Is it unprofessional to lick my plate - when the delicious chocolate cake swimming with strawberries and their juice becomes more of a dried up watering hole (than the deep end of the pool where the diving boards are)... while I'm working at the front desk of the Jesuit Residence?
Unfortunately, the committee I created to come to a conclusion regarding the chocolate cake and strawberries conundrum concluded that it was 'not such a good idea' - painful decision, very painful.

It is very important for me to be completely open and honest with all of you...
this having been said, I must tell you I am mad for bacon. Yes, Bacon--Delicious strips of cured pork. It is an incredibly versatile meat--bacon not only cooks up in just a few minutes, but it is so easy to eat (like some kind of magical portable pork... Yummy!) Plus it can add a wonderful flavor to a variety of dishes. (so many flavors, applewood, hickory, smoked or not, brown sugar cured, etc.) Bacon is so much more than just a breakfast meat-yes... it is great as a side with eggs or pancakes. But bacon is also a key player in one of the best sandwiches ever: the BLT. What would this sandwich be without the B?! You can wrap so many things in bacon--many of my favorite appetizers include bacon (bacon wraped water chestnuts for example) And how could I forget to mention meat wrapped in more meat!!? Bacon-wrapped filet mignon anyone? I am definately mad about Bacon. :)

Reflections on Thanksgiving
(specifically my thanksgiving holiday)

Problem: when you go through the line at Grandma's house for Thanksgiving dinner (the plates have just been pulled out of the cubboard) you load up your food... set your plate down on the table to get something to drink and by the time you sit down to eat.. your mashed potatoes are cold!!
Well, Grandma was all over this! This year, we had heated plates... That's right, Grandma placed the stack of plates into the microwave for a few min.s and Problem Solved! It was great, no cold potatoes!

It was great getting to see friends while I was home... It was even better taking their money while I was home! Yes you heard correctly (actually you didn't hear it at all, you read correctly-that is unless of course you're reading aloud--but I digress) I took my friends' money! Eight of us got together and played a round of poker (Texas Hold 'em) and after three hours I had won everyone's money! First time ever that I have won, and it was about time-considering that we play at my house almost everytime we're home from school. (now... mind you, it is only a five dollar buy in to play--but for a poor college student... 8 people at five bucks each can be a nice bonus to take back to school)

Scrabble! I don't even remeber when the last time was that I played Scrabble--but I made up for it over break. Played three rounds with my Grandma, aunt, uncle and great aunt while everyone else slept off the turkey. It was definately educational (I know, I usually try to stear away from these activities especially during breaks) but it was a Blast!! I had so much fun playing Scrabble in fact that I played with mom and dad when we got home!

I'm very thankful for friends and family to spend quality time with!

Sobelman's... (a name synonymous with Delicious Burgers) has quickly become one of my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in Milwaukee. The building itself is a small, long and narrow bar tucked into a steep hillside. During the summer there are large pots of colorful flowers lining the outside of the bar. Angle parking (for those who are skilled enough behind the wheel) is available along one side of the steep hill. Inside is similar to any small town bar (I think this has a lot to do with why I like it so much) stools next to the bar with a few of the regulars getting an early start on the weekend. The bar takes up about half of the width of the building and runs most of the length. The other half of the width has about 10 tall tables with bar stools staggered to the back. Two T.V.s and nightly beer specials--what else do you need?

The burgers are amazing! Fresh baked golden, buttery bun, Hambuger patty topped with 3 kinds of melted cheese (Cheddar, Swiss and American) while the burger is cooking-on the side chopped onions and jalapeño peppers are fried on the grill as well. Delicious bacon is stacked on top of the cheese and the onions and peppers are piled on top. Heaven! This is their famous "Sobelman Burger". They also have Sobelman Fries... A basket of crispy French fries topped with melted cheese and fried onions and jalapeño peppers. Dah Lish! With Sprecher Root Beer on tap! I don't know what else you could ever want!