111th Day

Having grown up in an old house, discussions of crown molding, wainscoting, beading, pocket-doors, newel posts, and spindles were common.  I was able to put this unique knowledge to test on Sunday as I volunteered as a docent for the Edgewater Historical Society's Annual Historic Homes tour.  I spent my afternoon in a charming Queen Anne style home ushering visitors throughout the upstairs, oo-ing and awing over the five bedrooms, maple flooring, and beautiful crown moldings.  I was especially enamored by the original doors and doorknobs, and the beautiful stained glass window on the landing of the stair case.  I am such a nerd.   

Day 111

Best word of the day ever: Orchidaceous. I will soon be peppering my daily conversation with the word orchidaceous.

Ejemplo Uno: "Why are you so orchidaceous? Stop it."

Ejemplo Dos "There was nothing orchidaceous about my evening -- just cooking Indian food and watching The Office with friends."

Day 110

And so my cooking adventure continues...

110th Day

"Give me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full - dazzling, give me juicy autumnal fruit ripe and red from the orchard." Walt Whitman.

Day 109

Today, Nora and I went on an archives-style adventure to find a trophy. Sadly, we didn't find it. But we did climb up this scary ladder. Unlike last time, I made sure to wear shoes.

109th Day

Today I joined my friend and classmate, Brooke, for lunch to talk about life outside of academia. We ate at the adorable Waterfront Cafe which has a spectacular view of the skyline. The weather was absolutely perfect.  We both had delicious wraps, and I got really excited that their menu was creative and vegetarian friendly.  I'm just sad that I just now found this place because it's closing down for the season on October 15th.  At least we got to enjoy it today - and we've still got a month!

Day 108

When life starts to get the best of me, s'mores are the perfect remedy...

Along with reminiscing about my favorite place in the entire world. If only I could go live on the beautiful island of Grenada!

108th Day

I have been in awe of my bright bouquet of flowers all week and I just had to share them.  The lilies are especially breathtaking.  I took a series of shots as a little experiment to see how quickly they opened.

This was taken last night.

And I awoke to this.

This one was slowly waking with the sunshine.

And greeted me when I returned home tonight.

Note: the quickest way into my heart... fresh flowers.

Day 107

I'm addicted to research. And the library. There's a possibility that it's becoming a problem.

107th Day

Today was the launch party for Loyola's new catalog system: WorldCat Local. College kids (and adults) can't resist free food and games, right?  In the picture above, Charis and I are on the balcony of the IC.  Yup, a balcony in a library.  How cool is that?!  Below are some of my library crew enjoying a game of Uno, some free snacks, silent films projected on the wall, and tutorials of our sweet new online catalog.  It was a fantastic hour between work and class. 

106th Day

My alternate route to work this morning included a detour to the U.S. Post Office in the Loop (Gavin, Hope and Anna - keep an eye on the mail!).  As I crossed Dearborn in front of the Dirksen Federal Building, and passed a line of protesters who have stood there every Tuesday morning since September 11, 2001, I was greeted by a large farmers market under "The Flamingo" statue.  These baskets of tomatoes, corn, and apples seemed out of place surrounded by steel, glass, and brick.  Nevertheless, it was an unexpected treat to my morning and provided me with some much breakfast. 

(U.S. Post Office in background)

Day 106

Two cups before Art History. Two cups after Art History. One cup in the library after lunch. One cup in the library after doing some research. I pretty much live on coffee (and Chinese/Mexican food) these days.

Day 105

I ran in my beautiful new running shoes for the first time this morning. I am seriously in love with them -- like Cinderella and her glass slipper/Dorothy and her ruby red shoes in love.

105th Day

The Bezazian Branch of the Chicago Public Library in Uptown is only a few short blocks from my apartment.  It's great for when the books I want at Loyola's library are all checked out. Like today.

104th Day

Yes, food again, I know. But it's frushi - fruit sushi! 

Delicious!

Day 104

My left foot is finally free!

103rd Day

My mother raised me to understand that presentation is key. 

This Bridal shower had an English feel, what with cucumber sandwiches and Eton Mess. Delicious!

The Bride and friends for some Amazing Indian food. (Note: I hadn't really had Indian food before last night, but it is seriously like a party in your mouth - so many flavors! And so vegetarian friendly!)

The Bride and her (free) flourless dark chocolate cake. Our waiter had recently eloped with his love of 22 years and was excited for Gretchen's wedding.  

Day 103

Are you ready for some football? Today marked the 1000th game in the history of the Monmouth College football program. Too bad our QB went down in the first quarter and we ended up losing 17-15.

Day 102

After a delicious dinner with friends (complete with fried ice cream), I retired to my apartment to spend the rainy Friday evening doing laundry and cleaning my apartment. What a crazy life I lead!

102nd Day

When I was a wee tot, one of my duties was to take the cushions off the couch so that my mom could vacuum it. My brother and I would inevitably finagle the cushions into my room and construct a makeshift fort out of them and entertain ourselves for hours. We thought we were so clever.  Tonight, while I was cleaning the apartment in preparation for tomorrow's shower I was so very tempted to build a fort of my own to hideaway for a while.  My mother will be so proud to know that I actually vacuumed the couch, too!  

Day 101

Homemade salsa makes my world go 'round. If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life, this would be it. With chips of course.

101st Day

Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato at 11AM? Yes, please!! When I left work at the library this morning I was greeted by study abroad tables outside the Information Commons.  What a brilliant way to promote these programs! Gelato for our Rome campus and vegetarian egg rolls and ginger iced tea for our Beijing and Ho Chi Minh campuses! I'm not planning on going to any of these places for school, but I'll gladly partake in their free food!

Day 100!

It was time to break out the old marching band uniform this afternoon. As I sit here with ice on my foot, I'm wondering if marching was a good idea.

Hundredth Day!!!

In case you didn't know, I am short. Five foot two, with eyes of blue. 

These blessed footstools save my life in the library. 

Day 99

C.S. Lewis said it best:

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

What a beautiful day! And the leaves outside my apartment are already starting to turn red!

Ninety-ninth Day

I got my bluegrass fill thanks to some of my classmates who convinced us to go see the Henhouse Prowlers. This five piece band could really play! Almost made me forget I was in Chicago. 

Ninety-eighth Day

Skype is a wondrous thing. Especially when one of your dearest friends lives in flippin' Arizona! I'm so glad things are going well for you in graduate school, Eric Brandhorst! I miss you!

Day 98

Working on a little Art History homework in the gallery on a busy Labor Day.

Ninety-seventh Day

I love grocery shopping. On Sundays I visit my new favorite store, Trader Joe's. If only one were closer to my apartment...

Day 97

Veterans' Memorial...

and corn on the county line. Home sweet home.

Day 96

It was the perfect Saturday morning for the Popcorn Festival Parade. I watched my sister play the trumpet in the marching band for the last time -- it's just the first in a year of lasts for the both of us.

Ninety-sixth Day

The cooler temperatures, bright blue skies, and sushi lunch special made this a wonderful lazy Saturday.

Ninety-fifth Day

Perhaps it's my youthful obsession with Dorothy's ruby red slippers. Or just my love of a splash of unexpected color in an outfit.  Nevertheless, I am the proud owner of my fourth pair of red shoes. I purchased my first pair while in England many years back, and worn them out.  I vowed though, despite my mother's pleas, to not throw them out until I had a replacement pair.  And so this vow continues.  I finally discarded my older pair for a newer, fresher, and quite comfortable pair, which I do so love. 

Day 95

Today was Tammy's last day in the Office of Residence Life! Luckily, I got to go to lunch with her. What are we going to do without Tammy and her candy?

Ninety-fourth Day

I wish I could photograph a smell. If I could I would photograph the smell of freshly baked bread.  I suppose a photograph of the bread will have to suffice.  

Day 94

A September storm...

Dear friends...

And jumping in puddles, even though I shouldn't have.

Day 93

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Especially from my hometown of Green Valley, Illinois. Population 750.

Ninety-third Day

I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.

Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare eat a peach?

I shall wear flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.

I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.

I do not think that they will sing to me.

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock - T.S. Eliot