Breathing a Sigh of Relief...

I have really enjoyed studying Church history, the theology of the Trinity and theodicies, and the book of Amos. But, as I remember the activity of the past ten weeks I just feel tired. Of course, one of those weeks I was in MN for my dad's surgery and two weeks ago I was in bed with migraines and this week I had two finals and two term papers to begin and finish...So, all in all...finishing 3 grad school classes was quite a feat.

I was so giddy after I finished my last paper (which, btw, does identify black licorice as a product of the Fall -- just thought I would warn y'all) that one would think I completed my Master's. :) I love classes and I love learning and I love my professors. But, I am hoping my feat accomplishing days of sabbatical are over.

I am again pining for those first days of sabbatical where I lay in bed and read spiritual books. But now, I'd rather bike 50 miles in the beautiful weather and then read a book before the return trip. Which, is exactly what I will be doing next week while on vacation in Southern CA. I am thrilled to be visiting a bunch of Obie dobies before heading to Catalina for three days of "work" at InterVarsity's Campus By the Sea. (Of course, I may get put to much more real work than intended since much of the island burned down a few weeks ago. Bless God that our camp was largely untouched.)

I intend to bike every day, play with my friend Migum's baby, read books at the Fuller bookstore, and sip fruit smoothies by the ocean. Nice. I'll try not to get spoiled before I have to learn to endure life in a garbage dump in July. :)

Let's see, in the spirit of catching up, I also had my MRI done today -- the results of which I may not know for a while. I took some muscle relaxants in order to avoid a claustrophobia induced panic attack -- and it worked. I pretty much slept through the 80-minute ordeal, but something about the way they had me strapped in...I kept waking myself up from the echoes of my own snoring. ha ha ha. I don't snore. But I guess I do in MRI chambers....

I'll write more soon. Maybe my spiritual director tomorrow can help me sort out my thoughts on my academic life...

Time to Vote...on Chloe's hair...

OK -- So, I have been saying for years that I want to dye my hair blue. By "blue" I mean midnight blue. Perhaps not my whole head...but some part of it. My fear is that I will look like a Muppet...no disrespect to Jim Henson intended...or that I will need to shave my head to stop looking ridiculous. So, I've decided that if 10 or more people vote for me to change my hair by May 30th...I will.

So, place your ballots via "comments": (choose all that apply)

A. Chloe, do not change your hair -- it is gorgeous the way it is.
B. Chloe, please dye your hair blue:
b1: In a "peek-a-boo" style (the underside of my hair -- top layer still will be blonde)
b2: In highlights.
b3: Other ____________________
C. I have a much better idea and it is _________________________.
D. I would love to dye your hair for you and take the blame for messing up your social and professional life upon myself.

:)

I hope you were all able to make it out to the primaries this week. If not, here is your second chance to participate in good ol' American Democracy. :)

Time Flies, the 9 week countdown

Sigh. Time flies when one is having fun. And, despite emotional, medical, and familial difficulties -- it has been a real gift to have this time. When else would I be able to scrapbook my whole life, or watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smallville, Lois & Clark, AND Bones TV on DVD? When else will I get a chance to read so much theology AND novels? Or go to the Symphony? Or to clean my closets? Or to take 3 naps in one day? Or to travel to Alberta, TX, CA, MN and Egypt in a six month time span? Every moment has been a grace from God.

Starting tomorrow, not only do I reach an emotional milestone (first hand therapy appointment) but I also reach the 2/3 marker for sabbatical.

To celebrate, I ran the Race for the Cure with my housemate, Yvonne and our friend Cynthia. Our time was outstanding (so outstanding that I shouldn't brag) ha ha ha. We have been saying that we ran a 5K in less than our age per minute. You do the math.

Then we enjoyed an amazing breakfast at one of my favorite coffee shops in Pittsburgh, the Coca Cafe. Savory, sweet, funky, and artistic. can't be beat. Definitely add it to your "must check out" list if you haven't been. Breakfast is delish.

Also, don't forget that National "auntie" day is this Wednesday. Marie decided this today. And, as far as I'm concerned, since there is a National "Clean Up Your Room" Day (or as we say in Pittsburgh "Redd up"), Marie should hold the power to declare a national holiday on my behalf.

I will be celebrating by tickling the girls and blowing bubbles in the back yard. :)

Tastebud Delights

While my friend Theresa was here, I got to try out a couple of new recipes. I share one here from The Joy of Cooking -- very tasty if I do say so myself!

Couscous with Chickpeas (4 servings)
Heat in a large skillet over medium heat:
3 tablespoons olive oil
Add:
1 cup sliced blanched almonds
Cook, stirring, just until lightly golden, 2-3 minutes.
Add:
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Cook, stirring for about 1 minute. Stir in:
1 tsp. sweet or hot paprika
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 to 1 tsp. hot red pepper sauce (don't worry, it doesn't get very spicy)
Cook until heated through, about 1 minute more. Stir in:
2 1/2 c. chicken or vegetable stock or water
2 c. cooked chickpeas (about 2/3 c. dried), rinsed and drained if canned
1 c. chopped raisins or dried currants (I put the raisins in whole...they were fine)
Bring to a boil and stir in:
1 1/4 c. quick-cooking couscous
Cover, remove from the heat, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork.

What I loved about this is that it is a great healthy side dish, but from prep to table it only took about 15 minutes! Enjoy!

Have you heard the good news?

Yes, my friends, it is true. Two of my heroes are combining forces in order to make the world a better place through art...

Spiderman and...Bono.

Yes, they will be putting their heads together with The Edge's to create the Broadway musical Spiderman.

If you would like to donate to the "Send Chloe to Broadway" fund, please send your checks made out to "Chloe Loves Bono and Spidey Foundation"

Also, earlier this week I was describing my tech support nightmares to my friend Theresa who turned me on to this youtube video. Quite hysterical. Check it out.

A Super Party and Super Moments

OK -- my last blog entry was a bit of a downer -- its been a rough couple of weeks. But, the last two weekends have been filled with fun. 2 weekends ago, I babysit Will overnight. Of course he was a little angel for his "auntie Chloe". Personally, I think he has a little crush on me. :) When he agreed to stay with me, I don't think he knew I would be dressing him as well. Poor thing. But, isn't he cute??




Monday was Maya's 4th birthday -- she is getting so big! The thing I am most proud of is that due, in part, to my influence Maya loves superheroes. Especially Superman. (And "Wois Wane") She always wants to come in my apartment and read the "Superman book". I think she likes it mostly because it makes noises (and drives me crazy), but it was sufficient enough to warrant a superhero themed party. The adults were just glad it wasn't a Barbie or Princess party...again. The sad thing is that...I was able to finally use up the leftover party supplies from my 33rd birthday party....something seems a little odd about that!

And, last but not least, here is a closeup of the cake that Doug and Yvonne (mostly Yvonne) made together for the party. I think they did a great job.