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The Finale

My list technically expired in September and I was a tremendous slacker and didn't even cross of the items that I should have. I also gave myself an extension until the end of 2009, but even then, didn't really cross off any other items.

With the dawn of 2010, I'm hoping to write a magnificent new list and to continue to step out of my boundaries. I'm going to post the new list on my normal blog.

#2 - Find the perfect cafe to hang out at. I'm going to cross it off because technically I did FIND the perfect cafe. Unfortunately, it's Sappho's Books on Glebe Street in Sydney. When I was there, I spent two glorious lunches/afternoons hiding in their little garden in the back, sipping my coffee, & reading a new book. There were plenty of people having interesting conversations as little birds flew about. It was paradise. And since I'm going back to Sydney in February, I feel that even if this has to be an annual cafe visit, it's perfect.

#15 - Get on a wrinkle prevention regime. I use sunscreen every day, moisturize at night, and have started using "grown up" products. I think the sunscreen makes it able for me to cross this off the list.

#22 - Try 30 "New to Me" recipes. I smashed this one and discovered my inner Martha!I'm so glad I challenged myself with this one.

#23 - Buy a new set of knives. Thanks to Christmas prezzies from Mom and Dad, done!

#95 - Splurge on a nice restaurant. Ken and I dined nicely in South Bend and then paid the price!

#101 - I've donated funds to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and have certainly covered my missing items.

#12 - Chicago-style Dog in Chicago

 

When our Aussie friend came to visit, I had a grand scheme to take him to Hot Doug's in Chicago. Apparently being on the Travel Channel and featured in Travel & Leisure magazine leads to lines that wrap the block. Instead, I grabbed a hot dog near Wrigley and can finally check this one off.

#95 Splurge on a Nice Dinner

Last month Ken and I went to Trio's in downtown South Bend. It's a jazz bar that we go to often for work, but at night it gets a bit fancier. I wore my Australian dress and Ken wore a blazer. We got beer/wine, brie, scallops, and steak. It was a nice night out but once the check came, we remembered why we prefer to eat in!

Gazpacho - Another new recipe #23

 

#84 - Feed a Baby

Thank you to Fiona for allowing me to feed her a bottle. Mind you, I refused to do any burping. THAT wasn't on my list.

#33 - Have a Picnic

It's summer and Ken and I headed to the park with the bandshell and dined on chicken salad sandwiches, chips, fruit, and IBC rootbeer while sitting on a blanket. Counts as a picnic. And we were entertained by a seriously ballsy little squirrel.

# 9 - Set Up a Weekly Cleaning Day

I have pretty much established a nice Sunday routine for the mornings when I'm around and since I've been doing it for months now, I'm counting it. I wake up, fix some oatmeal and get the coffee started. After my oatmeal and the energy it gives me, I quickly clean the apartment and make everything beautiful. Then I sit and sip my coffee and do a crossword before heading to spinning class. It's nice to come home to a clean apartment and know that the rest of the weekend is entirely free.

More Food

Recipe #20 - Black Bean & Corn Salad (with some cilantro, salt, pepper, and not much more); not bad but not great...needed something with some zing

Recipe #21 - Sweet Potato & Warm Bean Salad (see other blog) - weird and good

Recipe #22 - Butternut Squash French Fries - YUM

#21 - Give a Presentation

I gave 6! To a high school audience about my travels. I even used a PowerPoint presentation and projector. It was very official.

#5 - Tell Someone Exactly How I feel

I don't need to write about this one...

#48 - Send a Care Package

The lucky recipients of some Japanese goodies and some items from Australia --- BVM of Europe.

Recipes

Recipe #18 -

I bought some $1 ramekins at Pier 1 the other day and wanted to make a cute little dish. Ken and I came up with the idea of a sweet potato casserole. We boiled the potatoes, mashed them up, added some chopped glazed pecan pie-flavored pecans (which are AWESOME btw) and some marshmallows. Not only were they adorable, they also tasted fabulous. Next time, we'll add some more cinnamon and some nutmeg.

Recipe #19 -

I bought an Asian cookbook and we made the Lime and Cilantro Chicken recipe. It had way too much ginger and I hated the way it turned out. I could barely eat it. Yuck. It was a sad day.

Recipe #17 - Chipotle Pork Fajitas

This recipe wasn't particularly exciting, but I've never made fajitas a) with pork and b)I've never used chipotle peppers in adobo sauce at home. They had a definite kick and had that smokey flavor that comes along with the variety of pepper. I'll give it a 3/5.

More AFI Movies:

Today we conquered Lawrence of Arabia at a whopping 3 hours 47 minutes.

Also viewed:

Yankee Doodle Dandy
Duck Soup
It Happened One Night

#97 - Host an old-fashioned slumber party

Tammy threw a slumber party last weekend and although it wasn't at my apartment, she was nice enough to add "co-host" to my title. And Carly. So Laura was the only guest. She should feel special. Anyways, we ate a ton of food and laughed and acted like idiots. The evening was complete with a game of "Girl Talk" and a viewing of "Mean Girls." Excellent times. And mojitos are definitely the new gummy worms.

Recipe #16 - Shrimp and Grits

Ken and I are avid watchers of "Throwdown with Bobby Flay." This past week, the episode was a contest of which version of Shrimp and Grits would reign supreme. Bobby lost and although neither Ken nor myself had even ever tasted shrimp and grits, we decided it was on the menu for Sunday.

This evening Ken and I made grits for the first time, threw some shrimp in Cajun seasoning, attempted a roux and whipped up some sweet potato biscuits. And it was delicious. Anything with a 1/2 pound of butter and five gallons of heavy whipping cream must be amazing. (Slight exaggeration. But only slight.)

Here's the recipe if you decide to give it a go!

#35 - Take Grandpa for Breakfast

I was home to dogsit this past weekend and I told Grandpa we could go out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. My treat. Well, since Grandpa refuses to let me pay for anything, the only place he would allow me to pay was at McDs. I think he even gets senior pricing there! It was a cheap morning date, but nice to sip some coffee with Grandpa on a Sunday morning.

Recipe #15 - Irish Soda Bread

Last year, my colleague made delicious Irish Soda Bread, so I asked her for the recipe for this St. Patty's Day. It wasn't horrible (when warm), but it wasn't great either. I guess soda bread is never really the most delicious thing in the world and is mostly used as a tradition, but whatever, I was disappointed.

#100 - Eat and not rely on a book

I have definitely succeeded with this one. I did it purposefully and blogged about it in Japan. When I was just in Australia, I ate alone at an actual restaurant (Table for one, please) and didn't pull out my phone, a book or my itinerary. I just sat and watched people and enjoyed my food and coffee. It's really not that painful although it's stranger to ask for a solo table in the States. There is a stigma attached for sure.

#94 - Burn a candle

I got a new candle for Christmas and lit it every night that I was home in January. I'm not sure it was as "Zen" as I thought it would be.

#19 - One-a-days

I took my vitamin like a good girl for one full month. I got sick for the first time for the year during that stretch of time. Coincidence?!

I don't buy the whole vitamin thing. I think I get plenty of nutrients from my normal fruit, veggies and dairy. Oh, well, I tried.

And it was more successful than the whole 8 glasses of water thing which was a disaster.

Recipe #14

Carly recommended we make Guy Fieri's Cuban Pork Chops with Mojo. I didn't realize until the very end of the process (ie that it was for 4 pork chops and not 2) and that I had added quite a lot of salt, pepper and cumin to our chops. But they were still quite tasty and we'll give this one another go with the correct measurements!

#53 - Resume

I didn't make a "teaching" resume, but I did make an outstanding regular 'travel-related' resume and more importantly, cover letter. It got me noticed via monster for quite a few jobs and my current job re-contacted me 8 months after first submitting it. I think that means it's good!

Random Act

The brownies from below are for the maintenance people (specifically Jerry) who helped me last week when I lost my office keys in the snow. I owe them big time and this is my way to say thanks!

Recipes #12 & #13

I made these delightful bars yesterday - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies.

Oh my. They didn't have chocolate chip so I used peanut butter instead. They were delicious.

Then I made ganache for the first time. Next time I'll heat the cream a bit more so the chocolate melts quicker and better, but it's still yummy.

Don't try this recipe unless you want to go into a diabetic coma.

#27 - Make a decision

Nope, not going back to school. At least not any time in the near future. I like making money, not going into debt and I still can't decide what I would study.

#67 & #68 - Become an adult

Over the last month or so, I have set up two new savings accounts and am having 10% of each paycheck deposited automatically into those accounts. One is for emergency use and the other is for big purchases down the line. I'd say for a house or something, but who are we fooling? I'm not that adult. It will be a plane ticket.

Then I took my future into my own hands again and set up an IRA on my own (still a bit of a work in progress) but will have more money transferred to that account automatically. I am officially retiring from teaching and transferring my retirement funds. I'll have a 401k at my job starting next January. I think I'm doing great on this one!

#49 - Perfect Java

Ken insists that I have to cross this one off. My problem with this one is that it's hard to know what is truly "perfect." But I really enjoy my coffee and since I'm the one drinking it, that must mean I've mastered the art. If we had an espresso maker then I could probably take everything to the next level.

I am a coffee snob. I will admit it.

Recipe

Recipe #11 - Chicken Satay with Orange-infused rice

I got this recipe from Rachael Ray. Ken and I made it last night and it was really really interesting. It had a very peanuty flavor but with ginger, garlic, citrus, soy, and honey. It was rich and not hard at all. I'd recommend it.

I have a couple other recipes to try soon including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough brownies for the nice guy who let me out of buying new keys after I lost mine. Stay tuned.

#31 - Exfoliate

On January 1, I bought some St. Ives body scrub and scrubbed scrubbed and scrubbed for two weeks. I actually did notice a difference and will try to continue this habit. Exciting, I know.

Recipes

Recipe #9 - Cream of Asparagus and Potato Soup.

Ken and I made this with our fabulous new food processor. Not bad, not bad.

Recipe #10 - Jambalaya

I've never made jambalaya before and it turned out amazing! Plenty of spice and perfect with cornbread. And we got to use our new pots and pans. Excellent.

# 4 - Go to VU Homecoming

I didn't hurt my knee this year and made it to Valpo's homecoming! Most of the gang made it and it was a beautiful day. Definitely getting old, though.

#23 - Good set of pots and pans

Thanks to Mom and Dad, Ken and I are enjoying a great new set of stainless steel Farberware pots and pans. Now onto the knives...

#20 - Museum of Science and Industry

In November, Amy came to visit and we went to the Museum of Science and Industry. It was a good time and the highlight was the baby chicks!

#11 & #60 & #69 -- YES!

#11 - Take Advantage of a "last minute" travel weekend
#60 - Plan a weekend getaway with a girlfriend and go
#69 - Visit three new states

Last month I headed to Vegas with my friend from Okinawa, Amy. We booked our tickets only a month in advance so that's pretty "last minute" for me. We got a great deal on the MGM Grand thanks to the "last minute" part. I've never been to Nevada so chalk up one for my three states to visit!

I accomplished a lot on this one and it was fun too! Now I need to figure out how to best accomplish seeing two more states. They better be neighbors...

Recipe #8 - Peach Crisp

With our amazing Michigan Flaming Red peaches, I decided to make a peach crisp. I knew they were juicy, but they sort of took away from the "crisp" bit, but it was still delicious!!!!

Book #30 - Blue Latitudes

I read Tony Horowitz's "Blue Latitudes" to finish #44 - Read 30 books of substantial length.

It was a struggle... Compared to Paul Theroux, Horowitz makes travel writing almost unbearable. I'm interested in Captain Cook and it was interesting in parts, but really, this needed a Theroux touch to make it good. Oh, well. Check it off.

#88 - Help a student with a college application

HA! Didn't know how that one was going to happen now that I'm out of teaching, but my new job consists of me sending tons of students to the University of Sydney, which involves doing many many many college applications!!!!!! YES!

#90 - Visit a Winery

Make that TWO wineries and a few more to go in Michigan's Wine Country! (Tabor Hill and Round Barn Winery)

AFI Top 100 Movies

Movies thus far (new movies that I've never seen before) ---

Double Indemnity, 1944
Midnight Cowboy, 1969
Rear Window, 1954
Network, 1976
Blade Runner, 1982
Raging Bull, 1980
Dr. Strangelove, 1964
Fargo, 1996

Arriving via Netflix tomorrow -
Do The Right Thing, 1989

#10 - Try 15 New Foods

Last night Ken made some brussels sprouts. (Apparently it's brussels, not brussel) Anyways, I'd give them a C-. Ken made them with fresh bacon bits, some chopped pistachios, onion, and olive oil. They were okay. Tolerable, I suppose, but not enough to tempt me.

#51 - Buy a queen-size bed

Check. Not much to say about that except somehow I also bought a new couch with my new bed. Thanks, parents and Grandpa!

Recipe #7 - PB&J Bars

I made these bars for a family gathering a couple of weeks ago. They were tremendously rich and about three bites was enough to get you going. Good, but probably won't make them again. Anytime you know that an entire jar of Jif and an entire jar of Smuckers is involved (and knowing the calorie content of each), makes you a little hesitant.

#6 - Renew an old friendship

One of the worst things about moving is that I have to leave Regan, my old high school friend. She lives just down the road and we have spent many evenings at the gym together and Saturday mornings with Edna, her awesome TurboKick instructor. It's been great spending time with her and watching her son grow up over the past year. I'm sure we'll keep in contact still, but going to the gym won't be as much fun!





One of our famous shots we took of ourselves. One of about 300. We were masters.

Books #28 & 29

I finally read a Paul Theroux fiction book - The Mosquito Coast. It was alright... fairly memorable and gave me a great dream about exploding ammonia. Can't be that.

I also read Bill Bryson's history of English in his book, "The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way." It wasn't hilarious like his travel books, but I did learn some interesting tidbits about the roots of words and spelling in the English language.

One more book! What will it be?!?!

#20 - Museum Visit #2

This past weekend, Ken and I forced his nephew to go to the Field Museum with us. (We rewarded him with a stop at ESPNZone) I was fairly impressed with the exhibits, although like most museum visits, I was quickly a bit bored and tired of standing. It was nice to finally see Sue and some impressive taxidermy.

Recipe #6 - Fried Plantains with a Sweet Heat Sauce

The sauce brings the heat. The plantains bring the sweet. And the result is sublime.

Books #26 & #27

Book #26 - Holy Cow by Sarah Macdonald

I read this recently after my return from India... It mostly details her own spiritual journey during her time in the country. She dabbles in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, mysticism and a ton of different guru-based experiences. It was interesting for awhile, but not very well written.



Book #27 - Fresh Air Fiend by Paul Theroux

I love Theroux. Ken thinks I want to have his babies. It's taken me awhile to get to this one, though. It's a collection of his different essays and writings. There is a focus on the process of writing, which as a non-writer, I found interesting. There isn't as much travel and quite a few criticisms of various adventure writers, which I skimmed a bit.

#10 - Try 15 New Foods

Food # 2 - Alligator

Thanks to St. Louis for these yummy fried tidbits. It really does take like chicken.



Food # 3 - Tamales

I had never tried tamales until one of my co-workers brought them in for us to try. Yum.

So with this eating new foods bit, when I was in India, I definitely tried at least 15 new foods in just that amount of time.

Based on just two of the menus from our many meals, here are some newbies to me ---

Methi Macchi - Fish with fenugreek flavoured gravy
Murgh korma - Chicken with yoghurt gravy
Rarra gosht - Punjabi delicacy of baby lamb shank with mince
Makkai Mutter Palak - Corn and green beans in spinach gravy
Kashmiri Pulao - Basmati rice with raisins and nuts
Tomato cucumber raita - Diced tomato and cucumber in yoghurt

Recipe # 5 - Cookies

I found this recipe on epicurious.com and based on the rave reviews, gave it a go. The cookies include oats and coconut, as well as chocolate chunks and I added cranberries. I was disappointed with the look of them, but they were DELICIOUS. The recipe is supposed to make a few very large cookies, so I think I need to adjust something for the smaller versions, but let me just say... I brought them to Ken's family's house and his dad ate four of them for breakfast. Yummy yummy.

#38 - Participate in a Walk for a good cause

Check. Double check. Triple Check.

I was thinking a 5K... How does that end up being a marathon?! Great question! But it was fabulous and can't think of a better cause.

#50 - Go to a concert

Ken and I went to see the Avett Brothers at the House of Blues last month, which was an amazing concert! I would also highly recommend checking out their music... It's great on the iPod but even better live. I've never seen such energy!

Book #25 - The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles

Quite awhile ago, I turned the pages of "The Wind-up Bird Chronicles" by Haruki Murakami ("Norwegian Wood") ... It was completely bizarre and completely Japanese. Looking back on it, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. :)

Recipe #4

Risotto from scratch with toasted walnuts and asparagus. Delish!

Recipe #3

I made pizza from scratch (with no help) and using Laura's recipe for the dough. I did the whole yeast rising thing and my pizza was delicious. I made one with regular stuff - onions, peppers, sausage. The other had gorgonzola on the whole thing and one side with basil, tomato, and olive oil...the other half with caramelized onions. Delicious. Thanks, Laura! (The lighting doesn't do the deliciousness of the meal justice)

Book #24 - Shantaram

A couple of weeks ago, I read Shantaram... Before I knew I was going to India...

It's by Gregory David Roberts and although quite long (900+), I found it to be a solid read. It's a true story based on the author's escape from Australian prison and his subsequent involvement with the powerful mafia of Mumbai.

Besides just being a fascinating story, I also think that some of the tidbits included will make my own journey that much more interesting. I wish I could go to Mumbai and see some of the places he discusses. Anyway, I would recommend this book highly.

#59 - Fresh Flowers

I bought myself fresh flowers for a month... The nice thing was that most of the flowers would survive to the next week, so I could combine bunches and then remove flowers as they died through out the week.

I will keep eating at Potbelly's.

Hello Rachel ~

Thanks for writing to us. We're so happy to hear that you enjoy time spent at our stores. We also appreciate your concern for the environment, as well as the part we play in it. I'm happy to let you know that we do recycle at some of our locations and have our trash separated at others. Unfortunately, there are stores where we are already locked into contracts that don't include recycling. However, we have receptacles built for recycling in our stores for the hopes that when we renew contracts or recycling programs become available in the area, we can switch to include it. Please know that we aim to do our part in becoming more green as a whole. I hope this makes a little more sense.

Book #23 - 1984

I finally read 1984 by George Orwell. It's scary how some of the dire predictions of having a faceless enemy and Big Brother are coming true. I was into this book. I guess I shouldn't have put it off for so long.

#86 - Write a letter to a company

Okay, so technically it was an email:

To Potbelly Sandwich Works:

Dear Sir or Madam:

Yesterday, I was craving a Potbelly sandwich and took some time to figure out where the nearest store was. I drove to the Naperville location to enjoy the food that I love.

Upon arrival, I was greeted with absolute enthusiasm. The place was incredibly busy with many young children, teenagers, and adults. I was extremely happy to see the wide selections of drinks, including IBC & Orangina. It's great that Potbelly's offers such unique drinks rather than the usual soft drink machine. The workers were personable and funny. I was extremely pleased with the service.

I managed to find a seat and was enjoying the activity around me when I realized that the music playing was quite excellent. And then I looked to my left and noticed that there was a man there playing a guitar and singing. It was amazing! I was practically grinning ear-to-ear as I sat enjoying my sandwich and Orangina.

As I got up to leave, I found the trash receptacle. However, I was quite disturbed when it came time for me to throw away the bottle. I asked a young man working whether there was anywhere to recycle and he stated that there wasn't. I debated carrying the bottle with me to my home, but knew I didn't want to carry it through my day of shopping. Instead, I tossed it in with all of the other bottles (glass and plastic) being consumed during this busy lunch hour.

I must say, that as happy as I was to have had a great meal with great atmosphere, I was disheartened that there is no way to recycle all of these containers. I feel that companies such as Potbelly's should be socially-conscious. As seen by my experience yesterday, many children love to eat at the establishments as well. It's a shame that they cannot be taught the importance of recycling through their experiences at your company.

I understand that perhaps financially this is not a very feasible option. Or perhaps there are too many work hours required, but I would love to be able to walk into your restaurants and see containers for recycling.

Thank you for listening. I absolutely adore your food and products. Please consider the message that is sent by not recycling in your many stores throughout the States.

Best regards,

Rachel R. Dorsey

#30 - See a professional play/musical

Ken bought me a ticket to see "Rent" on its one week only stint in Chicago. We went last night... conveniently for Valentine's Day. It was amazing!!! I had seen the movie, which is completely lame. But the live version... holy cow! We had great seats and had a nice evening in the city, even managing to catch the train we had planned on. It was a great Valentine's Day and an unbelievable performance!

#83 - Send someone flowers

My mom was the lucky recipient in January. Unfortunately, when I said "bright and colorful" they threw a lily in. I hate lilies for future reference. They smell horrible! Anyways, Mom was appreciative. I love sending flowers.

Book #21

Thank You for Smoking by Christopher Buckley. Liked it, didn't love it.

Recipe #2

Trying a "New To Me Recipe"----

Ken got the idea from Giada, but I did help. We made nutella wontons. Just throw some nutella in those little wonton wrappers, fry them for about 10 seconds, and you have a gooey treat that is fantastic. Especially with some bananas on the side. Yum!

#58 - A Random Act of Kindness

It may not seem like much, but I donate my Marie Claire magazines to the gym. It makes me happy to see people reading them every single time I'm at the gym. If you've ever pushed yourself to work out when you would rather be 1000 different places, you'll understand the importance of good, new reading material. So there's my Random Act #2.

Book #20

East of Eden by John Steinbeck... I really enjoyed this one and was totally into it. It got a bit long in parts, but the characters were pretty amazing. Good stuff.

Books

#18 - The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
#19 - A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

I'm cranking through these books!

#22 - Recipe #1

Try one new-to-me recipe.

Laura gave me a recipe for snickerdoodles made with yellow cake mix. I churned them out for our football party yesterday and they were a hit! I had to substitute melted butter for vegetable oil (Ken insisted they would be okay), and I think it made them great. I even got to pass on Laura's recipe to new people (giving her proper credit, of course...)

Book # 17

I read "The Ruthless Garden" from Ken's vast library. It was good... But I don't have much to say about it. =)

Book 16 - True History of the Kelly Gang

Ken suggested that my next book should be "The True History of the Kelly Gang" by Peter Carey. The book features Ned Kelly, Australian outlaw extraordinaire, through his own words. It's a work of fiction and I am most curious to read the "true" true story, but this book was quite amazing. Carey does an amazing job with the vernacular and as you read, you feel as if Kelly is in fact sitting and telling you a story. I couldn't wait to get on the train in the evening to read more. After finishing it, I wanted to watch the movie with Orlando Bloom and Heath Ledger, but Family Video didn't have it and it wasn't worth a Blockbuster run.

Anyways, it's an easy read and an entertaining book. I haven't decided what my next book will be, but I'll need one for the train tomorrow.

#58 - A Random Act of Kindness

I baked up some delicious Christmas cookies this weekend and then delivered them to the little old lady who lives below us. I hope she's not diabetic, because if she goes into a diabetic coma, this "kindness" wouldn't be so nice...

#48 - Send three care packages

I sent two care packages yesterday--- Those who receive them will know soon enough! They were both sent internationally, so if you don't live overseas, maybe you'll be the lucky recepient of the third package. :)

Books #14 & 15

#14 - Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
I enjoyed this book although parts of it left me completely lost and a bit bored... I don't think I'm ready to tackle any of his other works just yet...

#15 - The Kite Runner
I finally read this one after all the hubbub... It's quite good... I read it in less than a day. It's strange to think of Afghanistan as anything besides wartorn.

This writer's strike is really helping out my reading. Thanks, strikers!

#17 - Informational Magazine

Grandpa was listening and got me a National Geographic magazine subscription for Christmas. I consider it informational, even if it's not Time or Newsweek. It's so much better! :)

#20 - Museum Visit #1

For our holiday party at work we went to the Robie House in Hyde Park. It's a Frank Lloyd Wright property that they are currently renovating. Thanks to our boss, we got to enjoy some champagne and cheese in the living room of the house. I didn't know if this one would count as a museum, but since the guide kept referring to it as such, I'm counting it.

#17 - Subscribe to a magazine

Thanks to Clinique and a special deal, I got a year subscription to Marie Claire for $5. Can't beat that!

#75 - Go skiing

So technically I didn't ski. But from what I've heard, snowboarding is more difficult than skiing... And I took a ski lift... I almost hit some skiiers.. I'm counting it!

Book #13 - Dogs & Demons

I read this book about Japan finally ... And I wish it was because I was just so completely interested, but the truth is that the author is one of our consultants in Japan for my work. I regularly email his best friend and Ken happened to have the book here at our apartment. Thankfully, I enjoyed the material presented and got quite a lot out of it. I wish I would have read it before I left the country.... It explains a lot. A lot.

#87 - Finish an advanced crossword puzzle

I'm going to go and cross this one off. I can pretty much cruise through quite a lot of puzzles (and actually help my co-worker out at lunch time). But the best evidence is that I completed those really hard puzzles in the Tribune on Saturdays in the "Book" section. Dad and I enjoy tag teaming them, but now I have to fly solo in my own apartment.

Books!

Let's see if I can remember some of the books I've read recently---

#10 - The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

#11 - The Old Patagonian Express by Paul Theroux

#12 - The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

The two Theroux books have me wanting to take a long rail journey sometime soon.

#56 - Go to the top of the Hancock Bldg

I did it! 94 floors on the fastest elevator ever! My ears popped.... The first time, Laura and I went up to the Signature Room. We said, "Oops! Wrong elevator!" and headed back down. So I not only completed this one, I crushed it!

My photo won't load, but it isn't exciting. You'll just have to take my word for it. :)

#39 - Get my picture with Santa

Here I am --- asking for what I want for Christmas. The list was extensive.

Move out of my parent's house

YAY! Cleaned out my stuff and found a new place. This was a biggie. Along with the car and job bits.

Go one month without my debit card

Completed in September. And I extended the time. I'm awesome.

Buy a CAR

DONE! Thanks, Dad!

Get a JOB!

Done! And Done!

#10 - Try 15 New Foods

I ate bison meet today in Naperville. It's new to me!

#77 - Go to a baseball game with Dad

Today Dad and I headed to The Cell to watch the White Sox get spanked (thanks to Danks) by the Mariners. But our seats were great! We were only seven rows from the White Sox bullpen and although it was really hot, we had a nice day at the ballpark. Hot dogs and beers were consumed, t-shirts were purchased, and we sat in traffic. A great day overall! Check it off the list!

#100 - Eat solo

I ate at Jai Thai today solo without relying on my book that was in my bag! There were quite a few other solo eaters too. It was like a club!

#29 - Splurge on a new electronic toy

I bought a camera today! It's a Nikon Coolpix and I haven't tested it out at all yet, but am excited to do so! Yay! A new toy!

#100 - Eat solo

Today I ate at an Indian restaurant in Naha completely alone. And even though I had a crossword puzzle book, my camera, and my phone, I didn't bring any of them out in the course of my meal. Instead I just enjoyed my surroundings and my vegetable curry and garlic naan. And because I was looking up, the man in the kitchen kept waving at me and then came out to have a little chat. (He was old and just wanted to speak English. Don't freak.) It wasn't a terrible experience. I actually did the solo eating thing last week at a kaiten sushi place, but since I was the only customer being stared at by the sushi maker, I don't feel like I can count it even though I didn't use a book then either.

Four more meals.

#52 - Go snorkeling!

My #52 says that I have to go snorkeling three times. Check one of those times off the list.

Bridgit and I went snorkeling on Tokashiki Island in it's famous crystal clear waters. Although we had one faulty mask, we had a great time among the reefs where we found ourselves suddenly in the middle of a school of fish or face to face with one of those beautiful tropical fish(es) whose name you don't know. It was tiring (and I got a bit freaked out at first... which is why I also don't scuba dive), but it was amazing! Hopefully I can squeeze another day of snorkeling in while in Okinawa because snorkeling in Lake Michigan doesn't sound like much fun.

Book #9- "The Monkey Wrench Gang"

Normally, I probably would not have read this book by Edward Abbey. But as I was perusing Amy's book selection at her apartment, I decided to give the author of "Fools Progress" (Ken's favorite book) a chance. At first, I wasn't too impressed and felt the book was dated, but I got into the adventure of it all by the end. It is primarily an environmental book... Taking place in Utah, it addresses the problems of strip mining, logging, dam building, etc. through the eyes of four protagonists who are bent on stopping the development of the desert. The writing is descriptive and I feel like I've been to this area of the States. If things were getting bad in the 70s environmentally, I don't want to think about what it looks like now.

Speaking of the environment, I have continued my anti-plastic bag lifestyle and it is going amazingly well. I use small bags for my garbage and ran out a long time ago. I have resorted to using bigger bags from my first days in Okinawa. It has been a long time since I've been short on plastic bags. I encourage you all to STOP USING PLASTIC BAGS!!!! Totes are cute and handy. And cashiers don't care... Mine expect it and one day I didn't have my tote with me, which threw them into chaos.

Book #8 - "A Million Little Pieces"

I finally read the book that was so controversial a couple of years ago. To be honest, I admired the fact that the author duped Oprah and millions of readers. I began reading this book at a coffeeshop and I'm pretty sure everyone was staring at me as I tried to read through my fingers a la scary movie "I can't look!"... There are some seriously intense scenes in this book, notably the root canal bit. It is an interesting and powerful read whether it's completely true or not. I am going to read his next book "My Friend Leonard" once I get back to the States, even though I know that the second book is criticized even more for being fabricated. I guess since I don't know how all of this went down in the publisher's office and who ultimately decided that these books were "non-fiction," I don't feel like I've been messed with. Who cares really? It's a great book. And if Frey was as seriously messed up as it sounds like, then the fact that he has recovered and has written two successful books and has remained sober, then that is an absolute miracle.

May 31st - Closing the door

I've finished my month of photos. And I am very happy for that. So, cross off #46 - Take a photo a day for 30 days. I actually did 31. Superoverachiever.




These are my sliding doors in my apartment. I love these little touches and will miss them back in the States.

May 30th - Union Besta

Here's my grocery store that is a block away. It's where I regularly knock over old people and small children trying to avoid boxes on the floor and navigating the one-person-wide aisles. But I love it. Open 24 hours! They have a catchy little song that goes something about "Okinawa...blah blah blah ... blah blah blah... Union Besta." It plays constantly and now I have it in my head.

May 29th - Packing it in

It's time to start thinking about what to ship home, what to keep here, and what should just be tossed. I'm in the process of packing boxes and worrying about how much all of this is going to cost me. But the sight of boxes makes me happy!

May 28th - Where I live

Not really. But a good portion of my days are spent at the sports center.

May 27th - Beachbums

Finally! A beautiful, hot, sunny day that wasn't spent at school! Bridgit and I headed to the beach for some classic people-watching. I'm paying the price right now as my back already hurts and my legs are all blotchy and weird from the sun. But I will become golden brown. I will. I WILL.

May 26th - Mihama at night

Since I had my camera on me this evening, I snapped this quick (and not very good) picture of Mihama Village in Chatan. (American Village) It's always a bustling place with shops, Starbucks, and street performances. And the ferris wheel (that problem phrase again) is the centerpiece of the whole deal.

May 25th - TGIATEOM

Thank Goodness It's Almost The End Of May!

I am running out of pictures! And I am tired of carrying my camera around! Today's shot is of the sannensei's yearbook that appeared on my desk the other day. It weighs at least 7 pounds (and I am not being overly dramatic) and is massive! It contains their "professional" school shot (which usually includes the peace sign) and then another shot of them alone or with friends, etc. Today they were shooting pictures for the third years this year and I saw boys walking around in skirts, ski masks, among other things. I am sick of the professional photographers wandering around, though. They take pictures of everything! Apparently all of these photos are given to the homerooms and they decide which photos will ultimately go into the book. I'm pretty sure the two men taking pictures are employed only by Chatan High School to take photos.

Also in this shot is the DVD case given to me by the principal. (See other blog update)

Book #7 - "The Name of the Rose"

This was another book that Ken was kind enough to throw my way. This book by Umberto Eco has quite the following among the literary community. It's a mystery novel set in a 14th century abbey and besides the usual "whodunit," there's a ton of theological information, historical problems in the Church, and overall it is a fairly dense read. I read it quickly (loads of free time at school, remember?) and will admit that I skimmed bits because I found myself getting a bit bored. The actual murder stuff was interesting... I could have done less with the blah blahing for the other stuff. "It was just okay for me, dawg."

May 24th - Classroom Snapshot

A quick photo from the presentations today. Check my other blog for more! :)

May 23rd - Classic timing

When I left for lunch there was a nice refreshing mist falling on my umbrella.



By the time I got home, I had faced a slanting downpour that soaked only the front of my shorts. Painful. It wasn't even supposed to rain today. The photo doesn't do justice to the soaked nature of my pants and spirit.