What To Do on a 75 Degree Oklahoma Saturday in January when You are on a Budget and a Diet

Wake up and check the weather.

Clean the bathroom to feel productive.

Throw the tennis ball for your dog from the comfort of a chair on the deck.

Sunbathe.

Enjoy an avocado sandwich: Swiss cheese, mixed greens, avocado, tomato, mayo on wheat berry.

Drive your new car, with the windows and sunroof open, to QT for a cold drink.

Join friends on the El Guapo roof top for margaritas and Mexican food... despite the obvious lack of organization and concern from the entire waitstaff... because it is the only rooftop in town.

Head next door to The Max for skee ball.

And most importantly, enjoy every minute of this day because this is looming...

Social Leap Number Four (square)

It is official: my work life revolves around social media.  Currently, the most exciting parts of my job are managing a mobile app for iPhone, Blackberry, and WinMo, exploring the great abyss that is the Twitter universe, always seeking ways to improve our Facebook campaign, and (my favorite) reading blogs for hours on end to learn more about what is new and current as far as reaching prospects.

Today, I found this little gem about Foursquare.  I can't believe the growth Foursquare has seen in the last year!  Even more than that, I was completely infatuated with the creativity they used in measuring the number and uniqueness of check ins (more specifically, the number of people named Wendy that checked in at Wendy's this year, as explained the the before mentioned post).

Recently, I've decided that, in order to better understand the world of social media (that I'm convinced no one will ever fully understand) for professional reasons, I should dive in headfirst personally also.  So, as of today, I've added Foursquare to the list of social media sites I use to connect with people I have absolutely no real connection with.  (It joins Facebook, Twitter, and this blog.)  Why not, right!?  After all, it is in the name of professional development.  Reviews Measure of obsession coming soon

Next on the list? LinkedIn.  Thoughts on either?

Wordless Wednesday

Italian Pot Pies

I've never been one for chicken pot pie, but when I saw Martha's recipe for Italian Pot Pie, I knew I had to try it.  I think Nick loves me a little more after these.

Italian Pot Pies

Ingredients

 

  

Preheat oven to 450.

Cook carrots and onions in oil until soft.

Add in meat and brown.  Then, add tomato sauce, bring to a boil, and simmer for 6-8 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix dry ingredients, rosemary, and Parmesan in a bowl.  

 

Make a well in the center and add melted butter and milk. 

Mix just until it turns into dough.

Fill ramekins (or these cheap foil substitutes) with meat mixture (I should have filled 4 of these all the way to the top rather than filling 5 of them only 3/4 full). 

Top with dough (again, if I would have only filled 4 of these, I would have had enough dough to cover them completely... which is how they are supposed to be made).

Throw in the oven for 12 minutes.

YUMMM...

Lastly, admire your handy work as bf enjoys immensely.

Once again, not the picture of health, but they make up for it in simplicity.  Enjoy!

The Perfect Sunday

I stayed in my pajamas until almost noon.

Then, I went to BBD to stuff my face with a waffle, me sausage, and homefries.

When we got home, the weather was super yucky...

...so I enjoyed some chai...

...and some championship football (and a nap)...

... while working on dinner: Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika.  (Thanks, Pioneer Woman!)

I wish every day was a cold dreary Sunday!

There's an App for That!

For those of you who didn't hear me blabbing about it this summer, I presented, conceptualized, and built a mobile app for the business college at TU!  While TU is quite a traditional University, I had to convince the powers that be that this app was worth the time and money that we would certainly have to spend.  After months of seeking approval and input from others around the college, I began building.  It took me the better part of Summer 2010.

There is a bio and contact info for each faculty member..

There is a description for each course offered...

There is a list of important dates so our students can keep on top of things...

There is directions and parking information for campus visitors...

 There is even a place to request information if you are thinking of pursuing a degree at TU!

While I always knew it, I received confirmation this week that it was not weeks months wasted.  Bob Johnson, a marketing consultant for colleges and universities, used our app as a positive example of mobile marketing at a nation wide conference for advanced graduate professionals!  See slides 50-60 in his presentation.

One point for the social media junkie in the business college at a 120 year old university!

The New Ride

Last weekend, I decided it was time to up-size.

2007 Ford Edge

Here are a few of my favorite things...

Dual temp control.  This is perfect for car trips with Nick... because he is the SUN.

Automatic lights.  Kellie will surely enjoy this feature. (In the first week of ownership of the Civic, Kellie left the lights on and ran down the battery.  Probably best it wasn't operational, as it happened to be the night of Christine's wedding. :)

Radio, cruise, and temp controls.

Two seat settings.  This is also good for car trips, as I have no legs.

The coolest part about these settings is that you can sync them to the keyless entry.  When I use my clicker, the seat sets itself to my setting.  When Nick uses his, it adjusts to his setting!

Super giant sun roof!  Not in use today, obviously, but I can't wait to open her up.

Door key pad.  Good for when I have to run into QT for a drink but don't want to let my car get all cold.  Just lock the keys in it with it running!

It fits in the garage!  Wahoo!

I wanted to name the car Bertha, as it is far and away the largest vehicle I've ever owned.  Nick said it is too pretty to be called Bertha though, and I kinda agree.  What do you think I should call this beast?

Presh