Thing Update: Mixing Drinks

I took the first step today to becoming a professional mixologist by registering for a 40-hour course offered by the Professional Bartending Institute. Classes begin Monday. It's normally a 2-week course, but I have some conflicts with the class schedule during the second week so it will probably take me an extra week or two. More updates as I go.

P.S. Spellcheck recommends I change "mixologist" to "sexologist"...

Thing Update: Sandman

Just finished volume 3 of 11 ("Dream Country"). I incorrectly thought I had read this one but I had not. This volume is one of my favorites so far (also the most recent, which could influence that opinion). "Dream Country" includes the dark but powerful story of a writer who imprisons one of the muses; a story of cats dreaming of a revolution; and a wonderful telling of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in which the original players perform for an audience which includes the real Oberon, Titania, Puck and other faerie-kind known to appear in that particular play.

Thing Described: Read though Neil Gaiman's "Sandman" Series

I went for far too long in my life without knowing who Neil Gaiman was. Then I stumbled upon "American Gods" and it was a profound reading experience. But Neil Gaiman is probably most famous for his "Sandman" series of comics, which according to Wikipedia (so it must be true), is considered "one of the most original, sophisticated and artistically ambitious comic book series of the modern age". This epic series of more than 75 issues was repackaged as 11 graphic novels, and this is the form in which I will read about Morpheus (not the guy from the Matrix) and the rest of The Endless. I am currently ready to begin reading Book 4 of 11.

Thing Described: Learn to mix drinks

One of the several/many/various ways that my current life is a departure from my life growing up is the fact that I now drink alcohol--responsibly, of course. We practically have a fully-stocked mini-bar at home (sensibly housed in an old entertainment center in the kitchen), but we really only use it when we have company, and even then, I can't make anything more interesting than a gin and tonic. I have visions of learning to mix and pour like a pro (or at least with a bit of flair), thereby earning me bonus points with said company. I am also toying with the idea of working part-time as a bartender (tips are great after all). Right now I am trying to decide whether to just learn as I go, or to get some formal mixology training. At minimum to check this Thing off my list I will need to learn to make two of my favorite mixed drinks: a Tom Collins and an Apple Martini.

P.S. Spellchecker wants me to replace "mixology" with "mycology" and as fascinated as I am with fungus, I don't think I'm ready to add it to my Next Five Things list...

Thing Described: Eat at Dragonfly Neo-V restaurant

This Thing is pretty simple. Dragonfly Neo-V is a restaurant here in Columbus that I have been wishing to try. The restaurant is right down my alley, serving gourmet vegan cuisine. I keep hearing great things about it, and now maybe I'll have the excuse I need to make the splurge.

Thing Described: Become CAPM certified

This Thing is work-related. I have been trying to work my way into a career in Project Management. I had a great 1-year introduction to the field while working on the closeout phase of a project at the Ohio State University Medical Center (chasing robots, for those of you who've heard me talk about it). My employer owns her own consulting business and is mentoring me and giving me an 'in' into the business. She just started a new project at the Cleveland Clinic, and I will be working for her, on a part-time basis at first, and hopefully that will grow into full time again. To further my credentials I am pursuing project management certification through the Project Management Institute.

Ultimately, I will work towards a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, but a stepping stone will be the Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) certification. It will involve taking a 40-hour class and passing a test, but that is significantly easier than obtaining the PMP certification.

Thing Described: Perform a clean install on my computer

My poor laptop is showing its age (about 3 years). I have to carefully watch that it doesn't over-heat. The CD-burner no longer works. It has memory-full problems, and sometimes the wireless access gives me fits. What I really need to do, is start over with a clean install. What a pain though. First I will need to back up all my important files (made more difficult since the CD-burner stopped working and I lost my USB flash drive). Then I will need to wipe the hard drive clean. Next will be the long arduous process of reinstalling Windows and everything else. And finally, all my important files will need to be transferred back. I know my computer will run better, but I have been stalling due to the many hours it will take to complete.

Introduction

As mentioned above, this blog is based on a simple idea: set five mini-goals for yourself; blog about your progress; when one mini-goal (or Thing, as they are commonly referred to) is complete, replace it with a new one. Mini-goals are defined as smaller than "Establish World Peace" and larger than "Do the Dishes". Posts on this blog will consist of "Descriptions of Things", "Updates Regarding Things", and "Things Completed".