I’m starting something new this weekend that I hope will become a regular thing. Check it out: www.kamikazecook.com

And I’ve just been informed that Google Reader hates me. Why, oh why!!!

I’ll update my blog! Geesh! Not a whole lot has been going on lately, but I’ll try to post more often. Summer has been hot and I’ve gotten out on my scooter a lot. I’m tan, trying to stay fit, and staying busy at work. Wow, that’s probably the most generic post I’ve ever written. That’s all you get for now.

It has been entirely too long since I’ve updated my blog, but, as someone pointed out to me, maybe that says something about this period in my life. Then again, it probably doesn’t. Honestly, most of my time has either been at work, at home, or at a bar. Nothing too terribly exciting.

There was that trip to Alaska though, about which I don’t think I ever finished the draft I started. To summarize, my mom, brother and I went on an Alaskan cruise thanks to my mom and it was one of the most relaxing vacations I’ve ever had. Usually vacations leave me more tired than when I left for them, but I truly felt refreshed after a week at sea. I am very grateful to my friends with boats who conditioned my body to the motion of the ocean, seeing how other people had a visibly difficult time dealing with it. It really didn’t bother me one bit. Highlights of the trip include: watching a black bear fish for salmon less than 20 ft away, marveling at the salmon as they struggle to swim upstream, getting tipsy at a gourmet cooking class, and almost winning the karaoke contest. That last one is a funny story, but I’ve probably already told most of you. Anyway, the endless supply of food was the downturn in my summer fitness regimen, but the on-board gym at least made me feel better about it. I had a great time with my family and I’m so glad we got to do it together.

Before the trip, I was told I’d either love cruising or hate it. I have to say I really did enjoy it…definitely something I would do again. But maybe to a tropical location next time, so I can actually enjoy the outdoor pools.

The holidays are fast approaching and we are mixing it up this year. For Thanksgiving, I’m going to N. Carolina to celebrate with my brother and his girlfriend. Then for Christmas, everyone is coming to Nashville!! It will be the first year ever that we’ve not had Christmas at home in Cali, so I’m honored to be hosting it at my place! Should be a grand ole time. :)

Thanks to the few who pointed out that my blog and website were not working (not that I’ve updated it in forever!). Turns out my WordPress index had been hacked and they were using my domain to send out spam. Those clever hackers!

Well, I’ve upgraded versions and I’m told that’s what I needed to do, so here’s to WordPress 2.7!

It seems that my recent obsession with Facebook and Twitter have diminished my need/interest in blogging. If people can see what I’m doing while I’m doing it, why do I need to blog about it later?! Sure, there are moments that don’t make it into Tweets, but those are the ones that probably don’t need to be blogged about in the first place.

Reminding myself I have a blog. I’ll try to update soon!

Jason has a much better picture of our sushi making class, so go over there to check it out.

Sushi!

Originally uploaded by ColleenEN

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

I can’t remember where Jason got the idea that I should make Turtle pancakes, but I think I did a pretty good job.

IMG00004.jpg

Originally uploaded by ColleenEN

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Note: I’m posting this a few weeks after the event, but dating it back to the actual day I started it!

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This past Friday and Saturday, I attended a networking conference with my co-worker, hosted by the Women’s Business Association. They are based at the Owen School of Business here at Vanderbilt and I received an invitation because I am an alum.

The conference started off with a networking “fair” on Friday night where local and regional women-owned businesses set up booths and answered questions. It seemed like some of the vendors really got the jist of the evening and promoted the fact that they were women-owned businesses. Others just seemed to be advertising their products, which was a bit annoying.

One of the first booths we came to was all natural body products, with burning candles, lotion and many other goodies. I asked a few questions about the products and then my co-worker (a very successful Mary Kay consultant) started asking questions about the business, which is really why we were there in the first place. The woman behind the table seemed uncomfortable that she was asking her these questions, or maybe she just wasn’t ready. Who knows.

On Saturday, the Keynote speaker was Beth Canavan, EVP of Tiffany’s. She was a great speaker and had some interesting things to say about being a mother/wife/woman in the capital business market. However, she comes from a company that embraces family life, flexibility, etc., and I got the impression many women there wanted to know how to deal with the pressure that comes from being a woman in an environment that is not as welcoming. She either missed the point of the questions asked of her, or she couldn’t relate, because most of her answers didn’t really seem to address the questions.

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(added today, 2/29/08)
After the keynote, we were separated into small sessions focusing on women in business (as you might imagine). Some were more interesting than others. I unfortunately had to leave the conference early, but I met some great women who are in similar work environments and made a few good contacts. I hope to do more things like this in the future.