Spring Semester Round Up

OK, I know I said I would be updating this more regularly. And it's not for sheer laziness that I have failed in that mission. The sad truth is that there has just not been a lot to report over the past few months. Allow me to illustrate:

Day-to-day: pretty much the same routine
Afternoon-evening: First, it was spent with Parody, which I couldn't talk about because of the Code of Silence. Then, once Parody began, I was clearly too busy partying (again, about things I can't talk about. Let's just say some of the stories involved undergrads, Teddy Roosevelt, and a cat).

So what has there been to talk about? Well, two things, one of which I will address in this post

Restaurant Week(s):
Yay! Who doesn't love gorging on $33.08 dinners? I know I do. Granted, two of my dinners were from the same restaurant, Gargoyle, in Davis Square. I don't know what it was about Gargoyle, but I was sick both nights, from two totally separate meals. Nobody else was sick, just me. Weird. I think I have a delicate system or an allergy or something. Either way, it was still good, if kind of hit-or-miss. The only particularly remarkable restaurant week outing was at the Chart House, where I ordered off the regular menu: prime rib, coconut shrimp, baked potato, and a volcanic mountain of chocolatey goodness. Toss in a few bottles of syrah and it was a great night, and I ended up digesting for the next week.

Next up: Spring Break!

Out of Africa:

After spending winter/summer . . . the month of January in South Africa and Namibia, it has been good to be back in the States. Mainly because of my constant access to Internet. Precious, precious Internet. Sure, I miss the warm weather, the beaches, the delicious meat, and the fine (yet inexpensive) wine, but in Boston there's . . . damn.

So, now that I'm back, here are the highlights of my adventures (Reader's Digest version)

After traveling for approximately 22 hours, we arrived in Cape Town. The next day, we took our rental car (Mercedes Benz, aka "Elegance") on our road trip to Namibia -- the land of contrast! And it certainly did live up to its name. Sure, some people know it for where Angelina popped a squat to shoot out a baby, but it's a vibrant, beautiful land. Maybe I'll get a beach house there. I saw quite a bit of undeveloped property. We also got to go on safari -- again taking Elegance -- where we saw 3 of the Big Five (we saw elephants, rhinos, and lions, but not buffalo or leopards). In addition, we saw other wonderfully African animals: giraffe, zebra, ostrich, kudu, springbok, impala, jackal, hyena, warthog, wildebeest. After our magical African Safari, we came back to Cape Town. We arrived in our apartment in Green Point (aka "don't go out at night"), just off of Tranny Hooker Alley. While my roommates worked at the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons (or something like that), I worked at the National Prosecuting Authority. Yay, prosecutors! It was especially interesting because there has been a lot of political and legal drama in South Africa, mainly surrounding corruption charges against the President-elect and the Police Commissioner. I sure hope that all gets sorted out. Beyond the job, there was lots of free time and wonderful things to do! I got to see the penguins, at Boulders Beach; we hiked up Table Mountain (due to a late breakfast of bad eggs and the midday sun, I lost my lunch about halfway up); we toured the Winelands (which unfortunately, I did not get to participate in as fully as I would have like to because of my recovery from malaria -- while my diagnosis was not "confirmed" by a "doctor" I had a fever of 38º, nausea, and dizziness: all symptoms of malaria. I am a survivor.); and we spent many an afternoon to evening at the beach, enjoying the weather and our "sundowners" (drinks at sundown). Perhaps the best part of the trip was the food and wine. South African wine is excellent (especially the pinotage, a South African grape varietal that's a little different) and damned inexpensive. And the food is out of this world, especially if you like meat. Here it is, ranked in order of tastiness:

• Wildebeest
• Ostrich
• Springbok
• Kudu
• Warthog
• Oryx/Gemsbok

And they're damn cute, too! So if you like eating animals, drinking cheap wine (not Franzia or Sutter Home), wonderful weather, and political corruption, then South Africa is the place for you!

It's Always More Fun South of the Mason-Dixon Part II: Blues Country

After finishing our Memphis-leg, it was time to head down to the Mississippi Delta for the wedding.

Our first stop was at "Chick-Fil-A." Now, I am not familiar with this particular chicken restaurant, but apparently it is some kind of classic drive-through. It was indeed a tasty treat. I had a plain chicken sandwich (and dipped it in some honey mustard. De lee cee us.) with waffle fries. Yum. Finally it was time to head over to the bridal brunch. This was where I really was able to delve into the southern ways (including "Shrimp & Grits"-perhaps a name for a great buddy cop show in the 70s? I shall work on that). I met the bride-to-be, Crady Yerger Bobo, her mother, the bridesmaids, and some other women. I began the count of how many times someone called me/referred to me as a Yank(ee). Trip Total: 7.

After feeling a little too much estrogen (yes, even for me, and that's saying something!) I politely excused myself to the Bobo household where I could go back to reading (Lies My Teacher Told Me). After almost falling asleep on the couch, (that would have been an awkward experience), it was time to get to the Big Pink Guest House (shown above-it was a little odd telling Mother that I was staying at the "Big Pink Guest House." Although, I guess it's better than saying "The Shack Up Inn" see next installment) to start setting things up for the reception. This is also where we would be staying. Since we got there first, we took the good room. You could tell it was the good room because the curtains were made out of Hawaiian shirts. And apparently a hammock, but nowhere to attach it. Sad. But I got over it.

After helping out, twas time to go to the reception. It was a lovely place (co-owned by Morgan Freeman!) with great food. When I asked what was for dinner, I was told "Filet mignon and stuffed chicken." Naturally, I assumed this meant I had a choice between the two. Nope. I got both! Needless to say, I was in heaven. MMMMmmmmmmmeat. There was much merriment, drinking, and a slideshow! But eventually, twas time for bed.

Happy Easter!

Ah, finally. After the long wait, the glorious day has arrived: where I can once again celebrate the Greatest Miracle. Coffee. I forgot how much I missed it, how miserable I was in the mornings without it. I would wake up, expecting it to be there, and would be so disappointed to realize it was gone. But there is a happy ending! We have returned, like old lovers rekindling their passion. And I don't mean "elderly" lovers because that's gross. Nobody wants to see that. Except maybe Teddy, or his Indian version, Savith. Or maybe Teddy is the White Savith. Hmmm... See? I have coffee in my system once again, and I continue to the incessant, nonsensical rambling. Oh, how I've missed it.

Anyway, Easter was a wonderful day, even if it was colder than on Christmas (according to Kendall, according to the weatherman). I started the day off by going to Mass with Kendall and her mom, who was visiting for the weekend. Then, I made dinner (lemon/garlic marinated pork tenderloin, herb-seasoned potatoes, and apple/Manchego cheese salad... quite tasty) for Savith, Katie, Chris, Jordan, and me. Then it was off to the library where I tried to focus. This proved to be rather difficult, since I had eaten so much food, I thought I was going to die. Topped off with my 3rd cup of coffee for the day. And after a 40-day hiatus, it packs a punch.

Well, now that I have reunited with my dark-roasted Love, I suppose I no longer have an excuse for being grumpy, not getting work done, or taking long naps. What have I done?

"Congress Page," I think I shall miss you most of all...

If we had curtains, I'm sure the final curtain would have been a powerful moment. After countless hours of rehearsals and "cast bonding," Parody has finally come to an end.

The show had a very successful run, with only a few minor mishaps (a poorly-endowed streaker, a broken blacklight, an injured dancer, and mad ad libs). I had an absolute blast. I would have done it just for the Mark Foley solo in "Scandals Back." Sigh. Is there anything better than having friends and professors see you sing about being an "elected pedophile" or dance around in mesh? I argue that no, no there is not.

Arguably just as fun as the show itself were all of the fantastic cast parties (one of which was hosted chez moi. Well, two if you count the post Tommy Doyle's after-party. Which I do.). I would divulge the secrets of HLS Drama Society, but what happens at cast parties stays at cast parties. (False, but oh well, no reason for me to be the source of gossip). Suffice it to say, there was much eating, drinking, dancing, and Kelly's mouth turned green.

The cherry on top of the experience was the post-strike trip to Chipotle. Brandon drove Pam, Trevor, Ken, Lauren Schreiber, Caroline, and me to Chipotle. Pam had acquired the directions. Unfortunately, Google Maps suck worse than MyPlan. What should have been a 7 minute drive to Medford, turned into about 40 minutes of driving, backtracking, round-abouts, and ducking in the overloaded car whenever we passed one of several police stations. Of course, all was made better when we arrived at Burrito Mecca. Especially when we realized that if you were wearing green, you got your burrito for free (St. Patrick's weekend!). Luckily, I was wearing my Marquette "Smart. Safe. Sober." St. Patrick's Day shirt. Between the anticipation and it being free, this was the best damn burrito. Ever.

I think the burrito was a wonderful metaphor for the show itself. It felt like it took forever to get to it, but when we did, it was well-worth the effort. Plus, good stories and great friends came out of the bonding that such an experience entails. Lastly, it ended with a sense of great fulfillment. And a coma.

Winter Break 2: Milwaukee Boogaloo

Now, I know what you're thinking: of all the exciting, exotic locales I could visit for my post-finals break, why choose Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the middle of January? It certainly wasn't for the snow.

Upon arrival, Julie and I did perhaps the most Milwaukee thing there is: a tour of the Miller Brewery. Now, I'm not a big Miller fan, personally, but hey, if it's free, I'll take it. Although, I did have to draw the line at the Leinie's Sunset Wheat (rotten cranberries!). Working on a light buzz from a few beers and no food, it was time for Chipotle. Oh, how I've missed the 'potle. The resulting burrito coma required that I watch Beauty and the Beast with Julie and her brother, Chris (aka, "Yaley McFreshman"). Julie promptly fell asleep, so Sara V. was a little confused when Chris and I were watching B&B together in the dark. Don't judge. The night went on, and Paddy's Irish Pub called out our names. All the cool kids went: Julie, Mia, Ellen, Dan O, Mark, Manning, Katie M., Kathryn Bilhorn, oh it was good times getting to see the gang again. Even if the owner wouldn't let me sit on Mark's lap in the big chair. Since coming to Boston, I had forgotten just how smoky the Milwaukee bars could get. We moved on from there to Caff's. Even though I graduated only last year, it was weird to be back at the campus bar. First, I just felt out of place. This was clearly a college bar, and I am not a college student any more (and glad for it). Second, it required a lot of rounds of people I recognized, old residents, and randoms that I vaguely recalled but couldn't remember their names. While it was no longer "my" bar, it was a good night.

Sunday was another great day. I went out to lunch with the bro, played with Dana and Julie, had some glorious Chinese food for dinner with Ellen, Dana, and Dan O (including fantastic spicy crab rangoon), and played with Dana and Julie some more. Did I mention I got some kick-ass gifts? Orange Pez lip balm! Finally, I went down to Straz to visit the Bergens, then Dan and I split a pitcher down at Miller Time Pub. Ah, the moment that we had both waited for. No longer supervisor/employee, but two friends sharing drinks and great conversation.

Monday was filled with more great visits. I had coffee with none other than the great Karen Nelli. It's always such a great experience getting to see the students I worked with grow and develop into such wonderful leaders and such amazing people. Jackie was back in town from Africa, and was now conscious.

Tuesday was a long day. After waking up from a late night and little sleep, I had to get ready for a day of interviews in Madison. So between the driving and the interviewing, it was draining. But the great news is that the U.S. Attorney's Office in Madison offered me a position for the summer! So, it's a huge relief to know that I have a job (especially when what I want to do is work for DOJ). I haven't decided yet, but since I still have to hear back from some of my other interests, but it's looking like I might be going back to Wisconsin for the summer. After getting back to Milwaukee, I popped over to the NRHH folks at MULC 2. It was a treat to see so many great people and the great new directions as well as traditions. Cap the evening off with P.F. Chang's and me collapsing on the couch around 10:00.

Wednesday, my last day in town was a morning of interviews. I did get to check out the top of the US Bank building, though. I think it went well. After popping in to the old Apartments' office to see Dan, Stacie, and Erin, I had to pack and fly back to Boston.

What more could I have asked for in a vacation? I got to stay with Julie and Jackie (great couch, by the way. Seriously, so cozy, I miss it.). I got to see some of the most important people in my life, let them know just how much they mean to me, and enjoy the presence of their company. What more is there?