Hi friends! Life has been a bit hectic in the past few, and so I am playing catch up on the whole blog thing. Below you will find a slightly condensed version of What I Learned that covers some of the highlights of the past 2 weeks...
Out of town visitors are excellent! Tom's mom, Nancy, visited us a few weeks back, and we played tourists the whole time. We went to the LBJ Presidential Library, saw a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse and ate BBQ. Nancy also had the chance to meet Homer for the first time (of course, she loved him!) It was so nice to have family around for a bit. And if I haven't mentioned it already, I truly have the best mother-in-law on earth. She is awesome.
Homer is a water dog... sort of. For the past 3 weekends, I have made a point to take Homer swimming. This not only ensures we can stay outside playing for longer than 15 minutes (incase you haven't heard, it's hot out there!) but I also feel like it is good to build his confidence around water. He does alright. He is scared to go into water that is deeper than he can stand in, but the longer we are playing, the more confident he gets. It helps that he loves nothing more than playing fetch, and a tennis ball thrown just out of reach is the perfect incentive to swim out into the deeper water.
Jennifer Holliday is a goddess. I have been stuck at home alone for many nights this summer while Tom has been traveling across the country for different writing opportunities. Thankfully, Netflix has the entire series of Ally McBeal on instant streaming. I know it is kind of embarrassing, but it's the perfect show to watch while he is gone. He has no interest in watching it with me, and it is so light and fluffy, that it can erase virtually all vestiges of a bad day at work. Plus, Jennifer Holliday has a guest starring/singing role in about a half dozen episodes in the early seasons. I had watched Ally when it was on network TV, but at that time, had no idea who Jennifer Holliday was. This time around, I know and respect the power of "And I am Telling You I am Not Going." It makes watching the JH featured episodes that much more enjoyable. PS- if you haven't heard Ms. Holliday sing the aforementioned song, do yourself a favor and listen here.
It's good to have friends. I mentioned in the last WIL that one of my good friends from DePaul now lives in the area. I knew it would be great to have her around, but I think I underestimated just how much I miss my friends. I have met and had fun with plenty of wonderful people here in Austin, and I count many of them as friends, but it takes time to get to a place of real comfort with any new friendship. For the past 2 years, Tom has been the only person here who could fill that role. I am so grateful to have Erica here now. Our friendship is easy. We have met (and love) each other's families. We know each others (sometimes embarrassing) past dating exploits. We have a past! It's just so nice to have her here.
Showing posts with label What I Learned. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What I Learned. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
What I Learned (v6)
1. I dont hate Austin anymore! Last weekend Tom and I had some friends over that we hadn't seen in a while. They are from Chicago, and have just finished up their first year in Austin. Although not miserable, they are pretty clearly unhappy here. I couldn't disagree with anything they said (in fact, I agreed with A LOT of what they said), but I also couldn't help but see just how far I have come since this time last year when I was so miserable. It helped realize that I have grown to kind of like this city. I hope they find our commiseration comforting, and I hope they will find their second year here to be a vast improvement over their first, as I did.
2. I get no respect. Some serious shit went down at work this week, including the laying off of a colleague and friend. It brought my situation here into sharp focus for me. While I know my job is safe at least for the next academic year, I also realized that it is time to give up the fight. I have struggled daily with the fact that this job doesn't fulfill me. It doesn't utilize my experience, it doesn't really grown me professionally, and it has become increasingly clear that the institution itself neither understands nor respects what it is fundraisers do. This is the first time I can remember that school or work hasn't been an important and fulfilling aspect of my life. While I do find some elements of growth and fulfillment this in the larger development community at UT, I am accepting the fact that this job will never be what it could be, but also that this is fine for now. All the shit hitting the fan has helped me do what I have been trying to do for months now, which is to just let go, and stop trying so hard. I do have reservations when I imagine how much good I might do if I kept trying, but without support from above, the struggle really is futile. I see that now, and it is liberating.
3. The appeal of Mr. Darcy is very real. Tom is out of town this week, living the life of an artist at The Orchard Project in the Catskills. While he is away, I have taken the opportunity to finally watch the much lauded BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries. I read the book last fall, and it immediately grabbed a top spot as one of my absolute favorite reads of all time. So far, the miniseries is really living up to expectations. Colin Firth really is the perfect Darcy. Indeed, I think his portrayal may be even better than the written character. My only gripe is with the casting choice of Susannah Harker as the oldest sister in the Bennet family, Jane. She is supposed to be the most beautiful of the five sisters, and this is repeatedly stated outright. While the actress may be a perfectly lovely looking lady, she does not suit the period costumes or hair styles at all. She looks quite mannish actually. And anytime her mother or neighbors comment on her uncommon beauty, I find myself taken out of the story entirely, and even giggling sometimes. Have any of you seen it? Did you have the same reaction?
4. Dog buddies are awesome. One of my very dear friends from DePaul has moved to the Austin area with her husband, who has recently been stationed at nearby Ft. Hood. Along with her very agreeable husband, she has also brought her adorable puggle, Wrigley. Homer and Wrigley seem to like each other quite a bit, which is a good thing since Wrigley is staying with us for the next few days while his parents attend a wedding in Wisconsin. Is it wrong that I am secretly hoping this visit will help me lay the opening arguments to Tom for a doggie sibling for Homer?
Never has a three-day weekend been so acutely needed than this one. Work has been pretty hellish this week and I really need to put it behind me for a few days. Oh and Tom comes home tonight. Awesome!
2. I get no respect. Some serious shit went down at work this week, including the laying off of a colleague and friend. It brought my situation here into sharp focus for me. While I know my job is safe at least for the next academic year, I also realized that it is time to give up the fight. I have struggled daily with the fact that this job doesn't fulfill me. It doesn't utilize my experience, it doesn't really grown me professionally, and it has become increasingly clear that the institution itself neither understands nor respects what it is fundraisers do. This is the first time I can remember that school or work hasn't been an important and fulfilling aspect of my life. While I do find some elements of growth and fulfillment this in the larger development community at UT, I am accepting the fact that this job will never be what it could be, but also that this is fine for now. All the shit hitting the fan has helped me do what I have been trying to do for months now, which is to just let go, and stop trying so hard. I do have reservations when I imagine how much good I might do if I kept trying, but without support from above, the struggle really is futile. I see that now, and it is liberating.
3. The appeal of Mr. Darcy is very real. Tom is out of town this week, living the life of an artist at The Orchard Project in the Catskills. While he is away, I have taken the opportunity to finally watch the much lauded BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries. I read the book last fall, and it immediately grabbed a top spot as one of my absolute favorite reads of all time. So far, the miniseries is really living up to expectations. Colin Firth really is the perfect Darcy. Indeed, I think his portrayal may be even better than the written character. My only gripe is with the casting choice of Susannah Harker as the oldest sister in the Bennet family, Jane. She is supposed to be the most beautiful of the five sisters, and this is repeatedly stated outright. While the actress may be a perfectly lovely looking lady, she does not suit the period costumes or hair styles at all. She looks quite mannish actually. And anytime her mother or neighbors comment on her uncommon beauty, I find myself taken out of the story entirely, and even giggling sometimes. Have any of you seen it? Did you have the same reaction?
4. Dog buddies are awesome. One of my very dear friends from DePaul has moved to the Austin area with her husband, who has recently been stationed at nearby Ft. Hood. Along with her very agreeable husband, she has also brought her adorable puggle, Wrigley. Homer and Wrigley seem to like each other quite a bit, which is a good thing since Wrigley is staying with us for the next few days while his parents attend a wedding in Wisconsin. Is it wrong that I am secretly hoping this visit will help me lay the opening arguments to Tom for a doggie sibling for Homer?
Never has a three-day weekend been so acutely needed than this one. Work has been pretty hellish this week and I really need to put it behind me for a few days. Oh and Tom comes home tonight. Awesome!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Alinea Part Three: Sweets and What I Learned (v5)
Did you catch Part One: Lighter Beginnings, and Part Two: Meat and Truffles?
At this point in the meal, we are satisfied, and pretty full (though not in pain). But don't worry, four dessert courses ought to fix that...
We are told by our waitstaff that the metal top portion of this cone is dipped in liquid nitrogen, then an atomizer is used to spritz yuzu juice onto it, creating flavored snow. The we diners just need to use our spoon to scoop it off, almost like an upscale snow cone. It is very cold, tart and sweet, and is very pure yuzu flavor. It is the perfect savory to sweet transition, as it works brilliantly to cleanse the palate.
At this point in the meal, we are satisfied, and pretty full (though not in pain). But don't worry, four dessert courses ought to fix that...
COURSE 15: Snow
COURSE 16: Sweet Potato
This course definitely goes on my top favorites list, and was my favorite dessert dish when considered solely based on taste (you will understand what this means after you read about #18.) It is basically these dollops of what I would call sweet potato pudding, with some sort of graham cracker-like brown sugar crumble, and that little white cloud is cayenne flavored cotton candy. There are also these self-contained little bubbles of bourbon. Oh, and the whole thing is set upon a cedar plank that was very recently on fire. Oh my word. It was beyond description. The sweet potato flavor mixed with the slightly spicy-sweet cotton candy... and the smell of the cedar... and then the little bourbon bubble explodes in your mouth. The fact that I will never eat this again brings on a heavy sense of enui.
COURSE 17: Lemongrass
This little clear tube is filled with liquid (comprised mainly of lemongrass, cucumber and finger lime) which is held in on one side by a plug of dragon fruit, and on the other by a lime gel. We are asked to inhale from one end of the tube to draw the contents into our mouths. I do this, and nearly have the contents explode from my mouth, not unlike a bourbon bubble or black truffle ravioli. I am not prepared for the amount of pressure it takes to free the lime gel, and I think the contents of the tube are just a little more voluminous than my mouth can comfortably handle. I am pretty sure I look like an inflated blowfish for 15 seconds, as I chew furiously and try to keep my lips clamped as tightly shut as possible. It is another clean, bright flavor combo, perfect to sandwich between two rich desserts. Very delicious. Very nearly embarrassing.
COURSE 18: Chocolate
It all started with a waiter asking Tom to move to the banquette next to me (a better vantage point for us to watch the show, he said). Then he laid out a silicone mat that covered the entire table. Several little dishes filled with unknown delights were set at the edge and then we waited. I have been reading in recent months about how the final course of the Alinea tour menu is plated by a chef from the kitchen, directly on your table. This knowledge in no way prepares me for the moment Grant Achatz is standing in front of us, asking us about our night, and describing, in detail, the food he is laying out on our table. It is haute cuisine meets modern art meets performance art and I am a huge fan.
The first thing chef Achatz does is lay out two clear, open ended tubes that are about 2" in diameter. He proceeds to pour a creamy looking liquid in, and diverts our attention by laying out the other components. He applies the saucy border to our table top masterpiece, consisting of a blueberry puree, a lightly whipped cream sweetened with Wisconsin honey, and a milk chocolate sauce. Tom and I are delighted that the chocolate is the exact consistency to where it forms into squares when applied. The chef then pours out some piles of chocolate and peanut dust. Then come the little squares of peanut nougat. Then whole blueberries which he tells us have been pickled in red wine. Next, a smoking plate is brought in, which Grant tells us is chocolate mouse frozen in liquid nitrogen. It is the size of a large brick, and he places it in the and proceeds to break it apart with something.. a small hammer maybe? He tops this large pile with a sprinkling of green a purple basil leaves. And just when we had forgotten all about them, he removes the clear tubes, whose liquid interior has magically set up into creme brulee. A torch appears, and after a quick sprinkle of sugar, he caramelizes the top of the custard.
I want to rave about the meal, but the chef comes across as impossibly shy, and I think to myself that I don't want to make him uncomfortable. He gives a little bow before departing and we thank him enthusiastically for blowing our minds.
The course is simply delicious. The sauces are sweet and rick, the mouse is so light despite being frozen. Basil plus chocolate is delightful, more so when you add blueberries. The peanut nougat is chewy and also somehow soft. We quickly turn the beautiful plating in to a muddled mess, and I will admit to having run my finger through the leftovers that my spoon just couldn't pick up (after all, I am eating off the table!)
We are stuffed to the gills and in something of a food trance. We easily, happily, let go of nearly a month's rent when the bill comes, leaving our service team of at least a half dozen the largest tip I have ever conceived. We slowly wander back downstairs where the maitre'd remembers we took a cab and has already sent a porter out to hail one for us. In the mean time, we are invited to stand at the glass wall of the kitchen to watch the goings on. It is quiet, methodical and beautiful. Much like our meal.
It was an enlightening and entertaining evening, and to round things out, a special Alina edition of What I Learned:
1. I probably wouldn't go back. The food, service and wine are all impeccable, but it is a significant investment of funds, and besides, I have my eye set on other culinary destinations (The French Laundry, Next, Per Se, Le Bernadin, The Fat Duck...
2. Texture is king. Texture is immensely important to me when it comes to judging the success of a dish. It can make or break a dish. And Temperature can, and probably will, delight me.
3. I want foie. I love truffles, but if I am going to pay so very much for a high end meal, I wish the chef would include a little fatted liver. I honestly missed it.
4. There is always room for dessert. And on a related note, I think people who say they leave this restaurant still hungry are full of shit.
The course is simply delicious. The sauces are sweet and rick, the mouse is so light despite being frozen. Basil plus chocolate is delightful, more so when you add blueberries. The peanut nougat is chewy and also somehow soft. We quickly turn the beautiful plating in to a muddled mess, and I will admit to having run my finger through the leftovers that my spoon just couldn't pick up (after all, I am eating off the table!)
We are stuffed to the gills and in something of a food trance. We easily, happily, let go of nearly a month's rent when the bill comes, leaving our service team of at least a half dozen the largest tip I have ever conceived. We slowly wander back downstairs where the maitre'd remembers we took a cab and has already sent a porter out to hail one for us. In the mean time, we are invited to stand at the glass wall of the kitchen to watch the goings on. It is quiet, methodical and beautiful. Much like our meal.
It was an enlightening and entertaining evening, and to round things out, a special Alina edition of What I Learned:
1. I probably wouldn't go back. The food, service and wine are all impeccable, but it is a significant investment of funds, and besides, I have my eye set on other culinary destinations (The French Laundry, Next, Per Se, Le Bernadin, The Fat Duck...
2. Texture is king. Texture is immensely important to me when it comes to judging the success of a dish. It can make or break a dish. And Temperature can, and probably will, delight me.
3. I want foie. I love truffles, but if I am going to pay so very much for a high end meal, I wish the chef would include a little fatted liver. I honestly missed it.
4. There is always room for dessert. And on a related note, I think people who say they leave this restaurant still hungry are full of shit.
Friday, June 17, 2011
What I Learned (v4)
This week is a special two-week wrap up of what I have learned...
Chicago is as awesome as I remember! The food, the public transportation, the cultural opportunities, and most importantly my friends and family are all what keep my love affair with Chicago holding strong.
But the parking and traffic still suck. It's not all wonderful. There are so many cars in the city, parking is tough in most places, and almost no one has a driveway. How on earth did I get groceries and Ikea furniture back to my apartment for 10 years?! It made me appreciate how easy it is to drive in Austin.
Grant Achatz is a culinary genius, but I am not sure I would go back (gasp!) The Alinea experience was so unique, and Tom and I are still talking about how entertaining, and how fun the meal was. It is true there were many new textures and treatments of food that blew my mind. Ultimately, however, none of the food was so exceedingly tasty that I would blow such a huge wad of cash to do it all again. I'd rather fly to New York for a long weekend, or update my wardrobe for the season ahead. But I will pay any asking price to get a place of those black truffle explosion raviolis.
Celebrating with family is priceless. This is something I kind of already know, but celebrating two wedding and a birthday party are excellent reminders of how much I love my families, and how luck Tom and I are.
Work sucks. It's true! At least when you compare it to vacation. But coming back, I also remembered that it's really nice to be employed, so you can afford to pay your bills and buy groceries (and go on more trips.)
I never want to have an enterography CT scan ever again. It turns out that little pill isn't quite working how it is supposed to. So, the doctor ordered a scan and my stomach hasn't been the same since the scan prep. I heard back today that the CT showed no abnormalities. This sort of brings me back to square one. I am hoping the doc has a few other ideas...
There's no place like Home(r). I missed that guy so much. And my bed. I missed my bed.
Chicago is as awesome as I remember! The food, the public transportation, the cultural opportunities, and most importantly my friends and family are all what keep my love affair with Chicago holding strong.
But the parking and traffic still suck. It's not all wonderful. There are so many cars in the city, parking is tough in most places, and almost no one has a driveway. How on earth did I get groceries and Ikea furniture back to my apartment for 10 years?! It made me appreciate how easy it is to drive in Austin.
Grant Achatz is a culinary genius, but I am not sure I would go back (gasp!) The Alinea experience was so unique, and Tom and I are still talking about how entertaining, and how fun the meal was. It is true there were many new textures and treatments of food that blew my mind. Ultimately, however, none of the food was so exceedingly tasty that I would blow such a huge wad of cash to do it all again. I'd rather fly to New York for a long weekend, or update my wardrobe for the season ahead. But I will pay any asking price to get a place of those black truffle explosion raviolis.
Celebrating with family is priceless. This is something I kind of already know, but celebrating two wedding and a birthday party are excellent reminders of how much I love my families, and how luck Tom and I are.
Work sucks. It's true! At least when you compare it to vacation. But coming back, I also remembered that it's really nice to be employed, so you can afford to pay your bills and buy groceries (and go on more trips.)
I never want to have an enterography CT scan ever again. It turns out that little pill isn't quite working how it is supposed to. So, the doctor ordered a scan and my stomach hasn't been the same since the scan prep. I heard back today that the CT showed no abnormalities. This sort of brings me back to square one. I am hoping the doc has a few other ideas...
There's no place like Home(r). I missed that guy so much. And my bed. I missed my bed.
Friday, May 27, 2011
What I Learned v3
1. To pickle beets. Things have gotten pretty domestic in my life since moving to Austin, and as a byproduct of that, I have become quite proficient at preserving foods. Pickles, fruit butters or marmalades, I just love "putting stuff up." So naturally, when Tom and I pulled up our small crop of beets last week, I decided to make spiced pickled beets. We ended up with four jars filled with the bright red roots, preserved in a mix of vinegar, sugar, allspice, clove and cinnamon. I cant wait to crack a jar open, but for best flavor, I think we will wait until we get back from our vacation.
2. The Blanton is awesome! Despite my reservations of it being crazy on campus for graduation weekend, Tom convinced me to go with him to the Blanton Museum of Art last Saturday. It was a great way to spend a hot afternoon, and as a bonus, Staff and Students get into the museum for free every day (I could write a whole blog post about why I LOVE my UT ID card.) The museum is much bigger than I realized, so we didn't get a chance to see everything before our legs got tired, and our brains were overloaded with all the cool stuff to look at. Needless to say, I am really looking forward to our next visit, so we can see what we missed.
3. I heart SYTYCD even more than I remembered. My favorite reality show is back, ladies and gents! I think it surprises people that "So You Think You Can Dance" is such a favorite of mine. Do I like it more than Top Chef? Yes. More than Project Runway? Yes, again. SYTYCD is the only place I can think of where you can regularly see transcendent art created and performed on the TV. And I like the absence of silly challenges that other reality shows employ, which seem more and more like they are created solely to mess up the contestants. Don't get me wrong, I do love those other shows too, but Top Chef is not about making the contestants better chefs. SYTYCD gives dancers and choreographers space to discover, to grow and to create beautiful things. Yes, sometimes a contestant has to go outside of their comfort zone (sometimes way outside...Russian Folk Dancing, anyone?) to perform in a style they are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with. But more often than not, in those situations we often get a moment that is more than the sum of it's parts. Do any of you watch SYTYCD? What are your favorite reality shows?
4. Homemade arugula pesto is AMAZING! Tom and I have a beautiful and very prolific arugula plant in the old garden. For the past few months, we have been picking leaves here and there to add to salads, pizzas and sandwiches, but this week Tom got the inspired idea to sub out the basil for arugula in his pesto recipe. The result was really stunning. The mix of olive oil and pine nuts really mellowed out the sharp bite of the arugula. We made panini the other night with turkey, smoked muenster, garden tomatoes and the arugula pesto. Oh my word. So yummy!! Are the pesto possibilities endless? I mean, what isnt improved by the addition of olive oil and pine nuts?
2. The Blanton is awesome! Despite my reservations of it being crazy on campus for graduation weekend, Tom convinced me to go with him to the Blanton Museum of Art last Saturday. It was a great way to spend a hot afternoon, and as a bonus, Staff and Students get into the museum for free every day (I could write a whole blog post about why I LOVE my UT ID card.) The museum is much bigger than I realized, so we didn't get a chance to see everything before our legs got tired, and our brains were overloaded with all the cool stuff to look at. Needless to say, I am really looking forward to our next visit, so we can see what we missed.
3. I heart SYTYCD even more than I remembered. My favorite reality show is back, ladies and gents! I think it surprises people that "So You Think You Can Dance" is such a favorite of mine. Do I like it more than Top Chef? Yes. More than Project Runway? Yes, again. SYTYCD is the only place I can think of where you can regularly see transcendent art created and performed on the TV. And I like the absence of silly challenges that other reality shows employ, which seem more and more like they are created solely to mess up the contestants. Don't get me wrong, I do love those other shows too, but Top Chef is not about making the contestants better chefs. SYTYCD gives dancers and choreographers space to discover, to grow and to create beautiful things. Yes, sometimes a contestant has to go outside of their comfort zone (sometimes way outside...Russian Folk Dancing, anyone?) to perform in a style they are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with. But more often than not, in those situations we often get a moment that is more than the sum of it's parts. Do any of you watch SYTYCD? What are your favorite reality shows?
4. Homemade arugula pesto is AMAZING! Tom and I have a beautiful and very prolific arugula plant in the old garden. For the past few months, we have been picking leaves here and there to add to salads, pizzas and sandwiches, but this week Tom got the inspired idea to sub out the basil for arugula in his pesto recipe. The result was really stunning. The mix of olive oil and pine nuts really mellowed out the sharp bite of the arugula. We made panini the other night with turkey, smoked muenster, garden tomatoes and the arugula pesto. Oh my word. So yummy!! Are the pesto possibilities endless? I mean, what isnt improved by the addition of olive oil and pine nuts?
Friday, May 20, 2011
What I Learned v2
1. Sometimes side-effects are the lesser of two evils. I have been struggling with digestive problems for about 15 years now (yes, fully half of my life) and last week I went to see a specialist who thinks he has figured out a way to help me cope. Two pills a day, and in theory, my body should start functioning more like a "normal body." I started the medication a week ago, and while it may still be a bit too early to tell, all indications are that this medicine is going to change my life. Unfortunately, I am feeling the full force of the medicine's side effects which include dry eyes, dry mouth, and a decreased ability to sweat. This has me drinking tons of water, and rubbing at my eyes praying for the end of the work day to come so I can take out my contacts.
2. Graduation week is one of the most exciting times to work at a University. Today we graduated our 2011 class of BSN, MSN and PhD Nursing students. Graduation is one of the few tangible reminders of why I am working so hard for so little pay, slagging through the bureaucracy of a major University System and the silly red-tape that goes along with being an employee of one of the most backwards states in the Union.
3. I have taken too many good books for granted recently. Many of my recent reads have been really excellent (A Visit from the Goon Squad and Loving Frank, to name two). Well imagine my shock when I broke that streak with the forgettable The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. This book has reminded me that not all popular, highly recommended books are actually interesting and well written. To be fair, I am only 3 chapters in, but those first few chapters have been klunky and have almost completely failed to capture my interest. I am going to keep on for at least a few more chapters, but I may not make it through this one.
4. Hot Doug's will reopen just in time for my arrival to Chicago! I ain't too proud to admit that I am a fan of Hot Doug's on the FB. Recently they posted about closing for vacation near the Memorial Day holiday, which nearly sent me into a full-throttle panic. Thankfully, Doug has the good sense to re-open the restaurant the day that Tom and I arrive to Chicago for our Midwest tour. All Hail Hot Doug's!
5. The Dirty Sanchez is the best taco in existence. End of discussion. In my now infamous queso blog, I expounded on the virtues of Torchy's Tacos' amazing queso dip. I know the name is vile, but I am here to tell you that their Dirty Sanchez taco is the absolute best taco on earth. I have been in Austin for nearly two years (and eaten at Torchy's a few dozen times) but had never tried the Sanchez until last Friday night. Scrambled Egg, a fried pobano chile, guacamole, escabeche carrots, and cheese. Heaven.
2. Graduation week is one of the most exciting times to work at a University. Today we graduated our 2011 class of BSN, MSN and PhD Nursing students. Graduation is one of the few tangible reminders of why I am working so hard for so little pay, slagging through the bureaucracy of a major University System and the silly red-tape that goes along with being an employee of one of the most backwards states in the Union.
3. I have taken too many good books for granted recently. Many of my recent reads have been really excellent (A Visit from the Goon Squad and Loving Frank, to name two). Well imagine my shock when I broke that streak with the forgettable The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. This book has reminded me that not all popular, highly recommended books are actually interesting and well written. To be fair, I am only 3 chapters in, but those first few chapters have been klunky and have almost completely failed to capture my interest. I am going to keep on for at least a few more chapters, but I may not make it through this one.
4. Hot Doug's will reopen just in time for my arrival to Chicago! I ain't too proud to admit that I am a fan of Hot Doug's on the FB. Recently they posted about closing for vacation near the Memorial Day holiday, which nearly sent me into a full-throttle panic. Thankfully, Doug has the good sense to re-open the restaurant the day that Tom and I arrive to Chicago for our Midwest tour. All Hail Hot Doug's!
5. The Dirty Sanchez is the best taco in existence. End of discussion. In my now infamous queso blog, I expounded on the virtues of Torchy's Tacos' amazing queso dip. I know the name is vile, but I am here to tell you that their Dirty Sanchez taco is the absolute best taco on earth. I have been in Austin for nearly two years (and eaten at Torchy's a few dozen times) but had never tried the Sanchez until last Friday night. Scrambled Egg, a fried pobano chile, guacamole, escabeche carrots, and cheese. Heaven.
Friday, May 13, 2011
What I Learned v.1
Hey friends! It should be no surprise to you by now that I am having trouble keeping up with the blog thing. I will blame it partly on an unusually busy few months at work, and partly on feeling like the new car smell has worn off of my Austin adventure. Few things lately seem worthy of the full blog treatment, so I am going to try something new here that I think will help me meet the demands of my adoring readership of dozens. I am happy to present the new weekly feature What I Learned.
I have seen this kind of thing work wonders on other blogs. From the always funny Awkward/Awesome frequently seen at my friend Stephanie's Big Mario Life to the always admirable Happy Thoughts at cousin Molly's blog A Foreign Land, these structured, reoccurring blog themes seem to be working well for the other bloggers in my life.
The list-like structure should be easy to maintain, and I hope it will also prove to be pressure free. And don't despair, I will still feature the occasional longer blog about awesome stuff in Austin, and photo montages of the amazing and beautiful things happening in my garden (do you have any idea how miraculous and beautiful baby watermelons are?) So... are you ready to find out what I learned this week?
What I Learned...
1. I am not lactose intolerant, or allergic to gluten, shellfish or tree nuts. I am, however, blessed with a spasmodic set of intestines. Thankfully, there is a pill for that.
2. Bevo rides in style. Last Thursday I spied the Silver Spurs's big burnt orange truck rolling down MLK Blvd here in Austin. The big fancy trailer that carries the UT Longhorns's iconic mascot was attached. I got really excited when I realized that Bevo was actually in the trailer. I love Bevo. Honestly, I might join the fan club.
3. I will be really sad to see the 2011 MFA Playwrights graduate. So many of our friends will be leaving Austin within the next few weeks, and that sucks.
4. No matter how many times I meet him, it seems that Beeven Bietz is always going to make me feel a little star struck. And that is so embarrassing.
5. I am geeking out over our upcoming reservation to Alinea. Tom and I will be in Chicago for a little vacay in about a month, and we are splurging big-time on a dinner at Alinea. This week I read the new memoir written by Alinea's Chef, Grant Achatz. It took my excitement level off the charts. You can expect a long blog about the experience sometime later in June!
I have seen this kind of thing work wonders on other blogs. From the always funny Awkward/Awesome frequently seen at my friend Stephanie's Big Mario Life to the always admirable Happy Thoughts at cousin Molly's blog A Foreign Land, these structured, reoccurring blog themes seem to be working well for the other bloggers in my life.
The list-like structure should be easy to maintain, and I hope it will also prove to be pressure free. And don't despair, I will still feature the occasional longer blog about awesome stuff in Austin, and photo montages of the amazing and beautiful things happening in my garden (do you have any idea how miraculous and beautiful baby watermelons are?) So... are you ready to find out what I learned this week?
What I Learned...
1. I am not lactose intolerant, or allergic to gluten, shellfish or tree nuts. I am, however, blessed with a spasmodic set of intestines. Thankfully, there is a pill for that.
2. Bevo rides in style. Last Thursday I spied the Silver Spurs's big burnt orange truck rolling down MLK Blvd here in Austin. The big fancy trailer that carries the UT Longhorns's iconic mascot was attached. I got really excited when I realized that Bevo was actually in the trailer. I love Bevo. Honestly, I might join the fan club.
3. I will be really sad to see the 2011 MFA Playwrights graduate. So many of our friends will be leaving Austin within the next few weeks, and that sucks.
4. No matter how many times I meet him, it seems that Beeven Bietz is always going to make me feel a little star struck. And that is so embarrassing.
5. I am geeking out over our upcoming reservation to Alinea. Tom and I will be in Chicago for a little vacay in about a month, and we are splurging big-time on a dinner at Alinea. This week I read the new memoir written by Alinea's Chef, Grant Achatz. It took my excitement level off the charts. You can expect a long blog about the experience sometime later in June!
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