Update

Here is where we are with the new job thing:

1.) All my references have been contacted. All have informed me that they were told the company intended to make me an offer. The two from my current job told me that the CEO basically apologized for stealing me away.

2.) The CEO emailed me to say that all my references had nice things to say about me, and they will be in contact with me in the next few days

3.) I'm on pins and needles

It does look good, even I will admit that, but until I receive the formal offer I refuse to get formally excited or to start making formal plans. Oh, I've given some thought as to things that will need to be done -- cross training for the research assistants I have right now, writing up reports on my current projects and what will need to be done with them, how I'll dispose of some of my stuff and move the rest, housing issues when I get there -- Dancing in Socks Guy has a smallish 1-bedroom which will not be enough for us and all the kitties -- and things like that. But I'm too superstitious to write any of this down.

Except -- today I'm going to start sorting through my stuff, particularly the 500+ paperback books I have. My excuse is that I was going to have a yard sale sometime this summer anyway, which is certainly true, therefore this doesn't count as moving preparations and does not constitute a jinx of any kind.

I'm a bit of a mess ;)

Elle

Phoenix has landed!

Geeks everywhere rejoice!

And I count myself among their number. This is a really big deal, especially given that about half of the Mars missions to date have failed for one reason or another. To the more sensitive taxpayers among us, that is a terrible failure rate, but in reality, it's amazing. Think of it -- sending an object smaller than your car across interplanetary space, getting it to land just where you want it with no way to physically fix anything which may have broken during flight and due to the fifteen-minute lag in radio signal, no way to course-correct once it's entered the atmosphere.

Phoenix will not tell us whether or not there is life -- the microbial version -- currently extant on Mars, but it will tell us if there might once have been. You hear a lot about the big scientific discoveries, but what most people don't realize is these almost arise de novo. They are nearly always preceded by a lot of minor discoveries, work without which the big stuff could not have been found. Calibration is everything in science, and Phoenix should give us a lot to work with.

Is there life on Mars right now? Obviously, I don't know but I will say it wouldn't surprise me. It's bacterial in nature, if it does exist, and bacteria are persistent little critters. They're everywhere, including arctic regions of our planet which are very much like the arctic regions of Mars.

And if there is life there, what then? I agree with the late Carl Sagan. If there is life on Mars, even of the simplest kind, then it's hands-off. Mars belongs to the Martians.

Elle

Mad World

I haven't posted in a while, but it's been a busy couple of weeks. Besides the upcoming site visit at work, I've been on the road the last two weekends in a row.

The first was a trip to another New England state to watch my niece compete in the regional gymnastics meet. This was quite the family road trip, in fact, quite the blended family road trip. C is my brother's daughter. He and her mother were in a long-term relationship but never married, and after C was born, finally broke up for good. C now splits her time between them, and also spends a lot of time with my mom, who watches her several days a week after school. C's mother K is now involved with a great guy, B. B is older, and has two college-age children (both of whom are really great kids) and can always be found at these gymnastics meets with K, cheering C on.

So, two weekends ago found me, my brother J, C, K and B all driving up to Maine together for the meet. My mom and aunt D came up separately in another car. We spent the night there, mom and D in one room, K and B in their room, while J, C and I bunked in a third. I don't think J and B will ever go fishing together, but it was nice and comfortable, all of us hanging out in one room eating junk food and drinking beer while watching the Celtics as C ran up and down the hallways screaming along with the 100 other little gymnasts who were also staying there. The meet went very well, and C placed high on most of her events (we won't talk about the beam) and high overall. Not bad!

Last weekend found me in Albuquerque, visiting my Dancing in Socks Guy and ... having a second interview with the company I hope to get hired by. I don't want to jinx it, but it went very well. Phrases like "we're very interested" and "what are your salary requirements" and "what would the time line for your moving be?" were bandied about. This job is a very good fit for me, my qualifications are about 99% congruent with the job description and the technology seems feasible to me. We are at the reference-checking stage, and I don't anticipate any problems with that. Generally when I get to this stage I get the job, but there was one time I did not -- one of the higher-ups decided I wouldn't like the salary they were offering, even though I said it was fine, and it was, and that was that.

So, it looks good, but you never know. We'll see.

Most interesting in all of this is Grant Leader's reaction. While it's tempting to just flounce out of this job with an obscenity-laden goodbye, in reality, I can't do that. Too many other people, people who have been very good to me, would be affected and as brutal as the last few months were under GL, the fact remains that GL was also very good to me at one point in time. So, I sat down with GL and explained the situation, and it went very well.

There are two things at play here -- one, GL has been quite friendly and reasonable for the last two months. Whether that's because meds have been adjusted or the planets are aligned just so, I don't know, but things have been great. The second, and probably most helpful thing, is that this job is in Albuquerque, where my fiance lives, and even GL doesn't want to stand in the way of True Love. This is a perfect out for both of us -- GL can accept my leaving for this reason, whereas if I just went down the road apiece and got a similar job it would be seen as a betrayal.

With all this in mind, I asked GL to be a reference. That might, at first glance, seem like professional suicide, but I have another from the University as well, and while GL is emotionally labile, GL is basically honest. As it happens, there was nothing to worry about. I was BCC'd on the written one GL sent off, and it was positively glowing.

I am getting nervous about this ... the possibility of moving. I've moved myself cross-country before, but this time I find myself obsessing about things. The cats ... how will they deal with it? What if one escapes on the trip? I'm getting them micro-chipped (which sets off a whole other line of obsessive worrying about feline cancer) and they will be wearing collars with tags (which sets off yet another line of obsessive fears that they will strangle themselves, as they don't normally wear collars) and either mom or Dancing in Socks Guy will drive out with me so I'll have help, but nonetheless, I worry.

Idiotically enough, I don't worry about what should be the real fear, how my little feline heart patient, Lilly, will do. She's asymptomatic, but with feline heart conditions this means nothing, as that can change very fast. I suppose I don't worry as she's already traveled -- her foster mother flew with her (in the cabin, not as freight) from Cleveland to Boston and Lilly weathered that trip just fine. I'll have a supply of emergency meds with me, and God knows I know what to do if she goes into congestive heart failure, and for preparedness' sake I'll have all their medical records with me and a list of vets along the route ... well, maybe I am more worried than I thought I was.

So, that's where I am now. Updates as the situation warrants.

Elle

Social Sparking!

I was one of the lucky individuals chosen to participate in alpha testing for SocialSpark.com, and now that SocialSpark.com is in beta testing, it's obvious to me that it's really picking up steam!

SocialSpark.com is a unique way for bloggers and advertisers to get to know each other, sort of a social-networking community. Unlike other paid-blogging sites, SocialSpark.com bloggers and advertisers have the chance to interact directly with each other. I'm a blogger, of course, and I'm impressed with the number and kinds of advertisers SocialSpark.com has attracted.

That said, here's a few ideas as to the kinds of advertisers I'd like to see join SocialSpark.com as well. In no particular order:

1.) Local advertisers. Many bloggers have a "national" audience, but we also draw a sizable readership from our local community. Small businesses could really benefit from this kind of advertising -- it's very cost effective, and as SocialSpark.com requires honesty in its posts, readers can rest assured that if I rave about my local pizza place, I mean it. That means you, Pomodori Roast Beef & Pizzeria!

2.) Pet care stuff. I spend an inordinate amount of time talking about my cats on this blog. One of said felines would eat nothing but Whiskas Temptations Treats if I let her. I would love, love, love to blog about that. Alternately, given my newfound dedication to frugality, I'd love to blog about special deals at places like PetSmart and Petco.

3.) Public service stuff. Many states spend a significant amount of money advertising various programs and public education stuff. Bloggers would be a great way to extend these messages to an even wider audience. I just did a post about water safety, sponsored by the state of Arizona. I think that's a great idea, and I'd love to do more of it.

Those are just a few ideas. Readers? What kind of brands or subjects would you like to see me blog about?

Elle

Cleochatra, I *love* you!

And not just for the tasty recipes!

As I keep mentioning, I've been away for a bit, and I am just now catching up on things. In the process, I see that Cleochatra has mentioned this blog on her Low-Carb Examiner site.

That explains all the hits!

I am so honored. It's no surprise to me that Cleochatra has the following she does. She's a fabulous writer, so funny, warm and real. Let me add "generous" and "kind" to her list of qualities.

Thanks, Cleo!

Elle

Just Fascinating

So, it seems that while I was away tending to various matters, a bit of a hoo-ha erupted over on the Fascination Threads regarding who could say what about who and how and when.

Okay.

I've always had a perfectly good relationship with whoever runs Low Carb Friends, which is to say, no relationship at all. I've never been chastened for infractions or banned or anything like that. I post on their boards, and I obey the rules and all is well.

Contingent on that, of course, is knowing what the rules are and I think that may be part of the problem here. A corollary to that is enforcing the rules across the board, in and evenhanded manner, and it seems to me that this is where the problem lies -- at least in perception -- that neither of these things are happening.

So, here is my advice, LCF admins -- figure out what you want to have happen or not happen. Then state it publicly. And enforce it for everyone.

Not everyone will agree with those rules, of course, but it seems to me this is the best way to achieve whatever it is you want.

Elle

Safe Boating

I live next to a large body of water (the Atlantic Ocean) and every summer, it seems, brings a story of some moron who gets into some kind of trouble by boating while intoxicated. I'm sure everyone who lives in areas where recreational water sports are popular has heard the same.

For whatever reason, some people associate boating and other water sports with drinking. Now, I like a nice glass of wine or a good, cold beer as much as the next person, but I like one, possibly two, and no more. And, I like them in situations where I will not be operating any kind of vehicle. I'm not the only one who feels that way. The state of Arizona has started a Boating Education Online campaign to alert people to the issue of alcohol-related boating deaths and accidents.



Boating Operating Under the Influence is every bit as illegal -- and dangerous -- as it is to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence. In fact, 50% of all fatal boating accidents in Arizona involved alcohol. You don't have to live in Arizona to benefit from checking out the Arizona Boating page, there's good information there for anyone who boats or operates a personal watercraft, no matter where you live.

Check out these videos for more information about safe boating in Arizona!





Elle

This and That ...

I've been away for a bit, but things have been busy. An update on that in a bit.

Today is a beautiful day, sunny, warm-ish, and spring has fully exploded here in Massachusetts, finally. I'm trying to work up the will to get off the couch and go enjoy it.

The Ted Kennedy thing ... some predictions. When it becomes necessary for him to give up his senate seat, expect to see Mitt Romney run for it, assuming he's not been asked to run with John McCain. There's no way he'll be appointed to it, if Kennedy has to give it up before his term expires, since we have a Democrat governor, but Slick Mitt will run for it, surrounded by his preternaturally cheerful wife and their many Chiclet-toothed sons.

I don't normally buy into the whole Biased Mainstream Media thing, but I may have to revisit this. The whole flap about the Bobby Kennedy remarks by Hillary Clinton -- was anybody listening to what she actually said? The point, obvious to me when I heard it, before her explanation, was that RFK was still running in June, without a lock on the nomination, when he was assassinated. Not that Obama was going to be assassinated. And I'm no Clinton fan.

As for Obama -- look, guy, you may have a lot of people fooled but I can tell you're reading off a teleprompter. And I don't like you. I'm no McCain fan, either, but he is going to eat you for lunch because the second you have to speak without the benefit of scripted words and soaring phrases, it will be painfully evident just how much of a lightweight you actually are.

Elle

Heidi? Is that you?

Searching for "elle journal on low carb"? From a Comcast IP in Corona, California? How's the court case going?

I got a screenshot ;)

Elle

The post in which I indulge in a bit of politcal ranting ...

I should be an Obama supporter. I fit his demographics. White, over-educated, listen to NPR religiously, socially moderate to liberal, fiscally moderate, friend to people from all races and lover to an Indigenous American. And I'm from Massachusetts!

But I'm not an Obama supporter. I'm not supporting any of the candidates. I'll vote, mind you, but I'll write in the name of a lucky Red Sox player as my choice for president, as I always do when I don't like the available choices.

But I will not vote for Obama, under any circumstances. He's a political child, he's all talk and precious little substance, he's just as bad a panderer as Clinton except he's more subtle, and he is the biggest mistake this country is about to make.

Barack Obama is just a more articulate, more appealing, more charismatic, younger version of George W. Bush. Nothing more.

Elle

Mmm, shoes!

Infinity Shoes!

That is the name of what has just become my new favorite website. They have a huge selection of shoes and boots, from styles which range from casual to dressy and the prices are quite good. I've spent the better part of an hour looking through this site and I'm still not done.

As I mentioned, they have a huge range of styles. I really like the seychelles shoes, particularly the "Drive a Hybrid" boots. I love the pattern on those! The minnetonka boots are very cool as well, especially "Sail Fish." But, my favorite style may well be the tsubo shoes. These are just gorgeous, especially "Celini" and "Kiva."

Shoes, believe it or not, make a great gift for someone, though it's not always the first thing that comes to mind. However, I had a birthday recently and got a great pair of boots from a friend, so trust me -- if you know the recipient' shoe size, shoes may very well be the way to go in terms of a gift.

Infinity Shoes offers free shipping on all orders over $59.98 (at least they do right now, it's a limited offer) which is very nice, as shipping charges add up. Quickly. I'd like to mention, too, that Infinity Shoes also has physical store locations, so if you happen to be in New York City, you might want to drop by. The rest of us will have to make do with the website. Give them a look, you won't be sorry you did!

Elle

Godspeed, Eight Belles

I hope, beautiful thing, that at the very moment you were put out of your pain, you opened your eyes, got up from the dirt where you lay, and began to run. That you ran towards a burst of light, which led to a beautiful pasture, filled with smooth green grass free from rocks and holes. A pasture where there are other horses to commune with, where you can do whatever you like, whenever you like. A place where you will not be forced to run your over-bred, fragile body for the profit of those who owned small pieces of you on Earth. A place where you will never be hurt so over-dressed women wearing too much make-up accompanied by men who could benefit from a few laps around a track themselves can spend an afternoon drinking and staring at all the funny hats.

Elle

Ecco Bella -- Here is Beauty!

There's a trend towards organic everything nowadays. Ecco Bella (which means "here is beauty" in Italian) is a line of cosmetics that offers Mineral Makeup and other organic beauty products, such as shampoos, body lotions and skin care.

Not only are these products formulated from organic ingredients, they are cruelty-free, never tested on animals. Whether or not you care if your beauty products are organic, I think most people would agree that cruelty-free is always the way to go when it comes to personal care products.

Ecco Bella has a very wide range of products, something for everyone, and I use some of them myself and I love them. Give them a try, or give them to someone else -- Mother's Day is coming up!

Elle

Breakfast Burrito

So, I'm heading back to Albuquerque on May 17, for a second interview with that company, scheduled for May 19. Think good thoughts for me, please!

One of the things I love about Albuquerque, aside from seeing the love of my life, is the food. One thing I must always, always have when I'm out there is a breakfast burrito from The Frontier. Oh, how I love them. These are one of my "planned cheat" items, as they are made with white-flour tortillas and potatoes.

This morning I woke up with a powerful craving for a breakfast burrito, and was sad that I could not have one. They are a "cheat" item, after all, and it is not time to cheat. And then, I realized the following:

1.) I have eggs
2.) I have bacon
3.) I have Hatch chilies (canned, thanks to Dancing in Socks Guy who brought a case with him the last time he was here)
4.) I have cheese
5.) I have low-carb tortillas

Thus, with my muscular intellect, honed to razor-sharpness by years in higher education, I came to the conclusion that I could, in fact, have a legal breakfast burrito and that all that would be missing was the potatoes.

So I did. About 6 g total. And it was good!

Elle

Mother's Day Gifts

What are you doing for Mother's Day?

Many people decry Mother's Day as a holiday created by commercial interests. However, while its status as an organized holiday in the United States is relatively recent (1908 or so) the concept of a special day to honor mothers is actually quite a bit older than that. The US holiday has its genesis in "Mothering Sunday," a UK tradition that dates back to the 16th century. On Mothering Sunday, individuals would visit their "home church" (aka their "mother church"), meaning the church they attended as children and would presumably be reunited on that day with their parents, assuming they were still alive and belonging to the same parish.

Even if I felt Mother's Day was a cheap commercial holiday, there is no way I could skip it because it would break my own mother's heart. Mom lives for this kind of thing, and who am I to disappoint her? So, I capitulate. My own taste in cards, for example, runs to the quirky and funny but on Mother's Day I pick out the biggest, rose-covered card I can find, one which preferable has something like "What is a Mother?" on the front because I know that's what Mom likes.

She also adores flowers, so thank goodness for 1800Flowers and their wide selection of mothers day flowers and gift ideas. There's something there for all tastes and they have a handy Mother's Day Gift Guide for those of you not lucky enough to have a mother who is very specific about what she does and does not like by way of a Mother's Day gift. Like mine.

Mother's Day is coming up soon, guys, a week from this Sunday. If you're still trying to think of a nice gift for mom, visit 1800Flowers and see what they have for mothers day flowers and gifts!

Elle

Elegy for my clutch

Well, here we are. The end of the road. For you, anyway as I am now driving about with your replacement. Your very expensive replacement, but truly, as much as I hate parting with that much money in one go, clutch, I know you guys don't come cheap and, hey, the car isn't going anywhere without you.

I will say this, the pain I felt in seeing the repair bill was pretty well offset by the fact that I made one clutch last for over 155,000 miles. Oh, the guys in the shop were pretty impressed with that too. One even went so far as to say, "I can't believe a woman got 155,568 miles out of one clutch!"

Yes, you slack-jawed mouth-breathing jackass, a woman did just that. And the credit for that goes to another woman, Mom, who taught me how to drive a standard in the first place. Mom, a lot of the advice you've given me over the years has ranged from good to whacky, but there was one invaluable bit of maternal guidance I am forever grateful for, and that is this.

"Don't ride the clutch!!!"

Adieu and Godspeed, clutch. Thank you for the many years of service.

Elle