tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297085562012-02-02T15:49:22.631-05:00missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.comBlogger10411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-9250273755346726142012-02-02T07:55:00.005-05:002012-02-02T09:19:32.000-05:00

Yesterday, all up in arms about the news that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure has pulled their modest funding for breast cancer screenings from several Planned Parenthood clinics across the nation based on rumors, I decided I had to write a letter to the organization.  Maybe they don't care what I have to say, but I feel better for having spoken my mind.  I've had an issue with the organization

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-1980365793451855612012-02-01T07:29:00.001-05:002012-02-01T07:29:00.337-05:00

If you'll remember, one of my new years resolutions was to try new things.  Well, for the first time since college, I have been participating in group exercise classes that are included in the membership fee at my new gym.  My first love is still running, but I figured I would try out all the classes they offered and see what I liked best so that I could incorporate more indoor cross training

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-91928945732776830882012-01-31T08:07:00.004-05:002012-01-31T08:07:00.392-05:00

For the past few years, I've done some sort of money saving challenge for the month of February.  When I'd first graduated from college, my roommate/hetero-life-partner and I challenged each other not to eat out at restaurants for the entire month of February in an attempt to save money and learn to cook for ourselves.  This soon expanded to not making any unnecessary purchases, and eventually

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-45072879676964308072012-01-27T07:49:00.001-05:002012-01-27T07:49:00.766-05:00

Perhaps it’s the dreary January weather talking, but this time of year has always been difficult for me.  Christmas is over, winter is still here, and it’s a long march until another vacation and some nice weather.  This year has been especially hard. When I was growing up, I couldn’t wait to be an adult.  I fantasized about staying up as late as I wanted, eating cake for breakfast,

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-53199633664226543682012-01-26T07:23:00.000-05:002012-01-26T07:23:00.283-05:00

Wine and Love Thursday Things that make me want a drink: -There has been some serious (and seriously uncharacteristic) crime in Pittsburgh lately.  D’s school sent out an email about 4(!) armed robberies in the past week and then a woman from work had her house broken into.  What is going on!?  The armed robberies really scared me because they’re all around the school and in our

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-68286243086084437032012-01-24T07:24:00.001-05:002012-01-24T07:24:00.503-05:00

So this weekend we went to an open house.  I know, right?!  One minute I'm all "I hate this place" and the next I'm looking at real estate.  To buy.  Well, let me back up here.  I've known for a long time that it might make more sense to buy a place here since we'll be in Pittsburgh for the next 4.5-7 years, or however long it takes for D to finish his MA/PhD (my fingers are crossed for 4.5

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-52717736548945244452012-01-23T08:00:00.004-05:002012-01-23T08:45:04.285-05:00

Now that it’s officially winter in Pittsburgh (as evidenced by all the snow we got this weekend) I thought I’d do an update of how running through the winter has been going.  First, some background.  When I lived in Texas, I could run outside all year round.  I actually looked forward to winter because I knew it was going to be much more pleasant to run outside during those months than when

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-50027391424258218482012-01-19T07:48:00.001-05:002012-01-19T08:47:01.928-05:00

Wow is it Thursday again already?  Having Monday off has me short on time and totally confused.  Although if it means we’re one day closer to Friday I’ll take it! Things that have me reaching for a glass of wine: -My wonderful hetero-life-partner’s birthday is on Sunday and I’m not in Austin to help her celebrate.  It hurts to be so far from my wonderful peeps and, worse yet, not know when

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-29492911818310933092012-01-16T09:37:00.000-05:002012-01-16T09:37:36.749-05:00

While I was in Texas over Christmas, I took a few photos of the fam using my fancy new camera.  It was hard to get everyone to agree to this but I'm glad I got documentation that we were all in the same place at the same time, which doesn't happen that often anymore. They kvetch about this every year but I know my role: family picture-taker. My dad used to be the picture-taker in the family,

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-50411100605008147622012-01-13T16:05:00.001-05:002012-01-13T16:08:40.167-05:00

You guys, it's my very first giveaway!  I'm excited to be giving away a really cute dress from www.shabbyapple.com, an online dress boutique selling women’s dresses, casual dresses, skirts, and women’s apparel.  I'm giving away the Tiber dress, seen below.  I just love this dress and I would totally style it with red lips and pulled back hair, just like they did here.  Too

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-21074571728766113902012-01-12T07:51:00.001-05:002012-01-12T07:51:00.324-05:00

It’s time for another Wine and Love Thursday! Things that have me craving some wine: -It’s January.  Which means it’s cold and dreary out, money is tight, and I don’t have a fun vacation planned in the near future.  January blahs?  Check. -We’ve pretty much decided not to move.  We went and looked at a place on Saturday and while it was nice, it wasn’t nice enough to justify spending the

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-87653064318741363702012-01-10T07:42:00.002-05:002012-01-10T08:49:35.478-05:00

Although I didn’t get through 52 books like I did in 2010, last year was still a winner in the reading department.  I’ve talked about a few of these already here and there but I wanted to share my favorites from the list in case y’all are looking for new reading material.  Since there are a LOT books here, this is going to be a long post.  Grab a notepad, a pen, and maybe a cup of tea. 1.

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-25625969467392782402012-01-09T07:44:00.002-05:002012-01-09T07:44:00.844-05:00

  As I mentioned, we took a quick trip to Washington, DC for new years eve.  It was glorious. We saw the Lincoln memorial (recognize this from Forrest Gump?) The Vietnam memorial Went to some museums and saw some muppets And the American flag. And took A LOT of pictures with my new camera.  I love it already. I also loved the DC Metro.  Isn't that silly?

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-68952161269009672862012-01-06T07:27:00.003-05:002012-01-06T09:48:50.195-05:00

So I'm making more new years resolutions!  As you probably know, I love resolutions.  This year I'm trying to keep it simple, so I only have a few. 1.  Give Pittsburgh a chance.  It's no secret that I'm not in love with the place, but that's mainly because it's not Chicago or Austin.  There are some cool things about the city (it's so cheap to live here!), but I always seem to focus on the

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-74169213001824231432012-01-05T07:28:00.000-05:002012-01-05T07:28:00.537-05:00

After a long hiatus, I'm back with Wine and Love Thursday! Things that have me reaching for the bottle of wine: -I'm back in Pittsburgh, and back to work.  Winter break is officially over.  Boo. -I have the cold to end all colds.  I think I caught it on the plane to Austin, on December 21.  Two full weeks later I'm still coughing and sneezing.  I'm giving myself until Monday before I break down

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-38873095363056588702011-12-30T08:22:00.004-05:002011-12-30T08:22:00.132-05:00

Here's 2008, 2009, and 20101. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? Took a trip to Puerto Rico.  Moved to Pittsburgh.  Found a job that seems to actually be a good fit for my skills.  Paid off my student loans.  Gave yoga a chance and found I actually like it.  Bought a bike. 2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

 I kind of kept

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-44628702629600865392011-12-29T08:18:00.001-05:002011-12-29T08:18:00.940-05:00

Today's my mom's birthday.  Happy 29th birthday, mom!

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-14501141200093468662011-12-21T15:38:00.000-05:002011-12-21T15:38:25.300-05:00

I'm in Austin for the next few days to spend the holiday with my family.  I'm excited to see the fam and my friends, but I sure am going to miss this boy. Talk to y'all in a few days!

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-69469800851993546732011-12-20T07:46:00.000-05:002011-12-20T07:46:01.170-05:00

Here's this time last year and here's two years ago.   This time three years ago I was living in a giant apartment that was owned by graduate student housing at the University of Chicago.  It was literally twice the size of the place I'd just moved out of in Austin, and it had the biggest and best closet I'd ever had, before or since.  I had one east facing window and three west facing windows,

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-41717880379701994262011-12-19T07:44:00.001-05:002011-12-19T09:25:54.364-05:00

I have several favorite Christmas songs, but probably at the top of the list is “White Christmas” sung by the Drifters.  This is the song that Macaulay Culkin lip syncs to in Home Alone, right before he slaps aftershave on his face.  I loved the song from the moment I saw it in that movie wayyy back in 1990 (wow how is it possible that movie is so old?), and a few years ago while home from

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-64093191464236813082011-12-16T08:27:00.002-05:002011-12-16T08:52:07.865-05:00

The University of Chicago is full of interesting people, that’s for sure, and was very different from what I was used to at the University of Texas.  While I enjoyed the year I was a student and the two years that I worked there, I have some very interesting memories and stories to tell.  Each student in my graduate program was assigned to a “preceptor” (UChicago’s pretentious way of

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-76558987587277957222011-12-15T07:50:00.002-05:002011-12-15T08:23:07.184-05:00

It’s Wine and Love Thursday!  Head on over to Nora’s blog to link up. Things that have me reaching for some spiked egg nog: -We have mice.  The whole apartment building has mice.  We have found, erm, droppings.  In our kitchen.  SUPER.  First it was The Great Bedbug Incident of 2011, now mice.  I wouldn’t be surprised if we got locusts in the spring, that’s just how awesome this apartment is

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-79057842458893910752011-12-14T08:08:00.000-05:002011-12-14T08:39:23.063-05:00

Now that it's dark out before 5pm, I've switched to running inside on the treadmill after work instead of running around outside in my neighborhood.  I was dreading this switch, mainly because I find treadmills unbearably boring, but it actually hasn't been that bad.  My secret?  Constantly change things up.  This has been working so well for me (knock on wood) that I almost look forward to my

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-4202268734363340002011-12-13T07:59:00.003-05:002011-12-13T07:59:00.678-05:00

So I went to Chicago this weekend.  I was there to surprise my good friend from grad school with a late birthday present.  She reads my blog, which is why I couldn’t say anything here.  In fact, the whole secret involved a pretty much total media blackout (Facebook, Twitter, etc), which nearly killed me.  I’m not very good at keeping secrets.  Yet somehow all the people involved (almost a

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-38427251183607143702011-12-09T08:19:00.000-05:002011-12-09T08:19:00.059-05:00

Since the start of 2011 I’ve: Gotten a new piercing. Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. Been on a long car/bus journey. Passed an exam. Met someone who’s now an important part of my life. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boy/girl. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. Written a letter using pen & paper. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-85195301017954490292011-12-08T07:37:00.001-05:002011-12-08T07:37:00.304-05:00

It’s Thursday, which means it’s time for Wine and Love!  Thanks to Nora for hosting. Things that have me reaching for the bottle of wine: I complained about this last week but it still hasn’t gotten any better so I’m at it again.  The weather in Pittsburgh is putting a serious damper on my mood.  Pretty much every day is grey and rainy, or grey and cold, or all three.  I feel like I haven’t

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-1072597893555406972011-12-07T08:18:00.002-05:002011-12-07T08:22:07.748-05:00

So yesterday I paid of my student loan debt.  It’s gone. Well, that actually makes it sound a little anti-climactic, so let me tell you what really happened.  I checked the balance of every bank account I have, did a bunch of calculations, ran everything by D so he could check my math, signed in to my FedLoan account, did some more math, and then took a deep breath and clicked “pay in full.

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-89933652793857426402011-12-05T07:12:00.012-05:002011-12-05T07:13:38.425-05:00

  This post is sponsored by Tempur-Pedic, the brand millions of owners trust to deliver their best night’s sleep every night. Enjoy our Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer now and give the gift of custom comfort to someone you love.  *** I was chosen to write a sponsored post by Clever Girls Collective (and Tempur-Pedic) about holiday comforts, and hoo-boy is that just perfect because for me,

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-33720539578554175392011-12-01T08:01:00.013-05:002011-12-01T08:01:00.060-05:00

It’s been two weeks since my last update and I feel like a lot has happened in that time!  Most of it has been good though, so I’m back with a happy update.  Hop on over to Nora's to link up and read hers! Things that have me reaching for the bottle of wine: I feel like it has been raining in Pittsburgh for approximately three months.  Seriously, it was raining when I got on the plane on

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-5748008824247879892011-11-30T07:46:00.000-05:002011-11-30T07:46:00.372-05:00

1.  Drink plenty of water.  This is probably my favorite thing, partly because it’s so easy.  I make sure I have a water bottle with me every single day at work, and I drink water all day long.  When I’m at home I always have a tall glass of water nearby.  I’m generally a pretty thirsty person so this resolution is a no-brainer for me, but it’s an easy fix for anyone.  Drinking more water

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-49947987424813597762011-11-29T07:09:00.000-05:002011-11-29T07:09:00.263-05:00

My Thanksgiving break was amazing!  Although it could have been, like, one day longer.  Some people in my office took Monday off and I think they had the right idea, easing back into a four-day week.  Maybe next year when I’ve accrued more vacation time I’ll do the same thing. I flew to Austin reallllly early on Wednesday morning, which I thought meant we’d beat the crowd at the airport.  

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-14521996193016117732011-11-28T08:15:00.002-05:002011-12-01T08:26:52.553-05:00

When I was little my mom sometimes taught in the evenings, usually just one night a week.  This meant that my dad was in charge of wrangling me and my little sister, and as a result we often ate dinner out, which was a rare treat in our house.  We’d always either go to Golden Corral or The Kettle, which was a greasy spoon diner next to the highway.  My sister and I loved each place equally,

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-25161633817622692082011-11-23T08:58:00.001-05:002011-11-23T08:58:00.104-05:00

I'm thankful that I have a good, happy life.  I'm thankful for my wonderful boyfriend, my loving family, and the best friends anyone could hope for.  I'm thankful that in this tough economy, I'm employed doing something I actually like.  I know people are struggling and I understand how lucky I am.  I'm thankful that I have a roof over my head and good food to eat.  I'm thankful for my good

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-61340753544632042462011-11-22T07:35:00.000-05:002011-11-22T07:35:00.438-05:00

Today is D’s birthday. Every day he tells me that he loves me, he loves me so much. Every day he is goofy and fun and makes me laugh.   Every day he is sweet and considerate and kind, not just to me but to everyone he meets. Every day he works hard.  He works at what he loves and wants to do with his life, and he does it with all his heart, every single day. Every day he hugs me and kisses

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-51447885770370882782011-11-21T07:41:00.000-05:002011-11-21T09:42:43.265-05:00

When people say “I could care less.”  Really?  How much less?  35%? 72%?  I’m actually curious; how much less could you care?  Or did you mean to say I couldn’t care less, that you really really don’t care?  Yeah, I thought so. AnywayS.  This is very common, I fear, and I’m being super picky here, but it’s anyway.  The word is already plural, in that there are any number of ways you could

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-7841758808941649972011-11-18T07:45:00.000-05:002011-11-18T07:45:00.363-05:00

When I was little we had a peach tree in the back yard, right by the deck that my dad and his best friend had lovingly built.  It was a big, old tree and it yielded dozens, maybe hundreds of peaches every year.  I don’t know if my parents planted it but I think it had been there long before we moved in.  We were the first people to own that small starter home, so maybe the tree was there

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-50760914118117107942011-11-17T07:44:00.008-05:002011-11-17T07:44:00.198-05:00

Thanks as always to Nora for hosting! Things that have me reaching for a glass of wine: -I have had terrible bus luck lately.  On Tuesday I waited for the bus for 35 minutes and was super late for my physical therapy appointment.  While I was standing at the bus stop (in the rain, natch), I must have seen several of EVERY OTHER BUS IN PITTSBURGH go by, but no #75.  The infuriating thing?  My

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-83549926868280340492011-11-11T07:18:00.002-05:002011-11-11T08:21:30.782-05:00

I'm sure that what Joe Paterno is going through seems horrible, and that the Penn State students who rioted think they are standing up for him. What about how those young boys who were molested must have felt, and how no one stood up for them?  It is absolutely unthinkable to me that no one did anything.  Oh, Joe Paterno doesn't get to coach another football game?  Cry me a river.  When a

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-452122467153926202011-11-10T07:36:00.002-05:002011-11-10T07:36:00.543-05:00

It's hard to believe it's already Thursday.  2011 is just flying by!  Thanks to Nora for hosting!   Here are the things that have me reaching for a glass of wine: -I hate daylight savings.  I hate that it’s dark by the time I get home.  I hate that it’s getting colder and colder and that winter is on it’s way.  I hate that I’m going to have to run inside on weeknights.  I’m just a little ball

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-23015052690119877742011-11-08T08:00:00.002-05:002011-11-08T08:00:00.489-05:00

I mentioned that I’ve been on a good reading kick lately and wanted to share some titles I recommend with you guys.  So here goes: First I read Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, which I did not expect to like but actually really did.  It veers a bit into fantasy in the end, but in a bearable, Harry Potter kind of way, not in a you’ve got to be kidding me kind of

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-87418971256958739542011-11-07T07:23:00.000-05:002011-11-07T07:23:00.881-05:00

Saturday was our three year anniversary. We've been through a lot in the last six months but I can't imagine my life without him.

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-32392876163028192792011-11-04T08:02:00.000-04:002011-11-04T08:02:00.110-04:00

I loved the "I don't" post I saw on Nilsa's blog the other day and was inspired to do my own.  I'm sure no one thinks I'm perfect but here are a few things that I know I fall short on: I don’t eat as many vegetables as I should. I don’t brush my teeth as often as I should during the day, especially after I eat candy. I don’t say no to candy, um, ever. I don’t keep in touch with people all that

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-16702465953403258182011-11-03T07:37:00.000-04:002011-11-03T07:37:00.054-04:00

Hi everyone!  Hard to believe it’s already Thursday! Here are the things that have me reaching for a bottle of wine: -Daylight savings time is this weekend.  I’m NOT ok with the idea of losing that measly half hour of light we have after work.  Looks like I’m going to have to start running inside on the treadmill after work, which is not nearly as fun as running outside. -Grad school is

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-52718973884229049522011-11-02T07:41:00.001-04:002011-11-02T07:41:00.340-04:00

I see from my Google Reader and Twitter that many of you spent Halloween wearing awesome costumes or dressing your adorable children in awesome costumes and generally having a great time.  I, on the other hand, was doing laundry and working.  Don’t be jealous. The weather in Pittsburgh this weekend was ridiculous.  After laughing off the forecast the day before, I woke up to snow falling--

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-46635746850769267602011-11-01T07:57:00.000-04:002011-11-01T07:57:00.244-04:00

This time two years ago I was living in a beautiful apartment with my wonderful boyfriend.  Most of my stuff and some of my food was living at another apartment five blocks away.  I spent maybe one night a week there and visited occasionally, but mainly when I needed something, like clean clothes.  I started referring to it as the museum of my stuff.  D and I spent most of our time together

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-15600238390550430892011-10-28T07:40:00.000-04:002011-10-28T07:40:00.195-04:00

I have finally jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon, although I find I can only take the site in small doses before I get completely visually overwhelmed.  I also get down on myself for not being super duper crafty.  But it has been really helpful for finding recipes and fitness inspiration.  When I'm tired and don't want to drag myself out the door to run, I just look at my fitness board and am

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-12052820153050489552011-10-27T07:34:00.000-04:002011-10-27T07:34:00.231-04:00

Happy Thursday everyone!  Thanks to Nora for hosting. Wine: -It’s so dark now when I wake up that I have a hard time getting out of bed these days.  Even worse is when it’s rainy because then I feel sleepy all day long. -My running has really been suffering lately, partly because of the hamstring issue, partly because I spend all my time at yoga, and partly because it’s getting dark earlier

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-18863934625907907242011-10-26T07:14:00.001-04:002011-10-26T07:14:00.478-04:00

I decided to do a vlog, mostly because I have listened to everyone else's and am fascinated by this kind of thing.  I have very (VERY) limited technical skills so please note that I did not realize the computer screen would illuminate my face to that extremely attractive ghostly pallor.  I'd say I don't usually look like that but it's actually probably pretty accurate, especially given that we're

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-16998409686562987242011-10-25T07:43:00.007-04:002011-10-25T08:47:01.876-04:00

One of the things on my life list is to get my retirement in order and really understand how all this stuff works.  I want to be able to retire when I want, and not have to work until I’m 90 because I didn’t save enough when I was 30.  I might choose to work, but I don’t want to have to.  I also don’t want to have to depend on anyone else.  I might get married but I might not.  I might have

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-62416761926646328772011-10-24T07:55:00.001-04:002011-10-24T11:08:27.562-04:00

This time last year I was living in a beautiful apartment with my wonderful boyfriend.  After months of “will we move in together?” and “should we rent this apartment?” we finally found the perfect place, together.  Now I can’t imagine not waking up next to him but this time last year it was all still precious and new, and we were bumbling along and figuring it out as we went. This time

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-53546549316787495892011-10-20T07:29:00.006-04:002011-10-20T07:29:00.336-04:00

Thanks to Nora for hosting! Things that have me reaching for a glass of wine: -The landlord saga continues.  I...I can't even.  Thinking about it makes me rageful and shaky and I just can't be productive if I'm thinking about it.  We'll talk about it later. -I still can't control my sweet tooth during the day and I'm feeling very frustrated with myself.  I imagine it's not going to get any

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-9621558967118347242011-10-18T07:25:00.001-04:002011-10-18T07:25:00.634-04:00

I pride myself on being rather on top of things.  I have several lists, both paper and electronic, and a day planner as well as a Google calendar.  I remember people's birthdays and usually send at least a note if not a gift.  I go to the doctor for a yearly checkup and religiously get my teeth cleaned every six months.  Which is why I was rather taken aback when looking up prices to fly home for

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-21988468138157711572011-10-14T07:18:00.000-04:002011-10-14T07:18:00.812-04:00

Well, I actually wasn’t there long enough to decide if Cleveland rocks or not, but my interest is piqued enough to want to go back at some point. I left on Tuesday afternoon, during rush hour, and while Obama was in town.  It was just as much of a nightmare as all of that sounds like it would be.  I was able to borrow a Tom Tom navigating device thingy, without which I would probably still

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-44966833597228821512011-10-13T07:19:00.001-04:002011-10-13T11:25:40.514-04:00

Things that have me reaching for the bottle of wine: -Our former landlord is still MIA.  I think I’m going to bite the bullet and file a claim in small claims court.  I’m sure this is going to be a headache, especially considering we don’t live in Cook County anymore.  Arg. -I’ve been so busy this week that I’ve only gotten to exercise once.  I am absolutely itching to either go on a long

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-72373144976289734142011-10-11T07:24:00.001-04:002011-10-11T07:24:00.222-04:00

Here are some things that are happening, summarized in bullet form because I can't concentrate enough to put together a proper post with segues. -My right eye has been twitching off and on since Friday.  FRIDAY you guys!  It feels like an eternity.  At first I was annoyed, then angry, then simultaneously annoyed AND angry.  Now I am just sadly resigned to a life of eye spasming and crooked crows

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-12796374870840109882011-10-07T07:47:00.004-04:002011-10-07T08:34:05.409-04:00

I was in fourth grade when my family got our first Macintosh computer, the LC iii.  It was a boring beige box that contained within it vibrant color and unimagined possibilities.  It ran the program Kidpix, which is what I used it for 99% of the time.  It also had the capability to let you create your own icons, or change the desktop background, by making small pictures based on moving

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-39665736371936459072011-10-06T07:39:00.002-04:002011-10-06T07:39:00.959-04:00

Thanks to Nora for hosting! Things are starting to feel a little more balanced around here, and I haven't wanted to jump face first into a vat of wine in a few weeks, so I consider that progress! Things that have me reaching for the bottle of wine: -STILL trying to get that damn former landlord to give us back our security deposit.  Ugh I'm so irritated by this, and by having to deal with

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-26403097039388036742011-10-05T07:51:00.000-04:002011-10-05T07:51:00.378-04:00

Internet, I have a confession to make to you:  I only rode my bike one time during the entire three years I lived in Chicago.  Even with the beautiful lakefront path I went out only once, and that was mainly because a friend invited me to go for a ride with her and I didn’t want to turn her down.  D rode my bike plenty, I should add, so it got used by someone...just not me. There are two

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-65827527984036399002011-10-04T07:59:00.001-04:002011-10-04T07:59:00.430-04:00

I've kind of fallen off the wagon as far as my goal months go.  I lost track after July's Chicago-themed month.  I suppose I could say that August was Pittsburgh-themed because I was unemployed and tried to enjoy my free time and see as much as I could of my new city.  I made it out to a few cool spots but could have done more with my time.  What can I say, I really enjoyed loafing on my sofa and

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-77197489663206017292011-09-29T07:56:00.002-04:002011-09-29T07:56:00.535-04:00

Thanks to Nora for hosting!  This week has been MUCH better than last week was.   Things that have me reaching for the wine glass: -The exterminators came and sprayed, and while they were at the house I learned that in addition to the girl above us, the guy NEXT to us has bedbugs.  We don’t have them...yet, but it’s only a matter of time, right?  They’re closing in on us! -Our apartment is

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-4323367406499840582011-09-28T08:05:00.011-04:002011-09-28T09:56:31.625-04:00

There are so many things that I don’t want to forget about Chicago, and I feel like they’re already slipping from my mind.  Big things, but small things too, and I don’t want any of them to escape.  When I visit I want to be able to slip back into the city as easily as if I’d never left at all. The beautiful, huge industrial nuts and bolts that hold everything together.  The streets, the

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-75643783459194717612011-09-26T08:00:00.004-04:002011-09-26T08:42:01.778-04:00

After they spray our entire building for bedbugs this afternoon, we are spending the night at a bed and breakfast just down the street.  I’m not sure if it’s safe to stay in the apartment right after they spray toxic chemicals everywhere, and I don’t like the idea of sleeping there without having a chance to air it out first.  Also, I just got over a cold and D seems to have caught it.  

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-57185543239726210912011-09-22T07:40:00.003-04:002011-09-22T07:40:00.376-04:00

This week has been, erm, challenging. Things that have me reaching for the bottle of wine: -I woke up with a horrible cold on Sunday, which was not a fun way to spend one of my two precious weekend days.  I don't have any sick time yet so I've just been dragging myself to work, hopped up on DayQuil, and trying not to get anyone else sick. -Our old landlord still hasn't sent us back our

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-74034501248401232562011-09-21T07:20:00.000-04:002011-09-21T07:20:00.463-04:00

Fall has arrived in Pittsburgh, and has brought with it endless rainy, grey days.  The 10-day forecast is just “scattered showers. forever.”  As someone who enjoys doing outdoor activities (while staying dry), I find this trying.  It’s not spring, for Pete’s sake, let’s get some crisp, sunny days up in here.  I yearn to go on a long run and sip in the cool, dry air.  Instead I’m stuck

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-48132623343022431912011-09-20T07:58:00.002-04:002011-09-20T07:58:00.343-04:00

As I'm sure you all noticed, when we first moved to Pittsburgh things were...not great.  They weren't actively bad, per se, but they weren't totally awesome either.  Part of it was my attitude and part of it was that Pittsburgh is very very different from both Chicago and Austin, the only two acceptable (to me) places to live in the whole world. The thing about Pittsburgh is that it's small, and

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-37133362885357012012011-09-15T07:41:00.002-04:002011-09-15T08:37:25.700-04:00

Thanks to Nora for hosting! Things that have me reaching for the bottle of wine: -Retirement accounts.  I get SO. CONFUSED. by this kind of thing and trying to figure it out on my own doesn't work all that well.  But last time I met with someone that didn't go all that well either.  I know I can't just ignore it and hope it goes away but this is the last thing I want to deal with right now. 

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-37305514987586327382011-09-14T07:26:00.001-04:002011-09-14T07:26:00.339-04:00

After I read a bunch of other people's interesting posts on their daily routine, I decided to do my own.  Which made me realize that I'm really, really boring. 6:45 Alarm goes off and I hit snooze 6:52 Alarm goes off again and I wake up.  I turn the light on in the living room and stumble into the kitchen to make tea and my breakfast 7:00-7:15 Eat breakfast in the living room at the coffee

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-27927322352734902762011-09-13T07:38:00.008-04:002011-09-20T15:11:42.574-04:00

When I lived in Chicago, I took the red line train from my neighborhood to downtown quite often.  It was a quick and relatively painless way to get around, and there are all kinds of characters on the 24-hour line.  It was pretty much guaranteed that you’d come across a homeless person or two, maybe someone passed out on the floor, perhaps the mother of the year.  There was also always a

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-54321980236910278482011-09-12T07:59:00.001-04:002011-09-12T07:59:00.288-04:00

Some people think of the weekend as a time to relax and refuel for the next week ahead.  They sleep in, chill out, and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle.  Me...not so much.  I look at the weekend as a challenge along the lines of "how many things can I pack in to two days?"  Which is why I usually start the new week more tired than I just ended the last one.  This weekend was no exception.

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-36762790920574482582011-09-09T08:04:00.004-04:002011-09-09T08:04:00.256-04:00

I'm not going to say much about the new job but I will say this: -so far I love it, and everyone has been really nice as I get acclimated and learn the ropes -I have my own office (!) with a window (!!) -It is really hard getting up at 6:45am after five slothful weeks of rising around 8, 9, whenever o'clock But I have survived three whole days and they haven't asked me to stop coming back yet so

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-9048038260977648982011-09-08T12:33:00.000-04:002011-09-08T12:33:27.299-04:00

Thanks to Nora for hosting! Things that have me reaching for the wine glass: -The weather in Pittsburgh has been so gross lately.  Days and days of cold, dreary rain.  It ruined my Labor Day weekend and I was stuck inside all day all three days.  It's forecasted to be rainy for at least the next five days.  I need some sunshine. -My hamstrings are really acting up.  I'd like to go to a sports

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-30133507938948124612011-09-06T07:51:00.002-04:002011-09-06T07:51:00.362-04:00

Guess what I bought this weekend?  I just love those dovetail joints. It's something I've wanted for a really long time.  I saw one on Craigslist for a steal and we drove all the way out to the boondocks on Saturday to pick it up.  It needs a little love but after a good sanding and new stain, I think it's going to be gorgeous.  I can hardly wait!

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-41615503137276516822011-09-05T07:40:00.004-04:002011-09-05T07:40:00.049-04:00

If you like bridges, you should come to Pittsburgh.  That's something I didn't know before I moved here, but apparently there are a lot of bridges in Pittsburgh.  Like, a lot.  Over 400 in the city proper, and into the thousands in the surrounding areas.  That's a lot of bridges. On Friday afternoon I took advantage of a free walking tour that the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation has

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-57135590646588475522011-09-02T08:04:00.006-04:002011-09-02T08:04:00.342-04:00

My amended goal for July (see the breakdown of January-June here and July-December here) was to enjoy the heck out of Chicago and try to cross some things off my must-do list before we moved.  I'm happy to say that goal was definitely accomplished!  Although there are some things that I didn't get to (Brookfield Zoo, for example) I can always pick one of those when I go back to visit.  Here's a

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-29951312350303668692011-09-01T07:47:00.000-04:002011-09-01T07:47:00.330-04:00

Thanks to Nora for hosting! Things that have me reaching for the wine glass:  -This is my last free Thursday before I start my new job. I'm going to miss unemployment, which I've re-named "funemployment" because it is so awesome. Well except the no money part. -My new bike ALREADY got a flat tire! Yesterday I biked to a local park, about three miles from my house, and toured the grounds

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-70313299345901260802011-08-26T08:49:00.002-04:002011-08-26T08:49:00.618-04:00

After two whole weeks of "practice" (I still can't say that with a straight face), I think I can safely say that I am a yoga convert. Not a total convert, of course there are still things I'm not crazy about, but I like yoga. It started when I decided to go to Yoga for Runners. I thought hey, I'm a runner, one who's getting her ass (and hamstrings) handed to her on a plate by these crazy

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-18477945795839141462011-08-25T08:23:00.001-04:002011-08-25T22:09:47.505-04:00

Another Thursday, another Wine and Love. Thanks to Nora for hosting! Things that have me in need of a glass or two of wine: -I cannot seem to get myself out of bed before 9am these days. While I'm still unemployed it's not *that* much of a problem (except that it means I don't run in the mornings, which I like to do) but when I start working I foresee this being an issue! -The weather/natural

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-52100955491897186262011-08-24T08:25:00.000-04:002011-08-24T08:25:00.610-04:00

Yesterday I tried my luck at yet another thrift/vintage store in Pittsburgh, this time in the Bloomfield neighborhood. I've been to pretty much every store of this kind in the city, trying unsuccessfully to find anything worth buying. I'm kind of looking for some new work clothes and I'm kind of looking for a fun new store to be my go-to bargain-hunting place now that I've left Chicago and my

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-20735358477925442662011-08-22T08:44:00.001-04:002011-08-22T10:58:24.182-04:00

It's summer 2009 and three days a week I commute downtown to my internship at the Newberry Library. I take the train from Hyde Park to Millennium Station and then walk the remaining mile and a half to the library in Gold Coast. I pop in my headphones and strut down Michigan Avenue, past the beautiful Carbide and Carbon Building, across the bridge, past the Wrigley Building. I pass lost-looking

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-39438052088537504082011-08-18T08:16:00.000-04:002011-08-18T08:16:00.333-04:00

Wine: -I still haven't found a new bike. After several false starts and one very frustrating episode in a bike store, I'm almost ready to give up on finding one for a while. Maybe I'll look again in the spring. -Running hasn't been going all that well. I'm trying to push myself and up my mileage but I just feel so tired about halfway through. Maybe I need to switch from morning to evening

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-57100034128325598292011-08-16T08:03:00.002-04:002011-08-16T08:03:00.322-04:00

As we drive around town, running errands and buying stuff for the apartment, I stare out the window of the car like a disinterested tourist. It all looks so foreign to me, like the setting for an old tv show that I'm only marginally interested in. The earth undulates and big old brick houses stick out of the hills at various precarious angles. There wasn't this kind of topography in Chicago

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-28545504845521265412011-08-15T07:45:00.000-04:002011-08-15T07:45:00.256-04:00

Me: Hey there's a spider in the bathroom. (It's D's job to handle pest removal) Him: Joe? Yeah, I know. He's cool. I watched him trap and eat an ant earlier. Me, momentarily speechless: Wait, what? You knew there was a spider in there? And you watched him eat another bug? And you NAMED him?

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-39542172385825051462011-08-11T08:04:00.000-04:002011-08-11T08:04:01.441-04:00

Wine: -I wrote about this a bit yesterday but I'm still learning my way around this city and I keep getting lost! It seems no matter how many times I look at a map I still manage to get a bit turned around and have to either pull up the GPS or call D. -D started working in the research lab this week so I've been on my own during the day and I'm running out of ways to entertain myself. Have any

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-83441513396442536542011-08-10T07:50:00.000-04:002011-08-10T07:50:00.209-04:00

I've been on three runs and have gotten progressively more lost with each run. The first time I managed to find my way back home without much fuss. The second time I took the wrong road and had to pull up turn-by-turn navigation on my phone to get home. The third time I set off to find Schenley Park, which I did successfully, but then proceeded to get so lost in the park that I ended up on the

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-54671725048058865282011-08-04T09:08:00.000-04:002011-08-04T09:08:06.991-04:00

Wine: -I've said it before but I'll say it again: moving sucks. Packing up all your stuff, living in chaos, not knowing where anything is, all of it is rough. For a type-A organized personality like mine it's especially hard as I crave routine and oranization. -Moving is also expensive. It always takes more time and definitely more money than you thought it would, and this move is no

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-54182274267306187892011-08-03T08:45:00.002-04:002011-08-03T08:45:01.082-04:00

For our last day in Chicago, we wanted to do something fun. Which is why we spent all morning on the phone with the U-Haul regional office and tracking down our moving van and tow dolly all over south Chicago because they had royally messed up our reservation. I kid! We didn't really want to be doing that, but the cards were not in our favor. We devoted a huge chunk of time just tracking our

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-16706218285458131322011-08-02T10:01:00.002-04:002011-08-02T10:04:46.724-04:00

The list of things I'm going to miss about Chicago is almost endless. Lincoln Park Zoo and the surrounding area. The skyline from downtown. Maybe even the CTA, if not for the people then for the efficient transit to almost anywhere you could want to go. And the bean. Oh! The bean. My favorite Chicago landmark. I'm going to miss that most of all.

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-19642400072237809762011-08-01T09:42:00.001-04:002011-08-01T09:42:00.108-04:00

One of the things I wanted to do before we left Chicago was ride on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. I'm pretty afraid of heights, and generally avoid Navy Pier as it is always overrun with tourists, but believe me, the Ferris Wheel was worth it. If you go with a few people you'll get your own little car. It's a seven minute ride and only costs $6. The view alone is worth the price of

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-17347526850976772392011-07-29T09:17:00.002-04:002011-07-29T09:17:00.260-04:00

Remember when I showed you the beautiful apartment I'm going to miss? Well, it's not so beautiful anymore and I'm ready to get outta here. I'll talk to you guys some time next week, once I get internet set up. Pittsburgh, here we come!

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-25219212552480368152011-07-28T09:02:00.002-04:002011-07-28T09:02:01.363-04:00

Wine: -Packing. It really sucks. Luckily I've been slowly working on it for a week (thank goodness for quitting my job 10 days before we scheduled to leave--it's made all the difference in the world) but still, packing is no fun. -Saying goodbye. I am hugely sentimental and saying goodbye to people and places has been really sad. -Feeling like there is unfinished business out there. I know

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-89016254591718351992011-07-26T09:11:00.001-04:002011-07-26T09:11:00.994-04:00

I'm really going to miss this place. The exposed brick walls, the huge southern facing windows, the high ceilings, all of it. We were a bit worried about having two people in an open layout but it hasn't been an issue at all. I think having separate closets was key. It probably helps that even though the layout is open, it's also almost a thousand square feet. The new place is maybe

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-63870018982250420512011-07-21T09:35:00.001-04:002011-07-21T09:35:00.168-04:00

This week was a great one! Wine: -It has been brutally hot in Chicago for the past few days, which has kind of taken me by surprise. I would expect this from Texas but Chicago? Come on, mild summers! At least I have air conditioning at work and at home this year. -We started packing, kind of. So far I’ve filled nine boxes, all with books, and that doesn’t include the boxful that I’m going

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-82124261624768599212011-07-19T08:44:00.001-04:002011-07-19T08:44:00.935-04:00

I've been affiliated with the University of Chicago in some way or another for the past three years, which seems like it passed awfully quickly now that I think back on it. The other day I took some photos of a few of the spots that meant a lot to me. Here's the gate leading in to the main part of campus, which you have to pass through to get to Classics and many of the other buildings that I

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-40226958045352283442011-07-18T09:07:00.002-04:002011-07-18T09:07:00.932-04:00

June was supposed to be healthy eating month, which...didn’t go quite as planned. I did mange to keep a food journal, so one gold star for that, but I’m not sure the food journal changed my eating habits all that much. I ate more fruits and veggies, and concentrated on getting more variety, but I also was not able to resist the urge to shove any and all (usually work-related) free food into my

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-30044259383233592472011-07-15T08:51:00.000-04:002011-07-15T08:51:00.266-04:00

As I mentioned yesterday, my trip to Pittsburgh was fraught with issues. Fraught, I tell you. I flew out on Sunday afternoon, which was sad as it meant D and I had one day to spend with each other between him getting back from one trip and me leaving for another. Boo. Once I arrived in Pittsburgh I took care of a few things on Sunday night and then turned in early for my interview on Monday

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-50669360507268761272011-07-14T08:53:00.001-04:002011-07-14T11:00:25.511-04:00

Thanks to Nora for hosting! Unfortunately this past week was a bit heavy on the wine. Wine: -I took a quick trip to Pittsburgh, and it was FRAUGHT with issues. What exactly transpired is another post entirely but trust me, it was not smooth sailing. -Remember when I was all “our landlord said we could break the lease and leave early with no charge!” Well turns out that he meant “if he could

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-51290375437896508872011-07-11T08:44:00.000-04:002011-07-11T08:44:00.682-04:00

A few weeks ago, in an attempt to shake up my workout routine, I started Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred. You know, anything I can do to continue to be five years behind the times (there’s this new thing I just joined called Twitter!). I didn’t see what all the fuss was about, and thought to myself on more than one occasion, “What’s so great about this Jillian person?” or “Why do people love to

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-46118106616824526342011-07-07T08:38:00.000-04:002011-07-07T08:38:00.608-04:00

This week was amazing! Wine: -I'm going back at work after a fun vacation. Boo. -D is out of town again. -Being home from vacation means that I have to start packing and sorting stuff to get rid of. And convince D to do the same, which might be even more of a task. -I didn't work out at all while I was on vacation and today after work I MUST get back to it. Those margaritas and Mexican

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-31782789105894435582011-07-06T09:04:00.002-04:002011-07-06T09:04:00.629-04:00

You could say we had a good time at the wedding. I pulled out my best moves and mainly tried to copy all the Indian people's dance moves. I think it worked well. Hey, at least no one kicked us out! M even stopped to take a picture with me. We opted for the Awkward Prom Pose. It was absolutely the most fun I've had in a long time. The wedding was beautiful and I'm so glad I got to see

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708556.post-64852460830853504842011-07-05T09:23:00.000-04:002011-07-05T09:23:00.216-04:00

I have lost my ambition. When I was in college, I had such drive, such passion, and I really thought I could do anything. I decided that I loved school, loved learning and reading and all that came with it, and that I was going to be a professor. I knew I wanted to take a year or two off before I went on to grad school, but I never really thought about what I was going to do in the interim. I

missrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595843215458849973noreply@blogger.com2