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Friday, June 28, 2013

Foodie Fridays: A Few of My Favorite Things

Safeway Pizza Sticks

The nostalgia accompanies the crispy croissant-esque deliciousness. These were popular before those itsy bitsy pizza rolls. I am very disappointed if they are out of them or are done cooking them for the day. Pizza sticks and half-size shopping carts fill my memories, along with airport quality Chinese food and fruit leather. Relive your childhood (or mine) with these wonderful $0.99 treats.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Wildlife Wednesdays: GeoTourism

Geocaching.com is such a big phenomenon that advertising with the website and company could be quite beneficial. They have another way of advertising for you that is a bit more creative, geotourism. You can utilize your town as a destination and make a special "tour" for participants of your place. What a great tool for tourism!

Check this link out for more information:

http://www.geocaching.com/travel/

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Toiling Tuesdays: Family Guy-esque Rant

You you know what really grinds my gears? Companies that never respond to e-mails or phone messages or are away from their desks between 9-5 M-F. I mean really? Are you even a company? You might as well not exist if nobody can get hold of you. You disgust me with your pathetic business practices. 

Monday, June 24, 2013

Miscellaneous Mondays: A Topical Poem

Dreams of A Hero with a Handgun

The screams came on sudden
like flames of a fire
engulfing the air as
a tortured mad choir.

I turned to look round
my skin yelped in surprise
the scene a horror
my panic, their cries.

I waved my arms wildly
stepped forward, now back
two men upon one
their blades used to hack.

The other people stood staring
some took out their phones
oh terror, say cheese
resolve spread through my bones.

Whip out my handgun
bang, bang, both dead.
If only I'd been there
instead of in bed.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Socializing Sundays: Walk the Talk Before the Meet and Greet

This is why you have a phone interview


to weed out the ones you don't actually want to date.


Might be harsh but you know it can be true...

Friday, June 21, 2013

Foodie Fridays: Costco Dilemma


Big Box Dilemma

As some of you readers may know I am a Costco fanatic. However, after reading about Big Box Business and their evil plans to take over the world, I feel torn for my love of Costco and my desire to promote independent local businesses. 

Here are some others who are addicted to Costco....

http://costcocuisine.blogspot.com/

http://addictedtocostco.com/


I think I have found a compromise, prepper foods from Costco and all other foods from the local Maple Valley Market and Foley's. Not sure about my hygiene products.... Does the Market have the shampoo I like? To be continued....

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wildlife Wednesday: The Very First Geocache!



The APE is found in the rugged, snow-capped Cascade Mountains, just a short drive from Seattle, where you can walk through the spooky 2-mile-long Tunnel of Light, find one of the oldest caches in Washington, and visit the APE tribute cache. Plus, we hear that Sasquatch and Fen Dweller have been sighted in the area – so watch out!

For more information:

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=7d120ae2-855c-430d-9c14-3d7427de4bdd

The very first geocache brought to you in a convenient day trip package by Groundspeak's mega event block party super-fun-time-to-be-had-by-all-even-the-muggles-among-us-but-not-really-don't-let-them-know-wink-wink

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Socializing Sundays: 15 Guys to Avoid Dating Article Response

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joshua-pompey/dating-advice-guys-to-avoid_b_2758814.html

It's difficult to categorize anyone by any one "type" but if anyone displays extremities of any of these guys-to-avoid then yeah you should watch out. Sometimes some guys might display some of these signs but it doesn't necessarily mean they are avoidable at all costs. Just think what a 'guy' might think reading this article, "Oh no, I can't stay in ever, we have to always go out or she'll ditch me." I would think that most guys who may be like any of these guys-to-avoid, if they at all are trying would attempt to NOT display these characteristics, at least at first, to hook you in. Once you're in, they start to settle into their original personalities and it is at that point that you can see them for who they truly are.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Foodie Fridays: Texture says it all

Al dente, Undercooked, Raw, and Unripe


Steak: Medium
Rice: Slightly chewy
Pasta: Al dente
Fruit: Slightly unripe


How do you like your food?

FYI: On average, people lose half their taste receptors by time they turn 20

Holy cow! No wonder so many people who say they didn't like broccoli growing up now don't mind it. 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Author Thursdays: Judging a Book by Its Cover


Book titles


How to pick a title: plug your keywords into thefreedictionary.com and look at idioms, alliteration, song titles, swap your word into a well known phrase or slogan


the day my heart stood still
Raiders of the Lost ____
Gone with the ____
The ____ of wrath


What are the ways you have come up with a great title?

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Wildlife Wednesdays: Geocaching Wishlist

Geo gear (like a hat or a shirt)
Portable GPS

Super sweet containers:


http://shop.geocaching.com/default/cache-essentials/cache-containers/magnetic-bolt-geocache-container.html

A bug geocache continer

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Toiling Tuesdays: New Beginnings

I have this fantastic blogging opportunity to share new and wondrous information with you. I got a new job. Details to follow.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Miscellaneous Mondays: Southern Cross Novel Challenge Update


5/31: 22540
6/1: goal:24,207 (24,390)
Sent query to Arthur A. Levine Books
6/2: goal: 25,874 (25,748)
6/3: goal: 27,541 (26,658)
Sent query to Kane Miller EDC Publishing
6/4: goal: 29,208 (27,000)
Sent query letter to Diversion Press
6/5: goal: 30,0875 (27,00)
6/6: goal: 32,542 (29,800)
6/7: goal: 34,209 (30,683)
6/8: goal: 35,876 (33,538)
6/9: goal: 37,543 (34,846)
6/10: goal: 39,210 (....)

I may have to change my challenge to half SoCNoc but I will continue to try to catch up. Today is a new day!

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Socializing Sundays: For Him/For Her

Creative Gifts for that Special Someone


I've already posted about little gifts to show you care but here I will spell out more unique gifts (birthday, anniversary, Valentine's day, etc worthy).

When I receive a gift I want it to be well thought out and unique to me i.e. tomato food fight a la Spain or a hunt leading to something wonderful. Some gifts, I think, are unique enough in their own right.

1. Write a poem and present it as something edible (on a pizza, as chocolate, cupcakes, etc)
2. Write a story starring him/her as the superhero
3. Make a board game out of their life, replacing the tiles/spots with things they like/have done (Monopoly, Life, etc)
4. A geocache dedicated to them and they get to be the ftf!


Basically if you have put in the amount of effort it takes to complete any one of these the recipient of your gift will know they are super special in your mind and that they are worth the effort.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Seattle Specific Saturdays: Maple Valley Specific



It's like a fusion cafe/coffee house/wine bar/

I got a croissant and a hot chocolate for $3.50! Wowzas!

Maple Valley Writers meets their Tuesdays 2PM - 4PM

They have wine tastings and live music events

THEY ARE LOCAL!!!

Don't let big box suffocate the nuances of a city, support your downtown and shop local.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Foodie Fridays: Foley's Produce



I love Foley's! They improve the neighborhood immensely and I'm very thankful for the opportunity to buy from a local vendor who sells local produce with that local feel of your neighborhood market. Their produce is amazing in and of itself and they have screaming good deals on several things all the time (Granny smith apples $0.79/lb). They may be a small stand in the midst of a plethora of big box grocers but they have quite the variety, supplying organic options among the regular options, even providing such goods as homemade bread, eggs, honey, and jams. Foley even grows and sells some of his own plants. I highly recommend Foley's and will be back again and again.

http://foleysproduce.com/

Phone: (4253012131
21409 Renton/Maple Val­ley RD SE
Maple Valley, WA 98038



Thursday, June 6, 2013

Author Thursdays: Maple Valley Creative Arts Festival

Maple Valley Days this weekend!!!!



Taken from the website:

The Maple Valley Creative Arts Council proudly presents the Fifteenth Annual Arts Festival hosted at the Lake Wilderness Lodge (22500 SE 248th, MV). This popular event coincides with the annual community celebration, Maple Valley Days and is the must see highlight of the weekend. Arts Festival will include a live performance area (poetry, music, dance, etc.), indoor gallery space for display of visual arts, artists' demonstrations and hands on art activities for children.

NEW this year will be a special Saturday Night Open Mic. We are adding this very popular event to celebrate our 15th anniversary of supporting and cultivating local artists .  Along with the amazing talent that Open Mic attracts, we will have our first Poetry Slam.  Also check out the 
Photo Page for last year's Arts Festival award winning artwork.

Friday, June 7Opening Night & Artists Reception Gala,  7PM,  Tickets $10 per person

Saturday, June 8Free Admission:
                  12:00 pm - 6:00    Juried and Salon Art Show
                                         Youth & Children's Art Show
                                          Children's Art Activity Corner
                    1:00 pm - 3:00    Art Demonstration by Nicole Notch
                   12:00 pm - 4:00   Stage  Performances
                             
Sunday, June 9
Free Admission:
                  10:00 am - 5:00 pm   Juried and Salon Art Show
                                                    Youth & Children's Art Show
                                                    Children's Art Activity Corner
                   12:00 pm - 2:00        Art Demonstration by Clayopatra Arts Studio
                    1:30 pm - 4:30         Art Demonstration by Gary LaTurner
                  11:00 am - 3:00 pm   Stage Performances  




The Arts Festival is part of the Maple Valley Days: http://www.maplevalleydays.com/Events.html

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Toiling Tuesdays: Volunteer into that New Job

If it's all about getting your foot in the door so volunteering those feet is the way to go!

http://blogs.wsj.com/laidoff/2010/03/01/using-strategic-volunteering-to-help-with-the-search/

Even if they say 'no' or there are no job openings, this could be the way you squeeze yourself into that company you want to work for. If it doesn't pan into a 'real' paying job then it only adds good fodder for your resume.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Toiling Tuesdays: Don't Give Up, Laugh

Tired of the struggle? I've written past work numbers so many times I've re-memorized them. It's difficult when you know most of the hard work won't pay off. Once you get that rejection, all the work you've put into getting that particular job has to be trashed. The only thing you can do is dust off your original resume and work it for a new job. Don't give up. Laugh.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Miscellaneous Mondays: A Thought

Is there a website where you can input a tv show or movie you like and it will find similar titles? Like Pandora but for movies/tv shows. You could even refine your search to include the aspects of the movie/tv show you like such as actors/actresses, genre, etc.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Socializing Sundays: What Make for a Good Relationship

Communication

I feel like I can categorize the relationships in my life by how much of the conversation is dominated by the other person.