Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Sweet

My new job is only part time - 50% of a regular full time week - which is a little bit less than ideal in terms of my paycheck but I was actually looking forward to the free time that came with it.  Instead, I have found myself spending the last two weeks working 5 days a week, for 6 to 8 hours a day.  And the semester only started this week, so I've got 14 weeks ahead of me in which I will need to write lectures, run tutorials, mark assessments, and somehow manage to keep on top of my own research.  Basically, I'll be working more than I'm getting paid for, which is not that cool but is something I guess I need to do this year!  Next year will be easier, since I'll have already written the lectures, so for now I just need to embrace being busy.  But anyways, today I have taken the day off and I am sitting at home, baking bread and blogging (and reading a few chapters from my textbook in preparation for my lecture next week, but nevermind).

Luckily, I am supported by Andy, who is pretty good at cooking and baking, and who is very generous, especially when I am the most tired.  The weekend before Valentine's Day, he baked me a big cookie.


It was a coconut choc chip cookie, recipe from La Dolce Vegan, baked at a lower temp and for much longer to cook through, and it was pretty giant - much larger than my head.
I know I look naked, but I was wearing a sarong - it's been hot here.
 
Compared to the cookie, my bites look very small.  But we managed to finish it off in two sittings, because we are greedy gutses.

13 comments:

Michael said...

You poor bugger (not the food, the work situation!). Isn't this what the NTEU is for? It's pretty sad that the uni can get away with paying you basically half what you should be earning.

Hannah said...

Nothing wrong with naked cookie eating ;) (By the by, had Andy been watching later SATC episodes, circa Miranda's relationships? ;) )

I'm sorry to hear about the stress of preparing for your teaching. Sadly, this seems to be the norm for teaching at all levels (my brother has been run off his feet duirng his first year of primary teaching.) Thank heavens next eyar will be easier!

xoxo

Theresa said...

Michael - it is pretty sad! But I've been debating it: whether I do work I'm not getting paid for (writing papers, applying for an ARC grant), and if not then my publication record suffers so if I want to apply for grants and jobs in the future it looks like I've just been hanging around! I've kind of settled on working for free, since it makes the most sense for my career blahblahs. But I feel surly about it anyways!

Hannah - I think I've seen that episode ages ago, does she eat the I Love You cookie all in one go? I tried to convince Andy to decorate it with icing but he wasn't game, slacker.

Susan said...

That is a sucky work situation with all those hours of not getting paid. The things we do or the jobs we want!

At least you have a nice boy to make you giant cookies! That is HUGE!

Also, I am giving you a Stylish Blogger Award, because I like your blog. :)

http://kittensgonelentil.blogspot.com/2011/02/stylish-blogger-award.html

radioactivegan said...

First - that cookie is amazing and inspiring! I need a plate-sized cookie!

Second - I think university jobs are largely like that. I taught one class last semester on top of my research and I consistently put in 60 - 80 hours a week to do the whole thing. All on a measly post-doc salary. But it's great experience, it gives me perspective on the kinds of jobs I want to look for, and it's always better than having nothing at all to do. Good luck with all your work, and just know that I'm sympathizing with you!

K said...

So massive and so sweet!

Emma said...

Aw that's so sweet of him to bake a giant cookie :D

I love to bake bread. It's a pity we eat it all so quickly!

Kristine said...

It's okay if you actually are naked. Heck, I'd take my clothes off for that cookie!

Too far, I know. But a cookie is worth it!

:)

vko said...

Sucky about the work, but at least you have giant COOKIE & a super supportive man & nacho of course! <3

Melisser said...

Aww, giant cookie is AWESOME!

Anna said...

I've heard that about part-time work! (Not just in a university setting.) Maybe a grant will come through for 2012. In the meantime, yes, giant cookies will cure most ills...

The Vegan Snorkeler said...

I love that coconut chocolate chip recipe! I imagine it's extra awesome when it's super-sized.

Emma said...

The seeds actually came yesterday (Wed) I am very excited to plant them! Today was 92% humidity so I think I'll have a fair chance.

I don't reaallly grow plants for a living, lately it seems I only weed them! Sorry if I seemed rude or up myself in my email, I am very socially awkward and never tend to say things the right way!