Easy Quick Fun Craft

Jars Aren't Just for Jam ...

When washing out a jar so I could recycle it I noticed how cool the jar looked when the label was off. I thought "I could do something with that." So I did. And now you can too.

The end result is whatever YOU make it but basically this is what you're going for...

Here's shwat you need to have.

So a clean glass jar (you chose size and shape), puff paint, double sided tape and lastly construction paper (again there are no rules as to what you have to use!).

So side note. I love puff paint. I should make a shirt using puff paint saying that I love puff paint. BELIEVE me...once you've bought those little puffers you will use them OVER and OVER again ... totally worth it. Plus the other craft ideas I'm going to put up later will be using the same materials...because well I'm cheap :)

I got everything from Fred Meyer. The paper is just in their CRAFT (of course) section ... it's supposed to be used to post pictures on...but we are more creative than that.

Here we go:

1. Take paper and cut it so it'll fit into the jar.
   
2. Remove paper and write whatever it is on the paper that you want. Use black sharpie so that you can use the paints to highlight your words and creativity.
   
3. Put a piece of double-sided tape on upper left corner then the lower right corner on the front of the paper you'll be using. This is so the paper will stick to the inside of the jar when you put it in there! Be careful when taping once it's in there it's hard to remove and doesn't look right if it's not straight.
   
4. Now it's really up to you. Take your puff paint and go for it! The paint gives your jar dimension and texture...this is what makes me like this project so much.
5. Some ideas for what on earth to put on your jar are :
   

• Like the example shown above I made a jar as to why I "heart" my boyfriend. Sweet easy gift.
• Do something festive ... I did these for Halloween.

• Or "I'm thankful for ..." on it. Or for Christmas theme a jar that supposedly holds snowmen supplies. Etc.

Tips for writing on the glass:

• Go slow. Once it's on there it's hard to fully wipe off.
• Watch your hands. They can get messy.

• If you are doing words hover when writing don't push too hard.
  
• If the writing is too thin you can always go over it after it's dried.
• Don't press the bottle too hard ... I guess just use your own judgment ... I mean it IS only puff paint.

Thanks for reading. This is my first post ... so tips on how I can make it better would help! I hope I inspired you.

Momentum

I don't know what I want to do with my life.
Well that's a lie ... so far I've learned that
... I want to interact with people everyday
... I want to be on the move mostly but have a desk to come back to at the end of the day ... BUT I don't want to be tethered to it.
... I want to be able to improve, inform and or better viewers' / listeners' / readers' lives with my work.
... I want to tell a story ... I like the idea of features or producing.
.... I want to be apart of something great and innovative and creative something that makes me feel like I'm doing something useful with my life.
... I want a job where I can see and be seen.
... I want a job that challenges me but I can challenge it ... take the job requirements and stick with the ones that work and change those that don't. set new standards.

Today was my second home game working as a "gopher" for the Seahawks radio broadcast. I kept having to mentally pinch myself when I was up in the press box behind the announcers watching the game. And had to almost literally snap out of it when the Hawks ran past me into the locker room. I may not be anyone yet but just being in the press box made me feel like someone. By that I guess I mean I had a purpose, I was privileged...lucky? better? (even though the last may not be true ... it's how I felt) I was surrounded by people that do what I and that hundreds of others dream of doing. The men and women that walk or at times race around the press box casually exchanging greetings have no idea how much I idolize them. How much I envy them ... how i want to sit them down and ask a million questions on how I get to where they are. They have worked hard to be in the position they are in. They took the steps or giant strides necessary to get them where they are. I admire that so much. It makes my goals dreams aspirations what have you more attainable.

I am not good with technical things, computers hate me, I am no good with smoozing so I think that half the business I crave to be apart of is out of my reach as of now ... but I am good at well...talking ... being real. I get this energy and confidence with people and as of late, with people I don't know ... and I like it. doing promotional work is the only good fit i have found so far. I like interacting with people while showing them something that will brighten their day ... I like asking random people (mind you on how random random is) about their day. You never know what you'll find.

For example...Nordstrom Rack had only one bathroom available...there was a huge line of like 8 people waiting for this single serve restroom and one employee was assigned to tell every customer what the deal was. After standing there maybe a minute 4 people had asked the same question and given the same annoyed response to this poor woman guarding the bathroom. I began talking with her, why not ? I was already stuck in line doomed to use a bathroom that had been used back to back to back by women and ugh men...why not make the most of it.

I asked her when her shift was over. She had 15 min left. In the time it took 4 guys to pee I found out she went to Cordon Bleu of Seattle and is moving back home to her two high schoolers in CA after this month. The surprise on her face when I showed interest in her life is half the reason I have begun to be friendlier...plus I learned something about her life that I never would have known otherwise.

This may not be something I can put on my resume but as of now this interest and confidence I have with people is the only thing I know I'm alright at. I hope it can point me into the right direction of my dream job or maybe in the right direction to the bottom of the steps up to my dream job.

I don't really know what this post was about ... more for me I guess to sort through things...

I just don't want to lose this motivation and drive that's been refreshed by working the game today. Granted what I do doesn't take brain power. What it does take is patience and to be there for those slim chances when I AM needed and then doing exactly as I'm told.

BTW (please forgive my writing/babbling this evening. I am aware that what I've written is full of confusing backward run on sentences but this is a blog not published work).

But like I was saying seeing the producers, announcers, hosts, media executives all in one place doing their jobs and having fun is inspiring. There is a place where you can have your cake and eat it too and I got to spend 7 hours there today. it's kind of like dangling a carrot (or in my case an apple) in front of a rabbit and having them chase it. My goal is not attainable yet but if my hunger is great enough and i work hard enough I'll outsmart who ever is hanging the dang fruit in front of me and get the apple my own way...at the end of the chase satisfied knowing I didn't just work hard but I used my skills and knowledge in the process. Make sense? Probably not. I think I just ruined that story. But eh it makes sense to me ... that's how i see it working out for me. ah anyway it's late... this may sound like a bunch of crap in the morning but at least it's out of my head now.

good night.

The Gym

Most of my shift at work is during the dull part of the day until everyone gets off work at 5...so I have time to people watch and have my mind drift a little bit. I've noticed that there is quite a variety at Golds. There are the hot moms and dads you wouldn't think have kids until they come out of the daycare with three screaming children and newly colored pictures. There are the body builders that have their certain machine they always use and their outfits that they always wear. There are the shy high school boys that will in a year be twice the size they are now thanks to puberty. And there are the young couples that always come in together ... I envy them. I wish I was close enough to my boy friend to be able to tell the other one to get off the couch and come lift with me.

I have also learned that people are incredibly distrustful and shady. At first I wrote in detail what we watch out for as a staff but that's probably not in my best interest. I'll just say...It's quite sad that I have to constantly be on my toes because everywhere you turn it seems like someone is stealing something.

On the other hand there are those members that make my day. People have been coming to the gym for years now. I am the newbee and they are not exactly always keen on me. But when I do get a nice member it makes me forget about the rude ones. For example I was cleaning the cardio floor and recycled a water bottle that was left on a machine...turns out it the gentleman using it wasn't done! He was this elderly man (wearing a button up short sleeve tee to work out in and socks up to his knees) who looked very confused when he went to the spot he had left his water. I saw this and knew what had happened. I gave him a new water for free. After his work out he came up to me and said I made the mistake of rewarding his forgetfullness by giving him a full new bottle when the one i recycled was almost gone and from home. He winked and waddled out of the gym.

Another funny story is about this elderly Asian man who is very forgetful. I have to say hello and goodbye to every member whether they have head phones in or not ... I said have a good day to the guy as he left and he turned around and waved. I looked up moments later and he was back ... for his coat ... we chatted about the weather and he was gone again. I had dejavu when he came back in a second time forgetting his keys. I was not expecting to see this guy until the next day whenn he came in a third time. I told him if he can't stay away he might as well admit it and he goes I forgot one more thing. At this moment an elderly asian woman comes out of the locker room. He forgot his wife. I told him I wouldn't tell and they left hand in hand both waving goodbye to me.

I'm not sure why I'm writing this but I like to be able to see a glimpse into some people's lives. They all come to Gold's for different reasons and all get some kind of satisfaction there. They choose to be there and I am inspired that day after day they take the time to take care of themselves. As they walk in and when they leave I wonder where they are coming from and where they are going. By looking at me do they know I'm a recent graduate trying desperately to make it into the journalism field? Can they tell that I am head over heels for my boy friend in Oregon? Do they know I have a little brother and two cats at home? No they don't. And I don't know anything about them. But I like wondering what secrets they keep and what their life is like.

I've learned from my job so far that a smile really is contagious.

I am going to go listen to KIRO 97.3 FM now so I know what's going on in the world.

Love you,
Kris

Watching the World Cup

This morning I ran an errand for my madre then headed to Gold's Gym to get a quick work out in. I have been working there since I got home and am enjoying it ... plus I get a free membership! I work Monday through Wednesday 2-7. Then head to my internship at KIRO Newstalk Radio (http://www.mynorthwest.com/) until 11 pm after my work shift M and T nights! Wed I only work at the gym. Thursday and Friday I get more hours at the station working 2-6.

Writing for radio is difficult and I will just have to keep at it and taking criticism from the anchors and reporters on my work. Even though I had heard it a bazillion times ... I have to take initiative with my internship and work as hard and quickly as possible. My hand was not held in college and in the real world I don't even get a high five haha Basically what I have learned to do is to check all the news sites avaliable in the Seattle NW area, cut up sound bites from our news partner King 5, conduct interviews and answer the phone! Woo. Every mistake I make I learn from and since I am paying (well Granny your generosity is paying for it) for this out of pocket every time I am there it really counts!

I don't really do much outside of work, intern, work out and read/watch the news but I like having a semi structured productive life style! I do have Saturdays off and am trying to visit Seattle with friends as often as I can.

I still have to talk to mom/steven/you guys about coming down at the end of the month but shoot dang I am so excited! Being back with you all in that HEAT and sunshine will be a great way to graduate officially.

I love you all so very much. And miss you too.

After I write this I'll head downstairs and watch the game with my mum GO NETHERLANDS!!!


Two weekends ago I did have a life and went to Oregon to visit my boy friend Tim and a good long time friend of mine Brit. We played volleyball together and have had a long distance friendship since she graduated from Bothell and headed to Portland. She will be leaving for two years for the Peace Corps at the end of September!

(I'll always try to put a little something fun in here at the end of my posts...just fyi!)

LickitySplit

Quick post about a miraculous idea I had.

New PBnJ plus another B.

Wrap (whole wheat please!) - banana - cut up strawberries - 1 tbs peanutputter

Put those yummies on the tortilla and mush em up to your liking then wrap it up and enjoy!

Add cereal for some crunch :)

Bababombomb Chicken

So the title of this post isn't really a word (ba-ba-bombomb). Just fyi.

My aunt (from TAMPA) and my mom came and visited on Thursday ... which is why I was not present in class ... I know you noticed ... anyway. I chose to make them dinner. Over the past couple of recipes I was introduced to canned tomatoes ... I wanted to use them again. So I found this recipe and made it my own.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoon olive oil
• as much or as little chopped garlic as you'd like
  
• 1 3/4 cups of canned tomatoes (MAKE SURE YOU DRAIN THEM!)
  
• 2 teaspoons of nutmeg
  
• shake some basil in there
  
• 6 teaspoons honey
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 4 small zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (about 4 cup)
• Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook until it starts to soften, about 1 minute.
2. Stir in tomatoes, nutmeg, basil, teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
3. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated but is still somewhat saucy, 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Stir in honey; add chicken and zucchini. Return to a simmer and cover. Cook, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and zucchini is tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Serve over couscous, with potatoes ( I used instant haha) or rice!
   

Trying Something New

So I found out that there is canned salmon...or prepackaged salmon....like you would tuna. I am a fan of tuna melts so I bought Starkist Salmon. Why not? ... how about because I'll never eat it?!

I completely forgot I bought this until I saw a recipe for "flat belly food" in my email account.

• side note: It's really nice to get weekly recipe emails from Self.com. Get this little reminder to take care of yourself in your inbox by signing up with their website. Anyway...

Sweet and Spicy salmon caught my eye. Now salmon salmon is expensive so I'm going to use my Starkist stuff and improvise.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 dried Szechuan chiles (about 1 inch long), seeded (I'm not going to use these)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 pint blueberries (need to buy)
• 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (hmmm need to buy. I hope I can use it later)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 wild salmon fillets (6 oz each), grilled (Ill "grill" them on my george foreman :)

PREPARATION

1. Add sesame oil and garlic; cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes in skillet. Stir in blueberries, apple cider vinegar, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil and cook, mashing berries with a wooden spoon until a thick sauce forms, 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Divide sauce over salmon fillets.

I'll let ya know how this goes after I make it.
-Kris

Pasta Salad in a Snap

Taking ingredients from the "cook once eat healthy all week" plan I made a bomb pasta salad.
It's colorful, filling, easy and tasty.

1. boil pasta drain run under cool water
2. while pasta is boiling take veggies cut em up, defrost em, get em ready to be eaten by you. I chose peas, carrots, grape tomatoes, lima beans (YES I LIKE THEM), and diced chicken.
3. combine veggies and pasta in tupperware container
4. add LITE Italian dressing to tupperware
5. close
6. shake it baby
7. eat.

You can add subtract whatever it is you like. The key ideas here are portioning...getting a variety of color...and enjoying this bite by bite.

I'm about to go devour mine when I race home for lunch-
Kris

Whoops

AHHHH!
So not only am I not so good with cooking ... I also struggle with computers.
For example ... this morning when I deleted the wrong google account ... the one that was connected to my blog, email, youtube, twitter ... the important one. WHOOPS.
Happy Monday right?
-Kris