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:
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!
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.
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.
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.
We’ve lived in our place for 5 months and this weekend, we put the first two nails in our wall. Finally. Of course there’re still unopened frames and boxes from our last place—and posters and art we keep meaning to hang if we can find the time to remember where they’re stored. I think we’re so used to constantly moving and things changing that it takes some getting used to being settled for a while. Hopefully we can make it our own before the lease is up, eh?
Monday perks
It’s finally getting chilly in Houston! So happy!
Pictures from this weekend
Our dear friend Ben is leaving this morning after a few days’ stay down here. So this weekend was spent filling up on Rudy’s BBQ, solving Lone Star puzzle caps at Warren’s, grilling, watching ND cream Western Michigan (I think I took a little nap during the game but I did overhear a Tim Riggins’ cheer before a round of shots), multiple episodes of Eastbound and Down, Zombieland, Whataburger, and much much more. Texas foreva.
Winding down. I rarely eat my lunch during the sadly allotted 15 minutes, so my end-of-the-day conference period is a combination of lunch, catching up with work, and giving my feet a break.
My trick to getting myself to finishing a sandwich: adding Ruffles Sour Cream and Cheddar between the layers. It’s like magic.
