On the road In the air again…
Another week, another flurry of Operation Beautiful presentations! I’m starting the week off with a quick jaunt to western Pennsylvania for a presentation at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
And, of course, in typical Caitlin fashion, last night was marked by sleeplessness and nerves. When am I going to get over my travel anxiety?! You’d think I’d have it all down pat by now, but noooo.
I was even more excited than normal to get through the long security lines – I had an excellent breakfast in my carry-on, just waiting to be eaten!
Pumpkin Bean Spread
Ingredients (for four servings):
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1 cup canned pumpkin puree
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1 can drained and rinsed white kidney beans
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1 tablespoon cinnamon
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3 tablespoons agave nectar (or honey or maple syrup)
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1 tablespoon tahini sauce
Directions:
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Combine all ingredients in food processor.
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Store in Tupperware in the fridge.
The Pumpkin Bean Spread was wonderful on toast, especially when I topped it with a few pecans. It could also be a great addition to sandwiches – with goat cheese and cranberry sauce, perhaps? Or with apple dippers. Yum!
Well, I was really looking forward to my visit to Pennsylvania for three reasons. First, of course, I love giving Operation Beautiful presentations. Second, my early flight gave me a chance to drive through the college area of Pittsburgh. It’s strange to think I lived here for five years.. Seems like another lifetime.
Just for fun, I drove by all my old apartments!
For the fellow Pittsburghers out there, I lived in Tower A and on McKee Street, Atwood Street, and Boundary Street – all in the Oakland area, of course!
And the third reason I was so excited to go to Pennsylvania? I got to have lunch with my old boss Tracy. In my former life, I was a project planner for three and a half years at a private urban planning company. I wrote technical land development documents, environmental reports, zoning ordinances, and design guidelines for master-planned communities. I really enjoyed the job (before the market began to crash – it became too stressful). My favorite part of work was, undoubtedly, working for Tracy.
Tracy taught me what it means to be a ‘good boss.’ She never dumped work in my lap without asking if I was too busy; she always took time to explain things thoroughly and didn’t nitpick; she never yelled if I made a mistake; she praised me when I did a good job; she never expected me to read her mind; she didn’t make me write pointless memos; and above all else, she actually cared about her employees as individuals. In short, she really shaped my perception of what a great boss is like. I haven’t seen her for nearly three years now (I worked from home in Florida for the last two and half years of my job) – the last time I saw her was at my wedding! Oh, how time flies. Lunch with Tracy was really wonderful! But again – it all seems like a lifetime ago.
Let’s hear it – do you have a great boss? Sing her praises! Do you have a horrible boss? Feel free to vent in the comments section… I won’t tell!
this spread looks fantastic. savory, sweet, creamy, and i’m sure delicious. thanks for the inspiration!