tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47009706798344782212024-02-21T04:38:03.823-06:00joy of rainboots!Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.comBlogger389125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-41085404568558060522011-07-08T14:04:00.001-05:002011-07-08T14:04:00.834-05:00Today...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">... I am glad to have put this poem up on my wall:</span><br />
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<pre style="overflow-x: auto; overflow-y: auto; width: 730px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">i am a little church(no great cathedral)
far from the splendor and squalor of hurrying cities
-i do not worry if briefer days grow briefest,
i am not sorry when sun and rain make april
my life is the life of the reaper and the sower;
my prayers are prayers of earth's own clumsily striving
(finding and losing and laughing and crying)children
whose any sadness or joy is my grief or my gladness
around me surges a miracle of unceasing
birth and glory and death and resurrection:
over my sleeping self float flaming symbols
of hope,and i wake to a perfect patience of mountains
i am a little church(far from the frantic
world with its rapture and anguish)at peace with nature
-i do not worry if longer nights grow longest;
i am not sorry when silence becomes singing
winter by spring,i lift my diminutive spire to
merciful Him Whose only now is forever:
standing erect in the deathless truth of His presence
(welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness)</span></pre><pre style="overflow-x: auto; overflow-y: auto; width: 730px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">
</span></pre><pre style="overflow-x: auto; overflow-y: auto; width: 730px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">by e.e. cummings (he's my fave!)</span></pre>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-91235109451801679842011-07-05T21:40:00.000-05:002011-07-05T21:40:15.600-05:00P.P.S.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVydIm6TJyS_wIrcHRTEb-61pTZNezBhr9CD5tgTRdfpRjNhxhkcJtew7AgrlfZ8h3MFiRPiPB3px2N21mNMQxP-TzeZX10LHw54XpXCjx2BpOIs6L41xT3l0TT9fX5MpNiHH__-66RU/s1600/254052_654945123130_56900022_34926785_4935469_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVydIm6TJyS_wIrcHRTEb-61pTZNezBhr9CD5tgTRdfpRjNhxhkcJtew7AgrlfZ8h3MFiRPiPB3px2N21mNMQxP-TzeZX10LHw54XpXCjx2BpOIs6L41xT3l0TT9fX5MpNiHH__-66RU/s400/254052_654945123130_56900022_34926785_4935469_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Speaking of Canada pictures, I just found this one on my desktop, too. We were being the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uuqXXT7VYo">tilting head pugs</a>. Dad could barely make it through one tilt without cracking up completely!<br />
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So funny. I love this picture.Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-72738303699413322412011-07-05T21:36:00.000-05:002011-07-05T21:36:10.614-05:00P.S.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQz8G33n-37nt_aCOmEjF1i0TZ0gMecIOz1v1d1S4Fi6HEykvcexJbJK1eK1AbAH_WZ8ITWRcFUXmcN3FicH8FpZLo8UGfMKw3P3M2mnI7IswiWW8pictVacrn75jciA5ztkRXkyhr2o/s1600/IMG_0615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQz8G33n-37nt_aCOmEjF1i0TZ0gMecIOz1v1d1S4Fi6HEykvcexJbJK1eK1AbAH_WZ8ITWRcFUXmcN3FicH8FpZLo8UGfMKw3P3M2mnI7IswiWW8pictVacrn75jciA5ztkRXkyhr2o/s400/IMG_0615.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Isn't this picture cute? It's from the Canada trip, courtesy of Dave or Holly, and it's definitely one of my favorites of all time.Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-61574412203038475172011-07-05T21:29:00.000-05:002011-07-05T21:29:30.918-05:00Oh hi there.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Has it really been so long? Life has been a whirlwind in the last month or two. I've been traveling just about every weekend and all of these trips have been wonderful and (mostly) relaxing, great chances to catch up with friends old and new, and fun times to explore new country. In between those weekends away, life has been steady and yet hard, stressful, and discouraging. Stretching, one might say. It's that combination of glorious highs and wearying burdens that has kept me away, but on this hot July night I'm back to catch you up.</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnp8YJ5-FqO7NnFvt0xJB6fE-MeKnody5t45HS4gTD8Wrfq8aiubZV1dShbHYzTUm3wwTNDt6HfbCxT6UOK5Cf3QC_OAq0sESZhziWiTYwO1J_uVdpqe0fg6bvI7sZIq4psk5iQqGqoo/s1600/wilmington_photo_strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnp8YJ5-FqO7NnFvt0xJB6fE-MeKnody5t45HS4gTD8Wrfq8aiubZV1dShbHYzTUm3wwTNDt6HfbCxT6UOK5Cf3QC_OAq0sESZhziWiTYwO1J_uVdpqe0fg6bvI7sZIq4psk5iQqGqoo/s1600/wilmington_photo_strip.jpg" /></a><br />
Dave and I flew to North Carolina to attend his great-grandmother's 100th birthday party. One hundred! Amazing, right? It was really fun to get to meet Grandma Dot (I have my own Grandma Dot already and now I have two!) and spend some time with Dave's family. We also went to the beach, which I told Dave, "is right out of books that I've read!" To which he replied, "You mean Nicholas Sparks books?" Zing. He could be right. Anyway, totally different than Hawaiian beaches, but still pretty great. On our way home, our flight got delayed for hours, but luckily the NBA finals were on, so we kept ourselves entertained.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL1QQZeEs_YzMHRwCA51qL0TUWPQVCe0r8cxOR7r7ebFCz0bW_kShyphenhyphenQdSCEZ_JJoLcKJ-Bg4CgZnVLJVoYgSU0OLzRiRdX0zMLyF82T7zcFgiq_BuVQ7t55Cx4sIGPM5yi3lwGuMN2ko/s1600/june_food_photo_strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL1QQZeEs_YzMHRwCA51qL0TUWPQVCe0r8cxOR7r7ebFCz0bW_kShyphenhyphenQdSCEZ_JJoLcKJ-Bg4CgZnVLJVoYgSU0OLzRiRdX0zMLyF82T7zcFgiq_BuVQ7t55Cx4sIGPM5yi3lwGuMN2ko/s1600/june_food_photo_strip.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
Just because these were on my phone... food. I had basically zero time to grocery shop in June which made for some serious eating out. Latte art by Dave, Chicago's new Chick-fil-a (!!), Grahamwhich (soo good), and finally, just to prove that I don't only eat junk food, the salad bar at Whole Foods.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L_tOby3jItyC40LTleqxrLPTMPRhzGk6dk0qoT9efHBXQNrdfdFocdPfZ4EYk4rppyb5HZzOT2c4iTXyxdw0U84QoSw1HZAm7ikyxlnUYSUTejesNvypa8_EP4pC1-5ZUcAWbjPYOj4/s1600/june_good%2526bad_photo_strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L_tOby3jItyC40LTleqxrLPTMPRhzGk6dk0qoT9efHBXQNrdfdFocdPfZ4EYk4rppyb5HZzOT2c4iTXyxdw0U84QoSw1HZAm7ikyxlnUYSUTejesNvypa8_EP4pC1-5ZUcAWbjPYOj4/s1600/june_good%2526bad_photo_strip.jpg" /></a><br />
And finally, good and bad things that took place in June. Bad: We had lots of storms in Chicago and one particularly strong one knocked this tree over in my front yard. Also, Kate's car got broken into on my watch. Boo. Good: Lots of good dog-spotting. I managed to snap these two pugs without walking into any live intersections (points Ashley). And my first (and longest!) roomie, Kari, came to visit me in Chicago! She's been teaching in Senegal for the last year, so it was wonderful to see her.<br />
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So that's what's been going on. There was also a camping trip (including raccoons and waterfall hikes) where I got in touch with my Indiana roots, but I haven't nabbed those photos yet.<br />
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Pardon the absence. Life happened and I felt paralyzed by it. July will bring some more travel, a wedding, a move, and who knows what else...Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-54195843184423862142011-06-08T23:10:00.000-05:002011-06-08T23:10:14.522-05:00I left my heart in the Pacific North West...Okay, maybe it's exaggerating to say that I left my heart in the Pacific North West. But man oh man, did I love it up there! We spent three days in Seattle and three days in British Columbia on Vancouver Island (with two days of traveling in between there).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C_9jMJ4vTxk2OhvFWRhOoSx_eerU_zwqmRucA9-Lnwhe9s-L_kug7sWMzMQVb2PWep72mY2816igUQEdHUsEsg5UWo4rY03lxul_VE8n9ta5lz-qugdJtminx3Gt_bvUgGsqayirNgU/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C_9jMJ4vTxk2OhvFWRhOoSx_eerU_zwqmRucA9-Lnwhe9s-L_kug7sWMzMQVb2PWep72mY2816igUQEdHUsEsg5UWo4rY03lxul_VE8n9ta5lz-qugdJtminx3Gt_bvUgGsqayirNgU/s400/IMG_0399.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
It was pretty much the most perfect weather with gorgeous views of downtown Seattle and Lake Union from our condo.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYOwAEofU-UeiwXKKOpbcM2vg5-8SBTpssm4hKLz0iL6uLXUoScFhpabeAZn4U-iSXGCUh1agQ3y3xJbMTMmQScQJiLIVhQdPRBnvfubwizcl5em_uOv1To60kGkwy86MfNwnIRE0qfM/s1600/IMG_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYOwAEofU-UeiwXKKOpbcM2vg5-8SBTpssm4hKLz0iL6uLXUoScFhpabeAZn4U-iSXGCUh1agQ3y3xJbMTMmQScQJiLIVhQdPRBnvfubwizcl5em_uOv1To60kGkwy86MfNwnIRE0qfM/s400/IMG_0553.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
And then perfect weather in BC, too. I was awestruck by the Olympic Mountains off in the distance, across the Juan de Fuca Strait. Yep, we were lucky enough to stay RIGHT on the ocean with that as our view. I stared at it a lot.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5D2BHdaDApVJdWWCgb71savq5zPlQjD5BIUiAtgt7F9LwKw1tJIQzMJx4dWKUP4g0eDZNHEIRVeRCAetjtBIufn1WsJ9WfOvDF94Lub2D5bsp8ddhInBxZcxlIpC66nxpgvDzlkq-Ps/s1600/IMG_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5D2BHdaDApVJdWWCgb71savq5zPlQjD5BIUiAtgt7F9LwKw1tJIQzMJx4dWKUP4g0eDZNHEIRVeRCAetjtBIufn1WsJ9WfOvDF94Lub2D5bsp8ddhInBxZcxlIpC66nxpgvDzlkq-Ps/s400/IMG_0408.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
A highlight of our time in Seattle was our <a href="http://www.savorseattletours.com/tours/pikeplacemarket/">Pike Place Market food tour</a>. Could there be something better than learning about the history of a new place while sampling food all along the way? I think not. Plus, we started with donuts. STARTED WITH DONUTS. You know it's going to be a good afternoon when you eat dessert first.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNlUEWqv86ehV8DOHNftGPR00h1G8as_kNq_k6llAXEALdKxCkApjjPK21qZQW79ronRlJJP4rGNw4cebdfKz3BI0O34NWaV7HyElBjKzCO_6gikPElIxtDn94_2x3Kg1L5X2yF1xehY/s1600/254052_654945123130_56900022_34926785_4935469_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNlUEWqv86ehV8DOHNftGPR00h1G8as_kNq_k6llAXEALdKxCkApjjPK21qZQW79ronRlJJP4rGNw4cebdfKz3BI0O34NWaV7HyElBjKzCO_6gikPElIxtDn94_2x3Kg1L5X2yF1xehY/s400/254052_654945123130_56900022_34926785_4935469_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
While on Vancouver Island we visited Butchart Gardens to see their amazing gardens. (Family photos were a stop on the tour.)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-b1yqCkXsqOEjxI6qyI1g4f9Bz5QUGxESH6f3lEsfeEC13Z4io-8BHmuHVZsN-W9GQOhTA7XA0uSH-128pxIuK9gEmIOOOM3PI4Lp0pLZIohCKTW8_nz5fIEImhbJZQoBhq-ligI-AQ8/s1600/IMG_0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-b1yqCkXsqOEjxI6qyI1g4f9Bz5QUGxESH6f3lEsfeEC13Z4io-8BHmuHVZsN-W9GQOhTA7XA0uSH-128pxIuK9gEmIOOOM3PI4Lp0pLZIohCKTW8_nz5fIEImhbJZQoBhq-ligI-AQ8/s400/IMG_0503.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
I also enjoyed strolling around downtown Victoria, which was super colonial and cute.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwekvpFbiDvhbhyVxRZN6e9LKNE1F2fOlsR_nXwD2xtgaCUbw7iqkP0bStW0QQtjV56bwJxiOUB84ovN186DfKCUXrGcF9KWjWHtctlCwL-pHQSNO61yR9pdnMKLxDY3DWoaAb3PJUnE/s1600/IMG_0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwekvpFbiDvhbhyVxRZN6e9LKNE1F2fOlsR_nXwD2xtgaCUbw7iqkP0bStW0QQtjV56bwJxiOUB84ovN186DfKCUXrGcF9KWjWHtctlCwL-pHQSNO61yR9pdnMKLxDY3DWoaAb3PJUnE/s400/IMG_0454.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
While on the West Coast we traveled twice by ferry and both were fun trips. A combination of a great view and a great place to play cards is hard to beat, right?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3BGZbdv7oVqGZxNolmiuJ7K_JLQ0RXPcjpiav7QQkPa-z6uXYkxUc8h_PaOQq-svXdGLPih2Sb6E-E2aTEAMbYR1jUEK6kBYqCEbJbLTeoLY9oENIJTgIkJGSDVbjUl-T1Xqofajspo/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3BGZbdv7oVqGZxNolmiuJ7K_JLQ0RXPcjpiav7QQkPa-z6uXYkxUc8h_PaOQq-svXdGLPih2Sb6E-E2aTEAMbYR1jUEK6kBYqCEbJbLTeoLY9oENIJTgIkJGSDVbjUl-T1Xqofajspo/s400/IMG_0377.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
I can't wait to go back to Washington State and BC, because there is so much more to see! I hear the city of Vancouver is really cool, so hopefully that will be a future stop on my world tours.<br />
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</div>P.S. It's wicked hot in Chicago. I've got the fans on full blast and I'm hoping to sleep better than last night...Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-50844616949349735402011-05-29T11:28:00.000-05:002011-05-29T11:28:11.532-05:00UpdatesOh wow, it's been two weeks since I last posted?! I'm currently sitting in my room watching the lightning crack, the thunder roll, and the rain come down... and hoping it stops soon because I have a flight to catch! I'm off to the Pacific Northwest this week for some much needed vacation with my family! I cannot wait.<br />
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I'll be back with photos and stories of our adventures, but in the meantime, here's what's been going on lately...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3NX1ZbkoTmiIRlEoZADKY6eeXUgwHpVOl9TN8mg_cXR-TJuwDWLNdgaG5PK8tPRYEF0JsJVA_8EVphmPQjYEvquonuRzvQC1LYl4kdq9_4eZ2pePg2eGBc4FC0KOZ2TJv8kGXdle0ho/s1600/IMG_0327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3NX1ZbkoTmiIRlEoZADKY6eeXUgwHpVOl9TN8mg_cXR-TJuwDWLNdgaG5PK8tPRYEF0JsJVA_8EVphmPQjYEvquonuRzvQC1LYl4kdq9_4eZ2pePg2eGBc4FC0KOZ2TJv8kGXdle0ho/s320/IMG_0327.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There have been some weekend coffee dates.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZHTnRJWt4QOzEwx2Kb6LQfacKd_bt3F5JHrXtUqLO8Ef79dodcYUZLvkUp1wPR_cS1WtLrSSf4nRRwtqCPHQVQzWL4h-OvOcgG3geOChHEbTwsMdyv7hjgNJSUQtKouYmO0xPtVh0Y0/s1600/IMG_0328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZHTnRJWt4QOzEwx2Kb6LQfacKd_bt3F5JHrXtUqLO8Ef79dodcYUZLvkUp1wPR_cS1WtLrSSf4nRRwtqCPHQVQzWL4h-OvOcgG3geOChHEbTwsMdyv7hjgNJSUQtKouYmO0xPtVh0Y0/s320/IMG_0328.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate and I ventured out to Michigan Ave for a movie and it was a gorgeous day!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL9LCfWJQFG-qXIS0t_cF9-ErXhXZHgQUxsvt5moX1rPwDNkQQHgV-HW145wNmLRrWv3Z7_3eq3gEa7OH5S_Dajz9xOjFqJ0j3dWlNYO-CzH_MpwNVtQPtLc6q1yXk8O9q2iATzuWxh8/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL9LCfWJQFG-qXIS0t_cF9-ErXhXZHgQUxsvt5moX1rPwDNkQQHgV-HW145wNmLRrWv3Z7_3eq3gEa7OH5S_Dajz9xOjFqJ0j3dWlNYO-CzH_MpwNVtQPtLc6q1yXk8O9q2iATzuWxh8/s320/IMG_0333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hyde Park turned green and leafy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuIb8RLCCloaYAgluKLdbGIjB69CoLwm9AKA6nfX0h-mfm8JII7xdB2ThQOqLLF2AXTjt9__1ngemvJhCBSlwrs8PvXugqiT7t_Cbvvz8H3QUKwcUSNyaO1BdpbXs-pMlN1MmDfF33LY/s1600/IMG_0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuIb8RLCCloaYAgluKLdbGIjB69CoLwm9AKA6nfX0h-mfm8JII7xdB2ThQOqLLF2AXTjt9__1ngemvJhCBSlwrs8PvXugqiT7t_Cbvvz8H3QUKwcUSNyaO1BdpbXs-pMlN1MmDfF33LY/s320/IMG_0335.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Work has been really busy, as is evidenced by my overflowing inbox.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0_QHRvqLomzppZLE-Xc3aRnUXPwVVDt5EMdYl6lXMtzt5kyPtpAo5Lhrp5EQkqUeQ-9zlumjiHgJo7mBwsYWU5uzp3E-QXYEt4purICoeNgpTVUb0Jah_27HqV3S5FA0SykMCRtoDDc/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0_QHRvqLomzppZLE-Xc3aRnUXPwVVDt5EMdYl6lXMtzt5kyPtpAo5Lhrp5EQkqUeQ-9zlumjiHgJo7mBwsYWU5uzp3E-QXYEt4purICoeNgpTVUb0Jah_27HqV3S5FA0SykMCRtoDDc/s320/IMG_0336.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I almost walked into traffic in my efforts to snap this photo of a <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=shiba+inu+puppies&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1161&bih=631">shiba inu</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FChyphenhyphenb3_cps19B0dN3hLV-CxO8jWKY-b73l9aWs_XSRTc85pncLIulTBkE1cyJ5bk5cTmQF2DNhVqoTrEuTj85tOfM0jyHCLMZ2xKUzNi3dFArUZmjXwWMObgfY152dczxZOGzLbVcjI/s1600/IMG_0346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FChyphenhyphenb3_cps19B0dN3hLV-CxO8jWKY-b73l9aWs_XSRTc85pncLIulTBkE1cyJ5bk5cTmQF2DNhVqoTrEuTj85tOfM0jyHCLMZ2xKUzNi3dFArUZmjXwWMObgfY152dczxZOGzLbVcjI/s320/IMG_0346.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I designed this cover and was thrilled to receive the printed book! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The cover was even more awesome before the author rejected it, for the record.)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO0xTLZn59bFAkghuJrQat5LA5jiKBHauH3lj8yzfIqy-Pvdz9zGNuRrQsgMsNxF5n-sm9M60vQhXheJz5Ibo9hetUn7gREfGDnByW6h_2MWViqHxT2w6kEKD9zEeLB8Z-qzOVgdkhIo/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO0xTLZn59bFAkghuJrQat5LA5jiKBHauH3lj8yzfIqy-Pvdz9zGNuRrQsgMsNxF5n-sm9M60vQhXheJz5Ibo9hetUn7gREfGDnByW6h_2MWViqHxT2w6kEKD9zEeLB8Z-qzOVgdkhIo/s320/IMG_0351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate, Melissa, Dave, and I took in a Chicago Fire soccer game. We had a great view!</div>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-22614985913736886052011-05-15T21:20:00.001-05:002011-05-15T21:20:51.738-05:00Dispatches from the kitchen<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Two things.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">First of all, Ashley and I made <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/05/asparagus-goat-cheese-and-lemon-pasta/">this</a> asparagus, goat cheese, and lemon pasta for dinner a few weeks ago and it was amazing. Amazing! And really simple, too. The hardest part is really just having all the right ingredients available. <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/05/asparagus-goat-cheese-and-lemon-pasta/">You should try it out.</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Second, that same night <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">I decided to make another loaf of </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_895200895"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">beer</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><a href="http://joyofrainboots.blogspot.com/2011/04/dispatch-from-kitchen.html">bread</a> since</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> it was so easy and I still had some </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">beer </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">leftover. So I got busy mixing away and consequently mixed up the instructions. The recipe calls for 1 tsp salt and somehow, in classic Ashley fashion, I got it confused and added TWO TABLESPOONS of SALT to my flour and sugar mix. OOPS. I've been informed that that is six times too much salt. Oops x 6. So I quickly scooped out as much as I could and hoped for the best. It turned out to be pretty salty, but still enjoyable. Whew.</span></span></span>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-87051719351697717792011-05-15T21:20:00.000-05:002011-05-15T21:20:06.285-05:00Out of town-ing: Michigan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8Fv-prt553hvKrNRaGM9eUUOGzRfD4JQY1NgBFEKQjJbaeVjT1wlXgMHQPOuA8kg_tCAc2z9KxKapNOSmV_7XTZ1IWli4DhBIuS7cleOeBDAEn5FqC6s6ftuwLHFu8b-H54StKNIlFo/s1600/IMG_0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8Fv-prt553hvKrNRaGM9eUUOGzRfD4JQY1NgBFEKQjJbaeVjT1wlXgMHQPOuA8kg_tCAc2z9KxKapNOSmV_7XTZ1IWli4DhBIuS7cleOeBDAEn5FqC6s6ftuwLHFu8b-H54StKNIlFo/s400/IMG_0283.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant rolls of paper to be made into books!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last week I went on my first business trip to visit one of our book printers! I'll admit it, I'm a big nerd. We got tours of the printing presses, the folders, the gathering machines, the binders, the stampers... it was really cool. I took so many pictures and asked my fair share of questions. It was fascinating to see how much work goes into the actual printing of a book--work done both by machine and by people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUiLZ9jdiTbOv1B3IMyUJ9PhngVY83O3O_n5wEGygHGJt5hCXZU5iOSr5tBaRQYiUk39O_Xpv7FG_j17CVb6mcds8Hicj94uk3L4b4KYzZ9JgwIcYh7cZ-iEhiF_4LBJXGLxwxBdKBB4/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUiLZ9jdiTbOv1B3IMyUJ9PhngVY83O3O_n5wEGygHGJt5hCXZU5iOSr5tBaRQYiUk39O_Xpv7FG_j17CVb6mcds8Hicj94uk3L4b4KYzZ9JgwIcYh7cZ-iEhiF_4LBJXGLxwxBdKBB4/s400/IMG_0280.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
The color mixing room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm20qn50uyoZxqNKWNfex6jbt0dViXkAcq7yL35DI4-wihrxXSoK9GzxbmLEsSgZ0zOXnNFBYSQuNs5rFGNpEDgBBao09-vjq87q8tV6Je81Ts6uJCcCNuMUAwIHGj0yLAbXhDSW1xlQ/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm20qn50uyoZxqNKWNfex6jbt0dViXkAcq7yL35DI4-wihrxXSoK9GzxbmLEsSgZ0zOXnNFBYSQuNs5rFGNpEDgBBao09-vjq87q8tV6Je81Ts6uJCcCNuMUAwIHGj0yLAbXhDSW1xlQ/s400/IMG_0317.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Books go by on the belt after having the covers applied.<br />
<br />
It was so cool. Yep, I'm a nerd.Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-3527672637606752092011-05-15T21:06:00.001-05:002011-05-15T21:06:33.199-05:00Out of town-ing: South Carolina<i>I've spent about half of the last 10 days out of town, for both business and pleasure. So let's catch up, shall we?</i><br />
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First up: pleasure. I went home with Dave to spend a weekend with his family...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt8GAtkvbpRSNbxSmt-gVJaQSAvLp0tXKBjQtJAfh4lXt7z98R0eRYLHTKCskVpRYkhjNwAhtKKteOaQXCy1IlH5pOMpByYrLJyp5SU3OH96ywNqpLt_F-EDJKFWINgU8AqgOXdM6E4Q/s1600/IMG_1270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt8GAtkvbpRSNbxSmt-gVJaQSAvLp0tXKBjQtJAfh4lXt7z98R0eRYLHTKCskVpRYkhjNwAhtKKteOaQXCy1IlH5pOMpByYrLJyp5SU3OH96ywNqpLt_F-EDJKFWINgU8AqgOXdM6E4Q/s400/IMG_1270.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Remember how Dave and I take a photo <a href="http://joyofrainboots.blogspot.com/2010/12/bridge-shots.html">on the bridge</a> in downtown Greenville whenever we're in town? Here's the newest shot for that album.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd5ltrLVZOCR8OEVNOL-nCMw0BUDsVe_5T5Yu3WnyJtOMpEz6pZ6Qa7QLpbGrwHERndpFdc2zxZj09YBaN1sClmq5u7YcYHUZzP2Dsi8xuTqyyvpaBh49ekxrPbVV_PCnRLLJa8zt3q4/s1600/IMG_0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd5ltrLVZOCR8OEVNOL-nCMw0BUDsVe_5T5Yu3WnyJtOMpEz6pZ6Qa7QLpbGrwHERndpFdc2zxZj09YBaN1sClmq5u7YcYHUZzP2Dsi8xuTqyyvpaBh49ekxrPbVV_PCnRLLJa8zt3q4/s400/IMG_0264.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
Doesn't everything look green and beautiful?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwDAgUOt7uQPnNjmU6kEGDs-tUY8BqROZvFVipaoNy-EFNMAZFtMXyNWkte9udTDuyCYgh7m6hCd_6DefYbWz3_dSV7X0KAup88EaLR4ZwXkYpswdNSe4TPOUpdWZA7efObefOoFRYZw/s1600/IMG_0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwDAgUOt7uQPnNjmU6kEGDs-tUY8BqROZvFVipaoNy-EFNMAZFtMXyNWkte9udTDuyCYgh7m6hCd_6DefYbWz3_dSV7X0KAup88EaLR4ZwXkYpswdNSe4TPOUpdWZA7efObefOoFRYZw/s400/IMG_0263.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
And check out this tree that has had its roots exposed over the years. Cool view, huh?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxaBFYz05Ti-0-3q1qGN6iHk9mDbxGBu59ufpc5PoCZgmJgNmx6FsV7iyL7sL-0G2UR2s96Q4HfEBCzmGsDvyh_1mffvOy-55cx0q8yE4C7yDJ_Rudy73sX2gcvXvHmjTmu48VBDcc5s/s1600/IMG_0244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxaBFYz05Ti-0-3q1qGN6iHk9mDbxGBu59ufpc5PoCZgmJgNmx6FsV7iyL7sL-0G2UR2s96Q4HfEBCzmGsDvyh_1mffvOy-55cx0q8yE4C7yDJ_Rudy73sX2gcvXvHmjTmu48VBDcc5s/s400/IMG_0244.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
The reason we picked the weekend we did was that Dave's little sister was doing an end of the year reading for one of her creative writing classes. I was really impressed with her, and her classmates', work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vokW2iKqm7EHrZZtX4YMlshiboKmTH23gy8xSQwAm8P-CD8TY1JbNllDeBSY7FPjRFgij2Gbs8RNC4R_e0Y4doA2PKg3SytBCPVdvW_V0rJ9DCdN9oJzkbHTwD_GPkDij9Itzlymit0/s1600/IMG_0248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vokW2iKqm7EHrZZtX4YMlshiboKmTH23gy8xSQwAm8P-CD8TY1JbNllDeBSY7FPjRFgij2Gbs8RNC4R_e0Y4doA2PKg3SytBCPVdvW_V0rJ9DCdN9oJzkbHTwD_GPkDij9Itzlymit0/s400/IMG_0248.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
A highlight of the weekend was spending a few hours outside playing putt putt. I did terribly, awfully. However, I got a hole in one towards the end and it definitely lifted my spirits! I did a little happy dance. (Okay, it might have been a big happy dance.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoGToSz067o_hKAkfNB1ddVCcsdf3CDguHDAECHPjVGJ31QSkQ4gP0L96kC_NuIaXf9iXjmM0Wm8OJ-5XqGyZvjyML9DwlJwAfr_BNnhVD8YxcVWmYaEYwO8nqLfYFo3louo-0_jrVug/s1600/IMG_0252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoGToSz067o_hKAkfNB1ddVCcsdf3CDguHDAECHPjVGJ31QSkQ4gP0L96kC_NuIaXf9iXjmM0Wm8OJ-5XqGyZvjyML9DwlJwAfr_BNnhVD8YxcVWmYaEYwO8nqLfYFo3louo-0_jrVug/s400/IMG_0252.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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I'd also like to note that I got a sunburn one day. I guess it's been a long time since my skin has seen the sunshine?<br />
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It was a wonderful weekend and I was sad that it had to end and work had to begin again on Monday! Isn't that the story of most vacations, though?Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-29505625467653056072011-05-10T22:31:00.000-05:002011-05-10T22:31:10.256-05:00I'm inspired...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="330" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BI23U7U2aUY?rel=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
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I saw this video pep talk by Ira Glass today and was thoroughly inspired. Inspired enough to listen to it several times through. This was so good for me to hear right now:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"It takes a while, it’s gonna take you a while, it’s normal to take a while and you just have to fight your way through that. OK? You will be fierce, you will be a warrior and you will make things that aren’t as good as you know in your heart you want them to be, and you’ll just make one after another…"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going to repeat that to myself over and over, even in -- especially in -- the midst of feeling inadequate and impatient with the work I'm producing.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">[via <a href="http://www.thedonutproject.com/inspiration/ira-glass-on-inexperience/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheDonutProject+%28The+Donut+Project%29">the donut project</a>]</span></span>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-52412659833343795912011-05-04T14:40:00.000-05:002011-05-04T14:40:17.992-05:00Sunshine? Yes please.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94e_2snCMa9qkHvGqugI9SKDA0Olu4D9LcFrDarWMB_QmmD8rA4Xk6cIfG4k_wtf0aqjCCA-HTr4kS2PMS68aOwv5Q8Tj-DvGOeVhDEtZT0QVqIHJJo4xzzxKwqiM61gFpSXNxk1a314/s1600/scweather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94e_2snCMa9qkHvGqugI9SKDA0Olu4D9LcFrDarWMB_QmmD8rA4Xk6cIfG4k_wtf0aqjCCA-HTr4kS2PMS68aOwv5Q8Tj-DvGOeVhDEtZT0QVqIHJJo4xzzxKwqiM61gFpSXNxk1a314/s400/scweather.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Forecast for this weekend in South Carolina? Perfect. So excited to go on a mini vacation!Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-10159723509961634452011-05-01T21:59:00.000-05:002011-05-01T21:59:23.253-05:00Half Acre Brewery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIHTKUu7Us6Z_v6FGdVQ-h6aT5pRJe6MkiP-W_u2GDEZjNYaHNffXSeK_MgHCPLsaKMZd1e41yQnzcuV-PcmHWQEAhMJ03sh_qi4bZ0F2yI-rR31yHuQaWJikhx1LJxMUQl7IAbpNxP0/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIHTKUu7Us6Z_v6FGdVQ-h6aT5pRJe6MkiP-W_u2GDEZjNYaHNffXSeK_MgHCPLsaKMZd1e41yQnzcuV-PcmHWQEAhMJ03sh_qi4bZ0F2yI-rR31yHuQaWJikhx1LJxMUQl7IAbpNxP0/s400/photo.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> Our very own Lee is a dedicated worker at <a href="http://www.halfacrebeer.com/home.php">Half Acre Brewery</a> here in Chicago, and tonight he gave us a tour of the place!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5c4GLXUQyNb37tzSDTFWlCOWS9-CT8CkYXc5kBmuuVUYsl00-XTciULEkVQfdLN0F5GE4THtmkS2nqM7cNjS_AG_ML1Jb8m_nBnVP4L1UmNV0zkewCB6Dpi8znqZXPdE-m7me9nlcAas/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5c4GLXUQyNb37tzSDTFWlCOWS9-CT8CkYXc5kBmuuVUYsl00-XTciULEkVQfdLN0F5GE4THtmkS2nqM7cNjS_AG_ML1Jb8m_nBnVP4L1UmNV0zkewCB6Dpi8znqZXPdE-m7me9nlcAas/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
We were celebrating the beautiful weather and weekend at a burger place right next door to the brewery when Lee offered to show us around. So we jumped at the opportunity.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQrOhdWVLDPUU74MNZ0q5an8yaAmtAqMkMoqIU4M_8j2WS0PdZp2DcHM26X2P4p4z8Hi75mHwTFgG1IPI_uIH2qWsYcL3eFpv6gKqNCNQxmMThIZJ6-DsR1_xkjTUujPWkX2fb_8Gv4k/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQrOhdWVLDPUU74MNZ0q5an8yaAmtAqMkMoqIU4M_8j2WS0PdZp2DcHM26X2P4p4z8Hi75mHwTFgG1IPI_uIH2qWsYcL3eFpv6gKqNCNQxmMThIZJ6-DsR1_xkjTUujPWkX2fb_8Gv4k/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Cheers!</div>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-69016736031378192622011-04-30T23:23:00.000-05:002011-04-30T23:23:32.300-05:00Dispatch from the Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi191yQsYQVTum3eG9Rlo5SBm5LRoxS0DyvIT7uilK5cFQlinEcnM8vVBaLEMZYZa8Pp12IHwFkGHvloLaJfepA5fz-vLi0hg-B2GyGYyj0EaRMZt-mhV9k3VtqxjoTyvnQqH2goOpyzzA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi191yQsYQVTum3eG9Rlo5SBm5LRoxS0DyvIT7uilK5cFQlinEcnM8vVBaLEMZYZa8Pp12IHwFkGHvloLaJfepA5fz-vLi0hg-B2GyGYyj0EaRMZt-mhV9k3VtqxjoTyvnQqH2goOpyzzA/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>I made a loaf of bread today! <a href="http://une-deuxsenses.blogspot.com/2011/02/honey-beer-bread-grilled-beer-and.html">Beer bread</a>. It was delicious and really easy because there was no waiting for it to rise or anything. You should go make some. I used Bells Oberon for my beer, but I think you can use any kind you like. We used it to make amazing grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. I'll definitely be making this again!<br />
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(The recipe for the bread and the sandwiches is <a href="http://une-deuxsenses.blogspot.com/2011/02/honey-beer-bread-grilled-beer-and.html">on this page</a>.)Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-60291695799897473782011-04-28T21:52:00.001-05:002011-04-28T21:52:22.997-05:00Groundbreaking new obsession...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3406791149_c513327765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3406791149_c513327765.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khine/3406791149/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Great Danes! If they didn't grow to be almost twice my size, I would really want one of these buggers. They're just so loopy and zany looking.<br />
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I saw an adorable dog out on a walk tonight with huge paws. I thought it was a full grown Dalmation but when I got closer, I realized it was in fact a Great Dane PUPPY.<br />
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So of course I've been looking up pictures of the dogs (and Dave has been contributing some video research). I bring you my favorite video...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DB483FxYrQM" width="425"></iframe>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-75497519389201358182011-04-24T22:13:00.001-05:002011-04-24T22:14:49.635-05:00Birthday Week, pt. III<i>We're going to have to skip part II since I don't yet have the pictures. I have to get them from a few people...</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLUOGIKWvdsPSfblb5sqOWad50eVmb1PhRQWZLVS02wb3ZBWyGqtM8trbLUfUnPPBNdtM8POG0eDfny12lrSWuF6nDzlaY3JIpc_QM-tdYqwk2lCjkustRThM7J6ScPgIz9zaknA5XSI/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLUOGIKWvdsPSfblb5sqOWad50eVmb1PhRQWZLVS02wb3ZBWyGqtM8trbLUfUnPPBNdtM8POG0eDfny12lrSWuF6nDzlaY3JIpc_QM-tdYqwk2lCjkustRThM7J6ScPgIz9zaknA5XSI/s400/IMG_0202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i><br />
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On the day of my birth, April 21, I awoke to sunshine. Sunshine! (It had been, and continued to, rain all week. All. week.) I got some fun presents from my roommates, including a cast iron griddle that will take my pancakes up a notch. (I used it on Saturday and it was definitely an improvement! Not to mention I felt super official.) My parents had sent me a birthday package so I ripped it open (in 5 year old style... I can't help it! I love birthdays!) and found a gorgeous new blouse. Birthday outfit, donned.<br />
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After work I had planned to take the bus to Dave's house where we would have dinner together. As I walked out the door and started walking to the bus stop, I saw from behind a person sitting on a bench. I thought to myself, "The back of that person's head doesn't look like anyone I normally see here." And then, "That person's jacket looks a lot like Dave's jacket." And then, "Omigosh! It's Dave!" He surprised me and came to pick me up from work! (This is one of my highest luxuries. As a takes-public-transportation-everywhere person, getting a ride ranks up there with a bubble bath or a chocolate dessert. Seriously.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSBzQyMWGwoUTGasnhfK7AC1sJKzXsTT7hzgwCfSoE7fZ5FpO9SrKgOrUr_3arO_FCmLGrQwMPrvKL6zaCeiAt1gtDA781YuUg41Fl9nvL-Kr0oe7mAkUwN6Yh1QzG6_0LeOkyHm4jwE/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSBzQyMWGwoUTGasnhfK7AC1sJKzXsTT7hzgwCfSoE7fZ5FpO9SrKgOrUr_3arO_FCmLGrQwMPrvKL6zaCeiAt1gtDA781YuUg41Fl9nvL-Kr0oe7mAkUwN6Yh1QzG6_0LeOkyHm4jwE/s400/IMG_0189.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave -- surprise in Hyde Park!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We made stir-fry for dinner (my favorite) and watched 30 Rock (my favorite!) and ate strawberry shortcake (my favorite!).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JBn389e2KlQpRWC1w0mn9EX9e5mRlFHOklh1dbc4f2WB22Ih3pSjDxXZfnCTTrXeh7jUXhho6_Lbn5lWn_SqI43i_F1P0HRPl6xSe0w2be8Iw4vmWWH9h35suoLxDlHnTAWIgvA_UDg/s1600/macaroons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JBn389e2KlQpRWC1w0mn9EX9e5mRlFHOklh1dbc4f2WB22Ih3pSjDxXZfnCTTrXeh7jUXhho6_Lbn5lWn_SqI43i_F1P0HRPl6xSe0w2be8Iw4vmWWH9h35suoLxDlHnTAWIgvA_UDg/s640/macaroons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Bean macaroons -- this one was my favorite</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
He gave me some fabulous gifts as well. A lovely bag from a vintage shop in Chicago (I've been on the bag hunt for a while!), macaroons (I've been itching to try them for months), an awesome ceramic travel mug (such bright colors!), and a bouquet of flowers that are brightening up a dreary last few weeks of April.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYbWg4mKjy3XjNFxvcrtfLcrqCRidroZ8364p6XbwQh2WuhYWclSTcjbMUuJ26HHSw-PZSxyuhD5_yYJ-tVzme5A6fH0OptdZnlgDop9986HSZJS2odDlmCqrCqSMzxLzgE2b3dVam68/s1600/IMG_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYbWg4mKjy3XjNFxvcrtfLcrqCRidroZ8364p6XbwQh2WuhYWclSTcjbMUuJ26HHSw-PZSxyuhD5_yYJ-tVzme5A6fH0OptdZnlgDop9986HSZJS2odDlmCqrCqSMzxLzgE2b3dVam68/s400/IMG_0190.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modeling three of my birthday gifts -- blouse, bag, bouquet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was a lovely birthday and I'm so thankful to my friends and family, near and far, for how special and loved they made me feel. I've got long thank you notes coming to all of you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_QKXUXb4X_dNPYWZ5Bv46H25NNMveeskn52fyqhAvTR7mhvOImNPTOxvwMrtifgB7Lu7IlvzV-thyphenhyphennYJK7uQM5bGyI1LBVIGu2KfQ3nUgF7ym7WVoY5KigSjzyiFNWj2GWKxHrJuRu4/s1600/IMG_0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_QKXUXb4X_dNPYWZ5Bv46H25NNMveeskn52fyqhAvTR7mhvOImNPTOxvwMrtifgB7Lu7IlvzV-thyphenhyphennYJK7uQM5bGyI1LBVIGu2KfQ3nUgF7ym7WVoY5KigSjzyiFNWj2GWKxHrJuRu4/s400/IMG_0199.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At work on Friday, feeling very colorful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-75216381716281641242011-04-24T21:47:00.001-05:002011-04-24T22:15:22.349-05:00Birthday Week, pt. I<i>Birthday week was so awesome that it's going to encompass several posts. I'm pretty lucky to get so much celebrating, no?</i><br />
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Tuesday evening, Paige took me to dinner to celebrate my birthday! She's currently on a week long adventure in North Dakota, so we celebrated early at <a href="http://www.soccachicago.com/">Socca</a>* in Lakeview.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUFUaojsT0vdN2JYfmfXsmMInx1-82WWhAXGvpsNllbAfmcWY40jbDFbTCP7Itemhld3sZKbTEP0k3t_nAj6tezgexog1QKeLnBzp2G47YGjUfvnc0zAUWpDyoRZJWc7PJTIbO3mTE2U/s1600/stormylake_birthdaydinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUFUaojsT0vdN2JYfmfXsmMInx1-82WWhAXGvpsNllbAfmcWY40jbDFbTCP7Itemhld3sZKbTEP0k3t_nAj6tezgexog1QKeLnBzp2G47YGjUfvnc0zAUWpDyoRZJWc7PJTIbO3mTE2U/s640/stormylake_birthdaydinner.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It was a stormy evening and the lake looked particularly dreary and eerie. But it's okay, because we had wine and frites and Italian food to warm our bellies.<br />
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I got a goat cheese and roasted peppers pizzette and it was one of the most amazing things I've ever tasted. I am definitely going back!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQgfcfpH8CDPpxQkl6WzMUj-Zm6EpCy8k5Jlp8odboSbNzrI_r14S7fXuJcJUUOQjgbHLainGWUmPvabBla4gQt7cZ_xCrlR4gdzuneJuJNFqpYOLTXMLNLIilrmhnf2E15hwl_ek2Sw/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQgfcfpH8CDPpxQkl6WzMUj-Zm6EpCy8k5Jlp8odboSbNzrI_r14S7fXuJcJUUOQjgbHLainGWUmPvabBla4gQt7cZ_xCrlR4gdzuneJuJNFqpYOLTXMLNLIilrmhnf2E15hwl_ek2Sw/s400/IMG_0187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a grand time, even running through the rain to get home. I'm so blessed to have a friend like Paige! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Paige, I miss you; come back from the frozen North!)</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Can I just say that I find it terribly annoying when websites play music? I do. Beware, this one blasts music at you.</span>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-76811002089935678382011-04-17T20:36:00.000-05:002011-04-17T20:36:22.779-05:00Weekend!My roommates abandoned me this weekend... *tear* So I had to entertain myself without them. [Love you guys! You too, Kate, even though you don't read blogs.]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRpIelVG7xfs9lXidz7q3DRedtoOI-93s4qWG3YGnQMdZ4APzVvcut_YIFXyHpsHK4pnyYLj-a1VZaHq4kDCj8jTpHXYeDZ0Jc_Hq7W4qcll95HySW1Wbg8ubQSdTFL9tVhhnVHri_dM/s1600/saturdaymorning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRpIelVG7xfs9lXidz7q3DRedtoOI-93s4qWG3YGnQMdZ4APzVvcut_YIFXyHpsHK4pnyYLj-a1VZaHq4kDCj8jTpHXYeDZ0Jc_Hq7W4qcll95HySW1Wbg8ubQSdTFL9tVhhnVHri_dM/s400/saturdaymorning.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Dave and I had a lazy, rainy Saturday. (Remember how I said it was 80 degrees last weekend? We're back down to 30s-40s and raining! Sigh.) I made my famous <a href="http://joyofrainboots.blogspot.com/2011/04/ashley-cooks.html">pancakes</a>, we played cribbage (I CAME BACK FROM BEHIND AND WON! I'm attempting to rub it in, but Dave doesn't read blogs either... too bad.), took naps, made some delicious <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Gourmet-White-Pizza/Detail.aspx">white pizza</a>, and wished for summer by eating some neighborhood ice cream.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeYJQgcniVBw3oP3wH4PVhMhwr1KgqEI37-LViWsjzmvnnthYeUlHNCJo56DTXy9V9f-0oV6jTZpnRblnUurDsQjwmI_7ywsSl76uq1lICjtla8kTFcEdXRjHK6eBobX7F5MiAKvj6vA/s1600/white_pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeYJQgcniVBw3oP3wH4PVhMhwr1KgqEI37-LViWsjzmvnnthYeUlHNCJo56DTXy9V9f-0oV6jTZpnRblnUurDsQjwmI_7ywsSl76uq1lICjtla8kTFcEdXRjHK6eBobX7F5MiAKvj6vA/s400/white_pizza.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I also played with my iPhone. I love this <a href="http://incredibooth.com/">photobooth app</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBSbi_g7UeI515wbZto9qsPMdDszfHLNbAVKtYQNAU4afK1GV2atgCv0S9LHatEfi9DkQMJHacdL1J7hN5Davk3LTcfwcSZuQLcMVSZxpcnRKQG3f0-pondKrxqSNIc3aJrTAOGSFYL8/s1600/photobooth_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBSbi_g7UeI515wbZto9qsPMdDszfHLNbAVKtYQNAU4afK1GV2atgCv0S9LHatEfi9DkQMJHacdL1J7hN5Davk3LTcfwcSZuQLcMVSZxpcnRKQG3f0-pondKrxqSNIc3aJrTAOGSFYL8/s400/photobooth_collage.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><br />
Thankfully my roomies all returned from near and far today and we're having a movie night.<br />
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Happy Palm Sunday!<br />
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P.S. I'm writing this from my new computer! And it's starting to look like spring!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-bdeQy0dw_3JAh4xMfgUlec_xhs-XgGrd1G6b33egQ_cbmpenybvAeNecPGNPeCJWi5ftv-U-YJuXL0uGTkgYS6XIstdKgzNEIC1NxowFSgDHFaI5Y26DHcRy-VYPjb9MN_BmHoVDbQ/s1600/computer_yellowbush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-bdeQy0dw_3JAh4xMfgUlec_xhs-XgGrd1G6b33egQ_cbmpenybvAeNecPGNPeCJWi5ftv-U-YJuXL0uGTkgYS6XIstdKgzNEIC1NxowFSgDHFaI5Y26DHcRy-VYPjb9MN_BmHoVDbQ/s400/computer_yellowbush.jpg" width="400" /></a>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-30384213543431426232011-04-12T20:13:00.000-05:002011-04-12T20:13:07.796-05:00SUNSHINE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdttb9ZiyD-O78Skpog48gAZ5u3FKHywrgvWBK8tijqYCGiDeSXBIpZfkpOVSsmlvTMQJiZQihAQvW-p4Hhfja-8gKC544JGvtMvHTTiwtjo4Ld6AF_ll5dsy6PablXBMs1H0Xa4VN-xk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdttb9ZiyD-O78Skpog48gAZ5u3FKHywrgvWBK8tijqYCGiDeSXBIpZfkpOVSsmlvTMQJiZQihAQvW-p4Hhfja-8gKC544JGvtMvHTTiwtjo4Ld6AF_ll5dsy6PablXBMs1H0Xa4VN-xk/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a><br />
On Sunday, Chicago was given the gift of SUN and WARMTH and BLUE SKY. Can you tell from all those caps that we had long been awaiting a day like that? Oh we had been waiting for weeks, months maybe. And the day didn't disappoint. It was in the 80s and glorious. I didn't know Chicago was home to so many babies and dogs! The beaches and the streets were alive with people all enjoying what was the first glorious summer day -- a summer day oddly in the beginning of April?<br />
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I spent as much time outside as possible: running, antiquing, walking instead of riding the train, and grilling for dinner. It was fabulous, fabulous!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacIVB4bKSsjU1hK2isX8l63b_eF_m1npxNg3GJetmNY3cfr-ZIR1sNyFlOuQ9vkwF9OcX_ATM-yP_DUM9LuhVqTdp_c44q0ne1lTgb9ccavm3P0QTxa77yIt4QEQGPBOSAaoxvqy2Qgs/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacIVB4bKSsjU1hK2isX8l63b_eF_m1npxNg3GJetmNY3cfr-ZIR1sNyFlOuQ9vkwF9OcX_ATM-yP_DUM9LuhVqTdp_c44q0ne1lTgb9ccavm3P0QTxa77yIt4QEQGPBOSAaoxvqy2Qgs/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
And I found a vintage Hawaii-United Airlines sign!<br />
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We're back down to the 50s now, but oh Sunday.Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-53664096481238435582011-04-09T12:40:00.000-05:002011-04-09T12:40:21.632-05:00Today I ran 3 miles.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYqQvhEa1TvhVaLglxIrhZG9UgdTEvlHg3btAgmqAUlOfekANi__qCuLp2U2vwOXo-GGJdJlyvkZCdq20hVDQPPygnuRNjkJHlV7s_BQWAfMc5BWQuhlJxOG-LBh4dIi87K6uBJD3kVM/s1600/My+Photo+Strip+890644677+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYqQvhEa1TvhVaLglxIrhZG9UgdTEvlHg3btAgmqAUlOfekANi__qCuLp2U2vwOXo-GGJdJlyvkZCdq20hVDQPPygnuRNjkJHlV7s_BQWAfMc5BWQuhlJxOG-LBh4dIi87K6uBJD3kVM/s400/My+Photo+Strip+890644677+%25281%2529.jpg" width="76" /></a></div>It's more than I've run in several years. I ran 'em outside. And I'm really proud of myself. So I took a photobooth strip to celebrate.Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-89307669110142376112011-04-07T22:11:00.000-05:002011-04-07T22:11:18.287-05:00Spring! Flowers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-31o5dTVqEV5J_mBeo0oJPPzM4ynuSKXSu9wrE4i0zouP-jFBV04YkfCe3BOb9zs62BLM390ikqvvZBca44G692re8c60iSUuz8w6Z_y5kdDK4JgkHu0plpS13y2vGWbE7iCN-1iZSY/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-31o5dTVqEV5J_mBeo0oJPPzM4ynuSKXSu9wrE4i0zouP-jFBV04YkfCe3BOb9zs62BLM390ikqvvZBca44G692re8c60iSUuz8w6Z_y5kdDK4JgkHu0plpS13y2vGWbE7iCN-1iZSY/s400/IMG_0145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I'm going to start buying fresh cut flowers more often.Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-87015178130357789312011-04-07T22:10:00.000-05:002011-04-07T22:10:14.487-05:00Snow Ice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h1Ujhb_P0_6ZZusXvyz0MrbfFE0h_PQO1C9mqRxoW405VpfSVshNQJ4c2QfnGPZfbSSTIlvFCP-LCHaR6gxsxarl85Uz60jgsYAOnC6YnFiSRU2VDKUUepdDQUI5yIEJOZ-Q-3RxIQ8/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h1Ujhb_P0_6ZZusXvyz0MrbfFE0h_PQO1C9mqRxoW405VpfSVshNQJ4c2QfnGPZfbSSTIlvFCP-LCHaR6gxsxarl85Uz60jgsYAOnC6YnFiSRU2VDKUUepdDQUI5yIEJOZ-Q-3RxIQ8/s400/IMG_0146.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
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Last night Dave and I went on a date to commemorate our first date three years ago (see the post below). We went to this small Italian restaurant (since we went to an Italian restaurant on the first date) and it was tasty -- and kind of odd because we were the ONLY ones in there. It was Wednesday evening, so I guess that's not a very busy night...<br />
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</div>For dessert we ventured to <a href="http://www.cloud9chicago.com/">Cloud 9</a> in Lakeview. They specialize in Taiwanese "snow ice" which is the closest thing in Chicago to shave ice. It's fluffier than Hawaiian stuff and made with real pureed fruit rather than syrup. Imagine eating frozen cotton candy and you're probably getting the right picture. It was definitely no Island Snow, but I'll take what I can get here! I got the mango and Dave got green tea. We both got sweeetened condensed milk drizzled on top. In Hawaii we call that a snowcap. And it's delicious no matter where you are.<br />
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Snow ice. It's going to be the big summer thing.Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-502547441665190382011-04-03T22:47:00.000-05:002011-04-03T22:47:36.500-05:003 years ago...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Rfzecq9eppWZaFGs6teF9YYX_Bx0n-BQO4hokY0aZmCaWWlamg9kjhyyKIYFKzZ6-p7wktAmsD8Ob_ovEu-sL-ODo1-FNJ-v01fq0OVRC4sUMK2PTnWrAZv0Txzj1-5b6jW-GsepGKQ/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Rfzecq9eppWZaFGs6teF9YYX_Bx0n-BQO4hokY0aZmCaWWlamg9kjhyyKIYFKzZ6-p7wktAmsD8Ob_ovEu-sL-ODo1-FNJ-v01fq0OVRC4sUMK2PTnWrAZv0Txzj1-5b6jW-GsepGKQ/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>On April 4, 2008 Dave and I went on our first date. Dinner at an Italian restaurant in one of my favorite places in the world and then a movie at a little theater near Wheaton. It's been a good three years.Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-58323651257126683642011-04-03T12:32:00.000-05:002011-04-03T12:32:36.925-05:00A good Saturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQobLwmvdwcnx634JG2jwlAw8la_RUc0RUUTvN8v7mMmEMbWhWRuZzQgpqMWElilosDq9DEJZw2qrBcj9J9y8v1irnwRfD86lLY-TPUhgP7dOdBURhopGvqmnLxfLusvi6wEfwyoePma0/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQobLwmvdwcnx634JG2jwlAw8la_RUc0RUUTvN8v7mMmEMbWhWRuZzQgpqMWElilosDq9DEJZw2qrBcj9J9y8v1irnwRfD86lLY-TPUhgP7dOdBURhopGvqmnLxfLusvi6wEfwyoePma0/s400/IMG_0127.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Yesterday was a good day. I drove out to Wheaton to visit this kid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE08_kvG8fNb7-SuVHBs2GxBL_6O8hxQhAvauN46IAyd_AmoSCQ-PvwTpBJhkQ74IQjrhf2DVUjvCnHpOs7cU22HkItcVkLtxY4VtQ2J5y7cO5rlqQItfy6es8GogNMyvvW8dXwQUMBH4/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE08_kvG8fNb7-SuVHBs2GxBL_6O8hxQhAvauN46IAyd_AmoSCQ-PvwTpBJhkQ74IQjrhf2DVUjvCnHpOs7cU22HkItcVkLtxY4VtQ2J5y7cO5rlqQItfy6es8GogNMyvvW8dXwQUMBH4/s400/IMG_0126.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
My one request was that we eat at Chick-fil-A. We accomplished this first. It was very important.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggri3XK4HYY6FJMlnYhZn8LaVJjAPiwyduEEklOjnHz2bNtcoLWndTzbORUESRAsDHxwU2tRRv9TNGXHIbuImW8aClozGFL6i3uM6Y8IRyD8Hy6hAOM91OmpwhGs3iyCbxAZC36WnBvb0/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggri3XK4HYY6FJMlnYhZn8LaVJjAPiwyduEEklOjnHz2bNtcoLWndTzbORUESRAsDHxwU2tRRv9TNGXHIbuImW8aClozGFL6i3uM6Y8IRyD8Hy6hAOM91OmpwhGs3iyCbxAZC36WnBvb0/s400/IMG_0133.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
We also walked around campus and as a good alumnus, I got REALLY excited about it and I made sure we took pictures in front of the Kingdom sign. Also as good alumni, we reminisced on some of our favorite memories. Like freshman tea parties. And how the boys were ALWAYS late to them so we started telling them they started half an hour earlier than we wanted them to come. And how that worked 90% of the time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeRqPAVLy2NhyphenhyphenIbVvJvwP5ObCPRwDOxvSTV4_8NIcwZJPD0uCqZGpJmp_IDc33YeGBzcc_1frDRUP_KNg2YneTfQGqPS_zcfpLeOhc2QpYys-r6anUp5WotirYKxakrtT9JUckZ2mnLI/s1600/IMG_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeRqPAVLy2NhyphenhyphenIbVvJvwP5ObCPRwDOxvSTV4_8NIcwZJPD0uCqZGpJmp_IDc33YeGBzcc_1frDRUP_KNg2YneTfQGqPS_zcfpLeOhc2QpYys-r6anUp5WotirYKxakrtT9JUckZ2mnLI/s400/IMG_0132.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
It was a gorgeous spring day. The sky was crisp and blue. I got nostalgic. I wore my teal pants.<br />
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Then I drove back to the city and watched 'Exit Through the Gift Shop' with Dave. It was very good and I'm still trying to decide whether I think it was real or not. Go watch it, then we can discuss.<br />
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A great Saturday, no?<br />
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P.S. I made a new banner and switched up the look of the blog a little bit. Pop over from Google Reader and check it out. :)Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-30633203625609974422011-04-02T09:41:00.000-05:002011-04-02T09:41:47.486-05:00Kristy Yamaguchi! And good views from a safe distance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s8Z89hsBXRwiBHiUVq5AU0JwJLCK-Rup7IE9ttzs8ByTa3BvB9v17ATc9x5laEDjBHC3wqksycXcS1sQJZwdMBSVv3l_2evb8os5BjFkKyXxniMjfO8vGGyeTvhgqFiTqNtmc9K6N1k/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s8Z89hsBXRwiBHiUVq5AU0JwJLCK-Rup7IE9ttzs8ByTa3BvB9v17ATc9x5laEDjBHC3wqksycXcS1sQJZwdMBSVv3l_2evb8os5BjFkKyXxniMjfO8vGGyeTvhgqFiTqNtmc9K6N1k/s400/IMG_0105.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Kristy Yamaguchi of Olympic fame is currently on a book tour for her new children's book "Dream Big, Little Pig" (cute, right?) and she came by Dave's work for a book-signing! Naturally I went and had my picture taken with her (promising that someday when I had a child, I'd buy her book, haha). She was really nice... and she fell when she was getting off the ice rink. It was hilarious, and she was laughing the hardest of anyone!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHYopa9PiIxH0gTJxjnbRgDGuw8XgsLssEeniWdRXZOfiRopHs5fs-ArArwkKhS0t8R9TEK64PeNn83FYxHTfU3MKclgcuhZReO8rU-8mfbfvpRVBNlIbpWgmoFucw1TMffvNwGZKTgQ/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHYopa9PiIxH0gTJxjnbRgDGuw8XgsLssEeniWdRXZOfiRopHs5fs-ArArwkKhS0t8R9TEK64PeNn83FYxHTfU3MKclgcuhZReO8rU-8mfbfvpRVBNlIbpWgmoFucw1TMffvNwGZKTgQ/s400/IMG_0101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> While I was up there (have I mentioned I'm super afraid of heights?) I hung out at the cafe watching Dave and his coworkers do their thing. I also tried to enjoy the view... when possible. You'll notice that all of my pictures of the city and the sunset are from a safe distance. I just couldn't get myself to go close to the edge! (Or closER to the edge; there was honestly a lot of yardage between me and it.) Hey, we're all just proud of me because I rode up the elevator by myself. (Okay, maybe I'm just proud of me. Maybe everyone else expects that of an almost 24 year old.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAvU48MpkYyz5Wr5hfiKHQLk0BSudTBieqoyRVFCPtCEjPexsadkOFn8EouwFGtHCfMcMtHqFqRnOVPp8_53oDY-wCAUGXbp8PXHKmUbHydI1ddzeoMnJVbc6qDdXRGJ9lsnySZw0Sqw/s1600/IMG_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAvU48MpkYyz5Wr5hfiKHQLk0BSudTBieqoyRVFCPtCEjPexsadkOFn8EouwFGtHCfMcMtHqFqRnOVPp8_53oDY-wCAUGXbp8PXHKmUbHydI1ddzeoMnJVbc6qDdXRGJ9lsnySZw0Sqw/s320/IMG_0102.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dave made me a mocha. I'm really impressed by his increasing latte art skills. He's a great barista!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEBz5818rBAmegLXuX-iDOkc5Soeyh40l-4DTFTZi4wz_NJH-kpuh7FZEV72vzk6yoQKX4ta9-sPS1-RjRY7klnnx1WnuPRTf2e2E1UJGzcatLAjeQie0OKyUcq-8kFikTIgSLKdWSZc/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEBz5818rBAmegLXuX-iDOkc5Soeyh40l-4DTFTZi4wz_NJH-kpuh7FZEV72vzk6yoQKX4ta9-sPS1-RjRY7klnnx1WnuPRTf2e2E1UJGzcatLAjeQie0OKyUcq-8kFikTIgSLKdWSZc/s320/IMG_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the sun is setting. Crazy how those main streets just light up and go west, west, west.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fd33TGQ8cnXsh9DSSQAK9F4HDGA1BwoGfIqpGNfhCqdDumtVNKZzVvmqRycuL-0W6YNSO1ZkPO3nPk9ecqi4VgoxuCNIsk4JqdApj6jkSb_7mcVSxTn4ajJ7t0eQZOp3bbv3nv7Ixfg/s1600/IMG_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fd33TGQ8cnXsh9DSSQAK9F4HDGA1BwoGfIqpGNfhCqdDumtVNKZzVvmqRycuL-0W6YNSO1ZkPO3nPk9ecqi4VgoxuCNIsk4JqdApj6jkSb_7mcVSxTn4ajJ7t0eQZOp3bbv3nv7Ixfg/s320/IMG_0110.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took a few creeper pictures, but I promise I was really, really subtle.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QL3CppPf_UyK0cXvm6pTjXbW3iyD8FSf3U2tYpbq32SafszYvUhyphenhyphenSTz-rfUFyi1FPoWCsh9RFPNTIIWqPIPMnbAGs3tgMPhPpTCPpOxSxMKx1qEPMcp9r1A73EHRF9Q_EHq9PKPmlS4/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QL3CppPf_UyK0cXvm6pTjXbW3iyD8FSf3U2tYpbq32SafszYvUhyphenhyphenSTz-rfUFyi1FPoWCsh9RFPNTIIWqPIPMnbAGs3tgMPhPpTCPpOxSxMKx1qEPMcp9r1A73EHRF9Q_EHq9PKPmlS4/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And night falls on Chicago. Not a bad view from your workplace, huh?</div>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700970679834478221.post-7832570996863796222011-04-02T09:28:00.000-05:002011-04-02T09:28:08.987-05:00Ashley cooksI have been cooking and experimenting in the kitchen a fair bit recently. Last weekend there were the salted caramel brownies, which were delicious. I overcooked them and the caramel got a little over-caramelized... if you know what I mean! But still, they were delicious. [<a href="http://www.olivia-rae.com/2011/03/fail-proof-caramel-salted-brownies.html">recipe here</a>]<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iVIlq-rIYMAcSqlOnVOXdPia1uoJ_74LXuDXIBh0L6CG8uOmWKImU7o2Vu3R8v6y49Ro9VUXPYQ5_sbl1Tis0Sho91l3zUh3hoSSmCyEDavSNvLOSebt-LDlYgAeddozjSm0utHyfr0/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iVIlq-rIYMAcSqlOnVOXdPia1uoJ_74LXuDXIBh0L6CG8uOmWKImU7o2Vu3R8v6y49Ro9VUXPYQ5_sbl1Tis0Sho91l3zUh3hoSSmCyEDavSNvLOSebt-LDlYgAeddozjSm0utHyfr0/s400/IMG_0080.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Last night we made sweet potato fries. Delicious. Super simple and really tasty. I modified Paula Deen's recipe slightly and it was a group effort to prepare and eat them! [<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/baked-sweet-potato-fries-recipe/index.html">recipe here</a>] (photos from <a href="http://browneyesblueeyes.blogspot.com/2011/04/304th-day.html">Paige</a>-a-rage)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-A4H2Tbte1cTPYYpRzTRAxVkEXU7XHG-ppN93o-7OV6j7OYtwQCd-vkNq9TGqnV94lH2rbXfNYeltdvSlDQ7ye-4jS-26CEBuMamPqTD8oOTs15wp5az1o8Ledk0-CTVKCmUtFNFvyA/s1600/im1.shutterfly.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-A4H2Tbte1cTPYYpRzTRAxVkEXU7XHG-ppN93o-7OV6j7OYtwQCd-vkNq9TGqnV94lH2rbXfNYeltdvSlDQ7ye-4jS-26CEBuMamPqTD8oOTs15wp5az1o8Ledk0-CTVKCmUtFNFvyA/s400/im1.shutterfly.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br />
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And my crowning culinary achievement? I have perfected the pancake. I don't mean to brag, but these guys are delicious and roommate approved. You definitely want me waking up at your house on Saturday morning! :) I've been making and modifying them for a few weeks and this is, so far, the best they've been. I'll share my recipe simply because 1) they are delicious, and 2) I've never been able to share my own recipe before!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2hWLLTBtvKxxezbJBu8VAXJ7uBShfgDKjEyV26cODFN8yrwWXZ7ooxFHt1pxS_s2HJ6whrauA23vLQOlKxpigcS_DvLZQAbRk4644FL8znT1bG9ka5tM62b79QW1H5tQjH6Mx9erNMc/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2hWLLTBtvKxxezbJBu8VAXJ7uBShfgDKjEyV26cODFN8yrwWXZ7ooxFHt1pxS_s2HJ6whrauA23vLQOlKxpigcS_DvLZQAbRk4644FL8znT1bG9ka5tM62b79QW1H5tQjH6Mx9erNMc/s400/IMG_0090.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The Best Saturday Morning Pancakes<br />
(original recipe from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/good-old-fashioned-pancakes/Detail.aspx">here</a>, copied with my modifications below)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon white sugar</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 cup milk</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup half and half</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 egg</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3 tablespoons butter, melted</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 large spoonful sour cream</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">peanut butter m&ms!</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Mix all the dry and wet ingredients separately (save for the m&ms), then both parts together. Cook 'em up pancake style, adding the m&ms when you pour the batter into the griddle. (the peanut butter m&ms just make it so delicious!)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">[I've also heard recently that Mars chocolate is grown using slave labor in Africa, so we should probably search for a better alternative to m&ms.]</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">So there you have it. Happy Saturday morning!</span></span></div>Ashley Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01032902671331112232noreply@blogger.com1