Cooking Classes

I've been cooking for years -- food is central to my family, and everyone cooks something, usually many things. So, although I can find my way around a kicthen without too much trouble, I've signed up for some cooking classes to learn more about proper technique. I thought that a basics class might be below my skill level, but I hoped that I would pick up some new skills, meet some new people, and collect some new recipies.

Little did I know how basic this class was to be. My favorite moment was when another student asked what color chicken should be when it was fully cooked. Isn't all meat supposed to be pink?

Well, at least I now know where not to eat...

Maybe I'll sign up for some intermediate classes next.

Bear Down

I am an exhausted, hoarse, somewhat hungover, but damn excited, woman -- Da Bears are going to the Super Bowl! And now, for a musical interlude...

Bear down, Chicago Bears, make every play clear the way to victory;
Bear down, Chicago Bears, put up a fight with a might so fearlessly.
We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T-formation.
Bear down, Chicago Bears, and let them know why you're wearing the crown.
You're the pride and joy of Illinois, Chicago Bears, bear down!

GO BEARS!

A Christmas Story

There is very little that seems more idyllic than sharing family time in front of your grandparents' Christmas tree after having opened gifts on Christmas Eve. Everyone is full from dinner, but contemplating the trays of cookies on the coffee table, and conversation is generally focused on the stupid things that the dog does when it snows. At this time, one might start to think how nice it is to be around family at the holidays. That is, until your grandmother turns to you and announces out of the clear blue:

"Chicagoan, your biological clock is ticking."

"Tick-tock. Tick-tock."

Family, indeed.

Rooms With A View

Mayan ruins at Tulum, Mexico on the Carribean coast -- a bit of catching up to be done from October 2006.

Resolving to revive this experiment in the new year.