Oh How Far I've Come

This week I've been thinking a lot about the past year and everything that has happened. I know that this is something that most people do around New Year's but, you see, something happened a year ago today that I think may have changed my life forever. A year ago I interviewed for the Michigan MBA program. In the year since that day I have waited patiently for Michigan to make up its mind about me, accepted a place at Boston College, left my job in the middle of a recession, went skydiving, got accepted at Michigan, changed all of my plans, started the whole MBA thing, had my apartment building burn down, moved again, and on and on and on. That brings us to today. Today was an uncanny repeat of this day a year ago. I had an interview with Apple and I think it went well but I can never really tell and then tonight I went bowling. Bowling is not spectacular in and of itself but as I was getting out of the car I realized that exactly one year ago I went bowling in the same bowling alley. It was like reliving the same day one year later and now as I get ready to turn in for the night I am amazed at how much has happened, how far I've come and how some things are strangely the same. The question is, will today prove to have been as life altering as that day one year ago?

Treat yourself right

Sometimes life gets away from me. I get so wrapped up in the day to day things that I have to get done (mainly schoolwork) that I neglect myself and the things that make me happy. Last night I took a step back and did somethings that I don't usually get around to. I stopped at Wholefoods on my way home from school to get some top quality ingredients for dinner. By the way... I don't think that I've been to the grocery store all month and I certainly haven't made dinner since winter break. Do you see what I mean about not doing things for myself? Anyway. I am a huge fan of the food network and all the time I have spent watching other people cook has given me the confidence to just sort of throw things together that sound good. Last night it was bow tie pasta with pancetta, salmon, artichokes and fresh parsley not to mention some really good bread. Whenever I do take the time to cook I remember how much I love cooking. It is a deep love that probably won't end until I have kids that hate everything I cook and that will ruin cooking for me but then again maybe I'll get lucky. 

While at Wholefoods I also picked up some tulips. I love flowers. Back in Evanston I was a frequent customer at the farmers' market where I would get flowers for myself nearly every week throughout the summer. It was a simple indulgence but one that brought me joy every week. Last night I put the tulips on my bedside table and when I woke up this morning they were the first thing I saw. There really is no better way to start the day that by looking at something beautiful. 

So friends, get out there and do something that makes you happy.

Sweet Home Chicago

I decided to make the most of the final week of winter break by taking a trip to Chicago for New Years. I hadn't realized how much I've missed the city during the first semester of b-school. I went by many of my favorite places and caught up with several of my favorite people. I made a trip to the Field Museum and went to an exhibit on the Ancient Americas (if I remember correctly the statue to the left is Incan) as well as a special exhibit on the Aztecs. They were both fascinating and left me amazed that they at the detail of their art and sophistication of their cultures. I also have a strange desire to have a totem pole but that is neither here nor there. I stayed at the Fairmont while in the city and I have to say, it was very comfortable even if they forgot my toast at breakfast and I couldn't figure out how to turn on the shower. All in all a lovely mid week trip that made me realize just how much happier I am when I live in a city as opposed to rural middle America. Don't get me wrong, I love Ann Arbor. I just love cities more.

Rest stops

As an addendum to my previous post regarding rest stops. This is a picture of my favorite one. It is on 90 between Cleveland and Toledo and has a TCBY, Panera and a Starbucks. Everything a weary driver needs to refuel. Plus, it is in the shape of a circle and for some reason that makes me happy.

Cleveland Rocks!

In my old age I am finding it harder to drive for long distances. I used to be able to make it all the way from West Lafayette to Boston in one go but now I find it difficult to make the shorter trip from Ann Arbor without stopping. On my way back this weekend I had to stop for the night in Cleveland. I have driven through Cleveland many times but I've never stopped so it was fun to see what the city had to offer. I took a little extra time getting going in the morning so that I could go over to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some of the highlights were the incredible beadazzling on one of Elvis' jump suits, Jim Morrison's cub scout uniform and John Lennon's yellow jacket from the cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Unfortunately they don't let you take pictures inside. I also went past the Brown's stadium and saw some interesting public art installations. The "free" stamp was my favorite though I don't really get it. There's probably a social commentary I missing. Apparently it is "controversial".

Palmyra, NY

On my way back to A2 I stopped in Palmyra to check out the sights and grab some lunch. I haven't been there for about 7 years and was surprised at how much of the town's layout I remembered. I really shouldn't have been surprised, I have a gift for internalizing maps and for some reason they stick with me. The one possible exception being the town my parents live in. I don't usually get lost but I know where very few things are. I think that is because my family takes "back roads" to get everywhere and I haven't been able to figure out how everything links up. Anyway. Back to Palmyra. I stopped briefly at the Hill Cumorah visitors center and then went to Grandin Print Shop where the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon were printed. The sister missionaries there took me on very informative tour that was made only slightly awkward by the fact that there was only one of me and three of them. 

After the print shop I headed over to Nima's for lunch. I got a philly cheese steak which was delicious. The bread was amazing and the beef was nice and peppery. If you find yourself in Palmyra I highly recommend a visit.

My Parents' Dogs

These are my parents' dogs. Shadow is the Gray one and Pippen is the white one. Nearly a week of my winter break was spent hanging out in my parents' house alone taking care of these dogs. 

They are cute and can provide hours of entertainment but by the end of the week I was tired of having them follow me around constantly. They are rescue dogs and therefore have some interesting personality quirks. Shadow seems to be unsure that he will ever eat again and therefore takes advantage of every opportunity to steal food. While I was there he managed to eat an entire container of dried apricots, 1/3 of the Christmas ham, and nearly got a pan full of s'mores cookie bars off the counter. Shadow is also the ultimate cuddler. He's not happy unless he is in contact with someone. Pippen really likes his squeaky toys. He also likes to play catch. So much so that sometimes he plays catch with himself by grabbing a toy, throwing it across the room and then running after it to grab it, shake it, and throw it back to the other side of the room. He also likes to pose for pictures. The moment he heard my camera turn on he would sit very still and look straight at me. I love his ears and his hair. So adorably scruffy. I've uploaded some videos of them playing for your enjoyment.