across the wire

My recent trip to Chicago brought me sightseeing in the heart of the downtown. This picture was taken at Millennium Park at this piece which I affectionately refer to as the silver egg. Later, with some internet searching I believe it is actually referred to as a "cloud gate"

The architecture of the downtown was an amazing combination of old and new, even a cow to share in the sightseeing!


Yup, there were many cool things to share from my trip to Chicago. More pictures and stories to come.

I was confronted by my worst fear in my own bed last night. I am terrified of spiders.

Last night as I crawled into bed, I pulled up the blanket to cover me when I saw a black object dart quickly away from me and run over my leg. I shot out of bed and franticly patted my whole body down to check for more spiders on me. When I finally built up the courage to catch and squish it, it was so fast I had a hard time chasing it on my bed.

Having a spider underneath my covers with me, touching my body is truly traumatic. A bed is supposed to be a safe and secure place, a retreat for when you are frightened. Spiders are so creepy because they invade your intimate spaces, and violate you with their gross millions of eyes and unnatural amount of legs. I wonder, has this little demon been with me a few days? I have had two dream in the last two nights where I have accidentally eaten bugs. It makes me reconsider the myth that spiders crawl into your mouth while you sleep

I can still feel the spiders 8 creepy little black legs crawling on my body.

Today is the first day in my new office...in my house.

I cleared out the clutter out of the spare room and took over the white board and computer desk my brother left here when he moved out.

Will this new move increase the amount of writing I get done? Maybe. I found this old blog post about the productivity of the home office interesting, but really I believe it comes down to the office rules you set out for yourself.

I bought beer/wine making equipment last week and have started my new hobby of making wine (and soon beer).

I signed out several books from the library to get as much knowledge about wine making as a girl can get living in a non-wine grape producing region.

I made a few connections with some very interesting people at the Grape & Grain in Winnipeg and am looking forward to my first lot of Cabernet Sauvignon wine.

Up next, beer for Folk Fest. I think I might try Prairie Wheat to beat the summer heat.

So I think I can safely say that I failed my Lent challenge.

1. I made too many exceptions such as my recipe contest. I splurged for the best ingredients in the name of practicing.
2. Life works unfairly in my favour: I have a house to live in, I have in-house laundry facilities, and roommates who share their food, people who paid for me at restaurants, and so much more.

I did spend way less money than I usually do. My bank account is a little happier, and that visa bill is just not as big as it usually is. Also I made some fantastic money saving bread like this.