2/23/2006

I can do it!

Alright, this may not make anyone as happy as me, but I finally created my own reports in Filemaker!

See, I was all happy when I started my new job. Espcially because they use Mac's, and as many of you know, since the purchase of my powerbook a few years ago, I am loving the Mac. The downside is that my years of becoming an Access expert were left in the dust, as Access is one of the few programs that does not cross platforms. So the Filemaker database and I met, with a little trepidation, but since I consider myself pretty tech savvy, and I'm curious and always eager to learn, I thought it would be a piece of cake. Not so.

Many days involved me hitting my head into my desk. Many times I prayed to have Access. And many hours were spent running and rerunning data so that I could get the answers I needed. But with the help of our wonderful Database Designer, a few manuals and the Filemaker forums on google, I've pretty much taught myself what I need to know so that I can run my own report and actually analyze and evaluate all the work I'm doing. Today, I printed my first official "solicitation/designation" reports. Now I can get information on all our fundraising revenue in less that 10 minutes so WOO HOO for me!

2/14/2006

Nothing says I Love You...

Like a half pound of pancetta.

Cause I love my sweetie!

Happy Valentines Day!

g

2/13/2006

Snow Day = Kitchen Day

Woo Hoo, I finally got some snow this winter! Of course, it did prevent me from going to the Indigo Girls concert with sis and best bud R, but instead, I spent the weekend in the kitchen. It had been a long time since I got to do that.

Saturday night we simmered some Beef Stew - I make mine with Guinness, bottom round, potatoes, carrots, celery, bay leaves and a touch of Worcestershire. The snow was not hitting record amount that evening, but still looked pretty!

Sunday, my inner baker took over and I made cookies. Lots of cookies. Those are honey poppyseed, anisette, and pecan shorbreads.

I want more weekends like this one.

2/10/2006

Pretty...

Happy winter Olympics ?! And it's not just because I'll be there in Torino/Turin in the fall, but I'll admit I'm a sucker for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. I am often impressed and cynical about the performances, and we have a blast commenting on the theatrics of it.

This year's was no exception, and the "giant skier" was totally cool, as were the skaters with the flames shooting out of their head. I didn't quite get the cows, and I really wish the camera work was a little less "all over" so I could see some better full stage views, but overall very nice - specially the fireworks?.

Then came the parade of nations. This is one of my favorite parts, because I am always amazed at how REAL everyone is. There are no politics, no issues, just everyone excited and thrilled to be part of the Olympics. I don't know how I felt about the US athlete on the cell phone (it figures), but I like to believe she was talking to her 100 year old grandmother who was very proud of her little girl.

Then back to the theatrics - which are so much fun. Leave it to the Italians to reenact a painting. Amazing dance, acrobatics, costuming and pyrotechnics - and cars too! (Do you get the Ferrari if you win a gold?) I also like their taste in women. And John, I think Dance Plus nees some rigging choreography too - that was completely cool. Of course, I hate to ruin a moment but Yoko did sort of kill the moment for me. I am a little worried about Mr. Gabriel - he looked older than I rembered, but his voice hasn't aged a day - still amazing. Oh, and jack's building me the torch for our backyard.

All in all an impressive cermony! Now I'llprobably watch the occasional event, but the sports don't always hod my interest like the cermonies do. but that's the theatre girl in me. Così, goda i giochi olimpici de Torino!