Obligatory New Years Post

So, 2008, eh? How'd that work out? Let us see...

Pretty much nothing of note. I failed to improve my physical fitness, and my projects sit ignored and weeping. The lack of attention will probably lead to rebellion, but I'm too callous a father to notice the warning signs that my guitar has fallen in with a bad crowd, and that my airbrush might have picked up a drug habit. My violin is probably dead in some big city alley, but we've been out of touch for a while anyway.

This blog is among those ignored projects. This update falls at the extreme outside edge of my "three-to-six months between posts" window. Any longer than that and it's safe to assume that I've abandoned whatever internet thing it might have been. My deviantArt account is in the same situation.

In the real world, I seem to be developing a three month gap for things, too. I last played music, worked on computer construction, and worked on an art project about three months ago. I just can't seem to get motivated. Maybe I need a meth habit or something. Um, I mean...will power?

And it's only going to get worse. For you see, my non-existent readership, I have volunteered to serve a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons, for those not in the know). That means starting on February 18, I will spend two years exclusively in the service of my Church. No internet stuff (with the exception of weekly email to my family), no hobbies, zip. I will be in the Colorado Springs area, and that is where I will stay. And while I look forward to it with some trepidation, I'm still looking forward to it. It's going to be a major change in lifestyle, but with results I think will be ultimately positive.

Please, for the love of all that is good, someone help me do something. I will surely go mad otherwise.

Now with cake!

A while back, someone I know of via the 'Net decided to quit smoking and posted a forum thread about it. Since any attempt at self-betterment deserves a reward, I baked a cake to show my support. (I also baked it because I really like cake.) I didn't have anywhere to put the recipe without risking hijacking the thread, so I caved and signed up for a blog so I'd have a storage space for the bits of data that don't fit anywhere else. Here's the recipe for the cake, in case someone actually wants to eat some of it.

Oatmeal Spice Cake
Ingredients:

• 1 C. quick oats
• 1 1/2 C. boiling water
• 1 stick (1/2 C.) butter
• 1 C. brown sugar
• 1 C. white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/3 C. flour
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. each: cloves, allspice, ginger

Instructions:

1. Add boiling water to quick oats; stir, cover, and allow to soak for about 20 minutes.
2. Cream butter with brown and white sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat eggs together and mix with sugar/butter.
4. Sift dry ingredients together and add to mixture; mix well.
5. Add oatmeal; mix thoroughly.
6. Place cake mix in a floured 9" x 13" cake pan. Place in an oven preheated to 350°F and bake for approximately 35 minutes.

If you want frosting, any type will do. I use this recipe.