Monday, December 5th. Wenqi's birthday was a lot of fun! How Lee Chinese has got to be the greasiest food I have ever ever eaten, but the flavor of the spices was amazing! The mini cheesecake cupcakes worked out well with a reduced fat oreo! Forward lanes was a nice enough little place for bowling. The Monday night student bowling prices are a steal! And I didn't break 100... I think I got around 50. I'm a great bowler.
Afterwards that week was a blur of final project hoops and final exam studying. I went to some new coffee shops.
Oh Yeah! Ice Cream and Coffee Co. Really good coffee! $2 in house bottomless cup! Waffle and ice cream really good, but not amazing. I think better than the waffle shop for the price. The ice cream mixing machine makes a lot of noise... if you are going there to study beware. The brista/waitress was also super chatty... chat chat chat. There was a father and his daughter eating ice cream it was so precious that I cried [I was also being visited by Aunt Flo at the time]. I camped out for about 4 hours and got a lot of anatomy studying done!
Jitter's cafe and ice cream. The coffee wasn't that good. My coffee even had grounds in it! They do one free refill for in house. The coconut macaroon was terribly dry and fairly tasteless. At 5 when the "mall" that is is in closes a man came and vacuumed, it was terrible. Will not return for studying... maybe I'd try the ice cream?
[Weekend 16]
Friday evening made cinnamon buns and relaxed with Josh.
Saturday took cinnamon buns to brunch potluck at Meghan's house, where fellow OT students chowed downed and relaxed. Did some studying. For dinner Josh made Engine 2 lasagna. After dinner we went to a drag show at blue moon with Adam, Shyloh, and David. It was a lot of fun, but I was really tired so we didn't stay the whole event. Josh wasn't super into it anyways. But he gets credit for going!
Sunday Josh and I went to Double Wide Grill for brunch (2nd time). Josh been spoiling me/ indulging in my love affair with breakfast food. I had the breakfast burrito with veggie sausage. Yummy! This place is still a keeper! Then studying like crazy....
Finals came and went. I was done by 10 am on Wednesday, December 14th. Took a nap. Went and had dinner at Sushi Boat with the Anthropology girls + guy. Sushi boat is fairly cheap and tasty... but they don't have brown rice and they serve on styrofoam. I prefer Taiwan Cafe. When finals were said and done the OT students had a ugly sweater Christmas party!
Thursday I woke up bright and early hung over to the extreme. Went to Ritter's Diner with Carol. I like how close it is to my house. And it's good enough for being hung over. Thursday evening Josh came over to exchange gifts and hang out. I got a dehydrator and a scarf and lotion! He really listens to me. As an aside... I really need to get a garden going in the spring!!!
[Weekend 17]
Friday had a lovely date night with Josh. His parents came and the 4 of us went to dinner at Six Penn. It was nice, but expensive and not amazing. Josh's parent's are really nice & they paid. They got me a scarf and some organic lavender smell good stuff. Very unexpected and nice! Josh got a soy milk maker. I'm a bit skeptical of it. [Josh tried it out today and said it was okay.] Then we saw the Nutcracker Ballet! It was very good. The ballet company put a little Pittsburgh spin on it too! Then we walked around downtown. I very much liked the gingerbread houses at ppg place, but was disappointed by the Macy's windows. Lovely evening with the boyfriend!
Saturday morning I took the megabus home to the Metro D.
Now I'm back at home... just hanging out... eating taco salads.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Brunch twice in one weekend? Too good. [Weekend 15]
Wednesday went to Taiwan Cafe with Carol. The broccoli and tofu served with brown rice was seriously perfect! When can we go back?
Thursday cooked dinner with Josh.
Friday I had my first practical exam in my series of assessment classes! Afterwards I spent a ridiculous amount of time in Target. Then I went to this art fair... I saw these earring [pictured below] by this artist that were just amazing, but $62...EH! Then went to Shyloh's birthday (Josh's bro's new girl). She's cute to boot and I am excited about all the double dates we can have! Did some dancing. Spent more time than previously experienced with Josh's bros. It was nice!
In the morning Josh took me to Coca Cafe for brunch! My omelet was very tasty, but a tad on the salty side... possibly because of the type of goat cheese used? The coffee was just okay. I really liked the orange marmalade served to me in a little cup. Josh thought the tofu in his breakfast burrito could use some inspiration (seasonings). The veg sausage links were very good, but $3 for 2 links was a bit much? Otherwise was fairly reasonably priced. I would go back here again! On Saturday evening we made curry, watched When Harry Met Sally, and Josh fixed my computer. Then we went to William Penn Tavern to watch MSU lose to U of Wisco Madison at the Big Ten Championship. But we were in good company (Chelsea, John, Meghan, & Shannon), until the ugly sweater Christmas party let out/ began and the bar was got crowded by not the most pleasant people (around 11pm). Also had my first fried mac and cheese bites, not bad, but not as good as fried pickles or seitan wings. Generally lovely day spent with the boyfriend.
Sunday went to brunch with Carol at Fuel and Fuddle. $7.50 for a breakfast pizza (eggs, cheese, spinach, & tomato) & coffee not bad at all! Actually the coffee was not bad either. The pizza crust was pretty fabulous making me think I should visit Fuel and Fuddle for some dinner pizza one day! Then we hung out in Club Hillman (the U of Pitt Library). For dinner I went out with Amy at the India Garden buffet. Very solid as always. But I noticed that they didn't put out fresh trays of food, rather they just added more food. That has to be a food handling no no! Regardless... tasted great and I didn't get sick from it! Went home and watched Gattaca with Carol. I saw it some years ago, but it was good a second time around, too.
Today is Wenqi (Lucias's) birthday! Dinner and bowling! I made cupcakes!
Tomorrow is the OT holiday event!
I've been going out too eat too much... well outside of my $$$. I have an itch to pierce something or travel or... not sure. I'll be happy when finals are over. 'll be done with the academic portion of my program this time next year! I'm going to miss Josh, Carol, and folks while I am away for break.
Thursday cooked dinner with Josh.
Friday I had my first practical exam in my series of assessment classes! Afterwards I spent a ridiculous amount of time in Target. Then I went to this art fair... I saw these earring [pictured below] by this artist that were just amazing, but $62...EH! Then went to Shyloh's birthday (Josh's bro's new girl). She's cute to boot and I am excited about all the double dates we can have! Did some dancing. Spent more time than previously experienced with Josh's bros. It was nice!
In the morning Josh took me to Coca Cafe for brunch! My omelet was very tasty, but a tad on the salty side... possibly because of the type of goat cheese used? The coffee was just okay. I really liked the orange marmalade served to me in a little cup. Josh thought the tofu in his breakfast burrito could use some inspiration (seasonings). The veg sausage links were very good, but $3 for 2 links was a bit much? Otherwise was fairly reasonably priced. I would go back here again! On Saturday evening we made curry, watched When Harry Met Sally, and Josh fixed my computer. Then we went to William Penn Tavern to watch MSU lose to U of Wisco Madison at the Big Ten Championship. But we were in good company (Chelsea, John, Meghan, & Shannon), until the ugly sweater Christmas party let out/ began and the bar was got crowded by not the most pleasant people (around 11pm). Also had my first fried mac and cheese bites, not bad, but not as good as fried pickles or seitan wings. Generally lovely day spent with the boyfriend.
Sunday went to brunch with Carol at Fuel and Fuddle. $7.50 for a breakfast pizza (eggs, cheese, spinach, & tomato) & coffee not bad at all! Actually the coffee was not bad either. The pizza crust was pretty fabulous making me think I should visit Fuel and Fuddle for some dinner pizza one day! Then we hung out in Club Hillman (the U of Pitt Library). For dinner I went out with Amy at the India Garden buffet. Very solid as always. But I noticed that they didn't put out fresh trays of food, rather they just added more food. That has to be a food handling no no! Regardless... tasted great and I didn't get sick from it! Went home and watched Gattaca with Carol. I saw it some years ago, but it was good a second time around, too.
Today is Wenqi (Lucias's) birthday! Dinner and bowling! I made cupcakes!
Tomorrow is the OT holiday event!
I've been going out too eat too much... well outside of my $$$. I have an itch to pierce something or travel or... not sure. I'll be happy when finals are over. 'll be done with the academic portion of my program this time next year! I'm going to miss Josh, Carol, and folks while I am away for break.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thanksgiving [Weekend 14]
My car is broken. Will have to figure out when time allows. Less than 2 weeks until finals!
Over Thanksgiving break...
The Detroit Thanksgiving parade was classic!
Watched all of Miracle on 34th Street! Finally! So cute!
Watched the 1949 Secret Garden. Also good.
The family was well, the food was fine.
Check out my cousin Lindsay's website? The Gift Insider.
Friends...
I didn't get to see Courtney, because I didn't venture down to the D.
But I did get to see Alex, Karissa, and Nadis Twins.
Over Thanksgiving break...
The Detroit Thanksgiving parade was classic!
Watched all of Miracle on 34th Street! Finally! So cute!
Watched the 1949 Secret Garden. Also good.
The family was well, the food was fine.
Check out my cousin Lindsay's website? The Gift Insider.
Friends...
I didn't get to see Courtney, because I didn't venture down to the D.
But I did get to see Alex, Karissa, and Nadis Twins.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
[Weekend 13]
Light up night was a smidge too corporate and crowded for my liking. I look forward to exploring the Christmas decorations to my own beat [maybe with a friend].
Saturday went to the old gang [Carol, Venera, Sho, and Lucias] for a nice walk to this fabulous coffee shop! Tazza D'Oro currently wears the Pittsburgh Coffee Crown! Did I mention it is fabulous? The coffee and the atmosphere are top notch!
Josh and me went out to Derry. With Mark and Marchen we went to Ted Carn's home [Stone Camp]. You could read the book. Stone Camp was pretty awesome!
Monday I got to explore the abdominal cavity in cadaver lab. Oh yeah!
Yesterday went to Abay with Josh and his brother. The injera wasn't as sour as others I've had and the food wasn't as spicy, but it was good, just different. After dinner we met with his Sister at 61 C Cafe. Had a yummy chocolate and peanut butter cookie to eat and a soy milk steamer to drink. The have this great sibling thing going on.
Now I am home for the holiday!
Saturday went to the old gang [Carol, Venera, Sho, and Lucias] for a nice walk to this fabulous coffee shop! Tazza D'Oro currently wears the Pittsburgh Coffee Crown! Did I mention it is fabulous? The coffee and the atmosphere are top notch!
Josh and me went out to Derry. With Mark and Marchen we went to Ted Carn's home [Stone Camp]. You could read the book. Stone Camp was pretty awesome!
Monday I got to explore the abdominal cavity in cadaver lab. Oh yeah!
Yesterday went to Abay with Josh and his brother. The injera wasn't as sour as others I've had and the food wasn't as spicy, but it was good, just different. After dinner we met with his Sister at 61 C Cafe. Had a yummy chocolate and peanut butter cookie to eat and a soy milk steamer to drink. The have this great sibling thing going on.
Now I am home for the holiday!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Whiskey Sours [Weekend 12]
Thursday went out with the OT girlies. Had 3 whiskey sours! One at Cappy's and one at Mario's. Ate trace amounts of bacon on the pub fries at Mario's. Was not blown away by the reuben the sweet potato fries were on point. It is a nice place for happy hour. $2 wells! Next time I think I should try the Yinzerogies [happy hour price $5]. Afterwards Meghan drove us to Giant Eagle so I could procure more Kleenex [I'm just now getting totally over my sinus cold!]. From there she dropped me off at my doorstep! I was sleeping by 9pm! Not really the off the hook post anatomy exam event one might expect? [At least not for our table.] But lovely nonetheless!
Friday I went to Grad 200 shabbat event with Amy as part of my involvement with J'burgh. It was a nice enough event. After it was over we went and had a drink [whiskey sour] at fuel and fuddle. Amy and me have another friend date coming up this weekend!
Saturday I met Josh's Papa and Mama. They were cute and nice and it was good. We went to Alma Pan-Latin Kitchen. The plantains didn't excite me. The yuca fries were tasty, but the aji and cilantro/jalapeno sauces put it over the top. I really liked my dish [ Arepa de vegetales con plátanos maduros; Fresh beets, avocado, cabbage and cilantro on an unleavened Columbian corn pastry with sweet plantain]. Josh's Mama got Torrejitas de frijolitos; Pan-seared legume cakes served with collard greens and ripe plantains [she let me try it] the black bean cakes had lovely texture and the sauce was sinful. I would return here again! It is a real nice place for a date or if the parents are paying, but not Outrageously priced. After dinner we had coffees at Coffee Tree Roaster. I've actually never had a coffee there I stick to the chai chargers.
A bit about Whiskey Sours. So they are a new drink I have added to my my preferences just this weekend.
Mario was cheap, because it was happy hour $2, but not particualry strong.
Cappy's was $4.50 and a bit stronger than Mario's.
Alma's was tasty, not particularly strong, and expenssive $8.
Fuel and Fuddle's tasted strong and good! $4 Winner!
Yesterday... I made Mini Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes. They turned out too dense. And I actually frosted them with cream cheese frosting. It was a huge ordeal.
Today we have an "open house" at school... where the cupcakes will be served.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Mom's Buttercream Frosting
This is my mom's Buttercream Frosting recipe and it taste like pure childhood bliss! Nothing low fat or vegan about it. And yes it does have a RAW egg white in it.
Cream together 2 sticks margarine and 1 stick solid crisco (1 cup).
Add 1 egg white, 1 T vanilla, and 1 box confectioners sugar ( 1 pound).
After above mixed well, slowly add 1/2 cup warmed milk (micro 1/2 minute just to get chill off and slightly warm) a little at a time mixing as you add so all is completely absorbed.
There you have it!
Cream together 2 sticks margarine and 1 stick solid crisco (1 cup).
Add 1 egg white, 1 T vanilla, and 1 box confectioners sugar ( 1 pound).
After above mixed well, slowly add 1/2 cup warmed milk (micro 1/2 minute just to get chill off and slightly warm) a little at a time mixing as you add so all is completely absorbed.
There you have it!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Vegan lentil gravy. Gravy with some subsistence.
This is adapted from Isa Chandra Moskowitz's punk rock chickpea gravy recipe. It is from the cookbook Vegan with a Vengeance, which Bower House had and I fully recommend! I located the recipe on Tofu Mom's Blog. The vegan comfort foods presented on this blog sound fabulous!
I've sort of adapted the recipe over time... because the recipe makes way too much gravy for one person and lentils are more gravy like than chickpeas. Generally I only want to have enough left overs for one or two days... not the rest of the week... how much mashed potatoes can a person eat? Also you don't need flour because the lentils thicken.
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, quartered and sliced thin
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 1/2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 can of chickpeas drained and rinsed OR 3/4 cup lentils pre soaked (green, brown, or french)
1 pinch ground cumin
1 pinch paprika
1/2 pinch dried coriander
1/2 pinch dried rosemary
1/2 pinch dried thyme
1/2 pinch dried oregano
OR forgo the rosemary, thyme, and oregano... go with some poultry seasoning!
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce OR a veggie bouillon cube
1/2 lemon, juice of OR 1 tablespoon sherry
1/8 cup nutritional yeast
additional water, if needed
Saute 1/2 a medium/small onion and mustard seeds in a splash of oil, add garlic when they are near translucent. If you want to leave out the oil and/or save time, just put the onion, mustard seeds, and garlic in with the water and lentils from the get go! Add 3/4 cup of lentils to 1 1/4 cup water. Add some poultry seasoning and/or some of the spices they suggest in the original recipe. You know how I feel about poultry seasoning? I love poultry seasoning. Cook covered and stirring occasionally until you have a nice soft lentils. half an hour to an hour. Add water if it gets too dry. When you have soft lentils. When the lentils are cooked [mushy/soft] and NOT before. Add a veggie bouillon cube (more flavorful than soy sauce). I like a tablespoon of Sherry. What can I say? Me likes wine. If you do too... cook another few minutes to cook out the alcohol. If you decide against sherry, you are making the wrong choice, but can use the lemon juice to add acidity. And add nutritional yeast as desired. I find what I like about nutritional yeast is its salty and creamy quality. At this point give it a good stir and a taste, you might decide you want to add a splash of soy sauce, braggs, or salt. Blend in a blender if desired. Add water to desired consistency. I like thicker gravy.
As a side note. I would never do it, because I'm not a fan of such things. But you could add some finely diced mushrooms and green bell peppers for some flavor.
Enjoy.
I've sort of adapted the recipe over time... because the recipe makes way too much gravy for one person and lentils are more gravy like than chickpeas. Generally I only want to have enough left overs for one or two days... not the rest of the week... how much mashed potatoes can a person eat? Also you don't need flour because the lentils thicken.
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, quartered and sliced thin
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 1/2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 can of chickpeas drained and rinsed OR 3/4 cup lentils pre soaked (green, brown, or french)
1 pinch ground cumin
1 pinch paprika
1/2 pinch dried coriander
1/2 pinch dried rosemary
1/2 pinch dried thyme
1/2 pinch dried oregano
OR forgo the rosemary, thyme, and oregano... go with some poultry seasoning!
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce OR a veggie bouillon cube
1/2 lemon, juice of OR 1 tablespoon sherry
1/8 cup nutritional yeast
additional water, if needed
Saute 1/2 a medium/small onion and mustard seeds in a splash of oil, add garlic when they are near translucent. If you want to leave out the oil and/or save time, just put the onion, mustard seeds, and garlic in with the water and lentils from the get go! Add 3/4 cup of lentils to 1 1/4 cup water. Add some poultry seasoning and/or some of the spices they suggest in the original recipe. You know how I feel about poultry seasoning? I love poultry seasoning. Cook covered and stirring occasionally until you have a nice soft lentils. half an hour to an hour. Add water if it gets too dry. When you have soft lentils. When the lentils are cooked [mushy/soft] and NOT before. Add a veggie bouillon cube (more flavorful than soy sauce). I like a tablespoon of Sherry. What can I say? Me likes wine. If you do too... cook another few minutes to cook out the alcohol. If you decide against sherry, you are making the wrong choice, but can use the lemon juice to add acidity. And add nutritional yeast as desired. I find what I like about nutritional yeast is its salty and creamy quality. At this point give it a good stir and a taste, you might decide you want to add a splash of soy sauce, braggs, or salt. Blend in a blender if desired. Add water to desired consistency. I like thicker gravy.
As a side note. I would never do it, because I'm not a fan of such things. But you could add some finely diced mushrooms and green bell peppers for some flavor.
Enjoy.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Anatomy Exam II
This entire week has been a marathon to take Anatomy Exam 2: the upper extremity. It is done finished.
Treat myself to some dirt cheap Yen's Chinese food for lunch. $5! The hot and sour soup was pretty special. The triple green delight had really fresh tasting veggie, but the sauce was just okay. I'd do it again.
Fortune cookie. "Fate will find a way."
Going out for drinks with the OT crew...
Treat myself to some dirt cheap Yen's Chinese food for lunch. $5! The hot and sour soup was pretty special. The triple green delight had really fresh tasting veggie, but the sauce was just okay. I'd do it again.
Fortune cookie. "Fate will find a way."
Going out for drinks with the OT crew...
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Polenta Pizza
From the Fat Free Vegan Kitchen I made Polenta Pizza. Need to make sure the polenta is super thick! I don't think I thickened mine enough... had to extend the baking time for the crust.
I topped it with pesto, chopped spinach, cheese [not vegan or fat free], diced cherry tomatoes, and dried cherries. Carol lovingly prepared the toppings!
It was pretty fabulous!
My blog needs more pictures... How can my blog be a success without the proper amount of food porn?!
I topped it with pesto, chopped spinach, cheese [not vegan or fat free], diced cherry tomatoes, and dried cherries. Carol lovingly prepared the toppings!
It was pretty fabulous!
My blog needs more pictures... How can my blog be a success without the proper amount of food porn?!
Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
For two…
1/3 cup uncooked hot cereal multi grain (barley, oat, rye, wheat) in food processor
¼ cup unbleached wheat flour
¼ cup wheat bran
1 t baking powder
¼ t baking soda
½ t cinnamon
1 T sugar
1 T flax seed meal to 3 T hot water for an “egg.” Let sit 3 minutes then whip together.
½ t pumpkin pie spice
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ t vanilla
1 t lemon juice
2/3 cup milk + (3 T) more until thin enough
Gently combine wet and dry ingredients, adding more soy milk (or water) until pancake batter texture has been achieved.
On a Medium hot skillet. Spoon out ¼ cup of batter. Cook until bubbles and the top of the pancake begins to look dry. Flip, cook additional time to brown.
We got 10 pancakes.
Adapted from… MyLittle Celebration.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
The week of the Sinus Cold
Monday... Uneventful.
Tuesday woke up with a terrible sore throat. Didn't go to my first 2 classes. Drank OJ in my PJs and did a little studying. Went to mental health. Got good marks on my essay and exam.
Wednesday... thought I was feeling a bit better. Went to classes. Felt competent in cad lab. Beginning to feel prepared for my anatomy exam 11/10. After class came home and made stuffed cabbage. Josh came over.
He brought me chocolate mouse, mint hummus, and kitchen tongs! We snuggled on the couch and watched Fiddler on the Roof.
Thursday... another sick day. Went for some spicy India food at India Garden. Half off vegetarian entrees 5-6pm! Sweat the cold out! Shared with Venera & Carol. #51, 57, & 60! Yummy!
Friday... despite my sinus cold went to class. After class got some new flats and a comforter for my bed. I went to the Pittsburgh Symphony with Josh. [Mama and Papa Josh were out of town, so we used their tickets!] Dressed up. Josh looked very handsome in suit. It was the Young Person's Guild to the Orchestra. My favorite piece was the first piece played, Cindy McTee: Double Play (2010) [take a listen]! Josh liked Ralph Vaughn Williams: Five Variants of “Dives and Lazarus” (1993). Slight difference of opinion. Benjamin Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (1946) was the final piece. The literally had young people introduce the orchestra. A bit too hokey for me. Overall a very positive first professional symphony experience!
Today... went to Square Cafe for breakfast with Carol. Their was a bit of a wait. We were there around 10:45a.m. on a Saturday! Went with the Andouille [Soy] Sausage with Jalapeno Jam. I don't think the Soy Sausage were homemade... they taste suspiciously like Gimme Lean. The grits were creamy, but certainly not cheesy. The jalapeno jam was fabulous! For the price ($10) I was shocked that my meal didn't come with toast?! Overall tasty, but pricy. The coffee was delightful. The service was fine, but not particularly re-memorable.
Tuesday woke up with a terrible sore throat. Didn't go to my first 2 classes. Drank OJ in my PJs and did a little studying. Went to mental health. Got good marks on my essay and exam.
Wednesday... thought I was feeling a bit better. Went to classes. Felt competent in cad lab. Beginning to feel prepared for my anatomy exam 11/10. After class came home and made stuffed cabbage. Josh came over.
He brought me chocolate mouse, mint hummus, and kitchen tongs! We snuggled on the couch and watched Fiddler on the Roof.
Thursday... another sick day. Went for some spicy India food at India Garden. Half off vegetarian entrees 5-6pm! Sweat the cold out! Shared with Venera & Carol. #51, 57, & 60! Yummy!
Friday... despite my sinus cold went to class. After class got some new flats and a comforter for my bed. I went to the Pittsburgh Symphony with Josh. [Mama and Papa Josh were out of town, so we used their tickets!] Dressed up. Josh looked very handsome in suit. It was the Young Person's Guild to the Orchestra. My favorite piece was the first piece played, Cindy McTee: Double Play (2010) [take a listen]! Josh liked Ralph Vaughn Williams: Five Variants of “Dives and Lazarus” (1993). Slight difference of opinion. Benjamin Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (1946) was the final piece. The literally had young people introduce the orchestra. A bit too hokey for me. Overall a very positive first professional symphony experience!
Today... went to Square Cafe for breakfast with Carol. Their was a bit of a wait. We were there around 10:45a.m. on a Saturday! Went with the Andouille [Soy] Sausage with Jalapeno Jam. I don't think the Soy Sausage were homemade... they taste suspiciously like Gimme Lean. The grits were creamy, but certainly not cheesy. The jalapeno jam was fabulous! For the price ($10) I was shocked that my meal didn't come with toast?! Overall tasty, but pricy. The coffee was delightful. The service was fine, but not particularly re-memorable.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween+ [Weekend 10]
This morning...Went to McDonald's. [You can pick up your Jaw now.] I've heard they had good coffee and I really wanted a dirt cheap mocha. [Aunt Flo needs the chocolate & dolly needs the caffeine.] I thought that it would be on the "dollar menu." Mochas cost more than Egg McMuffins. Something is terribly wrong with that! Anyways... my peppermint mocha totally hit the spot.
Let's see what have I been doing this week...
Tuesday I did had a mental health exam and I did Yoga.
Thursday... I had a medical term quiz. Bought a dress to wear to the symphony (going w Josh 11/4). Got the dress from the Goodwill on Centre. $5! It's a White House/Black Market dress. 3/4 length, strapless, black, embroidered grey and brown floral pattern, and black bead work. I need new shoes. Then to the Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh to be with a dozen SMOTs, a roommate, a husband, and a handful of extras. College night! $5 pretzels & cheese and $6 liters. 2.5 liters is a lot to drink. Danced danced danced. Sang. The lovely miss Caitlin delivered me home. Lovely time.
Friday... was hung over all day. Woke up. Took myself to Ritter's diner. When first walked in it was a little strange. Took a bit of time to get seat, even though they weren't that busy. I loved my waitress! She was on top of it. Called me "hon." Great. My omelet [spinach and feta] was pretty standard fair. The home fries were just perfect! The coffee was typical Pittsburgh diner coffee, nothing to write home about. This place is 24 hours. And I highly recommend it for the drunk and hungover and lazy breakfast food goers. After breakfast. I walked around walnut street for a large part of the afternoon. Looking for shoes and ID badge holders. Than home to make my Sheep Costume. Than Halloween PARTY! Had a really good turn out. Tasty snacks.
Saturday... Went to the Strip with Josh. Got some good deals on some dry goods. I find the produce aspect of the strip to be disappointing. Went home made "Pad Thai." ["Pad Thai" sauce... brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, soy sauce, sriracha, and lime juice.] Made Israeli salad to take to the Diwali potluck! Wore my Sari to the Diwali potluck at Khayati's house. [Khyati is a friend I made on the megabus ride home for Yom Kippur.] Yummy food. Smart, funny, and friendly folks. Josh was a bit overwhelmed by the Mafia game. [I need to start prepping him for Euchre playing at Christmas!] It was my 1st Diwali party and I felt more than satisfied by the experience! I went home and watched the season finally of Against The Wall. I hope Abby picks Brody! And I hope the network [Lifetime] doesn't cancel the show. [My favorite shows seem to get canceled... Outsourced, Pushing Daisies, The Playboy Club]
Sunday... Saw Peter Pan at the Ballet with Sho, Venera, and Josh! The Benedum Center is a pretty impressive venue. The music was fine. The dancing was cute, but not outrageous. The story was well told. I was most impressed with the costumes. Had an Irish coffee at intermission. On the way home dropped Josh off at the bar to watch the Steelers game with the bros [Matt and Adam]. Went with Venera and Sho so they could experience Trader Joe's for the 1st time. Then I studied the brachial plexus and made soup & salad for dinner. Josh & I have officially been dating a month and I will be renewing his one-month contract. <3
Overall great weekend [did not study enough].
Now... the brachial plexus and I gots to duke it out.
Let's see what have I been doing this week...
Tuesday I did had a mental health exam and I did Yoga.
Thursday... I had a medical term quiz. Bought a dress to wear to the symphony (going w Josh 11/4). Got the dress from the Goodwill on Centre. $5! It's a White House/Black Market dress. 3/4 length, strapless, black, embroidered grey and brown floral pattern, and black bead work. I need new shoes. Then to the Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh to be with a dozen SMOTs, a roommate, a husband, and a handful of extras. College night! $5 pretzels & cheese and $6 liters. 2.5 liters is a lot to drink. Danced danced danced. Sang. The lovely miss Caitlin delivered me home. Lovely time.
Friday... was hung over all day. Woke up. Took myself to Ritter's diner. When first walked in it was a little strange. Took a bit of time to get seat, even though they weren't that busy. I loved my waitress! She was on top of it. Called me "hon." Great. My omelet [spinach and feta] was pretty standard fair. The home fries were just perfect! The coffee was typical Pittsburgh diner coffee, nothing to write home about. This place is 24 hours. And I highly recommend it for the drunk and hungover and lazy breakfast food goers. After breakfast. I walked around walnut street for a large part of the afternoon. Looking for shoes and ID badge holders. Than home to make my Sheep Costume. Than Halloween PARTY! Had a really good turn out. Tasty snacks.
 |
| The roommates [Carol, Me, & Joy] + Denise [of the U of Pitt archeology/anthropology department]. |
Saturday... Went to the Strip with Josh. Got some good deals on some dry goods. I find the produce aspect of the strip to be disappointing. Went home made "Pad Thai." ["Pad Thai" sauce... brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, soy sauce, sriracha, and lime juice.] Made Israeli salad to take to the Diwali potluck! Wore my Sari to the Diwali potluck at Khayati's house. [Khyati is a friend I made on the megabus ride home for Yom Kippur.] Yummy food. Smart, funny, and friendly folks. Josh was a bit overwhelmed by the Mafia game. [I need to start prepping him for Euchre playing at Christmas!] It was my 1st Diwali party and I felt more than satisfied by the experience! I went home and watched the season finally of Against The Wall. I hope Abby picks Brody! And I hope the network [Lifetime] doesn't cancel the show. [My favorite shows seem to get canceled... Outsourced, Pushing Daisies, The Playboy Club]
Sunday... Saw Peter Pan at the Ballet with Sho, Venera, and Josh! The Benedum Center is a pretty impressive venue. The music was fine. The dancing was cute, but not outrageous. The story was well told. I was most impressed with the costumes. Had an Irish coffee at intermission. On the way home dropped Josh off at the bar to watch the Steelers game with the bros [Matt and Adam]. Went with Venera and Sho so they could experience Trader Joe's for the 1st time. Then I studied the brachial plexus and made soup & salad for dinner. Josh & I have officially been dating a month and I will be renewing his one-month contract. <3
Overall great weekend [did not study enough].
Now... the brachial plexus and I gots to duke it out.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Pumpkin Bread
Because you know you want to make some pumpkin bread.
Makes 2 loaves. (or 3-4 dozen muffins.)
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup flaxseed meal (trust me)
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups of fresh pumpkin --> 16 ounces if using canned pumpkin (I have
used zucchini, rhubarb, beet, carrot, and banana alternatively.)
2/3 cup water --> if pumpkin is canned
1/2 cup water --> if pumpkin is fresh or frozen
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup chopped pecans optional
a Bag of MINI chocolate chips optional (It is important to use the
mini ones, because the regular sized ones tent to sink and all end up
on the bottom. Highly recommended!)
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine flour, flaxseed meal, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar in large mixing bowl. Add eggs, water, oil and pumpkin. Stir until blended. Add nuts. Mix well. Pour into two 9x5" loaf pans. Bake 1 hour. (Muffins cook about 17 minutes!) Cool slightly and take out of pans to let cool on a rack. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be frozen.
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup flaxseed meal (trust me)
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups of fresh pumpkin --> 16 ounces if using canned pumpkin (I have
used zucchini, rhubarb, beet, carrot, and banana alternatively.)
2/3 cup water --> if pumpkin is canned
1/2 cup water --> if pumpkin is fresh or frozen
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup chopped pecans optional
a Bag of MINI chocolate chips optional (It is important to use the
mini ones, because the regular sized ones tent to sink and all end up
on the bottom. Highly recommended!)
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine flour, flaxseed meal, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar in large mixing bowl. Add eggs, water, oil and pumpkin. Stir until blended. Add nuts. Mix well. Pour into two 9x5" loaf pans. Bake 1 hour. (Muffins cook about 17 minutes!) Cool slightly and take out of pans to let cool on a rack. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be frozen.
To veganize.
Omit eggs.
Extra 1 tsp. baking soda
TWO 6 oz silk individual vanilla soy yogurt
Use HALF the amount of water.
Vegan Mac and "Cheese"
Lagoon [Lerone] shared this fabulous recipe with me.
"Cheese" sauce. In a blender.
1 & 1/2 cups soy milk (plain)
½ to ¾ cup nutritional yeast to taste (this is the cheesy part)
2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon powdered mustard
¼ teaspoon turmeric (for color)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 garlic cloves
1/2 block soft Tofu
1/4 cup tamari (soy sauce)
1 tablespoon earth balance (vegan butter or vegetable oil)
1/4 cup tamari (soy sauce)
1 tablespoon earth balance (vegan butter or vegetable oil)
Pour over 1 lb cooked pasta or 12 oz cooked pasta and a cup of peas or peas and carrots.
Optional bake at 350 until bubbly.
5-6 servings.
Monday, October 24, 2011
[Weekend 9]
Made Vegan Pumpkin Bread.
Elissa visited.
Can officially like Indian Garden and their dirt cheap Indian food.
Double Wide Grill served up a pretty tasty breakfast. Would do again!
Amazing MSU vs. U of Wisco Madison game viewed at Willain Penn Tavern. A nice place to watch the game.
Lots of school/studying ahead...
Elissa visited.
Can officially like Indian Garden and their dirt cheap Indian food.
Double Wide Grill served up a pretty tasty breakfast. Would do again!
Amazing MSU vs. U of Wisco Madison game viewed at Willain Penn Tavern. A nice place to watch the game.
Lots of school/studying ahead...
Friday, October 21, 2011
Short week of "school," long week of studying.
Monday
Fall break. Did some pretty intense Anatomy studying.
Tuesday
Also fall break. Met Josh at the Franktuary dahntahn. [I'm working on using my Pittsburgh vocabulary, Pittsburghese, for yinz.] I was not impressed with the cole slaw. But I thought the veggie dog with sauerkraut, pickle relish, and local Miller's Mustard was quite fabulous. I would do that again if I found myself downtown for lunch again. Also studied anatomy. Went and saw 50/50 with Trisha, Sho, Venera, and Josh. GREAT movie! It was at this cute little theater in Squirrel Hill.
Wednesday
Back to school. Studied. Did some amazing yoga.
Thursday
Went to school. Studied. Stressful day. Followed by cuddles with Josh.
Today
Josh bought a megabus ticket to come to Detroit over winter break 12/25-12/29! And tickets to see Peter Pan at the ballet! Swoon. I also got a text message from my cousins, Nick and Christina, I went to school. Studied. Went and got some gas from the get go. $2.99 a gallon using my fuelperks! Did some shopping with carol for school supplies and groceries. Came home finished up an assignment. Made vegan pumpkin bread. Looks yummy! Excited about eating it tomorrow! Going to pick up Lissa from the Megabus stop soon.
Fall break. Did some pretty intense Anatomy studying.
Tuesday
Also fall break. Met Josh at the Franktuary dahntahn. [I'm working on using my Pittsburgh vocabulary, Pittsburghese, for yinz.] I was not impressed with the cole slaw. But I thought the veggie dog with sauerkraut, pickle relish, and local Miller's Mustard was quite fabulous. I would do that again if I found myself downtown for lunch again. Also studied anatomy. Went and saw 50/50 with Trisha, Sho, Venera, and Josh. GREAT movie! It was at this cute little theater in Squirrel Hill.
Wednesday
Back to school. Studied. Did some amazing yoga.
Thursday
Went to school. Studied. Stressful day. Followed by cuddles with Josh.
Today
Josh bought a megabus ticket to come to Detroit over winter break 12/25-12/29! And tickets to see Peter Pan at the ballet! Swoon. I also got a text message from my cousins, Nick and Christina, I went to school. Studied. Went and got some gas from the get go. $2.99 a gallon using my fuelperks! Did some shopping with carol for school supplies and groceries. Came home finished up an assignment. Made vegan pumpkin bread. Looks yummy! Excited about eating it tomorrow! Going to pick up Lissa from the Megabus stop soon.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
A Lolo loving weekend. [Weekend 8]
Wednesday
Lauren [Lolo] check into hotel dolly. Went to Ambiance for high end thrift shopping. Then we went on a bar crawl over on the South Side. OTB for black bean cakes, fried pickles, & beer half off for happy hour. Our server was totally clueless. And the peanut butter "sauce" was not really anywhere near the consistency of a sauce. Double wide grill were we had more beer and some dense and tasty seitan wings. I would eat these again! Then to the hofbrauhaus for some German Beer. Not really the most vegetarian menu and we were pretty full from all of our previous snacking.
Thursday
Went to class. Came home. Went to happy hour at Shape Edge Beer Emporium with Lauren, Chelsea, and John. [Msu-folk-tastic!] Got super drunk drinking half off Belgian beers. There was a blonde Belgian I favored. Had a blue cheese and buffalo sauce burger. Very yummy. Lauren and I went to Giant Eagle. Bought pumpkin gobs. Ate gobs and passed out while watching I <3 Huckabees.
Friday
After school. Went sushi shopping. Had people over for sushi rolling. Tofu, avocado, pea sprout, cucumber, and sweet chili sauce! Avocado, sweet potato, and cream cheese! People went home and Carol, Conan [Carol's out of town guest], Lauren, and me went to Lou's.
Saturday
Breakfast at Quiet Storm. Really tasty. But disappointed they didn't have REAL Jam. Andy Warhol Museum. Had such a ridiculous experience trying to find parking on the North Side because of the U of Piitt football game. Parked downtown and walked across the bridge to the museum Which was AWESOME. The Trolley [aka subway]. Monogahela Incline was super packed with Steeler Tourist. But wonderful views of the city, such perfect weather! Panera for dinner [the ultimate Pittsburgh dinning experience]. The Waffle Shop for dessert. Not as exciting as I expected. But fairly tasty.
Today
Went to Ikea for super cheap breakfast in route to the airport. Stopped at Jo Ann Fabrics to get Halloween costume supplies! Yay! [Josh came with so I wouldn't have to drive back to town alone & he didn't complain about going to Jo Ann's. Good boyfriend.] I miss Lauren already. ... Who's coming to visit next? Lissa next weekend. And then...
Lauren [Lolo] check into hotel dolly. Went to Ambiance for high end thrift shopping. Then we went on a bar crawl over on the South Side. OTB for black bean cakes, fried pickles, & beer half off for happy hour. Our server was totally clueless. And the peanut butter "sauce" was not really anywhere near the consistency of a sauce. Double wide grill were we had more beer and some dense and tasty seitan wings. I would eat these again! Then to the hofbrauhaus for some German Beer. Not really the most vegetarian menu and we were pretty full from all of our previous snacking.
Thursday
Went to class. Came home. Went to happy hour at Shape Edge Beer Emporium with Lauren, Chelsea, and John. [Msu-folk-tastic!] Got super drunk drinking half off Belgian beers. There was a blonde Belgian I favored. Had a blue cheese and buffalo sauce burger. Very yummy. Lauren and I went to Giant Eagle. Bought pumpkin gobs. Ate gobs and passed out while watching I <3 Huckabees.
Friday
After school. Went sushi shopping. Had people over for sushi rolling. Tofu, avocado, pea sprout, cucumber, and sweet chili sauce! Avocado, sweet potato, and cream cheese! People went home and Carol, Conan [Carol's out of town guest], Lauren, and me went to Lou's.
Saturday
Breakfast at Quiet Storm. Really tasty. But disappointed they didn't have REAL Jam. Andy Warhol Museum. Had such a ridiculous experience trying to find parking on the North Side because of the U of Piitt football game. Parked downtown and walked across the bridge to the museum Which was AWESOME. The Trolley [aka subway]. Monogahela Incline was super packed with Steeler Tourist. But wonderful views of the city, such perfect weather! Panera for dinner [the ultimate Pittsburgh dinning experience]. The Waffle Shop for dessert. Not as exciting as I expected. But fairly tasty.
Today
Went to Ikea for super cheap breakfast in route to the airport. Stopped at Jo Ann Fabrics to get Halloween costume supplies! Yay! [Josh came with so I wouldn't have to drive back to town alone & he didn't complain about going to Jo Ann's. Good boyfriend.] I miss Lauren already. ... Who's coming to visit next? Lissa next weekend. And then...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Weekend home [weekend 7]
Thursday
Turned out to be exactly as predicted. I am really liking Amazing Yoga.
Friday
After class I went home packed and took the port authority bus down to the Mega Bus. I was going to return Josh's cooking pot that I borrowed, but the timing wasn't right. So the pot took a trip to Detroit. Got in at 11:20pm. Went to the house of my childhood. Went to bed.
Saturday
Woke up for Yom Kippur morning services. They were fine. Nothing too insightful. Went to the original pancake house at 2:30 [after 19 hours of fasting] with Rob and Mary [cousin and girlfriend]. Went home. Watched some Law and Order: SVU. Went to Shield's for Greek salad and Detroit style pizza. Yummy. Was nice to have some family time! Went to Miss Emily's break fast. Lots of yummy food even tho I wasn't hungry [Kahlua cake and mac & cheese]. It was nice to talk about boys! I drove and I felt like I was really speeding [45 mph]. I don't drive much in Pittsburgh and when I do the speed limit is 30 mph or less everywhere in the city. Detroit also has more than one radio station that plays rap/R&B.
Sunday
Woke up went to Alex's for breakfast with Mom, Dad, Lissa, Erica, and Aunt Marie. Spinach and feta omelet with rice pilaf and pita bread. Yummy. Then over to Rochester Cider Mill to get cider and donuts to take pack to Pittsburgh! Went with Mom to get ideas about halloween costume things. Then off via Mega Bus to Pittsburgh. Went to Hotel Lauren [aka the Westin]. Drank Gin. Walked around downtown. Watched animal planet. More adventures with Lauren [the famous published] Olson to come.
Monday
Went to school. Went home and studied. Went to Amazing Yoga with Carol. Went on a double date with Josh & Mikey & Laura to Mad Mex Shadyside. Had the Super Mad Mex Burrito with Tofu. The Tofu was sort of blah. The Chickpea Chili wasn't saucy enough. The spicy spinach was spicy, but not amazing. The blue corn bread did not have texture that was pleasing to me. We came after the margarita specials were over. So I cannot comment on those. If I had a good reason to, I would try it again, but not the tofu and first I want a happy hour margarita! Josh's freind and his girlfriend were fairly quiet. I felt like I was interrogating them. After dinner I wanted to get Josh to stop with me for Gelato. But I failed at that.
Tuesday
Such a long long day. Brain exploded by anatomy. Took a quiz in foundation of OT. Turned in a essay for mental health. Sat through 3 hours of mental health lectures! When it was all over I stopped at whole foods to get dumplings [and other tasty things from the cold food bar] and Shannon's Sorbet Dutch Chocolate [needed to fill that Gelato void from the evening before]. Drove to Josh's. Returned his cooking pot. Ate dinner. Cuddled. Ate Sorbet. Super chocolatey super yummy really hit the spot. I think Josh approved of the Sorbet [which was vegan].
Today/Wednesday
Arrived at school only to find out class was canceled. We received an email at 6:36 am. [On a happy note... Trader Joe's Greek Style Nonfat Blueberry Yogurt is pretty amazing.] Cadaver lab/quiz. Then to pick up Lauren at the Westin to transfer her to Hotel Dolly through Sunday!
Do I think about food too much? Maybe...
Turned out to be exactly as predicted. I am really liking Amazing Yoga.
Friday
After class I went home packed and took the port authority bus down to the Mega Bus. I was going to return Josh's cooking pot that I borrowed, but the timing wasn't right. So the pot took a trip to Detroit. Got in at 11:20pm. Went to the house of my childhood. Went to bed.
Saturday
Woke up for Yom Kippur morning services. They were fine. Nothing too insightful. Went to the original pancake house at 2:30 [after 19 hours of fasting] with Rob and Mary [cousin and girlfriend]. Went home. Watched some Law and Order: SVU. Went to Shield's for Greek salad and Detroit style pizza. Yummy. Was nice to have some family time! Went to Miss Emily's break fast. Lots of yummy food even tho I wasn't hungry [Kahlua cake and mac & cheese]. It was nice to talk about boys! I drove and I felt like I was really speeding [45 mph]. I don't drive much in Pittsburgh and when I do the speed limit is 30 mph or less everywhere in the city. Detroit also has more than one radio station that plays rap/R&B.
Sunday
Woke up went to Alex's for breakfast with Mom, Dad, Lissa, Erica, and Aunt Marie. Spinach and feta omelet with rice pilaf and pita bread. Yummy. Then over to Rochester Cider Mill to get cider and donuts to take pack to Pittsburgh! Went with Mom to get ideas about halloween costume things. Then off via Mega Bus to Pittsburgh. Went to Hotel Lauren [aka the Westin]. Drank Gin. Walked around downtown. Watched animal planet. More adventures with Lauren [the famous published] Olson to come.
Monday
Went to school. Went home and studied. Went to Amazing Yoga with Carol. Went on a double date with Josh & Mikey & Laura to Mad Mex Shadyside. Had the Super Mad Mex Burrito with Tofu. The Tofu was sort of blah. The Chickpea Chili wasn't saucy enough. The spicy spinach was spicy, but not amazing. The blue corn bread did not have texture that was pleasing to me. We came after the margarita specials were over. So I cannot comment on those. If I had a good reason to, I would try it again, but not the tofu and first I want a happy hour margarita! Josh's freind and his girlfriend were fairly quiet. I felt like I was interrogating them. After dinner I wanted to get Josh to stop with me for Gelato. But I failed at that.
Tuesday
Such a long long day. Brain exploded by anatomy. Took a quiz in foundation of OT. Turned in a essay for mental health. Sat through 3 hours of mental health lectures! When it was all over I stopped at whole foods to get dumplings [and other tasty things from the cold food bar] and Shannon's Sorbet Dutch Chocolate [needed to fill that Gelato void from the evening before]. Drove to Josh's. Returned his cooking pot. Ate dinner. Cuddled. Ate Sorbet. Super chocolatey super yummy really hit the spot. I think Josh approved of the Sorbet [which was vegan].
Today/Wednesday
Arrived at school only to find out class was canceled. We received an email at 6:36 am. [On a happy note... Trader Joe's Greek Style Nonfat Blueberry Yogurt is pretty amazing.] Cadaver lab/quiz. Then to pick up Lauren at the Westin to transfer her to Hotel Dolly through Sunday!
Do I think about food too much? Maybe...
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Today is a beautiful day.
Monday
Day of studying. Amazing Yoga with Joy. Lovely day.
Tuesday
Our professor informed us that we all did so bad on our anatomy exam that he needed more time to grade them. Not a good feeling. On the positive side Mental Health class was canceled. Done with classed at 2:30! Did some studying. Met with Sho, Venera, Lucius, Trisha, and Irem. Picked up a large pizza from Anton's Pizza for under $5 including taxes! And it wasn't half bad! Went to Spinx Hookah Bar and Coffee Shop. EJ, our server was very friendly, but not the best server. The Spinx has a one drink minimum per person, but no booze, so I had a Lime Milk Shake - $5... like drinking key lime pie? The pumpkin pie hookah didn't taste particularly like pumpkin. Large hookah $15, split 6 ways. I got a smoking headache. Went home and studied some more. Lovely day.
Wednesday
Took Assessment and Intervention exam 90%. Felt like a competent student. Had a surprise (to me) fieldwork meeting. My fieldwork level II lotto number is 6. I'll get 6th pick the first time around and 34th pick the second time around. Level II fieldwork starts January 7th, 2013. So this is almost forever away! Lost 2 hours of study time due to meeting, totally stressed me out. Got a 90% on my anatomy quiz. Went home and wrote an essay about critical thinking and cultural awareness. The bus to meet Josh at Spak Brothers was 10 minutes late. So I was just a bit stressed out by late buses and surprise meeting and not getting 100% in lab. But [Josh] hugs have magical powers. Spak Brothers do not do BBQ "chicken" pizza, but they do have tasty BBQ Seitan melts. The bread was a little thick. They surprised me with green peppers, which needed to be picked off. Would have been better with pickles. But it was a good sandwich. Lovely day.
Today
Went to Coffee Tree Roaster coffee shop for a chai charger and an hour of studying before class. It was pretty good. Both the barista and the cashier were hot, just saying. Got back my anatomy exam. 88% such a relief! Went to Jimmy John's for a $1 sandwich [customer appreciation], #6 no mayo. Took medical term quiz. 89% Instant satisfaction. To do today... Going to do stigma assignment with my classmates Devon and Gab. Amazing Yoga 7:15 pm with Carol. Cuddles with Josh.
Day of studying. Amazing Yoga with Joy. Lovely day.
Tuesday
Our professor informed us that we all did so bad on our anatomy exam that he needed more time to grade them. Not a good feeling. On the positive side Mental Health class was canceled. Done with classed at 2:30! Did some studying. Met with Sho, Venera, Lucius, Trisha, and Irem. Picked up a large pizza from Anton's Pizza for under $5 including taxes! And it wasn't half bad! Went to Spinx Hookah Bar and Coffee Shop. EJ, our server was very friendly, but not the best server. The Spinx has a one drink minimum per person, but no booze, so I had a Lime Milk Shake - $5... like drinking key lime pie? The pumpkin pie hookah didn't taste particularly like pumpkin. Large hookah $15, split 6 ways. I got a smoking headache. Went home and studied some more. Lovely day.
Wednesday
Took Assessment and Intervention exam 90%. Felt like a competent student. Had a surprise (to me) fieldwork meeting. My fieldwork level II lotto number is 6. I'll get 6th pick the first time around and 34th pick the second time around. Level II fieldwork starts January 7th, 2013. So this is almost forever away! Lost 2 hours of study time due to meeting, totally stressed me out. Got a 90% on my anatomy quiz. Went home and wrote an essay about critical thinking and cultural awareness. The bus to meet Josh at Spak Brothers was 10 minutes late. So I was just a bit stressed out by late buses and surprise meeting and not getting 100% in lab. But [Josh] hugs have magical powers. Spak Brothers do not do BBQ "chicken" pizza, but they do have tasty BBQ Seitan melts. The bread was a little thick. They surprised me with green peppers, which needed to be picked off. Would have been better with pickles. But it was a good sandwich. Lovely day.
Today
Went to Coffee Tree Roaster coffee shop for a chai charger and an hour of studying before class. It was pretty good. Both the barista and the cashier were hot, just saying. Got back my anatomy exam. 88% such a relief! Went to Jimmy John's for a $1 sandwich [customer appreciation], #6 no mayo. Took medical term quiz. 89% Instant satisfaction. To do today... Going to do stigma assignment with my classmates Devon and Gab. Amazing Yoga 7:15 pm with Carol. Cuddles with Josh.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Happy New Year. [Weekend 6]
Thursday
Karissa arrived via megabus. Scooped her up from the downtown crazy mocha. She reports that the coffee IS terrible. Went grocery shopping for ingredients for new years party. Walked to Brillobox. Josh joned us. Ate yummy veggie burgers, drank beer. Walked to Lou's. Had another beer. Lou's gave me a REAL glass! Super nice evening for a post anatomy day.
Friday
Walked to school. Gave Karissa my Id and computer password so she could explore and then play on the computer once she got bored. Karissa took a tour of Chatham with the PT secretary and I learned about reflexes. Walked home the scenic way. Stopped at the ShadyGrove on walnut, for a surprisingly affordable salad and sandwich. Went home and cooked up a storm. My forearms and hands still hurt from kneading Challah. So glad Karissa was there to help!
Guest began to arrive at 6:30. Beppo Von Winkle stole the show. I had a lovely time. I think the guest had a lovely time. I was very happy about the success of hosting my first Pittsburgh party.
Saturday
Such a cold cold rainy day. Woken up by the Shadyside 5K event running down center. Went with Karssa to Hanlon's Cafe. So great. Only wish they used real plates and cups... not disposables. Sent Karissa home on the megabus. [Excited for when she visits in February!] Went home. Did dishes... all day. Every dish in the house was dirty from the party. Josh* came over. Had lots of left over to eat. We cuddled. And it was a lovey day.
*Sidenote. Josh is officially dolly's boyfriend, now. And I am just smitten.
Sunday
Lazyed in bed most of the day, it was so cold outside of the blankets. Finally got up. Took a shower. Came to Panera to study, where there is heat and pumpkin lattes. <3
School tomorrow.
Karissa arrived via megabus. Scooped her up from the downtown crazy mocha. She reports that the coffee IS terrible. Went grocery shopping for ingredients for new years party. Walked to Brillobox. Josh joned us. Ate yummy veggie burgers, drank beer. Walked to Lou's. Had another beer. Lou's gave me a REAL glass! Super nice evening for a post anatomy day.
Friday
Walked to school. Gave Karissa my Id and computer password so she could explore and then play on the computer once she got bored. Karissa took a tour of Chatham with the PT secretary and I learned about reflexes. Walked home the scenic way. Stopped at the ShadyGrove on walnut, for a surprisingly affordable salad and sandwich. Went home and cooked up a storm. My forearms and hands still hurt from kneading Challah. So glad Karissa was there to help!
Saturday
Such a cold cold rainy day. Woken up by the Shadyside 5K event running down center. Went with Karssa to Hanlon's Cafe. So great. Only wish they used real plates and cups... not disposables. Sent Karissa home on the megabus. [Excited for when she visits in February!] Went home. Did dishes... all day. Every dish in the house was dirty from the party. Josh* came over. Had lots of left over to eat. We cuddled. And it was a lovey day.
*Sidenote. Josh is officially dolly's boyfriend, now. And I am just smitten.
Sunday
Lazyed in bed most of the day, it was so cold outside of the blankets. Finally got up. Took a shower. Came to Panera to study, where there is heat and pumpkin lattes. <3
School tomorrow.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Today was a bad day so far. [Anatomy Exam I]
Anatomy exam. Yuck.
Went to get my lunch out of the "fridge"... frozen coleslaw... sad face.
At least I have Jewish New Years, cuddles, and Karissa to cheer me up.
Went to get my lunch out of the "fridge"... frozen coleslaw... sad face.
At least I have Jewish New Years, cuddles, and Karissa to cheer me up.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sometimes you have to work hard in Grad School.
At this very moment... cup of instant coffee might be as good as a nap.
I forgot about my presentation today... should have worn fancy shoes. I can handle. I've got good content...
Anatomy quiz on the thigh tomorrow.
Anatomy test on the lower limb Thursday. Article summary also due Thursday. And my first academic advising meeting!
When Thursday is over I want chocolate cake and beer for dinner!
PS. Additionally Aunt Flow is expected on Saturday... so at any moment I feel like I might cry.
I forgot about my presentation today... should have worn fancy shoes. I can handle. I've got good content...
Anatomy quiz on the thigh tomorrow.
Anatomy test on the lower limb Thursday. Article summary also due Thursday. And my first academic advising meeting!
When Thursday is over I want chocolate cake and beer for dinner!
PS. Additionally Aunt Flow is expected on Saturday... so at any moment I feel like I might cry.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
dolly studies for anatomy exam [Weekend 5]
Thursday
Fuel and Fuddle for happy hour with Chelsea. Began my furious studying for the anatomy exam count down 1 week.
Friday
Went to Quiet Storm for dinner. This place gets the dolly approval. My fake lamb gyro was pretty tasty. And they had other things I would like to try... like their coffee. Brunch? To be visited again. Afterward went to the world famous [well Joy, Matt & Josh rave about it] Gooski's. It was fine. Nothing could match the magic it is described to have. They DO get bonus points for having Erotic What's the difference? [Kristi!] With time there will be love of Gooski's. If only it wasn't terribly out of the way...
Saturday
Studied anatomy. Went to Trader Joe's to get the fixings to cook up some pad thai. Studied anatomy. Cooked pad thai for dinner. Went to a x number of poets for change at Hemingway's. The poetry was thought provoking. I was slightly confused about the title Gulf... which I mistook for golf. Why is golf slimy and black? She wasn't talking about Tiger Woods. Really not into Hemingway's bar [scene]. Then we introduced Carol to the All American egg roll. Yummy! And called it a night.
Today [Sunday]
Studied anatomy. Josh came over, we walked to lunch at Dapne Cafe. Dapne's is a really cute little restaurant. They don't have an outrageously large menu. I don't know that it feels particularly Turkish, which it is. Had a baba ganoush sandwich. I'm really digging the baba ganoush... must be some sort of phase. Dug the olives on the sandwich... possibly as good an option as pickles would have been. And the pita bread was really tasty. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe. Really tasty. Very fresh. Walked home. Then a little more anatomy. Then some HOT [Amazing Yoga] Yoga. [Just a short walk from my house.] Really cannot be sure if it was the yoga itself or the heat, but I was a hot sweaty [sauna stoned] mess. I've commit to 5 more weeks of Sunday night yoga, prepaid. Then home. Took an amazing shower. Talked to my dear miss Emily on the phone for a bit. Updating this. Soon to bed. More studying tomorrow!
Fuel and Fuddle for happy hour with Chelsea. Began my furious studying for the anatomy exam count down 1 week.
Friday
Went to Quiet Storm for dinner. This place gets the dolly approval. My fake lamb gyro was pretty tasty. And they had other things I would like to try... like their coffee. Brunch? To be visited again. Afterward went to the world famous [well Joy, Matt & Josh rave about it] Gooski's. It was fine. Nothing could match the magic it is described to have. They DO get bonus points for having Erotic What's the difference? [Kristi!] With time there will be love of Gooski's. If only it wasn't terribly out of the way...
Saturday
Studied anatomy. Went to Trader Joe's to get the fixings to cook up some pad thai. Studied anatomy. Cooked pad thai for dinner. Went to a x number of poets for change at Hemingway's. The poetry was thought provoking. I was slightly confused about the title Gulf... which I mistook for golf. Why is golf slimy and black? She wasn't talking about Tiger Woods. Really not into Hemingway's bar [scene]. Then we introduced Carol to the All American egg roll. Yummy! And called it a night.
Today [Sunday]
Studied anatomy. Josh came over, we walked to lunch at Dapne Cafe. Dapne's is a really cute little restaurant. They don't have an outrageously large menu. I don't know that it feels particularly Turkish, which it is. Had a baba ganoush sandwich. I'm really digging the baba ganoush... must be some sort of phase. Dug the olives on the sandwich... possibly as good an option as pickles would have been. And the pita bread was really tasty. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe. Really tasty. Very fresh. Walked home. Then a little more anatomy. Then some HOT [Amazing Yoga] Yoga. [Just a short walk from my house.] Really cannot be sure if it was the yoga itself or the heat, but I was a hot sweaty [sauna stoned] mess. I've commit to 5 more weeks of Sunday night yoga, prepaid. Then home. Took an amazing shower. Talked to my dear miss Emily on the phone for a bit. Updating this. Soon to bed. More studying tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
2 quizes passed today... anatomy and mint.
Monday... seems so long ago already.
Terribly dry evidence-based practice lecture. Went to Razzy Fresh for frozen yogurt for lunch. It's no Yoz. It was not only 8 calories an ounce. It was pricy. But it hit the spot. For dinner there was cooking and cuddling. And I successfully used the bus twice!
Tuesday...
Woke up fairly early to do some school work. Tuesday is just such a long day. Coming home @ 7pm had such an intense bibimbap craving. Made fried rice and a fried egg at home. Sriracha <3
Today...
We had wheelchair day in Assessment and Intervention. Pretty self explanatory... got to navigate getting into and out of the building and into and out of the bathroom as a person who uses a wheelchair. That was pretty fun. In cadaver lab, we used the lady today instead of the man. There are very obvious differences, because of her age. She was much older. She also had a lot more adipose (fat). If I am to be a cadaver one day I best stay in shape! We also had our first lab quiz! 95% got a little confused by some vocabulary. Then I walked to Mediterranean Grill in Squirrel Hill for a falafel and baba ganoush sandwich. The restaurant is in a creepy basement (which didn't seem handicapped accessible). But it is pretty fancy once inside the actual dinning area. The sandwich was maybe $2 more than I would have liked to pay (Detroit prices?). And there were NO pickles (this is the sad part). And I would have liked it grilled or crisped. The falafel and baba were fairly tasty tho! On my walk between the Mothership (main campus as Professor Jodi calls it), Mediterranean Grill, and Chatham Eastside, I identified 4 types of mint growing in folks front gardens. There was catnip, apple mint, spearmint, and lemon balm. The exciting thing is that the front lawns were pretty shady (not very sunny) so it gives me hope for my shady green patch, hopeful to be a garden next spring! Then back at Chatham Eastside we had CPR training. It was relatively fast and painless. Nothing compared to the training that MORC or Camphill put me through! Then I walked home (which I do everyday, because it only takes 30 minutes). As soon as I walked outside it started raining and as soon as I got home it stopped. Awesome, right? At home Joy was listening anxiously to Democracy Now and screaming about the Troy Davis case. Since... she has gone out to dinner with Matt and his family. What to do tonight? Study?
Terribly dry evidence-based practice lecture. Went to Razzy Fresh for frozen yogurt for lunch. It's no Yoz. It was not only 8 calories an ounce. It was pricy. But it hit the spot. For dinner there was cooking and cuddling. And I successfully used the bus twice!
Tuesday...
Woke up fairly early to do some school work. Tuesday is just such a long day. Coming home @ 7pm had such an intense bibimbap craving. Made fried rice and a fried egg at home. Sriracha <3
Today...
We had wheelchair day in Assessment and Intervention. Pretty self explanatory... got to navigate getting into and out of the building and into and out of the bathroom as a person who uses a wheelchair. That was pretty fun. In cadaver lab, we used the lady today instead of the man. There are very obvious differences, because of her age. She was much older. She also had a lot more adipose (fat). If I am to be a cadaver one day I best stay in shape! We also had our first lab quiz! 95% got a little confused by some vocabulary. Then I walked to Mediterranean Grill in Squirrel Hill for a falafel and baba ganoush sandwich. The restaurant is in a creepy basement (which didn't seem handicapped accessible). But it is pretty fancy once inside the actual dinning area. The sandwich was maybe $2 more than I would have liked to pay (Detroit prices?). And there were NO pickles (this is the sad part). And I would have liked it grilled or crisped. The falafel and baba were fairly tasty tho! On my walk between the Mothership (main campus as Professor Jodi calls it), Mediterranean Grill, and Chatham Eastside, I identified 4 types of mint growing in folks front gardens. There was catnip, apple mint, spearmint, and lemon balm. The exciting thing is that the front lawns were pretty shady (not very sunny) so it gives me hope for my shady green patch, hopeful to be a garden next spring! Then back at Chatham Eastside we had CPR training. It was relatively fast and painless. Nothing compared to the training that MORC or Camphill put me through! Then I walked home (which I do everyday, because it only takes 30 minutes). As soon as I walked outside it started raining and as soon as I got home it stopped. Awesome, right? At home Joy was listening anxiously to Democracy Now and screaming about the Troy Davis case. Since... she has gone out to dinner with Matt and his family. What to do tonight? Study?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Tin Front Cafe stole the show. [Weekend 4!]
Hmmm... where did I leave off in my story?
I'm planning a Jewish New Years Party for Friday the 30th. I ordered Apples to Apples [the game] to play. Hopeful.
Friday I had a date. With a Jewish [you can pick up your jaw now], nice, cute, smart, funny, food conscious, all around delightful gentleman... who claims to have a tragic flaw, but I can't figure out what it is. I like him, but don't need to jinx things. ...Afterwards [say 11:30pm], I was going to hang out with Carol, but I fell asleep on the couch. At around 1am I scooped myself up and went to bed. So much for being a party animal.
Yesterday went to The Waterfront. I drove, because the bus was taking too long. [I don't normally drive anywhere here.] 8th street is pretty cute. We [Carol, Venera, Sho, Trisha, Amy, and I] went to The Tin Front Cafe. [Pictured below.] It was lovey. [Obvious by the picture, no?] They had good coffee and I enjoyed my cheddar and apple grilled cheese. I would return again if the opportunity presented itself. The Waterfront "Mall" lacked little to be desired. Huge strip malls. Big parking lots. No view of the waterfront!? Bleh. In the evening, Carol and I went to see a movie that was being presented at U of Pitt. But the movie was slow... so we ditched out to go get hot apple ciders. Came home. Talked to Ronnie on the phone for an hour.
Today. Should need to be productive. That is all. <3
I'm planning a Jewish New Years Party for Friday the 30th. I ordered Apples to Apples [the game] to play. Hopeful.
Friday I had a date. With a Jewish [you can pick up your jaw now], nice, cute, smart, funny, food conscious, all around delightful gentleman... who claims to have a tragic flaw, but I can't figure out what it is. I like him, but don't need to jinx things. ...Afterwards [say 11:30pm], I was going to hang out with Carol, but I fell asleep on the couch. At around 1am I scooped myself up and went to bed. So much for being a party animal.
Yesterday went to The Waterfront. I drove, because the bus was taking too long. [I don't normally drive anywhere here.] 8th street is pretty cute. We [Carol, Venera, Sho, Trisha, Amy, and I] went to The Tin Front Cafe. [Pictured below.] It was lovey. [Obvious by the picture, no?] They had good coffee and I enjoyed my cheddar and apple grilled cheese. I would return again if the opportunity presented itself. The Waterfront "Mall" lacked little to be desired. Huge strip malls. Big parking lots. No view of the waterfront!? Bleh. In the evening, Carol and I went to see a movie that was being presented at U of Pitt. But the movie was slow... so we ditched out to go get hot apple ciders. Came home. Talked to Ronnie on the phone for an hour.
Today. Should need to be productive. That is all. <3
Friday, September 16, 2011
Beer & Wine
Adventures of a Thursday night....
dolly [I] wanted a case of Two Hearted Ale.
Joy wanted a 6-pack of Woodchuck's Fall Seasonal.
Carol wanted a bottle of wine.
How many stores does one have to go to in order to get these 3 items?
3 stores. That's right 3.
The beer distributor store only sells cases (24 and 30 packs) of beer.
The 6-pack store (which charges a hefty $14.99 for a 6-pack of Two Hearted... thus why I needed to buy a case $40) sells 6-packs, singles and typical Michigan gas station/corner store items.
The wine & spirits distributor store sells only wine and spirits.
... an hour and a half later. All were happy.
God bless Michigan's alcohol buying laws... Meijer's and Trader's Joes. That's all I got to say. <3
PS I just purchased the Martha Steward Comic Book off Amazon. Anxiously awaiting its arrival!
dolly [I] wanted a case of Two Hearted Ale.
Joy wanted a 6-pack of Woodchuck's Fall Seasonal.
Carol wanted a bottle of wine.
How many stores does one have to go to in order to get these 3 items?
3 stores. That's right 3.
The beer distributor store only sells cases (24 and 30 packs) of beer.
The 6-pack store (which charges a hefty $14.99 for a 6-pack of Two Hearted... thus why I needed to buy a case $40) sells 6-packs, singles and typical Michigan gas station/corner store items.
The wine & spirits distributor store sells only wine and spirits.
... an hour and a half later. All were happy.
God bless Michigan's alcohol buying laws... Meijer's and Trader's Joes. That's all I got to say. <3
PS I just purchased the Martha Steward Comic Book off Amazon. Anxiously awaiting its arrival!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Mooncake Festival!
Monday night we went to Lou's they have a new policy that there is no glass allowed on the patio. Plastic cups. I am sad, but I still love Lou's Little Corner Bar. The patio was a beautiful place for a little [Chinese] Mooncake celebration with friends. White Lotus Mooncake was my favorite. But I am not trading in 7-layer cake.
Yesterday I came home @ 7:30 pm and no one was home. It was bit sad. Carol and Joy individually returned home shortly after. Generally, yesterday I was a little stuck in my head. Less so today?
Yesterday I came home @ 7:30 pm and no one was home. It was bit sad. Carol and Joy individually returned home shortly after. Generally, yesterday I was a little stuck in my head. Less so today?
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Class in a breeze/ trip to Mark and Marchen's [Weekend 3]
I can't believe I just finished my 2nd week of class!
Wednesday we had our OT buddy lunch. Rebecca is my 2nd year OT buddy. She seemed to have some good insight and she helped to relieve my anxiety about the amount of work. They served FREE pizza at lunch. No salad. And the pizza was pretty blah. I live across from Pizza Palermo and it is blah, too. I've also tried Pizza Sol's and while it is the best so far, I'm generally not impressed! Where does a girl have to go to get some good pizza?!
Thursday my TB test came back negative! Passed the first test of the semester. I have another TB test next weekend. I had 2 classes, they were pretty uneventful. Came home. Did a little studying. Pickled carrots, but not daikons. Banh Mi in the future! Went with Carol to meet Venera, & Tarisha [anthropology girls] and Lucias & Sho [engineering boys] for dinner at LuLu's Noodles. It was pretty unanimous that despite being dirt cheap, none of us would return there sober again. The food was all on the sweet side, a bit odd for Pan Asian, and the dishes were light on the vegetables and meat [tofu] and heavy on the carbs [rice or noodles]. After LuLu's we headed over to Fuel and Fuddle. I found it to be a delightful bar, but not cheap. The boys [the engineers] couldn't order drinks, because they didn't bring their passports. So it was time for just the ladies for a bit! The Fall Seasonal Woodchuck is just like candy, very delightful, not intended for children. The Great Lake BC's Oktoberfest isn't anything special. Bell's Two Hearted Ale reigns supreme. As we were leaving Fuel and Fuddle there was quite the lineup for half off pizza starting at 11pm. Maybe we could try that one day.... maybe. Got home late for a a school night. I also got a text message from the Andes Mountains. Swoon.
Friday in Intervention and Assessment we watched some great YouTube videos.And had some lecture, too.TBI= Traumatic Brain Injury
In the lab portion we talked about the subtle and not so subtle movements people make when they standup. Then we did an exercise in giving instructions on "simple"tasks... brushing teeth, writing a check, making coffee, putting on a coat,and looking up a number in the phone book. In summary, it is the OT's job to pay attention to the small details. It was a good class! After class was over, I walked to the beer store. You have to buy 24[!] beers. I couldn't just get a 6 pack... I passed on the beer, whereas I was on foot.
Out to Mark and Marchen's in Derry, PA. They made a lovey pasta meal. Then we walked up a little hill to go to Twin Maple [private] Hunting Club for a yuengling. Not very fancy. But nice. Marchen made apple crumble for dessert and we tried some of Mark's home brewed Wine! I spent the night, because it a little bit of a hike out to Derry and it is nice to get away from the city and have quality time with friends. I had a hard time falling asleep because it was too dark and too quiet. [Have I mentioned how the Red and Green lights of the pizza place illuminates my bedroom and the sound of people chatting at the bus stop and cars driving down Center sings me to sleep at night?] After I got over how dark and quiet it was I had a lovely night sleep. In the morning we went to this nice little flea market out on Rt.22. Afterwards, we went over to the Town of Greensburgh. Had a coffee at Dv8 Espresso Bar & Gallery. The nicest coffee shop I have seen since I moved home from New York! Where are the nice coffee shops in Pittsburgh?! We also went to some thrift stores in town. Greensburgh is pretty cute. Went back to the house, had lunch. Mark and Marchen sent me home with a bag of tomatoes and a zucchini! It was a nice trip away from Pittsburgh.
Came home. Did some studying. Made butternut squash, carrot, and apple curry soup for dinner. The 3 of us ladies reorganized the kitchen in a fabulous way. <3
Today/Sunday Woke up to the someone screaming, "I'm going to kill you, I'm going to murder you," outside on the street. [Have I mentioned how quiet it is here?] Joy was making Sunday brunch. Cinnamon and raisin swirl bread french toast stuffed with cream cheese [low fat] and apple butter, & topped with freshly stove baked apple slices. Yummy! Did some studying. Some cleaning. Went and walked around Ellsworth and Walnuts streets with Carol. Looked at the fancy boutiques and restaurants. Pricey. Didn't find any great coffee shops. Came home. Had dinner, nothing fancy. Made a frittata [spinach, tomato, feta, swiss, & olives] for quick meals throughout the week. Relaxing a bit. Mondays aren't so bad, only one class.
This frittata was for brunch last week, it had a carrot crust.
Photo credit goes to Carol! <3
Wednesday we had our OT buddy lunch. Rebecca is my 2nd year OT buddy. She seemed to have some good insight and she helped to relieve my anxiety about the amount of work. They served FREE pizza at lunch. No salad. And the pizza was pretty blah. I live across from Pizza Palermo and it is blah, too. I've also tried Pizza Sol's and while it is the best so far, I'm generally not impressed! Where does a girl have to go to get some good pizza?!
Thursday my TB test came back negative! Passed the first test of the semester. I have another TB test next weekend. I had 2 classes, they were pretty uneventful. Came home. Did a little studying. Pickled carrots, but not daikons. Banh Mi in the future! Went with Carol to meet Venera, & Tarisha [anthropology girls] and Lucias & Sho [engineering boys] for dinner at LuLu's Noodles. It was pretty unanimous that despite being dirt cheap, none of us would return there sober again. The food was all on the sweet side, a bit odd for Pan Asian, and the dishes were light on the vegetables and meat [tofu] and heavy on the carbs [rice or noodles]. After LuLu's we headed over to Fuel and Fuddle. I found it to be a delightful bar, but not cheap. The boys [the engineers] couldn't order drinks, because they didn't bring their passports. So it was time for just the ladies for a bit! The Fall Seasonal Woodchuck is just like candy, very delightful, not intended for children. The Great Lake BC's Oktoberfest isn't anything special. Bell's Two Hearted Ale reigns supreme. As we were leaving Fuel and Fuddle there was quite the lineup for half off pizza starting at 11pm. Maybe we could try that one day.... maybe. Got home late for a a school night. I also got a text message from the Andes Mountains. Swoon.
Friday in Intervention and Assessment we watched some great YouTube videos.And had some lecture, too.TBI= Traumatic Brain Injury
In the lab portion we talked about the subtle and not so subtle movements people make when they standup. Then we did an exercise in giving instructions on "simple"tasks... brushing teeth, writing a check, making coffee, putting on a coat,and looking up a number in the phone book. In summary, it is the OT's job to pay attention to the small details. It was a good class! After class was over, I walked to the beer store. You have to buy 24[!] beers. I couldn't just get a 6 pack... I passed on the beer, whereas I was on foot.
Out to Mark and Marchen's in Derry, PA. They made a lovey pasta meal. Then we walked up a little hill to go to Twin Maple [private] Hunting Club for a yuengling. Not very fancy. But nice. Marchen made apple crumble for dessert and we tried some of Mark's home brewed Wine! I spent the night, because it a little bit of a hike out to Derry and it is nice to get away from the city and have quality time with friends. I had a hard time falling asleep because it was too dark and too quiet. [Have I mentioned how the Red and Green lights of the pizza place illuminates my bedroom and the sound of people chatting at the bus stop and cars driving down Center sings me to sleep at night?] After I got over how dark and quiet it was I had a lovely night sleep. In the morning we went to this nice little flea market out on Rt.22. Afterwards, we went over to the Town of Greensburgh. Had a coffee at Dv8 Espresso Bar & Gallery. The nicest coffee shop I have seen since I moved home from New York! Where are the nice coffee shops in Pittsburgh?! We also went to some thrift stores in town. Greensburgh is pretty cute. Went back to the house, had lunch. Mark and Marchen sent me home with a bag of tomatoes and a zucchini! It was a nice trip away from Pittsburgh.
Came home. Did some studying. Made butternut squash, carrot, and apple curry soup for dinner. The 3 of us ladies reorganized the kitchen in a fabulous way. <3
Today/Sunday Woke up to the someone screaming, "I'm going to kill you, I'm going to murder you," outside on the street. [Have I mentioned how quiet it is here?] Joy was making Sunday brunch. Cinnamon and raisin swirl bread french toast stuffed with cream cheese [low fat] and apple butter, & topped with freshly stove baked apple slices. Yummy! Did some studying. Some cleaning. Went and walked around Ellsworth and Walnuts streets with Carol. Looked at the fancy boutiques and restaurants. Pricey. Didn't find any great coffee shops. Came home. Had dinner, nothing fancy. Made a frittata [spinach, tomato, feta, swiss, & olives] for quick meals throughout the week. Relaxing a bit. Mondays aren't so bad, only one class.
This frittata was for brunch last week, it had a carrot crust. Photo credit goes to Carol! <3
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
It feels like Cider & Donut Time.
Tuesdays are such a long day... 10am to 7pm.
Today in classes I really felt like all of my reading had paid off. I am learning things. I understand the concepts and connect them to what I've read. Go me!
I really like anatomy class. Maybe because it is what I am most familiar with studying... last year it consumed a large part of my life. But also the professor is so nice. And we watch very relevant YouTube videos, see below.
Had super tasty lunch at the East End Coop at risk of being considered antisocial for not eating lunch with my classmates, whom I've not really warmed up to just yet.
Got a TB test for free thanks to the school nurse.
It was a fairly cold rainy day, very Autumn. I thought about how beautiful the campus is going to be as the leaves change colors. I also thought about apple picking, but really farm fresh cider and donuts. After a little research I've yet to find a proper cider and donuts mill locally. I will continue in my search, but am prepared to be disappointed. I will have to visit Franklin Cider Mill when I go home for Yom Kippur. What is better than Fall in Michigan?
It's going to rain all week. I am wearing flannel pajamas. Waiting for laundry. Soon to bed. Planning to celebrate the weekend with Mark, Marchen, and Beppo.
<3
Today in classes I really felt like all of my reading had paid off. I am learning things. I understand the concepts and connect them to what I've read. Go me!
I really like anatomy class. Maybe because it is what I am most familiar with studying... last year it consumed a large part of my life. But also the professor is so nice. And we watch very relevant YouTube videos, see below.
Had super tasty lunch at the East End Coop at risk of being considered antisocial for not eating lunch with my classmates, whom I've not really warmed up to just yet.
Got a TB test for free thanks to the school nurse.
It was a fairly cold rainy day, very Autumn. I thought about how beautiful the campus is going to be as the leaves change colors. I also thought about apple picking, but really farm fresh cider and donuts. After a little research I've yet to find a proper cider and donuts mill locally. I will continue in my search, but am prepared to be disappointed. I will have to visit Franklin Cider Mill when I go home for Yom Kippur. What is better than Fall in Michigan?
It's going to rain all week. I am wearing flannel pajamas. Waiting for laundry. Soon to bed. Planning to celebrate the weekend with Mark, Marchen, and Beppo.
<3
Monday, September 5, 2011
Weekend 2.
On Saturday.
Pamela's was very disappointing. The lyonnaise potatoes were so buttery/ greasy. The omelet was just ok. They don't incorporate spinach into an omelet the way I'm used to/ prefer... it had the mushy spinach texture stuffed into the omelet. Next Saturday a different brunch restaurant might need to be explored.
After Pamela's, Carol and I walked around the strip. We did a little grocery shopping at an Asian market. Carefully reading ingredients to avoid MSG.
Went back home. Did some reading.
Went thrifting. I found a desk for $30! By desk I mean fairly old/ dare I say vintage vanity. It needed a bit of elbow grease. And it still smells like old lady. I also got a nice sized gold framed mirror to hang over my vanity. I am very excited as to how my room is coming along. A bookcase would be a nice find and a way to display my ridiculous collection of earrings? Carol and me also picked up a very soft, loud/bright, plaid futon cover. [Joy hates it.] We also stopped by the East End Community Thrift, looks very promising, but sadly it was closed by the time we arrived. We did have a chance to peruse Awesome Books,which was awesome. They have cats. Very sad to think about my sabbatical from reading for fun that I am on while completing grad school.
After thrifting went over to the East End Food Coop to get some granola, organic TVP, Bragg Liquid Aminos and Annie's Goddess Dressing. Then we went to Trader Joe's [that does not sell wine]. Carol's never been to a Trader Joe's before and they have some products I adore... aside from the 3 Buck Chuck...
Hanging around for the evening doing not too much of nothing.
On Sunday
Again woke up 8am. Made a frittata/quiche without a crust. Carrots, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, swiss, and olives and topped with locally grown fresh tomato slices. Home fries, too. Next weekend Joy is going to cook us brunch. <3
Did some studying. The 3 of us [Carol, Joy, and I] sit in the sunroom and each do our respective readings, so nicely.
Joy drove Carol, Sho, Venera, and me to the Mattress Factory. It's a nice place. Could have spent more time there than we budgeted for.
Afterwards we walked over to this colorful house we noticed. This is where we met Randy of Randyland/ Old Allegheny City. He is very colorful and talked our ears off. The world of the day, "nice." The quote of the day, "I'm not a rebel, I'm an activist." ... The video will give you just a taste.
Went to The Brillobox for Vegan Sunday dinner [$6] and Church Brew Works on tap [$3] for very happy taste buds.
Came home. Make coconut lime bread/cake. It turned out moderately successful. If you want a slice, come on over.
Matt [Joy's boy] and Trisha [Anthropology girl] came over. We played Settlers. Joy and Matt were on a team... and they won, proving two heads are better than one.
Overall very good weekend... but it just keeps going.
Today Labor Day/ Monday... no school... & Happy birthday Carol!
I slept in today [10am]. Since I woke up, I have been studying. Took some time to write this. More studying to come. Hopefully I will mop and sweep the floor. O boy!
Pamela's was very disappointing. The lyonnaise potatoes were so buttery/ greasy. The omelet was just ok. They don't incorporate spinach into an omelet the way I'm used to/ prefer... it had the mushy spinach texture stuffed into the omelet. Next Saturday a different brunch restaurant might need to be explored.
After Pamela's, Carol and I walked around the strip. We did a little grocery shopping at an Asian market. Carefully reading ingredients to avoid MSG.
Went back home. Did some reading.
Went thrifting. I found a desk for $30! By desk I mean fairly old/ dare I say vintage vanity. It needed a bit of elbow grease. And it still smells like old lady. I also got a nice sized gold framed mirror to hang over my vanity. I am very excited as to how my room is coming along. A bookcase would be a nice find and a way to display my ridiculous collection of earrings? Carol and me also picked up a very soft, loud/bright, plaid futon cover. [Joy hates it.] We also stopped by the East End Community Thrift, looks very promising, but sadly it was closed by the time we arrived. We did have a chance to peruse Awesome Books,which was awesome. They have cats. Very sad to think about my sabbatical from reading for fun that I am on while completing grad school.
After thrifting went over to the East End Food Coop to get some granola, organic TVP, Bragg Liquid Aminos and Annie's Goddess Dressing. Then we went to Trader Joe's [that does not sell wine]. Carol's never been to a Trader Joe's before and they have some products I adore... aside from the 3 Buck Chuck...
Hanging around for the evening doing not too much of nothing.
On Sunday
Again woke up 8am. Made a frittata/quiche without a crust. Carrots, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, swiss, and olives and topped with locally grown fresh tomato slices. Home fries, too. Next weekend Joy is going to cook us brunch. <3
Did some studying. The 3 of us [Carol, Joy, and I] sit in the sunroom and each do our respective readings, so nicely.
Joy drove Carol, Sho, Venera, and me to the Mattress Factory. It's a nice place. Could have spent more time there than we budgeted for.
Afterwards we walked over to this colorful house we noticed. This is where we met Randy of Randyland/ Old Allegheny City. He is very colorful and talked our ears off. The world of the day, "nice." The quote of the day, "I'm not a rebel, I'm an activist." ... The video will give you just a taste.
Went to The Brillobox for Vegan Sunday dinner [$6] and Church Brew Works on tap [$3] for very happy taste buds.
Came home. Make coconut lime bread/cake. It turned out moderately successful. If you want a slice, come on over.
Matt [Joy's boy] and Trisha [Anthropology girl] came over. We played Settlers. Joy and Matt were on a team... and they won, proving two heads are better than one.
Overall very good weekend... but it just keeps going.
Today Labor Day/ Monday... no school... & Happy birthday Carol!
I slept in today [10am]. Since I woke up, I have been studying. Took some time to write this. More studying to come. Hopefully I will mop and sweep the floor. O boy!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
And then the first week of class was over.
Monday we had OT orientation. No much to report on there. My classmates are 35 ladies and 5 gentlemen. Don't ask me names, yet. The professors and the 2nd years kept saying the program was going to to hard, but not to stress out! Not helpful.
Tuesday was the first day of classes. Going over the syllabus plural... syllabi, syllabuses? Tuesday is an extremely long day, with 3 classes spanning from 10am to 7pm.
Wednesday I had my first cadaver lab. When our professor was talking about the respect we should be giving the cadavers, I thought I would cry. He's a very nice professor. Looking at the cadaver was much less of an emotional or physical reaction than I would have expected out of myself. The hand is what really looked human, because it still had skin and finger nails. Lab is going to be fun. I think. I really like that there are 8 of us in lab, which is a much more reasonable group to get to work with than 40.
Thursday the reality of the workload I was undertaking finally set in. Did some good studying and then went to Lou's Little Corner Bar with friends. Was drunk for the first and not the last time in the fine city of Pittsburgh.
Friday we had a first year health studies interdisciplinary meeting OT, PT, PA, nurses, and psych. There was a guest speaker who was quadriplegic. It was nice. Than I came home and read for hours and hours. Carol and I fixed the toilet by safety pinning the chain to the plug. You are very impressed with our mechanical skills. Carol took me with her to go out with the U of Pitt Anthropologist at Hemingway Bar. The inside of the bar did not match my expectation based on the outside of the bar. There was one TV that was tuned into the Baylor/ TCU game. I wanted to have the tv switched to the State game, of course. But another table was watching that game. Boo. Regardless State (and Baylor) did win and Carol's classmates seem like more than decent enough folks.
Today I already woke up at 8am. Showered, did some reading. Reading parent's testimonials about having babies with special needs makes me cry. Going to Pamela's in the strip for brunch with Carol soon.
<3
Tuesday was the first day of classes. Going over the syllabus plural... syllabi, syllabuses? Tuesday is an extremely long day, with 3 classes spanning from 10am to 7pm.
Wednesday I had my first cadaver lab. When our professor was talking about the respect we should be giving the cadavers, I thought I would cry. He's a very nice professor. Looking at the cadaver was much less of an emotional or physical reaction than I would have expected out of myself. The hand is what really looked human, because it still had skin and finger nails. Lab is going to be fun. I think. I really like that there are 8 of us in lab, which is a much more reasonable group to get to work with than 40.
Thursday the reality of the workload I was undertaking finally set in. Did some good studying and then went to Lou's Little Corner Bar with friends. Was drunk for the first and not the last time in the fine city of Pittsburgh.
Friday we had a first year health studies interdisciplinary meeting OT, PT, PA, nurses, and psych. There was a guest speaker who was quadriplegic. It was nice. Than I came home and read for hours and hours. Carol and I fixed the toilet by safety pinning the chain to the plug. You are very impressed with our mechanical skills. Carol took me with her to go out with the U of Pitt Anthropologist at Hemingway Bar. The inside of the bar did not match my expectation based on the outside of the bar. There was one TV that was tuned into the Baylor/ TCU game. I wanted to have the tv switched to the State game, of course. But another table was watching that game. Boo. Regardless State (and Baylor) did win and Carol's classmates seem like more than decent enough folks.
Today I already woke up at 8am. Showered, did some reading. Reading parent's testimonials about having babies with special needs makes me cry. Going to Pamela's in the strip for brunch with Carol soon.
<3
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Dolly talk about first Pittsburgh weekend.
Learned that a liter of beer is slightly larger than a pint at Hofbräuhaus.
Vegan Pierogi and Korean BBQ backyard buffet. Good for people watching and eats. Learned that Straubs Larger taste pretty similar to PBR.
Met Joy's boy and some of his nice gentlemen friends.
Lou's Little Corner Bar could easily become my favorite place. I can walk there from my house and Yuengling on tap for $2.
I've found both Founders and Bell's beer here in Pittsburgh.
Carson Street has a ton of bars, most of them sports bars, mostly the same. Dense with Steelers fans, tourist, and undergrads. Some interesting people watching.
Today I had my grad school orientation, much less informative and useful than I could ever ever have imagines. The occupational therapy program starts tomorrow.
Today also was a Vietnamese day.
Went for Vietnamese brunch aka Sunday's Best Brunch at 720 Records. Followed by a personal walking tour of Lawrenceville, the hipster neighborhood. Events worth repeating.
Additionally, Chatham is studying Vietnamese culture for the year. So the University had Vietnamese food catered for dinner.
All things well.
<3
Vegan Pierogi and Korean BBQ backyard buffet. Good for people watching and eats. Learned that Straubs Larger taste pretty similar to PBR.
Met Joy's boy and some of his nice gentlemen friends.
Lou's Little Corner Bar could easily become my favorite place. I can walk there from my house and Yuengling on tap for $2.
I've found both Founders and Bell's beer here in Pittsburgh.
Carson Street has a ton of bars, most of them sports bars, mostly the same. Dense with Steelers fans, tourist, and undergrads. Some interesting people watching.
Today I had my grad school orientation, much less informative and useful than I could ever ever have imagines. The occupational therapy program starts tomorrow.
Today also was a Vietnamese day.
Went for Vietnamese brunch aka Sunday's Best Brunch at 720 Records. Followed by a personal walking tour of Lawrenceville, the hipster neighborhood. Events worth repeating.
Additionally, Chatham is studying Vietnamese culture for the year. So the University had Vietnamese food catered for dinner.
All things well.
<3
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Pittsburgh I have arrived!
The pt Cruiser was unpacked 500 x faster than it took to pack that's to Mark & Marchen + Joy --roomie!
The parents arrived downtown via the MegaBus.
A sampling of things accomplished. Finger printing. Parking permit. Ordered a mattress to sleep on. Hung curtains. Bought dinning chairs.
Other Highlights....
Pittsburgh Historic Neighborhood TrolleyTour, was actually really fun and fabulously touristy.
Ate at Primanti Brothers. Double egg and cheese. Not amazing tasting, but the french fries themselves were tasty. Similar to the homemade fries that Hellenic Coney Island puts out. HUGE sandwich. Would prefer it on whole wheat bread with fries on the side. But that's not the point. I know.
Ate at Over the bar Bicycle Cafe. Yummy! Will return again.
Went to my first J'burgh event.
Today the parents departed for Detroit.
I walked around main campus. Got a student ID. Free bus rides throughout the city using my ID! Currently enjoying the A/C and Internet at the Library.
Later tonight going to see The Help with some ladies from J'burgh and Carol --roomie.
<3
The parents arrived downtown via the MegaBus.
A sampling of things accomplished. Finger printing. Parking permit. Ordered a mattress to sleep on. Hung curtains. Bought dinning chairs.
Other Highlights....
Pittsburgh Historic Neighborhood TrolleyTour, was actually really fun and fabulously touristy.
Ate at Primanti Brothers. Double egg and cheese. Not amazing tasting, but the french fries themselves were tasty. Similar to the homemade fries that Hellenic Coney Island puts out. HUGE sandwich. Would prefer it on whole wheat bread with fries on the side. But that's not the point. I know.
Ate at Over the bar Bicycle Cafe. Yummy! Will return again.
Went to my first J'burgh event.
Today the parents departed for Detroit.
I walked around main campus. Got a student ID. Free bus rides throughout the city using my ID! Currently enjoying the A/C and Internet at the Library.
Later tonight going to see The Help with some ladies from J'burgh and Carol --roomie.
<3
Friday, August 19, 2011
Moving Tomorrow!
The PT cruiser is loaded.
Upon arrival on the to do list....
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Once upon a time...
Once upon a time there was a girl who didn't know much about Pittsburgh. But she had two amazing friends in Derry, PA that she wanted to visit. So the logical thing to do was to apply to grad school in Pittsburgh. Little did she know that she would really like the school and they would like her too. In fact you might say that the school and the girl seemed to be a good fit. And the more the girl looked at Pittsburgh the more it looked good, too. And she lived happily ever after.
I have been to Pittsburgh twice, once to interview for grad school and once to sign a lease to live with these two really awsome girls [strangers] I came across on Craigslist.
Holy Shit I am going to grad school in Pittsburgh [in August].
Be excited.
PS... I just bought my first Groupon for Pittsburgh. Over the Bar Bicycle Café – Southside Flats $10 for $20 Worth of Burgers
I have been to Pittsburgh twice, once to interview for grad school and once to sign a lease to live with these two really awsome girls [strangers] I came across on Craigslist.
Holy Shit I am going to grad school in Pittsburgh [in August].
Be excited.
PS... I just bought my first Groupon for Pittsburgh. Over the Bar Bicycle Café – Southside Flats $10 for $20 Worth of Burgers
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