just another wanderer

Recipe: Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pudding

2008-10-04T16:08:00.001-07:00

Tis the season for pumpkin things, at least in my household.

This recipe slightly modified from allrecipes.com

1 small box (1 oz) instant sugar free vanilla pudding
1 12 oz can evaporated milk
1 15 oz can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie seasoning (no sugar added)

Mix together pudding mix and evaporated mix. Chill 5 minutes.

Add pumpkin and seasonings to vanilla pudding mix. Stir to thoroughly combine.

Chill ten minutes or until ready to serve, top with sugar free cool-whip or whipped cream.

2008-07-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

I've decided this whole being a grownup thing is entirely overrated.

I had to buy a car last week. I like my new car - she's shiny, orange, automatic, and a Honda Fit.

But I'm working a lot and my house is a mess and I need a break. I think I'll feel better when I can focus my energies all in one place.

I'm teaching at UC Davis in their English Intensive Program. It's a multi-lingual program, and I'm mostly having fun with it. I've got some great students and I'm learning my way through the curriculum and most of them are doing very well and really improving. I think I may have to do a rehash on classroom policies on Tuesday, though.

Anyway - life is crazy. I start teaching at the community college in a few weeks, so for about three weeks, I will be absolutely miserable. Which, for anyone who knows me, means I'm actually going to be reveling in it.

2008-06-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

So, one of the awesome things about taking the bus nearly every day is that I'm getting through a novel roughly every two weeks. I don't have a long bus ride - only 20 minutes each way, but still, it's a nice bit of quiet time that allows me to put on my headphones and just read.

Last week I read Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynn Jones. I've seen the movie by Hayao Miyazaki too many times to count, but the book was just as good, and different enough to be able to enjoy both of them without them being carbon copies of each other.

This week I'm working on Transformation by Carol Berg. Not far enough into it to say much at this point, but I enjoy it. I think it's part of a series, but I've been burned by not liking sequels enough that I buy them one at a time now.

It's nice being able to read for fun again. I was so burnt out on reading when the semester ended in May 2007 that I had to teach myself to crochet, because I couldn't focus on reading, even old favourites for very long without getting frustrated and bored.

In other news, I was offered and accepted an adjunct teaching position at one of the local community colleges. It's one class of Freshman Comp, for now. We'll see if anything else opens up as registration for the fall happens.

I've also accepted two classes from the local UC's Extension Program. I'll be teaching composition to international students, which should be fun.

This summer is going to be crazy busy now, which is good, I think. I teach M-F starting next Monday, then mid-August I teach M&W evening, all while continuing to work for the property management company. The UC classes end Sept. 5, I think my last day at the management company will be Oct. 31 at the latest, and then the semester at the Community College ends Dec. 23 (when grades are due). Of course, this is what I'm used to life being like in the Fall, so even though it's a different kind of crazy, at least I have someone to help take some of the load off this time.

Recipe: Cottage Cheese Salad

2008-06-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Cottage Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

1 16oz container cottage cheese

1 tub cool whip whipped topping

1 package sugar free orange jello powder

1 can pineapple tidbits (or 1 to 1.5 c. fresh diced pineapple)

1 10 oz can mandarin orange segments.

In medium-large bowl, combine cottage cheese and jello powder, mixing thoroughly to avoid clumps of gelatin. Stir in fruit. Fold in whipped topping.

Chill until ready to serve.

I like this for breakfast in the summer time. It's light, but sweet, and the cottage cheese has enough protein to keep me going for a couple of hours. My mum also serves this at most holiday meals.

2008-06-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

A to Z

Juls tagged me, so....

A- Attached or Single: Single
B- Best friend: Juls, Kate, Kimmeh, and Kenn
C- Cake or Pie: Chocolate
D- Day of choice: Saturday
E- Essential item: Water bottle
F- Favorite Color: purples
G- Gummy bears or worms: Both
H- Hometown: Woodland, CA
I- Indulgence: Yarn, a haircut, a really good desert
J- January or July: January
K- Kids: No thanks. I'll spoil every one else's.
L- Life is incomplete without: Coffee.
M- Marriage Date: no thanks.
N- Number of siblings: 1
O- Oranges or Apples: I like both, but apples are easier to eat.
P- Phobias or fears: forgetting something, being a crap teacher
Q- Quotes: "No day but today." -Rent
R- Reason to smile: Awesome friends
S- Season of choice: Autumn
T- Tag 3 times: anyone who wants - not sure anyone reads.
U- Unknown fact about me: Until I was about 10, people used to call me "Toothpick," I was so skinny.
V- Very favorite store: Torrid or Old Navy
W- Worst habit: Not doing the dishes.
X- X-ray or Ultrasound: CT Scans? Though I think I've had one x-ray when I fell at work and they thought I broke or fractured my tail bone.
Y- Your favorite food: A better question would be what kind of food I don't like...
Z- Zodiac Sign: Pieces.

Recipe Roundup

2008-06-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

I have some of my favourite recipes on a website that I don't really use anymore, so I'm going to start transferring most of them over here.

Starting with this one:

Taco Salad

Ingredients:

-1 head iceberg lettuce, or 2 bags of mixed greens or whatever quantity for however big you want your salad*
-3 large tomatoes rough chopped, or grape or cherry tomatoes to taste
-1 10oz bag shredded cheddar cheese (or grate your own if you're more ambitious than I am)
-1 red onion, frenched
-1 small can diced green chilies (opt)
-1 small can sliced black olives
-1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
-1 packet taco seasoning
-1 bottle Catalina or French salad dressing (the red stuff)

Brown meat in large skillet. Mix in chilies and olives. Add taco seasoning and mix well. DO NOT add water according to package directions. Let cool.

Meanwhile, chop lettuce and add to large bowl. Add remaining ingredients except salad dressing.

When meat mixture has cooled, toss with salad. Add salad dressing and toss to evenly coat.

Serve over taco chips or tortilla chips.

*this recipe based on 2 bags mixed greens which gives fair proportions

I made strawberry pie

2008-05-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

Fresh Strawberry Pie*

1 cup Splenda
2 tablespoons sugar-free strawberry Jello (packet in small box)
1 tablespoon plain gelatin (1 packet in box)
4 tablespoons cornstartch
1 cup water
1 pound strawberries, sliced (or 2 cups)

1 baked pie shell

Bake pie shell according to package directions (or make from scratch if you're far more ambitious than I am). Let cool.

Mix together Splenda, gelatins, cornstarch and water in saucepan. Heat over medium until thickened. Whisk in beginning stages to break up cornstarch. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh strawberries. Pour mix into baked pie shell. Chill for several hours until firm.

Serve with whipped topping of choice.

*I made this sugar free. Sugar can be substituted.

If you have really good really fresh strawberries, you could try using plain gelatin all together and letting the strawberries speak for themselves. I didn't have the really good ones this time (there's a great fruit stand just outside the other side of town with excellent fresh berries, but mine were from the grocery store), so I used the above mix.

Less gelatin might allow for a more compote like filling (more like blueberry pie), and I'll have to give that a try next time.

Yosemite

2008-05-19T10:32:00.001-07:00

DSCF1063
Originally uploaded by mgunby

My family went to Yosemite this past weekend, and I think this is my favourite photo from the day. Part of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridal Veil falls.

The rest of the photos are on Flickr (mgunby).

One more

2008-05-16T07:50:00.001-07:00

15 May 2008 002
Originally uploaded by mgunby

Teh Kitteh. I don't think he was all that much impressed with having his picture taken last night...

15 May 2008 - new toys

2008-05-16T07:24:00.001-07:00

15 May 2008 003
Originally uploaded by mgunby

Made this baby blanket for my friend Jenn, to give as a shower gift. I'm very happy with how it turned out, and the pattern is definitely one I want to keep and possibly re-use to make to have on hand to sell or for emergency gifting. ~_^

15 May 2008 006
Originally uploaded by mgunby

Still playing with my new digital camera. It's going to take me awhile to get all the settings figured out.

But here's the scarf I made for my first-thesis reader as a thank you and a 'leaving the writing center to go back to teaching' gift.

15 May 2008 006

2008-05-16T07:21:00.001-07:00

Duplicate post - move along - these aren't the droids you're looking for...

It's official...

2008-05-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have an MA in English (Composition).

My degree won't be posted for another 10 weeks probably, and graduation is two weeks away, but everything I have to do for graduation in complete. Even the last two classes I'm taking don't really matter at this point - they're extra.

I was offered a job at a local community college and I'm hoping to get my application packet in at the end of this week, if I can get my letters of recommendation (which I'm supposed to have from everyone this week).

It feels good, even if not quite real yet.

My hair is bright pink still, from being dyed for Race for the Cure. My team was awesome - we finished in about two hours and I don't even feel that sore today. Well, okay, when I get up it hurts, but once I'm moving it's not too bad. Mom and I went shopping after and it was a nice day.

So, guess I'd better go do the last couple chores I said I would do tonight while I watch Masterpiece Theatre and get ready for the last week of classes and my last week as a student.

Been awhile...

2008-05-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

Not updated this space for awhile.

I got the official word last week that my thesis has been finalized. All I need to do now is reprint a few pages that I think I had the wrong formatting (my graphs my not have been right, and I think they are now) and track down the signatures of my first reader and the graduate coordinator (both scheduled for Monday). I can hopefully turn the paper in early on Tuesday and be done.

I need to get a few extra copies of the thesis ordered - my second reader let me know it was accepted practice to give the first reader a bound copy, and I think if I'm doing that I should get one for myself and my folks, too. I've already got a scarf finished for my first reader. I thought I had yard for one for my second, but I don't like it, so I'm going to have to hit JoAnn's tomorrow while I'm out running around to the grocery store.

I met with a partner for my creative project today, and all that's really left is to edit some of the pictures we're using and then learn my lines, so not too bad, considering it's due on the 12th. I've just got one other formal paper to write, and I think for my internship class I'm supposed to revise my teaching philosophy, but I'll have to check the syllabus about that.

I'm looking forward to having my life back this summer. In the next couple weeks I need to focus on getting my job applications ready to go because I really want to be working as a teacher in the fall.

Recipe Time

2008-04-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

This recipe from Cooking Light Magazine.

Hot and Spicy Shrimp with Pasta

8 oz fettucine (I used 1/2 package of whole wheat organic spaghetti)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb med shrimp (I used 41-50) peeled and deveined
1 lb tomatoes, diced (about 5 plum)
1 tbs tomato paste
2 tbs sour cream
1 tsp dried basil
pinch salt

Prepare pasta according to package, omitting salt and fat. Drain (I didn't and it got a little water logged while my shrimp cooked).

In large skillet or dutch oven, heat 1 tbs oil. Sautee garlic and red pepper. 1 minute.

Add shrimp and sautee until just pink, about 1 minute.
add tomatoes, paste, sour cream, basil and salt.

Add cooked pasta and toss.

Serve up four equal portions, top with parmesean cheese.

2008-04-07T23:16:00.000-07:00

I consider myself something of a foodie. I like to cook and I like to eat. I've recently realized that I've become extremely sensitive to soy products, and have just started attempting to cut soy out of my diet.

Yeah. Easier said than done.

But, I'll get it figured out. In the meantime, some recommendations:

The Ojai Cook: Lemonaise is a great substitute for mayo. Made with canola oil, it has a great tangy taste. So far I've had with turkey, but look forward to making a tuna salad.

I had an awesome organic whole wheat pita today that didn't taste like cardboard. I think the company was 'Just Natural, INC,' and I found them at my local Nugget Market.

After having to grab a quick second supper of nachos on campus this evening, I know I need to pack more food. I like veggies, but need dip, and of course, pretty much everything has soybean oil or soy lecithin. So, my alternative:

1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch 'Dips' seasoning packet
1 16 oz tub organic cottage cheese
1 tbs-ish whipped cream cheese

Mix together thoroughly.

I'll see how well this one goes down tomorrow with my veggie snacks.

2008-04-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Meh - Spring break is over tomorrow, which is very sad. I'm not ready to get back to my regular schedule - it's been nice having a break and those 14 hour days are murder.

I've got some cooking and prep work to do for the week, but that will be a nice break from the two plays I've got to read because I spent my free time this week on my thesis.

I've got to get the sprinklers reset also - stuff's not getting enough water and we've had an early spring.

Also making massive changes to my diet due to the soy problem. Took me awhile at the grocery store yesterday, since just about everything 'processed' like bread, mayo, etc has soybean oil or soy flour or soy something, and it explains why I've been getting headaches so much lately. Not sure my pocketbook is going to like the experience of eating more organic foods, but hopefully my body will.

Saw the Eroica Effect by the Helingborg Symphony on Friday. Saw one of my professors there. I had a good time.

Last night I saw Anoushka Shankar. That was awesome and an interesting change. I may look for a couple of her albums.

Guess I should think about breakfast and getting started on my reading for the week...

A landmark moment

2008-04-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

I think I have completed my conclusions of chapter of my thesis. It's the hardest part to write, I've found, because I'm working with original research. it's not just a literature research paper, or even a composition research paper. This is real new original research that no one has done before, and I've got to make it valid. What's the phrase Fiona used - relevant, recent, and valid. Yes.

So I'm feeling pretty good about it. I have 53 pages, which is still about 10 short of my overall goal, but I have more surveys to go out next week that need to get plugged in, and two more interviews to do after spring break. And I know where the holes are that need to get plugged.

But for today, my goal is met. I wanted to get my conclusions done, and I have. This means that I can now feel not guilty about goofing off (read: crocheting and watching tv) for the rest of the afternoon, because I have managed to complete the one thing in my planner for today.

Hell, I even managed to get the dishes done, and it's not even 12:30. ^_^

On Thursday I may be meeting with the English Department staff at the community college to talk about the writing center at CSUS.

And in the next couple weeks, it's time to start getting stuff gathered for the various adjunct faculty pools in the area and hope I can get a job in the fall.

My cat is psycho

2008-03-30T09:45:00.001-07:00

HPIM0360
Originally uploaded by mgunby

My cat is driving me insane.

Seriously - he wants to be in my lap or in my chair and every time I get up to go find a book or my tape recorder to listen to my interviews or get a cup of tea, he's right back in my chair, so I have to move him.

Arg!

Yeah, yeah, I could just kick him off my lap, but that means I have to listen to him cry at me. He actually hissed at me earlier when I told him no when he was about to jump into the chair.

I have work to do, and I'm not getting it done with him curled up in my lap at the moment...

2008-03-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

Hrm. I just uploaded a bunch of new photos to update my projects at Ravelry, and I know I need a new digital camera. Mine is only a 2.1 megapixel, and it doesn't take the best detailed pictures. It also eats batteries.

I had asked for one for graduation, but I'm considering splurging part of my tax refund on a new one.

Must ponder that for awhile. It's a big purchase, and I'm not sure it'd be worth the investment, though I'm not happy with the results from the camera I have now....

x-posted to lj

Racing once again

2008-03-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm racing for the cure again this year, and while I usually hate to do this, I'm putting the call for donations out there. I don't expect anything, but if anyone wants to give, I believe my mum and I are both walking with the team from the English Club/English Honor Society at school.

You can contribute to my personal site here or give a donation to my team Sigma Tau Delta Strides Toward a Difference.

I'm not actually a member of the honor society - don't have the GPA for it, but my friends are putting it together, and I want to support their contribution, as well as continue to do the race. The only reason we didn't participate last year was my mum's surgery that had her unable to do the walk, and I didn't want to go alone/didn't have a team.

So, if you can give or would like to give, I'd appreciate it.

Also, in the meantime, check out Feel Your Boobies a website geared toward educating younger women about the importance of regularly monthly self-exams.

x posted to livejournal

Sunny Sunday

2008-03-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

So, I meant to put some serious time in on my thesis today (like, ten pages), but I've totally hit the wall.

I did 2.5 hours of gardening on Friday, and another two hours today. My hamstrings are killing me, but the front yard is shaping up nicely, and I've got an herb pot started in the back alongside my dwarf navel orange and lemon trees. The rest of the back yard will be done slowly over the course of Friday afternoons/Saturday mornings.

But it's still early today, so there's still hope I can get some work done. The brother's off to the bff's for his Easter dinner, and mine might just be a pizza, unless I feel ambitious enough to actually cook something.

But a bubble bath may definitely be on the menu a bit later...

2008-03-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

I keep forgetting to update here, but since I haven't been updating there much either, I guess I can't beat myself up for it too much, but I'll be working on.

I have 40 pages done on my thesis.

My brother brought home a dog last week and has pretty much managed to completely piss me off. He didn't stay home this weekend so I could get acquainted with the dog, and just as I've gotten my cat calmed down, they'll be back tomorrow and I'll have to start over. I'm giving up on him, completely. Done. Washed my hands of him. I'm not cooking for him. I'm not washing his dishes. I'm not buying him food. He can deal with it. I don't care if he doesn't have a job. That's not my problem. I'm working two jobs and taking two classes and working on my MA thesis. I don't have time to babysit him.

I'm currently working on the afghan that's for the office (if I don't end up moving out of the house) and a scarf that uses the Tunisian afghan stitch, and it's working out nicely. The edges are curling, and I hope that's just because of the stitch or the tension and that the tassels that go on the ends will help stretch/weigh it down.

Anyway - business as usual around here. Busy with work, school, writing center, and thesis. I've managed to get my house cleaned up enough to not worry about my grandparents coming in May, and I have tomato plants coming in from QVC in a couple weeks, which should be awesome.

For now, I managed to get my homework done for the weekend and I need to do dishes.

just a check in...

2008-02-03T00:17:00.000-08:00

Got everything done to get my thesis prospectus approved, except having it completely signed off. Which will hopefully happen on Wednesday when I finally track down all my professors.

Spent 'this evening' updated my ravelry account with the various projects I've been working on. Finished two scarves this evening.

Storm is rolling through, and I should think about heading for bed. Tomorrow will be spent working on the chapter of the thesis for the conference in March, watching the ~~Super Bowl~~ commercials, and just hanging out.

Hopefully my schedule will shake itself out this week and I can get into my routine. It's going to be a busy semester, but hopefully the last of doing three-thousand things at once.

[x-posed to livejournal]

I are brilliant - no, really

2008-01-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

So, I'm looking for various crochet patters today, cause I'm at work but have very little to do. As I'm searching I find some that are in books. Well, alright, queue them up in the wishlist on Amazon.

Then as I'm looking it says "search local libraries" under the box for Amazon.

Duh.

And my local library catalog is even online. WOoT!

...wonder if I have a library card...

Here I am Again

2008-01-18T22:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not new to blogging, exactly, but I guess I'm looking for a new start of sorts, somewhere that's not necessarily linked to anything else, perhaps something a bit more professional, for a bit more 'grownup' thoughts. Somewhere that I've not had to lock-down for privacy, and somewhere that I can be me.

So, here I am. Just another wanderer. And I leave this first entry with this quote, which I've drawn plenty of inspiration from lately:

Not all who wander are lost
-JRR Tolkien