New Job (again!)

Also, I got a job again. It's contract through March, but has a lot of potential to lead to something full-time. And even if it doesn't, it's a job! And I haven't had one of those in 10 months so I'm not complaining.

I eat well

Bone-in filet from Primehouse


Leftovers in a steak sandwich


Veal tenderloin at NoMI


Brunch burger at The Southern


Panna cotta at Merlo

Disney World Whirlwind

So I'm 29, and I think Disney World is awesome, even when I am there with my parents, which I was last week. Turns out, my cousin Brandon was also there with his wife and kids. Party time!

EPCOT


Magic Kingdom


Animal Kingdom


Animal Kingdom is home to my favorite roller coaster, Expedition Everest, as well as these fried greenbeans, which my dad really enjoyed


Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM)


In EPCOT we ate at the France Pavilion, and met the chef


Watched the IllumiNations production after some Fish & Chips in the UK


Going in the off season allows us the opportunity to take more rides, since the lines are short, sometimes non-existent


Always a good influence, I had my face painted, so then the girls did too.


Disney World never gets old, but we do.

More Adventures (that's all any of this is)

So I ran the Hot Chocolate 5k. I had a 12 minute pace, which in the world of running is pretty horrible, but in Mary's world means jack squat (I finished, didn't I?). To be fair, I was in the open corral, and it bottlenecks on occasion. If I had goals, I'd train, but really I just want to fit in my pants.


I wore purple shoes.


After the race they handed out hot chocolate and chocolate fondue. Ghiradelli was a sponser, and there was something like 8000 pounds of chocolate being given out.


Unrelated, but because I think it's news, I got to cook Kobe beef on a hot rock at Sushi Samba. It was awesome. The rock has been in some oven for like 24 hours and is steaming and you just lay the meat on it for a few seconds really and then eat it. They have dipping/cooking sauces for it too, and my favorite was a sweet soy/teriyaki type sauce (leave it to me to like the sweet). Regardless, good meat, fun cooking method, super yummy. CAVEMAN MARY FTW.


Disney World next week with the parentals!

OH HAI FISHIES

FINALLY got in on a free day at Shedd Aquarium. Went early too, so the loud school children weren't there for most of it.




Australian Rock Lobster...dinner for 3 I think


Coolest kids on the block




I found Nemo.


Slick looking place they got there.

Forging ahead

I'm probably loving life a little too much, but if it kills me then I'm just going to die very, very happy.

My cousins Hutch and Laura were in town a few weeks ago with Henry and Honor, and I met them for lunch at Ed Debevic's. It's a diner where the waitstaff is rude to you. I didn't find them that rude, if anything just a cliche sarcastic. Can't say it was that entertaining, but I suppose it's an experience.

My roommate had purchased a Groupon for a tour at Lynfred Winery, so we had a tasting there. Their blueberry wine was delicious.


I dyed my hair black again, my "winter" color. Mother hates this, but I get a good reaction from the masses usually. And as with anything, it will eventually fade.


Chicago also had this amazing thing called "Baconfest" and I don't even know where to begin. They had a dinner at one of my favorite restaurants here, and I happily attended a 5 course bacon-centric meal of epic proportions. It doesn't hurt that they've also recently hired a new chef who is from Baton Rouge. This is his chocolate bread pudding with candied bacon, citrus anglaise, and pecans.


There is not enough time in the day to show you all of my amazing adventures and all the good food I've had, but know that I am having a great time.

Be back later

I'm sorry I don't update this better. While I do not have a job in Chicago, I do appear to have a life.