As some of you may know, I provide training and consulting, helping business professionals advance their career using LinkedIn. As such, I am discussing and presenting "Unlocking LinkedIn for Job Seekers" on September 29th, at Xavier University's Cintas Center.

As the header says, it IS free! If you or someone you know, is looking for their next position, I encourage you to attend. You will also have the opportunity to learn from Sandra Vogel, Ph.d, about "Increasing Your Net Worth," when she provides the inside track on successful in-person networking practices.

Here's the marketing copy . . .

"Are you a job seeker in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky? If so, learn the essentials of in-person and online networking on Sept. 29th, from Andrea Dale and Sandra Vogel at Xavier’s Cintas Center. For more information, please visit Xavier Leadership Center’s Web site at: http://www.xavier.edu/xlc/courses/Networking-Essentials-for-Job-Seekers.cfm "

Andrea
p.s. If you can recommend any Cincinnati (or nearby) companies, colleges/universities, or groups who may be interested in a presentation or workshop on using LinkedIn for business development or finding a new job, please send me an email to adaleATtothepointwritingdotcom. Thanks!

I am looking for recommendations on a smalllll computer.

Like many writers, I journal. And maybe like many writers (or not) I hate writing anything by hand. In fact, I have such rotten handwriting, that except for writing song lyrics, it actually gets in the way of me writing freely.

I have a Dell laptop for work, which I adore and use all the time. And I don't need anything like this for my daily journal writing. Here's what I do want.

1) Something small *and* sturdy, with a decent battery. (footprint 10 inches or less.) The letters need to be in standard QUERTY position, the rest of the keys, not so much :-)
2) A small keyboard is fine, as long as it feels okay (i.e. a nice click when you hit a key)
3) Costs less than $400.00 US dollars.
4) As long as I can write on it, and get files off of it in a format that will import into MS Word, I don't care if it has Windows, etc. (File formats such as rtf, txt, etc.)
5) A matte LCD so I can see it outside.
6) Online access not required (and probably not good to have anyway).
7) Company has decent technical support and repair reputation (if you don't have this information, that's okay, but if you do . . .)

In a nutshell, I've been wanting a computerized typewriter with a small screen and an ability to save the file and export it to a USB. That would make me happy :-)

One computer I've looked at, are the Asus eee PCs. Has anyone used those? What is your take on it?

(And in regards to the eee PCs, I don't care how easy it is to use since I've actually built computers and done technical support, what I like is that it's small, sturdy and has decent reviews.)

So your recommendations and feedback are most heartily appreciated :-)

Thanks!!

About two months ago, I borrowed an old push reel lawn mower from a neighbor. I was tired of paying someone to mow my lawn and I was also looking for a purposeful way to exercise. I gave up running due to sore knees the fall of 2007, and missed the sense of accomplishment I felt after a run. And while I workout at a gym, it's not the same.

Here's a guide to using push mowers and a picture, if you're wondering what I am talking about.

For the first month and a half, the neighbors stopped by and offered to loan me their gas powered lawn mower, or to mow it for pay. I counted at least two offers each time I mowed the front or back yard. Jim suggested that I wear a t-shirt saying "I WANT to do this!"

Now, they stop by and chat for a few minutes *s.*

I really like using the push mower. After a long day of working and especially after a bunch of sales calls *wry look* cutting down grass while listening to my favorite podcast slaughters residual stress.

It's also a really safe way to mow the lawn when I've got Matt and Nick. The last time I mowed the backyard, Nick and Matt began ripping up the weeds next to the fence line. They got bowls of frozen vanilla yogurt as a reward :-)

I've used the neighbors' gas powered lawn mower when my lawn got too long for the push mower. Yes, it worked fine, and no I don't want to use it again. It was noisy, smelly and not much exercise. I'd rather sweat my way through it with a bottle of water, a sweat cloth and a pair of cycling gloves to spare my hands.

I checked in with Tom last night to see how Matt was doing. He is back to his normal, active self, running all over the place at Nick's soccer practice and eating well.

I am looking forward to taking Matt to *his* soccer practice Wednesday night.

Back to work . . .

As I write this, Matt is watching another cartoon in a hospital room in Cincinnati Children's Hospital. We are both hanging out in PJs, while I type on my laptop, in his room. I've spent the last two nights with Matt, as they figure out what's up with an infection in Matt's right knee.

First, Matt is fine after a couple of days in the hospital. Second, we're both looking forward to getting out of here . . . Third, I am SOOOO glad we're at a children's hospital, it's made this visit much easier on everyone.

In the last two weeks, we've been keeping an eye on the infected spot on Matt's right knee.

Keeping an eye on it translated to one visit to the doctor two weeks ago, a visit to the emergency room on Friday, and then admission to the hospital on Saturday afternoon, when his temperature began spiking.

Since Saturday, Matt's knee has been X-rayed, and they also looked it with an ultra sound. No, no foreign matter in the knee. Also, the doctors ascertained that the infection had not gotten into the knee joint (or gone septic). What they figured out, was that he needed antibiotic via IV, versus oral, for a couple of days. The antibiotic, which he began taking last Friday, wasn't having an effect, which led to the temperature spikes.

I've learned a lot about joint infections, in the last couple of days. *wry look.* Matt has charmed the nurses and doctors with his good humor, curiosity and questions. He's also going to have withdrawal symptoms from hours of cartoons, after we leave *g*

Once his IV is removed, and we take a shower, we're heading out. *sigh of relief*

We're both looking forward to getting outside and back to every day life.

What: A great evening of live folk and honky tonk music at Leo Coffeehouse

Cost: a $4.00 donation.

Who:
* Andrea Dale (yeah, me) - folk, originals and more
* Chris Collier - award-winning Cincinnati-based songwriter
* The Rattlesnakin’ Daddies - playing contryfied honky-tonkin’ bluegrass in their Leo debut originals and more

When: Sunday night, April 12th, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm, with a break at 8:00 pm, before the last set.

Where: Zion United Church of Christ in the Founder’s Hall, in Norwood
Located near the corner of Indian Mound Ave. and Montgomery Rd

Driving Directions:
1. From I 71or I 75 North or South, take the Norwood Exit (Rt. 562 aka Norwood Lateral).
2. From the Norwood Lateral (Rt. 562), take the Montgomery Rd. exit and follow signs to Montgomery Rd.
3. From the intersection of Norwood and Montgomery Rds go North on Montgomery Rd, 0.5 mi.
4. At the second traffic light, turn Right on Indian Mound Ave. (the street is called Fenwick to the Left and Indian Mound to the Right. The Mound Café is on the corner.)
5. Zion Church parking lot is immediately on the Right

For more information checkout
<http://qcbleo.wordpress.com/>

I hope to see you there!

Andrea

(An update, this dinner turned out excellent!! The pork was tender, flavorful and delicious, and the combination of corn cakes, sour cream and cilantro . .Yum. Leftover corn cakes were a lovely breakfast this morning. Jim and I both decided it was "win" for dinner.)

It's another cooking day for me, with a new recipe! I just put a 3lb pork shoulder in the oven to roast for almost four hours at 275 degrees. It's covered in collection of Mexican spices, including ground Ancho chile, cinnamon and cocoa.

The recipe is "Close-Roasted Pork with Ancho, Cinnamon and Cocoa." You can find it at: http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/recipes/main_roastedpork.shtml

The recipe is from the cookbook "The Improvisational Cook" by Sally Schneider. I am also making the savory version of "crackling Corn Cakes" that's also in that book, and we'll put tender yummy pork on top of the cornmeal cakes, with a little sour cream and cilantro. And enjoy a nice, crisp salad on the side.

Yummmm . . . .(See Andrea valiantly ignore her rumbling stomach until it's ready)

I am enjoying reading about everyone's favorite ice cream treats, thanks!!

Here's the next question, when the weather is icky, and you've had a long day at work, what's your favorite comfort food? Mine faves are hot buttered popcorn, hot chocolate, and yes, something like the roast pork I am making today.

It's been a busy, but quiet day of work at home.

A new client came on board, when he accepted my proposal for redoing the copy on his web site. Yay, a new project!

I am slowly preparing to do my first teleclass, step by step. That's scary but exciting too! I've got a bit to go, but it's happening.

My sister is changing jobs from a property manager to a position in the state police department. She's quite happy about the change, which means better benefits, more vacation and higher compensation. I am *very* happy for her.

And at the end of today, I got some new books at the library, a DVD of Narnia's Caspian and a blueberry milk shake at Graeter's ice cream. Yummmm . ..

So, what is your favorite form of ice cream? I particularly like milk shakes and ice cream sodas with vanilla soda. Do you have a favorite?

Like to set goals and meet them? If so, take a look at www.mylifelist.org. I've been enjoying putting my goals in "type" on the site, and also using it as a way to remember my past accomplishments.

You'll find my goals at: http://www.mylifelist.org/members/PublicProfile.aspx?PID=609

On other things . . .

I've got the kids for a week, which means lots of play, driving and keeping things reasonably sane. Our local contra dance weekend, Pigtown fling is coming up and I am really looking forward to it.

And I've been playing guitar and singing every day, preparing for my concert at Leo Coffehouse on April 12th, at 7:00.

Have a great Monday!

I am considering attending FKO and am looking for hotel roommates for the convention.

If you're interested, please email me at adaleATmerlynproductionsdotcom.

Thanks!!

Andrea

No, I am not dead, just well busy :-)

Kids are good, Jim's good, I am quite good.

This morning I am working at my new favorite coffee shop at The Blue Manatee bookstore (http://www.bluemanateebooks.com/). They have excellent coffee, a nice staff, and adorable kids and their moms often hang out here too *grin.*

This afternoon, I am heading out for a contra dance weekend in Ann Arbor, Dawn Dance. Jim, I, and a friend Frank (who is also on LJ, I just don't have enough attention to find his user name) are driving up together.

Work continues to keep me busy, my kids turned five and eight last January, and I am slowly getting fit again.

And it's time to get back to work!

Concert Announcement!

I am playing a half hour set at 7:00 pm, at Leo Coffeehouse in Cincinnati, OH on Sunday April 12th. In the custom of Leo, I am the first set of three sets that evening. At this point they have not scheduled the other two sets.

Come out for a relaxing and fun evening . .. And hear me play!!

For information, directions and to see who is playing each Sunday night, please visit http://qcbleo.wordpress.com/

Nonmembers are asked to donate $3, and membership is just $15 for individuals and $20 for families, so if you enjoy the evening, consider joining Leo.

I look forward to seeing you in the audience, smiling at me ;-)

Due to a sudden change in plans beyond my control, I must cancel the housefilk on March 7th. I will settle on a new date, but for now I wanted to get the word out.

Sorry :-(

------------------
Announcing a housefilk and music party at my home in Cincinnnati OH, on Saturday March 7th.

RSVPs & Questions: adaleATmerlynproductionsdotcom, or call 513-561-2335.

"Getting Fit Again" on Kicking Leaves Blog

Good morning fellow LJers (or whatever we're called) . . .

I am up and drinking my coffee, waiting for my steelcut oats to finish cooking.

It's been busy around here as usual. Thanksgiving was fun, with Matt, Nick and Jim all here. Jim took the boys out Thursday afternoon for a hike, which gave me (the cook) a nice sanity break *wry grin.*

I am attending Winter Warm up next weekend, and am very much looking forward to a couple days of contra dancing.

About two weeks ago, I headed over to Indianapolis, Indiana and stayed with the Suttons in Danville for a few days. A mellow and nice visit ;-) Brenda and I watched The Golden Compass, and went out for dinner. Bill and I (he was busy with workstuff) got in a couple of chats and I enjoyed taking their dog, Jack, out for a walk.

I've also written two articles and posted them at http://ezinearticles.com, I'll post links to those articles later . . .

Time for work!

You Bring

• You, your laughter, care & conversation


• Your favorite dish to make or buy . . Breakfast & lunch foods, desserts, bread, veggies, whatever you want!


• An extra coffeemaker or carafe to lend


• Extra folding chairs to lend

I (Andrea) Provide

• Plates, silverware, cups & napkins


• Two entrées, coffee, tea, juice & water


• A reasonably clean house


• Chairs, couches, places to sit, etc.

Where’s the Food & Talk?
My home. If you'd like to come, please email me for my address at adale AT merlynproductions DOT com.
I live in Cincinnati, OH in Madisonville, located north of Oakley and south of Silverton. Just off of the Red Bank Exit on I-71.

RSVP, Call, Whatever
Not required, but definitely appreciated!!
Email: adale AT merlynproductions DOT com

* Kids welcome (while my boys won’t be here, your kids can play with their toys . . .)
* And no I don’t have any pets . . .

I am back and settled in at home, after a great long weekend at OVFF.

I saw many old friends and made new ones, watched, listened and played a few tunes of my own.

I sometimes caught myself just closing my eyes in contentment, glad to be at home, in the filk community.

Thank you for the many hugs, conversations, catching ups, songs and laughter :-)

Hiking with Matt, Selling on Craigslist

Yay, OVFF this weekend!! Yay, OVFF this weekend!!

*bounce* *bounce* *bounce*

It's been two looooong and tiring years since I've attended. I am sooo looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up :-)

I am planning on driving up Friday morning, and taking that day off from work. So, if you see me hanging out in the hotel a bit before the con starts, don't be surprised :-)

A post on "Kicking Leaves" about fall and fun with my boys, and a question for you :-)