Updates

So, I was laid off of my job. Er, I was laid off of my internship. You didn't know that could happen, did you? I can't say that I didn't see it coming though. NowPublic has been operating on investor contributions since its inception several years ago. Still not generating any revenue, it is no wonder to me that investors have pulled back on funding, or stopped altogether. It seems to me there should have been a goal of developing the website so they could sustain themselves, but so far that does not appear to be the case.
It is too bad for them, there are (were) some talented writers and creative individuals working for them. Even us lowly interns had a massive potential to contribute to the site (potential never tapped into, but still...) I have serious issues with the way the lay-offs occurred as well as a personal issues with how I was treated at the end, but it is all behind me now. I remind myself daily that I didn't actually like the job at all, and so it is good that it is over.
I've said it before and i will say it again. Looking for jobs stinks. I do solidly believe there is no better, faster way to lose self esteem, faith in mankind and sleep than by looking for jobs.
Luckily I have a lot of packing to do (we are moving to a new apartment this weekend!) and a visit with Julie to look forward to (March 20! Yay!) to keep me somewhat occupied when I cannot stand the sound of my own email-cover-letter-voice any longer. It is a bit chilly these last few days to really want to be outside but sitting in the sun of the windows has been nice. I talk to Moose a lot. He burps back in find response.
I haven't lost all hope yet. Spring is here and the clocks were pushed forward. Light and crocuses do make a difference. I hadn't planned on digging into my tax refund the moment after it was deposited into my account, but hey, I didn't plan on living in Vancouver all that long ago either.

An I Lost My Job Haiku.

In turn winter green
Day end night comes slow and gray-
Monday last pay cheque.

The Dream realized

It is actually (finally) happening. In past years, the lead up to the hand off seemed to go by without much thought, and within the quick flutter of an eyelid.

The last few months, to me, have dragged towards the date January 20, 2009. This date forever will be etched in my mind. Unlike November 22, or September 11 though this will be a date that represents hope, promise, and pride, not sadness or pain.

I admit I feel homesick for the grand old US of A. Though the Vancouverites seem to share in the Obamaphoria of many folks the world over, they don't have the embarrassment, and/or guilt of being one of the ugly Americans the world has grown to despise over the last 8 years.

I wish you all, American and otherwise, a happy inauguration day tomorrow and forward.

Life

So there has not been tons of exciting things to post on lately. The holidays came and went, and with them left a great big sigh of relief. Even though I was not home for the holidays, I do believe I was even more stressed because of it, knowing how emotional the days without my family and friends would be.

We did have a really fun Christmas week. Vancouver was hit with some of the biggest consecutive snowfalls of the last many years. Nothing that New England does not see at least once a winter, but for Vancouver, used to gray skies and rain but very little accumulation, this was rare. According to one blogger, who questioned the city's utter lack of preparation for such a circumstance, they just agreed, that there was no preparation. Vancouver is outfitted with 47 plows, 2 of which are actual snow plows as we know them. They decided not to even attempt to plow side streets, saying by the time they got to them the snow would be melted anyway.

It made for extremely fun snow days for us though. I got to use my new snow shoes (thanks mom and dad!) build some snow people and drink copious amounts of hot chocolate. We spent NYE going to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, (which was excellent) came home to drink champagne and then head out to our nearest pub, the Irish Heather for midnight celebrations. The celebrating was not what you hipsters may call 'off the hook.' Around midnight we heard a gentle murmur that sounded like a countdown and then a few muffled "Happy New Year!'s"

Bryan's big 30th birthday also came and went, without much fanfare. We went to a lovely tapas dinner at Bin 941 the night before, and the day of he chose a BBQ rib joint. We went for a lovely 5:30pm meal, to really reinforce the fact that he is getting old. We then came home to eat the cake that he made for himself (I offered, I swear!) watch some Dexter and head to bed. By 10:30.

Low key. That describes us pretty well these days.

I've been working, still part time, still looking for greener pastures. I am learning a thing or two and keeping up to date on current events, but not nearly as challenged as I would like to be. We've done some fun home improvement projects. We go for walks. I read. We watch movies. We play scrabble. Or Word Twist. We make fun of eachother. We cook. We eat. We drink wine.

This is my life in Vancouver.

Christmas Eve

We are trying to figure out what to do with our night. We spent our day shoveling, listening to carols and in wonder at the snow. Another foot has fallen since Sunday's foot and a half and the city has shut itself down.

We went for a snowy walk earlier, and built a magnificent looking Snow Lady holding a baby. Not related to Christ at all, mind you. Perhaps we were just missing our own mothers.

Sipping eggnog, warm by the fire, but missing home.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Recession Foods: Comfort for your Wallet and your Belly

(also posted here)

In many ways I have been lucky during this economic melt down. In order to lose money, you had to have had some money to lose. Though I may have quit my job just as things started to really get bad in the US, the few dollars I had in my bank account are more are less still there. (OK, much less than more)

Lucky for me I've spent the last few months rent free, relying on loved ones for a warm bed in exchange for my engaging, graceful, hilarious, fun and humble company and dog walking skills.

I enjoy an excellent meal out as much as the next girl. Fancy, filling, frilly foods with local ingredients will lure me to any restaurant in the most dangerous part of town. Due to my lack of income though, I've made an honest attempt in the last few months in steering clear of meals that may break the bank.

Here are some tips I've learned along the way.

1. Get cooking. Easy for me to say, as I've grown up helping in my mother's kitchen. Many people are scared off at the idea of putting a meal together from scratch, but in reality it is much simpler, and much more fun than you think. Investing in a basic cookbook like How to Cook Everything or Better Homes and Garden's New Cook Book will get you on your way. These both have recipes covering the classics with simple, easy to follow instructions as well as food terms, ratios and substitution information if you get stuck. There are also numerous online websites with videos and Q+A sections. Before you know it you will have a full on relationship with epicurious.com and you won't be missing those dinners out quite so much.

2. Buy recession friendly foods. Pasta, rice, canned goods, potatoes and frozen pizza dough all can be filling base ingredients for inexpensive dishes. Now is a good time to learn how to cook your grandmother's famous macaroni and cheese or that three bean chili your tried at your crazy uncle's house last year. Make your own spaghetti sauce with canned tomatoes and your own hummus with a can of chickpeas. Once you know how easy it is to make your own, you'll never go back to spending over five dollars on something that cost you 99 cents to make.

3. Host a potluck. In troubled times, nothing is better than having a supportive community. Not only will you get a fridge full of leftovers, (even if you try to send them off with food, I guarantee you will have enough left behind to feed you for a week) but you will also have time to connect with people that are going through similar situations. Make sure you ask each participant to bring a specific course (you don't want 15 lbs of pasta salad in your fridge) and to bring a few copies of their recipe to share. With friends and family around, I am sure by the end of the night the economic crisis will not seem so bad.

4. Eat your veggies. Don't skimp on the important things when prices are going up. Most people don't eat enough fruits and vegetables anyway, but with added costs you may feel the need to cut back. Instead take a look at what you are spending your money on that does not add nutritional value to your day. Processed, pre-packaged foods are expensive and often offer little nutritional value. Put your dollars towards healthful foods and you will come out of this recession feeling healthy and maybe even dropping a few pounds.

5. Treat yourself. (And do it locally!) Don't forget to take yourself out once in a while. Not only will it make things feel not quite as desperate, but it will also maintain the community that you call home. Whether it is the multi-generation owned Italian joint where you first held your husband's hand, or the falafel stand that got you through your late night undergrad binges, be sure to choose for the people behind the counters as well as for the food, and in a few months they will still be there to thank you

And now I am sharing my favorite soup recipe. Use it, share it, eat it, sell it. I don't care, as long as you enjoy it.


Squash-Ginger Soup

1 large butternut squash
2 yellow onions
3 cloved garlic, chopped
3 potatoes
2 cooking apples (mac's work best)
2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
1.5 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary
crushed red pepper (to taste)
salt and pepper (to taste)
4 cups water, or veggie stock (will be saltier)
1-2 cups milk, apple cider, or OJ*

1. Cut squash in half and roast in oven for 45 mins or until soft and skin easily is removed.

2. While squash is roasting, sautee onions in a tablespoon of butter in large pot until translucent. Add garlic and cook for a few more minutes.

3. Peel and cube potatoes and apples and add to onion mixture. Add ginger and rosemary and stir to keep from burning.

4. Add 2 cups of water and let simmer on medium heat until potatoes and apples soften.

5. When squash is soft, remove skin and seeds and cube. Add to potato mixture. Add the rest of the liquids and seasonings and simmer for half an hour or so.

6. Add soup to food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

* I used some cream and OJ and it turned out really well. There are multiple ways to adjust the recipe though. I believe I used to add carrots as well which enhanced the color. I probably used more than two tablespoons of ginger because I really like ginger, but it does have a lot of heat to it. I sprinkled with some Parmesan cheese, and YUM! Parsley garnish would probably taste good too.

Back to work

So my first partial week back in the partial workforce is over. Phew! I'm exhausted! Well, maybe not. Actually I am really enjoying having some purpose to my day. Even if it is only for five hours of the day and for minimum wage. And interning for a news type organization means that I am, as a result, much more in tune with what is actually going on in the world. And mostly, as you may know, what is going on is not good. The US has surpassed its lowest employment rates in 34 years, (whew! glad I'm not there!), there are wars being threatened on almost every continent, there is a global energy crisis, cholera outbreaks, HIV epidemics, not enough clean water etc. But I am learning other things too. (Like how to suck up my pride?) And it seems an appropriate time for me to be reading The Grapes of Wrath. I am keeping in mind that it is not just my situation that seems dour, that in fact, people have gone through similar and much worse situations before, and prevailed. I just need to surround myself with happy people, and so the story goes, I will be happy too.