Phew

Well, I'm writing sooner than I thought I would.  Isn't it typical, I say I'm taking some time off, then write the next day.  Ah well.  Hi! :)  I guess I haven't written cause I don't know where to start, there's been so much going on.  So... I guess I'll just pick a topic and go from there.

I've been getting back in the kitchen lately, which feels SO good.  I haven't baked much over the summer.  With the heat, it was just too much, y'know?  ..despite having an A/C.  The other day a la French, I made a Blackberry Butter Cake.  It turned out horribly.  I mean, it was edible for the most part, but I forgot a step and.. bleh.  Anyways, it's just another excuse to make it again :)

I've come across a few sites/articles I wanted to share because I thought they had some element in them that I agreed with, identified with or thought should come to light.
HP's We Respect Our iPhones More Than Our Elders (which, doesn't really mention personal devices at all, so much as getting and giving back to seniors).
Hp's 7 Laws of Fearless Living.  I *loved* the points in this.  Good to think about as you consider your current position in life.
CBC's Tropicana Orange Juice lawsuits question 'natural' status.  CZ CS, this ties in to something we were talking about before.  Folks, if it's important to you, know that the o.j on the shelf isn't as pure as you may have thought it to be.  But then, we shouldn't be surprised.  If you can afford to juice, do it.
HP's What's in your God Box?  Hmm... I'm going to let you read this one on your own.
Random, but The Traveler's Lunchbox, The Well-Salted Tart.  I want to make this.  AR, I think you would be happy if I did, so I'll get back to you ;)
Ah!  This was an interesting site; Wheat Belly (linked to About the Author which kind of gives the synopsis of what he's about) which exposes thoughts on wheat and the detriments it's causing to our health.. and depending on your current nutrition beliefs, you may (or may not, but I'm not sure how) agree with.
lifehacker's The Snarky Voice in Your Head is Killing Your Productivity; Here's How to Stop It.  I liked this, too, and have often found myself guilty (so often! eek!) of the negative inner voice and this will cause you to be mindful of curbing your "inner asshole".  Or at least, bring it to your attention and you can decide what you want to do.  (C'mon.. tell me you're not guilty of some of these points.)
This is a blog post on how to Scare Yourself Every Day, if you're into personal challenges or need a kick in the arse for motivation to try something different.  This may or may not be for you.
HP's Tithing In Canada: Churchgoers Divided Over Donating Percentage of Their Income.  An interesting read about tithing rules, practices, beliefs of different denominations.  The statistics are interesting.

Wow!  That was a lot I had saved up, eh?  I'd be interested what you thought of any of them.

The only other thing I have to write about is a new love; a dear friend of mine whom I've known for a few years.  The catch? (..cause there's always one in Jody's life)  He's in Europe.  Which means I have a helluva'n adventure ahead of me if it works out.  I hope it does :)  Think positive, people!  :)

Due to possible impending move, I've been trying to adapt to a more minimalist way of living. Not that I have a lot of stuff or am materialistic, but am second-thinking purchases.  Oh.. ha.. except for this.  Well, it didn't even cost me anything, but I have to show you; with my airmiles I saved up, I got a new Henckels knife set.  It's so pretty.  It's sitting on my counter, constantly whispering every day, "Use me!"

Ooooh.... ahhhh.... teh pretty.. (thanks to AC for photoshop)

I'm applying for a new job and need your positive thoughts for that, too!  It's in a kitchen in a higher-end hotel in the city; I'm really feeling pulled towards it.

That's all for now.  I need to make me some lunch.  Hope the week is treating you well.  I'll be hitting up the Jazz Festival this weekend with a couple friends (including a close friend coming in from out of town) and I can't wait.  My favourite time of year.