It's like a jungle, sometimes it makes me wonder...
...how I keep from going under...

I've taken a seasonal job as a gift-wrapper to help pay the bills. The hours are flexible, the pay is surprisingly good, the location's easily accessible and it's all for charity. If you're on The PATH, feel free to drop by (you might want to call ahead and make sure I'm there). I'm on the ScotiaPlaza Concourse.

It's (a)live!

After two days worth of blood, sweat and tears (or eyestrain, bad food, and intensive problem-solving, at least), I've given my website a much-needed update.

For those keeping track, this means that I've begun the not-so-arduous task of teaching myself CSS. My only hard-copy reference was HTML Utopia: Designing Without Tables Using CSS, 1^st edition (out of print). I found the experience remarkably similar to coding for tables in HTML, but with (yay!) more fluidity to the layouts. I would've liked some additional interactivity with the navigation, but I keenly suspect that I'd have to pick up some JavaScript to pull it off. I haven't yet decided if I want to make the jump to web design, and so won't be investing the necessary time and effort into learning JavaScript just yet.

In keeping with my HTML skills, the website was hard-coded in CSS, excepting the downloadable code from HTML Utopia... I used for the basic three-column layout (edited down to two) with footer.

Of note: I find it really odd that — with all the functionality of using style sheets — no one thought to build in the ability to have hyperlinks within them. The analogy for those who work with professional print layout software is that CSS gives you style sheets, but doesn't provide you with the heightened usability of master pages. An odd choice, certainly, but a step in the right direction.

So, for those of you who haven't nodded off from lack of interest, I'd appreciate some opinions from the readership (sent to my personal Gmail account, if you please). Thanks!

My two newest creations


May I present my newest culinary endeavour: Non-Dairy Pavlova, with meringue layers sandwiching a coffee/mock-whipped cream and chocolate-covered-walnut filling.

In other news, I finished knitting a new pair of mittens for Matt on Monday of this week, using some of the leftover yarn from my new hat and mitts.

Tally update: 46 (I think) postings replied to, 2 bites, 1 nibble.

Weekend risotto

My uncle had a small family gathering at his place this weekend, and as a newlywed, I've made a conscious effort to contribute food to the spread at these events. I had to use up most of the meat off a barbecue chicken (bought at Loblaws earlier in the week), plus about two bowls worth of a homemade carrot soup. I thought it would be interesting to use them both in a risotto recipe.

The breakdown:

• Carnaroli rice (Arborio works well too)


• leftover carrot soup (made with blended carrots, onions, garlic, saffron, salt, a little bit of apple-spice wine and cinnamon)


• butternut squash soup, for the additional liquid


• leftover chicken


• crispy, sliced prosciutto


• one small package of goat's cheese


• one whole Spanish onion, chopped


• one small package of sweet green peas

It occurred to me yesterday that the ingredients end up making something akin to a chicken pot pie. This ends up being one of my favourite risotto combinations.

New pimp added to the roster

I just finished the process of registering with another freelance creative placement agency. Many thanks to Michelle S. for suggesting this one.

Musing on the inevitable return to the land of the gainfully-employed

I had another "bite" yesterday, and should hear by the end of the week whether or not I progress to the next round of evaluation with that job prospect.

I also contacted both of my former freelance agents (henceforth to the referred to as Big Pimp and Lesser Pimp) to let them know that I'll be available for contracts or full-time employment as of next Monday. I've yet to be booked any where, but Big Pimp advises me of openings as they become available, so I'm not worried about being able to secure employment through her.

If I fail to find steady work in my field, I think I may take a job at something close to home to help pay the bills in the meantime.

Strangely, the fact I haven't had much response to my resume and portfolio doesn't seem to be affecting my own opinion of my work. The trick seems to be convincing others to have as much faith in my abilities as I do.

I've managed to accomplish a buttload of tasks around the apartment that I've been meaning to get to for a good, long while, and have been able to evaluate some of the tasks I've added over the past while (like "gardening"). I think I've been putting too much on myself lately, so the prospect of returning to work and being able to split the household tasks and chores with Matt again is welcome.

Our landlord still hasn't made any progress on repairing our (probably) leaky shower, thereby eliminating the mildew in our master bedroom, and I'm frankly sick of waiting around for his response. I've given him two weeks to get in here and fix things, and he hasn't taken that opportunity. If I am working next week, and he says that's when he can make it in, he's going to get a talking-to. Matt and I have decided to consult an independent contractor for the work if we don't hear from Delinquent Landlord by early next week.