17 Days of Summer- Day 1

Good Morning Readers!

I started this blog last summer. I started it during my summer break. Well this summer I really only get 17 days of break- and that includes exam week. So I'm being thankful for each and every moment. I'm not going to work on anything that is not due for finals and especially take a little break from reading or writing anything about Representations of Mormons in American Popular Culture. At all.

I have already started reading a new book, as part of my summer reading plan. I really like the work of T. Coraghessan Boyle. And I am going to start the summer by reading the books of his that are interesting to me. He writes a lot of short stories too- but they just aren't my thing.

Right now I am reading Talk Talk. It is about a woman who gets her identity stolen, and then the person who steals it then steals her boyfriend's identity... that is how far I am so far. It sounds kind of lame but its really good and there have been several times when I have gasped aloud. It is so refreshing to read a book that is totally for fun! Here is the NY Times review of the book. They are a little more eloquent than I am :)

I love books. But- I'll admit this-- I could probably switch to the Kindle... Let me explain. For books that are FOR FUN not for STUDY (thats a whole other post) it would be nice to only have to have one hand out from under the warm snugly covers.  Chase has one. Once we're married, like his ipad, I'll use it as I like! :) hehehe

Today isn't really a traditional summer break day. I do have to go to work from 11-2 and then finish an annotated bibliography for my Feminist Theory class. Not a bad day at all. Actually pretty great. This weekend I will be finishing my paper for Cultural Contexts II [ which is a fancy term for Theatre History 2]. This semester is so quickly coming to a close. Yesterday - much the chagrin on my shoulder- I carted about 25 books back to the library and gladly returned them! Today I have more to return. And for the last bit about books- I also ILLed a lot of craft books and other fun fun fun stuff.

Which leads me to another small update. I think I am going to buy a sewing machine this weekend. I found a good one on Craigslist. Nothing super fancy but it will get the job done. I think it will be fun to make my own skirts and dresses and and and and! Wooot!

Okay nothing else about books. For now. :)

The only other non-school thing that has entered my life is that my apartment is going to be show to a new potential tenet. Which means OCD Lauren has to have a clean apartment if other people she doesn't even know and will never ever meet are going to be in her apartment. Hehe. It needed to be done anyway.

So get ready kids, seventeen days of awesomeness. Seventeen days of posting my short short summer. You maybe asking why only seventeen days- even if you aren't - I'll tell you why. I will be in summer school May 16 -June 24. Then lots of thesis writing.  Today- I don't even want to think about it :)

Alright gotta finish cleaning and make my way to work in the 43 degree weather. What a glorious Summer day! :)

I am beginning to see the light!

I am sitting at my dining room table, watching a re-run of SVU (that I've seen countless times- the one with the shoe fetish son of a baker... um...anyway) and eating dinner.

Lately I have been trying to clean out the freezer/fridge. I have lots of ingredients that are just sitting around. Tonight for dinner I steamed/sauteed some mushrooms, olives, artichoke hearts, spinich, and fresh basil and put it over noodles. Funny thing is that when I first cooked the noodles I was draining the water out of them- you know using the lid as a strainer- and don't cha know it- the noodles slipped out and right down the disposal. Yep. Had to start over. But it was worth it. Really worth it. Really good.

The semester is so close to being over. So very very very close. I have a presentation due tomorrow on Nomadic Ethics. As part of this presentation I am introducing my class to the new form of yoga I have began practicing. It is called Kundalini Yoga. Its really fun and really helps me focus, relax, and feel energized.

Then next week I have a paper due and an annotated bibliography. So not stressed at all. Then I get to go home. To my parents. With my Chaser. Whew looking forward to warm weather. I have all of these great dresses I'm just dying to wear!

And then.... Chaser will graduate from law school. I'm so proud of him. He's worked so hard, put up with some crappy people, and is just so very very smart. He's also so fabulously handsome. :)

I also am in the process of buying a sewing machine. I think I found one on Craig's List. Not sure yet, but we'll see. Its only 30 bucks and is pretty new and barely used. We'll see. I have really enjoyed working in the costume shop this semester. The staff is a lot of fun and I have learned a lot of just practical skills. I'll never have to pay to get pants hemmed again! Woot!

We have more pizza places in BG than any other restaurant. On Friday of last week the shop manager treated us to pizza for lunch. It sounded so weird but it was soo good. It was from the (in)famous Myles pizza (they are the same family that does the HUGE Blizzards). It had a garlic ranch sauce, crispy bacon, red peppers, and artichoke hearts. Oh my goodness. Amazing. I have had cravings for it ever sense! Whew!

I am so looking forward to reading books again. Books that I don't have to annotate and critically analyze. Just stay up late and read read read. I love that idea. But, now, I have to unload the dishwasher.
Life creeps in during all of the glamorous moments.

Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed over the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save.
His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Gracie Our Goat

Greensburah, Goats, and Good Weather

Last weekend I packed up a bunch of the new clothes I bought when I was with Emily, forgot my toiletries kit, grabbed my ipod, and gassed up the car! Slade (a fellow BG student) and I hit the road headed to Greensboro for the Art of Public Memory Conference at UNCG. The trip was pretty long, down Ohio, across WV, and down half the way through NC. But whew, once we got into NC it got beautiful. It was right around sunset and everything seemed to glow. North Carolina is green right now! Ohio is just starting to think about changing back! I love North Carolina. Simple as that. Just love love love it.  After I dropped Slade off at some friends' house I got in touch with the glorious Caity as fast as I could. We - of course - went to Boba House for dinner. And I - of course - had the mixed bowl with spring rolls. Oh my goodness it was good to be back in Greensboro. I love that city.

After a nice long conversation with the beautiful Caity on the front porch, I made my way to the hotel. Or at least where I thought the hotel was... I went to three hotels before I found the one that I actually had a reservation for.  We had a big suite so that my parents, me, and Chase would all have our own places to sleep. I got the whole place to myself for one night. And CRASH... I was out.

Friday morning began amazingly. My wonderful friend Adam made me the best breakfast I have had... in years... not to mention is living in the most beautiful bungalow in downtown GSO. Very Jealous. The meal began with french press coffee with lots of cream. Always always good. Then he grilled and baked french toast -- it was the most amazing thing ever. He also prepared three different kinds of berries, sweet cream, some mascarpone, and just a dab of syrup. Yes. It was as good as you imagine. We had yet another great conversation over a meal and I gave him extra hugs before I left. I probably won't see him again because he's going overseas to teach English! Very cool.

And then... the conference... it was... a conference... simple as that. The most enjoyable part was getting to hear the work of women I respect.  I got to have lunch with the amazing Chris W. at Fincastle's pimento cheese and fried pickles. Very Very good. Oh and SWEEEEEET tea.  Soon there after I saw more professors and enjoyed the amazing weather in the court yards outside the theatre and music buildings. Then my mom and dad arrived, and closely there after Chaser did too.  So very very happy. We chatted before my session and I was nervous before presenting. The paper went well. People gave good feed back and it was great to have my parents and Chase hear my work.

After the conference I changed out of the beautiful but uncomfortable shoes I was wearing. Chase really wanted steak so we got on Yelp and picked a place to eat. Chase picked Flemmings which is a steakhouse in Friendly Center. Oh my goodness it was amazing. I had some chipotle macaroni and cheese and about a billion other calories. It was amazing. I love going out with my parents and Chase- double dates! I really can't think of anything that makes me happier.

That night I crashed first, and woke up first. Saturday was purposefully a lazy day. We all sat around and watched cable, drank coffee, and reluctantly changed out of our pj's. Of course we shopped some... the poor boys were great sports. And then....

I got to hear Suzan-Lori Parks speak. She's amazing. She is spunky and fun and yet has a lot of wisdom to share. It was nice to get a boost of tips before really sitting down to work on my thesis. I am actually getting excited to spend time writing.

When the session was over I went back to the hotel where everyone else was and crashed again. Staying up super late to finish my paper was not a good idea. The rest of the evening was consumed by noshing and watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  My parents and Chase tell me that I fell asleep and Chase practically threw me over his shoulder to take me to my bed. I don't remember that.

Of course I hated heading home and leaving everyone in the South.

But at least I brought good weather back with me to Ohio. When we got here it was around 70 degrees and there was a light breeze. Great great great. Monday went by - although I was crazy sleepy - and Tuesday did too. Most of the time I spent writing my draft for my theatre history class. I made my way home Tuesday and got some great news. Chase bought me a painting of a goat. Yes, I know that sounds sooo crazy, but I really love it. We saw it over spring break at the Farm Basket in Lynchburg. I dont have a photo, but once I do I will share it with the blogosphere! Love love love it. What means the most is that Chase surprised me with this great gift. I love love love it.

Okay. Tonight is design costumes, clean my apartment, and eat cookies night. The weekend begins at 5:30 on Wednesdays. Especially since I'll spend the entire weekend house managing. Lots of time in University Hall... now thats what I call a great weekend!


Visit our wedding website www.mywedding.com/mccool2011

Last time I posted I was still in Milwaukee with my Emily. We had such a great time. Sunday we shopped some, watched reality tv, napped, and went to The Rep's production of The Bombb-itty of Errors. Oh my goodness it was brilliant and so much fun. Its an "Urban" (haha- yes those are scare quotes) re-telling of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors. Here is a clip...

I really loved the show and it was a great ending to a great day! Coming home we watched more weird reality tv and drank tea and just enjoyed being together.  We also bought this awesome bread at Whole Foods. Walnut Cranberry - whew we ate it like little bread piggies.  It is just nice to be with someone who wants you to be yourself.

Monday I woke up early to finish some homework I had to mail to a professor. Eventually Emily woke up (after all it was her day off) and we made our way out to the Comet Cafe. Ohhh mmmmyyy. So great. See... here is me with my food!

From the menu this is what I had: Artichoke Heart, red onion, mayo, and herbs in an Italian rool broiled with provolone cheese top. The fries were super duper crunchy and great.
And some awesome ginger and carrot soup.
Whew. Awesome.

Milwaukee has this great local coffee chain called Alterra. They are all over the city but my favorite one is Alterra by the Lake. See this photo? 

 

Isn't it a great building? I love love love it.

They have great baked goods and they have a honey latte that rocks my world. It was just fun to sit around, plan costumes for my costume design class, and talk about weddings.

Here I am with one of Alterra's cool cups. 

 

So around 2:00 (MKE time) I hugged Emily goodbye and eventually made my way out the city. Yes, I did stop at the outlet malls right outside of MKE, but once I got back on the road I was set. Here was my planned route:

 

BUT

somehow my GPS decided to secretly take me along this route:

Umm it took a little longer to say the least. With the time change and stopping I didn't get home until 11:00pm. It was a long day full of singing show tunes, listening to NPR, and talking to people on the phone. I survived. It could have been a lot worse... I could have just been lost period.

Now I'm home. I went to class and work at school. Came home napped (for too long) and have been working on my paper for this weekend's conference. I'm mostly editing and making the paper appropriate for this particular conference topic. I am so excited to be back in GSO and surrounded by so many brilliant and wonderful people.  And to wear my new outfit! ;)

I am going to clean up my house - holy cow it looks like a tornado blew threw. That is what happens when I just bring everything inside and don't put anything away. Plus I am going to have to pack everything up again to go out on the road again. Hopefully I don't go the long way... again.  Luckily I have a friend going with me.

Thats all for tonight. Time to clean.

Thank the Lord for Vintage Stores.

Fifteen glorious Purchases (mostly Vintage but some new/on sale)
1. Red and white head scarf
2. Brown and white head scarf
3. This summer's yellow dress. Its vintage,  open in the back, and has an trim on the hem.
4. Blue embroidered dress. Great with a belt.  (new)
5. Jersey Knit dress with bold pattern. (new)
6. AMAZING dress from H&M that was only 20 bucks, it is red and black and fabulous.
7. Great Shirt Dress
8. Striped French cuff shirt. It is a cool grey/black color.
9. Pink Izod button down. Classic. Break out the white shorts!
10. Another shirt for my Iowa collection (new)
11. Jersey Knit brown skirt with a tie belt. From Banana Republic in super great shape only 8 bucks!
12. Sweater to go over summery dresses when its "cool out" (new)
13.  Two new belts. one tan one black. Think I might wear one at the conference. (new)
14. A BCBG skirt with great color only 5.00 bucks. yeah totally good.
15. My new fabulous on sale purple smaller than I usually wear sized Anthropologie skirt. Love love love it.


Emily and I are shopping queens! But we're done for the weekend and still have money left for food! Woot.

More later, going to go see a show tonight! Yay!

Emily and Me in Milwaukee... (say it outloud, it rhymes)

Hello from the Nation's Anti-Union State- Wisconsin! Hehe. Someone told me the other day that the bill Ohio just signed into law is actually worse than Wisconsin but anyway.  I am sitting on Emily's bed drinking some awesome tea, eating some amazing Whole Food's Cranberry Walnut bread smothered in Earth Balance listening to random music on my itunes. Right now its Ke$ha's "We R Who We R." I'll admit it I really like Ke$ha and having a dollar sign in her name doesn't really bother me.

Anyway, I am here visiting THE Emily. Woot woot. The drive is about 6 hours from BG to MKE, so not too terrible especially considering that the show she designed in running this weekend! But more on that later. I drove drove drove on Friday after work (my boss let me leave a little early which was super nice, and its not like I EVER sell tickets anyway!) and I started the trip listening to The Jungle by Sinclair and I really enjoyed the first couple of chapters where the "world" is described and then... it got to the part about the slaughter houses. Oh my goodness. No thank you. I quickly switched to some show tunes. Driving through Chicago wasn't too bad, it was dark so that wasn't fun but not too much traffic. But I made it! Emily lives in a fun little old hotel/studio apartments and its very convenient to lots of cool stuff. We had a fun girl time just chatting and being together and passed out before it got too late. One funny note is that Emily and I -without knowing it- bought the same IKEA bed spread.  Yep fun.


Yesterday was fun we shopped and relaxed and just had a good time like always. We hunted for an outfit for me to wear for the conference next weekend. And it was successful! An Anthropologie skirt and a Ralph Lauren Shirt. Both of which were on Sale. woot. woot. some fun shoes and some other good stuff. Then we went to Whole Foods and stocked up on the essentials: bath salts, trail mix, fru-fru bread, and other snack-y awesomeness. Then we came home and watched some food network and just had fun girl time. That seems to be the theme. In the evening we went to see Emily's show and it was super great. It was several short plays made into a evening of theatre. :)  Emily did great and I am super proud of her. We came home- talked to our long distance boys - and passed out. Again :)

Today is more shopping and theatre. More bread and happiness. Wonderful. More updates later.