Doodeedoo...

So I think I really hate when other people go on vacation. Either that or I just hate when people go on vacation at my current branch. I have no clue why, but noone can seem to manage to put together a schedule that makes any sense or has any semblance of adequate coverage on days we need it. While, yes, yesterday was a holiday, we should have had another teller scheduled for the day. Someone calling out sick should not automatically send us to crisis mode. Granted, we also have two people out at the same time because they just had new additions to the family... Either way, it should not matter. It was known long before hand about when they would be due, and plans should have been made in the event of the babies coming early or late.

Anyway, just wanted to bitch about that for a few minutes. Though I have had to take on a lot of extra side work that our assistant manager usually does, I really do not mind at all as it gives me an opportunity to show I CAN do it. Which is always a good thing when one actually wants to move up in a company.

So! New tattoos...I have a couple of Buddhist Mantras that I wanted to get tattooed on my forearms, as well as one I want over my heart.

The Mani Mantra, which is the Mantra of love and compassion:


The Pani Mantra, which is the Mantra of protection and to overcome both inner and outer obstacles:


I still need to get quotes on these, but I'm guessing I will be dropping a few hundred to get those two, and another $150-$200 for the last one.

That's all for now!

Apple Pie...

Because I make awesome apple pie, I am going to post the recipe. Mostly because I have made a few lately, and why not share?

You will need a GOOD pie dish, one at least 2" deep, with an unglazed bottom, because it helps ensure even heat distribution, and that the bottom crust will be cooked properly. You will also need a pastry blender for the pie crust. If you want to be creative, you can get a lattice pie top cutter, or be like me and just cut vents in the center.

Crust:
3 cups sifted flour
1 cup vegetable shortening or lard
1/2 teaspoon salt nnn
1/2 cup ice cold water

Pie Filling:
5 large apples
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon butter
1 beaten egg white
1 teaspoon sugar

Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a 9" pie plate. Make pie crust. Blend flour and salt together in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Using a blending fork, stir in water, a tablespoon at a time until dough forms a ball. Do NOT over mix. Divide in half and wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before rolling. Meanwhile, make filling - peel, core, and slice the apples. Cut slices into quarter pieces. Place in bowl and toss with lemon juice. Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then add to bowl of apples, making sure apple slices are evenly coated. Take dough out of refrigerator and roll one into a 12" circle approximately 1/4" thick. Fold in half, place onto pie plate, and unfold. Layer apple slices in the crust. Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter over the apples. Brush edge of crust with beaten egg white. Roll out the top crust, place over the filling, trim and flute edges. Make 3 steam vents in the center. Brush with remaining egg white and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Turn oven down to 375°F and bake 35-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Helpful tip: If the edge of the crust starts to get a little too golden, get a square of aluminum foil large enough to cover the pie. Cut a circle in the middle so it will only cover the crust, then place over the top of the pie. This should keep the crust from browning anymore while the rest of the pie bakes.

Well, Well...

So it looks like I may start using this place again after all. I like that, even though I am not paying for a subscription, I am not being punished with ads for it. Unlike LiveJournal...

Anyway, so a lot of things have changed since I last posted here. I am still working for The Bank, I have acquired two ittle kittums of my own, JiJi and Jade, as well as a Betta fish named Mr. Nibbles.

This is JiJi:


This is Jade:


This is Mr. Nibbles:


I have managed to acquire a few new tattoos, some new piercings, got rid of one or two, have plans to replace them, as well as plans for new ones. I also have a few ideas for new tattoos, but more on that later.

I have been thinking about getting back into the habit of blogging on a semi-regular basis for a while now, but just never managed to actually do it. Between facebook and Twitter, I have the itch to over share again. Not to mention this is a place where certain friends and family members do not visit, and I will be able to talk more about various things in my life I would otherwise have to avoid to save delicate sensibilities.

Anyway, this is all for now, but hopefully more will be forthcoming...?