Feelin' Hot Hot Hot

Why yes, I'm posting on a Thursday *shocked*

In this past week I had to spend a lot more money than I had wanted to with the whole new job thing.  Just spent $1000 to get my car fixed and then on Wednesday evening the air conditioning in the house decided to crap out.  The earliest we are able to get someone out is on Monday.  I’m not too thrilled with the prospect of 4 more days without air conditioning.

I’m trying to devise some ways to keep cool while we’re waiting.  Last night it did drop down into the 70s, so we did open some windows.  But fat lot of good that did for the bedroom.  We had, technically, 4 fans going in the bedroom last night.  A small one for the dog, a ceiling fan, another standing (ionic?) fan and then a bigger round fan.  It didn’t help much.  It was still about 85 degrees in the bedroom.

I have gel ice pack that I’ve been using and setting on my chest to cool me off.  When I went to bed last night, I got a spray bottle and kept spraying myself with the fan on to keep me cool.

I got the bright idea this morning that I should use the bigger fan to try and blow the hot air out of the bedroom.  Though that will be a feat in an of itself.  The cats are not allowed in the bedroom.  The fan is not wide enough to fit in the door.  So, what I think I will try is to set up a folding chair, put the baby gate in front of it, and then put the fan on the chair.  Hopefully this will cool off the bedroom.  I may have to buy another fan, so we’re not totally fan-less in the living room.  The ceiling fan can only do so much.

I’m just glad I don’t have fur like our poor kitties and dog.  The dog is getting a good brushing, fur cut and a bath.  Hopefully that will help her.  The cats on the other hand...I’m not risking my life to give all 5 of them a bath.  

I saw a an article online that recommended soaking a t-shirt in lukewarm water then sitting in front of a fan.  Not a bad idea.  

I had the day off yesterday and took several lukewarm/cool showers, which helped too.  But after I got my car back I went to Panera for a couple hours to do my homework.  That was nice, I didn’t want to leave.

I found this tip online:
 
Get a 1 or more 3 liter bottles, fill them full of water, FREEZE them but in a manner to not damage them (H2O expands on freezing), then place them in a LARGE bowl(To catch condensate water). Position a fan to blow on these blow upon them. Make sure the fan is solar powered/battery powered, in case you lose power due to a heat wave. As the ice in the bottles melt, the air cools around them. The fan will blow that air at you. The bowl full of condensate water can be used, if clean, for non consumption use. The water in the bottles can be frozen overnight and used again, repeatedly.

Not a bad idea, I do have several frozen bottles of water

Big News!

Today I put in my 2 weeks notice at my call center/tech support job.  I am very happy to be getting out of the negative environment.  While I love computers, I loathe hand-holding people through basic tasks.  I will be taking a pay-cut, but I think my mental health is a little more important.  I loved what I did, but if I could work at my own pace and not have management breathing down my neck it would be much better.

I will be going in a completely different direction, albeit, something I've always wanted to do...I will be a baker.  I've always wanted to be a baker, but never thought I'd be able to go to culinary school to do so.  Apparently, I didn't have to!  I'm really excited, I'll start on Aug. 1st.

Love this blog post

I stumbled on Joy the Baker's blog today.  I love her sense of humor and also her great recipes.  I happened upon this entry about impressing a boy with baking. It's true, boys love it when you bake for them.

Sadly this is something I've fallen out of habit of doing. I just need to unearth the motivation for me to get off my lazy, geeky ass and get back in the kitchen to bake.  I love that I'm able to make something delicious out of a few ingredients (usually) and make someone happy when they eat it.

From my research, almost all geeky boys cannot resist yummy brownies.  The recipe that is in my arsenal is below.  It's not my recipe, I think I found it on Food Gawker, but I don't remember the blog I got it from.  It's amazing.  I've had nothing but rave reviews every time I make them.

Fudge Brownies
Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour

    * 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
    * 2 1/4 cups sugar
    * 4 large eggs
    * 1 1/4 cups cocoa powder
    * 1 teaspoon salt
    * 1 teaspoon baking powder
    * 1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
    * 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    * 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1.Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9×13 baking dish.

2. In small saucepan over low heat, melt butter completely. Stir in sugar and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not allow sugar mixture to boil.

3.  Pour butter mixture into a large bowl or stand mixer, beat in cocoa powder, eggs, salt, baking powder, espresso powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

4. Stir in the flour and chocolate chips until well combined.

5. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, until a tester comes out mostly clean. The edges should be set and the center should still look slightly moist, but not uncooked.  Cool on a wire rack.