For those couple of other Zune fans out there, I noticed that Overdrive released a new version of their OverDrive Media Console today that allows us to transfer WMA audiobooks to our Zunes. Woo-hoo! I’ve checked out three audio books from my local library and just transfered them over. While the Zune 3.0 software update was released earlier this week, there was no way to get the files over to the Zune until Overdrive had updated their software. This is good commuting news.
Posted under General, Technology by Jake 09.18.2008
No comment »
Posted under General, Home Life by Carrie 07.29.2008
No comment »
Barger Contracting returned as promised and on time! Reliability is a lost virtue and when it comes around we are so grateful.

Recently Barger and a team member had a concrete saw and chalk line ready to do some decorating. I don’t know if I can articulate what a difference was made just by a few clean cuts. So far, they are worth every penny. In a few days, we’ll post phase III which is the staining.
Posted under Home Improvement by Carrie 07.28.2008
No comment »

…just sneak into the walk-in cooler. This week, I took my baking practical test at Ivy Tech towards an AAS in Hospitality, Baking and Pastries. It’s been a 8-year passion of mine.
I had 2.5 hours to make and bake from scratch a genoise (sponge cake), Bavarian cream and two cookies by different methods. I chose lady fingers (what a brown noser!) and a wonderfully delicious lime zest shortbread cookie sandwich. I love this cookie and it showed. Chef Paul Vida, the pastry and baking advisor, really like this one which helps because my Bavarian cream was barely passing.
I’ll never forget the lesson or the critcism. Makes me want to try one again right now. I received a passing grade and 85%. Yeah, there is an end in sight!
Posted under Cooking, General by Carrie 07.25.2008
No comment »
A family friend, Micah Frank (employed at R Bistro in Indianapolis) and I are starting a personal chef/catering experience available in Indianapolis.
Our job is to collaborate with the client and develop a menu that will stand out and be terrifically yummy. Our tagline is “a delicious catered experience for your full plate schedule”. We seem to be getting bridal showers, family events, themed parties and even a baptism. We are mostly for people who love to entertain, but don’t want to have to worry about the food at all. We are averaging one catering gig a month and that seems to work out great for now.
More details will be available soon, as we are developing our website.

Posted under Food, General by Carrie 07.15.2008
1 comment »
Posted under General, Home Improvement by Carrie 07.12.2008
No comment »
Even in today’s economy…the glass is half full at the abbott home. Look at our new “membership”. Farm Fresh Delivery is really farm fresh…and delivered. $35 every two weeks and this what we’ll receive. Organic, beautiful, vibrant colors and flavors and best of all, did I say delivered? Maddie learned today that carrots don’t come in blue and clear cello bags from the grocery.

Posted under Food, General by Carrie 07.12.2008
No comment »
Alright, I’m going to try to start posting at least weekly again. Flu, ear infections, pinkeye, yada, yada…it all seems to take precedence over blogging. Today, I head to Compellent’s C-Drive conference in Minneapolis, MN. I’m excited to see what is in store for them and to attend some of the breakouts. I’m especially interested in the breakout for VMware best practices. I’ll let you all know how it turns out.
Posted under General, Technology by Jake 05.06.2008
No comment »
Posted under General by Jake 02.14.2008
No comment »
I like to see folks passionate about things. It seems as if the one topic that brings out the most passion in us geeks is the Mac v. PC debate. Today, I noticed a blogpost over at Burbia that has whipped both sides of the debate into a frenzy. If you’re interested in reading the specific article that started it all, it can be found here and the author’s response to the furor can be found here. I’ve touched a Mac maybe three times in my life and that’s only because my brother has an old Macbook. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against Mac’s, but I’ve never really had an opportunity to get down and dirty with one. This is what has led me to this idea…why doesn’t someone (Apple or some entrepreneur who is more motivated than I am) start some kind of rental programs for Macs? I mean, I don’t really want to walk into a Apple store and plunk down $2,000 for a computer that I’m not even sure I’ll enjoy using. I’m sure Apple would end up with many more converts at the end of the lease. If there is such a program that I just don’t know about, please leave me a comment.
Posted under Technology by Jake 02.14.2008
No comment »