Happy Friday! This week was a good one for the sole reason that things got back to normal around here. My back finally healed enough that I could walk without pain — and Jackson and I got to enjoy some living room dancing again — Drew didn’t have to work the late shift, our babysitter came back from vacation, and I got new contact lenses for the first time in five or six years and can see again. Also, my hair still looks pretty good. And although I didn’t lose any weight, I didn’t gain any either and since I was still taking it easy on my back and not exercising much (except for the aforementioned living room dancing), I’ll count that as a win. (Tomorrow I’m going to get back on my bike again — the bike I bought a month ago and only rode twice before I did whatever it was I did to my back; I can’t wait).
Also great: one of my neighborhood friends moved to New Jersey, which is not great at all and actually pretty much sucks, but what is great is that I picked up her CSA share this week and it was kind of life-changing. I got fresh green beans, tomatoes, golden beets, purple potatoes, cilantro, sweet peppers, butternut squash, and a dozen delicious eggs. I had never eaten purple potatoes before and I found this recipe for roasted Peruvian potatoes, which I cooked with roasted halibut, steamed green beans and grilled tomatoes. Amazing! Then yesterday, I made this golden beet pasta salad (I made mine with goat cheese for a tangier taste) and it was also incredible.
I shop our local farmers’ market once a week, but I love getting a delivery of produce I wouldn’t think to purchase, all of it super fresh and packed with flavor, and being forced to step outside my comfort zone in the kitchen. I’m so impressed with this week’s share, that I’m buying my friend’s remaining share for the season — nine more weeks — and if we continue being impressed, we’re going to sign up for the next season. I’m going to get a fruit share too. They also have flowers, cheese and meat, oh my.
And this is the person I’ve become: excited about haircuts, new contact lenses, and beets. Yes, I am about to turn 36, as a matter of fact.
What are you excited about this week?
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ktfran August 24, 2012, 4:10 pm
I’m interested in joining a CSA. I think my sis and I might split one next year. Yay to fresh veggies and fruits!
I’m so excited for this weekend. My friend from California is visiting and four of us girls are hanging out all weekend. I’m even hitting swanky places I would never dream of. Speaking of, have any of you Chicagoans been to Untitled?
Trixy Minx August 24, 2012, 4:11 pm
Getting interviews out of state. Its exciting and a bit scary!
SweetsAndBeats August 24, 2012, 8:45 pm
Good luck!!!
LadyinPurpleNotRed August 24, 2012, 4:11 pm
Starting grad school on monday…terrifying and exciting!
Taylor August 24, 2012, 4:17 pm
Awesome! Grad school was great – high potential for meeting interesting people and learning a lot. Good luck on your first day =)
LadyinPurpleNotRed August 24, 2012, 4:20 pm
Thank you! 🙂
call-me-hobo August 24, 2012, 5:15 pm
Me, too! I’m also excited that I have a very special friend who just moved in state.. 😀
LadyinPurpleNotRed August 24, 2012, 5:17 pm
Rumor has it this friend is super excited to have a kickass friend who lives in the state that this friend moved to!
Brad August 24, 2012, 5:27 pm
Rumor has it you to are being totally obvious 😛
LadyinPurpleNotRed August 24, 2012, 5:29 pm
What on earth do you mean? We are being so sneaky!
Brad August 24, 2012, 5:25 pm
I start my second semester of grad school tomorrow! It’s not as hard as I feared it would be. If you did fine in your 400 levels the 500s aren’t any worse. In some ways their easier since they expect grad students to be working full time.
LadyinPurpleNotRed August 24, 2012, 5:30 pm
That goes against everything everyone’s told me, but it certainly is somewhat reassuring to hear!
Brad August 24, 2012, 5:51 pm
I mean it likely depends on the program you’re in, so you could have a different experience compared to me. But in my experience so far it wasn’t as bad as I had built it up to be in my mind before starting it. I was really worried about it being really hard and me being on the verge of failing my classes, but I got an A and an A- first semester. Definitely requires work and studying, but if you take it seriously you should be ok.
LadyinPurpleNotRed August 24, 2012, 5:56 pm
Well it can only be better than I’m imagining because right now in my head it’s a dragon that is slowly and painfully eating me, but I definitely do take it seriously. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. And congrats on your first semester! That’s awesome.
Brad August 25, 2012, 1:45 am
Thanks. I pleasantly surprised myself a little bit.
The fact that you’re scared is probably a good thing. It means you’re going to take it seriously and probably do well just like I did.
McLovin August 24, 2012, 8:40 pm
Very very cool. You’ll pick up the local language in no time I’m sure.
Taylor August 24, 2012, 4:16 pm
Ooh, now I’m hungry! Wendy, you have inspired me to give beets a try.
This weekend I am excited for…
– A gorgeous gorgeous NEO weekend
– Beer thirty (in another hour!), then Greek food
– Lawn tickets for Preservation Hall Jazz tomorrow
– Getting tickets to visit my CO, NM and AZ friends this fall
Happy Friday DWers!
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 4:19 pm
beets are amazing. especially with salt, butter and some fresh herbs. omnomnom
Taylor August 24, 2012, 4:27 pm
I’ve only ever had them canned, and those were gross. But, one of the best lessons of my 30’s is how delicious fresh veggies are. How do you cook them – boil, steam, roast?
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 4:36 pm
oh gosh, canned are disgusting.
I slice them (along with carrots and turnips) into circles and then put them in a frying pan with just a little bit of salted water. Let them simmer for a few minutes, then add butter, salt, pepper and whatever herbs you have.
Taylor August 24, 2012, 4:43 pm
Thanks!
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 5:04 pm
and if you replace that “water” with white wine, I don’t judge
Taylor August 24, 2012, 11:33 pm
This recipe keeps getting better 🙂
GatorGirl August 24, 2012, 7:54 pm
I peel them when they are still raw with a biggie peeler, cut into bite sized pieces, toss with vegetable oil and bake until tender. We usually throw in what ever else we get from our CSA and roast them too. My fiancé used to hate beets but now he loves them!
Oh- ps, the dye in red beets is VERY powerful. It can stain your hands, clothes, pots and pans, etc. It also can dye your excriments so don’t freak out when you use the loo!
katie August 24, 2012, 4:56 pm
another great way- bake them in the oven like a potato. wrap in foil, bake til knife tender, let cool, peel the skin away (wear gloves, the juice will dye your hands, and if the beets are nicely cooked it should just slide off pretty easily). then do whatever! jake makes a little sauce with butter and maple syrup- yummy. but those oven roasted beets are ready to be eaten- added to a salad, reheated, anything
chicotia August 25, 2012, 10:33 am
I love beets roasted with onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, olive oil and salt and pepper. I have been making that dish for potluck thanksgivings for years and it is always a hit…even people who think they hate beets end up enjoying it.
jlyfsh August 24, 2012, 4:16 pm
i love CSAs for that reason! i like being forced to try new things. i made spinach nuggets last sunday and we’ve now had them 5 out of the past 7 days. i’m a little obsessed. i need to branch out from spinach now, haha.
i’m excited for wine tasting (although trying not to get my hopes up about the winery in sc we’re going to, virginia had the best wineries, i miss them!) this weekend. and beach with the dogs again! and not working because i feel like i have taken work home with me every day this week.
i’m also still fuming over the fact that i had to pay $200 for my well woman exam yesterday and the nurses told me that sc has found a loop hole in the new law. they only have to extend the paying of the well woman exam to new policies. makes their current employees feel really loved!
Trixy Minx August 24, 2012, 4:19 pm
I love making spinach smoothies for breakfast. Its just some spinach, strawberries, oranges, and water. With the citrus I can even taste the spinach. 🙂
jlyfsh August 24, 2012, 7:11 pm
sounds pretty good! i’ll have to try it one day. i never seem to have enough time in the morning to make smoothies, haha. maybe on the weekend 🙂
katie August 24, 2012, 4:21 pm
how do you do your spinach nuggets? that sounds weird and awesome!
jlyfsh August 24, 2012, 4:25 pm
i do panko (until it looks right, hah), 3 egg whites, reduced fat cheddar shredded and one pound bag of spinach cooked and drained well. mix and form in to 1 inch balls and cook in greased cookie sheet for about 30 minutes at 450. really how long you cook depends on how crispy you like them, i don’t like them quite as not crispy as the recipe calls for. i usually start checking after 25 and then decide how long to keep them in for. they are so good. and the reheat really well! i haven’t tried freezing them yet but i heard that they do well being cooked, frozen and then reheated later too.
jlyfsh August 24, 2012, 5:51 pm
i finally three months after moving in, unpacked one of my suitcases and my pair of if i could just lose 10 pounds these jeans are so awesome jeans fit. would it be weird if i put them on and didn’t take them off all weekend?
Ally August 25, 2012, 4:56 am
No, no it would not! I found at the start of the summer my skinny jeans fit again and I’ve worn them a LOT. It’s awesome. Go you 🙂
katie August 24, 2012, 4:19 pm
there is NOTHING wrong with being excited about beets!!
i get a box, kind of like a CSA, and it is amazing. you get seasonal, yummy stuff. you get things you would never see in a grocery store. and you are forced to eat it all. its an all around win!
katie August 24, 2012, 4:49 pm
oh- i am excited that i signed a new lease last night! yay! so i have a place to live now if we get kicked out of our place now.
and you guys, its awesome. so pretty! custom tile in all the bathrooms, in the kitchen, a whole extra bathroom, a cool ledge that my cats will love, painted all of these wonderful colors….
also, the place i have now is shitty. like, i-didnt-want-AP-to-come-over-shitty. the new place is the same price, and it actually feels worth it! haha
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 4:22 pm
CSA’s are the best. I have been with Tomato Mountain Farms for two years now and I love it. I do wish my CSA had eggs though.. One of the interesting items we have had is purslane which is a common weed. It’s actually pretty tasty and makes salad more interesting. Also: what the heck do you do with Kohlrabi?? I’ve thrown it into stuffed tomatoes before and it added a nice crunch but SERIOUSLY I HAVE 4 LEFT>>> AH!
Taylor August 24, 2012, 4:29 pm
Kohlrabi is tasty sliced very thin – drizzle olive oil and crack some salt and pepper on them, and they’re a tasty crunchy snack.
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 4:37 pm
Oo good to know. I’ve heard you can substitute them for water chestnuts too
Taylor August 24, 2012, 4:42 pm
That’s good to know! I bet they’d be in good in stir fry…
katie August 24, 2012, 4:59 pm
thats a root veg, right?
try to make it like mashed potatoes. that might be good!
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 5:03 pm
!!! nice idea.. i know you can make cauliflower and turnip mash..
katie August 24, 2012, 5:04 pm
you can make mash out of so many things!!
bethany August 24, 2012, 4:23 pm
We’re having a housewarming party tomorrow, so I’m excited about that! It will be our first party in our new house! I’m also nervous though, because all of our different friend groups are invited, and I’m anxious as to how they’re all going to interact! There’s family, neighbors, my friends, his friends, my work friends, his work friends… Some people met at our wedding, but we had a really small wedding, so most of these people weren’t invited, and don’t know eachother… It should be interesting!!
kerrycontrary August 24, 2012, 4:25 pm
My brother is getting married next Saturday! And she’s from Sri Lanka, so I’m a bridesmaid wearing a sari! Next weekend is going to be a freaking marathon but I think it will be really fun as well.
daisy August 26, 2012, 2:02 am
Wow, Sri Lanka is the #1 place on my travel wishlist! I know a few people who’ve gone there recently and everyone says it’s amazing! Has your brother gotten to visit? If so, I’m jealous!! 🙂
kerrycontrary August 27, 2012, 11:31 am
My whole family (but me) is going over in December for a wedding reception. Plane tickets were way to expensive for me right now, but I hope to go sometime in the future.
Elle Marie August 24, 2012, 4:25 pm
I’m trying contacts for the first time ever this morning. I am severely nearsighted and have been since I was about 5 or 6 years old, so I am really excited to have peripheral vision. I am hoping all goes well, especially since I had emergency eye surgery last week (boo!) – the eye is healing fine, but I get some random blurriness sometimes and my eyes feel tired about halfway through the work day. Annnd, since I am so super-blind that it’s just not affordable to do contacts for all the time, I am (hopefully) picking out new glasses and getting my new lens prescription filled, so I can go from 20/40 to 20/20 vision again.
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 4:38 pm
Try “Justlenses.com” It’s seriously the cheapest and you can always find coupon codes on the internet. I am also incredibly blind an the CIBA Vision Air Optix are great
jlyfsh August 24, 2012, 9:06 pm
i’m going to check them out! i need a new pair, my dogs got a hold of mine…. 🙁
jlyfsh August 24, 2012, 9:07 pm
just realized this was not glasses, haha.
Rachel August 25, 2012, 2:45 am
Look at Warby Parker for glasses. They are cheap, and let you order 5 frames to try on before you buy.
Jeanette August 25, 2012, 5:42 pm
Oh no! Please don’t order contacts or glasses over the internet especially if you have a high prescription and have has recent eye surgery! I’m an optician (the title for people licensed to fit and sell glasses and contacts in canada) and I hear horror stories all the time. In order for contacts or glasses to work correctly they need to be fitted to each individual person. For things like the distance between your eyes and the height your eye sits in the frame for glasses and the curvature of your cornea and the quality of your tears for contacts. It is also very very important that you receive regular check ups to catch any early signs of infection or irritation that can not always been seen with a naked eye. And with glasses any reputable company will offer complimentary fittings and adjustments for the life of the glasses, which is very important if they get bent, broken, worn etc. and also imperative for the comfort of the glasses.
jlyfsh August 26, 2012, 3:32 am
to use most of these sites you have to have an up to date prescription, meaning within the last year. i’m sure those exist that you don’t, but i’ve never used them. and unfortunately my insurance only pays for one or the other and i can’t afford to purchase glasses from my doctor’s office, or from any of the local stores. i got my last pair of glasses online for about $50 and they work great for me, i don’t use them for primary visions correction, just as back ups. and i’ve had a few friends buy online too. and my doctor always does the fitting for the distance between my eyes and the height. i guess not all put that on their prescription?
it sucks but when it comes down to it buying glasses from the store is just very pricey. if i didn’t buy online i just wouldn’t have a back up to my contacts.
Jeanette August 28, 2012, 2:39 pm
If you have a doctor to measure your PD (distance between pupils) which needs to be really accurate and is impossible to do on yourself and have a low prescription getting back up glasses online does make sense. If you have a higher prescription though, things like the height of your pupil from the bottom of the frame are important and different with each frame. And I’m not sure what most doctors do in the US but here it is rare that any info other than the power of the lenses is included with the prescription. Though if it comes between always always wearing contacts or getting a pair of glasses online to give your eyes a break I would chose option two.
But for contacts I would never ever get them online, the risk is just too high. And the horrible diagnostic pictures that have been taken of people that bought compromised contacts online are enough to keep me awake at night. (seriously…ick).
Jeanette August 28, 2012, 2:41 pm
Oh! And something to keep in mind if you do want to try a store, ask for uncoated cr39. It’s the cheapest material they make glasses out of so it can easily scratch and will be thicker than other materials but it will do the job 🙂
GatorGirl August 28, 2012, 2:48 pm
I buy my name brand contacts online through a reputable website and have never had an issue. It’s cheaper than the eye doctors mark up and less hassle for me (I don’t have to drive anywhere to buy them, the contacts come to me). The contacts come straight from the website and are in factory sealed boxes and those little foil pack things. The website requires a valid perscription and actually checks with the eye doctor to make sure it is valid (I know because I accidentally tried to order contacts with an expired prescription and was rejected). I would say your concerns about eye surgery and trying contacts are valid, but your making broad comments about something that is very common place (buying contacts online).
jlyfsh August 28, 2012, 2:51 pm
yeah i do the same thing, my insurance actually has website associated with it. if we buy through them instead of the doctor we get like a $25 rebate per transaction on top of the discount. the rebate takes forever to get back to us, but still!
Addie Pray August 24, 2012, 4:34 pm
Can I start with what I’m not excited about? Packing. I move my stuff into storage on Tuesday and then I move in with a friend, her husband, and their 2 year old. For a couple of months. I’m actually excited about that – I’m excited to be around a 2 year old regularly (I’ve volunteered to get up early with her every weekend so my friends can sleep in) and I’m excited to try out a new neighborhood in Chicago (Roscoe Village) after living in the same snooty neighborhood for 5 years (Gold Coast).
But here’s what I *am* excited about: I have a date on Saturday nigh! A real date. A “imma pick you up and take you out to dinner” sort of date. He’s a texter and likes to use abreviations that make me sick, like “ur” and “b4” but I’m trying to not judge. This is me not judging. I’m not judging his texts. I am not, because what I do know about him is this: he seems genuine and not a “bro” and is funny and cute — I met him no Wedneday. I’m so excited I’m going to do my hair and wear heals. Eh, I’m going to do my hair.
Clare August 24, 2012, 4:36 pm
Ugh, I hate those abbreviations in texts! But, yay for an exciting date!
iwannatalktosampson August 24, 2012, 4:36 pm
Baby steps AP. The hair and make up is a good start. I’m excited about your date for you – I should have added that to my list! 🙂
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 4:40 pm
wohoo we can go to Corepower Roscoe and other stuff. Plus, it’s halfway between my work and home and right on Ashland.. yesssss. Green City Market? mmhmm?
iwannatalktosampson August 24, 2012, 4:42 pm
I am obsessed with CorePower. Sculpt is my shit. I want to come to Chicago and go with you and AP.
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 4:47 pm
We just bought the 1 month unlimited pack (there was a groupon).. gotta hit that up
iwannatalktosampson August 24, 2012, 4:51 pm
Yeah I finally gave in and just got a membership. You should definitely try it. It’s my favorite. I’ve want to try one of their hot power fusion and just plain hot yoga classes too but I’m so into sculpt I’m scared I’ll be disappointed. Have you been to either of those?
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 5:01 pm
I’ve been to all of them.
Core Power One: unheated, which can be nice. Very basic, but good to just ‘do the basics’ once in awhile
Core Power 1.5: not bad at all really, slightly more challenging but you don’t have all the people in it so you get a lot of instructor time
Core Power 2: It’s what i was doing mostly pre-race. All depends on the instructor of course, but highly enjoyable.
Hot Fusion: hate it. but I don’t see the benefit in having a room that hot. It promotes dehydration and I would get dizzy. I’ll go if it’s the only thing available.
Candlelight: I LOVE CANDLELIGHT. even candle-light fusion i’ll do. just so peaceful
Ryder: the bikes are nice and offer a more difficult spinning experience. It’s not my favorite spin class (i love Flywheel more), but it’s not bad. Just don’t throw your torque so high that you burn out your legs and can’t sit down for a week (which is why i like flywheel, it has a digital meter)
iwannatalktosampson August 24, 2012, 5:28 pm
Wow thanks for the good descriptions! For the hot fusion – is it physically challenging? The thing I didn’t really like about C2 was that I left there not feeling like I got a good work out in. And I know this can really depend on the instructor – but I hate that feeling. I rarely leave sculpt feeling that way. I think I have one time so now I just avoid that instructor.
chicotia August 25, 2012, 10:39 am
Funny, I have been going to Corepower in Denver for years. It definitely depends on the teacher but all of the classes are challenging in different ways.
iwannatalktosampson August 25, 2012, 10:54 am
Really? What studios do you normally go to? My “home” studio is at flatirons but I go to Stapleton occasionally too.
Chicotia August 25, 2012, 11:42 am
I live right by Stapleton and just started working by flatirons! Just finished the 30/40 challenge yesterday so I am taking today off! I also go to grant and lohi.
Iwannatalktosampson August 25, 2012, 5:53 pm
That’s crazy. What classes do you normally go to?
chicotia August 26, 2012, 7:35 pm
I mix it up between sculpts, C2’s and the occasional C3.
I couldn’t reply below for some reason.
chicotia August 26, 2012, 7:37 pm
Forget that last sentence 🙂
Iwannatalktosampson August 26, 2012, 7:57 pm
Wouldn’t that be really funny if we went to a class together and recognized each other? Do you ever go to the Stapleton sculpt on Saturdays and Sunday’s? I was there last weekend on Saturday
chicotia August 27, 2012, 7:56 pm
I usually do although didn’t this past weekend and this coming weekend I’ll be in Steamboat so I won’t be there. Soon 🙂
Addie Pray August 24, 2012, 4:52 pm
Labor day weekend — it’s yogathon for us!
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 4:58 pm
guuuurrrrllll, we got plans
kerrycontrary August 24, 2012, 4:45 pm
My brother lives in (on?) the Gold Coast in Chicago! It’s a small world.
Addie Pray August 24, 2012, 4:49 pm
Is he cute, employed, and single? Who am I kidding, is he single? Eh, just where is he?
Addie Pray August 24, 2012, 4:54 pm
(it’s “in” the GC)
kerrycontrary August 24, 2012, 4:57 pm
nope he’s getting married next weekend 🙁 He’s a lawyer too! It would be super weird if you knew each other.
bethany August 24, 2012, 4:50 pm
Have fun on your date!!! Let us know how it goes! I’m totally texting you mid-date to get the scoop 🙂
just kidding. or not.
katie August 24, 2012, 4:52 pm
i was going to tell you on facebook, but i think the text abbreviations is something people learn as the “right” way to text- like my dad uses them, and he does it im pretty sure because he learned them on the computer, and a phone is a computer, so he doesnt think anything of it- thats the correct way to talk on those devices, right?
try not to judge. i think people just do things because they think its the way its done but they really have no idea… lol
iwannatalktosampson August 24, 2012, 4:55 pm
I agree – try not to judge – he just might not know better. But train him that this is not appropriate early on. You can’t teach an old boyfriend new tricks. Official date #1 is crucial for these things. Also talk about cats. And ex-boyfriends. And drink 3-4 glasses of wine – actually just go ahead and order a whole bottle.
bethany August 24, 2012, 4:55 pm
I agree- I have a coworker who texts that way, but if you met her in person, you’d have no idea that she says “c u soon”. Her emails are written so detailed and thorough… I have no clue why she texts like a 12 year old.
Shell August 24, 2012, 4:58 pm
Addie if you need to through a date suggestion out there check out Volo (Roscoe Village wine bar). Love.
Budj August 24, 2012, 4:59 pm
I don’t make a habit of it…but if I have only one hand (big phone with weird cover) I use “texting short-hand” or if I’m in a hurry…
Wendy August 24, 2012, 4:38 pm
Roscoe Village was my first neighborhood in Chicago! That was 12 years ago. I wonder if any of the same things still exist. Kitsch’n on Roscoe?
Have fun on the date!!
Addie Pray August 24, 2012, 4:51 pm
It’s still there! And a few new, hoity places – like stores that sell handknit dog sweaters. It’s lovely.
Addie Pray August 26, 2012, 9:20 am
HEY YOU GUYZZZZ — The date with the texter went really, really well. (Earmuffs, Budj). I’m pretty sure we’re going to be together forever and ever. Sigh. But first I need to go meet girlfriends for brunch so I can tell them all about it. Good day, happy day, tra la la tee da!
iwannatalktosampson August 24, 2012, 4:34 pm
I love fresh vegetables. I should join a CSA because I love cooking and trying new things – but I get stuck in ruts really easily. I buy the same vegetables every week and then find new ways to eat them – but I should definitely branch out.
I am excited about the possibility of seeing my parents in October. I haven’t seen them in the fall in years. They live in Canada’s Napa Valley too so it would be a gorgeous and wine filled trip. I can’t even explain how pretty the area of the country that they live in is. Their backyard is bordered on a horse stable, which is backed onto vineyards. There is 160 wineries within a 100 mile radius of their house. Pretty much my heaven. I’m crossing my fingers so, so much.
I am excited about how into yoga I’ve been lately. (Except having to take this week off due to a minor surgery). I love everything about it. This being underemployed thing isn’t so bad. I’ve been able to take my favorite classes at a convenient time for me. The stability it brings me is amazing. Unfortunately it has not helped me lose weight – but I care a lot more about my physical and mental well being than my weight so I still consider it a success. I can do so many push ups now – it’s insane. And it makes me happy that I can actually see a little definition in my arms.
I am excited about football season. I love, love, love husker football. And I actually might get to tailgate in Lincoln for a game this year! I’m going to a wedding during a home game and the wedding isn’t until 6 and the game is at 11 so I’m hoping I can tailgate and watch some of the game before I have to go get ready and take pictures and stuff. Did I mention I’m a bridesmaid? Yes I might be the shittiest one ever. But we’re not getting ready together until 2 anyway so as long as I keep it to a classy one drink while tailgating I can still go right? I mean I just want to go for the experience. The sea of red. I haven’t been back for a game in 4 years. (Stupid law school). The thought of being in Lincoln during a home game and not at least stepping foot in husker nation makes me want to cry. It’s a tragedy.
I’m excited about the opportunities in my future. I’m underemployed now but the great thing about that is that I don’t have a job I hate yet. That’s a weird way to word it but it’s still kind of true. I know plenty of lawyer friends that hate their jobs, or their bosses, feel underpaid and overused, etc. I don’t have any of those issues yet! Yay me.
Clare August 24, 2012, 4:37 pm
I’m excited because I’m a week away from going back home and seeing my boyfriend and my friends for the first time in three months! I’ve been out of the country all summer for grad school research and am just about ready to go home and see everyone (and enjoy air conditioning!).
rachel August 24, 2012, 4:43 pm
I just joined a CSA here and I get my first delivery tomorrow! So excited to see what they bring! Um, other than that, I’m mostly excited for the day that I finally feel caught up on things. I hope that day comes soon!
Le Pinch August 24, 2012, 4:47 pm
I’m looking forward to just having a relaxing weekend, going to the farmers market to stock up on food for the week, see my chocolate dealer (yes, chocolate dealer!) and maybe pick up a paintbrush and do a blacklight painting. Maybe a run and some crunches in there. Tonight I’m excited because my best friend is introducing me to her co worker, who she said is a male version of me. Looking forward to how it turns out.
Shell August 24, 2012, 5:00 pm
I’m also looking forward to a relaxing weekend too. @ Le Pinch, where can I get myself a chocolate dealer? Checking out an art festival tomorrow and have a coffee date (first date) on Sunday. Here’s hopin!
Le Pinch August 24, 2012, 6:24 pm
@Shell- sounds like fun! My dealer (haha) is one of the vendors at the farmers markets. He makes his own chocolate, caramel sauce, and marshmallows. Its been a ritual of mine to go get a chocolate soda and an english toffee bar from him every time I go to that particular market.
Shell August 25, 2012, 11:42 am
That sounds pretty glorious, and motivates me to investigate the local farmers markets more!
TaraMonster August 24, 2012, 4:14 pm
I’m excited to go to my friend’s yoga for underprivileged youths non profit launch this evening, even if it means I will embarrass myself with my crappy yoga poses. I’m only just starting to get into it, but she and her husband are serious yogis.
That’s her in the picture (I wanna be able to do that!!!): http://www.facebook.com/YogisHeart
And I’m about to be 27 and CSA food always makes me excited! Appreciation of good food is age indiscriminate!
Taylor August 24, 2012, 4:18 pm
Your friend is badass bendy.
Kristina August 24, 2012, 4:33 pm
That roasted potato recipe looks really good. I love potatoes too much.
I’m excited about starting my last year of college in a few weeks, but it makes me so sad! I’m excited for change, yet I hate transitions at the same time.
I have a nice relaxing weekend planned of driving, taking photographs, and seeing where the road leads me. I’ve been way too busy and stressed lately.
AKchic August 24, 2012, 5:36 pm
This week is SO much better than last week. Where do I begin?
Today is National Waffle Day. This is the 3rd year I’ve mentioned it to the office at large and this is the first time others have actually been interested in making waffles at the office. Today was a success in the waffle-making at work. We made waffles (and made canned cinnamon rolls with the waffle irons), scrambled eggs and sausages in the training room.
The kids started school and are doing well so far.
My neighbor finally kicked her abusive husband out and got a restraining order against him.
The best news I got was last night. One of my closest friends from jr. high is up here from CA on vacation and came over last night to hang out. Turns out, he got a job offer here in Anchorage and he’s only going back to CA to pack up and move back to Anchorage. YAY! I’ve got one of my best buddies coming home! And he offered to give my kids free, private violin lessons (we met in 7th grade orchestra and played for 3 years together and he still plays professionally, I still play on a whim, but I can’t feel my hands so I’m not as good anymore).
The really good part was introducing the SO and my friend to each other. My friend moved to CA right after my SO and I started dating so they never got to meet. They are a lot alike in some ways, so I knew they’d get along. The SO did give us this “you two are nuts” look when I got high-fived when I told him I was currently dating the girl we both had a crush on our freshman year. Yeah… my buddy and I act like teenaged boys sometimes.
Trixy Minx August 24, 2012, 6:50 pm
OMG. I want a cinnamon rolls made with a waffle iron.
painted_lady August 25, 2012, 8:17 pm
I highly encourage you to try chicken and waffles. I did and OH MY GOD AMAZING. I thought it would be more complicated than just “some chicken on top of some waffles.” But no, that’s really all it is. And it really is that good. The waffles were made with beer batter and the chicken breading had some honey or brown sugar in it or something, so that made it better. But seriously, that shit is AMAAAAAZING.
jlyfsh August 25, 2012, 9:18 pm
mmm chicken and waffles. one place by me makes sweet potato waffles with spicy chicken tenders, they serve it with white gravy and honey (both on the side :)). so good!
Michelle.Lea August 24, 2012, 4:46 pm
(what’s a CSA??)
i’m excited that we’re planning a trip to Mexico in the new year! first big trip ever. squee!
I’m also excited that i’ve decided to start creating my own craft stuff vs. using other patterns/directions… for me, that’s huge!
MaterialsGirl August 24, 2012, 4:49 pm
Community Supported Agriculture..
it’s a farm or large garden where you sell ‘shares’ to customers and then the produce is split up based on how big of a ‘share’ you purchased. It’s like investing in a farmer
GatorGirl August 24, 2012, 8:03 pm
Oooo CSAs are the best!! We might not be able to do ours this year due to our insane fall schedule. We’re going to be out of town at least two out of the next four months. Worst part of the CSA is kale. Oh how I dispise kale.
Hmm, what am I most excited about this week? Three fantasy football drafts, date night Tuesday with my man, and finalizing some wedding things that are hanging over our heads.
Kristen August 24, 2012, 9:00 pm
Even roasted kale?? But it’s so crispy and delicious!
niki August 24, 2012, 8:46 pm
I got assigned my first official trial as a public defender. I’ve been working for the public defender for a couple of months and none of my cases have gone so far as to need an actual trial. I’m not contracted thru the PD’s office, I’m just working as an hourly employee, so the contracted attorneys normally do the trials. I must be doing a good job because I’m being trusted with a trial of my own. It’s exciting because my job is only part-time and pays only $10/hr so I am basically using it as a learning experience while I look for full-time work in a firm. Getting trusted with an actual trial is HUGE and is something I can use during my job hunt. It’s a step in the right direction. 🙂
McLovin August 24, 2012, 9:03 pm
Congratulations and good luck!
SweetsAndBeats August 24, 2012, 8:28 pm
I’m pretty happy this week, for the most part. I bought kale for the first time ever and am excited to see what all the hype is about. My first week at my new job was stressful (I’ve never woken up at 6 am for five days in a row) because I really don’t know how they thought I belonged among a bunch of accountants and electrical engineers, and the job skills I’m learning are pretty intense. But I am doing pretty well at it and the company itself is really, really awesome… It’s pay day today, so we all had fresh pineapples waiting for us on our desks! So, so, so cool. I have two get-togethers to attend this weekend, I have brownies baking in the oven right now, and then I’m going to a shooting range with my Grandfather on Sunday. Whoot!
AliceInDairyland August 24, 2012, 10:19 pm
Kale Chips. Your life will not be the same!
Le Pinch August 25, 2012, 1:53 am
Yes! Just wash it really good, tear into larger bite size pieces, toss with good olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, lay em out on a baking sheet at 375 for about 5 minutes…. sooo good.
AliceInDairyland August 24, 2012, 10:26 pm
Oh man, this post is right up my alley. Wendy I am SO excited for you to do a CSA shout out on here and that you have enjoyed it and are going to do the rest of the shares! Working on a CSA farm has been a huge part of my life and I feel it is a win-win situation for absolutely everyone that gets involved.
Most people probably know this but my ex-now-not-ex-boyfriend runs a 120 member CSA farm. He also did an egg share but is phasing that out because of the time commitment it requires right now. He also raises pigs and sells them in halves and wholes, and his neighbor raises beef cattle and does the same thing. It’s awesome. I can’t even get into how great it is for farmers, buyers, the environment, the economy, your health, and your bank account. 🙂
I am excited because although we are taking it slow, it seems like The Boy and I are working through a lot of issues and are becoming stronger for it. We’ve both opened up to each other a lot, and realized that you can’t have a healthy, beautiful, loving relationship if you don’t let that other person see your weaknesses. You also can’t have a healthy, beautiful, loving relationship if you don’t prioritize said relationship and if you don’t communicate your needs. We had both stopped doing that (although he knows he did it more) and we are hopefully back on track with that.
And next Saturday we are hopefully going to go canoeing/picnicing/fishing on the Wisconsin River!!!! I’ve never gone canoeing in a river!!!! So I’m excited for that. Also I will field anyone’s CSA/veggie questions that they may have. I’ve grown it/eaten it/sold it all. And check out my blog for pictures of beautiful CSA veggies and examples of what you can get in a share.
Rachel August 25, 2012, 2:52 am
I’m happy for you Alice, I’m glad things are going well!
AliceInDairyland August 25, 2012, 10:09 am
Thank you! I am cautiously optimistic at this point… Also, free veggies!
painted_lady August 25, 2012, 8:23 pm
Canoeing on rivers is one of my favorite things – it is so much fun!!! We used to go on the Brazos every Labor Day.
I definitely need to get involved in this CSA thing. One of my favorite restaurants does weekly local veggie boxes, and there’s a tiny tiny community farm around the corner. I just need to get off my ass.
theattack August 28, 2012, 2:57 pm
I have a CSA question! What if you don’t know what something is that comes in your box? Do they tell you what’s in there? People are talkin gabout some crazy ass vegetables on here that I’ve never heard of. Also, how much do they usually cost, and how do I find one?
Rachel August 28, 2012, 3:14 pm
I found out about mine because it was actually advertised on Craigslist. You could maybe google, or see if anything is posted at your local farmer’s market or something.
I pay $18 a week for mine, which is a half share, enough for one person. I have no idea how that compares to other ones though, and I think a lot of places want the money up front…so like maybe $400 for a whole season. It totally depends on the farm and how they do it.
And I planned on just googling anything I’m unfamliar with!
theattack August 28, 2012, 4:04 pm
$18 a week sounds like a great deal! How much do you get for that? I’m not into paying $400 upfront because I have no idea if I’m going to like it, but I definitely want to try!
rachel August 28, 2012, 4:21 pm
Yeah, I thought it seemed like a pretty good deal in order to get produce that I know is fresh. Like I said though, I don’t know how that compares to other ones.
I got my first delivery on Saturday and it included 2 eggplant, 3 yellow squash, maybe 6-8 red potatoes, a tomato, and a watermelon.
Wendy August 28, 2012, 5:07 pm
Mine is $18 a week, too, plus $4 for a dozen eggs. I got about 3 lbs of purple potatoes (I gave our babysitter half and still had six servings total for drew, me and Jackson), 2 lbs golden beets, a big bag of green beans, one small butternut squash, four large heirloom tomatoes, three sweet peppers, and a bunch of cilantro. We have eaten everything but one sweet potato which I will probably put in some pasta later this week.
GatorGirl August 28, 2012, 3:20 pm
Try here http://www.localharvest.org/csa/ You’re in TN right? There looks to be quite a few there.
Our farmer tells us each week what things are. Sometimes we forget and just randomly try to eat things or google them. Our farmer sends out e-mails sometimes too with our list of veggies. Our share is $660 for 33 weeks and is enough for approx a family of 4. We’re only a family of two so we over load on the veggie eating most nights and give some away to friends. We usually get 8-10 items- so a head of lettuce, a thing of tomatos, a thing of strawberries, cilantro, beets, a thing of spinach, 3 onions would be a pretty normal week for us. There was a month full of cabbage which got really old. Some farmers do half shares or half seasons. I highly recommend it!!
rachel August 28, 2012, 3:32 pm
Oh yum, I hope I get cilantro in my csa!
GatorGirl August 28, 2012, 3:54 pm
I do not like cilantro! Everyone I’ve ever met has very strong opinions about cilantro. We get parsley alot too which I don’t care for. My favorite are the carrots. They are a million times better than grocery store carrots.
theattack August 28, 2012, 4:00 pm
Thanks so much, GG! I tried to find one by googling it last time we talked about it on DW, but I had no luck. It looks like there are a few around my new city. I really need to lose about ten pounds, so this should help.
mandalee August 25, 2012, 12:15 am
I’m excited to eat real food in two weeks. I’ve been on strictly liquid and smoothie diet for 29 days (!!) and my surgeon swore to me today that two Thursday from now he will release to the world of real food. I plan on gaining many, many pounds back while I binge on all the wonderful, amazing food I had to watch everyone eat since July.
I’m also excited I’m finally making it down the Cape tomorrow. I’ve felt completely incomplete without the beach in my life this summer.
iwannatalktosampson August 25, 2012, 9:03 am
Have you planned your first meal yet?
mandalee August 25, 2012, 7:26 pm
Yes I did! My plan is a chicken burrito with rice and beans and all the trappings, then fried ice cream with a side of lots and lots of red sangria lol
Le Pinch August 25, 2012, 10:56 pm
That sounds delicious, let us know how it was.
iwannatalktosampson August 26, 2012, 10:37 am
Ha that would probably be my first meal too. Except I would have a hot dog as desert instead of fried ice cream. But mmmm mexican food.
MELH August 25, 2012, 12:23 pm
My husband and I are celebrating our first anniversary this weekend! (real date is on monday!)
JK August 25, 2012, 12:38 pm
Happy anniversary!
mandalee August 25, 2012, 7:41 pm
Happy anniversary!!
jlyfsh August 25, 2012, 9:16 pm
crazy that it’s been a year! time has flown by. happy anniversary!!
Le Pinch August 25, 2012, 10:57 pm
Happy anniversary!
MELH August 26, 2012, 9:57 pm
Thanks everyone! Can’t believe it’s already been a year but I’m confident there will be many more!
chicotia August 25, 2012, 5:50 pm
Looking forward to reconnecting with an old friend tomorrow for the first time since a falling out a few months ago. It’s time to move on and I miss my friend. I have felt a huge void for the last few weeks and I didn’t know why. Pretty sure my heart misses her.
Also looking forward to next weekend. Seeing one of my favorite new bands and then heading to the mountains with my husband to soak in some hot springs.
painted_lady August 25, 2012, 9:39 pm
Against all odds, I’m starting to look forward to school starting Monday – if I can just get my damn lesson plans and syllabi done. I’ve got all my lessons planned out, but each campus I’m at requires a different format, and some of the things I’m required to write down don’t really apply to what I’m teaching. So I’m procrastinating. But I’m teaching mostly at the high school, which is awesome, and they surprised me with two art classes instead of all theatre…it makes for a little more work, but I’m teaching what I really love. The high school principal is way more wonderful than I even knew, plus one of the APs is a good friend, and the AP at the new middle school is the husband of one of the other high school art teachers and so awesome that everyone at my old school is jealous. My classrooms look all kinds of adorable, I’ve got a whole slew of mentors, I’ve figured out how to do after school theatre in a way that won’t kill me, I’ve made good friends with the assistant swim coach and gotten her blessing to use the pool after swim practice, and I’m getting up two mornings a week to go running now. Incidentally, does anyone know of a good iphone app to track mileage when you’re running? I got one, but it doesn’t seem to like my phone.
I know this year is going to be stressful, but it’s not going to be the shitstorm that last year was. Also, while it’s too early to tell if the Wellbutrin is working, I’m at least not having any terrifying side effects.
Wish me luck for the year!
JK August 25, 2012, 10:02 pm
I´m glad things are looking so good. 🙂
Good luck!!!
painted_lady August 25, 2012, 11:18 pm
Thanks 🙂 Just the fact that I’m able to poke my head up and be cautiously optimistic about something that’s also stressing me out is a sign that I’m in a much better place. So, you know, yay drugs!
Katie August 26, 2012, 10:11 am
Good luck!! You teachers are an interesting breed… I have no idea how you do it!!
iwannatalktosampson August 26, 2012, 10:35 am
Hi! Have you tried the Nike one? I need one too but I’ve never used any – so if you find one that works let me know. I’m starting to freak out about it being crunch time – there’s only probably another 3 months I can run outside this year!
painted_lady August 26, 2012, 6:01 pm
Haha! And here I am excited that I’ll be able to run when the sun’s up in about a month and not want to die.
I tried the Nike one awhile ago, but I always thought you had to have Nike shoes for that, which I don’t. Maybe I’m just out of touch. I tried this GPS-based iPhone app last week and the GPS never worked…but then I tried it again today, and there were no problems. So maybe their system just went nuts and it was a one-time thing. I’ll let you know!
quixoticbeatnik August 26, 2012, 2:45 pm
I think there’s something called a Bodybugg or something? I saw a groupon for it – you might see if it’s still up there. Just keep an eye out, they always have something exercise-related.
painted_lady August 26, 2012, 6:07 pm
Yeah, I hear those are really good. I really want something that works from my phone. I’ve used a couple before, but I can’t remember what they were called. Mostly I’m just cheap and lazy and incapable of keeping up with any equipment ever.
chicotia August 26, 2012, 7:40 pm
I like Map My Run.
weiwei August 26, 2012, 1:35 am
I moved to Manhattan!!!!!!!
My (very noisy) family helped me move and they all left this morning. Now I feel very alone…
daisy August 26, 2012, 1:59 am
On Friday morning my boyfriend and I are flying to America to visit my family and friends, and I’m so beside myself with excitement that I can barely sit still!
It’s the bf’s first time to America, which is of course a great excuse to do lots of sight-seeing! In addition to seeing my family in St. Louis, we’re going to DC, New York AND Chicago! I haven’t been to New York in about 10 years and I’m especially looking forward to that part of the trip. Not sure how I’m going to make it through this week, but eeeeeeeeee! I’m so excited!
Guy Friday August 26, 2012, 9:47 am
Here’s my “Aww” moment for the weekend: Last night my wife and I went to her friend’s wedding, which was totally awesome. My wife knew the bride from college, and we kept trying to meet up so I could meet the groom — everyone says our personalities are pretty identical — but one of us would get sick, or we were in crunch time for our wedding, or they were for theirs, etc. Anyway, it was an AWESOME ceremony (they did it at the War Memorial overlooking Lake Michigan), and the reception played an awesome mix of music, and the two of them are so goofy that it was great watching them. But when we were ready to leave, we went and said goodbye to the groom, and he told us that he was glad we had fun, and that our wedding was the benchmark that he and the bride had tried to base their wedding off of. I mean, people have told us they really enjoyed our wedding, but to be another couple’s benchmark . . . I mean, man, that’s quite an ego boost 🙂
L August 26, 2012, 11:36 am
This weekend has been splendid. It was DEFINITELY much needed.
As some of you know, I finished my first week of teaching last week. It was exciting, overwhelming, and terrifying all in one. It was a very stressful week. There were a couple of times where I wondered if I had bit off more than I could chew. BUT, I survived. I got out of town to visit my boyfriend this weekend (who now only lives about an hour and a half drive away instead of 5 hours). I knew if I was at home, I’d be at school working so I got away. I did manage to bring some work with me, but I haven’t been working around the clock like I do at home. I’m SO glad that I got away. When I got here on Friday he let me take a nap while he made dinner. And yesterday he made us a huge microwave cookie in a bowl after I was done with my work. He put ice cream and chocolate syrup on it so it was like one of those huge warm cookies you get at a restaurant. SO GOOD.
I still have some things to get done for this week, but I feel MUCH more prepared for this week than I did for last week. And my boyfriend has proven to be incredibly supportive through this all. Time to get back to the grind tomorrow.
amers5 August 26, 2012, 11:48 pm
Congrats on surviving your first week! I am sure you remember from student teaching, it all gets easier from here. Soon you and the students will fall into your routines… Good luck, and just imagine how much easier teaching will be a few years from now. My professors always said just survive your first year and it’s so much easier thereafter.
CattyGoLightly August 26, 2012, 6:23 pm
This week, I’m excited to read children’s books for my Master’s classes. I’m excited for the second week of my new job (which is basically my dream job), which I never thought I would get. I’m excited for the ole boyfriend to get home from Mexico, and for all the new recipes I want to try. I’m excited for my apartment, and the blender I bought, and for the cheese tasting we’re doing next weekend. And for the quiche pan I bought, since I love to make quiches.
Cara August 26, 2012, 6:51 pm
I was really excited to meet Lily, and I was right to be, because she is awesome and a fantastic wingwoman and knows everybody. And she got me very drunk.
You can all be jealous now.
Thank you, Wendy, for making this possible!
Addie Pray August 27, 2012, 7:03 am
I’m envious of both of you!