Barefoote Adventures

And then it was done

2011-06-30T18:26:00.004-05:00

I've decided it is known as Medill Time. Its a strange passage of time wherein days can last forever but months fly by.

And now, it's over.

I know that my experience has taught me invaluable skills on so many levels. And for that, I am grateful and feel ready to venture into the professional world.

I'm also pretty happy to have been able to enjoy this photo op.

Arch. Diploma. Awesome.

Also this is to show how great we all looked in our purple robes with the strange arm things.

Updates and looking ahead

2011-06-25T15:35:00.001-05:00

It's been over a month since I posted.

I beg forgiveness. May was the last full month at Medill. This of course meant deadlines, meetings, presentations and the like.

June swept in and with it, summer plans, family visits and this fun little thing called graduation.

And in the course of all of that, adventures of the barefoot or photographic kind were tabled temporarily.

But that shall change. I'm thrilled to be spending another summer in the Windy City as an intern. Not only for the fantastic opportunity but also to explore the city some more, on the weekends.

I will post some requisite graduation photos and some others. In the interim, enjoy some flowers!

Happy Birthday, John

2011-05-02T19:59:00.000-05:00

There are no words for how nice it is to have family nearby or how awesome it is to feel so at home with them. Thank you so much for that.

Best wishes today.

Happy birthday, JP

2011-05-01T19:27:00.000-05:00

Being the oldest means you have to be the leader. Everyone looks to you for guidance and direction and, should something go wrong, the blame rests with you. I can't imagine its an easy job. But he does it very well.

Happy day, JP. Thanks for being so good to us.

Flowers to brighten your day

2011-04-28T11:54:00.000-05:00

Easter at home

2011-04-25T19:23:00.001-05:00

Was able to sneak home for the Easter weekend, my first venture back east in four months. It was absolutely lovely to be home, see everyone and enjoy some homemade deliciousness.

Some shots from the weekend.

Hawk Hollow

2011-04-05T11:35:00.000-05:00

Another shot from this weekend.

Took Brady for a walk in Hawk Hollow, where the town did some controlled burning to replenish the soil.

Brady at dusk

2011-04-04T11:31:00.001-05:00

Visited my uncle's place this weekend.

I love being able to escape and relax for a bit.

Brady's gotten bigger since I was last there.

Diving in at Shedd Aquarium

2011-03-25T18:17:00.001-05:00

I haven't been to too many aquariums, but I've noticed that they all smell the same. Also haven't been to an aquatics show in a long time, but definitely think they've gotten cooler in the interim.

I liked Shedd's layout. At the center is the huge Caribbean reef tank, off which smaller tanks (exhibits?) are branched off, divided up by the type of water. On the lower level are the bigger features - whales, dolphins and sharks. (Though the otters got a lot of love to, because they're cute, I'm assuming.) Considering how b busy it got, I never felt cramped. I think that's a credit to the layout and design of the aquarium.

The site wasn't lying when they advise to get there early. I left around noon and the line to get in the door must've been 100 deep, and growing. They also weren't lying about the visit length. The site says the average visit takes around three hours. I was there for four. Totally worth it. Based on the popularity of Shedd, I'd guess I'm not alone there.

Venturing North

2011-03-24T18:32:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd break up the Chicago trips and head north of Evanston.

We're expecting some flurries tonight. Cold weather be damned.

Spring must be on the way, the bunnies have made their appearance

Evanston's picturesque light house.

It opens for tours in a few weeks. I think I'll have to come back

Baha'i Temple in Wilmette.

Beautiful building. I see why its a popular site for wedding photos.

Amazed at the Museum of Science and Industry

2011-03-23T23:13:00.000-05:00

When I knew I was moving to Chicago, I looked into the city's history, including reading Erik Larson's masterpiece, 'Devil in the White City.' So much of my trip to the Museum of Science and Industry was motivated by experiencing the science museum and seeing the Palace of Fine Arts building.

I don't think it matters what you're going there for, it is going to be a good time. I had a blast. Short of the Body exhibit, I saw and did just about everything, including an up-close look at a U-505, admiring baby chicks and watching an avalanche.

I also stopped by the Osaka Japanese Garden, just a little south of the museum. Another piece World's Fair history, its a wonderful little escape from the city scape of Chicago's south side.

Exploring Adler Planetarium

2011-03-22T23:16:00.001-05:00

My first collegiate science course was astronomy. It was not my strongest subject. So I was weary about my visit Adler Planetarium, but am glad I went. Even if I was about 10 years above their target audience.

Most of Adler's exhibits, it appeared to me, to be built for little hands who like to press buttons. Not that I didn't enjoy pressing the buttons as well, but I don't think it was designed with a graduate student in mind.

That being said, I enjoyed the history of the Apollo's, seeing the Gemini spacecraft and all those stunning photos of the galaxy (galaxies?). I believe astronomy is a very difficult subject, but the minds at Adler hit a nice balance between explaining without talking down to the audience as well as a lot of hands-on stuff and informative exhibits.

Happy Birthday, Mom

2011-03-22T08:36:00.002-05:00

It's my mom's birthday. I don't have a photo of her, because she's damn good at dodging the camera. Instead, here's one of her favorites from the post-anniversary party party

Adventures in the Field Museum

2011-03-21T19:13:00.002-05:00

Took a trip downtown to visit the Field Museum of Natural History. It was equal parts cool, informative and entertaining. Sue is the unquestioned biggest pull for Field, being the most complete T-Rex. But I really loved the Maori meeting house. It’s the real deal, built in Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand. I was lucky enough to sneak in between field trips stopping by. Its a very calm place with history and tradition built into every part of it.

If you’re in town and have a few hours to spare, I’d suggest you stop by the Field. There is so much to see, quality and diverse exhibits, in a really fantastic setting.

Justin Saper photoshoot

2011-03-18T12:09:00.006-05:00

Saper is an aspiring new media journalist and businessman at Medill.

We hit the Chicago streets for an urban setting.

I think this one worked pretty well.

Last day of quarter three

2011-03-14T23:03:00.000-05:00

Mango brought us treats. Photo taken by Meghan Ann Dwyer.

Broadcasters at Work

2011-03-11T22:47:00.001-06:00

Sneaked up to the studio before the broadcasters started to film.

Snapped some candids.

Broadcasters at work.

Happy Meg

Melissa is trying not to laugh at something silly Peklo just said.

Photography sharing is caring

2011-03-07T22:54:00.002-06:00

I love that I occasionally run into fellow photographers at school. Even better that they are really damn good. Getting to pick someone else's brain for a few minutes is fun and enlightening and inspiring. This is Ray Whitehouse's baby, which I shot with his L series lens. Another perk of meeting photographers - getting to play with their equipment.

Rain drops

2011-03-05T13:06:00.000-06:00

Evanston got a little rain today. Made for pretty photos.

Journalism Diet

2011-03-04T12:56:00.000-06:00

Brain food while we work on projects, Fritos and Coke.

I suspect this is another win for j-school.

Hi Keels!

2011-02-24T22:32:00.000-06:00

Because I missed the chance to do this with Cambodia,

For some awesome adventures, check out Keeley's blog. It's pretty cool.

Winter's last stand

2011-02-23T00:50:00.000-06:00

Had to bust out the boots again as Chicago got a dusting of snow.

This winter isn't going away without a fight.

Huey, the adorable distraction

2011-02-22T00:47:00.000-06:00

"C'mon, you know you wanna put down the moot court brief,

and play with me."

Happy Birthday, Chris

2011-02-21T00:36:00.007-06:00

Welcome to your second decade, Chris.

Enjoy it, the 20's are a lot of fun.

Full Moon

2011-02-20T00:08:00.001-06:00

"Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me"

Mom and Dad have always been very good
at pulling down the moon,
or anything else I've ever wanted.

My neighbor's wheels

2011-02-19T17:55:00.000-06:00

are kind of adorable.

Photos to Remember

2011-02-18T20:31:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I take photos because something catches my eye. Other times, it is because I am trying to learn a new technique.

And then there are times, I take a photo because I want to remember.

I took this a few nights ago. Because I wanted to remember what it was like to stand on the platform, wait for a train, and just be content.

Sweethearts

2011-02-14T08:33:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Birthday, Bren

2011-02-13T22:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Bren.

You're pretty awesome. Hope you know that.

Though you could be a little more merciful at fantasy football.

Winter in the Midwest

2011-02-08T18:38:00.002-06:00

Had a snow day last week but spent it doing homework. J-school won that one.

But the 7D and I braved the cold after classes yesterday to catch some of the scenes around campus.

Committed to the story

2011-01-27T15:58:00.000-06:00

Rode the bus today for a Loopster story on the CTA and temperature.

Oversized thermometers are awesome.

Loopster is hard at work

2011-01-26T15:16:00.000-06:00

We're at the grind again.

Looking for info, waiting for callbacks.

J-school, good times.

The Bartlett Boys

2011-01-24T00:17:00.000-06:00

Seattle for a spell

2011-01-23T23:23:00.001-06:00

Here's a preview of the Seattle shots from two weekends ago.

There are more photos, promise.

Happy Birthday, Dad

2011-01-21T00:19:00.014-06:00

Hope today is as good to you as you are to us.

Love you.

Seattle Bound

2011-01-07T08:46:00.000-06:00

Sheababay's headed back to seattle for the MLK weekend.

She's nice enough to bring me along.

I am pretty excited.

Went shopping for Welly's,

to get ready for the Seattle weather.

Pot, Kettle

2011-01-07T08:41:00.000-06:00

My roommate likes to give me tips on healthy eating, namely telling me what I am eating, I shouldn't be.

Including my penchant for chocolate milk

Got back from break and found this.

Count it, four empty chocolate milk containers.

(plus two more in the fridge)

Granted it was soy chocolate.

Nonetheless.

She's been barred from telling me against chocolate milk.

60 years

2011-01-06T22:56:00.002-06:00

My grandparents celebrated their 60th Anniversary at the end of December.

We had a little dinner in their honor.

Window Sitting

2011-01-06T17:49:00.001-06:00

In my family's quest to be more green, the window of my childhood bedroom was taken out to be replaced by a more environment friendly one.

Brendan was assisting that day. He's excited.

Winter-time Stoppers

2011-01-03T11:15:00.000-06:00

Over breakfast with my grandparents, the little coffee shop put stickers on the opening to stop spillage.

I thought they were cute.

Christmas Photos

2010-12-26T17:57:00.000-06:00

I wanted to get more photos of the family during the holiday. However I was often met with these facial reactions

Why the camera? faces

Holiday break is ...

2010-12-22T13:14:00.001-06:00

Naps on the couches

Holiday baking and holiday dish cleaning

Candy. Lots and lots of candy

Bouncing around the kitchen with the very old dog underneath your feet.

Seasons Greetings from the Burrow

2010-12-16T22:15:00.001-06:00

Just some shots from life back at the Burrow.

Made about 20 so oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Took the photo, went to put the camera away and only two were still on the pan. Three months away and I've forgotten how quickly food goes in the Burrow.
(Read: the boys snatched up about 18 cookies between them in under five minutes)

At some point, when we, the kids, got old enough that mom trusted we wouldn't smash nice decorations, she bought a bunch of nice glass ornaments.
Some of those ornaments happen to be Santa heads. Which strikes me as odd.

Dad at work. I think he's a cool guy.

Non-Santa head ornaments, just to prove not all of them are Santa heads.

Happy Holidays

Macro of a Good Time

2010-12-13T19:38:00.000-06:00

Bought a little macro lens accessory.

LOVE it.

Don't really know what I'm doing yet. But this is awesome.

Flying home

2010-12-13T15:59:00.001-06:00

On the way home today, saw this business man put down his blackberry

and set aside the Tribune,

to watch the plane take off, pull away from the the ground.

It's nice to take a break,

remember what its like to be amazed by the ordinary again.

While the boys are away ...

2010-12-12T18:29:00.001-06:00

the girls watch the game in the comfort of a warm house.

Sandy and Gee enjoying the Patriots dominance

Sarbear predicting some post-season amazing from the Patriots

Game Day

2010-12-12T15:00:00.001-06:00

The boys are in town for the Bears-Pats game.

Wind chill is sitting somewhere below zero.

I'm a girl and wasn't invited to the game.

I'm not complaining.

Christkindl Market: In the Holiday Spirit

2010-12-09T15:31:00.000-06:00

Snuck out today for a quick visit to the Christkindl Market.

Going back for some more tomorrow.

Mostly for the mulled wine.

Sheababay's story about the Market.

From the news desk today

2010-12-09T09:47:00.000-06:00

We're cramming to get everything done before the close of the quarter.

The newsroom hasn't been this quiet since mid-September.

Deadlines galore.

Nerd off

2010-12-06T13:13:00.000-06:00

We got together to work on the final project for our interactive.

And Shealagh brought out her Microsoft. And Kevin Sue went full on tech help.

It was glorious.

Thumbs up for wifi at coffee places in Evanston.

Where the gold at?

2010-12-03T11:16:00.000-06:00

Our portfolio for seminar earned the most over the quarter.

Hell yes.

Our trophy. Coasties with the Mosties, ftw.

Thank you, Josh.

The final week

2010-12-03T10:49:00.001-06:00

Barrett was not excited about the final this morning.

Second time he's made a blog appearence. Both related to studying. Both times he was less than thrilled.

Is it December 10th yet?

First Snow

2010-12-01T09:39:00.000-06:00

A few days behind the first snow back east, Chicago got its first decent amount of snow today.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Ms. Hall is excited about the winter weather.

Brosef's bracing for the cold

2010-11-30T15:41:00.000-06:00

There may or may not have been a slight sprinkling of snow today. Which has sent a few of the warm weather people into a tizzy.

Kevin 'Brosef' Danna hails from San Jose. Today he wore his first pair of boots. Ever.

It may be hard to read but his hat, says Nor Cal.
The Chicago winter is going to be interesting for the West Coast sissy.

He also had an unfortunate case of hat hair.

You must begin ...

2010-11-30T00:07:00.001-06:00

... the way you intend to finish. I decided I'm going to take a stab a street photography after the break.

So here's my first attempt at street photography. Quiet on the platform.

Art in the Newsroom

2010-11-29T16:36:00.000-06:00

This face greeted us today when walking into the newsroom. One of the perks of being around interesting artistic people.

Wrapped Up

2010-11-29T15:47:00.001-06:00

The quarter is winding down as the temperature drops. Both make me want to curl up on the couch with a good book and some tea.

Giselle of the Bartlett household, enjoying her Sunday

Chicago Sights

2010-11-27T01:11:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite views of the city

Thankgiving tradition

2010-11-27T00:47:00.001-06:00

Christmas decorations at Navy Pier

My favorite Thanksgiving tradition happens the day after the feast. A few years ago, after dinner my mother was talking about the impending decorating.

"Thanksgiving is over. I'm ready for Christmas. Ready to just wake up tomorrow and just have everything be Christmas," she said.

So that's what I did. As is my habit (I'm a night owl by nature), I stayed up to the wee hours, putting up the decorations. When the family got up the next morning, the house was full-blown winter wonderland.

It has become my favorite thing to do. Everyone goes to sleep, well-fed and content. Then its just me (and the dog), some music, and our beloved holiday decorations.

Last year was tough, for a boat load of sad reasons. And for the most part, we're infinitely better this year than last.

But I'm not there to stay up late Thursday night, jamming to Bing Crosby and Elvis Christmas tunes, lining up the little houses my mom loves, hanging the bulbs my brothers have to be so careful of, or busting out the Noel plates on which my father will enjoy his Christmas brunch.

Which is a bummer, in some respects.

This year, I got to eat with my Bartlett family, witness the carving of a Turducen, and cheer on the Pats in a non-hostile environment.

A different Thanksgiving, but a good one.

Got the Blues

2010-11-22T01:24:00.000-06:00

Missed last Tourist Tuesday, despite having a tremendous adventure to post about. It will get done. Eventually. Here's a taste of a night at Kingston Mines

Friday Morning Fun

2010-11-19T10:19:00.000-06:00

Trying to remember as much about international trade organizations and types of economies.

Friday morning, 8:30 a.m.

Party like a j-student.

Thursday Night Craziness

2010-11-19T09:55:00.001-06:00

Watched The Office with a bunch of friends last night.

Chocolate milk and laughs.

Party like a journalist.

Checking out for a second

2010-11-17T12:48:00.001-06:00

There are no words.

J-school wins again.

Let the countdown begin

2010-11-13T13:21:00.001-06:00

Needed a photo of some Christmas decorations in a store. The Macys in Chicago was the perfect spot.

I guess it's official. Let the shopping season begin.

Tourist Thursday (... ?): Millennium Park

2010-11-11T18:12:00.001-06:00

Bad blogger. Missed last Tuesday. It's been a busy week in class, so I didn't get to do a honest to goodness touristy thing last week. But here are some photos from Millennium Park, the Bean (it's technical name is "Cloud Gate") and Pritzker Pavilion.

Despite how young the Park is (2006, 4 years after it was supposed to open), it appears to have become a symbol of Chicago, as the natives have told me.

It's a quick, free tourist thing. It's generally busy (there were three wedding photo shoots while we were there) but its a must.

Lay/sit down for a photo at your own risk. It's a cool photo opp but its still laying down on a sidewalk. Ew

Bleh face

2010-11-11T17:56:00.000-06:00

This represents the newsroom's sentiment Thursday night as we struggle through some more homework.

Tourist Tuesday: the Art Institute of Chicago Museum

2010-11-02T06:48:00.002-05:00

It’s only fitting that, given the movie which started this endeavor, the Museum of the Art Institute is featured on Tourist Tuesday.

I had planned on going during the free hours on Thursday, but then got the tip that it would be crazy busy so decided to go during paying business hours. Friday afternoon wasn't too busy, which was nice.

It's a good sized museum with a lot of different options, but the Museum offers a quick hit of the twelve things to see in under an hour, like Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, van Gogh's The Bedroom, Seated Buddha, and Wood's American Gothic.

I saw most of the sites but ended up taking photos of things that grabbed me. And like a bad tourist, I didn't get the names of most of what I got.

My suggestion is to try to hit the big things but take the time to linger where you can. Also, if at all possible, channel your inner Bueller, like Cam and his family.

The late great John Huges offers a much better tour of the museum.

Free Hugs

2010-10-29T23:52:00.000-05:00

Caught this scene outside of the art institute. Check out the Hug Project here.

The world could always use some more hugs.

Autumn in the City

2010-10-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

The photo's not from today. But the changing leaves still makes me smile.

Tourist Tuesday: John Hancock Observatory

2010-10-27T00:29:00.001-05:00

Kicking off Tourist Tuesday at the top. The top of Chicago. Or, at least, one of the tops.

Two staples of Chicago’s skyline are the powerful looking Sears Tower (Don’t call it Willis in front of a Chicagoan. They don’t like that) and the John Hancock building. At both, you can look out over Chicago about 100 stories above the sidewalk. Which is pretty cool.

I picked the observatory at the Hancock building because I wanted to check out the open-air Skydeck and the view of the lake.

Got the ticket online the night before and got to the gates at 9 a.m. as they were opening. The site suggests getting there before 11 a.m. to avoid crowds. And wouldn’t ya know it, 11 rolled around and what appeared to be two classes worth of field trips came out of the elevator.

The elevator is how one arrives at the 94th floor. Though, there is one day a year when you can pay to hustle up those 94 flights to the top. To each their own…

Before the 47 second elevator (fastest elevator in North America, so said the elevator voice), they’re going to stand you in front of a green screen to snap your picture. There’s no avoiding it, at least for me there wasn’t. I’m not a fan of souvenir photos so I didn’t bother to pick it up.

What I did get, was some 100 photos from my hour atop the Hancock.

Navy Pier

The view looking south on a quiet morning at the Observatory

Info wall behind the Skydeck, outlines a history of Chicago. I liked this quote. So did Chicago.

There's a cafe at the Observatory, which helps if you're an early bird and need a pick me up.

Lake Shore Drive and one of the longest waterfronts in America without any industrial presence.

The Skydeck. Breathe the open air, 94 stories above the street

So at the end, I like the Observatory. I'd suggest going early morning when it's not terribly busy. At the early hour of 9 a.m., it was just myself, a family, and a smattering of other visitors. The audio tour was pretty informative, more so, I'd imagine, for someone new to the city.

I liked seeing Chicago from above, gave me a new perspective on the city. I'm excited to get a closer look from the street level for the next Tourist Tuesday.

A blogging endeavor

2010-10-25T17:37:00.001-05:00

At some point over the quarter break (which roughly translates to when everyone else is in school/working), I watched a part of Ferris Bueller with my family. And I was embarrassed.

“Hey, have you been there?”

“No.”

“Have you seen that?”

“Not that I remember.”

“Meg, what’s that?”

“I have no idea.”

“… Where have you been the last four months?”

That’s when it occurred to me that I’ve been a bad Chicagoan.

As such, I am instituting a weekly assignment in order for me to get out and about the city more. You read that right, I’m giving myself more homework.

Introducing: Tourist Tuesday

For the next couple of weeks, I’m going to visit a Chicago landmark, staple or highlight.

I’ve sort of got a list going for places and or events I’d like to go to or attend. But I’m generally going to let things happen on their own.

So, get excited. The first Tourist Tuesday hits Barefoote tomorrow.

The Spooky Spirit

2010-10-25T13:22:00.003-05:00

On my way to class today, I saw this.

Chicago's in the Halloween mood.

Or it could be in support of da (struggling) Bears.

You decide

Obama's favorite: Dixie Kitchen

2010-10-11T14:12:00.002-05:00

Full disclosure: The President's favorite Chicago restaurant is Dixie Kitchen but its the one in Hyde Park, not Evanston, which is where we ate.

Very good Gumbo, very filling.

Check it out

Scribblings of grad students

2010-10-10T17:47:00.001-05:00

My roommate explaining "basic" algebra to me.

Katie Sciort's notes from a telephone interview

Photo of the Day: Quiet Moment on the Red Line

2010-10-07T16:09:00.001-05:00

Photo of the Day: Little Italy in Chicago

2010-10-04T14:35:00.004-05:00

Got off at the wrong stop today and had to walk a few blocks to the newsroom. Wandered by this festival. Had to take some pictures.

Chicago's Eye

2010-09-23T15:49:00.002-05:00

Chicago has some interesting institution art. Here's one of the ones we see just a few blocks from the newsroom. I can't decide what to think about Chicago's Eyeball.

Photo of the Day: Murphy's lunch

2010-09-23T15:42:00.001-05:00

That's a Big Gulp of Gatorade and Cheez-its. How j-students do lunch.

Photo of the Day: Sunrise at Foster

2010-09-23T15:39:00.001-05:00

Had to catch a 6:19 a.m. train to Chicago this morning. Very early. But the sunrise was pretty.

Photo of the Day: A Commuter's Life

2010-09-21T20:50:00.002-05:00

Happy first day of classes! (That's Chicago underneath the fog in the back)

Photo of the Day: Zakim from the car

2010-09-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

It's a symbol of my city. It's the cut-away shot TV uses during games in Boston. It's (one) entry way into the Walking City. And it's what we in the Burrow refer to as Mom's Bridge.

Camera fiend

2010-09-17T19:22:00.004-05:00

Some of my finds when packing ...

It started with the Polaroid instant in third grade. None of the photos I took with that have survived but I'm confident saying they were terrible. But I loved taking them, picking something out and carefully, studiously taking a picture. Even if it never ever looked the way I wanted it to.

Then I hijacked mom's Kodak (bottom right) in fifth. She bought it a day before we left for Disney. She's very good at learning on the fly. And was adamant about no kids touching her new camera. Months later, I finally got my hands on it and spent an entire basketball tournament playing with the settings and features. This was the early days of consumer digital cameras so there wasn't too much I could do but that was it for me. I was sold. It was the beginning of a love affair with cameras.

It was another seven years before I got my own digital camera. (In the interim, there were many, many one-time use cameras.) My Kodak and I ventured to London and Paris where it made me look like a decent photographer. Granted, it's really, really hard to take a bad picture of Sacre Coeur.

The one photo class I got to take required a film camera and I was unbelievably nervous about the switch. How was I supposed to know if I got the picture if I can't check it immediately? What do you mean there's no flash? Manual focus?! But I really loved my Nikon film one. I had never felt as legit (as a photographer) as I did using that one. It was a semester of long nights, endless amounts of film and half my wardrobe smelling of developer. In the end, I think I got the hang of it.

There are a few others that aren't here but still important. Mom upgraded to a digital, which I hijacked again when we went to San Diego. A point-and-shoot which has seen better days, but is still going strong. Two video cameras from when Chris was involved in theater.

And of course, my newest, my Canon Rebel T2i. Which I am adamant about no one else touching.

Photo Shoot by the lake

2010-08-29T13:49:00.002-05:00

As a post-methods celebration, Shea and I ventured to the "beach" in Evanston. It's a lakefront, with one helluva view of Chicago's skyline.

Being the nerds we are, we turned it into an impromptu photo shoot.

Photo of the Day: I'm an artist

2010-08-29T13:46:00.001-05:00

My last story for Methods news writing was about an art studio for kids.

Proved to be a messy good time.

Photo of the Day: Take a walk with me

2010-08-25T19:01:00.000-05:00

Most of my beat reporting has been walking to and from places.

I've become quite fond of some of these Chicago neighborhoods.

Though, at the moment, I'm longing for Boston's cobblestones and crocked streets.

Photo of the Day: I'd rather not

2010-08-20T15:48:00.000-05:00

Went to a back to school fair, where they were giving immunizations.

Some weren't thrilled with the idea.

Photos of the Day: Wrigley Park

2010-08-17T15:59:00.000-05:00

This is part of my daily commute. I think it's cool.

but the Red Sox are still better

Chicago Korean Festival

2010-08-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

I was able to attend the 15th Annual Korean Festival this weekend. It was a blast. Fantastic culture, food, and people.

Daboki, squid dumplings, fried shrimp, and friend veggies. Good stuff.

Kalbi. Very, very tasty.

Tuckered out

Photo of the day: Sheababay birthday

2010-08-07T12:27:00.001-05:00

Many happy returns, hot stuff

Photo of the Day: Check me out

2010-08-02T15:33:00.001-05:00

Photo of the Day: Family

2010-07-24T23:20:00.001-05:00

Photo of the Day: So sad

2010-07-19T13:44:00.000-05:00

Photo of the Day: Brady and Sarbear

2010-07-16T15:22:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day: Photog in training

2010-07-14T16:40:00.001-05:00

How do you get a five year old to sit for a photo?

Give him a camera.

Grad work with Goats

2010-07-12T20:06:00.001-05:00

A teaser for my audio slideshow. spent a few hours at a petting zoo in a Chicago village. good day as a j-student.

And the prerequisite picture of food.

Feedback's appreciated.

Eating Chicago

2010-07-07T10:20:00.000-05:00

Some tasty Thai food to bolster courage before interviewing for an audience research.

Vietnamese spring rolls

Real dumplings are really good

Thai iced tea

Spring rolls

Delicious, spicy curry.

And to finish, a coffee with Darth.

You know you're a nerd when

2010-06-20T11:39:00.000-05:00

you set up the tripod and lighting for a head shot.

Financially Sensible Meals

2010-06-06T19:48:00.001-05:00

This is not one of them.

With my impending single living on the horizon - eleven days and counting - I've realized things are going to change. After a year of living at the Burrow (post-college-ish), I've become accostumed to making giant serving sizes of meals.

This is one serving for one of the Burrow-dwellers

not all of which are necessarily cost effective.

Today's sponsor - Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

And given my student status, i'm going to need more cost-effective meals.

Read: I'm going to be eating a lot of yogurt. And my days of aspargus-chicken pie-making days are numbered.

When Bad Icing Happens to Good Cakes

2010-06-06T16:03:00.000-05:00

This happens every time i make a cake.

It doesn't matter how long i wait for the cakes to cool, how long the cakes are cooked, or what kind of icing i use.

The cakes falls apart.

But this is a whole new level of fail. At least the others wait until the layers are complete splitting open.

I comfort myself with the knowledge, not every dessert needs icing.

I give you the Turtle Tart. Cookie, caramel and chocolate makes for one delicious trip to heaven on a plate.

Better get your hands on some before they disappear.

Get it? because some one's hand is in there. hah. too funny....

Summer lovin'

2010-05-31T21:24:00.001-05:00

I'm goal oriented. I get it from my German grandfather. So without further ado, my summertime goals

Learn to use this

Have had this for a while, thanks to Keels for telling me to join. Now, going on almost two years, i figure i should really sit down and figure out all its nifty tricks. so watch out for lots of useless updates.

Get better at this

I'm working on upgrading to a dslr with hd video which will bring its own mess of new things to learn, but i really need to focus on using the light, switching the iso and f-stops, and using the lens to its full awesomeness

Eat more of these

I have found i really love fruit. not so much with the veggies. So i'm working on that. these were for the summer pesto-pasta salad that the boys enjoyed.

now if they could just work on their cleaning skills...

Wear this a lot

Can you see that? It says Northwestern. As in Northwestern University. As in holy s$!t Northwestern! The sweatshirt was a going away present from the lovely flamingos, who i will be missing this summer.

(The lovely ladies of 13, plus Patrick)

So there they are, some goals for the summer. I'm certain they will change as my methods quarter at NU starts in twenty days. AHH!