Saturday, December 27, 2008

Gilded Age Opulence

Went up to Whitehall today. Haven't been there since a field trip in elem. or middle school. Reminded me why I love history. There are so many interesting stories behind things. Flagler led this incredible life that completely set the course for modern Florida. And while the complete over-the-top excess of most of the mansion was just too much, I could totally live a life of luxury. The wallcoverings and furniture and table settings! My god. Not to mention the location! Its a lovely spot for a party, though. Fantastic open ballroom near the back of the house that opens onto a tiled open area right on the water.

Emailing faculty at grad schools. Slightly stressful. I just need them to like me! and then say Why, Yes, of course, Scofield would make an excellent addition to the program. ....

Friday, December 26, 2008

Recap

What a lovely Christmas week this has been. Naturally, way way too much food but really can never find the motivation or reasoning to say 'No' to eggnog and apple cider and Nana's special pecan crescent Christmas cookies (which I think I finally may have nailed down the technique this year. have to keep the dough really chilled).

Great gifts, too. My mom was totally food and cooking-related. New cookie sheets! and a rolling pin and my very own set of All-Clad measuring spoons and cups (OBSESSED). and that big Gators veggie platter that I have seriously been eyeing for well over a year. Oh, the entertaining I will be doing in B-more.... My offer still stands to whoever wants to come visit me there. I will make waffles. on my new wafflemaker!! Yay, Ali and Walfies.

And then most appropriately perhaps, my Dad got me these awesome running clothes for the cold weather. So after all my baking and cooking, I'll just need to force myself out into the bitter bitter cold. lol.

Hmmm. Hard to believe I was only in Gainesville this past Sunday packing up. Feels like ages ago. Working on getting graduation photos up. Could be a few more days, several cameras to upload to one main folder. But it was amazing getting to go onto the field. Took my heels off and stepped in my bare feet, just to say that I had. Great shots of stuff, esp. the big sign on the University Ave. side that says Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and UF. Finally, after pretty much waiting the entire 3.5 years, got my stereotypical photo with Albert and Alberta outside Emerson. Totally awesome weekend, though. Super relaxed and just plain fun. Mildred's for dinner and Emiliano's for brunch were indescribable. Everyone raved about the food. (highly recommend)

Doesn't quite feel as though I am ::gasp:: a college grad. Mostly just feels like winter break. Probably will start sinking in when everyone heads back and I'm still hanging out. Haven't seen anyone this week since Christmas was basically here before I knew it.

So besides Christmas I've been trying to organize all of my stuff. Since Ben moved out I took over his empty room as my staging area. Got 3 piles going: Taking to Baltimore, and the things Pancho won't let me take but still want and Leaving but don't want. It's going to be an epic decision-making process. I realized that I had way more than I thought. Have to cut down about 2 carloads worth. No idea how that is actually going to happen. Looks like the salad spinner and supercute bathroom vanity chair are staying behind. The latest discussion is about vacuum-sealing some of my bulky winter stuff to cut down on space. Probably didn't help that I went to Crate & Barrel today. :) The cutest dishtowels and snack bowls, though. Couldn't resist!