her son could easily survive on 35K annually. She paid no attention to my arguments, but rather insisted that I am a "yuppy" because I don't shop at WAL-Mart and I drive a Honda Element.
What?!
She knows that I choose not to shop at WAL-Mart because of their un-humanistic capitalism and their disrespect for their employees and customers (and millions of other reasons!) And what does driving a Honda have to do with being a yuppy? Did she bother to look in her own garage? Because there is a Lamborghini and a Mercedes SUV sitting in there! Can you afford either on $35,000 a year? An Element is, in my opinion, a humble and function-oriented car. It has never been a status-symbol for me. Ever. I just like the dang car!
Here’s the thing—I think of yuppies as being materialistic and socially-driven. I never want that to be me. In fact, it is not me. But if I am a “yuppy” because I drive a Honda Element and I have strong ideals, so be it. I am not a snob.
I am probably a lot more agitated about the comment than I should be; I just don't ever want to be classified as a "yuppy".
And on that note, I am taking my dog Brian to his groomer, called "The Yuppy Puppy" on Friday for a haircut.
Sheesh...can't they change the name?
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