Friday, August 28, 2009

Mmmm, Cinnamon!

Where did summer go? I woke up this morning to a cold and rainy day. After running a few errands I decided that a fall like day like this deserved some warm, spicy goodness. I'd seen this recipe from, you guessed it, Taste of Home a while ago and thought it would be the perfect time to try it out. Yum! So tasty and easy to make--Pumpkin Ginger Scones are perfect with a cup of coffee flavoured with cinnamon. What do you like to curl up with on a cold, rainy day?

Whatever you're doing, I hope that you're enjoying it to it's fullest!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Busy Bee, That's Me!

Well, 3 of my little students are on vacation this week so I haven't had much tutoring. I have, however, kept busy with a lot of baking. We're serving lunch at my church this Sunday and I always like to have homemade goodies on hand. It's the only opportunity where I can try new recipes and not have them sit around the house waiting for me to eat them up! (all my friends are on vacation too so nobody to come over for coffee!)

So, I've been trying my hand at making baked goods using yeast. You know, I think I'm a natural. I LOVE working the dough with my hands, smelling the yeast as I mix up the ingredients, waiting for it to rise and then all the fun of kneading it. I have made Caramel Pecan Rolls (oh, were they good!), Orange Crescents (these are delicious if you like citrus) and I do and awesome pizza dough. I also made Lemon Nut cookies, Maple Vanilla Chip cookies, and tomorrow is a chocolate cake. All these recipes come from Taste of Home, my all time favourite collection for recipes.

What I'm really happy with is that all the baking has not had an effect on my eating. I'm pleased to say I've had one of each item just to see how they taste and have not been tempted to go for more. I don't know if it's just working with it that makes me not want to eat it or what. This is a great hobby for me and another reason for any school board to want me on their staff--think of the great coffee breaks :)

Here's hoping that you're all having a great day and enjoy the coming weekend!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Thanks!

My first reaction was to leave the past in the past so I'm sticking with it. It was fun going back to 1987 (OMG I was so young!!!! 19!) but I'm having a good time here in 2009. Thanks for all the comments.

Now, back to the business of finding a job ;)

Thursday, August 13, 2009

You Can't Go Back

This is definitely not my usual topic for posting but I felt the need to just get it out, if only for myself.

Recently I've been thinking back to my freshman year--1987. I can't believe 22 years have gone by and I'm sure it's just getting older that has made me think back to that time. I remember sitting in one of my English classes (that was my major). I was much quieter back then and kept to myself for the most part. One day this tall, good looking guy approached me and asked if he could sit with me. "ME?" He totally surprised me with this request. We got to know each other and soon were in other classes together. We went out for drinks to the home of a professor. We went to the symphony (we had a Russian history class together and the Russian Orchestra was in town), studied together and researched our papers together.

I was definitely falling for him but acted cool, not really knowing what his feelings were and confused about my own. I have no idea what happened but we just lost touch (at least that's what I think happened--age will do that to you or, maybe I'm blocking it out). I think that emotionally I was just immature for a serious relationship and I held back. What would have happened if I had stated my feelings?

Anyway, I was having coffee with a friend last night and for some reason I mentioned how I wondered what happened to this guy, was he married, etc. I tried looking him up before but couldn't exactly remember his last name. I just happened to be checking up on a name at the university for a job when I saw his name (I had it totally wrong, btw). Just for the sake of my curiosity I typed his name into facebook and there he was, 22 years older but still as attractive as ever. I scrolled down, no comment on status until I saw the picture of the wife and child, of course.

I would totally have contacted him if he was single but wouldn't do it now. Or should I? I should just let the past stay in the past but I can't help wondering what happened all those years ago. Was it something I said? I believe now that it was what I didn't say. At the ripe old age of 41 I would no longer hold back on how I feel. I wouldn't worry about whether he like me, blah, blah, blah. Life is too short for regrets and I definitely don't want any more than I have now.

What would you do? Is there someone that you have wondered about over the years?

Ah love--it hurts sometimes but I wouldn't want to live without it.


Sunday, August 9, 2009

I Want To Go Back!

Summer is just flying by!

I've been seeing adds for flights to various places in the world and it brought to mind one of my favourite vacations ever. I went to Italy 3 years ago with my cousin and LOVED it! The above picture was taken on the Amalfi Coast and if you ever have the opportunity to go there, take it--you'll love it too. Maybe I should do a grand trip somewhere and forget that I need to find a job, ha ha.

Two questions: What was your favourite vacation and if you could go anywhere where would that be? I would love to see the Holy Land and maybe one day I shall.

Have a beautiful day.