Happy Nu Nu!

It’s nearly 2009. I’m sitting in the dark in my parent’s family room half-listening to Dick Clark’s New Years Hollywood. It was a quiet new years, just like last year. Although last year I had better company–sorry parents! Tonight, besides eating hors’ d’oeuvres and watching a movie, I gave the dog a bath. He’s coming into 2009 smelling fresh (well, except his breath, but we’ll work on that too). I’m actually going to bed in a minute. Like many other New Years Eves 0f my past, I may be asleep at midnight.

I’ve been thinking about the best NYEs of years past. Here’s my top 3:

1. buddhist New Year’s eve service in Chicago

2. jumping in the pool at the millenium with tons of cousins as the clocked ticked onto the hour

3. Blues fest in Boca. So much fun.

I have some resolutions, but they’re personal. In general, I’m always striving to be a better person, true to myself, and not so boxed in (on myself).

Happy New Year!  May 2009 be a hopeful, peaceful, successful year.

Today I’m 27

Today is my birthday. I turned 27. It’s strange being pushed from the “mid” twenties to the “late” twenties with just one day of transition. I’m such a goal oriented person that it bothers me that my life isn’t in order and I’m not doing what I “should” be doing professionally right now. I’m on the path but have years until I reach the goal. I’m still in that transitional 20s phase of life. It’s definitely been painful, although lately things have smoothed out some. I’m in grad school, I’m back in Chicago–a city I love, I have friends. It’s good.

My birthday was very pleasant, especially compared to last year. My parents took us out to Lazy Jane’s, the favorite breakfast restaurant of my sister and I. We had our usual–lemon creme scones and 2 eggs and potatoes. My mom thought the restaurant was very urban. I think it’s very Madison, it basically looks like a diner in somebody’s living room. Upon returning home we debated between bowling and a movie–Marley and Me. The movie won. It was cute, funny and sad. Afterwards we lazed around and read until dinner, which was enjoyable because we had 8th night of Chanukah latkes! And tasty carrot cake. So, it was a nice day.  Thank you parents and sister!

Back in Madison again

I spent 4-ish days in Ohio with a grad-school friend. When she invited me, I was initially hesitant. But, then, I thought “why not?” It’d be nice to spend stress-free time outside of school doing something like nothing with someone I enjoy hanging out with. And I am always interested to see where people come from–geographically and people-wise. And so we drove to Southern Ohio last Sunday. Her family was so excited to see her, it was really fun. I got to make cookies with her step-nephews and niece (they were a lot of fun), follow her on Christmas shopping around town, visit Yellowsprings, which was cute and hippyish. It kind of reminded me of Shelburne falls, MA. I helped (as much as allowed) cook for Christmas dinner and wrapped presents on Christmas Eve. I stayed for Christmas, which was a little awkward (for me), but it was neat to see someone else’s holiday. I got to meet various aunts and her brother. Basically, we did very little but just hung out. My visit there was relaxing and peaceful.

holidays

I’m visiting a friend in Ohio until Friday. Will post after I get back to Madison.

Happy holidays!

What I’ve Done on my Winter Vacation, thus far

Since the speedy (10 weeks!) quarter has ended, I’ve been at loose ends. I mean, I have stuff to do. I have to study for the French reading exam (blech) and fill out the application for my summer program (essays) and I should fill out the application for the fellowship I’d like to have next year. But, thus far, here’s what I’ve done:

• I’ve watched Regis and Kelly and part of the View, because that’s what my mom likes to watch
• I’ve read one book fully (really good! called Happy Family) and one book of short stories halfly, but I was too ambitious, should of picked up chick lit or mysteries or something
• watched John and Kate plus 8, many episodes
• watched Cold Case, NCIS, and Without a Trace, during the daytime of course
• watched the food channel and Top Chef
• cooked dinner for my family once
• gone to Borders to work on stuff, got some stuff kind of done. Will go again
• gone shopping with my mom. BDay present. Sweaters. Definitely a necessity.
• played with the dog. LOTS
• laid on the floor and giggled with my sister. Tortured said sister about being sick (I TRY to be annoying, since she spent so many years being my annoyance!)
• taken 1 walk (our temperature here has hovered at 1 degree F. And then it snowed a lot)
• bumbled around the internet for kicks
• met with a former starbucks co-worker to hear their story, now I have to write it. Tomorrow.
• Watched Milk. Very good. Highly recommend it. And the Sundance Movie Theater is mighty cool too.
• Written random emails, because what else am I going to do?
• slept until at least 8AM since I got home on Sunday afternoon. Nice.

P.S. Everyone is coughing here in this house except for me. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and if I believed in it, I’d pray.  Because I have places that I want to be next week and I don’t want to be sick!

1st Quarter is Done

I’m finished. The papers were turned in yesterday. The exam was taken on Wednesday. I leave for a week in Madison tomorrow. My brain feels empty. My body is still sleepy. This week I plan to do stuff for the summer and for the French Reading Exam (ugh) which I will be taking in January. I’m looking forward to playing with the puppy, hanging with my sister, and watching cable (ha!).

Exam Time

In case you were not aware. I am immersed in University of Chicago’s exam week. I have written my intro paper, it still needs to be printed out and turned in…probably not until Friday. I have taken the Hebrew exam. It was hard! I have one paper left.  Due on Friday. I’ll be back then…