How my coffeemaker has changed my life

I may have mentioned that I recently purchased a coffeemaker off of the University of Chicago marketplace. Have I mentioned that one of my favorite procrastination pastimes is reading the ads on this website (which shall remain unlinked) for the funniest or weirdest? It’s a private little contest and no one knows who wins. Anyway, I found an ad for an automatic coffeemaker for $10. What a deal! I asked for a pic and it looked just fine. So, I emailed and we met and the transaction was complete.

Before the coffeemaker, which ironically could be abbreviated as B.C.(E), I used a french press. While working as a barista, we extolled the properties of the french press–strong coffee, fresh taste, etc. But, as a grad school coffee-drinker on the go, the French press’ downsides quickly became apparent. It’s messy. The grounds do not want to leave the press on their own. Sometimes the grounds float into the coffee, which makes it kind of grainy. I had to remember to grind and boil water and then press it down. Ok, not a big deal, but the combination was getting messy. I wanted a coffeemaker.

Now, I am the proud owner of an automatic coffeemaker. It will brew on a timer for me so that my coffee will be hot and ready at 7:40 AM. It will brew when I want it to brew. There is no kettle to deal with. There are grounds. But, they are contained within a filter, which is easy to pick up and throw away. The machine turns off by itself.

My life has become streamlined by the coffeemaker. I buy less coffee at school. So, I save more money than the machine cost me. There’s less mess. It’s amazing. Now, if only I had a dishwasher and a garbage disposal…I would have it made.

Saturday

The week after Thanksgiving is our last week of school, so if you remember the frantic crazy posts about being really busy last year, it’s the same.

But today, I took it slow. No, I just took the day for myself. Because I was sick with a cold this week, a cold that is still present (although now just a minor annoyance) but is keeping me in exhausted mode. The one where when you wake up you still feel tired. That used to happen to me all the time last year, but this year I don’t usually feel like that. I can feel and tell how this made me more undproductive last year.  Fatigue really drains the brain. I’ve been having a hard time eking out my work. And eking it’s become. Hopefully, I’ll be back to “normal” soon.

Today I went to a lay-led minyan in my neighborhood. I had heard vague rumors of this minyan, but had not attended before. It only happens once a month, and this was the first service of the school year. It was fine. It’s a minyan housed and attended by members of the conservative synagogue. So, it wasn’t all my bag but it wasn’t horrible. In fact, it was fine enough that I plan on attending in January (the December date is after the quarter ends).

The day was sunny and nice (thank goodness!) so I biked to and from services. It made it easy, less worry about getting there on time. And then, shortly after I came home, I was able to have a really good, long (albeit disrupted by technology issues on both ends) conversation with my good friend who is in France. That was a steadying conversation. I miss her more constant presence in my life (and she reads this blog, so hi!).

Later on, after a run to the produce store, I talked to my sister online and then talked to my best friend. I read John Calvin’s essay about Job and I spent all evening thinking about how to write a 4 page paper in response. And then, just before 10 I made a decision. And wrote some quotes down. After which I powered down my computer, put away some dishes. I then realized that I owed you, my invisible readers a blog post. So here we are.

Reading Kant: it slowly becomes clear

My computer has an open book in front of it: A Cambridge collection Immanuel Kant essays on religion and rationality. I wouldn’t advise using that title to look up the book, although it’d likely come up, even though I’ve shortened and mangled the title. It’s open because I’m supposed to be writing an outline of this reading for a class. We have to write 3. I should have written 2 while we were reading Job, because now the pressure is on. Thankfully, there is no grading that occurs on these outlines. Because Kant! can you imagine? of all the things to try to understand, I believe that Kant is low down on the list.

I’ve read the essay a total of 7 times now. It’s slowly becoming clear to me. There is reason in Kant. Well, of course, this guy is all about reason. I remember when I first read him intensely. I was in this incredible class at Amherst called “Political Obligations”. The class was brilliant and filled with Amherst republicans. In fact, the professor was radically conservative and notorious. I felt, at the time, that it was the perfect reality check antidote after all the Smith College leftiness.  That class was the one at college that left me feeling at sea. I knew I would never succeed, solely because the professor was brilliant at his arguments and they were the complete opposite of my opinions. But, the guy made me think. And Kant still does.

Kant does not help me clarify my thoughts. But, he is clear enough that after multiple readings, I finally get his drift.

This week may be a clarifying week for me, Kant’s essay aside. I’m heading off to Philadelphia to visit RRC on Wednesday morning. I’m nervous and excited. I’m nervous about the logisitics. I’ve never visited Philly and I literally don’t know where I’m headed. Of course, I’m a pretty savvy traveller and will figure it out before I leave. I’m nervous about the logisitics of getting there late, which will probably happen due to transportation lengths and leaving early. I decided, when booking my flight, on being sane in my expectations. I’m leaving at 9 instead of at 7. And on Saturday, I’m taking a 5PM flight instead of one that arrives at 11PM. I am trying my darndest to stay healthy through this quarter.

I’m excited about finally getting to see this place that I’ve known about for so long. I’m looking forward to seeing some Smith alums (there’s even another prospective who went to smith!) and one of my former co-workers. I’m excited to see another place, even if the schedule looks pretty busy. I’m ripe for a new little adventure. But, moreover, I’m looking forward to seeing what I think: will my thoughts be clarified and/or calmed? I’m hoping so.

 

November! already

Since the music department, where I do my work study, has a big Halloween concert tomorrow night, I have the morning off. I needed it. This quarter has been a whirlwind and adding just work study that does not have a schoolwork component has taken some getting used to. I have been spending the morning cleaning, drinking coffee (I bought a coffeemaker for $10 off of the university marketplace!), and listening to a podcast of the NPR show Sound Opinions which makes me feel cool, because by listening to S.O. I feel up to date on “new” music.

I can’t believe that it’s going to be November on Sunday. I also can’t believe that we are going to begin the 6th week of the quarter. This means that we only have 5 weeks left. That is slightly horrifying. The U of C quarter system makes EVERYTHING seem intense and move quickly. I feel like there’s no time to breathe or get used to how things are. Granted, I am what would be called  a slow adjuster. Although I seek out change, I grumble about it when it happens. It takes me a while to get used to things. And since I’m always seeking out new challenges that put me in new situations that challenge me, I am always grumbling about something.

I wonder about this component of myself. Part of it is this constant problem of getting bored–I need to ensure that I’m intellectually stimulated. But at the same time, it’s annoying. I’d like to be more conventional–have a “real job” now or, in all honesty, seek out a conventional life. As a kid, I did the same activities throughout my childhood, but I always had several on my plate. I quit activities when we moved but not because I was bored. I always played music and throughout most of my kid-life I danced, too. It’s not that I’m a flitter. I am a committer. But when looking for something to do with my life, I’m from the trying things out school of life. And I haven’t committed to anything yet.

This tendency of mine does not jive well with some readers of this blog (primarily my grandparents and my mom, ahem). And there’s nothing I’ve been able to do to relieve their fears that I’m going to be living at the poverty line and paying off student loans for the rest of my life. I’m ambitious and I’ve got things to do. I just haven’t figured out how to get where I want to go. Part of this issue is the burden of HAVING to have insurance due to my health problems. I look at my Salt classmates. Most of them have taken the risky path–freelancing. And now, finally, most of them are getting published and achieving success. I don’t know how much money they’re making, but there name is getting out there, 3 years later. (One is even writing for the Daily Show!) I didn’t have that much time to commit to living on the edge for the sake of my art. Or maybe it’s that I lack the passionate drive. Or a lack of patience.

For all my intentionality when choosing grad school, academia is just not for me. I am not good at living a theory/idea based life. I need something with practical implications and more human/community contact. I actually went to the career advising office this week. I wanted to talk to them about my visions of the future and see if they could help me forge a path. And the counselor was quite helpful, although she knows nothing about working in the Jewish world. I’ll have to go back. First, though, I’m visiting Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2 weeks. After I take that trip, I’ll hopefully know more about how I want to angle myself path-wise–more school? or something else? I’m keeping my visions of the future under wraps for now.

 

Fall at U of C

Here are a few photos from around University of Chicago. I apologize for any blurriness…my camera was apparently on a funny setting.

Swift Hall path

Swift Hall is the Divinity School building. It’s where I spend most of my time.

Yellow Mums

Ivy Colors

Swift hall Courtyard

Radiator rumblings

As a student, I spend a lot of time in my apartment. As I have previously mentioned, I am not a fan of the library. And, honestly, if I can I’d rather be at home–free (as in previously purchased) food, easy access to water, tea fixings, and the french press.

As cooler weather has descended upon the midwest and my apartment began to feel a chill, I started to listen to the pipes. First, the building (mine has 8 floors) tests the pipes before turning the boiler on for the winter. Living on the 2nd floor, I am well aware of the bangs and groans. At first though, the radiators do not warm.

This past week it happened. I heard it first: rumbles, bangs, and groans. And then after I opened my pipes here I smelled it. The smell of winter–of something unpleasantly burnt and slightly gas-like. The radiator has returned.

I do not pay for my heat. And thus, I do not control it either. I have discovered that the heat turns on inconsistently: early in the mornings through about 10, and then in the late afternoons, and then later at night–around 9 or 10. I can always hear it coming first. Just like the first time. It ticks and rattles and moans, and then it smells. Sometimes, when I’m sleeping, I’ll wake up to those sounds. And then smell that smell that dries the inside of my nose. The radiator, it’s on.

Now, in true winter spirit I’ll have to bring out the humidifier.

Blood Orange Tea and Pumpkin Pie Fudge

School began on Tuesday. The day after Yom Kippur. This is the first quarter where I have “shopped” classes. I’m a pretty decisive person and usually go with what I’ve chosen–even in college. But this quarter has already been different. I first went to Introductory Modern Hebrew. And after class was told to move up to Intermediate. And then, on Wednesday morning, I went to another class–on Midrash. I sat through the class, found it interesting. But after considering my stress levels, decided that this wasn’t the quarter to be taking on Midrash translation. This will be a much easier undertaking after I have more Hebrew under my belt. Instead, I’ll be taking a class on the book of Job, in English. I’ll let you know how that goes next week, since I was not present in class this week–attending intro Hebrew instead. On Monday, I will have another “first” class. But, that one isn’t for shopping. I’ve been intentionally trying to create a balanced schedule that will allow me to be relatively successful. Hopefully, this will be it.

This weekend was a sister visit weekend. We had a lot of fun, beginning with a light meal at Whole Foods on Friday night after her train arrived. On Saturday we had breakfast out with a friend of mine. And then we bummed around and read for a bit. In the afternoon, we worked ourselves northward: stopping first in Lakeview. I easily found parking, which was amazing. I had recently seen a 190 North episode which mentioned the Coffee and Tea Exchange.  I was excited that the store was on the corner. The Coffee & Tea Exchange roasts their own beans and has a large collection of loose teas. It smelled really good inside and I succumbed to temptation to purchase a little loose tea–an herbal blood orange. I’m drinking it now. It has a very light flavor. We also discovered a cute candy store that I had never noticed in the neighborhood: Windy City Treats. We couldn’t resist going in and getting a sample of their pumpkin pie fudge–which was pretty amazing.

The rest of the mostly rainy day was spent taking photos at the Montrose Dog Beach, and then perusing the art along the Ravenswood Art Walk. Both activities were fun, albeit a little chilly.We had a fun sister weekend!

Back in Chicago

I’m here in Hyde Park again. The weather is beautiful, perfect, actually.  My apartment is still in utter chaos. I’m putting it together, but it’s not that fun. I am looking forward to the place looking settled. The apartment itself is fine, it’s the mirror of my old one, which is slightly disorienting. I peeked in on the old place before moving in and the renovation is gorgeous. Somebody is going to be very lucky living there. I’m excited about living on the sunny side of the building and growing some kitchen herbs in my window. I’m thinking basil and maybe some mint, too.

I spent the weekend in Logan Square dog sitting. It was a relaxing transition back to Chicago, since that apartment has been homebase consistently since Smith graduation in ‘04. The strange thing about being back here is that although it feels so normal (I’m sitting in the Regenstein Library right now), in a way I don’t even remember this life. Last year was so chaotic and filled with illness and fatigue, not to mention the massive transition back into academia that it feels blurry.  I’m looking forward to truly living this year in a way that didn’t happen last year–with awareness and energy.

It’s already the middle of the end

Time has flown during August session. Partly because I’ve been slightly lazy/remiss about posting, but also because as August session began I started to count down to my flight home. I will be on a flight home in a little over a week. And I’m ready. I hope that I’ll still be ready in a week.

What have I been up to? A week ago Sunday, I went to the Old City and ended up at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It was night-time and I felt that the big church was a litle spooky. However it was an interesting little side trip. We also watched the sun set from the rooftobs over the Old City. Pics below:

I have also done the usual celebrating of Shabbat by walking to various meals…and going to services. Classes are going well this session. I’m only taking 2. I dropped the 2-day-a-week afternoon class in favor of some time “off”. I also dropped ulpan and am self-teaching myself Hebrew from the ulpan book. I’m moving much more quickly. I do need to put my vocab words on flash cards though.

I’m also looking forward, in order to prepare of the school year. I believe that I have secured September work/study employment, which is good. And I have a housing assignment, although the timing is not in my favor (a little later than needed).  I have done preliminary choosing of my courses, as well. Most importantly, I am mentally preparing for a really rough school year. After last year, I at least know what to expect. But with future, post Chicago planning needing to be done, there will be even more work than the year before.

Before I leave Israel I hope to visit Tel Aviv, possibly participate in a walking tour of East Jerusalem, and see a little more of the “touristy” part of the city. We’ll see.

Moving Tales Part II

My parents arrived on Saturday to help me pack up the rest of my apartment. Which did happen, after 6PM.  It got packed, even though I was incredibly overwhelmed by the whole process (and really packing boxes in a studio is not a fun experience). We were finished by about 11, and they went to a hotel for the night.

Sunday morning brought perfect moving weather (unlike the torrential downpours of Saturday) and coffee from my parents. The person I hired to help move me arrived on time. And we loaded up the truck and my parents’ car and drove over to the storage place. I chose the closest storage place, which has a very sketchy freight elevator. After we loaded our first trip unto the elevator I braced for the trip up. We went up a few feet (it’s a manual elevator). And something started clanging. I was told to figure out what was ticking out the back of the cage, and discovered some sort of metal instrument and moved it. The person running the elevator tried to start it back up. It went up a little bit and stopped. He couldn’t get it to start again. This worried him far more than it worried my parents and moving helper (and me). We just sat there and hung out, but the guy wanted to get out. He called another employee on his cell and asked him to check out the basement: turning the power on and off, checking the water level in the basement, moving things around. Nothing worked. The guy got more and more anxious and started mumbling about calling the fire department. I was just worried about the time. I wanted to get moving (literally) but didn’t mind the break, and the elevator was big enough that it was pretty airy. Finally, he was able to open the 2nd floor doors the slightest bit and then all the way. Luckily a step ladder was in the elevator. We then climbed out onto the second floor and took the stairs down. I’ve never climbed out of an elevator before…just seen it done on TV.

By the time we loaded up the second (and last) bunch-of-stuff, the elevator was working again. whew! However, the employee decided (and was correct) that I had more stuff than space. So, I had to go find a new storage unit and move the other carts of my possessions down to a different floor.

Thankfully, even with all the stress and angst of moving AGAIN, it went pretty smoothly. Thanks to my parents and the awesome moving helper I hired.

I’ll be moving back into Hyde Park (somewhere) in the fall.  I cannot wait to live somewhere for longer than a year.