tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88351569541666902502024-02-06T18:14:07.050-08:00Metro MitraJust a little blog about life in the city, wedding planning, good eats and travelMitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-91524782677615763132014-05-19T19:28:00.003-07:002014-05-19T19:28:43.620-07:00Adios!Follow me on my new blog, <a href="http://runnerandthebride.wordpress.com/">Runner and the Bride</a>. Brandon and I have been wanting to have a "family blog" for a while now, so here it is. With the both of us posting, you should be thoroughly entertained - food, travel, and running of course!Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-40808875543206891672012-10-30T19:35:00.000-07:002012-10-30T19:35:10.724-07:00Post-SandyLife goes on. It was a bit rough last night with the wind gusts and the windows shaking. One branch came down on the corner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOj9rxXrEyAP_g9PQbeEO90p37qQgPX8IyTHNfvQ70qNA_2CPEkPqLZjQf7D6Joj7B_6NBDYmoXv4CkDFZldaECJXhV9ohBH7kul3uWt4g-Eu-sSpByzI3y3ylOV6FjzTKQlpvJmFqw/s1600/sandycleanupsw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOj9rxXrEyAP_g9PQbeEO90p37qQgPX8IyTHNfvQ70qNA_2CPEkPqLZjQf7D6Joj7B_6NBDYmoXv4CkDFZldaECJXhV9ohBH7kul3uWt4g-Eu-sSpByzI3y3ylOV6FjzTKQlpvJmFqw/s320/sandycleanupsw.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It was promptly cleaned up at 5 pm tonight. Not bad at all.Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-8253143124425988672012-10-22T19:19:00.000-07:002012-10-22T19:19:16.748-07:00Pho 14My shuttle from work drops off near the Columbia Heights metro station. I feel so lucky that I get to explore the neighborhood because there are a ton of restaurants and shopping there unlike Waterfront station. Tonight, I felt adventurous and had a hankering for Vietnamese food so I chose to pick up my dinner from <a href="http://www.dcpho14.com/">Pho 14</a>. Best. Decision. Ever.<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/AVvXsEg-rEsqXVqoJ_m7kIRH3AMcjxVmVmgNrvyKse92so2B2YvOp6D2n1OgBfKPirc-rMBnXajCLDCezlqp_62ShhbRfCamPuN3K-k-9dtC2Yv1ujBw-1h9a342QYmfK1R4vnv1wMOTmOyLbA/s1600/bunpho14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rEsqXVqoJ_m7kIRH3AMcjxVmVmgNrvyKse92so2B2YvOp6D2n1OgBfKPirc-rMBnXajCLDCezlqp_62ShhbRfCamPuN3K-k-9dtC2Yv1ujBw-1h9a342QYmfK1R4vnv1wMOTmOyLbA/s320/bunpho14.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">So delicious!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ordered #43 Bun Tom Nuong which is vermicelli noodles with grilled shrimp. Bun is a cold noodle salad that is served with lettuce, bean sprouts, carrots, cucumber and peanuts. Basically you stir it all together and douse it with the sweet chili fish sauce. I have always been a bun lover thanks to my parents taking us out for Vietnamese food growing up. This was a real winner and I hope to have it again soon.Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-70638183968011867212012-10-21T17:52:00.000-07:002012-10-21T17:52:35.074-07:00My Favorite Time of YearIt's starting to feel like fall!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_vbUnToLkPL0QsUUnztLmdu1wDDy3tc6Wb4vehAqFmas6QQAwDUNYLnbvsFW2cVM2X6i4eSCw4jDBHQv75kyf4ScLxwzyL0QOtRJbm28_vWzc781IOoRTVRW465uOAF48H8PxRYPag/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_vbUnToLkPL0QsUUnztLmdu1wDDy3tc6Wb4vehAqFmas6QQAwDUNYLnbvsFW2cVM2X6i4eSCw4jDBHQv75kyf4ScLxwzyL0QOtRJbm28_vWzc781IOoRTVRW465uOAF48H8PxRYPag/s320/IMG_0615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Brandon and I took a drive out to <a href="http://www.visitloudoun.org/">Loudoun County</a> for some <a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=14">outlet shopping</a> and a little <a href="http://www.corcoranvineyards.com/">wine tasting</a>. The trees are changing colors. So pretty!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazC4rjTG4TGNbUJh-MXTTFiaedizXlSy5rzoZwChZmTOYJ9EihRfbvjYZWj6EgMcHWVFw8nZbj_S9-V_EK4uWJP_wB1baz9ZzRf_4cKqpis9DYjFJ2Rpls64wcG_6kZ1KOb8AoTiMhg/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazC4rjTG4TGNbUJh-MXTTFiaedizXlSy5rzoZwChZmTOYJ9EihRfbvjYZWj6EgMcHWVFw8nZbj_S9-V_EK4uWJP_wB1baz9ZzRf_4cKqpis9DYjFJ2Rpls64wcG_6kZ1KOb8AoTiMhg/s320/IMG_0617.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Horses! Then we hit up the <a href="http://www.meadowsfarms.com/">pumpkin patch</a> and took home a friend:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UzOhaJCsVyCIhduR6goG3EhBwshKvfFtnJlaHx8pH15LV8JMCJe0Y6rHVHUDL6UHcqw3TwlR0YHHP38j0o79fpTMChuxa8rRZnFN0L0gfI41ZYeckCEaSAQopMFRF0ng50N22MJq6w/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UzOhaJCsVyCIhduR6goG3EhBwshKvfFtnJlaHx8pH15LV8JMCJe0Y6rHVHUDL6UHcqw3TwlR0YHHP38j0o79fpTMChuxa8rRZnFN0L0gfI41ZYeckCEaSAQopMFRF0ng50N22MJq6w/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
What autumn activities have you participated in?Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-9712994089787807902012-08-28T19:10:00.003-07:002012-08-28T19:10:19.741-07:00Molten Lava CakeSugar rush! This was so so good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0DTazDeKymo0HbExrvU3o1r5GzjUemUbKRjJriFbGSPcEbHd9ysSbQQtEMnUmNnpPmzpwRMvzRYs7gOEJNV2mT8XHNtBzCePuuybplLjqvQ2SjMZKx_MRACdSu97O3kpm4jE3eYHDg/s1600/lavacake8.28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0DTazDeKymo0HbExrvU3o1r5GzjUemUbKRjJriFbGSPcEbHd9ysSbQQtEMnUmNnpPmzpwRMvzRYs7gOEJNV2mT8XHNtBzCePuuybplLjqvQ2SjMZKx_MRACdSu97O3kpm4jE3eYHDg/s320/lavacake8.28.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Somewhere along the line, I had the inspiration to make homemade lava cake. The idea probably came from knowing that it was the best possible creation to make with <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2011/11/proper-presentation.html">my ramekins</a>. I used the Paula Deen <a href="http://savorysweetlife.com/2010/02/molten-lava-cakes-recipe/">recipe posted on Savory Sweet Life</a> and cut it in thirds for 2 servings.<br />
<br />
The recipe was very simple. My chocolate and butter melted in just one minute. I baked the cakes for 11 minutes. The centers were warm and gooey. The cakes slid right out of the ramekins when turned upside down. What a relief, as I was most worried about that part.<br />
<br />
I topped the cakes with powdered sugar. Although, ice cream or fresh fruit would have made it even tastier. <br />
<br />
Go make it now.Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-61460491702462451552012-07-10T15:44:00.003-07:002012-07-10T15:44:58.936-07:00Welcome to the Neighborhood<br />
Brandon and I found a great place to live in DC's smallest quadrant: Southwest. It's tiny, look:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/DC_satellite_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/DC_satellite_image.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
I suggested we look at the neighborhood because we knew we'd be riding the <a href="http://wmata.com/">Metro</a> for work and it's so close to <a href="http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ballpark/index.jsp">Nationals Park</a> (Brandon loves baseball). We found an awesome place on <a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/">Craigslist</a> by the Waterfront metro stop. Brandon has a knack for finding great places to live because to him, awesome = great kitchen. No complaints from me! <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/AVvXsEiGxD5bDX9XSMnyG9CZWq_I1MAmdWp_7OgaYG_Qe4aZLCpJZb_6yWeMZOvOEggH6cZp2rHybSRQAa87adTDnXEEcvr03Dna1H0vI96xUGdoMovvhWth8-b9Uq4LMLHdOzY3zH6L6991xg/s1600/redkitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxD5bDX9XSMnyG9CZWq_I1MAmdWp_7OgaYG_Qe4aZLCpJZb_6yWeMZOvOEggH6cZp2rHybSRQAa87adTDnXEEcvr03Dna1H0vI96xUGdoMovvhWth8-b9Uq4LMLHdOzY3zH6L6991xg/s320/redkitchen.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have an island!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Turns out our condo owner just renovated the whole place with new paint, appliances and a modern sleek look. I can't tell you how cool it is that I got to take the styrofoam out from the dishwasher before using it and the tape out of the freezer. Wow! I guess I better take good care of them :)<br />
<br />
<br />
We are still learning about the neighborhood, but the street we live on is tree-lined and people of all ages, families included, can be seen walking about. A few blocks down from us is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Waterfront,_Washington,_D.C.">Southwest Waterfront</a>, which is so neat! There is <a href="http://www.cantinamarina.com/">Cantina Marina</a>, the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/7thSt.Landing">7th St. Landing</a> and further down is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine_Avenue_Fish_Market">fish market</a>. Someday it hopes to be a <a href="http://www.swdcwaterfront.com/">mixed-use urban waterfront</a>. We have a <a href="http://www.safeway.com/">Safeway</a>, <a href="http://www.subway.com/">Subway</a>, <a href="http://zburger.com/">Z Burger</a>, <a href="http://arenastage.com/">Arena Stage</a> and the elusive <a href="http://www.glts.org/memorials/dc/womens.html">Titanic Memorial</a> - life is good. Brandon and I think we've found a little gem here and it seems like it will only get better with time. <br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Looking_northeast_over_Southwest_Washington_DC_-_July_1939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-35795266065920186432012-07-06T14:44:00.000-07:002012-07-06T14:44:09.554-07:00Formerly Known As<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXoKgia48J4vTgzq4n0WR3mPzg1F_mg7LVNONu_cxa64Uef6rErYR5sw6WQMqsWaOm3_Uc5AhpFwPn82cAF_HnOQf18Po7p1XEn8r38_rtJdjLmb8u00Xdb0j_Ifrj0srOBEibzKGTQ/s1600/NorthCapitolSt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXoKgia48J4vTgzq4n0WR3mPzg1F_mg7LVNONu_cxa64Uef6rErYR5sw6WQMqsWaOm3_Uc5AhpFwPn82cAF_HnOQf18Po7p1XEn8r38_rtJdjLmb8u00Xdb0j_Ifrj0srOBEibzKGTQ/s320/NorthCapitolSt.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My Midwest is now "Metro Mitra". At the end of May, Brandon and I moved from Murphysboro, IL back to DC to pursue some pretty awesome job offers. Fortunately, it was the right decision to leave our rural life behind and try and make it in the big city. Now that things have settled down, I think I'm going to jump back into blogging. Enjoy!Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-87109222394683322042012-05-20T17:49:00.000-07:002012-05-20T17:49:13.698-07:00Big News!Brandon and I are headed to DC next week...for good! We've decided to pack up our apartment and head back to my hometown. We'll be looking for jobs and then finding an apartment. I'm just a little stressed. Notice the lack of blog posts? I still have a few more Midwest stories to tell, so hang in there!Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-60513607381748069772012-05-06T17:14:00.002-07:002012-05-06T17:14:30.583-07:00Bucket List: Mounds (Not the Candy)Yesterday, I ran my first 5K. The <a href="http://thesouthern.com/news/local/run-like-a-dawg-event-sees-nice-turnout-at-siu/article_016deabc-9738-11e1-bc8b-0019bb2963f4.html">2nd Annual Saluki Dawg Jog</a> started at 8am outside of the <a href="http://siuc.edu/">SIU</a> stadium. The race began with a big hill, yeesh! Brandon ran with me (stitches and all) the whole way. Yeah, I slowed him down but he really motivated me. I didn't walk! My final time was 34:54. Meaning I ran around an 11 minute mile pace. 3.1 miles is the farthest I've ever run without stopping<i> in my life, </i>so hey there's that. The rest of the <a href="http://timingiseverything.com/Races/2012/SDJ12O3.HTM">results are posted here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRD1-F3FVLHnxZs5EOTSR4s5UOnJf1bHuljLrubM8KaB8XglyIanrBFm5F6OBghmlt2dWO-zIiyaSP6wTqiG1zFInsc6h1ERxwvAd2ZEb-tcMklfOm-O7H_55vlWF86JRMMsG5aFQjg/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
After the race, we showered and then headed north to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belleville,_Illinois">Belleville</a> with Brandon's parents. <a href="http://www.murphysboro.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=79&Itemid=347">The Clarkes</a> had their first Vintage baseball game of the season against <a href="http://bellevillestags.com/">the Stags</a>. It was hot hot hot. Luckily there was a big tree that provided shade for most of the game, but after 3 hours the 90 degree weather was getting to us. The nice part was that the <a href="http://www.mooseintl.org/">Moose Lodge</a> ran a snack bar for us - so we got hamburgers and hotdogs. Brandon hated to be on the sidelines, too bad... <br />
<br />
Since we were so close to St. Louis, I convinced the family to go to <a href="http://cahokiamounds.org/">Cahokia Mounds</a> in Collinsville, IL. We have driven by so many times that it was finally time to cross it off the <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-so-il-bucket-list.html">Bucket List</a>. Cahokia Mounds is the largest pre-historic Indian community in America north of Mexico. There were over 120 mounds in the region with Cahokia as the center of a large chiefdom. Surprisingly, the largest mound, named Monks Mound was named after French monks who settled nearby and planted trees and fruits on the terraces of the largest mound in the 1800s.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9ovW4_ivc6GcQqDYGQiK52Ijb4v7sWYRYjXmPe3CpCn0NXAGPTA-FIMZFhFuz5K7fFzr7yEeFBI3Mc6ozkODrBqUrqia8yWGdFL5ezTHP4ZiEIg2pcsec3t774peHjTWK93e6ePuNg/s1600/MonksMoundGreen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9ovW4_ivc6GcQqDYGQiK52Ijb4v7sWYRYjXmPe3CpCn0NXAGPTA-FIMZFhFuz5K7fFzr7yEeFBI3Mc6ozkODrBqUrqia8yWGdFL5ezTHP4ZiEIg2pcsec3t774peHjTWK93e6ePuNg/s320/MonksMoundGreen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monks_Mound">Monks Mound</a> is over 100 feet tall and was built in stages by Indians who carried baskets of mud by hand. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmwAmUrlixh6WzjN5AOhVx-gxRVk-9a4KHJRhsNBKM8Z-dXZOYC68VfSM7G8PeTKSG1QgHWxqn9vHyEseFd0thUmL82Zo2BSwKZcbHwShocRm729gt85lmAjt7pMdnhC4MSPA7earmA/s1600/MonksMound.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmwAmUrlixh6WzjN5AOhVx-gxRVk-9a4KHJRhsNBKM8Z-dXZOYC68VfSM7G8PeTKSG1QgHWxqn9vHyEseFd0thUmL82Zo2BSwKZcbHwShocRm729gt85lmAjt7pMdnhC4MSPA7earmA/s320/MonksMound.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It takes 158 steps to climb to the top.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhcscJD98FA-6PY7psRQKxc4lFWwUxRs-QfS_VHJL_AlMHDDAM4LuAt_TweV_jLKEpDaPU45L7PND_9GRWOzvlBljNztVmoUqsVak7ahYA4litgja11XwW1J3btmimrxxUl6FlT0KpA/s1600/MonksStairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhcscJD98FA-6PY7psRQKxc4lFWwUxRs-QfS_VHJL_AlMHDDAM4LuAt_TweV_jLKEpDaPU45L7PND_9GRWOzvlBljNztVmoUqsVak7ahYA4litgja11XwW1J3btmimrxxUl6FlT0KpA/s320/MonksStairs.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The view was certainly worth it from the top. Although our heads are in the way, we had an amazing view of the St. Louis skyline, including the Arch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrLps7b33f-DeXao4TRCDz7r4eJJlaylilUoIjT59CqlBdV4adQMgNqFnNKY8X90v5ukVU7utFJVSwEsX54qT8ce2zyWfydyVVSToANBNNR2ZHWmlo1C0r5wOUExrS6CHnBcvjZXYHg/s1600/MonksSTLview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrLps7b33f-DeXao4TRCDz7r4eJJlaylilUoIjT59CqlBdV4adQMgNqFnNKY8X90v5ukVU7utFJVSwEsX54qT8ce2zyWfydyVVSToANBNNR2ZHWmlo1C0r5wOUExrS6CHnBcvjZXYHg/s320/MonksSTLview.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On the way home, we drove through <a href="http://www.cityofredbud.org/">Red Bud</a> and could help but to purchase a lotto ticket from <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/illinois/couple-from-red-bud-ill-claims-million-prize/article_bc681c3e-8955-11e1-91bf-0019bb30f31a.html">the winning Mega Millions store</a>:<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/AVvXsEjjVh_LMa3WE7No3UWXrNeZp1MosOjEVliWGPaBhnYqIkkbTIWN1O-UwbphoU2GGmfgOqYL-tomxqeFqD4-AN3ogUdGUidcxZxM-YTrs_TKE2_RSdDPQv-qshALHy6XDqVZH0kHd1UwMQ/s1600/RedBudLotto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVh_LMa3WE7No3UWXrNeZp1MosOjEVliWGPaBhnYqIkkbTIWN1O-UwbphoU2GGmfgOqYL-tomxqeFqD4-AN3ogUdGUidcxZxM-YTrs_TKE2_RSdDPQv-qshALHy6XDqVZH0kHd1UwMQ/s320/RedBudLotto.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Bud Motomart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
May the odds be ever in your favor!Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-90588069294220927362012-05-02T19:34:00.000-07:002012-05-02T19:34:46.151-07:00What's Going On WednesdayGuess who's <a href="http://thesouthern.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=48384">running a 5K</a> on Saturday?<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/AVvXsEgquXPLxhHHVIJb_IrbLpwdX4s1veCm_7kpxOmhmvkiDhyphenhyphenhoUit6G5iN1PSYmaj1MNm04nVe4p_FGIGKLUvCwWAUBn2kZ0VGsgFJjCzxXFHoS67z44g3lSDMMA4xmI2zJz2fJbJEawlVw/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquXPLxhHHVIJb_IrbLpwdX4s1veCm_7kpxOmhmvkiDhyphenhyphenhoUit6G5iN1PSYmaj1MNm04nVe4p_FGIGKLUvCwWAUBn2kZ0VGsgFJjCzxXFHoS67z44g3lSDMMA4xmI2zJz2fJbJEawlVw/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me! Sweaty...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last night I made these <a href="http://cravingchronicles.com/2009/04/01/homemade-oatmeal-cream-pies/">homemade oatmeal creme pies</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh465c1CXMdbuv9cdRalAS_3dzhSDk-qbs923S_CPlJ-0RNr8Osvep1TsL6fbO7XBLWDWxsL0bNtNGi7unLvQHNhDuD7kAdk8HjLrBFIFYzdXZxkc6tWTfeQNve-jHmxanAJnKu4monmw/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh465c1CXMdbuv9cdRalAS_3dzhSDk-qbs923S_CPlJ-0RNr8Osvep1TsL6fbO7XBLWDWxsL0bNtNGi7unLvQHNhDuD7kAdk8HjLrBFIFYzdXZxkc6tWTfeQNve-jHmxanAJnKu4monmw/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And look at the new billboard by my apartment:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsIfQdShYYhkcu_XgBgd0P_wK3mPR0L_6OPQnVfzhRf7RuBNhfZPsLBmsWP8ac4gga6F8Z4g2uq6VFRbSqoPp4hGuAyqQCcEZ-397_ppXxpJl8jTYFGSQFZMwwZA12-wAkuxBSJSTrA/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsIfQdShYYhkcu_XgBgd0P_wK3mPR0L_6OPQnVfzhRf7RuBNhfZPsLBmsWP8ac4gga6F8Z4g2uq6VFRbSqoPp4hGuAyqQCcEZ-397_ppXxpJl8jTYFGSQFZMwwZA12-wAkuxBSJSTrA/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<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/AVvXsEiVHMaZEbvTIlNaxpL-8LrEatiuHZsUHQM6HaUsCszE0AW4Zvin-TG2w31GZHRJ5kS5cfsv6addbsi5RlOiH7IE-yPzKHczTgMLSHKqvTeAU47CXyDhMH7n5w3wy0brWWtFF9Sn2CeIRw/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHMaZEbvTIlNaxpL-8LrEatiuHZsUHQM6HaUsCszE0AW4Zvin-TG2w31GZHRJ5kS5cfsv6addbsi5RlOiH7IE-yPzKHczTgMLSHKqvTeAU47CXyDhMH7n5w3wy0brWWtFF9Sn2CeIRw/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bosses watch over me at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Gotta love it.Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-78376038739207361772012-04-29T19:32:00.000-07:002012-04-29T19:32:38.849-07:00Quote of the DayHad <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2012/04/girls-weekend.html">another fun trip to Champaign</a> this weekend. Recap coming soon... Of all things to do, Brandon and I hit up <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2012/04/bucket-list-winstons-bagel.html">another library book sale</a>. I started reading this <strike>old</strike> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Legendary-Illinois-Cookbook-Historic/dp/0898651999">Illinois cookbook</a> (published in 2007, surprising...) that had descriptions about each part of the state. Here's the quote about our "Little Egypt" region:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEg0IBAclMvTV7RT6Zddp2YL9dh89QgpyoG57cRY_OEWoAK_4iUaNx5F2pXJHtFUIWLq_bBwAZjyWMGLPHDZwPeWXRCsKmNoxSVtly_lXnPGp45yHe9QxaZwi3lDwpgXk7gQWEVIPh3fhA/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IBAclMvTV7RT6Zddp2YL9dh89QgpyoG57cRY_OEWoAK_4iUaNx5F2pXJHtFUIWLq_bBwAZjyWMGLPHDZwPeWXRCsKmNoxSVtly_lXnPGp45yHe9QxaZwi3lDwpgXk7gQWEVIPh3fhA/s400/IMG_0084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Little Egypt is the mother of Illinois"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
He must have been from here, no?Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-21094634164047543842012-04-26T21:00:00.002-07:002012-04-26T21:00:26.503-07:00Best of Southern Illinois: SunsetsThe Southern Illinois sunset is one of my favorite parts of living here. Surprised? So was I! But because the land is so flat, the views are always awe inspiring. Love it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZ2QSUXHPJ_HFwM8aQTb8N-1FLrcc9dIfkrL1CDduLjGDc2wrQn7LAsQlodYHt46jxFqVJO1dB0ugJaXGVzH3IJ7_VFYIRoaoCQfO_2jet0Sc2uUffDWExx-I9kLysxEylpq-bqi25w/s1600/sunset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZ2QSUXHPJ_HFwM8aQTb8N-1FLrcc9dIfkrL1CDduLjGDc2wrQn7LAsQlodYHt46jxFqVJO1dB0ugJaXGVzH3IJ7_VFYIRoaoCQfO_2jet0Sc2uUffDWExx-I9kLysxEylpq-bqi25w/s320/sunset2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeP3pUjFtM1sIuO5V593M7IDog8HT5p3wFDlFjE-O3Nin2VSfPOWhs2u0Z_IoxxCJ9_MPs-Z2HnhgIh_4Ss-K1K-R5POTSaYcof-xazCZFH4zZe83VWB0Q0n0uV3V-cOl40ewqn1ATw/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeP3pUjFtM1sIuO5V593M7IDog8HT5p3wFDlFjE-O3Nin2VSfPOWhs2u0Z_IoxxCJ9_MPs-Z2HnhgIh_4Ss-K1K-R5POTSaYcof-xazCZFH4zZe83VWB0Q0n0uV3V-cOl40ewqn1ATw/s320/sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl0999LNEQssMhtIkVB2clsKyFUTRmoJQaflqurMb2OLu3Vo57foWfsKggaKgVk0tS8DORNo-OEBttPogrr0tsfSfjt79_DKBP6Fd3llRgbRjI8iB1duoZ0g9_BKX_yFBo6QOsqbV3w/s1600/IMG_20120316_185747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl0999LNEQssMhtIkVB2clsKyFUTRmoJQaflqurMb2OLu3Vo57foWfsKggaKgVk0tS8DORNo-OEBttPogrr0tsfSfjt79_DKBP6Fd3llRgbRjI8iB1duoZ0g9_BKX_yFBo6QOsqbV3w/s320/IMG_20120316_185747.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfrCU7Li-XWdajYkJm5HzkOjguPP1QzssygtzMo-Sv0OQZYViJTN104_luKm6gARGJA7S8shYPj6ha8I4HcVjMkN5I_MnRAiocZZQX4U2sR4yZOZVuymX5GnwxhfQc-FItiHyuzjKEg/s1600/arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfrCU7Li-XWdajYkJm5HzkOjguPP1QzssygtzMo-Sv0OQZYViJTN104_luKm6gARGJA7S8shYPj6ha8I4HcVjMkN5I_MnRAiocZZQX4U2sR4yZOZVuymX5GnwxhfQc-FItiHyuzjKEg/s320/arch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxwYCSmq4OKcXJeejFaAkxFDPAtT7GsJ4W6IP8KKYpbYbeykOWdt7lglC6IOXiruAMnM_5_gNUBc3BJEA-WfqswGcjO6EzsINsqW0Sb0BriI24SqWJIu7OYwhP3UjI2j_2nAJxXfUgQ/s1600/trainsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxwYCSmq4OKcXJeejFaAkxFDPAtT7GsJ4W6IP8KKYpbYbeykOWdt7lglC6IOXiruAMnM_5_gNUBc3BJEA-WfqswGcjO6EzsINsqW0Sb0BriI24SqWJIu7OYwhP3UjI2j_2nAJxXfUgQ/s320/trainsun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-92173840167350840952012-04-22T12:10:00.001-07:002012-04-22T12:10:25.716-07:00River to River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rrr.olm.net/pictures/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://rrr.olm.net/pictures/map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Yesterday, Brandon participated in the <a href="http://rrr.olm.net/">River to River Relay</a>. It is an 80 mile race through Southern Illinois from the Mississippi to Ohio Rivers. Teams of eight members take turns running 2.5-4 miles of the course. Each runner does three legs and while they wait their turn they travel in a van from checkpoint to checkpoint. The course is extremely hilly (you can see the elevation of each leg <a href="http://rrr.olm.net/course/elev/elev1.html">here</a>). <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="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540285_10100234445172167_37611421_40857007_1674062715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540285_10100234445172167_37611421_40857007_1674062715_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon's first hand-off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brandon began his journey before sunrise and was scheduled to arrive at the finish line at around 5-6pm. Knute and Nancy wanted to see him cross the finish line so they picked me up in the afternoon. The finish line was in <a href="http://www.visitgolconda.com/">Golconda, IL</a>. On our way there we stopped at <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2011/06/fort-masac-and-chocolate-factory.html">the famous</a> <a href="http://thechocolatefactory.net/">Chocolate Factory</a>. Take a look at their latest treats:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE11TRX1CtysiHvVY1D0vhdcLhwFKcoUHHcdtiKe_UC8eHtr5NqTL99pxBBF9353MgRdthJCTtr7ZEKZPXWD6NW-P_KZ7fiQu5uNgyp5hn-2SbMCqN4c216TAnAuMDiRVtxH2IS-QHQ/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE11TRX1CtysiHvVY1D0vhdcLhwFKcoUHHcdtiKe_UC8eHtr5NqTL99pxBBF9353MgRdthJCTtr7ZEKZPXWD6NW-P_KZ7fiQu5uNgyp5hn-2SbMCqN4c216TAnAuMDiRVtxH2IS-QHQ/s200/IMG_0035.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykFN9AwiSeUu-Cq6gJPfpNZMZZhE4OKkkE4UM0r2S6Rb8MTzxEH982v8AshIK78BX-gMro5rUzdmLwX3PBPqYpiBSfmrOhRJaL04lCZMfpHhhwK6daBwqNm1TIk7gSraDzO-o7NHgrw/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykFN9AwiSeUu-Cq6gJPfpNZMZZhE4OKkkE4UM0r2S6Rb8MTzxEH982v8AshIK78BX-gMro5rUzdmLwX3PBPqYpiBSfmrOhRJaL04lCZMfpHhhwK6daBwqNm1TIk7gSraDzO-o7NHgrw/s200/IMG_0036.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Lth5BJvbU0EFGXHtG-ujOdEMFhWohJDzlX8mPNjR9yt4UtXKnJ1fByJyWnD8XnBTZ0cyu-a9IROniZOEekvCkgBH5Vz4b92AejllK1_UhPx_5FVKUZoOPZYj0jua8kKCy_eCo-BVdQ/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Lth5BJvbU0EFGXHtG-ujOdEMFhWohJDzlX8mPNjR9yt4UtXKnJ1fByJyWnD8XnBTZ0cyu-a9IROniZOEekvCkgBH5Vz4b92AejllK1_UhPx_5FVKUZoOPZYj0jua8kKCy_eCo-BVdQ/s200/IMG_0037.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lt9tCj25tCHiRIz6fFUNrZFcNU9WKkPLVyhqo2_QLk6NVxnIrLAGOUh2ZX-Ov41_Yom4JX-U_tVLHnN7VsljlM2gld3j2W-c6pR6dQuFdeBA8lmI8iBJolgwPP2WlxTky9dM9ZDG3w/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lt9tCj25tCHiRIz6fFUNrZFcNU9WKkPLVyhqo2_QLk6NVxnIrLAGOUh2ZX-Ov41_Yom4JX-U_tVLHnN7VsljlM2gld3j2W-c6pR6dQuFdeBA8lmI8iBJolgwPP2WlxTky9dM9ZDG3w/s200/IMG_0038.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
My favorite treats were the Illinois-shaped state chocolates. I went home with some dark chocolate peanut clusters and some chocolate-covered bacon which was the treat of the month. Nancy took home some Snickers fudge that was a-mazing. <br />
<br />
Then we headed to <a href="http://www.mainstreetgolconda.org/">Golconda main street</a> where we waited for the runners to arrive. It was cold!! Brandon was the 8th runner which made the finish even more special for us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5ib-DKa66T6Zo64Y1XGYsNnKSNiUvT560Rg3CsserPTmhPhXQ99M9rWaAwWiHfJQb3xuGb8I8R9M21BwofnT9gj00tF2b_QNbK6MYLDYANNkl_hES2qDN6_oAbthAact7q6MRXKx-A/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5ib-DKa66T6Zo64Y1XGYsNnKSNiUvT560Rg3CsserPTmhPhXQ99M9rWaAwWiHfJQb3xuGb8I8R9M21BwofnT9gj00tF2b_QNbK6MYLDYANNkl_hES2qDN6_oAbthAact7q6MRXKx-A/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
His team joined him for the final 2 blocks of the run. His team, "The Breakfast Club," finished in 10 hours and 45 minutes. Afterwards, they posed for a team pic on the levee. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7On0mVMFqOQfb0a0A8UtEthwrjpbBcNzb_nyHthUiegeA-jvs4U4waGbF_4UimN5vBzNIXiI3_3ISfamw9wZLaOo8_8MpWArkh3NDfxE9UAtDhu-4bnCCp9Wh9CltnC9-sjWlAbMxA/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7On0mVMFqOQfb0a0A8UtEthwrjpbBcNzb_nyHthUiegeA-jvs4U4waGbF_4UimN5vBzNIXiI3_3ISfamw9wZLaOo8_8MpWArkh3NDfxE9UAtDhu-4bnCCp9Wh9CltnC9-sjWlAbMxA/s320/IMG_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This race is definitely one of the best attractions in Southern Illinois. So glad the boys got to run it!Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-12397259065309592522012-04-21T22:28:00.002-07:002012-04-21T22:28:36.519-07:00Things I dont wantI know I've been doing a lot of online browsing lately, so I thought I'd balance it out with a list of things I really don't want... <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="http://www.carlashes.com/data/images/main_scroll_3_wt_bug_front_v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://www.carlashes.com/data/images/main_scroll_3_wt_bug_front_v1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carlashes.com/">Car Lashes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
J. Crew is calling this fashion?? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.jcrew.com/fsi/server?type=image&source=images/onFigure/72/72981/72981_WA4747_m.tif&width=418&height=418&effects=sharpen%2820%29&quality=90&profile=jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.jcrew.com/fsi/server?type=image&source=images/onFigure/72/72981/72981_WA4747_m.tif&width=418&height=418&effects=sharpen%2820%29&quality=90&profile=jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One thing I don't want for the wedding, a unity sand ceremony:<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="http://www.theweddingoutlet.com/Heart-Unity-Sand-Set-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://www.theweddingoutlet.com/Heart-Unity-Sand-Set-l.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theweddingoutlet.com/Heart-Unity-Sand-Set-l.jpg">Heart Unity Sand Vase</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEimdheLmoSkRNaVn2zFIXsxa2O9ODm70Viewsb1wID9OD89pnWrJMqh1IYnAhyNpDiNFMCIr8AJ_4k97-VlE0b2tZQdmco2z2hz7Zxj7wgVupSJpdpqlH-sGPJKWuaf-ukH2CGm0A66Lw/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdheLmoSkRNaVn2zFIXsxa2O9ODm70Viewsb1wID9OD89pnWrJMqh1IYnAhyNpDiNFMCIr8AJ_4k97-VlE0b2tZQdmco2z2hz7Zxj7wgVupSJpdpqlH-sGPJKWuaf-ukH2CGm0A66Lw/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Uniquely" packaged golf balls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEia5ibBFIc041JXVyVvB57XlDE6BCJ3fBaWRvEyCPOiRb8-4hCep3v5PvW1DtNZBwdWpg1bylQLnT2bFjyBQrbrC0MkiMoY1ECtb7n3SsseS70y-2u1JRdixqbWpgD0Ytu7ew0jgFXeGg/s1600/hellomicro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5ibBFIc041JXVyVvB57XlDE6BCJ3fBaWRvEyCPOiRb8-4hCep3v5PvW1DtNZBwdWpg1bylQLnT2bFjyBQrbrC0MkiMoY1ECtb7n3SsseS70y-2u1JRdixqbWpgD0Ytu7ew0jgFXeGg/s320/hellomicro.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Kitty Microwave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-4943422714838088752012-04-19T19:42:00.001-07:002012-04-19T19:42:33.435-07:00A few more things I'm wanting...<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://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d1.scene7.com/is/image/ballarddesigns/T_WithZoom?$w400$&$src=MH082_main" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d1.scene7.com/is/image/ballarddesigns/T_WithZoom?$w400$&$src=MH082_main" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/camden-tufted-headboard/10518?listIndex=1">Camden Tufted Headboard</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://media.topshop.com/wcsstore/TopShopUS/images/catalog/13G06BRED_2_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.topshop.com/wcsstore/TopShopUS/images/catalog/13G06BRED_2_large.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.topshop.com/wcsstore/TopShopUS/images/catalog/13G06BRED_2_large.jpg">Bow Back Vest</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://www.lorenhope.com/product_images/o/207/studs__36457_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.lorenhope.com/product_images/o/207/studs__36457_zoom.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lorenhope.com/product_images/o/207/studs__36457_zoom.jpg">Sophia Studs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://img.reiss.co.uk/downloads/Image/product/632x724/858169-56-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.reiss.co.uk/downloads/Image/product/632x724/858169-56-1.jpg" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.reissonline.com/us/shop/womens/womens_new_arrivals/alicia/turquoise/?utm_source=linkshareUS&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=QFGLnEolOWg%20">Alicia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3766580565_99ce8cf1c5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3766580565_99ce8cf1c5_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/07/molten-chocolate-lava-cake/">Molten Chocolate Lava Cake</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-6046926986932586972012-04-16T20:30:00.001-07:002012-04-16T20:30:24.964-07:00Newell House<br />
Some months ago we were invited to the <a href="http://www.thenewellhouse.com/">Newell House</a> in Carbondale to celebrate our friend Andrew's 25th birthday. Sorry my pictures are so dim, the restaurant was fairly dark. But this restaurant is worth sharing because it's about as fine dining as it gets in Carbondale. First off, they had an extensive drink menu. We just ended up sharing a bottle of red with another person at the table. Then the bread came out. It was DELICIOUS. It was a warm round loaf of focaccia. I ordered an entree which came with a choice of salad. I went with the one with the balsamic reduction.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjDCbGsIPQ6ffkVS_KFK35e9K92ZOUi7we2PJ60tCzKecIGDkPNuDwKD00W8RppZjA1afVwGylTtRVS8VeAfjkIPvoVl7TSiI2RLBqplQ7rmlMp3AWTvdb0QDd6nHom7eRTOYzertH_xw/s1600/newellsalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCbGsIPQ6ffkVS_KFK35e9K92ZOUi7we2PJ60tCzKecIGDkPNuDwKD00W8RppZjA1afVwGylTtRVS8VeAfjkIPvoVl7TSiI2RLBqplQ7rmlMp3AWTvdb0QDd6nHom7eRTOYzertH_xw/s320/newellsalad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm modern art!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My entree was chicken and broccoli Alfredo. They went a bit heavy on the parsley, don't you think?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXr7WgTw34y8nF_0bePwe_UP0z65yW3FBL8pQ5mgw77d0-cfWZ_Q43fpegz5NcMZfKi9E6bfbdFm5ZZOIiLW-j6133HZRKQnS7minlRdxUyfNsRlG2FnFo3CQNpvSxRG_Ly7em0c9Ag/s1600/newellalfredo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXr7WgTw34y8nF_0bePwe_UP0z65yW3FBL8pQ5mgw77d0-cfWZ_Q43fpegz5NcMZfKi9E6bfbdFm5ZZOIiLW-j6133HZRKQnS7minlRdxUyfNsRlG2FnFo3CQNpvSxRG_Ly7em0c9Ag/s320/newellalfredo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was creamy and delicious! Brandon didn't have too big of an appetite so he just ordered soup, the lobster bisque. It was salty and creamy. It also looked like a sundae with the cherry tomato on top:<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/AVvXsEgOuteyzPelivyTsAgUpyxRn1epN9jsdvJv2-SGXtL6dB6ubaGr5ntizx4d-bbyyzREt2EWWGzvwKCAhdyUgt3XmrtmgJm1Kpbtr0eIdf6nvdg8VCdJek8X5DJ8Z2CupadGKBbQv0IT1g/s1600/newellbisque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuteyzPelivyTsAgUpyxRn1epN9jsdvJv2-SGXtL6dB6ubaGr5ntizx4d-bbyyzREt2EWWGzvwKCAhdyUgt3XmrtmgJm1Kpbtr0eIdf6nvdg8VCdJek8X5DJ8Z2CupadGKBbQv0IT1g/s320/newellbisque.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster Bisque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We decided to share dessert. To my dismay there wasn't a dessert menu, but I listened closely and thought I ordered a brownie sundae. What I got was a turtle brownie ice cream. It was more like a <a href="http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/icecream/cold_stone_creations.html">Cold Stone Creation</a> but delicious none-the-less.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTOQefvCiosr6Sl62ZV9zxD5y4V61OzAdWhm1Y86RFWqFgynz2m9VMpH3Rpy8FjSZUAROsGDzwi_qcUDP-rMutrA44ew9C-xFbVnW2vgkyJztSK9m6i1bYJT06fHn5veSyZYQhm-57g/s1600/turtleice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTOQefvCiosr6Sl62ZV9zxD5y4V61OzAdWhm1Y86RFWqFgynz2m9VMpH3Rpy8FjSZUAROsGDzwi_qcUDP-rMutrA44ew9C-xFbVnW2vgkyJztSK9m6i1bYJT06fHn5veSyZYQhm-57g/s320/turtleice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Again, they went in-your-face with the plating. Other than that, it was a really nice experience and worth it for a nice night out.Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-26823832584273150312012-04-15T20:47:00.000-07:002012-04-15T20:47:45.854-07:00Bucket List: Winston's BagelOn Saturday, Brandon and I got up early in anticipation of a drive to St. Louis for the first <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2011/04/first-game-of-season.html">vintage baseball</a> game of the season. Unfortunately, as we left the house we got the message that the game was cancelled due to weather. <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/AVvXsEgODCap38VMIOqNOzzYOLyTDLWVTRlhJSl8vMxk9CMAorXYXEVyaQr6e5oG2L1dGlZdVgGgsyPWsnsK33uZnnFnGQm548TTL0uoxTAKMouQFZSOH7ulV6iZoA1VcQmm9g6K8QjbB9Fkwg/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODCap38VMIOqNOzzYOLyTDLWVTRlhJSl8vMxk9CMAorXYXEVyaQr6e5oG2L1dGlZdVgGgsyPWsnsK33uZnnFnGQm548TTL0uoxTAKMouQFZSOH7ulV6iZoA1VcQmm9g6K8QjbB9Fkwg/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee was necessary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Woo! A day open to possibility! We had breakfast with Knute and Nancy and then headed to Carbondale. I wanted to check out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carbondale-Farmers-Market/108003322564892">Farmer's Market</a> for the first time this season. As we were walking around the wind was blowing and this amazing onion scent wafted towards us. I turned around to find a table full of sweet onions:<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/AVvXsEg5x_bCgGLcMknn-y2Wt0sSMHS9BROj0ztbvrA0EoVQ_KCHLckOFNkmsdQS3aXvcZHEqYJvQAqJ5-JmozwQzmKmSO1bZHYHvVuXSvsvdjcog0x6iPS0571zU7CXKyuP8y-o0J2IppdKuA/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x_bCgGLcMknn-y2Wt0sSMHS9BROj0ztbvrA0EoVQ_KCHLckOFNkmsdQS3aXvcZHEqYJvQAqJ5-JmozwQzmKmSO1bZHYHvVuXSvsvdjcog0x6iPS0571zU7CXKyuP8y-o0J2IppdKuA/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$2/bunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ever since Easter, I've been wanting a hanging plant for my patio. I found the perfect purple flowers: <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/AVvXsEju4GHBt4bP3onMBmPALTrAuITZ33zLQd25WSyuN0CJDbt0L72eBl7h6to6knV3YM9c9Fj041E9-ixax5zRIQ0AyLtPZF066ByxQT2qMt38eA2qFCmRAUZrIy7UnZ16plYsaK_XZOeT6w/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4GHBt4bP3onMBmPALTrAuITZ33zLQd25WSyuN0CJDbt0L72eBl7h6to6knV3YM9c9Fj041E9-ixax5zRIQ0AyLtPZF066ByxQT2qMt38eA2qFCmRAUZrIy7UnZ16plYsaK_XZOeT6w/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$12.50</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our next stop was Brandon's choice, the <a href="http://www.carbondale.lib.il.us/flyers/2012SpringBookSale%20Flyer.pdf">Carbondale Public Library Book Sale</a>. I was a bit skeptical but we were actually able to find some hidden gems. The best part was that the highest price charged for a book was $1. Even hard cover books (some with the Barnes & Noble stickers still on!). Brandon was in heaven.<br />
<br />
During the afternoon we just lounged around the house and talked some more about wedding plans. We are meeting with our wedding planner tomorrow for dinner :)<br />
<br />
Later in the evening we met up with Kie and Gavin. We went to <a href="http://pinchpennypub.com/">Pinch Penny</a> where <a href="http://www.funkymonksmusic.com/">Funky Monks</a> were playing the beer garden. They are a <a href="http://redhotchilipeppers.com/">Red Hot Chili Peppers</a> cover band, the music was good but I thought the lead singer sounded more like <a href="http://barenakedladies.com/">Barenaked Ladies</a>. Anyway... at the end of the night, I managed to check another <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-so-il-bucket-list.html">bucket list</a> item off... <a href="http://bagelman.biz/">Winston's Bagel</a>! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6eIAQ7ex793ovTBkRc_gXYKvnEWGGLH4AwokkuZm1ZIK446YbkLIr_Hf3BD1w-HkEgbZiFd5PLYhIf5et5TNvMuwYpgGjWY1eITtOUofwDJl6ahfGkoOeJj1es3XwlPABj2R3tAUPw/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6eIAQ7ex793ovTBkRc_gXYKvnEWGGLH4AwokkuZm1ZIK446YbkLIr_Hf3BD1w-HkEgbZiFd5PLYhIf5et5TNvMuwYpgGjWY1eITtOUofwDJl6ahfGkoOeJj1es3XwlPABj2R3tAUPw/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
OMG gross! Haha. I guess I wasn't drunk enough.Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-55541476745687044352012-04-11T17:21:00.002-07:002012-04-11T17:21:59.939-07:00James Van Der BeekI think I like Dawson now more than ever before!<br />
<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sU-cP0-AMig?version=3&feature=player_embedded">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sU-cP0-AMig?version=3&feature=player_embedded" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></object><br />
Caught that a few nights ago. Would love to watch <a href="http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/dont-trust-the-b-in-apt-23">Don't Trust the B* in Apt. 23</a> tonight but my DVR is already full... Maybe I can catch it online?<br />
<br />
Also, <a href="http://funnyordie.com/m/525t">watch this</a>. <br />
<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="http://tumblr-gifs.com/photo?id=89" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="http://tumblr-gifs.com/pics/89.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vandermeme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-53563411255624933622012-04-08T16:36:00.001-07:002012-04-08T16:36:47.205-07:00Girls' WeekendHappy Easter! I promised a recap of my trip last weekend, so here we go...<br />
<br />
Last weekend I had a date to visit <a href="http://www.kristenguth.com/">Kristen</a> in <a href="http://www.visitchampaigncounty.org/">Champaign</a>. The last time I went up there, <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2011/02/bucket-list-saluki-and-illini-adventure.html%20">I took the train</a>. In an effort to same money/be able to leave when I wanted, I decided just to drive up there after work on Friday. Ugh, <a href="http://www.wsiltv.com/news/your-community/jackson/Road-Construction-Season-in-Southern-Illinois-144288785.html">traffic on I-57N was horrendous</a>. Apparently, it's gonna be that way for a while. It's ok, I survived. <br />
<br />
<br />
I slept in on Saturday morning. So, by the time we left Kristen's apartment it was almost lunch time. We just decided to head on over to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/black-dog-smoke-and-ale-house-urbana">The Black Dog Smoke & Ale House</a> to beat the lunch rush. This was a brilliant idea because by the time we were done eating, the place was packed. We started with the corn bread appetizer. It was unreal. It had pulled pork and baked beans inside. Holy yum! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; 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/AVvXsEgBF4itvY1PlRApvJ5rDtcIvuxFDTq71CzzC4Mpd6KiuX3Lw_Vkf3WMj8pIgN-WWaxSJhK446qjhLWlMsRZSAfazyVIXWGiS7fNCSyAsRKWC3iKkP0H1QvVMMNP4QQmomu4dYY1Fi8AcQ/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF4itvY1PlRApvJ5rDtcIvuxFDTq71CzzC4Mpd6KiuX3Lw_Vkf3WMj8pIgN-WWaxSJhK446qjhLWlMsRZSAfazyVIXWGiS7fNCSyAsRKWC3iKkP0H1QvVMMNP4QQmomu4dYY1Fi8AcQ/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even better with butter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For my entree I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and sweet potato fries. I got to take half of this home and it was just as good the day after. I have to say, it's a solid rival to <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2011/02/17th-street-barbeque.html">17th Street</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qEWwq6j0_ZfNGQD-VkZ6TUnaOeDXDbcm2gyRiIu8S5rnwz9P6lEJsdBH8dZj1QPlrN8AfnxI1NmC3-W48JXl4L3Y6YUaoc-r9QXStydADz7ArO9ql3ddaiwPORABdSP_Gxp5EL8rFw/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qEWwq6j0_ZfNGQD-VkZ6TUnaOeDXDbcm2gyRiIu8S5rnwz9P6lEJsdBH8dZj1QPlrN8AfnxI1NmC3-W48JXl4L3Y6YUaoc-r9QXStydADz7ArO9ql3ddaiwPORABdSP_Gxp5EL8rFw/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After lunch, we went to some neat shopping places around town. Kristen found some pretty earrings for me at Macy's. Then we came back to Kristen's apartment to watch <a href="http://myweekwithmarilynmovie.com/">My Week With Marilyn</a>. <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/AVvXsEgOwAOKRArRTRg3DFbOtGeSYXEVUuI23Rq0G16gvqd3PKMHgVciS30JJfGKxx-xVfYI-HpeRC4klm_3MUFEB2UzD6nLd9-6sXCVC4UpqWi4Bjt4EYFEWPhdH6YSsQRz-6Xp1Xp_xb1WmA/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwAOKRArRTRg3DFbOtGeSYXEVUuI23Rq0G16gvqd3PKMHgVciS30JJfGKxx-xVfYI-HpeRC4klm_3MUFEB2UzD6nLd9-6sXCVC4UpqWi4Bjt4EYFEWPhdH6YSsQRz-6Xp1Xp_xb1WmA/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebratory mimosas were had </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm engaged and she will be attending a doctorate program in LA next year, so we
had a lot to celebrate! I also brought the
little plastic glasses. Those didn't last long - we upgraded to big girl
glasses after we drank those little things.<br />
<br />
We continued our afternoon libations with a trip to <a href="http://brianhenkel.com/legendsongreen/">Legends</a> where some of Kristen's friends were watching the Final Four games. Then we went to <a href="http://www.radiomariarestaurant.com/">Radio Maria</a> for a gourmet dinner. I ordered the Sugarcane Shrimp Curry. It was scrumptious. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_5GXlDfNHYjLi-uDc6WREdz1hBMAvt5d7mdNZ60UB8OP7mkq8mvNja1aFZjuOBOzmIDAeoG2hMtoY74IVNYpcABgZxrSBH64NV1Z-sz0SrQyYJ9PJ4t1daCxqzQrt_BOQyag4TkLKA/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_5GXlDfNHYjLi-uDc6WREdz1hBMAvt5d7mdNZ60UB8OP7mkq8mvNja1aFZjuOBOzmIDAeoG2hMtoY74IVNYpcABgZxrSBH64NV1Z-sz0SrQyYJ9PJ4t1daCxqzQrt_BOQyag4TkLKA/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The microgreens were taking over the plate! But underneath was a bed of jasmine rice with avocado, mango and crab. Yum-o. Kristen was raving about our dessert before we even got to the restaurant. So of course we ordered the Green Tea White Chocolate Mousse, behold: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnWx9JvctK3HvQiHmUG7ynapbdPSX4i4ndyid4TU7B5j_BFxLGEswjROXJrn9SLm1hhTsyukMRfM7bWRhOb0jNAy-Wc_EN9F7PrgTg2enllVb_fKXzApzIijS7DWqW4_WLFXp8uVAZA/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnWx9JvctK3HvQiHmUG7ynapbdPSX4i4ndyid4TU7B5j_BFxLGEswjROXJrn9SLm1hhTsyukMRfM7bWRhOb0jNAy-Wc_EN9F7PrgTg2enllVb_fKXzApzIijS7DWqW4_WLFXp8uVAZA/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Look at how pretty the picture turned out due to the reflection of the string lights in the window! I had a great visit with Kristen and I'll be back in a couple weeks when Brandon competes in the <a href="http://illinoismarathon.com/">Illinois Marathon</a>.Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-85383657980485907872012-04-07T14:56:00.000-07:002012-04-07T14:56:30.073-07:00I Passed!Took <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2012/04/im-professional.html">my exam</a> this morning at the <a href="http://www.prometric.com/">Prometric Testing Center</a> in Carterville. Two and a half hours later, I was done:<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/AVvXsEgvIz9GpVxUnjwa8cdHL_MB5xO9xtCTp4OaXMaidRanJFMjMc3y23iu4KF9STyp1oDBbXTFCeKVV0GrBc5zIDF-D9LZ3ECwgDyUS4ExBNPrcuT5DvKg0AkYzaNxcU3G_9OJL_CL7uRx_w/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIz9GpVxUnjwa8cdHL_MB5xO9xtCTp4OaXMaidRanJFMjMc3y23iu4KF9STyp1oDBbXTFCeKVV0GrBc5zIDF-D9LZ3ECwgDyUS4ExBNPrcuT5DvKg0AkYzaNxcU3G_9OJL_CL7uRx_w/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Looking for jobs in DC. Hire me!<br />
<br />
On my way home I stopped at <a href="http://www.bk.com/">Burger King</a> and found my new favorite drink of the summer:<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/AVvXsEjQZpGzPk05jRC_hPRYtebni5nAgraJHfs0rSoM73Z1GS3eKs2fhN4QJ08HAfjENKeS5kxnlQulSyaihoQbTgCzdZ262eW3lfXYZMzVwaOoes4xNil4NtGxZ6ftohOuewuG-QJsD1-VjQ/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZpGzPk05jRC_hPRYtebni5nAgraJHfs0rSoM73Z1GS3eKs2fhN4QJ08HAfjENKeS5kxnlQulSyaihoQbTgCzdZ262eW3lfXYZMzVwaOoes4xNil4NtGxZ6ftohOuewuG-QJsD1-VjQ/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BK Tropical Mango Smoothie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last year's drink was the <a href="http://www.mcdonalds.com/lemonade.html">Frozen Strawberry Lemonade</a> at McDonalds. You've got to enjoy the little things :-)<br />
<br />
Brandon ran a <a href="http://runabe.srrc.net/">half marathon this morning in Springfield</a>. I wish I could have gone with him because 1) he ran a personal best and 2) ABE was there! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdvpYdJ8ectCINW7pG_JQqH_HHecBaZ_pgjV7Nk0musTLoYPyrH94e9AuRXDEDiA2zGEgYMAsz_CqCyeWsRmDYCnzEkDXecDX-2ls44uUUjPie2O7584xFjN2PFpZz8RSVsJm1SWYrQ/s1600/abehalf4.7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdvpYdJ8ectCINW7pG_JQqH_HHecBaZ_pgjV7Nk0musTLoYPyrH94e9AuRXDEDiA2zGEgYMAsz_CqCyeWsRmDYCnzEkDXecDX-2ls44uUUjPie2O7584xFjN2PFpZz8RSVsJm1SWYrQ/s320/abehalf4.7.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This may be TMI, but for the past week, anytime I eat, I get serious heartburn and my stomach makes some crazy noises. A patient even mentioned hearing my stomach growl, haha! I know the Irdmusas have some stomach issues but I thought I escaped them. Ugh, what should I do?Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-71259142389638581412012-04-05T21:20:00.001-07:002012-04-05T21:20:22.305-07:00I'm a ProfessionalIn May, I'll have been an <a href="http://www.myeyecareer.org/OMP/OMPSplash.html">Ophthalmic Technician</a> for 3 years. I think it's about time I get certified in my profession, don't you? Well, the good news is that I'm almost there. On Saturday, I will take the <a href="http://www.jcahpo.org/certification/coa.aspx">Certified Ophthalmic Assistant</a> exam. It's 3.5 hours and it's pass/fail and I find out the results at the end of the test.<br />
<br />
To qualify for the exam you can have to:<br />
- work with an Ophthalmologist for a year<br />
- take the home study course and pass an open book test with about 150 questions <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhfgBbzg66dL6mHQ5Gc2I-3uOOBQsGjzMgkhmWJj0eBZ2LBRpp2PvECDvzIZXBsSwDdi1ZByyn0aX3R9Xyrno1J8W3MyjOcWfI3rjpbGGybgGiwwWoMNUXi4LCQcaTNne-o1dFDFxgg/s1600/jcahpoJCAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhfgBbzg66dL6mHQ5Gc2I-3uOOBQsGjzMgkhmWJj0eBZ2LBRpp2PvECDvzIZXBsSwDdi1ZByyn0aX3R9Xyrno1J8W3MyjOcWfI3rjpbGGybgGiwwWoMNUXi4LCQcaTNne-o1dFDFxgg/s320/jcahpoJCAT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you don't have the work experience, you can enroll in a formal training program. For example, <a href="http://www.georgetownpsychiatry.org/body.cfm?id=557489">there's one at Georgetown</a> that will teach you everything you need to know in 23 months and cost you over $15k. Note: if you are interested in this field, there are plenty of entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training, a educational program is <u>not</u> necessary.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I passed the open book. You only have to get 80% correct so it wasn't a big deal. Then I had to get a Ophthalmologist to sponsor me and register for the $300 test. The best part is, <a href="http://jcahpo.org/foundation/scholarships/scholarships_certification.aspx">I won a scholarship</a> to take my test.Yippee!<br />
<br />
This past week, I've been studying in my spare time. Tomorrow night will be for last-minute <strike>cramming</strike> review. <br />
<br />
Hopefully all this will be worth it. I mean, Mitra Irdmusa, COA looks kinda cool, right? <br />
<br />Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-68057681404998758042012-04-01T15:47:00.003-07:002012-04-01T15:47:43.568-07:00WANTI just spent a lovely weekend in <a href="http://ci.champaign.il.us/">Champaign</a> with <a href="http://www.kristenguth.com/">Kristen</a>. A recap of that will be coming up soon. In the meantime, here are some pretty things that I'm coveting. <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/AVvXsEjBaJAJDL-t2h_IQkKotAZmQFprMPDsOxCnypqI8tZuQr9xVs7Je3-UDgMF4f_i0dkT9NvNMgEMgj1sKC3PMTelzlxDogvUEoDahhBxz8SlUbNCnakkQw6mFUdwjwi0XgwIPsB0C8xrGA/s1600/gorjanaring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaJAJDL-t2h_IQkKotAZmQFprMPDsOxCnypqI8tZuQr9xVs7Je3-UDgMF4f_i0dkT9NvNMgEMgj1sKC3PMTelzlxDogvUEoDahhBxz8SlUbNCnakkQw6mFUdwjwi0XgwIPsB0C8xrGA/s320/gorjanaring.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gorjana.com/products/Vine-Ring.html?color=124&sort=bestselling&catid=23#.Ty8EF-3cGQQ.email">Gorjana Vine Ring</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjRlDV4p8ESeMjUxFYCI2yXztcHdTOUlM4mx1g90Oh6WKtldW6_SwjW-bMoYsNjON1tiNM6p65TnYZig-TRtMNQkY0vLcG7jgjPTB3bb22sk6v8QdraY6eyt1DNqnFbX4iAUyUoOpt72g/s1600/ellepurple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlDV4p8ESeMjUxFYCI2yXztcHdTOUlM4mx1g90Oh6WKtldW6_SwjW-bMoYsNjON1tiNM6p65TnYZig-TRtMNQkY0vLcG7jgjPTB3bb22sk6v8QdraY6eyt1DNqnFbX4iAUyUoOpt72g/s320/ellepurple.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kendrascott.com/elle-earrings-in-purple.html">Elle Earrings</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgC03sbxssD2fESzuR57hyD41rybYMnYvyC7nowx_d3uWPpSDZnEdMx3zi0ZuR-v9brWKQQ3156CfbsYAobt0TtlwHjbgUmnGeWp8KFGZwpVoaa_eQHKpG3bNTQFuuQP4Hfc-IoTra3qw/s1600/ChevronTray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC03sbxssD2fESzuR57hyD41rybYMnYvyC7nowx_d3uWPpSDZnEdMx3zi0ZuR-v9brWKQQ3156CfbsYAobt0TtlwHjbgUmnGeWp8KFGZwpVoaa_eQHKpG3bNTQFuuQP4Hfc-IoTra3qw/s320/ChevronTray.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66075914/choose-your-color-petite-chevron-stripe?ref=pr_shop">Chevron Tray</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhNHE4ksYmnmtQG37D6nUYGPt3N0nlI0WSvKABn8F2H9VeA8Ob-LqTaH97JsL_UjGchgEvWM5oNo1YGulsvfr28ZlNjtemaAjN7Fc26CXZJEiMi5wR-2SfH3PqHJM9-YG7z7zPHNqYx6g/s1600/corrinbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHE4ksYmnmtQG37D6nUYGPt3N0nlI0WSvKABn8F2H9VeA8Ob-LqTaH97JsL_UjGchgEvWM5oNo1YGulsvfr28ZlNjtemaAjN7Fc26CXZJEiMi5wR-2SfH3PqHJM9-YG7z7zPHNqYx6g/s320/corrinbracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lorenhope.com/products/corrin-bracelet.html">Corrin Bracelet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
OMG Toms that are actually cute:</div>
<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/AVvXsEi0mP58iIIP-Zc6QmjP1r-xIeVtNRcwhNE3QCqaNoPrj9Ygtxy16eA4s04LFaj0JPPNOaPM6AAK_pVzsUklDn7oM3nDmp0-m6W2d64zYCTCjm9XR4rg5Zf-cTJRy7VDPtVl9P41exw_vw/s1600/tomsballetflat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mP58iIIP-Zc6QmjP1r-xIeVtNRcwhNE3QCqaNoPrj9Ygtxy16eA4s04LFaj0JPPNOaPM6AAK_pVzsUklDn7oM3nDmp0-m6W2d64zYCTCjm9XR4rg5Zf-cTJRy7VDPtVl9P41exw_vw/s320/tomsballetflat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/ballet-flats-1/alessandra-burlap-ballet-flats">Alessandra Burlap Ballet Flats</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjVjglAWJOJc-AQsQuDzQkcpXcFlHkj0A1gbm4DG0qIDNrPBgfb_6MIY6qT2Pe5FngDRAULR9WdxFJ0PGn5RRczbpALZ86cNr70jjD8K7-VhTfuWnhRFpuUXsYlXFvtrVMZOpM8FW_ldw/s1600/gemlamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjglAWJOJc-AQsQuDzQkcpXcFlHkj0A1gbm4DG0qIDNrPBgfb_6MIY6qT2Pe5FngDRAULR9WdxFJ0PGn5RRczbpALZ86cNr70jjD8K7-VhTfuWnhRFpuUXsYlXFvtrVMZOpM8FW_ldw/s1600/gemlamp.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopfurbish.com/servlet/the-1040/Gem-Lamp--dsh--Pink/Detail?category=Lighting%3ATable">Gem Lamp</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-63786794971706992862012-03-30T08:39:00.000-07:002012-03-30T08:39:26.346-07:00Spring Break Adventure: State CapitolsWhen planning our drive from Boston to DC, we realized that we would be passing through numerous state capitols. Brandon and I decided that our new "thing" would be to take pictures in front of every state capitol building. Anybody want to build a custom photo frame for us in the shape of the US?? Here is a look of some of the stops along the way: <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/AVvXsEhlG6mxeWoyI5_vEQ0Mu8fff-NHxfHbeFJZKpaHx8Pa9F-CW0QQuI5hiGvklF5Bg1E6xyxotk8natDOKiRdEXTMqiA_kLBp7k8wuEx0oLd49RQssnZFYbjf9Xf9amXY1g_RId3_pR4G_Q/s1600/DSC03430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG6mxeWoyI5_vEQ0Mu8fff-NHxfHbeFJZKpaHx8Pa9F-CW0QQuI5hiGvklF5Bg1E6xyxotk8natDOKiRdEXTMqiA_kLBp7k8wuEx0oLd49RQssnZFYbjf9Xf9amXY1g_RId3_pR4G_Q/s320/DSC03430.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Providence, RI</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fun fact, two seconds later, a meter maid was writing Brandon a ticket. He dashed back across the street and said, "No we weren't parking, we were taking a picture," and she let us go! Another pit stop we made was for breakfast, at <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html">Diners, Drive-ins and Dives</a> featured, <a href="http://www.louisrestaurant.org/">Louis Family Restaurant</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQYLMYRiru_TIAehXFxVazzA-ew9jHWjyMuF_kpSNm7Fe0yIMkskbJ3cF17GUR1hxEnAxJ6NMEagdhyphenhyphenyYPYlZNZcWgbW7_L3_5SwO01_K616wu8WNnvIQsj-KIZ0bq4a9rMC7dyqnjA/s1600/DSC03432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQYLMYRiru_TIAehXFxVazzA-ew9jHWjyMuF_kpSNm7Fe0yIMkskbJ3cF17GUR1hxEnAxJ6NMEagdhyphenhyphenyYPYlZNZcWgbW7_L3_5SwO01_K616wu8WNnvIQsj-KIZ0bq4a9rMC7dyqnjA/s320/DSC03432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Jeila bravely ordered the Poached Passion, without even asking what it was! Turned out to be a winner - English muffin topped with tomato, spinach, poached egg and topped with cheese. I had a basic two egg breakfast. The prices were dirt cheap and we got to eat alongside <a href="http://brown.edu/">Brown's</a> tree-hugging co-eds. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEK71Esci_T_AM4xQp2hj95NITLJPpVN8i1eeU3RNeeysJliBIFg7puTVt8rZv9ki24cWcLSFcK00z8VMHk8rbzwMYkEY_dhVo1qvzvrGDVFhlQ3dJX5McVIzYadcH28olb2v7aQxSA/s1600/DSC03433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEK71Esci_T_AM4xQp2hj95NITLJPpVN8i1eeU3RNeeysJliBIFg7puTVt8rZv9ki24cWcLSFcK00z8VMHk8rbzwMYkEY_dhVo1qvzvrGDVFhlQ3dJX5McVIzYadcH28olb2v7aQxSA/s320/DSC03433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then we were off to see more capitols:<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/AVvXsEhUirPVK7RYASasno-JYPm_T004Gyft7MqgsbGaiM_LfToFbNOp_W7zPOYXyiPo4SU9cIDl-OOp6_mG5W8NwmOEe4kZB8NSdgTHtNjwLw1Ly0Pv1IvGNyKtQlt4x1VQTBcoBWTmxr_5xA/s1600/DSC03435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUirPVK7RYASasno-JYPm_T004Gyft7MqgsbGaiM_LfToFbNOp_W7zPOYXyiPo4SU9cIDl-OOp6_mG5W8NwmOEe4kZB8NSdgTHtNjwLw1Ly0Pv1IvGNyKtQlt4x1VQTBcoBWTmxr_5xA/s320/DSC03435.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hartford, CT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjtQnI4RhKkLUfDaBWrkhflI6w0rT3oTLrzGB5WkENr2N0KYKh69j_7jTqewuDAkNang4GWjfDPfjrtorq4PR-ftwkSNYnHGbCUsuQ2LIeZjIV3zAwO_6YavIseU-zWm5Hi2iIMzXJzTg/s1600/DSC03437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQnI4RhKkLUfDaBWrkhflI6w0rT3oTLrzGB5WkENr2N0KYKh69j_7jTqewuDAkNang4GWjfDPfjrtorq4PR-ftwkSNYnHGbCUsuQ2LIeZjIV3zAwO_6YavIseU-zWm5Hi2iIMzXJzTg/s320/DSC03437.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trenton, NJ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And finally we arrived in Philadelphia where we met up with Raha and Lindsey for dinner at <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/iron-chef-america/index.html">Iron Chef</a>, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/jose-garces/index.html">Jose Garces'</a> restaurant, <a href="http://villagewhiskey.com/">Village Whiskey</a>. Yum!Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-32987828076920307862012-03-29T22:21:00.001-07:002012-03-29T22:21:57.325-07:00Spring Break Adventure: Boston<a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-break-adventure-new-york.html">From Buffalo and Niagra Falls</a>, we decided to take the long way to Boston. And by long, I mean looong. Brandon had to cross off Vermont and New Hampshire from the states he's driven through list. But before we left New York we made a stop in wine country - <a href="http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/">the Finger Lakes</a> - and made a pit stop at <a href="http://www.montezumawinery.com/">Montezuma Winery</a>. They are known for their Cranberry Bog and their BEE Vodka. They let us try six wines and had a large gift shop. Brandon has been to this part of New York once before when he visited the <a href="http://baseballhall.org/">Baseball Hall of Fame</a> in Cooperstown. We were stoked to learn about the <a href="http://cooperstownbeveragetrail.com/">Cooperstown Beverage Trail</a>, so now we definitely have to come back to the region and explore some more. In NH and VT we drove through some very pretty mountains but once it got dark, the roads had me a little nervous. <br />
<br />
It was so exciting to see the city lights as we pulled into Boston. Jeila is a Junior at <a href="http://www.bostonconservatory.edu/">The Boston Conservatory</a>. It was also her Spring Break. She let us stay in her sweet apartment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBrh97fwP_uTDKJcKSJ1i57tTqsoksUIy5XQ4qRdP4Mw54mt0IK1rR_SwUyioVqAo_K0rF-gVLWGpfpGWVHIJA4j0048lMV628DZnzIBcHF4XtGxMisMPiEAM3MvCpf-wE8gkhYN8wQ/s1600/DSC03392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBrh97fwP_uTDKJcKSJ1i57tTqsoksUIy5XQ4qRdP4Mw54mt0IK1rR_SwUyioVqAo_K0rF-gVLWGpfpGWVHIJA4j0048lMV628DZnzIBcHF4XtGxMisMPiEAM3MvCpf-wE8gkhYN8wQ/s320/DSC03392.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Brandon has a life goal to drive through all 50 states. So the next morning he suggested a quick drive north to Maine. Unlike Brandon, Jeila and I were not going there without making a stop. So breakfast in Maine it was. We stopped in the first town along the interstate, <a href="http://www.yorkmaine.org/">York, ME</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNVxQKmSxggP4Th-JjkKvFVYbOwH2kNlHiK1TjQOA2S7Xj05aLZ_ZBFMkyJsfTtf_a41clwYsARX0CYpHsg-Dq6y_iVBKAsY9lp6TQaR01_Pz1GBaf44v09E9lX1KTGdtsatzRMBR4A/s1600/DSC03375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNVxQKmSxggP4Th-JjkKvFVYbOwH2kNlHiK1TjQOA2S7Xj05aLZ_ZBFMkyJsfTtf_a41clwYsARX0CYpHsg-Dq6y_iVBKAsY9lp6TQaR01_Pz1GBaf44v09E9lX1KTGdtsatzRMBR4A/s320/DSC03375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Our brunch spot was at <a href="http://www.thestolenmenucafe.com/">The Stolen Menu Cafe</a>. This place was busy with the after-church rush. The menu had so many choices. Jeila and I ended up sharing the juevos rancheros because it was something we've never had before and it was a little spicy. OMG freaking delicious. Drive there now. Brandon had the sticky bun french toast. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tBSRWWhF6b93sNLfF5wKud1T7I5c2eu6JJ8nUgHROSgR3uZqsPsynFermQ2Qq_ZtYy4w5zgYP2iqFCBhcYDpQH6Yz6PI0zCGemQ3eqq6uYZV7eDKp77kEdAlzg0I3j0GIs2E_5KYVA/s1600/DSC03377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tBSRWWhF6b93sNLfF5wKud1T7I5c2eu6JJ8nUgHROSgR3uZqsPsynFermQ2Qq_ZtYy4w5zgYP2iqFCBhcYDpQH6Yz6PI0zCGemQ3eqq6uYZV7eDKp77kEdAlzg0I3j0GIs2E_5KYVA/s320/DSC03377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In desperate search of a Maine souvenir, we headed over to the <a href="http://www.kitterytradingpost.com/">Kittery Trading post</a>. We ended up with a Christmas ornament and a picture with the giant moose.<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/AVvXsEjw9ZQ1qmuGc1swLLCIekRuZLF2a8noH7yRpoB2AUW_kGkuwkHUSDbmye0H9aZBK_QVpgJy5xQWV_gi-pgrJfCh_dI59vAtejMILbsGvJ9vJcHBpwz6U5TfYlv8oKD_7gOqqwZmz0MZBA/s1600/DSC03378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9ZQ1qmuGc1swLLCIekRuZLF2a8noH7yRpoB2AUW_kGkuwkHUSDbmye0H9aZBK_QVpgJy5xQWV_gi-pgrJfCh_dI59vAtejMILbsGvJ9vJcHBpwz6U5TfYlv8oKD_7gOqqwZmz0MZBA/s320/DSC03378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black bear photobomb!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we had to drive back to Boston to make it in time to meet my friend from elementary school, Elin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsEzhF2AOQIgijUT0ORkHuhGvpYyvSZ9hwhBAgmVQrmzHaQBNXjqMhYlaR_N1OZvjKQZh0vrxV9llx8p1ZsWthQ3fTxlwgTZzxtX-CjjJdul53wSIbYexqBSM937Qt-jpv39M3aPvCQ/s1600/DSC03381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsEzhF2AOQIgijUT0ORkHuhGvpYyvSZ9hwhBAgmVQrmzHaQBNXjqMhYlaR_N1OZvjKQZh0vrxV9llx8p1ZsWthQ3fTxlwgTZzxtX-CjjJdul53wSIbYexqBSM937Qt-jpv39M3aPvCQ/s320/DSC03381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Jeila lives near Fenway Park so we met up at <a href="http://www.beerworks.net/home/index.html">Boston Beer Works</a>. We did a flight of beer. My favorite was the Blueberry Ale which came with fresh <i>Maine</i> blueberries floating in the glass. Unfortunately, the bar snacks we ordered - pretzel bites and spinach artichoke dip - were disappointing.<br />
<br />
After beer and munchies, the weather was so wonderful we decided to walk over to the <a href="http://www.bostonparkplaza.com/">Boston Park Plaza Hotel</a>. Yes, the hotel where Brandon and I met in August of 2006. Loved the nostalgia of it. Someday we will come back as guests.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXluHeigi4sqdRvQWsEg1ZKzMNp-EcF6fRjBQYmPf0AWSQYWjysJCoIy4bYSsHYGjSbWtVn03IWLUZqpisboG7kSgszBUTGBO_yVfmQBsae5qPK4ZX60Z-RcFyKEZWDiwirn1EROs9vw/s1600/DSC03386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXluHeigi4sqdRvQWsEg1ZKzMNp-EcF6fRjBQYmPf0AWSQYWjysJCoIy4bYSsHYGjSbWtVn03IWLUZqpisboG7kSgszBUTGBO_yVfmQBsae5qPK4ZX60Z-RcFyKEZWDiwirn1EROs9vw/s320/DSC03386.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We said goodbye to Elin, and headed to <a href="http://www.newbury-st.com/">Newbury St.</a> for ice cream at <a href="http://www.jplicks.com/">JP Licks</a>. The next day we saw on the news that JP Licks was closed for business, at least that location. We were their last customers!!<br />
<br />
The next morning we started by taking <a href="http://www.mbta.com/">the T</a> to the <a href="http://www.samueladams.com/age-gate.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fshare-passion%2ftours.aspx">Samuel Adams Brewery</a>. Our tour guide was a total geek and talked our ears off. The highlight was the tasting room where we got to taste 3 samples. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoVCmpDuVGqzmRzlbtPtsP-LOgm3WnkrcpNcBR0FkZhyRkwD1G_qu-l1PxQheNHdVBlkBYT_iTIKEG3jqNvfjeuDJRx3MW9A6cFEGr9iUrsoRoD7gljZchk_B4tYolAREp5-6h5clhg/s1600/DSC03399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoVCmpDuVGqzmRzlbtPtsP-LOgm3WnkrcpNcBR0FkZhyRkwD1G_qu-l1PxQheNHdVBlkBYT_iTIKEG3jqNvfjeuDJRx3MW9A6cFEGr9iUrsoRoD7gljZchk_B4tYolAREp5-6h5clhg/s320/DSC03399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
From there we got back on the subway and hopped on <a href="http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/">The Freedom Trail</a>. There we so many great sites along the way.<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/AVvXsEi-nJM7ezES1j-hJBgmyW1Jmgby-BZBQ0qaap7yrZ3iF6nmk2KQCUBs5sAiizKz70zNNIYX6BQaLytsDpcoogQuk-BEtJJEmZ5d1wvw8cPNXPHr6wf0w12_pDicbqf6B8j0csnaJVooGw/s1600/DSC03411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nJM7ezES1j-hJBgmyW1Jmgby-BZBQ0qaap7yrZ3iF6nmk2KQCUBs5sAiizKz70zNNIYX6BQaLytsDpcoogQuk-BEtJJEmZ5d1wvw8cPNXPHr6wf0w12_pDicbqf6B8j0csnaJVooGw/s320/DSC03411.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Capitol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our evening ended at <a href="http://www.barkingcrab.com/">The Barking Crab</a> where we wanted to indulge in some New England seafood. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEhH7Hmp8-SLinexaXH24yoVCcFkoT29t8fcVCaiYCwsyG9uQ4Qs3AylYL22vodTJzJI9CMCLwY8xRsUO2NTvhmUD6Slnah7MIQ2B0q8PTIuqtxc7XmqnfOl8E373_Xdl_piyb2p3dNq2w/s1600/DSC03418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7Hmp8-SLinexaXH24yoVCcFkoT29t8fcVCaiYCwsyG9uQ4Qs3AylYL22vodTJzJI9CMCLwY8xRsUO2NTvhmUD6Slnah7MIQ2B0q8PTIuqtxc7XmqnfOl8E373_Xdl_piyb2p3dNq2w/s320/DSC03418.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish n' Chips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhUmhfqWquaWvMMgJuvaWHG4Iu6JV4DUxZk-xtxFoFonVeJVh8pQr3TaCfmu-UqKkPNHmA_vrUMH7JBAfrTGpCUjQYW-MSZKPg4Jn0SnX3U463vx39WY6BBTnXyI5dFZE0dced2Xjhjxg/s1600/DSC03417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmhfqWquaWvMMgJuvaWHG4Iu6JV4DUxZk-xtxFoFonVeJVh8pQr3TaCfmu-UqKkPNHmA_vrUMH7JBAfrTGpCUjQYW-MSZKPg4Jn0SnX3U463vx39WY6BBTnXyI5dFZE0dced2Xjhjxg/s320/DSC03417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster Roll</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The restaurant was a bit pricey but it was right on the water. The city skyline was gorgeous. We also saw someone order the the 10lb lobster at market price - $215 - yowzah! Dessert was had in <a href="http://www.cambridgema.gov/">Cambridge</a> with <a href="http://strangene.com/landmarks/3lies.htm">John Harvard</a> in the dark - <a href="http://www.tealuxe.com/">tea</a> and <a href="http://www.sweetcupcakes.com/">cupcakes</a>!<br />
<br />
The next morning we were off to DC!Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835156954166690250.post-10123525796918890622012-03-19T16:31:00.000-07:002012-03-19T16:31:30.371-07:00Spring Break Adventure: New YorkI'm back! My whirlwind Spring Break road trip has come to an end. We left Carbondale Friday after work and drove through the night. <a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2011/08/wine-dine.html">Our friend Caitlyn</a> in Columbus stayed up and we got to visit her at 1am! It was a short but nice visit. By morning, we had made it to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo,_New_York">Buffalo, NY</a>. We looked up a place to have breakfast and chose the <a href="http://www.curtinrestaurants.com/lake-effect-diner.html">Lake Effect Diner</a> because it was featured on Food Network's <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html">Diners, Drive-ins and Dives</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGC-mBL1NHaLxmRJ3-eIhdYQ9VmKpckY0hatAi3NTY46jtguUCndekhyphenhyphenv75OeqR0ntZ1SCY6u-vvyRhReUkwg02UH6QrCuU1oRqi0uyFDpdzlUWyuVPpFswapXCDoihcQrzfFsxdXdQ/s1600/DSC03354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGC-mBL1NHaLxmRJ3-eIhdYQ9VmKpckY0hatAi3NTY46jtguUCndekhyphenhyphenv75OeqR0ntZ1SCY6u-vvyRhReUkwg02UH6QrCuU1oRqi0uyFDpdzlUWyuVPpFswapXCDoihcQrzfFsxdXdQ/s320/DSC03354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The 1950s diner was saved and moved from Pennsylvania to Buffalo. So cute but very tiny! We started with the fresh-squeezed OJ. I ordered Eggs Benedict. Great decision!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheP79zqe_GEzkifrqWjMZJfUj2J1vXOMe-BWMFLmMSCfubXExELK9EIso-_ziOghp-n94cnXlsICT3fkkcIrzC54hNGrWOfxPeEOVEqLbVu9e9_8dK_C2pJFTdAprkwz4scQ9j9gwZXg/s1600/eggsbenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheP79zqe_GEzkifrqWjMZJfUj2J1vXOMe-BWMFLmMSCfubXExELK9EIso-_ziOghp-n94cnXlsICT3fkkcIrzC54hNGrWOfxPeEOVEqLbVu9e9_8dK_C2pJFTdAprkwz4scQ9j9gwZXg/s320/eggsbenny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My only complaint was that the hash browns could have been a bit crispier. Brandon had the Blizzard Breakfast, it was huge!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24OWEL0fiwj1XsNAa-8vVxvgj5_Br0Ul9aqmQ5Khm2_ILJXIMBG3zHmrHbnxBDn5mjIuw7prXMerZVdzmDurJZRpH_rsimRPOG8ZYnw6voHTg1xAH1BRAgtUF8UKTpzQeXxByrt26Rg/s1600/blizzardbfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24OWEL0fiwj1XsNAa-8vVxvgj5_Br0Ul9aqmQ5Khm2_ILJXIMBG3zHmrHbnxBDn5mjIuw7prXMerZVdzmDurJZRpH_rsimRPOG8ZYnw6voHTg1xAH1BRAgtUF8UKTpzQeXxByrt26Rg/s320/blizzardbfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
His sausage was house-ground and tasted delicious. It also came with a pancake topped with a big ball of sugary butter. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0phQ9wn8AZztGMmdAOqfAzDbD9LMUg1dIsyso2ig4-1t0Kh6DCh2ehpBvv-v4dwYa0h_KUxHbVW8h9fuLtbFmNXRiwWgQFFU-XKvjrb2sOYRQjJg6_A4yDsevF70vMkSXOLxNqDaVAA/s1600/lakeeffectpancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0phQ9wn8AZztGMmdAOqfAzDbD9LMUg1dIsyso2ig4-1t0Kh6DCh2ehpBvv-v4dwYa0h_KUxHbVW8h9fuLtbFmNXRiwWgQFFU-XKvjrb2sOYRQjJg6_A4yDsevF70vMkSXOLxNqDaVAA/s320/lakeeffectpancake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When we were done, it was a short drive to Niagra Falls. <br />
<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/AVvXsEh_ATCiRDKmL7k9WM9NAaCnBBLH6JAp__hzpevZU3DxFFob2okL4r80v2lmXWNbzg4vKuYqWA3yOxqaFalOZalWpCMUtlp0F4BBuPhf5mbz1xSV4ccZU4OAPNwZ9ymtfA4oEWHp_jbT8Q/s1600/DSC03355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ATCiRDKmL7k9WM9NAaCnBBLH6JAp__hzpevZU3DxFFob2okL4r80v2lmXWNbzg4vKuYqWA3yOxqaFalOZalWpCMUtlp0F4BBuPhf5mbz1xSV4ccZU4OAPNwZ9ymtfA4oEWHp_jbT8Q/s320/DSC03355.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Jr.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We explored the <a href="http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Activities_VisitorCenter.aspx">visitor's center</a> first. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE0_UiT2EuXhhkfAj0j4JQRU2CKl2EuhaUuwsAyLDG30zmXSwRAejlOyIsuheiCAYTriVOpVzdi2Zl49TWHe2uAjxqUVf3BgbwU7lygKb3FVoKi41tTeCq8lpKK5WSQ3cnM4uW66WCQ/s1600/DSC03356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE0_UiT2EuXhhkfAj0j4JQRU2CKl2EuhaUuwsAyLDG30zmXSwRAejlOyIsuheiCAYTriVOpVzdi2Zl49TWHe2uAjxqUVf3BgbwU7lygKb3FVoKi41tTeCq8lpKK5WSQ3cnM4uW66WCQ/s320/DSC03356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then we headed outside, where we froze our butts off. But the view was worth it:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CnCbzn_ueR_fdsYhQ-ssdreZ69v_wgp3h-ESJAeW1CxK-iqdbNwJmzOs1Wu0zjw5cChoApFsQ7WLrDW-u4nc0PzvSYki3t9Gtzc5uc7d39ETOPOlVnNJhd7ZBi78l4ClCHENXjnFxg/s1600/DSC03359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CnCbzn_ueR_fdsYhQ-ssdreZ69v_wgp3h-ESJAeW1CxK-iqdbNwJmzOs1Wu0zjw5cChoApFsQ7WLrDW-u4nc0PzvSYki3t9Gtzc5uc7d39ETOPOlVnNJhd7ZBi78l4ClCHENXjnFxg/s320/DSC03359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The mist turned into the snow that was falling on us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNut8fuzNZHjf6-t54oXLhMqf8L1VSphQL1jWSL55JuS6dKPEbjfzBKTh0ss2eXsgHwSDf6z56mumB5-EO8hJzptZuMMjizXvZxPsAR84RTrev_MhAmpC4ua6Cu0Kfd_QZg8h-HAhZg/s1600/DSC03361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNut8fuzNZHjf6-t54oXLhMqf8L1VSphQL1jWSL55JuS6dKPEbjfzBKTh0ss2eXsgHwSDf6z56mumB5-EO8hJzptZuMMjizXvZxPsAR84RTrev_MhAmpC4ua6Cu0Kfd_QZg8h-HAhZg/s320/DSC03361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Both Brandon and I had been here with our families before but it was our first time there together. We were glad we stopped and checked it off our list (<a href="http://msirdm.blogspot.com/2011/02/happy-valentines-day.html">and added it to the map</a>).<br />
<br />Mitrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08321759140071780296noreply@blogger.com0