are death and taxes, so the saying goes.
Well, I'm not planning to kick off any time soon, fortunately. I did file my tax returns today for federal and state taxes, and within 2 weeks I'll be getting my refunds. I like getting the big returns, even though I know it is essentially an interest free loan to the government when I overpay my taxes.
I am not particularly good at saving money, so the tax refunds enable me to make larger purchases that would be harder to afford otherwise. This year, I'm getting myself a laptop computer. I also plan to upgrade from dial-up internet to broadband of some sort (with a wireless router of course). Yes, I will be joining the 21st century!
One of my goals has been to become more financially astute, and learn how to manage my money better. My university offers an online course in family financial management, and I think I'm going to take it sometime in the next year (possibly this summer). I'd like to get to the point where I don't have to wait on my tax returns or use a credit card for a major purchase.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
politics
Is it wrong of me that I do not want to be bothered with political ads, speeches, etc?
I have had a long-standing aversion to getting involved in the political process beyond voting in the major elections. I have voted in every presidential election since becoming old enough to vote, and in every gubernatorial election as well (Ohio's governor is elected 2 years after the presidential elections). I typically vote in the smaller elections only if there is an issue that I feel strongly about. I vote Democrat most of the time, and certainly consider the Democratic Party platform to be closer to my personal values than the Republican Party.
But I am not a registered Democrat, and I refuse to become one. I do not want people calling me for money, or to tell me why Candidate X is better than Candidate Y. I am not interested in political rallies or speeches and watching most political ads is like hearing fingernails on a blackboard. I do listen to NPR, which offers the only political coverage that I can bear to listen to for more than 5 minutes.
My refusal to officially join the Democratic Party will prevent me from voting in Ohio's presidential primary election next week. I'm OK with that. I do not feel strongly enough for either candidate to give up my independence as a voter, and I'm growing increasingly dismayed by the negative turn the campaigns have taken. Still, in the general election in November, I will almost certainly vote for the Democratic ticket, whichever candidate gets the final nod.
I call myself independent. Indifferent may be the more accurate term. In either case, my grandmother (who once ran away from home to attend a Democratic National Convention) is probably rolling in her grave. Sorry Grandma!
I have had a long-standing aversion to getting involved in the political process beyond voting in the major elections. I have voted in every presidential election since becoming old enough to vote, and in every gubernatorial election as well (Ohio's governor is elected 2 years after the presidential elections). I typically vote in the smaller elections only if there is an issue that I feel strongly about. I vote Democrat most of the time, and certainly consider the Democratic Party platform to be closer to my personal values than the Republican Party.
But I am not a registered Democrat, and I refuse to become one. I do not want people calling me for money, or to tell me why Candidate X is better than Candidate Y. I am not interested in political rallies or speeches and watching most political ads is like hearing fingernails on a blackboard. I do listen to NPR, which offers the only political coverage that I can bear to listen to for more than 5 minutes.
My refusal to officially join the Democratic Party will prevent me from voting in Ohio's presidential primary election next week. I'm OK with that. I do not feel strongly enough for either candidate to give up my independence as a voter, and I'm growing increasingly dismayed by the negative turn the campaigns have taken. Still, in the general election in November, I will almost certainly vote for the Democratic ticket, whichever candidate gets the final nod.
I call myself independent. Indifferent may be the more accurate term. In either case, my grandmother (who once ran away from home to attend a Democratic National Convention) is probably rolling in her grave. Sorry Grandma!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
roses
I bought myself some roses today. They are pink, smell pretty, dirt cheap at Trader Joe's, and brighten up the room.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Winter Storm Warning
Looks like I'm going to need more of those lakehouse photos. Here is the weather forecast from the National Weather Service for my county for the next 24 hours. I will still have to drive 10 miles to work in the a.m. because my university almost never closes down. Seriously.
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM ESTTUESDAY...A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST TUESDAY.STEADY SNOW WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE AREA TONIGHT AND CONTINUE INTOTUESDAY MORNING. THE SNOW MAY MIX WITH SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN ATTIMES...ESPECIALLY TUESDAY MORNING...BEFORE CHANGING OVER TO RAINTUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE PRECIPITATION WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES. AFEW RUMBLES OF THUNDER WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE LATE TONIGHT INTOEARLY TUESDAY MORNING.TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS BY TUESDAY AFTERNOON OF 4 TO 8 INCHESCAN BE EXPECTED...ALONG WITH SOME SLEET ACCUMULATION.A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...SLEET... AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVELVERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM ESTTUESDAY...A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST TUESDAY.STEADY SNOW WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE AREA TONIGHT AND CONTINUE INTOTUESDAY MORNING. THE SNOW MAY MIX WITH SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN ATTIMES...ESPECIALLY TUESDAY MORNING...BEFORE CHANGING OVER TO RAINTUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE PRECIPITATION WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES. AFEW RUMBLES OF THUNDER WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE LATE TONIGHT INTOEARLY TUESDAY MORNING.TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS BY TUESDAY AFTERNOON OF 4 TO 8 INCHESCAN BE EXPECTED...ALONG WITH SOME SLEET ACCUMULATION.A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...SLEET... AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVELVERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Saturdays
Saturdays are for long runs and laziness.
I ran 9 miles this morning. It was actually a good run, nice temps for February in Ohio and I had company for much of the 1st half. He was good company, too bad he was married. ;-) After the run, I had a chance to talk to Cute New Guy again (aka the guy I was not-quite flirting with a few weeks ago). Today was the 1st day since then that we were both there on the same day.
Since I got home just before noon, I have done squat. zilch. nada.
And I'm enjoying every single moment of it. :-D
I ran 9 miles this morning. It was actually a good run, nice temps for February in Ohio and I had company for much of the 1st half. He was good company, too bad he was married. ;-) After the run, I had a chance to talk to Cute New Guy again (aka the guy I was not-quite flirting with a few weeks ago). Today was the 1st day since then that we were both there on the same day.
Since I got home just before noon, I have done squat. zilch. nada.
And I'm enjoying every single moment of it. :-D
Thursday, February 7, 2008
happiness
These things made me happy today:
* My schedule at work was much calmer than it was the past few days. It's been pretty busy, so the break was welcome.
* I had another really good run. I felt strong and fast, and I jazzed up my route a bit.
* I talked to my friend Deb on the phone for over an hour. She lives far away now, so it was fun to catch up.
What made you happy today?
* My schedule at work was much calmer than it was the past few days. It's been pretty busy, so the break was welcome.
* I had another really good run. I felt strong and fast, and I jazzed up my route a bit.
* I talked to my friend Deb on the phone for over an hour. She lives far away now, so it was fun to catch up.
What made you happy today?
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
a recipe
Several years ago, I participated in an Oxfam Hunger Banquet. If you have never heard of this, it is a way to demonstrate to a group of people the enormity of the world hunger problem. I was in the middle income group, and was served rice and lentils. It was a fairly powerful experience, and I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend a hunger banquet to do so.
The following is the recipe for the dish I ate that evening, modified slightly from the original I was given (the original called for lots of oil and also used fresh tomatoes). I am abstaining from meat for all of Lent this year, and this is a favorite vegetarian dish. I expect to make it quite often. In fact, I made it Monday night, and had leftovers for lunch today.
Lentils with Garlic and Tomatoes
serves 4
2-3 tsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, peeled & minced (I just use my garlic press)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced, peeled tomatoes
1 cup dried lentils, washed & drained
2 1/2 cups water
1 tsp salt (only if using no-salt-added tomatoes, otherwise skip)
1 TBS lemon juice
Heat oil, stir in garlic and brown lightly. Add tomatoes (and the juice from the can), stir and cook 5 minutes. Add lentils, water, salt (if using), and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
Can be made ahead. Serve over rice.
Additional notes:
-For the rice, I usually use 1 cup dried rice and 2 cups water and cook it in my rice cooker while the lentils are cooking.
-I usually mix the rice and lentils together, and freeze any leftovers.
-I have added other spices as well. My favorite is a pinch or 2 of crushed red pepper. Add them when you add the tomatoes.
-I don't bother measuring the lemon juice. I just give a good squirt from my little plastic lemon.
The following is the recipe for the dish I ate that evening, modified slightly from the original I was given (the original called for lots of oil and also used fresh tomatoes). I am abstaining from meat for all of Lent this year, and this is a favorite vegetarian dish. I expect to make it quite often. In fact, I made it Monday night, and had leftovers for lunch today.
Lentils with Garlic and Tomatoes
serves 4
2-3 tsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, peeled & minced (I just use my garlic press)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced, peeled tomatoes
1 cup dried lentils, washed & drained
2 1/2 cups water
1 tsp salt (only if using no-salt-added tomatoes, otherwise skip)
1 TBS lemon juice
Heat oil, stir in garlic and brown lightly. Add tomatoes (and the juice from the can), stir and cook 5 minutes. Add lentils, water, salt (if using), and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
Can be made ahead. Serve over rice.
Additional notes:
-For the rice, I usually use 1 cup dried rice and 2 cups water and cook it in my rice cooker while the lentils are cooking.
-I usually mix the rice and lentils together, and freeze any leftovers.
-I have added other spices as well. My favorite is a pinch or 2 of crushed red pepper. Add them when you add the tomatoes.
-I don't bother measuring the lemon juice. I just give a good squirt from my little plastic lemon.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
10 random things about me
I was tagged by Mandy. Here goes:
1. I have an artificial dimple. :-) OK, not technically artificial, but the dimple in the middle of my right cheek (on my face) resulted from a fall against a table when I was a toddler.
2. At one time, I seriously considered going for a Master of Library Science degree, instead of my Master of Social Work degree.
3. My right eye is set slightly higher on my face than my left eye.
4. I took drivers' ed at age 16 but couldn't be bothered to get my license until I was 18.
5. I rarely wear makeup or jewelry.
6. Red is my favorite color.
7. I've always wanted to be a mom, but I'm starting to doubt that it will ever happen.
8. I have issues with calling people on the phone (anxiety-type issues). However, I don't mind talking to people who call me.
9. I'm a pretty darn good cook.
10. I love to sing under almost any circumstances, but do not expect me to get up and sing karaoke. Not without some shots of tequila or other liquor first, anyway. ;-)
So there you go. I tag Frankie, Melissa, and Tracy.
1. I have an artificial dimple. :-) OK, not technically artificial, but the dimple in the middle of my right cheek (on my face) resulted from a fall against a table when I was a toddler.
2. At one time, I seriously considered going for a Master of Library Science degree, instead of my Master of Social Work degree.
3. My right eye is set slightly higher on my face than my left eye.
4. I took drivers' ed at age 16 but couldn't be bothered to get my license until I was 18.
5. I rarely wear makeup or jewelry.
6. Red is my favorite color.
7. I've always wanted to be a mom, but I'm starting to doubt that it will ever happen.
8. I have issues with calling people on the phone (anxiety-type issues). However, I don't mind talking to people who call me.
9. I'm a pretty darn good cook.
10. I love to sing under almost any circumstances, but do not expect me to get up and sing karaoke. Not without some shots of tequila or other liquor first, anyway. ;-)
So there you go. I tag Frankie, Melissa, and Tracy.
Monday, February 4, 2008
smiles
These things made me smile, as I ran on campus this evening:
* It was actually warm enough to run outdoors without wearing 5 layers. In fact, I wore capris and one long-sleeve shirt, and I would have been OK with a short-sleeve shirt instead.
* I heard a student start randomly singing Across The Field, one of Ohio State's two fight songs. Out loud. To nobody in particular. Mostly in tune. ;-)
* I saw the ducks at Mirror Lake standing on the edge of the ice, looking into the open water as if they did not know what to make of it
* I saw 3 young men out on the Oval, setting up to play some frisbee. I haven't seen students play on the Oval in a few months. It would have been fun to see them after playing awhile, they'd probably end up all mud-covered.
* I saw 3 young women walking across campus together. One was wearing a sweatshirt, tennis shoes, and yoga pants. One had on at least 2 sweatshirts, jeans, and winter boots. The other was wearing a light jacket, yoga pants, and flip flops. While I think the winter boots were a bit much for today's weather, I will never understand why anyone would think it makes sense to wear flip flops in February in Ohio. (Does this mean I am old??)
Even if I hadn't seen all those things, I'd still have been smiling. It was just a really good run.
* It was actually warm enough to run outdoors without wearing 5 layers. In fact, I wore capris and one long-sleeve shirt, and I would have been OK with a short-sleeve shirt instead.
* I heard a student start randomly singing Across The Field, one of Ohio State's two fight songs. Out loud. To nobody in particular. Mostly in tune. ;-)
* I saw the ducks at Mirror Lake standing on the edge of the ice, looking into the open water as if they did not know what to make of it
* I saw 3 young men out on the Oval, setting up to play some frisbee. I haven't seen students play on the Oval in a few months. It would have been fun to see them after playing awhile, they'd probably end up all mud-covered.
* I saw 3 young women walking across campus together. One was wearing a sweatshirt, tennis shoes, and yoga pants. One had on at least 2 sweatshirts, jeans, and winter boots. The other was wearing a light jacket, yoga pants, and flip flops. While I think the winter boots were a bit much for today's weather, I will never understand why anyone would think it makes sense to wear flip flops in February in Ohio. (Does this mean I am old??)
Even if I hadn't seen all those things, I'd still have been smiling. It was just a really good run.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
photos from today's race
At about 1/2 mile into the race (I eventually pass this kid):
Right at the finish (I passed this guy with about 1/4 mile left):
Right at the finish (I passed this guy with about 1/4 mile left):
5K races
The Fantastic Frigid 5K series is a 2 race event held in late Jan/early Feb every year, organized by the Columbus Running Company (my running store). It is always on the same course, which is nice because you really get to know it well if you keep coming back. It is always cold and windy, and the course conditions are often icy.
I am not built for speed, and overall, I prefer the longer races. 5K's are just plain hard. Still, they are interesting little races. Because of the short distance, you can really go all out, and sometimes find that you had more in you than you thought.
Two weeks ago was race #1 for 2008. I set a PR for the course, and my 2nd best 5K time ever. Still, after the race, I had the feeling that I had held something back. So I set a goal for race #2 to try and better that time.
Today was race #2. Course conditions were terrible, compared to 2 weeks ago. Clear and dry back then, today the paths were icy. Several people fell and at least 1 person wrenched his ankle pretty well.
Despite all that, I met my goal of bettering my time, by about 30 seconds. New course PR, new 2nd best ever. I'm pretty happy with that. I was still holding back a bit, I think, though the ice demanded that.
I think if I really and truly push myself, I could set a new overall PR at this distance this year. I don't really like the "oh my God, I'm gonna puke" feeling that you get, but the satisfaction of knowing that I didn't hold back more than makes up for it.
Once my stomach stops hurting, at least.
I am not built for speed, and overall, I prefer the longer races. 5K's are just plain hard. Still, they are interesting little races. Because of the short distance, you can really go all out, and sometimes find that you had more in you than you thought.
Two weeks ago was race #1 for 2008. I set a PR for the course, and my 2nd best 5K time ever. Still, after the race, I had the feeling that I had held something back. So I set a goal for race #2 to try and better that time.
Today was race #2. Course conditions were terrible, compared to 2 weeks ago. Clear and dry back then, today the paths were icy. Several people fell and at least 1 person wrenched his ankle pretty well.
Despite all that, I met my goal of bettering my time, by about 30 seconds. New course PR, new 2nd best ever. I'm pretty happy with that. I was still holding back a bit, I think, though the ice demanded that.
I think if I really and truly push myself, I could set a new overall PR at this distance this year. I don't really like the "oh my God, I'm gonna puke" feeling that you get, but the satisfaction of knowing that I didn't hold back more than makes up for it.
Once my stomach stops hurting, at least.
Friday, February 1, 2008
welcome to February
I have a long-standing feud with the month of February. It has always been a month to be endured, not enjoyed. There are many legitimate reasons why, but what they are is not important. What's important is that this year, I'm going to make peace with February.
So what if it's cold and dreary, at least the days are noticeably longer.
So what if it has 29 days this year, hey, Leap Year is kinda cool.
So what if all the Valentine's Day commercialism annoys the crap out of me, the perpetual single gal. I know several people for whom it will be even harder: my sister, whose husband is training in Texas before heading to the Middle East for at least a year; my friend's sister, who just lost her husband in a car accident; the husband of an online friend who died a few weeks ago of breast cancer.
If I find myself getting irritated and annoyed with February, well I'm just going to imagine myself here, where I spent my birthday last year with my friends. And try to keep in mind that spring is just around the corner.
(I don't know the people on the Sunfish, I just thought it was really pretty out on the water.)
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