Category Archives: Random

April 11, 2011 · 9:05 pm

On my mind…

In a nod to one of the cutest blogs I follow–the lil bee–I thought I’d share with you a few things currently on my mind. While my stream of consciousness may never be as developed or thought-provoking as the narrative stylings of William Faulkner or Virginia Woolf, hopefully you’ll be mildly entertained.

Why are Americans so fascinated with the Royal Wedding?
Why am I one of those Americans?
I cannot wait until April 29 – the day of the wedding.
I think I may understand why so many people become comatose in front of the TV after “working” all day.
I wish I had something chocolaty to eat.
I’m so happy I don’t have to do my own taxes.
I wish Frasier could sit at my feet 24/7.
I really need to make a haircut appointment for said smelly dog.
He is not allowed on the bed until he is clean.
I miss the dogs I used to walk every day. I thought about them at 11am this morning – the time I would leave each day for their visits.
I am so grateful to have a job when so many people in this country still don’t.
But why is life so expensive?
I should drink more water, but all I really want is a juice box.
Well, Capri Sun to be exact.
What’s better – a juice pouch or a juice box?
What time do I need to go to bed so that I can wake up at 6am tomorrow and exercise?
What would Jillian Michaels do if I didn’t follow along to Six Week Six Pack?
What would life be like if I could go shopping any time I want, buy whatever I want and not have to worry about how much anything costs?
Instead of clothes, I just want to buy lots of books. And own a house with a huge library with lots and lots of built-in bookshelves. And a really cool sliding ladder so I can reach all of the books.

What’s on your mind this evening?

[image via we heart it]

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April 8, 2011 · 11:42 pm

One last good-bye

On Monday I’ll be starting a new job, so I’ve spent the last week saying good-bye to Madison–the place I’ve called home for almost five years. When I first moved to Madison, I was a little unsure about this kooky city (and that’s putting it nicely), but I’ve since grown to love just about everything about it.

A little corny, but what can you do?

So as I said good-bye to some great girls, my beloved job at The Pet Squad, the Dane County Humane Society and my cozy little studio apartment, I thought about some of the things I’ve loved most about living here.

A few of my favorites:
Vilas Beach – absolutely the best place to be in the summer
Henry Vilas Zoo – I technically don’t like to support zoos, but sometimes I just can’t help it
Dane County Humane Society – a great place to volunteer
Madhatter Bar – a uniquely special place
Opus Lounge – delicious cocktails; Blue Moon is my favorite
Sonic – the banana shakes and tater tots are irresistible (and probably so unhealthy)
The Pet Squad – best job ever
Sundance Cinema at Hilldale Mall – 2 for 1 student deal on Tuesdays
Devil’s Lake (not directly in Madison, but close) – the view is worth the hike
Papa John’s and Domino’s Pizza – obviously these are available in IL, but my parents would die if I ever ordered pizza from here
Farmer’s Market – spicy cheese bread is heaven
Milios – also available in IL, but just not the same on a Friday afternoon with a fellow Madisonian
The Capitol – a view too often taken for granted

[image via We heart it]

A magical moment

Yesterday I attended my very first wedding shower. My mom seemed surprised by this fact, but we don’t have a very big family and when you’re only 23 years old, not too many of your closest friends have gotten married yet. However, after attending yesterday’s event I have to say that I cannot wait until others close to me decide to get married.

Maria–the bride-to-be from yesterday’s shower–truly set the bar high for any future wedding showers I may attend in the future. From the tiny jewels on each place card to the Kate Aspen party favors to the gorgeous Tiffany & Co. necklace each member of the bridal party received, to the delicious Maggiano’s menu and the friendliest strangers my mom and I were lucky enough to sit with, her shower was flawless. Plus the cake was absolutely delicious.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day Maria! You looked beautiful and I can’t wait for the wedding!!

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April 1, 2011 · 8:44 pm

An (almost) meatless Friday

With Easter a little over three weeks away, most good Catholics are in the midst of Lent. Growing up, the Lenten season usually meant you were forced to give up something you enjoy for forty days until Easter arrived. When I was little I almost always gave up Taco Bell (gross, I know, but twenty years later I still can’t resist a crunchy taco every now and then).

Lent also means giving up meat on Fridays. Yet, as hard as I try, I can never seem to remember to follow this rule. Last week and today I managed to eat a delicious (and meat-filled) ham sandwich from Milios without so much as batting an eyelash (sorry, God).

Thankfully, my mom came to the rescue tonight for dinner with shrimp tacos. After cooking the shrimp with some of the new Philadelphia cooking creme in the Santa Fe flavor, I’m convinced that shrimp just may be the new chicken when it comes to tacos.

If you want to try one of Philadelphia’s new cooking cremes, other flavors are also offered, including Italian cheese and herb, savory garlic and original. Click here to see for yourself.

If you want to make your own shrimp tacos, click here to see Bobby Flay’s (from the Food Network) recipe. It looks delicious. He suggests using a white, flaky fish, but I would probably substitute for shrimp.

[images via We heart it]

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March 31, 2011 · 9:29 am

Summer where are you?

Anyone who lives in the Midwest knows that spring is one big tease. March and April are really just a milder extension of winter. Yet every year I fail to learn my lesson. By the end of March I can’t help but develop a small obsession with summer.

When you wake up to sunshine and blue skies, only to discover that the average high temperature for the day is 35°, you question why your parents decided to settle here in the first place. So if you’re like me and are simply biding your time until warmer days arrive, know that you’re not alone.

What are you most looking forward to about summer?