Pumpkins, Buildings, and Baking...Oh my!

Saturday was a wash, weather-wise. It poured on and off for the entire day and through the night. So, it seemed like a good idea to carve my pumpkin. The only problem was that I didn't have one yet. This meant I had to go to the store and carry it home, it under one arm, my umbrella in my other hand. It was a little uncomfortable, but it worked.

I had a few hours on hand before I would be going with a friend to some sites involved with Open House Chicago, so I sat down and started transferring my design to the pumpkin. (The "Harry Potter" marathon on Freeform was on in the background.) Then, it was time to scoop and clean the pumpkin seeds. So far so good...

The carving went well; though, it took a lot of patience because of all of the small cuts where the knife was almost too big.

When the final cut was made, I turned down the lights, put in the candle, and lit it. Magical.

The timing could not have been more perfect. As I finished cleaning up my mess and drying the pumpkin seeds (for later roasting), my friend called and told me she was at my apartment. We were ready to go. We ended up heading up to Evanston, checking out "The American Toby Jug Museum," the Alpha Sigma Epsilon building (at Northwestern), and the Baha'i temple. All were quick stops, but it was definitely worth it.

My friend invited me to go swing dancing, but I passed this time around. The weather was swaying me in the other direction. But I will go soon - I love dancing!

Later in the evening I baked those pumpkin seeds. And, because the oven was on, I baked some cookies for my faculty too.

When the cookie recipe calls for softened butter...you hold it in the oven, naturally!

I must say, it was a delicious way to end the day. As for today, I got a run in this morning (though there were many puddles!), and I'm off shortly to see "The Princess Bride" and to attend the opening dinner and Mass at my church. Happy Sunday!

Working Ahead...And Then Kicking Back

Spring. Break --> This is music to my ears - boy did we need this at my school! Aside from the seriously crazy weather this March, the students (and teachers) were at a breaking point.

Fresh air, new scenery, no (or. at least less) work... just what the doctor ordered.

So far I've taken care of a lot of things for grad school, teaching, and on a personal level. I am finished with this week's Remick assignments (and looking ahead to next week), I am finished with next week's school lesson plans and activity/project prep, and I was able to get in a dermatology appointment and some errands. Phew!

I know, the key word is break!

And that is exactly what I will be doing at this time tomorrow...right after my professional development day. (Yes, it was scheduled by the Archdiocese. Yes, it's smack dab in the middle of my spring break. No, the Archdiocese does not have the same spring break for all its schools. Yes, it's my own fault for signing up.) I'm excited for a change of scenery - hopefully the weather will hold out and I'll have pictures to share next week.

Until then, I hope spring break or not that all is well for you and that the stretch to summer is productive, rewarding, and full of possibilities and learning opportunities.

FOUR. DAY. WEEKEND. BLISS.

It's hard to put this past weekend into words (except for the obvious that it was FOUR. DAYS. LONG.), so I believe pictures will be my better option:

My weekend timeline:

Saturday morning: Soldier Field 10 Miler

Saturday afternoon and evening: Picked up a friend from FL from the airport and hung out by the lake and ate ice cream

twins always seem to match...

Sunday (Fun day): a lovely brunch on my apt's back patio with friends, a trip to LP Zoo, lunch at Lou Malnati's, two chance meetings with friends (one of whom is an ACE classmate who lives out of town), Mass, and dinner/drinks on the patio at Las Fuentes

Monday: Playing tourist with our FL friend, including a quick trip to the Bean, breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien ("The Daily Bread"), more walking around, and a refreshing study break (for Bible Study) at Argo Tea

So grateful for the beautiful weather and even beautiful-er friends! This weekend was one for the books.


But most important of all, as today is Memorial Day, we remember the reason we celebrate at all - our nation's veterans who have put their lives on the line for our country. Below are pictures taken by my aunt and uncle as they visited the cemetery for veterans where my grandparents are buried.

Option B worked out just fine...

Today is/was ABSOLUTELY gorgeous - there's no doubt about it. In fact, it was so beautiful in the afternoon that I was bound and determined to squeeze in a quick run before sushi, wine, and friends later this evening. It was going to be perfect.

But when I got home, I just didn't feel like a run. So I opted for something else - and it wasn't necessarily a healthy option: I went up the street to Vanille Patisserie, which is literally right at my corner. If it was any closer I could spit and hit it.

As I walked in, the section of chocolate-covered macarons caught my eye. But they looked even tastier when the woman behind the counter said, "The chocolate-covered ones are $1 today."

Excuse me???? "I'll take six. Do you all have sales like this often?"

"No, it's for tax day," she replied. (Well, that makes perfect sense - you get all stressed out about making sure yours are done so you go and enjoy a cheap macaron. Got it.)

They also have amazing tea there, so I ordered a cup of the roasted almond one. (It's pink, NBD.)

BUT, here's the kicker. As I was checking out (and waiting for my change), the other woman asked if I needed a bag. I thought about it, but then said no - I guess the upcoming Earth Day is on my mind, what can I say! - but then the other woman said, "No, take a bag, and take this chocolate bomb cake too."

Who's to argue with that one? I just have to make sure it lasts more than just tonight. (I'd laugh but it's not a joke...<insert rolled back eye smiley, my sister's favorite>)

Gotta love some good luck - or maybe it's God's way of giving me a pat on the back for making it through the week. (He's got a pretty good sense of humor, so that's not out of the question.)

Looking forward to that dinner soon - mmm...sushi...

Snowy Sunday

Woke up to this today:

...And it's still coming down pretty hard. (Apparently the winds are supposed to pick up later, which is going to make for an interesting commute/walk to Church.)

For me, though, it's the perfect day to be trapped inside, as I have a lot of work to do, considering I haven't done any yet this weekend. (Oops.)

So, I just need to motivate myself to get out the door to the gym, and then I'll have the time I need to be productive between when I get back and Church.

Wish me luck...here I go...

Lazy Saturday...Beautiful Weather...

Beautiful days are not meant to be wasted inside. Though good weather has been inconsistent this "spring" (and I use the term loosely) in Chicago, the sun is shining today, and my sister and I enjoyed a leisurely lakefront path jog this morning followed by a stop at Starbucks.

I don't have many lazy Saturdays...but every once in awhile, I'm sure I glad I get to have a few...

Saturday Goodness

"It's supposed to hurt - that's how you know it meant something."

In the touring production of Peter and the Starcatcher, this line was spoken by Molly in one of the final scenes. While most of the play is full of great puns (e.g. immediately after Black Stache loses his right hand, Smee answers, "Here I am, I'm your right-hand man, captain" to which the audience responds with a loud groan), slapstick, and one-liners that remind the theatre-goers of Monty Python and the like, the play leaves you feeling that you've just grown up a little - that you've realized some of life's big lessons (like the one stated above).

The tour's just about over - so there's not much you can do now if you haven't seen it (Sorry about that!) - but it was definitely a show worth experiencing. Though mostly a straight play, it does have a few key musical numbers that keep the play moving along. The cast members were terrific, filling the space with few props and big personalities. Truly, it was a delight.

And, to top it all of, we had a miraculously beautiful day in Chicago yesterday - I mean, it was absolutely gorgeous to be out and about strolling downtown...with thousands of other residents and visitors who had the same idea. I'm glad my sister and I made the most of the weather yesterday because today is a complete 180 - rain and plunging temperatures. (Guess we won't see 70 again for awhile...) So, today I've spent most of my time inside - the gym, the blood bank (though my iron level was still too low by just a hair), a brunch place with my sister and her co-workers, and home (working on school stuff) - and tonight will be spent at Palm Sunday Mass (which is one of my absolute favorites of the liturgical year!), which is also inside.

Only 4 days to go this week...but I've got some busy days with the kiddos ahead. Here's hoping we get to Easter quickly...can't wait to see my family!

Still Winter...

I'm out of ideas for tonight, so here is some Daily Quipple love:

“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” [Anton Chekhov]

I hope you have a wonderful week! Look on the bright side - it's bound to be warming up soon...

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays...

Oh, the weather outside is...

Well, it's definitely not frightful - not here in Florida, anyways. It's much warmer than the weather we've been having recently in Chicago. (Thank goodness for that!) In fact, it makes me think of that Irving Berlin song that goes "Off with my overcoat, off with my gloves..." - so nice to put those away for 2 weeks. While being a far cry from a white Christmas, somehow I don't mind it so much this year. Sunny and 75 (or even 80) - bring on the sunshine! "All I want for Christmas is Florida sun" (pardon my shabby lyric adaptation - changing lyrics is kind of a habit with me).

Regardless of temperature and type/lack of precipitation, spending the holidays with family and friends is the best present anyone can ask for. This past week during prayer intentions in my middle school classes, my heart was warmed when students stepped outside of themselves to remember those who have no home or family to share this special time with, especially in the cold of the Chicago winter. Sometimes, though they can appear self-centered and immature, they surprise me with bits of wisdom, critical questions, and thoughtfulness. And those moments are ones to be treasured, indeed.

Only a few more days until Christmas - hard to believe, isn't it? The time seems to fly by faster each year. And since we'll be running about here and there visiting various family and friends these next few days, I don't know if I'll get to post before the big day, so in that case...

Merry (early) Christmas!

And, just for fun, in case you missed it a few years ago, here is "The Story of the Nativity" (the 'digital' version).

Weather or Not...But Lucky Us!

I can't believe how well my school lucked out with the weather yesterday - we held our annual Fall Fest, complete with bouncy house, obstacle course, magic tricks, pumpkin painting, and more!

(Let's just say, it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun inside or in the rain.)

I'd never been to Fall Fest before, but I went yesterday in order to supervise the 8th graders who are earning hours in preparation for their Confirmation this year. So, I was back and forth among the different stations making sure the 8th graders were working hard and doing all right - for the most part, I think they enjoyed themselves. (They even got to try out some of the bouncy stuff.)

As soon as we were done packing up all the stuff, the skies opened up and it began to rain and lightning. Boy, that was timing it. (I made it to my car only getting mildly wet.)

I'm glad I was able to spend time with the families and students yesterday. And last night, I went up the street to a local bar to hang out with my sister and some friends from Church for the Notre Dame game. And today I'm going apple picking for the first time ever!

(Speaking of the Notre Dame game, this week's "What Are You Fighting For?" ad was for ACE!)

So much excitement in one weekend has left me little time to lesson plan. I guess I better get some of that done now before we head out. More lesson planning and Mass tonight when we get back!

Happy Sunday!

Perfect, in a Sense

Saturday morning's news said, "Tomorrow (Sunday) will be a carbon copy of today."

And it was.

You can't ask for better weather at this time of year. (All you need is a light jacket...)

Perfect weather for _____ (fill in the blank - I'll get you started below with things I did today)

...a long run on the lakefront path.
...morning family Mass at my school's Church.
...a walk up to the local ice cream shop for the best fall flavor: pumpkin.
...not doing much school work (because it's a short week and most is already done).

Two school days until Thanksgiving - and, quite frankly, Tuesday doesn't even really count, as we'll be on a field trip and then doing Thanksgiving-related activities (including one of my all-time favorite family traditions) for the remainder of the afternoon.

Cheers to that.

Time to start gearing up for Thursday - our menu is set (as we bought our groceries today to avoid all crowds)...