well, here we are 2011. and I am blowing the dust off the trusty blog and writing something down. guess I'm feeling reflective (or maybe reflexive) about 2010. it was a pretty epic year for me. let's recap, shall we?
turned 30
defended thesis, got PhD
traveled solo in Costa Rica, hiked surfed and hung out with monkeys
fell in love again, over countless drinks and bike rides and shenanigans
ran first half marathon
graduated, the pomp the circumstance
didn't say goodbye, but smell ya later, to the StL
moved to another country on another continent to do the Science
imbibed in Belgium, rocked Oktoberfest
ran first full marathon
major health scare and surgery
lost my paternal grandmother to cancer, welcomed a niece and nephew
convinced EU funding agencies to give ca$h to an American postdoc
not a bad list, if I do say so myself. so where is there to go for 2011? I've been talking a lot lately on paths and choices. two weeks from my 31st birthday and I find myself wondering if I will ever move off this conveyor-belt-academic-route that has had me chugging along for the last, oh, 16 years give or take. it's not a bad path, it's just been oh-so-me-centric for so long that I've missed out on any opportunity to think with my heart instead of my head. stuck in the land where the prescribed choices are automatically the right ones. am I happy that I'm in Germany? yes, definitely. do I love the work that I am doing and think it's positioning me to maybe one day settle down and I dunno, have a AWESOME PERMANENT JOB? of course. am I starting to get a bit frustrated that I still talk about 'positionings' and 'one days' and the constant flux? maybe a little bit. believe me, I'm not complaining about the opportunities I have, about the fact that I am living an adventure that I've worked very hard to achieve. I relish in change and would be pretty bummed without it. but maybe for the first time in my life I actually would like something constant and stable, besides myself, along for the ride. crazy thought. maybe I need a goldfish?
so far 2011, I have a list of goals, all of which are totally me-centric (see, hard habit to break)...
attend 3 conferences
publish 3 papers
run 2 marathons
try racing bikes (like the eternal footman)
see more of Europe
and, maybe maybe think about doing some other things not because they are on the "future-path-list" but because they feel good, because they let me love and feel loved and think with my heart for a change. balance, it's not just for scales and yoga poses.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Sunday, August 8, 2010
you take it on the run, baby
the last month has been a busy one... as evidenced by the lack of posts. I've been here now going on 8 weeks. I finally have my own place: a 2-floor or "masionette" style apartment with an amazing view in the Neustadt, the bohemian-bar-cafe-shopping area that became the heart of Dresden after the bombings destroyed most of the rest of the city. It's great to be in walking distance to so many different distractions. My street, Görlitzer, features among other things, a art house movie theater and a bar named Lebowski. Yes, that sort of Lebowski... are you thinking white Russians? I have yet to venture in, but there's always a crowd and the drinks are purported to be stiff. The Cohen Bros would approve.
View of Görlitzer Str. from the top floor of my apartment
another event occupied several nights in July... the Scheune Schaubuden Sommer festival. I have never experienced anything quite like it. 10 days of theater, dance, cabaret, comedy, music, film... I saw American and Austrailian comics, a Swiss troupe whose finale featured an Elephant singing "Personal Jesus" accompanied by baritone and electric ukulele, a cast of clowns as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse performing songs about death, and a lizard puppet act that included one of the best pick-up lines I've heard. obviously, it was auf Deutsch, but it went a little something like this:
Die Echse: (to a girl in the audience) According to my watch, you're not wearing any underwear. Is this true?
Girl: No, sorry.
Die Echse: Hmm. Maybe I should tell you that my watch is two hours fast...
Buff Papier at Schaubuden Sommer
finally, as I've been deprived of long road rides (so missing that and my cycling friends from the StL...), I've been running a lot instead. actually, I've decided to run the Dresden Marathon in October. 6 weeks into training now and I've already clocked 86 miles total. running has given me a way to explore the city - it's definitely the most scenic place I've ever lived. whether I am running along the Elbe or through the historic buildings of Altstadt, it makes the miles pass faster... though, I should be thinking in kilometers now!
View of Görlitzer Str. from the top floor of my apartmentanother event occupied several nights in July... the Scheune Schaubuden Sommer festival. I have never experienced anything quite like it. 10 days of theater, dance, cabaret, comedy, music, film... I saw American and Austrailian comics, a Swiss troupe whose finale featured an Elephant singing "Personal Jesus" accompanied by baritone and electric ukulele, a cast of clowns as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse performing songs about death, and a lizard puppet act that included one of the best pick-up lines I've heard. obviously, it was auf Deutsch, but it went a little something like this:
Die Echse: (to a girl in the audience) According to my watch, you're not wearing any underwear. Is this true?
Girl: No, sorry.
Die Echse: Hmm. Maybe I should tell you that my watch is two hours fast...
Buff Papier at Schaubuden Sommerfinally, as I've been deprived of long road rides (so missing that and my cycling friends from the StL...), I've been running a lot instead. actually, I've decided to run the Dresden Marathon in October. 6 weeks into training now and I've already clocked 86 miles total. running has given me a way to explore the city - it's definitely the most scenic place I've ever lived. whether I am running along the Elbe or through the historic buildings of Altstadt, it makes the miles pass faster... though, I should be thinking in kilometers now!
Monday, July 12, 2010
until 2014...
Hard to believe that I am starting my 4th week here in Dresden. Thankfully, my arrival coincided with the World Cup. One makes fast friends when one enjoys sports and rooting for the home team, not to mention beer drinking...
Some documentation of the many Deutschland matches I've attended:
Watching the Group of 16 match against England
The crowd celebrates the first goal in the quarterfinal against Argentina
Many a frei bier at Waldschlösschen - 8 in all over 2 matches
Some documentation of the many Deutschland matches I've attended:
Watching the Group of 16 match against England
The crowd celebrates the first goal in the quarterfinal against Argentina
Many a frei bier at Waldschlösschen - 8 in all over 2 matches
The only picture I took the night of the loss to Spain at the Red Rooster...
The crowd at Fähregarten celebrates the small final victory over Uruguay
Sunday, July 4, 2010
the CBG and me
Here's a little tour around my new work digs. The building, designed by Finish and German architects, has housed about 400 scientists from over 30 countries comprising 25 research groups since 2001 in its unique space. The MPI-CBG also brought about the "Dresden Model" - a research institution that limits hierarchy of resources for the better pursuit of science.
The Germans call the ground floor the Eingang or entrance, not level 1 - which means working on the 4th floor means I climb up 4 flights of stairs to get to lab.
Can't do the science without the caffeine!
Or something to eat. Our canteen serves pretty good food. And it's subsidized, so it's a bargain!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
long, hot Dresden summer
Priessnitz Str 35. Maybe my future apartmet?What with a major move, it's time to brush the cobwebs off and start blogging again. I arrived in Dresden on Monday for my postdoc stint here (1-3 years) and am busy settling in. Getting to know my new lab, making friends, looking for apartments and a bike, and lots of paperwork. Seems that a summer is the best time to be in Dresden. The days are long and the temps are a good 20 degrees cooler than in the Lou. Highs of 75 everyday? Don't mind if I do... Festivals, encouraged outdoor drinking, and the World Cup seem to fuel the fire. I was told over my umpteenth grosse Hefeweizen last night (omg, so so so good and I am not a Hefe drinker, usually) that Dresdeners party all summer, only waking up from their bacchanal in September to find their flats (in daylight) dirty and smelling of stale beer. I think I'm going to like it here.
On Louisenstrasse in Neustadt
Flea market along the Elbe
Biergarten overlooking the Elbe
USA World Cuppage, er SteinageWednesday, November 11, 2009
neko case and the pantheon of heavy metal gods
I think for every stretch of life, there's a defining set of music. For me, adolescence was REM, sparked by my father's love of college radio. my early 20s... the indie rock bliss of Belle and Sebastian. circa-25 was the Replacements, rowdy and unapologetic. and now, as I wrap up my 3rd decade, no one speaks to me more than one Ms. Neko Case.
I would trade you my empire for ashes.
Neko has played StL twice in the last 2 years. I have been lucky enough to take in both shows from the balcony of the Pageant (alternating stage left and right) with women I am proud to call some of my closest friends here. And while many of the songs were the same, these were unique experiences in many respects.
Contrasting the two, I'd say that the first show took on a much more melancholy vibe... likely because of our emotional states at the time... but that's another story. And Neko was chill, almost somber compared to the more recent show, playing a mix of old stuff and really highlighting the new songs from the upcoming record that was to be released in spring of 2009. Not sure what substances, illegal or otherwise, were consumed before they took the stage the other week, but Neko et al were downright punchy this time. The running joke of the evening was "metal" and where each song fell amongst the pantheon of metal gods. There was also a brief interlude regarding Cannibal Corpse, complete with random voiceover in British accent by Ms. Case.
Other highlights included the running tally of Neko's hair tucks (gotta love a nervous habit... HOT) and the tornado playing phone-a-friend to share the last song of the set. Of course we all sang along to our favorites, the checklist of what we wanted to hear. For her cover of Harry Nielsen's "Don't forget me" there was swaying... arms around each other... taking in the moment. I'm putting that song on my "Goodbye StL" mix. And there will probably be some tears.
The Neko shows v.1 and v.2 will go down as some of my fonder recent memories... Good friends. Beautiful songs. An amazing voice.
That's SO metal.
I would trade you my empire for ashes.
Neko has played StL twice in the last 2 years. I have been lucky enough to take in both shows from the balcony of the Pageant (alternating stage left and right) with women I am proud to call some of my closest friends here. And while many of the songs were the same, these were unique experiences in many respects.
Contrasting the two, I'd say that the first show took on a much more melancholy vibe... likely because of our emotional states at the time... but that's another story. And Neko was chill, almost somber compared to the more recent show, playing a mix of old stuff and really highlighting the new songs from the upcoming record that was to be released in spring of 2009. Not sure what substances, illegal or otherwise, were consumed before they took the stage the other week, but Neko et al were downright punchy this time. The running joke of the evening was "metal" and where each song fell amongst the pantheon of metal gods. There was also a brief interlude regarding Cannibal Corpse, complete with random voiceover in British accent by Ms. Case.
Other highlights included the running tally of Neko's hair tucks (gotta love a nervous habit... HOT) and the tornado playing phone-a-friend to share the last song of the set. Of course we all sang along to our favorites, the checklist of what we wanted to hear. For her cover of Harry Nielsen's "Don't forget me" there was swaying... arms around each other... taking in the moment. I'm putting that song on my "Goodbye StL" mix. And there will probably be some tears.
The Neko shows v.1 and v.2 will go down as some of my fonder recent memories... Good friends. Beautiful songs. An amazing voice.
That's SO metal.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
so here's your future
So it's official. I'm moving to Dresden, Germany next June for a post-doc at the Max Planck. This was a really tough decision, as I had three incredible offers to choose from. Turning down Johns Hopkins and Cambridge was not an easy thing to do. However, I am really excited about joining Andy Oates' lab at the MPI and starting to work on zebrafish! The work will be a nice complement to and extension of my graduate training in circadian biology. I will be looking at single cell clocks in a new model system and in development... With the "pull" in place, it's now time to buckle down finish that pesky thesis!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
push it
Those who know me from my teacher days remember that I like to use metaphors to explain "big picture" ideas in science... well, the reverse is also true. Life can be described by science concepts just as easily. If you're around me long enough you realize I have a tendency to geek out on everyday things. Take last week for example: while drinking a koozied PBR chased with nips of Jamie from a monogrammed flask, overlooking the moonlit fountains of Forest Park's Grand Basin from Art Hill, I waxed philosophical about my "beyond karma" view of how I try to live my life. Here goes...
In chemical reactions, rarely does the system transition to completion. In other words, the amounts of reactants and products move back and forth until some kind of equilibrium is reached. But both sides ALWAYS exist. The same could be said for good and bad things in one's life. They co-exist so you have to take them both together. But as with a system at chemical equilibrium, you can drive the reaction in one way or another. Le Chatelier's principle states that given a chemical reaction at equilibrium, you can force the direction of the reaction to one side by altering certain properties. So you raise the temperature. Or you increase the pressure. Or you change the concentration. Given that stress the system is pushed away from equilibrium and to produce more of one side at the expense of the other. In life, I am looking for ways that I can be in the world that drive the reaction to the good side. It's not a passive act, like karma, where we believe that putting good out into the world is enough to get more good to come back our way at some point in the future... There will always be balance of good and bad; you can't wait around thinking that doing good will always be enough to push your life away from the bad stuff that happens. You have to change the bad into good... you have to work against equilibrium in some way.
Make it happen.
In chemical reactions, rarely does the system transition to completion. In other words, the amounts of reactants and products move back and forth until some kind of equilibrium is reached. But both sides ALWAYS exist. The same could be said for good and bad things in one's life. They co-exist so you have to take them both together. But as with a system at chemical equilibrium, you can drive the reaction in one way or another. Le Chatelier's principle states that given a chemical reaction at equilibrium, you can force the direction of the reaction to one side by altering certain properties. So you raise the temperature. Or you increase the pressure. Or you change the concentration. Given that stress the system is pushed away from equilibrium and to produce more of one side at the expense of the other. In life, I am looking for ways that I can be in the world that drive the reaction to the good side. It's not a passive act, like karma, where we believe that putting good out into the world is enough to get more good to come back our way at some point in the future... There will always be balance of good and bad; you can't wait around thinking that doing good will always be enough to push your life away from the bad stuff that happens. You have to change the bad into good... you have to work against equilibrium in some way.
Make it happen.
Monday, September 7, 2009
taking the long way around
It's been two long years now since the top of the world came crashing down...
Hard to believe, huh? I think so. And funny that I have been waiting to write THE post for some time now... I bought this album at Phonoluxe over Labor Day weekend two years ago when I went to visit my family in Nashville with the passenger seat holding a bike instead of a person. How was I to know that these songs would become anthems in a matter of weeks. Ones which truly helped pull me through fall and winter of 2007.
So now what? I'm here, well on the other side, what do I have to show or say for it? I guess I have been planning to post these thoughts as a final catharsis... not really the ultimate f-you (though sometimes I do want desperately to have the opportunity to NOT be the bigger person), but more like a positive reflection on how much I've grown, gotten stronger, rediscovered and become even happier and more comfortable as myself. It's been a surprising and wonderful journey.
Work. The first thing my advisor asked me, as I was crying my eyes out in his office, was "Does this affect you getting your PhD?" Of course I immediately said no, that I really wanted to continue with school and the career I was building. It seemed like a silly question, but in retrospect a very thoughtful and caring one for him to ask me. As it was the start of my 4th year of grad school, I was already working long hours... suddenly the prospects of therapy, dealing with the breaking up of a 6+ year partnership and household, and all the following repercussions of getting one's OWN life back would have to share time with experiments and data analysis. If I didn't really want my PhD, going through all of the bs AND work probably would have been more than I could handle. Now I have a first author publication in a high-impact journal, a thesis defense on the horizon (January? timed to coincide with my 30th birthday...), and post-doc interviews at world-renowned institutions at home and abroad.
Friends. Surrounding myself with people I care about has never been a challenge. I have always made friends easily; I enjoy meeting new people. Occasionally I find someone I truly connect with and being around them is like a drug; it's hard to get enough. I wasn't really worried about losing friends... and was actually unaware how many of our friends were, in all actuality, my friends. This is not to say that there was some easy transition to single life. I took a lot of time for me... and to spend with other people. Being social needed to become a priority again. It's one that always seems to wane in the complacency of coupledom. I had to remember that I enjoy going out. I had to relearn how to roll with wherever an evening takes you... dancing till 3 am at sketchy karaoke bars or watching barges on the Mississippi in the moonlight. I revel now in an even larger network of friends in StL than I have ever had. Friends from all different backgrounds and scenes and places. Friends that I have made as an adult and as someone happy in her life. I wouldn't trade that for anything.
Dating. Readers of this blog will know that I have not been a slacker in this department... ahem. But in all seriousness, I've found each person I've encountered, however brief, has helped me learn a bit more about how to BE with people. Dating in college, as I've said before, was a totally different beast. As adults, the rules seem to become a bit more flexible on some things and less so for others. There are forgivenesses and deal-breakers. In my case, I remain the girl who must always be painfully honest and believes in the inherent goodness of everyone. I have, however, come a long way in protecting myself from being walked on. It's a delicate balance of heart-on-sleeve vulnerability, tempered with a bit more knowledge and experience and maybe, god forbid, a little patience. I think this perspective will continue to serve me well... in the now and with whomever may show up down the line.
Life and Self. I love my life. I enjoy the work I do. I am surrounded by amazing, talented, brilliant, beautiful people every day. I still find moments of connection and intimacy that surprise me. I am more cognizant of who I am in the world and what I want than ever before. I have a new appreciation for PEOPLE... beyond gender, beyond labels. It may have taken 2 years to get here, but what a trip! For everyone who has played a part in this journey, small or large, you have my sincerest gratitude.
Thank you.
Hard to believe, huh? I think so. And funny that I have been waiting to write THE post for some time now... I bought this album at Phonoluxe over Labor Day weekend two years ago when I went to visit my family in Nashville with the passenger seat holding a bike instead of a person. How was I to know that these songs would become anthems in a matter of weeks. Ones which truly helped pull me through fall and winter of 2007.
So now what? I'm here, well on the other side, what do I have to show or say for it? I guess I have been planning to post these thoughts as a final catharsis... not really the ultimate f-you (though sometimes I do want desperately to have the opportunity to NOT be the bigger person), but more like a positive reflection on how much I've grown, gotten stronger, rediscovered and become even happier and more comfortable as myself. It's been a surprising and wonderful journey.
Work. The first thing my advisor asked me, as I was crying my eyes out in his office, was "Does this affect you getting your PhD?" Of course I immediately said no, that I really wanted to continue with school and the career I was building. It seemed like a silly question, but in retrospect a very thoughtful and caring one for him to ask me. As it was the start of my 4th year of grad school, I was already working long hours... suddenly the prospects of therapy, dealing with the breaking up of a 6+ year partnership and household, and all the following repercussions of getting one's OWN life back would have to share time with experiments and data analysis. If I didn't really want my PhD, going through all of the bs AND work probably would have been more than I could handle. Now I have a first author publication in a high-impact journal, a thesis defense on the horizon (January? timed to coincide with my 30th birthday...), and post-doc interviews at world-renowned institutions at home and abroad.
Friends. Surrounding myself with people I care about has never been a challenge. I have always made friends easily; I enjoy meeting new people. Occasionally I find someone I truly connect with and being around them is like a drug; it's hard to get enough. I wasn't really worried about losing friends... and was actually unaware how many of our friends were, in all actuality, my friends. This is not to say that there was some easy transition to single life. I took a lot of time for me... and to spend with other people. Being social needed to become a priority again. It's one that always seems to wane in the complacency of coupledom. I had to remember that I enjoy going out. I had to relearn how to roll with wherever an evening takes you... dancing till 3 am at sketchy karaoke bars or watching barges on the Mississippi in the moonlight. I revel now in an even larger network of friends in StL than I have ever had. Friends from all different backgrounds and scenes and places. Friends that I have made as an adult and as someone happy in her life. I wouldn't trade that for anything.
Dating. Readers of this blog will know that I have not been a slacker in this department... ahem. But in all seriousness, I've found each person I've encountered, however brief, has helped me learn a bit more about how to BE with people. Dating in college, as I've said before, was a totally different beast. As adults, the rules seem to become a bit more flexible on some things and less so for others. There are forgivenesses and deal-breakers. In my case, I remain the girl who must always be painfully honest and believes in the inherent goodness of everyone. I have, however, come a long way in protecting myself from being walked on. It's a delicate balance of heart-on-sleeve vulnerability, tempered with a bit more knowledge and experience and maybe, god forbid, a little patience. I think this perspective will continue to serve me well... in the now and with whomever may show up down the line.
Life and Self. I love my life. I enjoy the work I do. I am surrounded by amazing, talented, brilliant, beautiful people every day. I still find moments of connection and intimacy that surprise me. I am more cognizant of who I am in the world and what I want than ever before. I have a new appreciation for PEOPLE... beyond gender, beyond labels. It may have taken 2 years to get here, but what a trip! For everyone who has played a part in this journey, small or large, you have my sincerest gratitude.
Thank you.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
I'll write you a letter tomorrow...
Hey,
Something is missing. Can I talk to you about it? Or talk to you about anything, really. I miss our conversations. That's all I ever needed with you. A couple of beers, some laughs and a conversation.
Not that I don't have plenty of people to talk to. Hell, I have a whole internet's worth up in here. Can I say this without it being misread? Can I say this without opening myself up to an onslaught of assumptions?
You are what's missing. There. I said it. And it's that simple. I think we should be part of each others' lives in some way or another. It doesn't have to be complicated. No regrets, just a choice that I would have made differently had I known what was at stake... what there was to lose.
Maybe it's naive of me to think that you would care the same amount about our friendship that I do. Maybe it's masochistic to continue to set myself up to be hurt or disappointed when the former statement turns out not to be the case. Especially when I have so many others in my life who go above and beyond that call. You could say it's a feeling in my gut, that I have always believed you to be better than you sometimes see yourself. Faith in the inherent goodness of people... so I'm still holding out for you.
Sincerely,
ABW
Something is missing. Can I talk to you about it? Or talk to you about anything, really. I miss our conversations. That's all I ever needed with you. A couple of beers, some laughs and a conversation.
Not that I don't have plenty of people to talk to. Hell, I have a whole internet's worth up in here. Can I say this without it being misread? Can I say this without opening myself up to an onslaught of assumptions?
You are what's missing. There. I said it. And it's that simple. I think we should be part of each others' lives in some way or another. It doesn't have to be complicated. No regrets, just a choice that I would have made differently had I known what was at stake... what there was to lose.
Maybe it's naive of me to think that you would care the same amount about our friendship that I do. Maybe it's masochistic to continue to set myself up to be hurt or disappointed when the former statement turns out not to be the case. Especially when I have so many others in my life who go above and beyond that call. You could say it's a feeling in my gut, that I have always believed you to be better than you sometimes see yourself. Faith in the inherent goodness of people... so I'm still holding out for you.
Sincerely,
ABW
Sunday, June 14, 2009
walking with the ghost
During the Democratic primary campaign I blogged about my problems with candidate Obama's "big tent" platform that touted inclusion of individuals who support "praying away the gay" to cure us silly queers of our "lifestyle choices"... As I said before, I take no issue with a person's religious beliefs; however, I think that those who preach discrimination and hate based on sexual orientation have no place in progressive politics. This position cast a lingering specter for me, even after he received the nomination: would President Obama truly support rights of LGBT Americans, a position at odds with others in his "more inclusive" vision of the Democratic caucus?
With the passing of Prop 8 in CA last November it seemed that any gains that the LGBT community felt with the election of Obama were bittersweet.
But we took heart and listened as President-elect Obama continued to press that he would be a fierce advocate for our community and we waited for the administration to make progress on its promises to change misguided policies like DADT and DOMA...
Enter almost Summer 2009. Six states now (or will soon) recognize same-sex marriages (though not CA). And our fierce advocate, the Obama administration? It's moved repeal of DADT to the back-burner and released a legal brief in support of DOMA, silently, and rather Bush-like, early Friday morning.
WHAT the ??!?!?!
Rachel Maddow's take on DADT
And the extensive analysis of the appalling Justice Dept brief that spares no ink in telling us how DOMA doesn't violate LGBT American's rights over at Americablog.
I'm not one to say "told you so" but...
With the passing of Prop 8 in CA last November it seemed that any gains that the LGBT community felt with the election of Obama were bittersweet.
But we took heart and listened as President-elect Obama continued to press that he would be a fierce advocate for our community and we waited for the administration to make progress on its promises to change misguided policies like DADT and DOMA...
Enter almost Summer 2009. Six states now (or will soon) recognize same-sex marriages (though not CA). And our fierce advocate, the Obama administration? It's moved repeal of DADT to the back-burner and released a legal brief in support of DOMA, silently, and rather Bush-like, early Friday morning.
WHAT the ??!?!?!
Rachel Maddow's take on DADT
And the extensive analysis of the appalling Justice Dept brief that spares no ink in telling us how DOMA doesn't violate LGBT American's rights over at Americablog.
I'm not one to say "told you so" but...
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Alouette, gentille Alouette
Praise the French Canadians! Last week Jen and I attended the monthly Newstead Tower Pub beer dinner, aptly named the Dinner du Cochon Rose, or Dinner of the Pink Pig. It featured beer from my favorite Quebecois brewery, Unibroue who specialize in Belgian-style ales, and four courses of pure pork deliciousness care of chef Anthony Devoti and the hogs of Benne's Farm. Some tasting notes and a little inspired film clip for your consumption.
Course Un: Pork cake, current jam, micro greens, and a fried egg. Served with Don de Dieu.
We started off with appetizer more akin to breakfast than dinner. The pork cake (oh, you mean like a crab cake and not a pastry cake? I get it now! Jen laughed at me...) was spicy, nicely balanced with the sweet-tart current jam, and made even more decadent by mixing in bites of farm fresh egg yolk. Don de Dieu is a "we mean business" sort of wheat ale, weighing in at 9% ABV. It was hard to believe that this deliciousness could be topped.
Course Deux: Charcuterie of house-made coppa, prosciutto, and pate with warm whole wheat baguette and stone-ground mustard. Served with Maudite.
The second course was killer... I mean, how can you go wrong with a plate of meat? With two types of a pate (Grandma's, a bit more gamey but still good, and Champagne, with nuts and dried fruit) Jen and I quickly realized that we were going to need more bread. The mustard, while a favorite, was found to be unnecessary and sometimes masked the flavor of the pork. I think my combination of pate, mustard, and topped with prosciutto was the ultimate trifecta. Why yes, I do like pork with my pork! Maudite would be my second choice for a stuck-on-a-desert-island-with-only-one Unibroue beer. Which means it's outstanding. Bonus points for it being on draft at Newstead. As a deep red ale, it paired perfectly.
Course Trois: Pulled pork served on brioche toast, roasted pork loin with horseradish mashed potatoes, "franks and beans"- house-made pork sausage with white bean puree. Served with Chambly Noire.
The main course was a "tasting" of pork prepared three different ways... each a bit of a tongue-and-cheek take (pardon the slight pun) on traditional dishes. The pulled pork tasted similar to the pork cake with the addition of a vinegary sauce and the toasted brioche "bun." The pork loin was tender and tasty, though I'm not sure what in the marinade was for it... maybe mustard seed? The horseradish mashed potatoes were incredible. Creamy and not too over-powering. Finally, buttery, sage-y sausage and white bean puree. Simple and delicious. And something I think I will attempt to make at home. I was new to the Chambly Noire, but I do love a good black beer. This one was similar to many Schwartzbiers (a German style) I've had previously. It was toasty and balanced and subtle and lower alcohol. All of which made the main course more about the flavors of the food... which, I think, is as it should be.
Course Quatre: House-smoked bacon with Stilton blue cheese ice cream, drizzled with black truffle honey. Served with La Fin du Monde.
By this point Jen and I were pleasantly stuffed and I was well on my way to being tipsy. (Jen was driving and therefore giving me the extra pours offered to us by one of the lovely Newstead bartenders, Jessica.) How were we going to finish dessert? I was really excited for this course, as La Fin du Monde is in my top-five-all-time-favorite beers. SO TASTY. If anything was going to motivate me, that was! But the dessert itself was amazing and unlike anything I've tasted. Blue cheese ice cream was creamy and sharp and slightly sweet. When combined with the honey with bits of shaved black truffle floating in it, the sweetness intensified but did not hide the tang of the blue cheese. The salty, crunchy bacon was an outstanding topping, adding another layer of flavor and complexity to the experience. All of this with the best beer ever: a body with fruit, hops, yeast, intense carbonation. I was in heaven. As I've said before it's La Fin du Monde (as we know it), and I feel fine...
As a final treat, I'd like to share a clip that we discussed at length over dinner. Praise the French Canadians... and praise their beer!
Course Un: Pork cake, current jam, micro greens, and a fried egg. Served with Don de Dieu.
We started off with appetizer more akin to breakfast than dinner. The pork cake (oh, you mean like a crab cake and not a pastry cake? I get it now! Jen laughed at me...) was spicy, nicely balanced with the sweet-tart current jam, and made even more decadent by mixing in bites of farm fresh egg yolk. Don de Dieu is a "we mean business" sort of wheat ale, weighing in at 9% ABV. It was hard to believe that this deliciousness could be topped.
Course Deux: Charcuterie of house-made coppa, prosciutto, and pate with warm whole wheat baguette and stone-ground mustard. Served with Maudite.
The second course was killer... I mean, how can you go wrong with a plate of meat? With two types of a pate (Grandma's, a bit more gamey but still good, and Champagne, with nuts and dried fruit) Jen and I quickly realized that we were going to need more bread. The mustard, while a favorite, was found to be unnecessary and sometimes masked the flavor of the pork. I think my combination of pate, mustard, and topped with prosciutto was the ultimate trifecta. Why yes, I do like pork with my pork! Maudite would be my second choice for a stuck-on-a-desert-island-with-only-one Unibroue beer. Which means it's outstanding. Bonus points for it being on draft at Newstead. As a deep red ale, it paired perfectly.
Course Trois: Pulled pork served on brioche toast, roasted pork loin with horseradish mashed potatoes, "franks and beans"- house-made pork sausage with white bean puree. Served with Chambly Noire.
The main course was a "tasting" of pork prepared three different ways... each a bit of a tongue-and-cheek take (pardon the slight pun) on traditional dishes. The pulled pork tasted similar to the pork cake with the addition of a vinegary sauce and the toasted brioche "bun." The pork loin was tender and tasty, though I'm not sure what in the marinade was for it... maybe mustard seed? The horseradish mashed potatoes were incredible. Creamy and not too over-powering. Finally, buttery, sage-y sausage and white bean puree. Simple and delicious. And something I think I will attempt to make at home. I was new to the Chambly Noire, but I do love a good black beer. This one was similar to many Schwartzbiers (a German style) I've had previously. It was toasty and balanced and subtle and lower alcohol. All of which made the main course more about the flavors of the food... which, I think, is as it should be.
Course Quatre: House-smoked bacon with Stilton blue cheese ice cream, drizzled with black truffle honey. Served with La Fin du Monde.
By this point Jen and I were pleasantly stuffed and I was well on my way to being tipsy. (Jen was driving and therefore giving me the extra pours offered to us by one of the lovely Newstead bartenders, Jessica.) How were we going to finish dessert? I was really excited for this course, as La Fin du Monde is in my top-five-all-time-favorite beers. SO TASTY. If anything was going to motivate me, that was! But the dessert itself was amazing and unlike anything I've tasted. Blue cheese ice cream was creamy and sharp and slightly sweet. When combined with the honey with bits of shaved black truffle floating in it, the sweetness intensified but did not hide the tang of the blue cheese. The salty, crunchy bacon was an outstanding topping, adding another layer of flavor and complexity to the experience. All of this with the best beer ever: a body with fruit, hops, yeast, intense carbonation. I was in heaven. As I've said before it's La Fin du Monde (as we know it), and I feel fine...
As a final treat, I'd like to share a clip that we discussed at length over dinner. Praise the French Canadians... and praise their beer!
Friday, May 29, 2009
it was 20 years ago today...
Fine, I'll admit it. I've been watching Doogie Howser, MD on Hulu. Mostly just a few episodes from season 1, you know including the one where Doogie takes his gf Wanda's appendix out and has to give her a pelvic exam to diagnosis it. (I obviously was unaware what a pelvic exam was when I was 9 and missed the reference.) Neil Patrick Harris looks like a baby... a baby who has no(?) clue that he will grow up to be an amazingly beautiful gay man. Plus, he's a prime blogging example... well, a pre-Internets example anyway... we all read over his shoulder while he documented his thoughts in a computer journal at the end of every episode.
In addition to reliving some of Steven Bochco's finer television moments, I've been revisiting 1989 in other ways. Well, culturally, anyway. Take Lloyd Dobler. The man who thought kickboxing was the sport of the future and opined the greatest break-up line in history: "I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen." Lloyd Dobler is the man. And while I haven't watched Say Anything in ages, I feel like I am in that place right now... on the edge... looking for that dare to be great situation... You're an inspiration, Lloyd.
Finally, and likely the most macabre piece of this flashback, I've Netflix-ed Twin Peaks. While I remember being quite aware of this show (I mean, "who killed Laura Palmer?" is another pop culture phrase of my generation) and of David Lynch (did I ever tell you that I LOVED Dune around this age... yes, I know I'm weird) I didn't watch it. So seeing it now is quite the experience. First of all, I find it hard to comprehend that this was on network television during the Cosby-era?! The complexities of the characters alone... not to mention fetishes and call girls and transvestites. Oh, and lots of coffee and gratuitous shots of donuts. And while I'm not sure how this ties into my story, being neither a prom queen nor an FBI agent... it feels appropriate to be watching this at age 29. Whether it's the mystery or the flux, there's something about Twin Peaks that's drawn me in.
In addition to reliving some of Steven Bochco's finer television moments, I've been revisiting 1989 in other ways. Well, culturally, anyway. Take Lloyd Dobler. The man who thought kickboxing was the sport of the future and opined the greatest break-up line in history: "I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen." Lloyd Dobler is the man. And while I haven't watched Say Anything in ages, I feel like I am in that place right now... on the edge... looking for that dare to be great situation... You're an inspiration, Lloyd.
Finally, and likely the most macabre piece of this flashback, I've Netflix-ed Twin Peaks. While I remember being quite aware of this show (I mean, "who killed Laura Palmer?" is another pop culture phrase of my generation) and of David Lynch (did I ever tell you that I LOVED Dune around this age... yes, I know I'm weird) I didn't watch it. So seeing it now is quite the experience. First of all, I find it hard to comprehend that this was on network television during the Cosby-era?! The complexities of the characters alone... not to mention fetishes and call girls and transvestites. Oh, and lots of coffee and gratuitous shots of donuts. And while I'm not sure how this ties into my story, being neither a prom queen nor an FBI agent... it feels appropriate to be watching this at age 29. Whether it's the mystery or the flux, there's something about Twin Peaks that's drawn me in.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
it's a nice day for a...
Two of my dearest StL friends were married today. Here's the toast I gave them:
When you make new friends in your mid-to-late 20s, you often meet people as part of a couple… where two individuals come prepackaged as one unit, like a pair of snack cakes or something. I moved to Saint Louis for graduate school in 2004 and almost immediately starting hanging out with Alissa, who was then a second year in my neuroscience program. Beyond school and science were knitting and riding bikes and the occasional show. I also got to know her boyfriend, Eric, who may not be aware that I vividly remember him from my interview weekend… when he showed up at Llweyln’s in the Central West End to meet Alissa, stuck graciously entertaining us recruits. At the time I thought, wow, what a nice guy.
I am lucky enough to have been friends with both of them for close to 5 years now. Through a move to South City, the purchasing of their house on Cherokee, 2 Masters degrees (and 3 more to follow), many more bike rides, dinners, art openings, music, long conversations about gardening and food, politics and public health. Through the ups and downs that ALL of us have had. Our friendships have supported each other. I am so thankful that they are both in my life and I hope that having me in theirs has brought them as much happiness and comfort.
This moment is to celebrate Alissa and Eric as a couple. But what I think about is how amazing each of them is as a person, as my friend. They are both so unique and talented and fun to be around. Alissa and Eric, the couple, are not like the pre-packaged snack cakes. First of all, I could hardly imagine either of them being full of preservatives. They are too awesomely independent to be lumped together and sealed in plastic, left sitting on convenience store shelves. Rather, I see Alissa and Eric, the couple, as the combination of two comic book heroes paired to battle some massive foe (except without the tights), or a rocknroll supergroup. They each maintain their own identity and power, but together, totally kick even more ass.
To Alissa. To Eric. To you both. All the best as you continue your lives and your life together. Cheers.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
this tornado loves you
My friends may have noticed of late that I have been even more of a whirling dervish of obligations. Plans must be made far in advance if you would like me to attend whatever thing you've got going. What with work, training for my first triathlon, attempts at spring cleaning and gardening at the house, knitting, art openings, yoga, beer, music, weddings, and umpteen other social commitments I sometimes wonder when I sleep let alone find time to write on this blog.
So, first, an apology. To you. I do want to hang out with all of you, really. And then an apology to me. Exponentially growing lists of commitments should not be an excuse for not taking time for myself and my thoughts. While I have been having a blast as per usual, it's nice just to sit and get a few things down. Ironically, this post will consist of upcoming shows that I am psyched to check out... (you can reprimand the RnR girl for her lifestyle but you can't take the RnR lifestyle away from the girl)
Growing list of commitments #123 - Late Spring Music in the StL
So... anyone wanna see a show? :)
So, first, an apology. To you. I do want to hang out with all of you, really. And then an apology to me. Exponentially growing lists of commitments should not be an excuse for not taking time for myself and my thoughts. While I have been having a blast as per usual, it's nice just to sit and get a few things down. Ironically, this post will consist of upcoming shows that I am psyched to check out... (you can reprimand the RnR girl for her lifestyle but you can't take the RnR lifestyle away from the girl)
Growing list of commitments #123 - Late Spring Music in the StL
- Thao and the Get Down Stay Down - May 8th at Off Broadway
This is Thao's second trip into town since her 2008 release of "We brave beestings and all". I caught her first show whilst sipping O'Fallon Wheach in a near-empty Off Broadway last summer. Good stuff. I hope that there are more kids there to dance their hearts out this time. - Midwest Mayhem - May 14th at the City Museum
How can you not love 10 local bands, burlesque, beer, and climbing all over creation at the City Museum? MJS and I braved bruised knees last year to rock out at the Mayhem. Definitely up for a repeat performace. - The Decemberists - May 31st at the Pageant
Lead singer Colin Malloy did creative writing at U of Montana in Missoula. I think that makes me love him even more. Come for the story-telling, stay for the sing-alongs... - Twangfest - June 10th - 13th, featuring...
- Alejandro Escavedo - June 10th at the Pageant
"The Boxing Mirror" was one of my favorite albums of 2006. Hoping to catch this guy live for the first time. - Jenny Lewis - June 14th at the Pageant
Yes, I remember seeing "The Wizard" (aka Nintendo's big screen commercial) in the theater back in 1989. And yes, like Fred Savage, I wanted to get with Jenny Lewis even then. Absolutely CANNOT WAIT for this show. - The Avett Brothers - June 25th at the Pageant
Missed these guys at the Sheldon last May during the massive music weekend (see 5 days, 3 shows, 1200 miles)... Won't be making that mistake again. - Whitaker Music Festival at MOBOT - Wednesdays starting June 3rd
Gotta love walking across the street into the Gardens... carrying a sixer or a bottle of wine and some snacks... and walking home afterward. Friends are definitely encouraged to make this a routine visit with me! - ...
So... anyone wanna see a show? :)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Mono... doh!
As you can probably tell, I'm really excited about President Obama's strategic plan for a high-speed rail system. Woot.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
driving south on 57: an unexpected economic microcosm...
I made a quick jaunt to Nashvegas last Saturday under the pretense of seeking tax advice. Really it was an excuse to see the fam and vacate my RNR lifestyle in the Lou for ~24 hrs. Driving my 11 YO standard transmission with no cruise control, tape deck, or functional windshield wipers may not sound like a joy ride to you, but I love a chance to unplug for a few hours. It's quality contemplation time.
There's one spot on the drive in Illinois, where the highway acts as a divider between worlds: to the east, a minimum security prison. To the west, a junior college. Maybe it was the fact that I was thinking about my W2s. Or the recent spate of worries about what the heck I'm going to do with my house when I defend my thesis come December. But for whatever reason, on this occasion I was really struck by the scene. Are these really the two choices that people face in our society: education or criminalization? They seem to be exquisitely linked. Looking at the demographics of the current unemployment numbers (at the highest levels since 1983! Whee!) one sees that minorities with less education are more affected. Does that leave these individuals more "at risk" for our massively costly criminal justice system? It's likely. But in today's economy, is one that much worse off than the other? What with lawyers being laid off in droves, professional degrees, let alone 2 year-trained semi-truck mechanics, seem to be not worth much weight. So is this the choice of today's working class youth? Community college vs. being locked up... Fans of season 4 of the Wire would recognize that both of these are "systems" in which individuals learn the rules to engage in that particular world. Think Namond Brice.
Given that it's a good year for the GWB's of the world to get into college, we have a ways to go before there is economic parity in education. And if education level dictates economic standing, especially in hard times, there's a good chance that without a massive change in how we teach (or another choice besides the east or west side of I-57) this will continue to be a never-ending cycle.
There's one spot on the drive in Illinois, where the highway acts as a divider between worlds: to the east, a minimum security prison. To the west, a junior college. Maybe it was the fact that I was thinking about my W2s. Or the recent spate of worries about what the heck I'm going to do with my house when I defend my thesis come December. But for whatever reason, on this occasion I was really struck by the scene. Are these really the two choices that people face in our society: education or criminalization? They seem to be exquisitely linked. Looking at the demographics of the current unemployment numbers (at the highest levels since 1983! Whee!) one sees that minorities with less education are more affected. Does that leave these individuals more "at risk" for our massively costly criminal justice system? It's likely. But in today's economy, is one that much worse off than the other? What with lawyers being laid off in droves, professional degrees, let alone 2 year-trained semi-truck mechanics, seem to be not worth much weight. So is this the choice of today's working class youth? Community college vs. being locked up... Fans of season 4 of the Wire would recognize that both of these are "systems" in which individuals learn the rules to engage in that particular world. Think Namond Brice.
Given that it's a good year for the GWB's of the world to get into college, we have a ways to go before there is economic parity in education. And if education level dictates economic standing, especially in hard times, there's a good chance that without a massive change in how we teach (or another choice besides the east or west side of I-57) this will continue to be a never-ending cycle.
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