The other night for class we met at a gallery to talk to a panel of gallery owners in the Pilsen neighborhood (an up and coming arts distrct and one of my favs.)
Before I move on, I went into my graduate program with one goal- to develop a business plan for a future art gallery. I took a class to create a business plan. But, due to various factors, I ultimately put my goal on hold.
So, after the gallery talk, I was feeling the entrepreneurial spirit once again.
Yesterday, I checked my mail and I received notification that I am receiving an award from my school for the best business plan created by a graduate student. This was it. This was the catalyst that I needed. Rather than studying for a stupid 3-day exam, I am planning to participate in a graduate thesis project that results in a finalized business plan. At the completion of the project, the department will consider me for a small business loan of up to $500,000 to get me started on my way.
I feel that I have a plan and that I can be successful.
20 April 2006
19 April 2006
Nostalgic
Now that my graduate school career is drawing to an end, I am starting to get a little nostalgic. This is it... this is probably the last time that I will be in school. It has been a long, but overall rewarding process. My 8 years of college (undergrad and grad) have given me sure footing from which to create a career. Most of all, I have met some really great people along the way... some friends that will remain in the moment and some friends that will last a lifetime.
This all started last night when I went to Bar Louie last night after class for $1 burger night. As I sat around with my friends from school (and Jamie), I realized that this was one of those moments that I was going to remember forever. We were making a memory. If only I had a picture.
This all started last night when I went to Bar Louie last night after class for $1 burger night. As I sat around with my friends from school (and Jamie), I realized that this was one of those moments that I was going to remember forever. We were making a memory. If only I had a picture.
16 April 2006
My Easter...
Today, Jamie and I were going to use our buy one, get one free coupon at Hackney's our neighborhood pub/restaurant. We got ready, I got all doozied up and we walked there only to discover that they were closed for Easter. After deliberating for a moment, we said screw it and walked home. Shortly after we arrived back to our apartment, it started raining and it hasn't stopped- I know, rain in Chicago, it is crazy... it never, ever rains here- really, I am totally serious. I think we may have accumulated 1 inch.
Eating at home was the best decision. We had Salmon Roulade, green beans and macaroni and cheese. It was delicious! The salmon was stuffed with something cheesy and spinach. Jamie sauteed the green beans in the same pan that the salmon was cooked in... we sauteed the salmon in butter and deglazed the pan in white wine. It was fantastic!
Today, I also watched Pride & Prejudice (the one with Kiera Knightly- who, frankly, gets on my nerves with all of her pouting, but surprisingly, I kind of liked her in this film.) Jane Austin books turned films are the best... especially when they are well done. They make me feel so good inside. Seriously, there is no cursing, no sex, nothing... it is wholesome fun and it is a period when holding hands is considered something like third base. I think it all of the sexual tension and all of the decency. If there is a film that is out there that is a period piece and I have not seen it, then something is wrong. What is your favorite period film?
Eating at home was the best decision. We had Salmon Roulade, green beans and macaroni and cheese. It was delicious! The salmon was stuffed with something cheesy and spinach. Jamie sauteed the green beans in the same pan that the salmon was cooked in... we sauteed the salmon in butter and deglazed the pan in white wine. It was fantastic!
Today, I also watched Pride & Prejudice (the one with Kiera Knightly- who, frankly, gets on my nerves with all of her pouting, but surprisingly, I kind of liked her in this film.) Jane Austin books turned films are the best... especially when they are well done. They make me feel so good inside. Seriously, there is no cursing, no sex, nothing... it is wholesome fun and it is a period when holding hands is considered something like third base. I think it all of the sexual tension and all of the decency. If there is a film that is out there that is a period piece and I have not seen it, then something is wrong. What is your favorite period film?
Call me a wuss, but...
I rode my bike for 2 hours yesterday by the lake and my ass is so sore. It is not muscle sore, it is boney ass on bike seat sore... I even bought a gell bike seat cover. The elevators were out yesterday morning, so I had to carry my bike down 8 flights of stairs (don't worry, I bitched the whole way.) When we got back, the elevators were still out, so I hoofed it up the 8 flights to get home. I felt so good about my workout, that once the elevators started working again, I treated myself to Edwardo's Stuffed Pizza (yum)... If I could get off of the pizza, then I could really make progress on my path to healthiness...
Speaking of health, I feel like I need to detox my insides. I have looked into several ways to do that, but I am still unsure about where to start, any suggestions?
Speaking of health, I feel like I need to detox my insides. I have looked into several ways to do that, but I am still unsure about where to start, any suggestions?
13 April 2006
Where to go on vacation...
I have decided to take my comprehensive exam in the fall and to register for my internship at the museum in the fall so that I can use student loan money to pay for it (since I can't afford it at this time and with all of the drama in my life, I don't feel that I have enough time to study.) So, I am going to have enough money left over to take a vacation. The only trouble I am having is deciding where to go. If you had to take a vacation anywhere at this point in your life, where would you go? I need suggestions.
Are you a geek?
If so, you should check out this site Geekologie... I am not sure if all of it is true, but it is entertaining regardless.
If you love Perez Hilton, then...
For those of you who love Perez Hilton, then you will love The superficial.
12 April 2006
Let's catch up...
I know, it has been forever since I last posted...
Here is what you missed...
Last Thursday, I was told that my cousin passed away from complications from her bone marrow transplant. She was told that morning that there was nothing else the doctors could do for her and that she could either go home or to hospice. She chose to go home to die, but within a couple of hours she let go. There is definitely a void in my family and my life. She was my only first cousin. The thing that pisses me off the most is that no one in my family tells me anything. So, hearing that she was gone was quite a shock. The next morning, I found out that I did not get the internship in DC. There is nothing like getting kicked when you are already down.
One good thing came from my cousin's funeral. After 2 1/2 years, I was reunited with my estranged brother. The separation is a long story... let's just say it involved alcohol, my brother, and my prudy parents. I was not there for the argument thank goodness. I was so excited to see him. I ran over and gave him a big hug and he hugged me back. I told him how much I miss him and how much Christmas sucks without him there. He now has my email address and phone number, so hopefully we will start talking again. My dad talked to him as well- I think it is a sign that he is not mad anymore. My mom, on the other hand, needs to stop being such a stubborn bitch and start talking to him again. She told my nana that once she (nana) and grandmommie die, my brother won't have anymore family left. What kind of mother says that?!?! He will have me, my aunt, my uncle, and my dad. Anywho, we had big steps taken towards being a family again at that funeral...
On a better note, yesterday, I got the internship at a major museum here in Chicago. I will be working with the Special Events department. Pretty much, I will work with the Women's Board and their events and also work on weddings. It sounds like something that is perfect for me. The uncomfortable part is telling my boss that I will only be able to work for 2 days a week (sincce I will be at the museum 3 days a week.)
Overall, things are starting to look up... even in the light of sorrow.
Here is what you missed...
Last Thursday, I was told that my cousin passed away from complications from her bone marrow transplant. She was told that morning that there was nothing else the doctors could do for her and that she could either go home or to hospice. She chose to go home to die, but within a couple of hours she let go. There is definitely a void in my family and my life. She was my only first cousin. The thing that pisses me off the most is that no one in my family tells me anything. So, hearing that she was gone was quite a shock. The next morning, I found out that I did not get the internship in DC. There is nothing like getting kicked when you are already down.
One good thing came from my cousin's funeral. After 2 1/2 years, I was reunited with my estranged brother. The separation is a long story... let's just say it involved alcohol, my brother, and my prudy parents. I was not there for the argument thank goodness. I was so excited to see him. I ran over and gave him a big hug and he hugged me back. I told him how much I miss him and how much Christmas sucks without him there. He now has my email address and phone number, so hopefully we will start talking again. My dad talked to him as well- I think it is a sign that he is not mad anymore. My mom, on the other hand, needs to stop being such a stubborn bitch and start talking to him again. She told my nana that once she (nana) and grandmommie die, my brother won't have anymore family left. What kind of mother says that?!?! He will have me, my aunt, my uncle, and my dad. Anywho, we had big steps taken towards being a family again at that funeral...
On a better note, yesterday, I got the internship at a major museum here in Chicago. I will be working with the Special Events department. Pretty much, I will work with the Women's Board and their events and also work on weddings. It sounds like something that is perfect for me. The uncomfortable part is telling my boss that I will only be able to work for 2 days a week (sincce I will be at the museum 3 days a week.)
Overall, things are starting to look up... even in the light of sorrow.
28 March 2006
Waste of money
The thing about my graduate department that I have had the biggest problem with is that they often hire adjunct "faculty" (I use the term loosely) who have no prior teaching experience. I pay way too much money ($1600 per class to be exact) to be someone's guinea pig. These people should teach an introductory undergrad course before moving to the graduate level or at least co-teach with someone with experience the first time around.
Obviously, I am taking one of these classes this semester... we are on week 9 and I still have not learned anything and I have no clue where this is going. I am so frustrated!
Obviously, I am taking one of these classes this semester... we are on week 9 and I still have not learned anything and I have no clue where this is going. I am so frustrated!
21 March 2006
Exciting News!
I was just asked to be the Graduate Student Speaker for the 2006 Commencement. I am so excited and a little nervous. Feel free to offer suggestions for my speech.
18 March 2006
Spring Break
So, my last Spring Break ever has officially started... I celebrated last night with, count them, five beers. Whoohoo! Today, I got my hair cut at a chic salon (courtesy of my boyfriend) and I am looking hot (sizzle, sizzle)! If my boyfriend would ever come home from the library, then we could start getting our drink on... Can you believe he is studying on a Saturday and on his Spring Break?!?! I guess law students kind of have to (which is why I am not in law school.) Well, I am going to live it up because starting next weekend, I am back on my diet- meaning, I am only allowing myself one drink night per week.
Well, that is really all that I had to say... OH WAIT!!! Below is one of my favorite recipes (it is delicious and it is sooo good- a little labor intensive- but delicious)
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Show: Everyday Italian
Episode: Italian Thanskgiving
Cook's Note: The no-boil lasagna noodles can be substituted with fresh spinach lasagna sheets. Look for fresh lasagna sheets in the refrigerated section of specialty markets.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
3 amaretti cookies, crumbled
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
Pinch nutmeg
3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
2 1/2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the skillet and then cover and simmer over medium heat until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly and then transfer the squash to a food processor. Add the amaretti cookies and blend until smooth. Season the squash puree, to taste, with more salt and pepper.
Melt the butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg. Cool slightly. Transfer half of the sauce to a blender*. Add the basil and blend until smooth. Return the basil sauce to the sauce in the pan and stir to blend. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F.
Lightly butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spread 3/4 cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on the bottom of the pan. Spread 1/3 of the squash puree over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup of sauce over the noodles. Repeat layering 3 more times.
Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the lasagna. Continue baking uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden, 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.
*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.
Well, that is really all that I had to say... OH WAIT!!! Below is one of my favorite recipes (it is delicious and it is sooo good- a little labor intensive- but delicious)
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Show: Everyday Italian
Episode: Italian Thanskgiving
Cook's Note: The no-boil lasagna noodles can be substituted with fresh spinach lasagna sheets. Look for fresh lasagna sheets in the refrigerated section of specialty markets.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
3 amaretti cookies, crumbled
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
Pinch nutmeg
3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
2 1/2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the skillet and then cover and simmer over medium heat until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly and then transfer the squash to a food processor. Add the amaretti cookies and blend until smooth. Season the squash puree, to taste, with more salt and pepper.
Melt the butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg. Cool slightly. Transfer half of the sauce to a blender*. Add the basil and blend until smooth. Return the basil sauce to the sauce in the pan and stir to blend. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F.
Lightly butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spread 3/4 cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on the bottom of the pan. Spread 1/3 of the squash puree over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup of sauce over the noodles. Repeat layering 3 more times.
Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the lasagna. Continue baking uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden, 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.
*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.
25 February 2006
Summer is in the air...
Summertime is coming soon... Cubs tickets went on sale yesterday and I managed to get tickets to four games. There is nothing better than warm weather, baseball and beer- well, warm weather and beer anyway... the baseball is just an added bonus. Well, here is to summertime! Cheers!
22 February 2006
A new temptation
Something dangerous has installed itself on my path to work... a Duncan Donuts... It is so bad. I stop every other day to get a cup of their crack coffee and a double chocolate donut. I have never been a fan of Duncan Donuts until it planted a new location halfway between my apartment and my office. Seriously, there is crack in their coffee, that is the only way I can explain my new addiction. Last night I even dreamed about it... A sign of a serious problem.
20 February 2006
Fun Names
1.YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name)
Snoopy Plymouth
2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on mother's side first name, favorite candy)
Enid Milkyway
3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
P-Car
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, name of high school)
Cat Cecilia
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Aynsley Knoxville
6. YOUR OPPOSITE SEX NAME: (name of dad/mom, cell phone Company you use)
Jim Mobile
7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name)
Carklemag
8. PORN STAR NAME: (middle name, street you grew up on)
Aynsley Huntcliff
Snoopy Plymouth
2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on mother's side first name, favorite candy)
Enid Milkyway
3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
P-Car
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, name of high school)
Cat Cecilia
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Aynsley Knoxville
6. YOUR OPPOSITE SEX NAME: (name of dad/mom, cell phone Company you use)
Jim Mobile
7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name)
Carklemag
8. PORN STAR NAME: (middle name, street you grew up on)
Aynsley Huntcliff
15 February 2006
Talib Kweli
I recently heard the music of Talib Kweli and it is freakin' awesome... you should check it out...
Talib Kweli
you should visit this website and listen (watch the video) of "get by"... Does the singer at the beginning sound familiar? Well it is Nina Simone (who is also an all-time fav)... so enjoy...
Talib Kweli
you should visit this website and listen (watch the video) of "get by"... Does the singer at the beginning sound familiar? Well it is Nina Simone (who is also an all-time fav)... so enjoy...
Let's talk about freedom and then couscous
Since when is it to pour out your old coffee in a planter on the publc sidewalk? I did just that and some ass said, "you couldn't have poured it anywhere else, like not on a plant." I simply relied, "well, maybe it needed a pick-me-up"... I am seriuosly going to lose it soon... everyone I encounter is in a bad mood.
In the meantime, you must try this recipe... (Yep, I am totally stress eating today, oh and I picked up some beer. I know it is only 3:25, but I have had a bad week).... Okay, now here's a great recipe...
Couscous with Corn and Black Beans
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked couscous
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (I prefer ciltanro)
1 can (15-ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 package (10-ounce) frozen corn, thawed and drained
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (I use a little more)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan, and stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork
Combine couscous, parsley, beans, and corn in a large bowl; toss. Combine orange juice and the next 6 ingredients (orange juice, through pepper); stir. Add to couscous mixture; toss well.
It tastes best when it has time to chill for about an hour.
In the meantime, you must try this recipe... (Yep, I am totally stress eating today, oh and I picked up some beer. I know it is only 3:25, but I have had a bad week).... Okay, now here's a great recipe...
Couscous with Corn and Black Beans
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked couscous
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (I prefer ciltanro)
1 can (15-ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 package (10-ounce) frozen corn, thawed and drained
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (I use a little more)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan, and stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork
Combine couscous, parsley, beans, and corn in a large bowl; toss. Combine orange juice and the next 6 ingredients (orange juice, through pepper); stir. Add to couscous mixture; toss well.
It tastes best when it has time to chill for about an hour.
14 February 2006
How I spent my Valentine's Day...
Work 8:30 - 2:00
Class 2:00 - 9:00**
**Not everyone who has a Valentine gets to actually appreciate the holiday for what it is supposed to be... time spent with your honey... Instead, I spent the past 3.5 hours working on a group project (which we all know I despise) with a bunch of snots.
Can you tell I have had a rough couple of days?
Class 2:00 - 9:00**
**Not everyone who has a Valentine gets to actually appreciate the holiday for what it is supposed to be... time spent with your honey... Instead, I spent the past 3.5 hours working on a group project (which we all know I despise) with a bunch of snots.
Can you tell I have had a rough couple of days?
13 February 2006
A moment to vent...
I know I was attempting to get away from my gripping and more into recipes, but this is something that I must get off of my chest. It may surprise most of you that I rarely do nice things for people just for the hell of it, unless we are real friends or friends of friends. Work people fall into the category of "not-going-to-go-out-of-my-way".
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself feeling generous and I decided go out of my way to help give someone in my office an office baby shower. So far, I have been the only one to plan anything related to it. So today I sent around an email to the office inviting them to the event and the griping began almost immediately. First, the location was all wrong and several people said "I have problems with that" or "who gave you permission to use that location?". Then, the boss wanted to make sure that everyone knew that it was not required and that work comes first... so I had to send around a bitchy email around to everyone letting them know this. You would think that either children or stupid people work in my office. I will be perfectly honest... most of the people I work with are not the sharpest tools in the shed and are destined for a life of mediocrity. The thing that gets me is that this is not even my office/department. My desk is just located within this office.
G-damn! You try to do something nice for someone and everyone has got something to bitch about, or they question everything with their condescending (and quite obnoxious) attitudes... It is just typical of these people up here. It takes a day like this to realize that sometimes I really miss the South.
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself feeling generous and I decided go out of my way to help give someone in my office an office baby shower. So far, I have been the only one to plan anything related to it. So today I sent around an email to the office inviting them to the event and the griping began almost immediately. First, the location was all wrong and several people said "I have problems with that" or "who gave you permission to use that location?". Then, the boss wanted to make sure that everyone knew that it was not required and that work comes first... so I had to send around a bitchy email around to everyone letting them know this. You would think that either children or stupid people work in my office. I will be perfectly honest... most of the people I work with are not the sharpest tools in the shed and are destined for a life of mediocrity. The thing that gets me is that this is not even my office/department. My desk is just located within this office.
G-damn! You try to do something nice for someone and everyone has got something to bitch about, or they question everything with their condescending (and quite obnoxious) attitudes... It is just typical of these people up here. It takes a day like this to realize that sometimes I really miss the South.
08 February 2006
Best new website
I am going to stray from cooking topics for a moment to share my new favorite celebrity gossip website...
http://www.perezhilton.com/
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...
http://www.perezhilton.com/
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...
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