Vita Brevis, Ars Longa

My most loved book

2012-02-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

Tina, over at the English Muse posted a wonderful question for her readers to consider, " What is the most tattered book you own?"

My response is a little embarrassing, because it's not really what most would consider a literary classic, as it has not yet proven to be endearing through the ages. But I think, in time it will become one. My most worn in book is my copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Seriously. I don't even know how many times I've read it (the last time being over my winter holiday from school)! When I first acquired it, I was in 7th grade and I would cram it into my backpack at the beginning of the day, in the hopes of a substitute teacher assigning independent reading time. If there was no such luck to be had, I would pry it out from between entirely too many text books and binders for one student to carry (Just like Hermione, OMG! Haha! ), and I would sneak a page or two at a time during dimly lit lectures accompanied by over head projector visual aids. <-- Now, I'm showing my age!

That was more years ago than I care to admit, although I will give myself a little cushion by saying my copy is not a first edition. I'm not that old. Today, my copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has some wrinkles on the cover of the book jacket. The edges of the jacket around the spine are soft and fuzzy from being perched on my chest, for many late-night-marathon-cover-to-cover reading sessions. The binding for the first and and final thirds are still attached to the spine, but that middle portion is completely detached. It is simply placed there, for safe keeping. I'll probably have to tell my kids to get their own, rather than share my own treasured installments of the stories because they will be in too fragile a condition for any hands other than my own.

Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite of the series because I think it's the most revealing about who the characters really are. If you want to know what makes each of them tick, I refer you to this book. Plus you get to see Diagonally, Hogsmead, and other parts of the wizarding world in satisfying detail. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's my favorite book ever...but it is definitely in my top 5.

Should you feel so moved (as I was) to write about your most tattered book, please be sure to post a comment and a link!

A night worth documenting

2012-01-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

Last night our little, unassuming dinner party was such a resounding success it lasted until the wee hours of the morning! It was a small dinner in honor of my friends Lauren and Kristina's birthdays. Instead of cake, there was a request for Star Wars cookies so I made vanilla Stormtroopers and chocolate Darth Vaders. Easy enough. For dinner we had my mom's top secret Japanese Style chicken curry. ( One pot meals are the best for crowds!) I made some sweet tea using a blend of the Blueberry Bliss and the Strawberry Lemonade tea from Teavana. We also had a toast with some cheap Cristalino (not to be confused with Cristal) which turned out to be pretty decent. I think the highlight of the evening (besides the great company!) turned out to be the many rounds of Guillotine we played!

Finally, we closed off the night (rather morning! We were very surprised to find 1 o'clock had come and gone by the time we checked our clock!) with a small piano concert by Brad.

It's nice to have friends up here, and to finally be settled in enough to comfortably have company. When they left I was thinking of this song:

The Remedy for Too Much Weekend

2012-01-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

I had too much weekend and as a result, I've been sick this whole week. But, of course I've found ways to cope.

I've been reliving the good times of the Westbound Train show on Sunday by listening to them all week. Brad and I walked into the Middle East Underground with this as the soudtrack-

It was way too good to be allowed! You can see how I may have overdone it with the dancing, right?

Cut to Monday, when I began feeling my age... too sore, and sick to be staying up late dancing until the wee hours of the morning. (BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!)

I've also been reading a lot in the past couple of weeks- Emma and Northanger Abbey by the incomparable Jane Austin and A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. If you don't have time to read ( I sincerely hope that's not the case) or if you would rather watch a movie, OR, if you've already read them and still have to sit around (like me), I recommend watching:

-The 2009 BBC miniseries version of Emma. Superior to all other film versions and incredibly faithful to the book. Everyone is exactly how I imagined them, in this adaptation. My favorite Jane Austen book has now become my favorite miniseries!

- 2007 BBC version of Northanger Abbey. Not quite as faithful to the book, but the book wasn't anything terribly special anyway (in my humble opinion).

- Sherlock, BBC 2011. I am eagerly awaiting series 2, set to arrive this Summer! This show is set in the present, but does a great job of maintaining faith to the original novels off of which they are based. What impresses me most is the way Watson is portrayed. Usually he's sort of shoved to the side in film adaptations, but here they are able to capture his importance the way it is in the books. Long story short- PLEASE WATCH THIS SHOW!

I suppose you could call it a "Masterpiece" bender, of sorts. All of these stories can be found in television adaptations there. It's my personal cold remedy: miso soup, tea, and Masterpiece Theater -all consumed with wanton enthusiasm.

Miso Soup= Elixer of life.

I'm also preparing for the new semester, which means I am in the midst of receiving books wrapped in brown paper at my door. This is always a delight, even if they are just text books. Today, Power, Politics, and Universal Health Care: The inside story of a century-long battle by Stuart Altman and David Shactman arrived at my doorstep. I have three weeks to have it read for one of my classes. It looks interesting; far more interesting than my books on how to use SAS (statistical analysis systems). I'll probably end up doing a post on it later, since a quick google search has yielded some potentially useful video accompaniments to this book.

Finally, DOWNTON ABBEY has finally reached the US, and I couldn't be happier! The series two premier did not disappoint! Of course, now I'm clinging desperately to the edge of my seat for the next episode to air on Sunday. I'll refrain from any summaries for fear of spoilers, but let me just say, I sense a kindred spirit in Lady Sybil.

Christmas Bows

2012-01-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

I think it's been long enough that we can begin feeling nostalgic for Christmas again, right? One of my VERY favorite things is wrapping the presents. My mom and I are obsessed with picking the right paper, the most deceiving box shape, the perfect ribbon to complement the paper tied into supple bows. My dad and Brad say it's because we're crazy. We say we're honoring the arts of our Japanese heritage. You can decide for yourself.

This year, I didn't buy any gifts that weren't shipped directly to their recipients. So, I did not get to wrap any gifts. But I did receive a lot of gifts that were wrapped but did not have any bow! So I looked through my meager collection from last year, and from my other craft sources to come up with the perfect way to jazz up each package; illuminating it's potential!

Such beautiful, traditional paper! I used a cord from last year , that I simply braided from yarn and had attached some regal tassels on the end. I feel like the tassels reflect the regal style of the paper and the navy is a nice, complimentary, contrasting color to the cream and gold.

This is the third ribbon (and final) I put on this gift. It was hard to get this one just right! I'm very happy with end result of this "gift from my puppy"! Like him, it embodies all the fun parts of Christmas! I'm just in love with the Santa hat!

It was hard to find the right gift for this rather short piece of red and neon green ribbon, but I wasn't daunted. I straightened my posture, said, "challenge accepted" and wrapped up this little guy.

I loved this old-fashioned, rustic paper from Brad's grand parents. I decided to go with an equally rustic and old fashioned bow.

I love how the white ribbon "pops" on the red paper. Also, the bow is cute!

When I saw this package I knew exactly which ribbon I was going to use! So elegant!

The same with this package, which was uncharacteristically bow-less from my mom! Such over the top, almost Seussian paper covered this tiny box and I had the perfect amount of ribbon this glittery, polka-dotted ribbon to give it an adorable tuxedo bow-tie. Definitely one of my favorites.

I love the juxtaposition of the "fancy" paper with the rustic bow. It really brings out the outdoorsy subject of the paper: birds and trees. A very balance package.

This is more of the paper from Brad's grandparents. I kept the plaid fabric strip from last year. I love the "Christmas plaid", and the rough edges. It feels resourceful, and I imagine the people that live in the cabin (pictured just to the left of the bow) would have tied up their gifts similarly. The end result feels very "heritage".

I think this was my favorite bow, although it was close, this year. This package positively glowed , under the tree. Traditional red and green,; beautiful, supple ribbon. Just a treat for the eyes!

Looking back, I should have also photographed my mom's masterful wrapping, but that will have to wait for next year...

Young Pioneer

2012-01-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

After going on my annual Winter Break BBC Period Drama bender, I moved on to watching the 2005 TV adaptation of Little House on the Prairie. Following that, I started watching the "House" shows. (You know, like 1900 House...) Now, I am convinced that I need to go on a camping trip this summer. I just want to load up the back of our car -conveniently it's a SUV...perfect for replicating the Conestoga experience!- And head out into the wilderness. If I'm being honest, I know I cannot survive completely without modern comforts, but I think I can deal with walking down a dirt path in my shower shoes to get to the bathing facilities.

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In my fantasy world, I am an expert camper and can plan a camping trip that would go without a hitch, so to speak, and with my very real lack of expertise in mind, I give you my list of essentials for a weekend of pioneering.

Shelter- I did a bit of searching around and found a product called Magna Screen that catches my attention. It fits over the space left by rolling down the windows of your car, so you can close the doors and treat it as a tent!

Sleep- An air mattress fitted with a sheet a blanket and one pillow each. This fits perfectly in the back of the car when the back seats are down and the supplies are stashed in the front seats.

Food- a pallet of bottled water (1/2 of them frozen in cooler to do double duty as ice), peanut butter, bread, fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, peaches... things that don't need to be kept cold and can be eaten out of hand), beans, brown bread, hot dogs, marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, muffins (maybe corn muffins? YUM!), plates, silver wear, a roll of paper towels, skewers, can opener, a bag for trash (just in case!)<-- you can see by the length of this list what is most important to me!

Toiletries- 1 roll of emergency TP, towels, wash cloths, all over body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sun screen, deodorant

ETC.- 2 flashlights, a deck of cards, bug repellent, a book (I recommend Young Pioneers), batteries, Swiss-Army knife, first aid kit, cell phones and car charger...just in case!

It should be noted that in my head, all camp sites come with a picnic table so I didn't include chairs or anything like that.

Time to round up some friends and face the wild yonder!

What is Your Dream?

2012-01-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, someone challenged me to ask myself "What is your dream?" and to answer with the utmost honesty and to begin to take action immediately at the start of this new year. I like to think I'm pretty open and honest in general, so this would be easy. Especially in a culture consumed by social networking, it seems like there are no secrets. But in fact, even this blog, as public as it could be, remains the equivalent of a homestead on the prairie in the 19th century. A few close people follow, a few strangers stumble through. I value this space as a way to have some record of myself unfiltered by the thought, "Would I say this in front of my grandmother?" So, in this place, free of the threat of henpecking from loving relatives, I give you my dream for myself in 2012:

To be employed making at least $800 a week, working in public health, by the time I graduate.
Have a wedding date set for next year.
To get my passport and drive to Canada
To truly join my family with Brad's (That includes coming out with my religious beliefs.)
USE THAT SEWING MACHINE!
To run the Charles River trail from my neighborhood to the Esplanade with Brad and my dad running along side me, and my mom on her bike.
Make my home/ life a center for community

One of my favorite pictures from Christmas- Brad and I like to go to a quiet pond nearby, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I always feel refreshed and ready to face new challenges after going there. Just like I'm ready to face this new year!

If you feel like you would like to share your dreams for yourself in my little patch of quiet in the internet, my comments box is always open. I promise not to henpeck, although I'll probably congratulate you on a particularly beautiful dream. Happy New Year! Good Luck!

A Mary Richards for my generation

2011-11-27T16:00:00.001-08:00

I am about three weeks away from wrapping up an organizational behavior class and this week's reading featured an example of ways a person in a leadership position might react when they are new to a less than welcoming organization. The format of the chapters in this book are to set up the scene and then offer a process for achieving desirable results. I usually like to consider my gut reaction to the scene before reading further. For this one, I immediately knew how I would react. I would say in my most pleasant and cheerful voice, "If you'll please [do what I say here], so I can just [describe how I'm going to decimate you here]. Thank you so much!"

I never thought I would have or need any other role models as a feminist other than my mom. But I realized, the person I am imitating when I need to be tough, is Brenda Lee Johnson, Kyra Sedgwick's character on The Closer. At first I was a little embarrassed to have a fictional TV character as a professional role model. Yet, the more I thought about it, the more clearly I saw why I looked up to her so much. She has unflinching personal integrity. She even has the decency to manipulate people to their faces. They're on to her game, yet somehow, it is impossible to call her bluff or to evade her tactics. They even know she's intentionally letting them see the manipulation happening. There are no tricks. There is no mistaking Brenda Lee for anything but aggressive when she's interrogating a criminal. She twist every word like a knife. She knows it. The criminal knows it. And she's so good, they can't even cry foul when it's all over, because she hasn't missed a single please or thank you, and she was perfectly clear with her intentions. It was always their choice to make a confession. (Note the lack of "whether or not" in that choice.)

Although she works in a hostile environment that has traditionally been seen by others as "a man's world", Brenda knows better. She is an effective, respected leader in her world. She is nobody but herself as she gets the job done; not "one of the boys", not a "damsel in distress". She is decent and polite, but never submissive. She is a lady and doesn't give an inch. Not ever. Especially not on that.

Cool Running

2011-11-06T18:32:00.000-08:00

I started running! I've been running for three weeks on the "Couch to 5K" training plan, with my Lover as my coach. He's wanted to run together for so long, since it has been an important part of building his confidence and making him feel good. He wanted that for me, and to share a hobby with me as well. Although it makes me so very happy that this makes Brad happy, I am not doing it just for him. Brad started running to get healthy and to lose weight. That, along with diet changes helped him to lose 90 lbs in three years! I, on the other hand, do not feel as though I need to lose weight and I could not use that as a source of motivation.

Actually, this is less about how other people view me, and more about taking care of myself. I finally had a motivation to start running on my own after realizing I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Exercise and getting out in the sun can minimize SAD symptoms. I also started running because I realized won't be a hot, young thang forever! I gotta use it or lose it when it comes to bone density and muscle mass! I think people would find it shocking that I am immensely proud of the fact that I ran for two- 3-minute increments (in addition to some shorter increments), without being totally winded. I could not do that a week ago. It's a little embarrassing to admit how out of shape I am, but I'm glad I'm doing something about it now. I am a prime example that "small" does not always mean healthy! I love to think about how strong my heart is getting and the gunk I am cleaning from my cardiovascular system.

Friends, please love your body by loving life! Screw the scale! Leave behind the clothing labels! Ditch the fake food! Chase nutrients and satisfy cravings for adventure! There will be no before and after photos, because "the revolution will not be televised."

The Ballad of the Apple Pancakes

2011-10-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

This morning, I got it into my head to have these pancakes from the Williams-Sonoma website to celebrate the arrival of crisp, Fall weather:

Unfortunately, I'm too lazy to actually follow a recipe with more than 4 ingredients before I have eaten breakfast, so I decided the best course of action was to make my normal pancake batter, add some grated apple, and slice another one by hand to get that awesome visual effect in the photo. I didn't want the spices because, quite frankly, I get a little bored with the old cinnamon/apple combo. I like the flavor of apples cooked all on their own. It's such a clean, sweet flavor!

Anyway, the pancakes were not so great. They were too dense and heavy to cook through before burning on the outside. And the thinly sliced apples? Not happening. I didn't want to put the wet batter in my trash can to fester, so I dumped what remained after several failed pancakes, into a 10 inch frying pan to cook. Of course, that made a pancake large enough to cook slowly and it was large enough to need the density of the batter to hold together. It was perfect, and huge. So, I pulled my self up by the boot straps and fried up the remaining sliced apple. I ended up with this:

It was delicious! It was apple-y! It was a monument to serendipity! It was a great way to start my day. I know nobody reads this thing, but if you happen across my little corner of the internet, please fell welcome to share a tale of an epic culinary comeback!

Woah! Fall just set up shop in a hurry!

2011-09-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Since the highs around Boston have gone from 80 degrees to 60 degrees in a matter of two days, I feel as though I've been slapped in the face by Autumn! Not that I'm complaining; Fall is my favorite season! This week, in addition to the weather change, I have been invited to a Halloween party, and made plans for picking apples next week! I'm looking forward to trying yet another New England delicacy- the apple cider doughnut! Also, I saw these cookies running rampant through the blogosphere, and now I have to get my hands on some cider so I can try it out in my own kitchen! Not Martha, you rock SO HARD!

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After a nice vacation weekend in Cape Cod last week, today is a day of intense cleaning and chores! (And homework.) ...And maybe some shopping for Halloween costume materials?

Meanwhile, at the "Welcome Table"

2011-09-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

My Aunt just got married over Labor Day weekend! My Mom and I were honored to be asked to be part of the wedding, even if it was in a small way. We were completely in charge of "the guestbook", which turned into the guestbook and gift table, which turned into a personalized picture frame with autographs of guests surrounding a photo from the happy couple's engagement session, and then some!

We made personalized wish cards so people could write wishes or advice to Whitney and Will on their big day, and they could put them in the smaller bird cage on the left. They could put the cards they brought with gifts into the larger cage on the left. (Oh, and that's my fellow tablescape artist, my mom!)

After the ceremony, we moved all the stuff to table inside. (Not too keen on the black table cloth, but eh! Who cares? We were too busy having a great time! ) You can see the pretty bows and signs my mom made! My mom and I used Skype a lot to collaborate on the designs for the signs and the wish card.

We sent the cards out to be printed after we came up with a design we liked, but they weren't cut straight, so we cut them ourselves. My mom found this really great John Lennon quote for the backs of the cards.

It was a fun project and I was glad to be a part of their day!

Never Forget...

2011-09-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

This morning I turned on the TV at the bed and breakfast at which I was staying to see the most horrific and graphic footage of the moments just after the planes hit the World Trade Center, and I was so disturbed. Not only by what was actually on the screen, but by the idea that somebody thought it would be a good idea to watch this footage again, and in some twisted way believes it's an appropriate way to honor those who suffered 10 years ago. Why do so many fetishize the grief and violence that led up to, made up, and followed this event? Is it not more appropriate to have a moment to truly appreciate the freedom and peace we generally take for granted in this country?

"I can sum up every thing I've learned about life in three words: It goes on." - Robert Frost

In that spirit,

3 Reasons I'll Never Forget September 11

1) Yes, the terrorist attacks too, but also...

2) September 11, 2003- I somehow mustered up the courage to ask the boy who would become the love of my life to be my boyfriend...and he said, "yes"!

3) September 11, 2011- I laid eyes on my newest cousin for the first time via text message. He/She may only be a booger smear right now, but he/she is the cutest booger smear I've ever seen!

Us, 8 years later...to the day.

Obligatory Post Regarding Tropical Storm Irene

2011-08-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

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As a former resident of Florida, I find the hysteria surrounding hurricanes in New England to be a little exhausting. I bought some soup, set aside some water and really expected a long, rainy day and nothing more. I must be an expert after all those years down south, because that's exactly what happened. Not that I'm not grateful for the safety, I'm just not surprised that it turned out to be much ado about nothing. Sending positive thoughts to those that need it in The Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic.

The Mc Bad Choice

2011-08-24T17:41:00.001-07:00

My brain is laced with congealed fat and genetically modified whatever, so this entry will be poorly written...although, I think that is normal for me. Anyway, I give you the thoughts, *actions*, and "words" (and commentary!) that all came together today to make...

The McBad Choice.

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I'm running out of money! Hurry up fall semester! I need my financial aid. I should try to save money and hit up the old McDollar Menu during my lunch break at the temp job I've taken up (and surprisingly enjoy) to make ends meet during the times I'm not working as an unpaid intern (which I also enjoy). *Walks up to counter and am informed that my order does not compute* WHAT?! A MCDONALD'S WITH NO DOLLAR MENU? Blasphemy! ...Shit! What should I order??? *panic mode* "Uh... I'll have a number 4 with Dr. Pepper." What did I just order? ( FYI: Asking for a number 4 at McDonald's will get you two cheeseburgers a medium fry and a medium soda. Why I didn't just ask for a regular cheeseburger instead is a mystery.) I'll sit at this small table to eat my enormous meal in peace and shame. *Family walks in with no less that 8 screaming children and two sleeping children in a double stroller, sits down at all the tables surrounding me, and two of them sit at my table. Without asking me if I'm okay with that.* (Literally. <--I am using this word correctly, not to indicate hyperbole.) These people are lucky I'm doing my internship in pediatrics, and I like kids! For all they know, I'm one of those bitches with a hostile womb who hates children! Or, a well dressed crazy person! ( I know that's not what a hostile womb is. Just work with me here.) *React to the child kicking me under the table by inhaling my fries and second burger at an alarming and impressive rate.* I really want ketchup. But if I get up, I might lose my seat, my meal or both! *continue to eat fries as they are*. *Collects things and clear out as fast as I can. My chair is swallowed by the crowd and I run out of there.*

*Halfway back to the office* Let me check the time on my phone. Where is my phone? CRAP! *Runs back to McHell* *Snatches phone from the middle of the table, which goes unnoticed by screaming children and broken parents*

*Day goes by...* I'm never eating anything that's not a homemade fruit smoothie, ever again.

*Goes home and showers grease and sin away*. * Lover comes home and surprises me with donner kebab for dinner*! *I pretend to be dainty for 5 seconds before polishing it off like a boss*. *PAIN* I think I might be able to withstand childbirth without drugs after this.

FIN

Inspiration: Twin Peaks Brunch

2011-08-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

After netflix jammed this show down our throats after we gave high ratings to The X Files, A Clockwork Orange and 2001: A Space Odyssey; Brad finally broke down and began to watch Twin Peaks. It has been our bedtime ritual for two weeks now, since the music makes me calm and sleepy, and Brad likes to have "quiet while [he's] watching [his] stories". (His words.)

Anyway, I think the show would lend itself quite nicely to a brunch theme for those of us who are just left of center...

The menu

pie via, donuts via, ham via, coffee via

It is cannon that all brunches include eggs, orange juice and a fresh fruit and veggie offering of some sort. These things are non-negotiable. But for the sake of theme making you have to go beyond that. So, here we have the famous donuts, set out just so. I think they would make a pretty awesome (Edible!) table runner. You'll notice in the show that they are the kind of doughnuts you get in the cake doughnut variety pack (plain, chocolate, powdered sugar and if you're lucky, cinnamon and sugar). Of course it is far tastier if you can find these varieties freshly made at your local shop, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone turn down a powdered doughnut of any kind. Of course you need some diner pie. Cherry is the most famously associated, but if it's not your thing, no worries! I've heard them mention several types of berry pie a couple of times here and there. The next part is very important to get right. It must be MAPLE ham. Why? Because, " Nothing beats the taste sensation when maple syrup collides with ham!" Wash it all down with some "damn fine coffee".

The Decorations

clockwise from top left: via, via, via, via

Just picture it: A table laid out with a red cloth. Simple, diner style dishes, silverware and condiment containers. Black and white zig-zag napkins, bound by those charming owl napkin rings. Finish it off with poker chips strewn about the table. (Don't forget the DOUGHNUT CENTERPIECE!)

Hopefully your friends are able to be entertained by their own conversation at a brunch, but just in case yours need a little help, may I recommend an "FBI investigation for clues"? Hide iconic items from the show around the gathering space and make it a scavenger hunt for guests. (Items on the list might include an eye patch, a small baggie of "cocaine"- powdered sugar, firewood, Denise's wig, etc.)

There, I said it. I'm weird, and Twin Peaks inspires me to throw brunch parties. Yeah...just RSVP in the comments section.

The one where I try a trend...

2011-08-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

Eh?

Rainbow Connection

2011-08-17T05:05:00.000-07:00

I saw on NPR's website that the Muppets are releasing a new album performed by some of their newer rock star friends. ( You can follow the link to listen to the album in it's entirety until it is actually released!) Of course everyone has their favorites that bring them back ("'Bass Man'?! That's my jam!") but I think there is one song that unfailingly moves everyone that listens to it: "The Rainbow Connection". Seriously, if you can listen to the original version (or the new version on The Muppets Green Album, mentioned above) without at least getting misty, you have no soul.

"Who said that every wish would be heard and answered when wished on the morning star? Somebody thought of that. And someone believed it. Look what it's done so far..."

The thing about this song is, it's not dismissive of reality. It acknowledges that having faith in dreams alone is silly. But, that faith is an ESSENTIAL PART of making dreams come true, and that dreams can come true. How wonderful is that? I hope I can successfully teach my children to believe in their dreams in a way that will never prove to be false, the way Jim Henson does in this song.

Fact.

2011-08-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

FACT: I am a huge nerd.

FACT: I love the ride inside the geosphere at Epcot, Spaceship Earth.

FACT: When I Skype with my family, I feel like this:

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The Dog Days Are Upon Us

2011-08-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

Cloudy again...but rumors of sun tomorrow! Today I am turning in my abstract for the poster session by those of us who are completing their practicum during the summer semester. This means two things:

1. I am one step closer to being a master of public health!

2. The summer is almost over. (BOO!)

Time to break out the old "Summer 2011" Bucket less to assess what has been successfully completed, and what still needs to be done!

Summer 2011 Bucket List

1. Practicum- Check!

2. Visit Arnold Arboretum

3. Visit Freedom Trail- Check!

4. Swim

5. Have a cold one at a brewery tour- Check!

6. Have an epic Fourth of July Celebration in the cradle of independence- Check!

7. Barbecue ribs- Check!

8. Cobbler and pie- Check!

9. Raspberry-Lime Rickey

10. Grill out- Check!

11. Visit Cape Cod

Looks like I've got a bit of summer left ahead of me after all...

Bread of the Week: Harvest Grain

2011-08-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

I hope to make this a regular feature, so I'll be more likely to keep up with the bread baking. This first week, I made a whole-wheat harvest grain bread.

I used the recipe for 10-grain bread in Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day, but I substituted King Arthur Flour's Harvest Grainsfor the Bob's Red Mill 10-Grain Cereal. I think the Harvest Grains require less water than Bob's mix, but I just made up the difference by adding some extra flour until I got it to a nice consistency.

I just made a small 1 lb loaf, because it's just the two of us. We want to be able to eat it all before it goes stale.

My very favorite thing to do with fresh, crusty, savory breads is to make really gorgeous grilled cheese sandwiches. I think that Baby Swiss in the fridge will do quite nicely!

2011-08-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

Brad, watching MST3K after a productive day at work. :o)

2011-08-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

Can we just talk, for the 500 billionth time in the blogosphere, about how impeccable the style of the women of Mad Men is? I'm not just talking about their glamorous outfits for going out, I'm mostly fascinated by the outfits and hair styles they wear when they're just"schlepping around" at home. Here are some elements I'm hoping to incorporate into my own wardrobe.

Midge in Season 1, Episode 1

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Definitely a strong contender for my first day of school this year.

Hermes scarf

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The obvious reference is the scarf gifted to Peggy by Duck, but several of the ladies make use of this holy grail of fabric squares. Okay, maybe I can't have an Hermes scarf anytime soon...but I can get a very nice silk one somewhere else, and I can wear it in these ways:

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and lastly,

Trudy Campbell's Hair

I'm obsessed with it.

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Sunday, It's Raining.

2011-08-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

For some reason summer rain does not get me down, the way it does any other time of the year. I guess it's because summer rain usually a pretty heavy downpour for a short amount of time, so it feels very exhilarating and cleansing. I recently saw this post on fitsugar that gives tips for hiking in the rain. I never thought about doing that, but it seems like a fantastic life experience! I definitely added it to my bucket list. It has inspired me to do a little cleansing in my own life, lately.

I'm upping the exercise as I've grown a little belly (not a baby, just a belly) in the past two months. I've been using the "Crunch" workout series. (Available on Netflix watch instantly!) So far, I've done the "Super Slim Down", a yoga Pilates mix; and the "Candlelight Yoga", hosted by my favorite Yogi: Sarah Ivanhoe! Today I'm also changing my diet to include more veggies and less cheese (and less McDonalds.... and less New England ice cream...)

I started baking my own bread again. (This week's recipe is Harvest Grain.) It think it upset me more than I care to admit, that I didn't get the job at a a bakery in my neighborhood. I stopped cooking with passion and fell back on simple recipes that were not very healthy. I haven't written on my cooking blog in ages. I have been reading David Lebowitz's blog though. He is so inspiring! I really hope this is a temporary feeling, but I think the best way out of my little rut is to start blogging regularly again. It keeps me on the look out for inspiring things in my life, and serves as a record of all the inspiration in my life to keep me going on the slower days. I don't advocate living to blog, or blogging to live, in the long run; but for now I think this is what I need.

Also, this:

2011-05-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

My first year of school is finished, and I'm pretty happy with the results. I think this blog is going to be seasonal, since I didn't really have that much spare time during the school year to even do anything worth blogging about. Summer has begun I guess, since Brad and I had our first scoop from J.P. Licks of the season tonight Anyway, here are some bits for catching up.

It has been insanely rainy/cloudy here this spring. Inspired by Vintage Blog's post on Teddy Girls I wore this yesterday:

2. Jay-Z's blog is amazing.

3. I have been alternating between wanting to get married and wanting to have a baby on a daily basis for the past two weeks. Today is a baby day. This is probably because I haven't had school to distract me for about two weeks.

4. I've been on a smoothie kick for about two weeks. Favorite flavor so far is just frozen mango bits with plain yogurt and a dash of milk to thin it out. I've also been wanting to make Strawberry-Rhubarb pie, lemon curd, jam and hummus.

That's it really. This is a weak post, but this summer seems promising, so hopefully there will be more in the future! :o)

I heart PBS

2011-02-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

I don't have a T.V. When I say that, people either pitty me (because I'm a poor grad student) or they act like I'm so pious for giving up that slothful contraption. But really, I do watch T.V. shows. I watch them online! I watch Glee, Greek, and Kitchen Nightmares on Hulu (just like everyone else). But I'm also ADDICTED to PBS online! I love Masterpiece (Hello! Sherlock and Downton Abbey this past season!!) and Nova Science Now. I just watched an episode about "living forever", and there was a part on some scientists here in Boston growing organs at Mass General.

Now, I'm in Public Health, so most of my thoughts regarding Mass Gen involve charges, insurance companies, and staffing needs for patients. I have the tendancy to see American healthcare as some clodhopping mess with no direction and a bad attitude acquired at some unethical corprote board meeting in the 1980s. I digress...The point is, I walk by BMC, Mass-Gen, Brigham Womens all the time, and I forget to see the mindblowing innovation that the people in those buildings have achieved.

Seriously, while I'm trying to get my Dunkin Donuts fix, they are taking a set of human lungs from a cadaver, using a solution that strips cells, but not the protein structure of the cells, and implanting new cells on the scaffolding, which will grow into a new functioning organ! Dr. Ott at Mass Gen was on a team at U of Minnesota to do this. So cool! (Also, the organs look really neat, almost like they are carved out of white jade.)

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This is a photo series of the first type of organ to undergo this process: a rat heart. The series shows the organ being stripped of the original cells, being re-covered with seed cells, and then the final new heart on the bottom right.

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This is a stripped human heart. On Nova, they showed a functioning heart and a functioning pair of lungs that work inside jars.

I heard that last year, they put a heart scaffold into a lab rat, and the rat's body did not reject the implanted scaffold, bringing us one step closer to fully functioning, implantable organs for humans!

Question though, can this be used for people with congenital defects? Or will the different structure provide a solution to the original problem?

Spring time wish list

2011-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Maybe the winter weather is getting to me, but I've been fantasizing about not wearing 10 lbs worth of outerwear just to take out the trash! Here are a few of the things I'm wearing in my dreams...

These adorable mocs from Cole Hann, with Nike Air technology (because Boston is a walking city) and a diary lock instead of the usual buckle. As usual, what I want is out of my price range, so I'm going to settle for a well made, supportive, red patent leather penny loafer or moc wherever I can find it.

Next is another pair of shoes:

My I've had a pair of white ones for about 4 years and they served me well. I'm on the hunt for a replacement, and I think green is a nice unexpected change. This is definitely a more reasonable purchase...one I'll probably make in the near future.

Finally, I could really use a white sundress. I think I say this every year, and every year, the perfect dress eludes me. Seriously, this year, it WILL happen. I haven't found a photo, because I haven't found the dress yet. But when I do, you will know.

Meanwhile, I'll keep loving my snuggly sweaters, and hot tea. That part of winter never gets old!

Sorry, my dog ate my brain...

2011-01-29T17:06:00.000-08:00

I have not been blogging as much as I would like lately. This is because my classes are far more demanding this semester than they were last semester. I've been logging the hours I put in (including class time) and it comes out to about 48 hours a week. Pretty intense. So while I'm slowing down on the entries, I'm not gone. Just more busy with things that aren't worth blogging about (like non-profit accounting homework). I think what's going to suffer the most is my other blog since I've definitely upped the amount of frozen food around here. :o/ You don't realize it when you're a kid, but this opening sequence is totally accurate.

Voodoo

2011-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

I love it when Brad puts on D'Angelo after work/school. It's like a bit of Friday on Wednesday.

xoxo

2011-01-13T05:55:00.001-08:00

We are not really making a plan for how to see New York, we're gonna just let it happen. I'm not sure how effective that will be, so just in case we have three activities planned:

1. New York Public Library

2. L.A. Burdick NYC- Just like our lovely Burdick but with a liquor license!

3. Mike's secret place for the best pizza in town!

While I am excited to see the city on my own terms (the last time I was there, I was 17), I'm more excited to be with Brad as he experiences the city for the first time. Even more than that, I'm VERY excited to see some friends from Brad's philosophy graduate days! Saturday can't come soon enough!

Have a Slice

2011-01-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

In honor of our upcoming trip, here are a few of my favorite slices of Big Apple life:

Empire State of Mind

2011-01-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

via

*Cell phone rings*
Drew: Hey, what's up
Me: Nothing. What's going on with you.
Drew: Not much, I'm in Miami.
Me: Cool.
Drew: Are you guys doing anything next weekend?
Me: We don't have plans.
Drew: Some of us are going to NYC, you should come.
*logistics*
Me: That sounds great! You should tell Brad...

That's exactly how long it took for next weekend to go from drab to fab!

Good Morning Sun

2011-01-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

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I started doing yoga in 10th grade to cope with the stress of being in a very crowded and noisy high school. I used Yoga for Dummies, and it was my daily hour of quiet time. As I got better at it, I moved on to the "intermediate" routine which was the Sun Salutation. I fell out of the habit after going to college. By some happy accident, my lover and I have fallen into a routine of doing the Sun Salute together every morning this week, so I went out and bought him his own yoga mat. (It's black. Much more manly than my lavender one with which we've been taking turns.) I think we might get bored with just one routine so I did a search for some more routines, and I found this site with the most adorable little illustrations!

I didn't resolve to do this, but it would be a nice thing to keep up for the rest of the year!

January

2011-01-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

I love the quiet of January after the hullabaloo of the holidays. Even the light is quiet. Not bright white, not gray, but a nice creamy color that doesn't strain the eyes. (I've heard it called "winter white" in the fashion world.)

January is....

A steady diet of citrus, minestrone and hot cocoa

Reading in a corner

A new start at the library

Long walks around icy ponds and rivers

New Year Musings

2011-01-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

One of my friends always works on New Year's Day. He says it's a fresh start, so you should set the tone, and do on January 1st what you want to be doing all year long. I didn't exactly follow that advice, and yesterday I was a little sad. I thought I had missed the window for change, and had set a pretty lazy tone for the new year. Luckily, I was able to pull myself out of it, and did yoga with my lover, cleaned my kitchen and made some preparations for the upcoming Semester. Maybe I was a little late at setting the tone I wanted, but now it has been set, and I'm ready to bring it!

2010-12-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

via
I suppose it is customary to do some reflecting this time of year. Last year I did this reflection around my birthday, but this year I was so busy I didn't have time! So, I guess that is a good place to start: 2010 was BUSY. I was a maid of honor, I moved to a different state, started graduate school, and traveled to a different state nearly weekly for the entire months of June and July!

Honorable mentions for describing 2010 go to:

Independence
New city/apartment/friends/life
It went by so quickly!
Saying goodbye (Hopefully 2011 will be full of saying hello again!)
Beautiful

Happy Boxing Day!

2010-12-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Here are several poorly written odds and ends on this year's holiday festivities:

First- a gratuitous photo of me enjoying about five of my Christmas gifts at once. That is my mahjong face.

There's a blizzard going on! Good thing we have a ton of candy from our stockings to sustain us!

I hope everyone had a day as nice as I did yesterday. I really wanted to see my family for Christmas (this was my first one away from home) and through the magic of Skype, my wish came true!! Brad and I really took it slow yesterday, capping off the holiday with a simple steak dinner. We don't normally eat red meat, so it was a real treat for us!

Fingers crossed for Brad to have a snow day from work so we can use his new sled!

I'm also really hoping for some more mild weather on New Year's Eve so we can enjoy the fireworks over the Boston Harbor at First Night! I've got to find something festive but warm to wear...maybe that will just mean some red lipstick and some nice earrings poking out from my hat. :o/

A Haiku

2010-12-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Today I am sick

Just in time for finals week

Keep calm, carry on.

Give Thanks

2010-11-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

I am spending the holiday with just my lover, and will be making the big meal by myself, for the first time! I suppose it's a good distraction from the fact that our families are so very far away. Anyway, here is a blog post for a very adorable banner (which coincidentally is on a very adorable blog), and here is the banner hanging in our bay window:

I am thankful for a whole host of things, but mostly for the love and support from my friends and family, and for Brad who happens to be a super being somewhere in between the most treasured friend, and the backbone of the family we are engaged to begin in the future. Sometimes I'm a little hard on my life, but it really is one of the better ones.

A Cauldron of Hot, Strong Love

2010-11-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

This morning, for my birthday, my lover and I went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 in Cambridge. Then, since we were on that side of town, we went to the famous L.A. Burdick for some hot chocolate. Can I just say...ugh. There are no words. I forgot my camera, so marvel at these little gems from around the web:

via

I'm a little obsessed with the mouse and penguin truffles! They're so tiny and cute! (And probably delicious too! I just wouldn't have the heart to eat one.)

via

I read a review of this place on yelp that said this is obviously the medicinal chocolate taken after an encounter with dementors, as described in the Harry Potter books. I totally agree.

Brad has decided, based on this hot chocolate alone, that we should live here forever. I'm not sold, but this is very persuasive.

Also, today was the Harvard v Yale football game, and I saw lots of people wearing sweaters like this:

Both via

I now need one with my school's monogram.

Thank you for such a sweet Saturday, lover!

Apartment Therapy

2010-11-18T08:47:00.000-08:00

Our apartment literally had 2 feet of counter space. One foot on either side of the sink. This is not enough. So, Brad built this little make shift workspace out of a piano stand and some giant Tupperware lids. Observe:

I know, it's a little depressing.

We finally bought nice pub table from an unfinished wood furniture store, and stained it ourselves. We even had it custom measured to fit our tiny kitchen!

We stained it ourselves, out on the balcony.

Brad smoothed it out with some steel wool for a professional finish. Now our kitchen is easy to work in, looks warm and cozy, and has a great space for cooking a Thanksgiving feast!

2010-11-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

The Google doodle today is honoring Robert Lewis Stevenson. It was interesting and cool and all of that, but I was looking at his wikipedia page, when I found this photo of him.

This is what really interests me! It was taken in 1888, and I thought it was so compelling because I don't see many candid photo portraits from that era. Usually 19th century portraits are so emotionless, I guess because they're trying to keep still, but the intensity with which he looks at the camera here is great!

Thinly Veiled Harry Potter Nerdiness

2010-11-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

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This is today's "look of the day" on the InStyle website. Look of the day? More like "the look of all time"!

Need.

2010-11-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

A girl walked into one of my classes flirting with being preppy to the point of costume. Pink button down, flipped up collar, yellow wellies with pink and blue gingham trim, and pearl stud earrings. I think part of the reason her outfit looked really chic, rather than looking like a costume is that everything was pressed, and beautifully cut. Her outfit fit her like a glove. The other reason for her look being so awesome was her REALLY great headband. It was so simple, but it had the perfect luxurious touch: a horse bit. It's a nice departure from the usual nautical interpretation of the preppy aesthetic. I might even go so far to say this look suggests some sort of elitism in preppiness, with only the very upper echelons of "society" partaking in equestrian sports like polo. (Listen to me! Like "society" matters. This sounds so snobby...I really don't mean it to be! ) Yes, I had all of these thoughts on a headband. You can think what you want about that. :o/

I found it here. She's got the black one, which is the color I would pick too. I have so many other things I need to spend money on before I shell out $30 for a head band...but it's so perfect! Forever 21 and H+M, are you listening??? I need this on the cheap, and I need it now! Maybe I should submit a request to Miss Madeline to help me with this little case of fashion lust. Also, I was quite tickled to see a little shout-out to the bit motif in fashion on Miss Ginny's blog this week!

Baking(read: mental health) Day

2010-11-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

Do I have a ton of work to do? Yes.
Am I doing it? Maybe later.
What am I doing instead?
Baking whole wheat banana bread and making cranberry-apple sauce!
Hey, it's dark and misty out... I'm entitled.

Ear Muffs

2010-11-05T04:45:00.000-07:00

I think I have really low set ears or something, because it's really hard for me to find hats that sufficiently protect my ears from the cutting Boston wind without nearly covering my eyes! I think I have found the perfect solution. Item number one on my current wish list?

Ear muffs!

If you have $1255 to blow and you don't have any problem with using animal fur, these are quite pretty.

I'm actually have a bit of trouble finding them for sale in stores , so I've done a little looking around and I found this really cute DIY method:

She uses a sewing machine, but I think ear muffs are small enough to sew by hand if you (like me) do not own a sewing machine. (YET! This would be item number 2 on my wish list.) I bet with this method and a bit of patience and a decent ribbon/ sparkle stash, a reasonable faux fur facsimile of the Lavin ear muffs could be achieved.

Happy November!

2010-11-03T04:55:00.001-07:00

via
Apologies! I'm putting my life on hold to go to school! I wish I could blog, but I really have very little desire to document myself doing homework. Again.

Although, there is one little bit of information to note: I registered for Spring 2011 classes this morning! :o) ( I told you, no life. Life is on hold.)

Happy November!

Our Place

2010-10-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of extremely good fortune! It started out appearing to be the opposite, because my lover wanted to go for a run, but he couldn't find his gloves. He looked in a box under the bed, and didn't find his gloves, but an envelope with a substantial amount of money inside! He eventually found his gloves and went on his run. He bought himself some winter boots, and he still had some money left over, so we went on an adventure to a part of town we haven't seen yet.

We were really missing the last town we lived in, and were feeling like Boston was just too posh for us! We had heard that Jamaica Plain had a lot of parallels to the last place, so we went there with the hope of remedying our homesickness. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! It was every bit as laid back as the place we left, ten times more adorable, and I swear the place we found for dinner was made purely for our delight and only our delight. That's how perfect it was.

The Haven is a Scottish bar and restaurant...you decide which description to put first, because they do both equally well. (I just put them in alphabetical order.) The food is a foodie's dream. The most beautiful Haggis and Neeps, Fish Supper (fish and chips with a side of mint,pea mash), house ground apple sage sausage, with mashed sweet potatoes, and braised kale, all washed down with some beautiful Scottish beer that Brad ordered.(I can't remember what it was called.) It had these sweet and dark toffee notes at the end that made my eyes roll into the back of my head. AND everyone there was soooo nice! The staff, the owner, the other diners, everyone! Brad would also like to make note of how great it smells in there,like antique wood. Yes. This is our place to go on dates, to bring friends, whatever!

We walked around the neighborhood a bit, and found a Cuban restaurant which is begging for a visit as well! We stumbled into an Irish pub, complete with traditional a Celtic band sitting around one of the tables, and playing sporadically between sips of their pints and their own lively conversation. It was pretty cool, they had a really great variety of beers (but were out of the Wheihenstephan, boo!) So Brad and I had our pints and a celebratory shot of Jameson, and were on our way home. The whiskey warmed us so much we decided to walk the nearly three miles home!

Of course we were sucked into our favorite bookshop along the way, and I found a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray, in the used books basement! I was particularly excited because they don't have this book at the Boston Public Library. Finally (yes, there is more!) on our way home we ran into one of my friends from Health Law, and we had a chat about going to Jamaica Plain and how great it is there. She too, loves The Haven, and informed us that Belle & Sebastian love it too!!! *squeal!!!!* I die! So naturally we are going there next week after class and we're inviting all of our friends! Yes, the fun will continue! :o)

AND they finally turned the heat on in our building! WIN WIN WIN!!!

I apologize, this post is very poorly written, but I am so excited about last night, the memories just exploded out of my fingers!

Eat to the beat!

2010-10-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

I started a new blog! It's a collection of recipes and music. Two of my favorite things! I won't stop making entries here, because I still like my little diary, but I do hope you'll check out my new project and that you'll try my food! :o)

Once, Twice, Chicken Soup with Rice

2010-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Brad was so sweet! I was feeling the sting of mid-terms so he made me a big 'ole pot of love (chicken soup with rice)! Of course I had to look up the song on Youtube, and now I'm singing it all the time. Particularly the October verse:

When I googled "October Chicken Soup with Rice" I found this photo...which turned out to be on this lovely blog: Vintage Kids' Books My Kid Loves. It's simply beautiful!

Come and knock on our door!

2010-10-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

via

I had lunch with one of my aunts and her boyfriend yesterday! It was such a treat, because this is the first family visit I've had here in Boston, and she came all the way from MIAMI! I feel so loved and re-energized to keep doing my thing even though I'm so far away from home.

We went to this very adorable restaurant just outside of the city called The Regal Beagle, whose tag-line is " A Local Joint". That's it in the photo! If you click on the little "via" link you can read a review of the restaurant too! It was so fantastic, and it turned out to be a really good place to go because my aunt's boyfriend just bought a restaurant and he was really inspired by this place! We talked about how the person writing his menu wasn't really that into it, and I immediately got to work, in my head, to writing a breakfast menu for a restaurant that sells only comfort food....*commence day dream waves*

Breakfast
sweet

Banana Pancakes: Nobody can make the quite like my dad does, but these are pretty darn close! 3 Light, fluffy, perfectly golden and steaming hot, with banana slices that have caramelized on the griddle.

Oatmeal: Steel cut oats, cooked to perfection with a palate of toppings for you to artfully mix in! Brown sugar, honey, dried fruit, fresh seasonal fruit, sliced toasted almonds, and cinnamon

Cinnamon Rolls: Ask what kind of rolls our artisan baker has prepared today! (and then they'd hear about some special like "French Morning Rolls- croissant dough filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and the zest of one of our famous Florida oranges that has been tossed in sugar 'n' spice while it's still hot for a satisfyingly crunchy first bite!")

Homemade Toaster Pastries: Yeah, you'll never go back. These are buttery and fresh pastries filled with home made seasonal fruit fillings.

Biscuits and Tea for two: A basket of hot buttermilk biscuits served with a sampling of toppings! Homemade seasonal preserves, clotted cream, local honey, whipped butter, sugar 'n' spice, and depending on the season, fresh lemon curds, apple butter, or pumpkin butter. You also get an endless pot of our premium loose leaf teas!

savory

Biscuits and Gravy: This is the breakfast your grandmother cooked ...on a weekday...without destroying her kitchen...2 piping hot buttermilk biscuits, smothered in country gravy; hash browns, two eggs cooked to order and a bowl of fresh fruit.

Omelette: Two eggs cooked in the traditional french style with your choice of fresh fillings. The french prefer tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs. My family says the only way is with cheddar and ham. My fiance demands onions, peppers and provalone. What will you choose?

Weekend Eggs: This is my mom's weekend specialty. Two eggs prepared the way you like them; your choice of house ground sausage, thick sliced bacon, or Canadian bacon; toasted artisan bread (comes with butter, and preserves or sugar 'n' spice).

The Hash: When I was a kid, I was a huge fan of the canned stuff...what can I say? Kids are weird. Now I've grown up, and I know what real love is. Our hash is comprised of our house pickled corned beef (the same stuff we use on our reubens), potatoes, onions, and secret spices! Oh, yeah...you also get two eggs cooked the way you like them. But who cares about those when The Hash is on your plate??

Other offerings: Cream of wheat with sugar 'n' spice , grits, thick sliced bacon, Canadian bacon, house ground breakfast sausage patties, corned beef hash, toasted artisan bread (comes with butter, and home made preserves or sugar 'n' spice), extra eggs, fresh fruit, fresh, hand squeezed florida orange or grapefruit juice, mimosas, french pressed coffee, loose leaf tea, and milk

*end daydream waves*

Yeah...come eat at my pretend restaurant. :o)
Also, if you go to the Regal Beagle...the fish tacos are where it's at!

Monster Makeup Skills!

2010-10-12T06:20:00.001-07:00

I'm getting really excited about Halloween, even though I'm pretty sure it will end up being a night spent giving boatloads of candy to all 4 of the children who live in our building. :o/ Anyway, I saw this over on bellasugar and it blew my mind. I'm a little sad there isn't very much back to back footage of the before and after, because this girl looks NOTHING like Jared Leto without her insane makeup skills. Anyway, here's a trick and a treat rolled into one!

Autumn Leaves Cobbler

2010-10-10T12:01:00.001-07:00

The filling for this cobbler is inspired by the colors of the autumn leaves for which New England is so famous, the season's offerings (sweet apples and tart plums) and their traditional spicy accompaniments (cloves and cinnamon)! I am adjusting to baking for two, so the recipe only yields about 4 servings. It also helps to keep the whole thing economical. Cutting the recipe down increases the number of different things you can bake so, it sort of stretches your staples (flour, sugar, butter, eggs). You'll also notice that I put a lot of notes in the recipe, these are just things I include so people know how many corners you can cut while still baking from scratch! See? NO EXCUSES! If this sounds good to you, make it happen! Also, I put it in a very small casserole dish, but it's really easy to double if you need more to share. Enjoy!

For the Crust and Dumplings
1 cup all purpose flour

1 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp butter (chilled and cubed)

1 tbsp shortening (chilled and cubed... just throw it in a small bowl with the butter and put the bowl in the freezer while I do all of the rest of my prep.)

1.5 tbsp cold water

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees(F) and grease a 6x6 glass baking pan...or some equally small vessel suitable for baking. Then in a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Grab your butter and shortening from the freezer and pinch them in until the mixture looks like wet sand. Add the water. It should just be damp enough to hold together when you close it in your fist. Mash the dough into one lump, cover the bowl and put it in the fridge while you prepare your luscious fruit filling.

Luscious Fruit Filling
1 tbsp corn starch (Okay, so this isn't really something that people usually keep on hand, but it's cheap, and it goes a really long way. It is what makes your cobbler so luscious!)

1/2 c sugar

1/16 tsp cloves

1/8 tsp cinnamon ( I know these are infinitesimal measurements. The thing is, I want a little interest, but I don't want to loose the flavors of the fruit either. I usually just do one tiny pinch of the cloves and two tiny pinches of cinnamon.)

1 small apple

1 medium nectarine or peach (These are actually kind of expensive this time of year as they are not in season, but I had some squirreled away in the freezer from the summer time. It shouldn't set you back too much to just buy one peach or nectarine, but you know... we're trying to be cost conscious here.)

2 small plums (all of the fruit should add up to one pound total...so should you find yourself substituting, keep that amount in mind.)

Combine the sugar, corn starch, cloves and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Peel, core, and slice your apple into 1/2 to 1 inch slices, pit and slice your stone fruit to the same size. (To pit the nectarines and plums I usually just cut them in half starting at the stem and going around, twist one side off then pick the pit out with the tip of the knife.) Mix the fruit with the sugar and set aside while you get back to your dough.

Take about 1/3 of the dough and break them into little marbles (1/2 inch diameter?) and put them in the bottom of your baking vessel. Then put the fruit slurry (it should already be throwing juice) in the pan. Finally, roll out the remainder of your dough until it's big enough to cover the fruit (you don't have to make a seal like a pie, but you know, try to cover as much of the fruit as you can). I don't actually own a rolling pin, so I use one of those aluminum water canteens to roll out my dough. I used to have a really lovely Bordeaux bottle, but it got knocked off it's home on top of the fridge...

Bake for 1 hour, then broil for 3 minutes. Cool for 15-30 minutes before wrapping yourself and your cobbler buddy (mine is my lover) into a cozy blanket with steaming bowls of autumn-y goodness!

**Also, since this is a Nissa original, I would greatly appreciate credit if you decide to share this one, thanks! **

Southern Hospitality

2010-10-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

It is my weekend routine to take some time to read all of the wedding blogs I follow, so I have a week's worth of posts to keep me blissfully entertained for at least an hour. My favorite part is the when some of them post "links for Friday" or something like that.

Now, even though I'm in New England at the present, doesn't mean I don't know a thing or two about sweet tea, and biscuits! I present to you the most charming party/wedding idea of the week...

via
As soon as you get over how pretty the whole thing looks, you remember that it's a bar of fluffy (I choose to believe they're still piping hot), melt in your mouth biscuits ready to be slathered with that gorgeous honey! Yes, THIS is the world in which we live!
The link I found was on Snippet & Ink, but they found it in the archives of 100 Layer Cake. I follow both of these stunning blogs, and my only regret is that I didn't know about them until I became a bride to be! We aren't planning our wedding until after I've finished graduate school, so for now I just read for the sake of being inspired in my day to day life by beauty and love. I think in graduate school, you need that sometimes. :o)

2010-10-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend is a 5 day weekend for me...hooray! Pop quiz:

Am I taking time to catch up on my:
a)sight seeing?
b)homework?
c)baking list?
d)appointments?
e)all of the above?

Yes! Yes! It's "e"!

I'm already off to a good start with running errands all around town yesterday (which happened to take place around the Freedom Trail), and I made banana muffins last night. I used the recipe from the bakery I used to work for. It was a little bit of that happy place, right here in Boston!
Anyway, here is your prize for guessing correctly on the quiz!

Are you ready for Halloween?

2010-10-06T10:55:00.001-07:00

Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch

2010-10-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

As I made my morning cup of tea today, I realized that I am almost out of sugar! The horror! Perhaps going to the store to pick some up some will remind me to get crackin' on my miles long baking list

-Banana Bread
-Apple-Plum-Nectarine Galette
-Fox and Obel Brownies
-Chocolate Chip Cookies
-Apple Sauce (Technically not baked, but still makes the apartment feel like a home.)
-Pumpkin Pie (Brad's favorite)
-Pumpkin Pasties for the Trick or Treaters! (And candy, just in case their parents are lame.)

2010-10-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

via

Did anyone else blink and open their eyes to find that September was over?

The Boston Pops!

2010-09-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Boston Pops were giving a free show on the Common last Sunday!

So my friends and I loaded up our picnic baskets with snacks and blankets, hopped on the T and set up shop. It was a lovely afternoon (despite the misty weather), and I am looking forward to our next Bostonian adventure!

Duran Duran 2.0?

2010-09-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Kiss of Life

I'm not sure if I love them because I love Duran Duran, or if I don't because I think they should do their own thing...Eh, I love 'em. Also, there are various versions of Skeleton Boy, collect them all! (Or at least, check them out.)

2010-09-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

You know how some people put up blog posts that are completely and utterly uninteresting to anyone but themselves? Yeah, this is going to be one of those posts. Sorry.

Last night for dessert Brad and I had candy corn (or in Brad's case Mellowcreme Pumpkins) and baked apples for dessert. And it was autumn-y and wonderful.

I wasn't able to take a picture...we ate them too quickly, but they looked something like this via:

The apples reminded me of one of the activities published in the newsletter sent out to members of the American Girl Club. It was an article about throwing a fall themed party in Samantha's time. There were party gifts hidden in walnut shells, stuffed baked apples and Victorian games. Very cute. Do you remember that?? Why did they get rid of it? And Samantha. Seriously. WTF, Pleasant Company? Probably because they realized it didn't stop little girls from growing up to write things like "WTF" in their blogs. I digress.

Make baked apples this fall. It satisfies the soul.

To do for September

2010-09-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

1. Pick Apples (We're going to Autumn Hills Orchard)
2. Three Floors of Ska
3. Boston Pops on the Boston Common
4. Berklee Bean Town Jazz Festival
5. Follow every recipe in the apple chapter of Sarah Raven's book In Season.

I suppose I could go to class and clean my apartment from time to time this month too.

Also, HOW CUTE IS THAT LITTLE "HELLO SEPTEMBER" IMAGE?! The other images on the site are mostly those mushy things that are made into bumper stickers on facebook...but this one is just so cute!

Versitile Blogger!

2010-09-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

The little lady who authors Home Says Hello, my cousin/best friend Christina, has included me in her list of Versitle Bloggers! Hooray! It's quite an honor coming from her since I enjoy her blog so much! She's got mad web design skills and excellent taste to go with them, making her blog a joy to stumble up on even before you've read any of the posts. And then you know she's really something special when you read her humorous, honest, and useful posts.

I appears to be the case that in order to accept this acclamation I must list 7 things about myself. This is going to be hard since this blog is pretty much about me (God, that's narcissistic). Let's see if I can find some novel material for this.

1. The thing all of my friends have in common is the fact that they are excellent critical thinkers, even though I'm not the best at it. I suppose it's a little selfish of me, but hey, we can't all be chiefs, somebody's got to just be part of the tribe, right? Philosophers, lawyers, writers, historians and the like are my people.

2. My sisters and I believe that "Music is a kind and truthful speech, in a language out of mere words reach." -Sigma Alpha Iota Chorale

3. I love to sing, and I can carry a tune okay, but my voice isn't actually that pleasant. So, I sing for as long as I can whenever I'm home alone.

4. I am currently suffering the side effects of a Hepatitis B vaccination, with a runny nose, a sore throat, and the feeling that I've recently had a swift kick in the back.

5. There is a show called Parking Wars on hulu that has caused me to foster an appreciation and a soft spot for parking meter attendants in my heart.

6. I call my immediate family daily.

7. My dad just got a new job that will be A LOT less stressful than his old one, and that makes me VERY happy!

Can I get back to you on the people I'd like to tag? Cool.

To do today

2010-08-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Pay rent
Make arrangements to complete shot records
Pay parking ticket (BOOOOO!)
Bake espresso meringues (yes, this is absolutely necessary.)
Make small dent in the mountain of laundry
~~Clean bathroom~~
~~Clean bedroom~~
~~Clean kitchen~~
Clean apartment
Exchange peanut butter at Trader Joe's because ours was opened (Come on!)

It's my last day of summer holiday from school. Orientation is tomorrow and the next day, the first day of school is on Thursday....Okay new list:

Wear sundress and sandals
Enjoy a beer popsicle
Take a walk along the river
Camp out in the living room because it's too hot to be in bed

Yes, that's much better.

P.S.
Even though it's the end of summer vacation you better believe I'll be doing Summer-y things on the weekends until September 21!

Barely Boston, Part 2- The Bedroom

2010-08-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

Our bedroom is quite the blank canvas, so the photos leave a little to be desired. But, it is clean, comfortable, sunny and (most importantly) it is ours. We have some nice architectural elements to work with, and a few brilliant decorative pieces of which I'm very proud.

There was originally a window in our room that looked out into the hallway, but it has been filled in to leave a very cool decorating element. I'm trying to convince Brad that we need to put a wall paper sample in it to make a nice back ground for some shelves... he's not entirely sold on the idea.

And yes, you did see what you thought you saw...
It's so quintessentially him. :o)
Our windows! They let in lots of sunlight( It was night time when I took these photos...because I just couldn't wait for the next day!) and fresh air. Those little picture frames look familiar...

There's something familiar about that artwork too...

I love this foot locker at the end of the bed. It goes nicely with the hardwood floors, don't you think?

This was the only angle from which I could capture most of the room. Things In this photo that I love: The windows, the wall hangings, the chair in the corner, the radiator, the reversible quilt, the high floorboards, and the Union Jack for a little kitsch (and to cover up the busted frame surrounding Brad's Combat Rock poster). So, pretty much everything.

In other news, I have a job as a temp for an agency which specializes in events. It's a great, non-intrusive job. I just finished a gig this weekend, and I was already asked back for another one in the future. I guess that means they're happy with me! :o)

In other-other news, one of my friends from back home (and by back home I mean, we went to school together from K to 12!) came by for a pancake breakfast cooked by my lover and hosted by me! It's SO nice to have some company, and for it to be someone from home just makes it that much better. Our timing for meeting up was perfect, since she just bought a couch, she and her Sean are getting rid of their old futon...and they are giving it to us...with waffle fries! FO' FREE! (Except without the waffle fries.) I have yet to decide on an adequate thank you pastry for them, but what ever it is, I can safely say it will have to be great to cover the gratitude I feel! I have until this weekend to come up with a recipe.

Parking is still a nightmare. School starts a week from tomorrow, I still need to get my shot records signed. I'm now an expert at commuting across town on the T. It's been cold and rainy for 5 days, it's supposed to be warm tomorrow. Brad and I have library cards, and thus we do not have a netflix account. Minutia, details, boring, etc.

30 Years of Cool!

2010-08-13T10:04:00.001-07:00

The moment I saw this post I immediately thought it belonged over on Glorious Nonsense!

Nectarines

2010-08-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Trader Joe's had a 4 lb box of nectarines last week, and of course I had to have it. It was such a good purchase! I of course ate some of them fresh, letting the juice run down my chin. (This is the most appropriate way to enjoy them in August.) I couldn't eat 4 lbs of nectarines in less than a week, so I had to get a little creative. I found them to be great for a lot of projects!

Like, making cobbler...

...and jam!

I cut the rest of them in half, skinned and pitted them, and put them in the freezer for a cold day which, I'm sure, will beg for more cobbler!

Barely Boston, Part 1-Living Room/ Office/ Meditation/Music Room

2010-08-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

I must admit, the amount of time I spend out in the city is a lot less than it should be. That's only because I love our apartment so very much! Sadly it is so awesome that it makes our dorm furniture look like absolute junk. Oh, well. Something to aspire to, right? I think it's lovely the way it is, as long as it is a refuge for just Brad and me, but it is in no state to welcome guests as we only have two chairs and no couch. Anyway, here it is in all of it's glory.

If you can tear your eyes away from the beautiful floors and that stunning window for a moment, you will notice all the bundles and bundles of wires. This makes me CRAZY. But such is the life of a tenant in an old building. Each room has one pair of outlets from which we must carefully pick and choose to draw electricity, lest the lights flicker. That is the only small complaint to be had. There is plenty of room for all of our stuff...and then some. Brad has his "area for meditation" and I have mine. The building is barely within the Boston city limits, but one side of the building is half a block from the a main artery of the city, Commonwealth Ave. The other side of the building (our side of the building) faces a shady New England suburb. Hence, the fluttering tree outside the bay window. We really do have the best of both worlds here.

Our neighborhood: Cafe Japonaise

2010-08-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

We've been here over a week now, and the final box has been broken down and sent to the recycling bin. Boston has been good to us so far. I think it's because I've been following the advice of Francis in Under the Tuscan Sun. "Be polite, introduce yourself so it can introduce yourself to you."
Brad and I have been on quite a few mini adventures so I'm already behind on my blogging, so I suppose the only way to remedy this problem is to start now!

Although we miss Bollo's and Plebes very much we have found a comfortable niche at Cafe Japonaise. The first thing we noticed when we walked in was the decoration. The cafe is two stories and the mirror collage on the back wall of the second floor is pretty cool. We thought the contraption on the stairway was a bank vault lock, but upon closer inspection it has been discovered to be something way cooler: a wheel chair elevator!
The decoration isn't the only distinguishing feature of this coffee house. It has the cafe staples, in addition to some gorgeous house specialties. In the pastry case, traditional French and Japanese pastries are buffered from each other by a selection of fusion treats. Brad and I have a particular fondness for the large puff pastry purses filled with sweetened azuki beans and whipped cream. We like to believe the half mile walk is enough exercise to justify splitting a sugary, buttery treat...

My Best Friend's Wedding

2010-07-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

via CSE photos

My cousin Christina got married this weekend, and I was lucky enough to be the maid of honor!! Her wedding was so quintessentially her and it went without a hitch! She was so beautiful and the love between her and her groom, Matt, was radiantly evident. I hope they know that the beauty of the wedding was also a reflection of how their family and friends feel about them. We all wanted to pitch in for the success of the celebration to show our appreciation for the relationship each of them has with us.

It was the best English garden party I have ever attended. I laughed, I cried, I danced. "Two thumbs way, way up! "

It was grand and glorious

2010-07-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

July 4th was notable, to say the least. Yesterday I:

Enjoyed blueberry pancakes made by my lover, with fresh whipped cream.
Went on a geocaching hike that got a little out of control. It was supposed to take an hour and a half, but we got lost and the hike lasted for 4 hours! Poor Lover got stung by a bee and I fell and scraped my knee. We survived though...barely. :o)
Celebrated our return to civilization with chicken tenders, fries, Cherry Coke, a gallon of water, Gatorade and Slurpees.
Hosted an impromptu grill out complete with grilled, local corn on the cob!
Made home made blueberry shortcake (again with fresh whipped cream) for dessert.
Watched the town fireworks from the comfort of a giant blanket in my back yard surrounded by friends and fireflies.

Today, I'm just recovering. The famous Drew and Lydian are to arrive tomorrow! I think we'll have a private concert in our home on Wednesday! SO EXCITING!!

Need.

2010-07-05T10:42:00.001-07:00

MIKOH swimwear is based out of Australia, so naturally, their bathing suits aren't just hot, they're sporty too! (Read: They stay put even if you're doing more than working on your tan.)
The front just looks like a basic bikini, and then, BAM! Check that out in the back!! Somebody, please donate $185 to me so I can frolic on the beach feeling like sex on a stick...

The height of Summer!

2010-07-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

I always feel like July 4th weekend is the height of summer. Really, does it get any more Summery than this?

From Me To You

2010-06-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a little obsessed with this blog, but in particular, I REALLY love the post inspired by 1963.

One day, when I have free time that isn't laced with exhaustion, I hope I can get dressed up and take some rockin' self portraits like that!

They slip away across the universe...

2010-06-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Mitchell Lee "Butch" Askins : Grandfather, musician, Beatles scholar, and (he'll tell you himself) all around Renaissance man. May the lessons of this life help you in the next.

Our new digs

2010-06-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

So,uh...my new apartment in Boston...it is kind of incredible. Sorry you have to put up with my bragging...
Here is my list of things I love about our new place:

-No realtor's fee. :o)
-Near the T.
-On a quiet street AND faces the courtyard.
-Near lots of fun stuff(like Cafe Japonaise).
-Is within walking distance of my Buddhist community center.
-Laundry in the building.
-Off the ground level.
-Building has this awesome old fashioned/questionable looking elevator that looks like a cage.
-Has a bay window,hardwood floors, kitchen has walk in pantry AND balcony access, claw foot bathtub, and plenty of closet space!
-Includes heat and hot water.
-Marble steps into the building and one of those intercom things to let people in. Very city-mouse!

We're moving in next month!!

Wicked Good Time!

2010-06-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

We're in Boston, apartment hunting and such. This short visit will warrant several posts, but for now a brief list of things to post about:
1) Apartments
2) Chestnut Hill
3) My school
4) Cafe Japonaise
5) North End

Okay, bye!!! :o)

Please help.

2010-06-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

We're leaving for Boston tomorrow, to find an apartment. I am not ready.

Things I still need to do before 6 pm tomorrow:

*Charge camera battery
*Make up with lover after totally- blown-out-of-proportion-because-of-the-stress-of-moving-in-addition-to-the-state-of-my-hormones-"discussion".
*Bake cupcakes to sell at farmers market tomorrow.
*Go to market to sell said cupcakes among other things.
*Get oil changed.
*Clean out car.
*Bake brownies for all the new people I'm going to meet in Boston.
*Apply to be research assistant.
*Pack
*Laundry
*Clean bathroom
*Dishes

June 2010

2010-06-07T10:03:00.001-07:00

(Starting from the top left) 1) Toms wedges- I don't have them...or $70 to spare, but I love them anyway.
2) Cherries are in season!! A little girl came to our stand at the market with cherry stained fingers and lips. It was beautiful.
3) I have shorts like that...they don't look like that when I wear them though. I'm living in them this month.
4) Petra's nail polish color of the month for the Glamour blog. I'm totally wearing it.
5) My perma-style for the summer.
6)Day lilies are back! So feisty!
7) My beverage of the month: Tom Collins. This is how Mike's Hard Lemonade WISHES it tasted.
8) See my Panera Post.
9) First firefly sighting: June 4 at 8:00 p.m.

A Love Supreme

2010-06-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

We're not getting married for ages, but I like this as one of many potential wedding theme elements.

Also, if you are a jazz lover or you want to become one one (and you have 20 spare hours) watch this. This is worth a read too.

The Panera Summer Menu

2010-06-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

"I'll have the You Pick Two with the Strawberry Poppyseed* Salad/ no chicken (or Tomato Mozzarella & Basil Salad/no onions), Mac and Cheese, and a whole grain baguette." This will be my diet until the air turns crisp again. Since I can't afford to eat at Panera every night, I have resolved to learn how to make knock offs. I think I have the TM&B salad figured out, I found the SP salad recipe here, and the mac and cheese here.

The salads are fairly straight forward, but I thought there was a little mystery to the dressing of the SP salad. Apparently "poppy seed dressing" is a normal thing and I am an uncultured oaf. I assume the TM&B salad is just tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and cucumbers marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette, then tossed with romaine lettuce. That mac and cheese is MAGIC, which means the mystery will remain, but I can try to come close.

I know this isn't very becoming of a farmers market vendor to say that some of the best summer salads I've ever had came from a national chain, but what can I say? The salads are fresh, flavorful, and have the perfect amount of dressing. What if I promise to use local/ organic ingredients when I make them myself...does that make everyone feel better?

* I know "poppy seed" is two words, you know "poppy seed" is two words; but either Panera doesn't know that, or they are trying to be creative (like the people who put random "y"s in the spelling of their kid's otherwise traditional name). Either way, in the interest of preserving the proper noun, I'm spelling it as one word this time.

Lydian and Drew Update!

2010-05-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

THEY WON THE CONTEST! On June 2 Drew and Lydian will be opening for Imogen Heap and Lydian will be able to perform "Earth" onstage with her. SO AWESOME!

They submitted anther video of her singing the song a capella. Enjoy!

Suave...

2010-05-31T00:33:00.000-07:00

via efitnessnow.com

Please pour out a PBR, for our honorary Plebeian.
"God damn, you are one suave fuck."-Dennis Hopper as Frank Booth

In the name of true love and good music

2010-05-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

My roommate and his cousin have entered a contest to be the opening act for Imogen Heap at the concert in their city! All contestants must cover her song "Earth" and submit a video of themselves performing it on youtube. The winners get to perform the song live with Imogen at the show in addition to a 15 minute set of their own songs! Cool right?

The primary goal for entering this contest is to make Imogen realize that Drew is the love of her life. It doesn't hurt that they are both such amazing musicians and they totally deserve to win! Anyway here is their video:

If you want to vote, Drew has written some very lovely instructions:

1) In order to vote, you need a YOUTUBE account. If you don't have one,
get one! :)

...2) Go to this following site:
http://www.youtube.com/group/imogenheapearth

3)
You need to then join the group!

4) Find the
following topic:Ihearthmiami - Miami audition -
Lydian and AndrewClick on it.

5)You
should see a video in the top right of my cousin and I.

6)
Watch the video first if you don't mind!

7) When you finished
watching Click on 'Love it'.

8) I would love it if you could get
any of your friends to vote too!!!!!!!!!! We can do it!
Thanks guys!

Brad the Grad!

2010-05-17T13:52:00.001-07:00

I am so proud of my Master in the Art of Philosophy!

100th Post!!!

2010-05-14T05:26:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! So, I never thought I would have this much trouble thinking about something special enough for my "100TH POST!!!' but I think this is good enough: my life is getting ready to change in a BIG way.

Hint #1: I'm about to partake in REALLY good Italian food and deal with CRAZY drivers.

Hint #2: I will learn how to hide "r"s in words where they don't belong... for example " I'll take the ca to the lawroffice".

Hint #3:

Do you give up?

I'M MOVING TO BOSTON!

I'm going to be going to graduate school there, and it's going to be wicked awesome! ( To use the vernacular.)

Okay, so I have to go to work...more later!!!

We live in the future!

2010-02-05T19:13:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I've been the most horrible blogger ever! I'm working on the 100th post, it's going to be BIG! But for now, here is number 99:

I don't know if I've changed my focus, or if it's just the fact that I live with 5 guys who love their gadgets, but lately I've noticed some pretty nifty things that make me excited to be living in 2010 AKA THE FUTURE! For whatever reason, until recently if someone asked me about the progress my generation is making for humanity, I would have said we are the masters of editing the past. We don't really have anything to call our own, and I am thoroughly disappointed in our lack of innovation when it comes to transportation. Seriously, watch an episode of SeaQuest and you'll see what I mean. Our counter culture is nothing more than a mash-up of the counter cultures of the previous century!
But lately, I've been very impressed with a lot of things that make me feel like we live in the future! Now, these things did not necessarily make their debut this year, but they are part of my everyday experience that I think are pretty nifty. Without further delay, I present, in no particular order....

10 indications it's 2010!

1. A young man gave a reading at a religious service I attended from his iPhone.

2. Skype

3. For better or worse...
via

4. Kindle, e-readers. "Kindle is massively superior."- My Lover
It gets "worldwide" * internet access...fo' free
* In approx. 100 countries.

5. Nintendo Wii

6. Google. I cannot tell you how many times a day my friends and I use Google. We can find out anything we want to know, in real time.

7. Philips LED Living Colors lights

via

8.

9. My parents have a vacuum cleaner that has a dirt sensor. It sucks harder if there is more dirt, and indicates when the area you are vacuuming is clean. Roombas are cool too.

10. Top Gear.

Apologies

2010-01-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

I'm quickly approaching my 100th post and I want it to be special. That is my explanation of my extended absence. Also, I had a nice 3 week break from the internet over the holidays. I'm sorry for not saying goodbye, and I hope the promise of awesome posts in the near future are enough to make it up.

Coco Chanel Speaks on Elegance

2009-11-21T15:58:00.000-08:00

Also, this:

Halloween II

2009-11-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

Halloween was great this year and warranted two posts. I am finally posting part two of the Halloween party. First, here is the bestiality...and I warn you it is pretty graphic. Rated NC-17 for full frontal male animal nudity. ***THIS IS NOT A JOKE, IT'S REALLY GRAPHIC!!!*** One of my roommates was an anatomically correct horse, complete with functioning parts. So to speak. It's vulgar yet genius. It took a lot of effort, research and planning to create something like that! I salute you, Sir.

Also, this:

Black and Gold
by Nancy Byrd Turner
Everything is black and gold
Black and gold, to-night:
Yellow pumpkins, yellow moon
Yellow candle light;

Jet black cats with golden eyes
Shadows black as ink
Firelight blinking in the dark
With a yellow blink

Black and gold, black and gold
Nothing in between-
When the world turns black and gold
Then it's Halloween!

My friend Peg recited this for me at the Farmers' Market on Halloween, and I simply adored it! She sent me an mp3 of her reciting the poem, but I can't figure out how to get it up here, which is frustrating. But, anyway. I love this poem and I love Halloween. Ramping up for Thanksgiving now. :o)

22

2009-11-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

11:50 pm: I have 10 minutes left of being 22. Let me just say, it was a great year! I did a lot of growing, went on a lot of adventures, and did a lot of loving. Every year, the night before my birthday I say the last year was the best year of my life, but now I've had enough best years to be pretty confident that the next year is going to be even better. I'm not sure I can even imagine what something better than 22 is going to be like but I'm looking forward to it!

P.S.
Okay, so I didn't do the dishes...BUT my room is clean! That has to count for something, right? And it won't be so bad to clean the kitchen when I'm fresh and rested.

Tired

2009-11-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

10:48 pm: My kitchen is a mess...but my laundry is done. :o) I'm really tired, and I am SO tempted to leave the mess until tomorrow...but tomorrow is my birthday, and I REALLY don't want to do dishes on my birthday. I would also feel terribly guilty pushing my mess onto someone else. *sighs* Okay...dishes...lovely post...bed. :o)

What's that smell?

2009-11-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

I was reading the Glamour Magazine blog (oh, God.) and one of the entries was asking readers what weird smells they like. The author of the entry said she liked the smell of gasoline and the way her hands smell after cooking with garlic. I thought it was a pretty original and intriguing question, so here is my answer:

I like the smell of puppy breath, Fuji (which is very different from the smell of other dogs.), tire shops, Camel cigarettes, Simple Green all purpose cleaner, babies, Saturday morning (it smells like freshness, coffee and a hint of bacon), library books, old houses ( they smell like trees and rain, even when it doesn't rain), buttermilk, hair salons, and pickled vegetables of all sorts.

Ty's Big Brother Beats

2009-11-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

Ty is two years old, and next month he'll be a big brother! Here is the play list of a CD I made for him.

Ty's Big Brother Beats

Rumpus- Karen O and the Kids It's your job to teach your little brother or sister how to make the highest quality rumpus.
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - Ben Harper Isn't it fun to imagine and pretend?
Upside Down- Jack Johnson- You like Curious George, right? I do too.
My Boys-Taken by Trees This song is about the important stuff. It's important to teach the baby about these things too, okay?
Candy in the Sun- Swirl 360 On your mark, get set, DANCE!
Golden Phone-Micachu and the Shapes The first time I heard this song it reminded me of you.
Super Rad- The Aquabats It's a song about superheroes and aliens. Cool, huh?
Let's Go Surfing- The Drums I think if you could write a song right now it would sound like this.
Mushaboom-Feist Isn't this a silly word?
It's Oh So Quiet- Bjork It's always a good idea to strike a good balance between quiet and loud.
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (Anthology Version)- The Beatles One of my favorites.
We're Going to Be Friends- Jack Johnson The most important thing to remember is that the new baby is going to be your very best friend.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

2009-11-07T19:17:00.001-08:00

Let's begin with a moment of confession: I am a terrible nerd.

I realize I possess many nerdy qualities, but there are many important parts of nerd culture I am only just discovering/ at which I am totally inept. Video games give me motion sickness, I never use messaging short hand (like, LOL), I have yet to read Hitch Hiker's Guide, and I've never played a role playing game. Now, enter Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. I made a new friend this weekend at a philosophy conference, and he introduced me to it. (I feel slightly better knowing this is pretty new to him too, and that a few of my other nerdy friends don't know about Dr. Horrible either.) My fiance informed me that this is not only old news, but it is a pillar of nerd culture! At any rate, I am in the process of becoming familiar with this little bit of wonderful, and I am in love with it. How could I not be? It stars NPH! (LOVELOVELOVE) I don't want to give too much away and words fail me right now, so here is the first clip:

A short game

2009-11-04T17:44:00.000-08:00

I saw this game on Oh, Mishka, who saw it on another blog. So here we go!

Reading... Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Keeping...Seeds from my Jack-O-Lantern. I'm going to make Pumpkin Brittle and sell it at my farmer's market.
Baking... At this very moment...a pumpkin so I can have puree for pumpkin pie. I am a baker...so I bake all the time. :o)
Watching... Sea Quest on the Netflix. It's amazing in the same way velveeta and shells is amazing. It's not quite crap like the mac 'n cheese with the powder, but it's still simultaneously wonderful, cheesy and bad.
Trying... to get into graduate school in one piece.
Making... a scarf for my lover.
Congratulating... One cousin on becoming a new mother, another for finding her wedding dress today, and another for making it to his regional Pop Warner football championship!

Halloween post part II coming soon, I promise!

Whirlwind!

2009-11-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was so crazy, I'm only now recapitulating it! I carved my Jack-O-Lantern on Thursday night, and it turned out great.
Unfortunately, he did not last through All Hallows Eve, and was smashed in the street in front of our house, apple scented Glade candle and all :o( . Such are the pit-falls of living in "Bro-ver Valley" (Clover Valley).

The residents of Plebes hosted a Halloween Fete, and we had planned to have a costume contest. Everyone was having too much fun to organize a proper pageant and voting system, so it never really materialized. Also, most people decided that my lover's costume was pretty much uncontested.
It still cracks me up to see him in MY shorts! I dressed up, but not as elaborately. I was a dashboard hula girl, complete with pinup hair/makeup, and I made a hula skirt out of crepe paper. (Just like Molly!!!)

We had blood-red punch, pumpkin/devil's food cake, deviled eggs, toasted pumpkin seeds and many other snacks. I put out stuff to make s'mores next to our fireplace and our dear friend Mike built a roaring fire so everyone could have toasty marshmallow goodness!

Sunday was spent recovering from an entirely too wild night, and on Monday I received a phone call from my family that my cousin had her first child! Christian Alexander is in da hizzouse!!! He's the first baby in our family in 13 years! We are all so excited! I cannot wait to see him and meet him in a few weeks. I will post photos as soon as they are made available to me.

This coming weekend is equally booked up! There will be a philosophy conference, the final market of the season, and a baby shower for my boss.

Oh, yes, and I will be doing my graduate applications all the while.

Also, this:

There will be a Halloween Part II post. It's rated R for Bestiality. You have been warned.

Today, I am thankful for...

2009-10-27T16:39:00.001-07:00

I took the GRE today. I like to call what I experienced at that desk a "mind rape". At any rate, I feel the need to list some things I am thankful for, since I have sort of been neglecting my life for the past three weeks, or so.

- My loving-devoted-supportive-practically-perfect-in-every-way fiance.
- My family and friends, who are also very loving and supportive.
- Tutorials on youtube. I learned to knit using nothing but youtube videos to guide me! I am going to take a stab at sewing next week!
- Two-hour walks on scenic trails.
- Cozy sweaters.
-Mansfield Park. (It is full of GRE vocabulary words.)
- Good times at The Cellar.
- Seasonal autumn sweets, like baked apples, pumpkin baked goods of any sort, and candy corn.
-Our fireplace.

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p.s. You probably already know that in the Victorian Era there was a secret language associated with flowers. Well, one of the flowers meant to convey gratitude was the Canterbury Bell. Isn't it pretty?

Heard in Plebes

2009-10-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

We have nicknamed our house "Plebes" in honor of the neophyte philosophers that live here. Lately we've been sitting around the fireplace just drinking wine and listening to music.

Sometimes it's super sleek techno, like this:

Take Me into Your Skin- Trentmoller

Windowlicker-Aphex Twin (fair warning, the video is a bit weird/scary as hell.)

Sometimes it's guitar playing like you've never heard:

Drifting-Andy McKee

Rylynn- Andy McKee

Sometimes it's...silly:

Scatman- Scatman John

One Last Breath- Creed

But it's always mind-blowingly good. And that's the way I like it.

Cool!

2009-10-15T21:38:00.001-07:00

Check out those sexy....socks?

2009-10-15T00:32:00.000-07:00

I am the proud new owner of knit thigh highs. Not only are they very practical as a fall/winter stocking, but they function as long johns do under jeans, only better. No diaper butt syndrome! I was pleased to find another totally unexpected benefit of my purchase when I put them on though. I found that I feel like a hot mama while wearing them, because I know that underneath the jeans and sweatshirts, I look like this:

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