Amber's Favorite Photo Friday inspired me to post this picture of Chris with his high school pride and joy, a Datsun 260z.
Look at that hair...it appears to be a mullet!!
That's my husband and I love him!
Chris (circa 1988)
Amber's Favorite Photo Friday inspired me to post this picture of Chris with his high school pride and joy, a Datsun 260z.
Look at that hair...it appears to be a mullet!!
That's my husband and I love him!
My first and last (not) for-profit scrapbook.
A few weeks ago, as the layoffs were looming, I started thinking about ways to make a living without working for "the man" (as Chris calls it). I posted on a freelance site for "left brain" work (i.e., the type of work I usually do) To foster "right brain" creative work I so rarely get to do, I posted on craigslist that I would make scrapbooks for people too busy to make them themselves.
I didn't think much would happen with either venture, but on Monday, someone responded to my scrapbook posting! I met the woman at Wal-Mart and helped her pick out supplies. She needs it by Friday, so I knew I would need to work quickly. But what else do I have to do? Quite a bit, actually, but I still have enough time to do this scrapbook.
Ah, time. Any guesses how much time this is taking? I'm not keeping track, so there won't be a prize for best guess. Way too much. Especially given my rate of $1 per page. The scrapbook will be 25-30 pages, so that means I'll make less than $30 for at least a full day's work. Here's a sneak preview of my handiwork.
As Chris pointed out, I'm making less per hour on this project than Jack is making at his job (minus tips!).
I love the idea of this and it really is fun, even if it's for a stranger. But a money-making venture it will never be. Unless I charge more. What do you think is a fair rate? Would you ever pay someone to make a scrapbook for you? I would never charge family and friends (if anyone's interested during my current free time...) I'm just doing a little market research!
I didn't think much would happen with either venture, but on Monday, someone responded to my scrapbook posting! I met the woman at Wal-Mart and helped her pick out supplies. She needs it by Friday, so I knew I would need to work quickly. But what else do I have to do? Quite a bit, actually, but I still have enough time to do this scrapbook.
Ah, time. Any guesses how much time this is taking? I'm not keeping track, so there won't be a prize for best guess. Way too much. Especially given my rate of $1 per page. The scrapbook will be 25-30 pages, so that means I'll make less than $30 for at least a full day's work. Here's a sneak preview of my handiwork.
As Chris pointed out, I'm making less per hour on this project than Jack is making at his job (minus tips!).
I love the idea of this and it really is fun, even if it's for a stranger. But a money-making venture it will never be. Unless I charge more. What do you think is a fair rate? Would you ever pay someone to make a scrapbook for you? I would never charge family and friends (if anyone's interested during my current free time...) I'm just doing a little market research!
Update on Chris' recovery.
Thirteen days after rupturing his Achilles tendon and six days after surgery, Chris is feeling "fine."
He says "the pains that were firing up my nerves happened a couple of times today - but other than that..."
Chris says thank you for all of the "get well soon" wishes! Here he is with the plant and balloon from Mom and Dad.
You can see that the cast covers the majority of his right lower leg. His next appointment is on July 2, but we're not sure what will happen at that time. Chances are that he will wear the cast for a few more weeks and a walking cast after that.
Why is the Achilles tendon so important?
The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. It is a tendinous structure (attaches muscle to bone) that forms from a combination of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscles located in the calf. The tendon attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus) and causes the foot to push off (plantar flex) when the calf muscles tighten. The tendon is necessary for normal walking, running, and jumping. Athletic and traumatic injuries to the Achilles tendon are common and can be disabling
.What is an Achilles tendon rupture?
Achilles tendon rupture is a severe and disabling injury. A rupture usually takes place a couple of inches above the joining of the tendon and the heel bone. This typically occurs when someone contracts, or tightens, the calf muscle and suddenly pushes off the foot, such as in basketball or racquet sports. The injured person experiences pain, swelling, and an inability to stand on their tiptoes.
Resumption of full athletic activity usually takes four to six months, or longer, after injury in the surgically treated patient. Surgically repaired tendons heal stronger with less chance of rerupture.
Source: http://www.hughston.com/hha/a_15_1_5.htm
What's in a name?
You must wonder why I named my blog "roving sugarbeet." It is unusual, I admit, but with the more typical names unavailable I had to be creative!
Here was my thinking:
roving = my penchant for moving and changing jobs
sugarbeet = Chris' nickname for me
As Chris said, "a roving sugarbeet gathers no moss."
Isn't that a zen thought for the day! :)
Here was my thinking:
roving = my penchant for moving and changing jobs
sugarbeet = Chris' nickname for me
As Chris said, "a roving sugarbeet gathers no moss."
Isn't that a zen thought for the day! :)
The great kumla experiment and lessons learned.
Welcome to my blog! I didn't think I had anything interesting to write about, but I thought y'all (as they say here in the South) might like to see this one.
Kumla. Komla. Klub. However one spells/says it, these potato dumplings are a favorite of my family and many others of Norwegian descent. Although I've ingested hundreds of them over the years and have even assisted Grandma Dottie a time or two, I've questioned my ability to achieve the requisite balance of potatoes and flour.
After assisting Grandma last weekend and watching Bonnie grind the potatoes in her blender rather than the typical hand grinder, I decided it was time to give it a try!
Lesson One: The importance of this balance cannot be underestimated. Mine was heavy on the flour, which results in heavy, dense kumla.
I just learned today that Chris managed to date and marry me without ever having kumla! How did this happen?
Lesson Two: It is possible to marry into our family without eating kumla first. Chris liked it - whew - he can stay! I told him that this batch is nothing compared to Grandma Dottie's!
As Jack said, "good, for a first try." Mr. Finicky ate at least five.
Lesson Three: Anything edible on the first try (unlike my lefse attempt) is worth a second chance!
And yes, Grandma, I'll go easy on the flour this time!
Kumla. Komla. Klub. However one spells/says it, these potato dumplings are a favorite of my family and many others of Norwegian descent. Although I've ingested hundreds of them over the years and have even assisted Grandma Dottie a time or two, I've questioned my ability to achieve the requisite balance of potatoes and flour.
After assisting Grandma last weekend and watching Bonnie grind the potatoes in her blender rather than the typical hand grinder, I decided it was time to give it a try!
I just learned today that Chris managed to date and marry me without ever having kumla! How did this happen?
Lesson Two: It is possible to marry into our family without eating kumla first. Chris liked it - whew - he can stay! I told him that this batch is nothing compared to Grandma Dottie's!
As Jack said, "good, for a first try." Mr. Finicky ate at least five.
Lesson Three: Anything edible on the first try (unlike my lefse attempt) is worth a second chance!
And yes, Grandma, I'll go easy on the flour this time!
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