Tag: to-do list

So much to do!

My to-do list has blossomed! I signed my offer letter this morning – now I feel like I need to be getting ready for a new school year.

  • My Apple Watch won’t hold a charge for a full day anymore and if I work out, it doesn’t last much past supper time. So I’m off to the Apple Store to see what they can do for me. Apple Watch 10 was announced yesterday! But I don’t think there’s that much difference between the 9 and the 10 so I may not wait. Here’s the announcement about Apple Watch 10 from Apple in case you’re interested: https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-10/?afid=p238%7Cs3R8IOVTb-dc_mtid_20925qtb42335_pcrid_712872752772_pgrid_166902453003_pexid__&cid=wwa-us-kwgo-watch-slid—NonCore-AppleWatchSeries10-Announce-
  • I have to be in the office 3 days a week once I start the new job – and their dress code is business casual. I haven’t been business casual since before Covid! My wardrobe mainly consists of jogger pants and t-shirts. So I’m going to need to do some shopping. I’m thinking along the lines of a capsule wardrobe to give myself a lot of flexibility but not a lot of expense. Here’s some info about a capsule wardrobe: https://theeleganceedit.com/a-business-casual-capsule-wardrobe
  • I’ll be shadowing someone for a while to learn new systems and processes so I’ll need to take a lot of notes. So what will I need? Office supplies! I love college ruled notebooks and who can start a new job without new pens? I’ll be checking out the leftover school supplies at Target.
  • I’m also trying to wrap up a couple of home projects before I’m consumed with the new job – I’m trying to get the dryer vent cleaned which has been MUCH more of a project than you would think. And I’m still working on the grass where I had a tree removed. It’s definitely a process and will include a trip to Lowe’s soon….
    • And my social calendar is blowing up – I’m trying to pack as much fun as I can into the next 2 weeks so playtime with friends is a priority right now. Anyone want to meet for lunch? Dinner? A walk in the park? LOL!

So I’m off to the mall and Target – have a great day!

New Grass

I had a tree removed from my front yard about 3 weeks ago so after they removed the stump, I had an area that was just wood chips and mud. So I’m busily working to get grass growing there. Have you ever needed to seed lawn from scratch? Unfortunately, there’s no sod to be found around here right now so I seeded.

This is what AI told me to do:

Here are some steps you can take to seed a new lawn: 

  1. Prepare the soil. Remove weeds by hand or weed killer, and loosen the soil by raking. If the soil is compacted, you can aerate it. You can also add compost or topsoil if the soil is poor quality. Let the area cultivate for 10–14 days to encourage dormant weeds to appear, then remove them by hand. 
  2. Choose the right seed. Select a type of grass seed that’s suited to your climate and area. 
  3. Spread the seed. You can use a seed spreader or your hands to spread the seed evenly across the area. For larger areas, use a spreader and spread half the seeds in one direction and half in the other to create a crisscross pattern. The manufacturer’s instructions should indicate how much seed to use. 
  4. Rake the seed. Gently rake the seed into the soil to distribute it and cover it with a thin layer of soil. You can also firm down the seed with your foot or a roller to improve contact between the seed and soil. 
  5. Water the seeds. Water the seeds to soften the ends and start the germination process. Keep the soil moist for the first 10 days, and then water every two days for a month after the seeds germinate. You can reduce watering as the grass matures. 
  6. Apply fertilizer. You can apply a small amount of starter fertilizer near the seeds when you plant them to help the seedlings and sod roots establish.

I followed this pretty much to the letter but I haven’t fertilized yet. I did add a few bags of top soil to help level out the area but with all the watering, the soil has settled so it isn’t as level as it was when I started but that’s OK. I’ve been watering morning and evening every day since I put the seed down – I think this is the key to getting good results (especially when you plant in August!).

The grass is about 3″ tall and filling in nicely but I’ll be overseeding it in a couple of weeks to try to encourage more coverage and sod roots before winter.

So there you have it! This works for bare spots and worn areas too – give it a try in your yard!

Apple Pie

I was at the grocery yesterday and picked up a bag of Granny Smith apples. They are BEAUTIFUL. Like take a picture of them beautiful. Too pretty to bake a basic apple pie with. So I’ve been looking at recipes for apple pie variations to try out on this to-do Tuesday.

I think I’ve settled on this from Food & Wine Magazine – but now I need to run to the grocery again for Apricot preserves! And please note – I won’t be using their fancy pie crust but the jury is out on whether I make my own. I’ll let you know how it turns out!

Here’s a link to the recipe for this Deep Dish All American Cinnamon Apple Pie – let me know if you try it too!

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/deep-dish-all-american-cinnamon-apple-pie

Interview to-dos

I have multiple interviews coming up over the next 10 days so today, my to-do list is all about interview prep. I have some helpful tips to help make sure I’m ready:

  • First, I pull out the job description and make notes about how my experience/skill set fills all the posted requirements for the role. This also helps me put together my answer for the inevitable “tell me about yourself” question.
  • Second, I search LinkedIn for the person/people I’m interviewing with so I know if we know anyone in common or if we have worked in the same place. Good for an icebreaker — and REALLY good to read their job descriptions and get an idea about their skill sets.
  • Next, I generally do a Google search for business news regarding the company/industry. It’s always a good idea to know what’s going on with the company and their business. Google is just a start – you can also search on Glassdoor.com for info on the corporate culture.
  • I have a list of behavioral interview questions I’ve collected from a book about interviewing skills as well as my outplacement coach’s website. These are all questions I know from experience I might be asked – or are questions appropriate to the role I’m interviewing for. I run through my list thinking how I would answer each for the role I’m up for — in some cases, I actually write out an answer and practice it so I can answer smoothly in the moment. Using the STAR method to frame my answers is very helpful here (Situation/Task/Action/Result). This bit of prep work has really allowed me to feel MUCH more comfortable in an interview.
  • Frame up questions I want to ask through the interview. Remember, they aren’t just auditioning you – you’re auditioning them as well. So you should ask questions about culture, the team, processes, systems, etc. so you get an idea about whether this is a place you want to spend the next years of your career. I try to work my questions into the conversation of the interview so asking them feels less “forced.”
  • Last – but sometimes not least – I like to read the last SEC statement or annual report for the company I’m interviewing with. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from those government filings and investor facing communications.

These are my best tips – do you have any good ones? I’d love to hear them in the comments!

HOT.

The forecast is for low 90s and HIGH humidity for the rest of this week – so what can you do when it’s too hot to want to be outside?

Living in the Midwest, we have at least one week like this every summer. My own personal to-do list today includes:

  • Trip to the grocery. I’ll be stocking up on veggies and fruits that will make quick, light meals. No oven for me this week!
  • Closing the blinds. You’d be amazed how much cooler my house is with the blinds pulled! Granted, I have a lot of windows (10 in the living room alone!) but that extra shade means my AC doesn’t have to work as hard.
  • Check the schedule for my AC. I have a “smart” thermostat so I program it for temperature by time of day. But when it’s really hot, I like to adjust the settings up a couple of degrees to save energy (and money). It’s also a good idea to check the filter for your HVAC system – no point in making it work any harder than it has to!
  • Check my queues for my streaming services – although the Olympics is also offering a lot of good entertainment too. Today is women’s team gymnastics – and over the next couple of days there is individual apparatus competitions! (Shout out to the Bronze medal winning US Men’s Gymnastics Team!)
  • Water my flowers outdoors. The pots need a little extra care when it’s this hot! And I planted a new shrub on Saturday so it’s going to need some TLC as well.

I think that should hold me. I have a couple of yarn projects to work on so I’m good to go. Stay cool everyone!

Go to the Library!

Have you been to your local library lately? It’s a to-do that you may not realize needs to be done!

Earlier this year, a Facebook group I helped start moved into the real world and we needed a place to meet. Centrally located and with a free study group room, was our local public library. But the more I go there to meet with my group, the more impressed I am with the amenities offered by libraries these days.

Honestly – until a few months ago I hadn’t been in a library for years. There were still card catalog cabinets the last time I had been in one! But today’s libraries aren’t just about finding a book to borrow, they are all about community and learning. Here are some of the things at my local library I really didn’t expect:

  • A Maker’s Room. Need to sew a seam but don’t have a sewing machine? Want to learn how to use a Cricut machine without having to invest hundreds of dollars? Want to try 3-D printing? You can do all of this and more in the Makerspace at my library. I’ve also read about other libraries where you can even check out tools.
  • E-book library access. Don’t want to buy a popular book for your Kindle or other e-reader? A library card can also get you access to thousands of digital books. My library is connected to multiple digital resources allowing me to check out books, audio books, magazines – even popular movies and TV shows. That movie you wanted to watch? Maybe you don’t need to shell out for a streaming service to see it!
  • Programs. From craft sessions for your kids to computer training for seniors, you’d be shocked at all the programs and classes available at your library. My library even has ongoing programs for small businesses!
  • Games and puzzles. Want to try a game without buying? My library has a HUGE variety of games available for check out. And jigsaw puzzles too!
  • Museum passes. I just found out about this program and cannot wait to try it. My library has a connection to local museums for free or discounted admission.
  • Freebies. My library occasionally does give-aways – I took advantage of the free eclipse glasses they gave away earlier this year. And they have free concerts regularly with local talent too!

Hope this give you the push you need to explore your public library – get out there and enjoy it!

Towel Animals!

I have a widget on my iPad that shows a random picture from my Photos every day – and today it showed me this from a cruise I took in 2016:

I always meant to learn how to do this so when I have people stay over at my house, I could make them laugh with their towels. You could buy a book in the gift shop to show you how to make all the different animals, but why buy a book when you have YouTube?

Check out this video with instructions on a whole bunch of fun animals to make with towels – a to do guaranteed to make you laugh!

Italian Coffee Cream

I think I’m late to the party, but my new obsession is Italian Coffee Cream. Have you tried it? I may never need to get an iced latte at Starbucks ever again! So for this to-do Tuesday, try it out:

  • Mix together in a tall cup (16 oz or more):
  • 1 Tablespoon instant coffee crystals. I’ve used both caffeinated and decaf and it works with either.
    • 1 Tablespoon sugar. The recipe I found said to use raw sugar if you’re feeling fancy!
      • 1/2 Teaspoon vanilla extract. I don’t see this in all the recipes, but I think it adds a LOT!

Using a milk frother, mix the above ingredients until the mixture forms stiff peaks – like whipped cream. Add a handful of ice cubes and fill the cup the rest of the way with your milk of choice. I use 2% but I hear almond milk is also tasty. Drink with a straw – or you’ll end up with a really thick cream mustache!

If you’re really feeling fancy, you could add whipped cream and sprinkles. Or maybe add in some chocolate sauce. Experiment and personalize for yourself. But I cannot recommend enough – it’s so refreshing on these hot days!

What to do?

It’s a rainy day here in Chicago. What’s a person with too much time on their hands right now to do on a day like this? I asked Chat GPT and here are the options I got:

  1. Curl Up with a Good Book: Grab your favorite book, make yourself a warm drink, and cozy up in a comfortable spot to immerse yourself in a captivating story.
  2. Watch Movies or TV Shows: Create a mini movie marathon by watching your favorite films or exploring new TV series. Pop some popcorn, snuggle under a blanket, and enjoy the cinematic experience.
  3. Cook or Bake: Spend some time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or baking delicious treats. The comforting aroma of freshly baked goods will make your home feel extra cozy.
  4. Indoor Workouts: Stay active indoors by practicing yoga, following a workout video, or doing bodyweight exercises. Exercise not only boosts your mood but also helps you stay energized on a rainy day.
  5. Get Creative: Embrace your artistic side by painting, drawing, crafting, or trying out DIY projects. Let your imagination flow and create something beautiful or meaningful.
  6. Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a spa day at home with a relaxing bath, facial masks, and soothing skincare products. Take the time to unwind and pamper yourself from head to toe.
  7. Listen to Music or Podcasts: Create a playlist of your favorite songs or discover new music genres. Alternatively, listen to engaging podcasts on topics that interest you to entertain and educate yourself.
  8. Board Games or Puzzles: Gather your family or housemates for a friendly game of board games, card games, or puzzles. It’s a fun way to bond and pass the time together indoors.
  9. Journaling or Reflection: Take advantage of the quiet, introspective atmosphere of a rainy day to journal, write poetry, or reflect on your thoughts and feelings. It’s a great way to practice mindfulness and self-expression.
  10. Organize and Declutter: Use the rainy day as an opportunity to tackle organizing and decluttering projects around your home. Sort through belongings, tidy up spaces, and create a more organized and functional living environment.

I have to admit – I giggled when I read the list. None of these are things I wouldn’t have thought of myself. And my number 1 with a bullet would also have been to curl up with a book! I really need to think of a better challenge for Chat GPT because this answer did not impress me!