#53 - Resume

I didn't make a "teaching" resume, but I did make an outstanding regular 'travel-related' resume and more importantly, cover letter. It got me noticed via monster for quite a few jobs and my current job re-contacted me 8 months after first submitting it. I think that means it's good!

Random Act

The brownies from below are for the maintenance people (specifically Jerry) who helped me last week when I lost my office keys in the snow. I owe them big time and this is my way to say thanks!

Recipes #12 & #13

I made these delightful bars yesterday - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies.

Oh my. They didn't have chocolate chip so I used peanut butter instead. They were delicious.

Then I made ganache for the first time. Next time I'll heat the cream a bit more so the chocolate melts quicker and better, but it's still yummy.

Don't try this recipe unless you want to go into a diabetic coma.

#27 - Make a decision

Nope, not going back to school. At least not any time in the near future. I like making money, not going into debt and I still can't decide what I would study.

#67 & #68 - Become an adult

Over the last month or so, I have set up two new savings accounts and am having 10% of each paycheck deposited automatically into those accounts. One is for emergency use and the other is for big purchases down the line. I'd say for a house or something, but who are we fooling? I'm not that adult. It will be a plane ticket.

Then I took my future into my own hands again and set up an IRA on my own (still a bit of a work in progress) but will have more money transferred to that account automatically. I am officially retiring from teaching and transferring my retirement funds. I'll have a 401k at my job starting next January. I think I'm doing great on this one!

#49 - Perfect Java

Ken insists that I have to cross this one off. My problem with this one is that it's hard to know what is truly "perfect." But I really enjoy my coffee and since I'm the one drinking it, that must mean I've mastered the art. If we had an espresso maker then I could probably take everything to the next level.

I am a coffee snob. I will admit it.

Recipe

Recipe #11 - Chicken Satay with Orange-infused rice

I got this recipe from Rachael Ray. Ken and I made it last night and it was really really interesting. It had a very peanuty flavor but with ginger, garlic, citrus, soy, and honey. It was rich and not hard at all. I'd recommend it.

I have a couple other recipes to try soon including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough brownies for the nice guy who let me out of buying new keys after I lost mine. Stay tuned.

#31 - Exfoliate

On January 1, I bought some St. Ives body scrub and scrubbed scrubbed and scrubbed for two weeks. I actually did notice a difference and will try to continue this habit. Exciting, I know.

Recipes

Recipe #9 - Cream of Asparagus and Potato Soup.

Ken and I made this with our fabulous new food processor. Not bad, not bad.

Recipe #10 - Jambalaya

I've never made jambalaya before and it turned out amazing! Plenty of spice and perfect with cornbread. And we got to use our new pots and pans. Excellent.

# 4 - Go to VU Homecoming

I didn't hurt my knee this year and made it to Valpo's homecoming! Most of the gang made it and it was a beautiful day. Definitely getting old, though.

#23 - Good set of pots and pans

Thanks to Mom and Dad, Ken and I are enjoying a great new set of stainless steel Farberware pots and pans. Now onto the knives...

#20 - Museum of Science and Industry

In November, Amy came to visit and we went to the Museum of Science and Industry. It was a good time and the highlight was the baby chicks!

#11 & #60 & #69 -- YES!

#11 - Take Advantage of a "last minute" travel weekend
#60 - Plan a weekend getaway with a girlfriend and go
#69 - Visit three new states

Last month I headed to Vegas with my friend from Okinawa, Amy. We booked our tickets only a month in advance so that's pretty "last minute" for me. We got a great deal on the MGM Grand thanks to the "last minute" part. I've never been to Nevada so chalk up one for my three states to visit!

I accomplished a lot on this one and it was fun too! Now I need to figure out how to best accomplish seeing two more states. They better be neighbors...