Well, I Was Sleepy

Tonight I did everything in my power to get myself ready for sleep at a decent time: I ate dinner at six, had two cups of mint tea at eight, and did some pleasure reading for a couple of hours. I washed my face, put on my pajamas, and was all set to climb in to bed, when I spotted something that drove away every thought of sleep...

A three-inch long centipede on my wall.

And that measurement is not an exaggeration; in fact, it may be an underestimatation. As hardened as I have become to killing insects during my stay here in Chicago, the bug was so big, so hideous, that it forced me to pause and look away in order to summon my courage. You know how it usually is when you kill a bug with your shoe or a paper towel, and you feel that it really isn't an animal you're killing, because it is too small or simple? Well, with this one, it felt like I was actually killing an animal. It was that big and... fleshy. I've never seen an insect that large outside of a museum.

After a few moments, fearing that the insect would crawl down the wall into some hard-to-reach corner, I managed to steady myself and crush the thing. I won't go into details, but the fact that it took me two paper towels just to clean up after the kill should give you some idea as to how substantial the thing actually was.

So now, here I sit at my computer, wide-eyed, quivering, constantly rubbing my arms and legs, and jumping at the slightest sensation on my skin. So much for my wonderful plan of getting to bed on time.

The Big Day

Whew! I've been in a whirlwind the past three weeks. My apologies for not posting sooner, but now I can tell you all about graduation with plenty of detail and pictures for support.



My graduation was especially wonderful because my dear family was here with me; in fact, we spent more time together than we had originally planned, since all four of us were crammed into my tiny apartment for three nights. On graduation day we hurried down to campus to attend the graduation mass at Madonna Della Strada Chapel. The sanctuary was so crowded with graduates, faculty, and parents that we were forced to stand through the whole two hour service, but it was a beautiful ceremony, and it reminded me how fortunate I was to attend a school that respects the religious beliefs of the students (a rare thing in higher education).


Me with my friends Samantha (lt) and Emily (rt) at the reception

The graduation ceremony was interesting. I found that I was much less excited about this graduation than the one last year, and it seems that everyone else felt the same way, since the whole process was very laid back. The speeches from faculty were kept fairly short, placed strategically inbetween spurts of school propoganda from the alumni council asking for school involvement and financial support. The real length of the ceremony was determined by a choice (an unwise choice, in my opinion) to read the description of doctoral theses after the name of each PhD candidate. I pitied the poor faculty member chosen to announce the PhDs, since she had to struggle not only with the names of the students, at least half of whom were foriegn, but she also had to pronounce five-syllable chemistry and biology terms. It took over an hour and a half to announce the 75 PhD students, and then about twenty minutes to announce the 300 Masters. But all in all, it was a good ceremony. They pronounced my name correctly, and I didn't trip over my own feet while I was on the stage, so I really couldn't ask for more.

A Non-Taxing Blog

I've graduated! Hooray! Now I actually get to keep my robe and hood, unlike those silly hoods at my undergrad alma mater that they give you to wear and then force you to give back before you leave the building.

I'd be up for writing a longer blog and adding pictures, but my family is still here, and Travis gave us all colds so none of us are terribly energetic. I'll write a better post in a couple days.

But I must bring one thing to your attention: Serene Teaz. A beautiful shop with multitudes of teas in little jars for you to smell, and with pots and pots of boiling water for brewing four selections when you can't make up your mind. I got a couple ounces of loose-leaf Peppermint tea for after meals and Peach Blossom white tea for the afternoons. Oh, they're both so good!

Poulet en Sauce a Moutarde

This is an attempted recreation of a dish I once had at Le Cafe de Paris in Boise. I made it this afternoon, and was very pleased with the results.

Poulet en Sauce a Moutarde
Serves 2

1. Slice two shallots paper thin and saute with two tablespoons olive oil, salt and fresh ground pepper in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook until shallots are soft.

2. Add 1/3 cup heavy cream and 1 1/2 tablespoons country-style Dijon mustard to the skillet, stirring until mustard is thoroughly blended. Heat sauce until simmering but not boiling.

3. Slice one trimmed chicken breast into 1/2 inch thick, bite sized pieces. Add chicken to skillet; cover and cook for six or seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with a piece of bread and mixed greens. Enjoy!

First Takeout of the Year

I finally caved. After months of cooking nutritous meals for myself, yesterday was the day when I at last threw up my hands and cried: "I'm calling Giordano's!"

For those unfortunate millions living outside the Chicago area, tasting Giordano's stuffed pizza is a religious experience; I've never had such delicious pizza before. And if I've made you curious, Giordano's ships frozen pizzas across the country. I would highly recommend it. It's worth the extra money for shipping.

There are some things in this world that belong to Chicago and make it the wonderful city it is: Wrigleyville, the Museum district, the El, crazed baseball fans, killer wind, and, of course, Giordano's. Chicago, it's my kind of town!

A Morning Greeting and News

To my dear readers: Salutations!

Oh, it is wonderful to be blogging again! I had thought that, when I decided to stop a while ago, I would be able to withstand the temptation. But I've missed you all. I've missed your comments, and the knowledge that you're all connected to me in a way, hearing about my life and laughing at my absurd escapades. So, as you can see, I have surrendered to temptation.

One request: This blog was designed to be anonymous. Please, if you do leave comments, don't use my real name.

And now for news: Yesterday was my last day of classes for the spring semester. Hooray! Now all I have left on my plate is a paper due on Friday and my Masters exam next Monday, which I am beginning to fear more than death. All of the professors and older students keep telling us not to worry, and the former department chair even told us that the best way to prepare was to forego studying altogether, but it doesn't help the anxiety. Oh, just five more days and then it will all be over!

Mom and Dad will arrive next Wednesday for my graduation, another event to celebrate. We will get to spend three days together as a family, since Travis has already finished school and will be spending his summer here in his new house. It's going to be so much fun!