Two More Weeks

Just two more weeks of studying... two more weeks... two more weeks... I have to put together a presentation for my Mathematical Concepts class, and write a five page research paper on Multiple Personality Disorder for Psychology. Oh yeah, in addition to my regular homework and tests. Actually, this has been a pretty enjoyable semester. I actually enjoyed my math class (I never thought I would put the words "enjoyable" and "math" in the same sentence). And, Psychology has been pretty interesting. But, I am really looking forward to a five week break. Ya-hoo!! I would like to spend some time reading, drawing, cooking, playing in the snow, and spending some time with my betrothed. Next semester I will be taking Anatomy and Physiology II and Vermont History, both of which will be online classes. After winter semester, I am looking forward to taking the summer off. I will be applying to the Dental Hygiene program in March, and if accepted, I will begin classes in Fall 2008. So, keep your fingers crossed for me. : ) I have been told not to be surprised if I don't get in on my first attempt. But, I am really hoping to get in. I really don't want to wait another year. There are approximately 100 applicants and 24 slots. Did I mention it would be great if you would keep your fingers crossed for me??

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We are heading up to Glover, Vt. to spend Thanksgiving with Pa, Blake's step-brother, Rob, and his wife, Carrie. Ma won't be there because she is in Belgium visiting Sarah and the new baby. It will be a bit strange without her, but we'll manage. Rumor has it that there is a good bit of snow in Glover, so we may be able to do some sledding and snowshoeing. Yes!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!

Get Yer Butt In Gear

It was a perfectly lovely Saturday. I joined a new gym in St. Albans last week (after a long bout of pouting about missing my old gym in Burlington...wah!), and went to my first spin class in about 6 months. It felt great! I did better than I anticipated, and it was just as much fun as I had hoped it would be. Today, however, I can barely move. My legs feel like they weigh about 100 lbs. apiece, and Blake is going to have to pry my butt off of the couch. Oh dear! Apparently I overdid it. I am feeling as though I was hit by a very large truck, but I am totally looking forward to the next class! Bring it on!

After spin class, I drove south to Williston to pick up some more art supplies. I love the art store. They have about a zillion different pastel colors to choose from, and a bunch more cool-looking supplies that I have no idea what you're supposed to do with. But, I'm having fun. I learned that there is a Vermont Pastel Society, so I am going to check them out and see if they offer some classes.

Last night we went to dinner with some new friends. We tried out a restaurant in St. Albans called "Ciao Bella". We had a great time, and had some delicious food, too! They have a pretty tasty tuna steak, and some really sinful desserts! Mmmm.....

Step It Up

On November 5th, Blake and I attended an environmental rally "Step It Up" to help fight climate change. Step It Up 2007 is a campaign organized by people all around the country, calling for leadership on global warming. Their goal is to empower the grassroots climate movement to take action locally by calling for national change.
Some easy things you can do:

• Replace standard light bulbs with new compact fluorescent bulbs.


• A new, energy-efficient refrigerator will cut your home's CO2 output by a ton a year.


• Insulate pipes that carry hot water throughout your home. If your water heater is more than 5 years old, wrap it in an insulating jacket.


• Run full loads when washing clothes. Use cold or warm water instead of hot.


• Turn off your computer monitor when you won't be using it for at least 20 minutes.


• Check your car tires. Keep wheels aligned and tires properly inflated. Keep your engine tuned. You'll save up to 165 gallons of gas per year (that's $510.00 at current gas prices!) by minding those spark plugs, oxygen sensors, air filters, hoses and belts.


• By driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle, it not only saves you money, it makes a big difference in reducing emissions.


• Check the insulation around your home: the attic, around pipes and ductwork, and under the flooring on the ground floor.


• Plant dense evergreen trees and shrubs to the north and northwest of your home to protect it from cold winter winds.


• Raising meat contributes more global warming emissions than raising crops. Cutting back on meat even once a week can make a difference.

Skinny Pancakes and Nutella

On Saturday morning, Blake and I went to Burlington and visited the Skinny Pancake restaurant. They serve crepes filled with just about everything you can imagine. There are some filled with honey and cinnamon, warm apples and brie, and some are served quesadilla-style with salsa, avocado and cheese. Then, there are some filled with Nutella. You can get them french-style with Nutella only, or if you're feeling in need of a bit more, you can get Nutella, strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream. Yum!!! I have never made crepes before, but I am feeling a strong urge to make some right now. With Nutella, of course. Or, maybe I should bag the crepe idea and just buy a jar of Nutella and get out a really big spoon.