Winter break

| January 1, 2011

We had a full winter break with a lot of family in town, meals at different houses, and plenty of cute kids to keep us entertained—especially this butterball. Now, I can’t help but wake up feeling anxious + grumpy about the work I have yet to do before heading back to school. It’s something I have to work on. Before I start my (hopefully productive) day, here are a few pictures of what we’ve been up to lately.


Filling up on AKA Sushi and flipping through the 3×3 Illustration annual (which made a great present for the little sis). ¶ Lunch and bold beverages at Empire Cafe. ¶ Leftover pie from our pre-New Year house party. We should call it the Old Year Party. Certainly we’ve never had so many people, and “bacon candy,” at our place. ¶ Visiting Kaboom Books and chatting with their owners, where we scored Area for 12 bucks. Also, falling in love with their dogs: a charming pair of Hungarian pointers a/k/a Viszlas. ¶ Finally cleared the moving boxes out of the living room and found a place for my new Lena Corwin pillow from Jackie(!). ¶ Visited the antique shop across Empire Cafe and bought two super-sturdy school (say that 3x) chairs originally from Dayton I.S.D.

Teaspoons and tablespoons

| December 22, 2010

I’m squeezing in some cooking time during this break, because I need a lot of practice! Lately, I’ve been going to Orangette for recipes and each dish I’ve tried has been a keeper. Last night we made Pasta with Hashed Brussels Sprouts and Pine Nuts, using whole wheat pasta and adding minced garlic at the end. This morning, I made a third batch of the chocolate chip cookies, but I finally got the recipe right. The previous two times, I mixed teaspoons with tablespoons so there was more salt + baking soda + baking powder. (Can’t even claim that as a rookie mistake.) Although the other batches tasted pretty good, these cookies were so much better with just the right amount of crisp around the edges.

A Little Winter Scene

| December 20, 2010

It had a slow start, but the holiday spirit is beginning to spread. On my first couple of days off I’ve baked cookies, tuned into the Christmas station while driving, wrapped presents, and set up a little winter scene. Now if only Houston could get a cold front to come through…

Other things I’ve enjoyed:

  1. Dinner with friends at the Broken Spoke Cafe
  2. Reading this article about shoes in the NYT (hallelujah!)
  3. Olly Moss’ Star Wars posters

Not That Obedient

| December 17, 2010

It’s been a long week, but I’m looking forward to getting some rest before returning to school. In between work, commutes, and all the busy stuff we’ve found some time to visit Igby (btw, she’s not that obedient: her eyes are fixed on my cookie), finally put up curtains and organize our place, indulge in yummy chocolate chip pancakes from Max’s Wine Dive, get hooked on Gossip Girl (I heart Blair), and drink lots of sparkling cider!

thanksgiving p.2

| December 17, 2010

Pictures from a month ago: Spending time in South Bend, hanging out and collaborating with the Keatings, admiring Geoff’s handmade furniture, and filling up on fish and chips and more delicious Irish food at Fiddler’s Hearth. Good times.

It took a while, but I finally finished shooting the film from the disposable. I didn’t realize so many stores stopped processing film, so it took a few stops before finding a place. But after cleaning and trying to get the levels right on this roll and the last, I think Wolf’s Camera is the only place I’ve been happy with. Maybe when this new year begins I can start saving up for a digital camera or a film/developing fund.

handmade presents

| December 12, 2010

One more week until Christmas break. (yippee) I’m planning on making a few handmade presents for some of my family this year.

My sister Tien made us over 1000 of these paper cranes for our wedding present, and I’m still blown away at how tiny and thoughtful they are. I hope time and creativity will be on my side.

funk

| December 6, 2010

I got stuck in a funk for most of the weekend. A staring-at-the-ceiling funk. A why am I in a funk, I don’t know, get your butt out of bed funk. Thankfully it began to clear up towards the end. Walking around, organizing the room, baking, and a late-night block printing session with B while the cookies cooled worked as a nice distraction. And we cleared out a part of the room for me to work in, so hopefully I can stay on top on all the to-dos much better.

My first formal observation is tomorrow. I’m hoping to kick this week’s butt.

interwebs

| December 5, 2010

Thank you, internet.

  1. Seeing old and new work on The Heads of State’s new website. They only get better and better.
  2. Being inspired by Patrick Morgan’s illustrations. This hand drawn/digital ad for Reiss is my favorite.
  3. Watching this holiday store fill up with great gifts. Opens tomorrow.
  4. Driving to the store soon after reading the Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe on Orangette.
  5. Reading Sweet Fine Day daily. Great writing, pictures, and sometimes a video that’ll melt your heart.

there are places I remember

| November 27, 2010

I definitely got a little teary-eyed when the Dome came into view on our drive from Chicago to South Bend. This trip back to Notre Dame was a long time coming. It was my first time back in more than 3 years, and I’ve been thinking about when I’d return ever since the day I left. Finally, many things (a friend’s wedding, the holidays, my sister’s vacation, collaborations, etc.) fell into place and we got the opportunity to spend an entire week visiting all our favorite spots (a.k.a. restaurants/bars) and people (a.k.a. teachers, bosses, family members, and fellow married couples). We could go on and on about how special this place is to us, but I’ll try to sum it up: this is where we met, where we forged lasting bonds and planted the seeds for later friendships

more pictures here. I took a disposable for our trip and I’m not too happy with how the first one was developed and scanned (lots of scratches and dust), but the second roll will be up once it’s finished.