Today and everyday...

I love working at CDP, wish it could be more often. I have to start again come 11, and I'm really just wanting to start now. I have to admit, I'm really going to miss Tom after he retires. He's been good to me, and, well, the projects will also die when he leaves. I wish I could take them up, but as university regulations are in place, they are not going to replace him after he leaves.

It's sad. I've learned so much at this job about the dairy industry and now that I'm facing the end, I don't know how to explain how much this job really changed and shaped me. I want to express in some way to Tom that I really did start to define myself and what I like to do within this job. However, how to go about saying that and not sound too sappy is going to be hard. After all, I tend to get sappy and stupid about such things... then I try to change that and sound detached and distant.

I'll figure it out.

Had an interview on Wednesday with the awesome job. Have yet to hear back. Sent thank you's in the mail and hope that doesn't deter them from picking me... It's so hard to explain that this is such an awesome job and I sooooo want it... knowing that everyone single other person was saying the same exact thing. Grrr...

Other jobs on the back burner: Transportation services was a bust. They went with another temp company.
School of Nursing: The one place that has too much money and is looking to spend, spend, spend. I knew I should have gotten a nursing degree... anyway, got another drafting letter from them with no information on how the hell to get my resume to them. If they want me that bad, why can't they provide that info? I must have sounded like an idiot on the phone though, so maybe now they don't want me. (Leaving a message, I suck at talking to machines when I'm not prepared)

Anyway, I should get to work, seeing how I have like 10 minutes now to get up there.

I should start just randomly recording myself speaking to get used to leaving messages. One would think I would be much better now. Whenever I'm in the office, I'm always drafting something on paper, just in case. *sigh* It is a good day, really, it is.

jobs and such

So, I haven't done much to write in this blog, though a number of you know what's going on.

I have found a job. A crappy job, but a job none-the-less. I say crappy not because I hate what I do. In fact, if it weren't for certain management, I would love my job. I currently sit in a room, far away from costumers, making pretty things for people to buy and eat. I get all the veggies and fruit I could want and if I'm so bold, I can manage an egg or piece of ham. I've learned how to cut fruit so fast that I definitely could handle all of the fruit for any fondue parties in the future. I work hard and they are thinking of making me full time which would mean benefits and definitely 30 hours a week.

The crappy part: My boss is picking on me. By boss, I mean the store manager. See, the lead in my department had her last day today. It makes me sad. She was a wonderful person who made going to work fun. She understood that this is not my calling in life but also felt that hard work should be rewarded and pushed for full time for me. Currently Roundy's has a hiring freeze on full time workers. But full time would make it so I could stop looking for work for a bit and take a break. I could pay my bills and not have the worries I've been having.

However, this has made me target number one for the store manager and without my lead there to protect me, I'm getting crap hours. I worked till 9 (scheduled for 10) tonight. I worked m butt off so we could leave early. I worked a different store in Sun Prairie and tomorrow I have to come in at 6 AM. I should really be falling into bed right now, but as it turns out I don't feel sleepy. I'm going to be worth crap tomorrow morning, I just know it.

Personally I have issue with this and hate knowing that I won't be able to give my 200% like normal. I also for some unknown reason am working not only a night this week but a weekend (Saturday) as well. They don't have enough people for days and they are putting on a night and a weekend... when I don't want it!!

Low and behold, it's the store manager (who forced me to work in Sun Prairie, who is forcing me to be his bitch for the time being) who made the schedule. I hate it, and I hate him for it. I'm currently waiting for a new lead, and for full time status. I'm hoping the new lead will mean that I don't have to work weekends or nights anymore... Otherwise, I'm looking for work again. With this experience I can look to catering and reception staff. I will not be treated like this for long. If the bar is set lower, I can find another job... If anything, Sentry, I'm looking your way!

Other than this, I'm living back in Madtown and I'm having some good times with my SO. He's sweet and caring and takes time to let me vent of stupid dealings with my job.

If any of this rant made sense, then you have heard it from me before or you are way too close to what I do for a living.

Oh, officially, I'm a salad bar clerk. I work in pre-cut and I make those veggie trays and stuff like that in the produce section. So, this weekend, if you bought a cut watermelon quarter, or picked up some veggies for the grill, think of me and the time I placed into them. Or at least know that I take some pride in my work, even if the environment sucks currently.

And like always, if you hear of anything in the way of a UW job (or a job that is related to environmental studies, bioethics, demographics, statistical analysis, clerical/secretarial jobs, anything involving being an assistant to a dean) please let me know ASAP. I also would love to work for a non-profit. Most non-profits I can get behind their mission, but I'd want to review first.

Thanks all and have a pleasant tomorrow.

Berry Sorbet with Splenda

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

• 1 cup SPLENDA® Granular
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries, thawed
• 1 1/2 cups frozen blackberries, thawed
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries, thawed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

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DIRECTIONS

1. In a large measuring cup, dissolve Splenda in water.
2. In a food processor or blender, puree berries until smooth, adding sweetened water gradually. Pour in cream, and pulse until blended.
3. Pour mixture into ice cream machine and let freeze until mixture is very thick. Eat some right away! Then freeze the rest.

FOOTNOTE

As with most homemade frozen desserts, this one freezes very solid. Using the microwave to defrost it some will do the trick.

Special note: I got this off of alrecipes.com and it's called Berry Burst Sorbet. We have not tried it yet. I'll let you all know what I think.

101 posts

Celebrating 100 posts can be a big deal. Not for me, but it helps to put this up here as well.

Some of you might be following in Facebook or whatever. I have no clue. But if you are following there and you see me mention www.lelahgoestojapan.blogspot.com, just know it's the same thing as here. It's just so other people can see it as well.

Thanks!

Japan, Day 3 and 4

Konichiwa!

Yesterday we went to Kyoto. It was amazing. So amazing in fact that I'm going to write about it and today's venture to the Falls of Akame later. I'm tired and it's a lot later than my blog says it is.

Sayonara!

Japan, Day 3

So what does it say when I think of Mike the first time I get to Kyoto and see this?

Reference point, what is just outside the rail station.


When PIGIONS attack!

Jakof Smirnoff has entered Japan, If Kyoto, Japan, life lives you!
The Cherry blossoms were just coming out:





Monkeys this way!

Enter the monkey park.

From the top of the hill, the tower outside the station is in the center.
MONKEYS!







Awesome place to eat.

Zen garden


Marketplace

Dinner!

Konichiwa!

Well, I missed writing yesterday, but that’s because of all the crazy traveling we did. Not to mention, I was exhausted (going to bed at 10:00, I might add). We woke up rather early to leave for Kyoto. We used the last of our limited express tokens to go there (taking all of 1h15m). Once in Kyoto, we made our way to the nearest international ATM. Yeah, I’ve already blown over $400 (thank you student loans). So we first went to see PIGIONS! Okay, not so exciting, and the temple was under renovation. We did walk around. It was quiet and somber.

Then we went to see MONKEYS!

Yes, MONKEYS needs to be screamed cause they were everywhere! (that and if PIGIONS had to be all caps, then MONKEYS does because they are so much more awesome than PIGIONS)

The hike was long and excruciating (like everywhere else we’ve been. I should have prepared better for this trip.) We took our first bus ride there (those seats are small). Well, first bus ride in Japan (it was funny to me that it was the 28). On our way up the hill we met some people from Uwaki (sp?) and at first I thought they said Milwaukee (sounds very much the same). At the top we saw tons of monkeys. Some old, some young, some male, some female, all of them were cute and rather quiet. There was a caged off area that had monkey treats for sale. Monkey treats are one of three things, apples, peanuts, or something I can’t remember at the moment.

The only time that the monkeys got loud at all was when you tried to feed one of the baby monkeys. Which of course, made me want to feed the little guys more. One of the baby monkeys was still attached to mama and would follow her for the most part. It was very cute.

Leaving we decided to get some food for ourselves. We found a great little place not too far from the monkey mountain, just over the bridge. I recommend it to anyone going to Japan. A picture of it can be seen at the bottom of this post (if I get this thing to actually upload some pictures). It had red lanterns all around and the wait-staff knew enough English to help us out. If you do end up going here (which I think if any of you go to Japan, you will go to Kyoto and if you go to Kyoto then you must visit monkey mountain, seriously), you’ll need to pay in advance. If you want some of the treat like stuff (it was ground rice with coloring I heard), that will come later. The food is absolutely delicious! I got curry udong (sp?) and I couldn’t help spilling on myself as I slurped.

After dinner, we went to a Zen garden where lots of places that looked interesting wanted at least 500 yen to go into. Well, we saw enough to know that it wasn’t worth it. I bought a charm for Jaime and we were off (it was a little bunny since he’s the year of the rabbit).

We then went to a market place that had tons of food and Jaime made me actually eat my words. I can now add eel organs to the foods that I’ve eaten.

**note for those who don’t know: before leaving for this trip I told Jaime two things. First was that under no circumstances are we to leave Japan without visiting Akiaharaba. Second, if he pays for it, I’ll eat it (if it’s food). end note**

So after this we were supposed to go to the Manga museum (first thing I’ve asked for all trip) and when we got there we found it was closing in 10 minutes. Well, that put me in a major foul mood (to say the least) and I wanted to go home asap.

We did, though I think both guys were worried that my anger was directed to them, though I said a number of times I was not angry at them. We returned to John’s apartment where I got a foot rub and we watched No Reservations about Tokyo and Japan in general. I did get a panda cup full of saki for dinner, though it wasn’t too good of saki. It was a good day, just a long one, ending on disappointment. After watching the show, I went to bed. I think the boys stayed up to watch the Daily Show or something.

Sayonara!

Japan, Day 2

Lanterns

My fortune (IN ENGLISH)

Todaiji Temple

Buddha

Cherry blossoms!

Random people wanting to take their picture with me: count #1

Ack! Attacked by deer!

Manhole cover in Nara.

Awww, sooooo cuuuute!


Konichiwa!

Today we decided was a day where we could sleep in a little bit. However, I was up and ready to go earlier than yesterday (I think I was eager to get moving). Today’s forecast was sunny, so we spent the day going to Nara.

The way to Nara was full of train transfers. We saw quite a bit of countryside on our way out, not to mention the mountains in the distance. Once at Nara, we purchased some drinks and some lunch (sushi) and made our way out to Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple is the largest wooden structure in the world. Though it is 33% smaller in width than the original structure, it still holds this title. The building that stands currently is the 3rd generation and built during the Edo period (1615-1867). Inside, there is a huge Buddha painted in gold.

While entering the temple and grounds, I found that I needed to cover my arms (I was wearing a short-sleeved shit). I borrowed Jaime’s jacket, and while lighting incense, I burned 4 holes in the sleeve. While going inside, there were a number of students there (all male) running around, taking pictures.

Afterward, we walked outside the temple grounds and to the Kasuga Taisha. I received my fortune and tied it to a tree. Hopefully it will come true (see picture at end of this blogpost).

Further, outside the shrine there were a number of lanterns. Many different shapes and sizes, with different carved decorations on the outside of each of them, mostly noting deer that were all-over along the path.

That brings me to the next point; I cannot believe how many deer were around the area. When we first started walking, they were all over and when we bought some of the biscuits that you can feed them with, you can be mobbed. Jaime bought some then promptly gave them to me. I was then chased by 5 deer. Screaming, I threw most of the biscuits down and yelled at Jaime about how this was not funny.

While heading back, Jaime and John went to see the Kofuku-ji Five-Storey Pagoda while I stayed in the park to rest my feet. We went down, back to the station and found the Tonkatsu Ganko and ate to our full. For a cold day, the miso soup was wonderful. The fried doughnuts for desert were nice as well.

Today was a lot of walking, much more than yesterday (yet, I may be wrong on this). We returned home to watch No Reservations (about Osaka) and Firefly while drinking some rather nice, but cheap, saki. I bought a number of souvenirs and had a wonderful time. Kyoto is for tomorrow! I can’t wait since we saw cherry blossoms already today.

Sayonara!