Hebrew, Week 3: Day 1 (Ft. Best Grilled Cheese in NJ)

Woke up this AM convinced I would fail my quiz. Wouldn't you know it, I got an 97.5%.  I'm noticing a trend here.  I don't seem to ever know what is going on, but somehow I am awesome at vocabulary.  Here's hoping the exams are closer to the quizzes than anything else. 
This weekend it was all about participles (sorry my beloved high school English teacher, but I didn't even know what "participle" meant).  Today, we've moved on to pronouns.  Hey, at least I know what those are!  We are moving forward everyday, but also circling back to pick up things we left along the way.  It is very fluid, which one just has to accept. 
At the first lunch for new students 2 weeks ago, the chapel chaplain Jan warned us of what she calls "Impostor Syndrome."  Basically, one with Impostor Syndrome sits through lecture feeling as though they are a total fake and that sooner or later others will notice.  Jan told us that we all feel this way and are NOT impostors...  I try to believe her, but I have a very bad case of this syndrome.  My precept-mates will tell you that I come to precept everyday convinced I don't understand.  The ones that sit close have also noticed that I've been getting okay grades when the quizzes come back.  Some may gather I'm faking my lack of understanding...
Here lies the problem: the quizzes are mostly based on vocabulary.  Ever since my days of acing French exams in high school, I've been really good at memorizing vocab.  I even got a perfect score on a final exam one year, only to be accused of cheating by some mean-girl classmates.  But in Hebrew, we are learning new concepts everyday and that is the part that is lost on me.  So, I can do well on quizzes and still have no idea what's up.  In the end, I won't be writing papers in Biblical Hebrew.  I'll be examining words that are already there... so hopefully it's okay that I struggle with sentence structure.  

Anyway, I promised the best grilled cheese in NJ.  Rather, it's a very good grilled cheese I made in NJ.

Garlicky Grilled Cheese on Sourdough

Ingredients:
1 bulb of garlic
Olive oil
Smart Balance or butter
2 slices of good sourdough bread
Shredded Cheddar and Monterrey Jack

Directions:
1. Roast the garlic by following the directions here.
2. Spread Smart Balance or butter on the outsides of the two slices of bread.
3. Spread the roasted garlic on the insides of the two slices of bread.
4. Sprinkle the cheese over one side of the bread smeared with the garlic.  Top off with the other side.  (C'mon, you all know this part.)
5. Toast/grill the sandwich over medium low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is ooey gooey.  Serve with tomato soup, because that's the way it's done folks.

Trenton Farmers' Market and Halo Farm

I've heard a lot about the Trenton Farmers' Market and Halo Farm, a dairy right next to the market.  Today, my lovely neighbors Mike and Lisa knocked on my door and asked if I would like to join them on their trip to both of these places.  Not that I needed anything from the dairy....

The market is a covered one.  Unfortunately, for some reason a lot of the vendors weren't there today, but I was still able to score some goodies for fantastic prices.  I got a pint of blackberries and a pint of cherry tomatoes for $2 a piece.  Then on to Halo Farm...

I was informed this weekend that Halo Farm is known for the best and cheapest ice cream in town and also for their lemonade.  They were out of the regular lemonade, but after picking out 3 pints of ice cream, it's probably best that the diet stuff was the only kind left.  I couldn't leave without getting ice cream after it had been talked up so much.  Plus, it's still 100 degrees F outside.  But, one pint is $2.75 but 3 pints is $5.....
Thus, I returned home with Egg Nog, Peach, and Strawberry Heath, which is Lisa's favorite.  They might have to wait for Brent to get here so I don't eat all of it.  Also, I got a block of sharp cheddar.  I'm still trying to figure out if good cheese exists out here.  I'd kill for some real cheese curds.  I really don't understand why they don't have them here.  Cows? Check.  Cheese makers? Check.  Curds?  Nowhere to be found.

On another note, here is something bizarre to add to my list of crazy New Jersey-isms to tell Brent about when he gets here:
You can't pump your own gas!  You have to sit in your car, roll down the window, wait for the one attendant working to walk over, hand him your card, he slides it for you and fills your tank.  Weird.  On the plus side, it means you can stay out of the rain or snow, but wouldn't you feel inclined to tip the attendant?

The Bent Spoon

As a treat for surviving another week of Hebrew, I marched myself downtown to The Bent Spoon and had some delicious ice cream.  It was only a few blocks from campus, but in 100+ degree heat, it felt like miles.  Lucky for me, a table opened up right as I got there so I didn't have to take my ice cream outside.  I was joined by two lovely ladies from the local professional symphony orchestra for some nice chatting while we cooled off. 

The Bent Spoon is known for their creative flavors.  I spotted sweet corn and cucumber basil.  With so many choices, it could be hard to pick, but I was instantly set once I saw Bourbon Vanilla Sea Salt Caramel made with Jim Beam...I'm a sucker for sea salt sweet anything and bourbon is my second favorite liquor (Jameson being the first).  Even with a small size, you can have two flavors, so I also tried Lavender Mascarpone, made with local organic lavender.  Lavender is my favorite scent, one of the only ones that doesn't send me into a sneezing fit.  Lately, I've taken a cotton ball with a few drops of lavender essential oil and placed it under my pillow at night.  However, I've never eaten anything flavored with it.

Both flavors were fantastic.  The Bent Spoon doesn't mess around... The bourbon was absolutely present in the vanilla and the lavender was light, refreshing, and just simply delightful- not at all like eating dryer sheets, which is how I imagined it might be...

 
My only problem was that it was gone before I noticed what happened!  At $4.50 for a scoop and a cone, this was a bit indulgent, but I know I'll be back within the next few weeks, especially if the heatwave continues.

Here's a couple pictures I snapped along the way:

Trinity Episcopal Church...still hot and hazy today.

Just a shot of the downtown.

I'm so blessed to finally have some plans this weekend.  Some people from class invited me over to the dorm tomorrow night for a movie, and tonight I have plans with some people in our apartment complex.  Everyone has continued to be amazingly kind.  Too bad I have a crazy amount of Hebrew homework, including way too many vocabulary words :(

Princeton Farmers' Market

I went to the Princeton Farmers' Market for the first time today.  I sneaked over between Hebrew lecture and Hebrew reading (more on that later)...
It is located a couple of blocks from campus in the courtyard in front of the public library on Witherspoon Street and runs during the summer and fall on Thursdays from 11-4pm. 
I knew not to have high expectations, seeing as my usual farmers' market in Madison, WI is the largest true farmers' only market in the USA (at least that's how they market it).  Really, I just wanted some fresh produce that wasn't from overpriced Whole Foods.  I'm glad there is a Whole Foods down the street, but I can't afford to shop there all the time. 
I had been looking forward to this day all week and had prepared by signing up for a locker on campus to ditch my books and by bringing along my handy canvas bag to hold my purchases.  Even the 100 + degree heat couldn't deter me!  However, it did deter my picture taking.

Notice the haze!

This does do justice to how it felt.

The market was modest but had several produce vendors and 3 cheese stands.  There were also lots of beautiful flowers, but I was afraid they'd wilt before I made it home and they are considered a frivolous purchase at this point in time.

Pretty much the whole thing. 

Somehow I managed to still spend lots of money.  Here's what I came home with:

I picked up some garlic to roast since it is delicious, gourmet, and dirt cheap.  Also, I don't go to any market or store without buying kale when I see it.  I got a giant loaf of sourdough, which I picked at all through Hebrew reading.  Lastly, I got 1/4 pound of mixed milk gouda.  It cost $7 and felt blasphemous, but I wanted to try some to see if it is worth giving up entirely.  I have to admit, it's pretty decent.
Vendors and price estimates:
Rustic Sourdough $3.50 from Witherspoon Bread Co.
Garlic: ...uh, I forgot this vendor but the garlic was $2 for 2 bulbs.
Kale: $2.50 for one bunch of organic kale from Stonehenge Farm.
Gouda: $7 for 1/4 lb from Valley Shepherd Creamery

Oh, and Magic Hat summer seasonal beer from a store near the market... Gotta get it while I can since Princeton has the most bizarre liquor laws that keep most stores (including Whole Foods) from selling it.

After I went to the market, I had to be back on campus for Hebrew reading.  This session started today and will be every Thursday from 1:30-3:30.  For every hour we attend, we get 1% point added to our final, up to an 89%.  There will be a total of 10 hours.  While I hope I can get a good grade on my own, I am going to go to every hour possible as insurance that I will pass the class.  Today we made it through 2 Sam. 18:9-19 or so...And it took 2 hours!!  This is hard.

Now off to call USPS and file a formal complaint against our carrier for not delivering my mail and not picking it up either.  GRRRRRRRR.

A walk in the woods...

I've been taking walks in every possible direction to get my bearings and to get out of the apartment.  With no social activity this weekend, I could have easily never left.  One of the last directions I had to explore was down behind our apartment on the path past the public golf course.  I knew the Delaware and Raritan Canal was back there somewhere, dividing us from campus, so I decided to check it out.

All of this is just a few minutes from my door:

A bridge over the Canal.

Another bridge over the Canal.

The Delaware and Raritan Canal was built/dredged in the 1830s to connect the Delaware River and the Raritan River, along easier, faster travel between Philadelphia, PA and New York.  Today, most of it has been declared a state park.  It really makes me wish Brent and I had invested in some kayaks last year when we were toying with the idea...Except it would have been a pain to transport them out and we would have been too broke to move :(

Here's the first picture of me in New Jersey.  I thought maybe seeing it would make it seem more real to myself!

Proof I was there?!

The Dupree Center for Children

This last one is of the Dupree Center for Children- a daycare center for PTS and the local area that shares a building with the study lounge and computer lab on campus.  It looks as though they have a vegetable garden.  Cute!  I walked past it on my excursion.  Probably won't be needing the center, but it is good to know about.

I've been putting off studying all day since my brain has hurt since I woke up.  Not a good start to the week, but I'll manage.

Hebrew update:  I got my first D on a quiz on Friday.  I was expecting as much and am thankful it stumped me so I had one final push to turn in that pass/fail form.  I got an A- on today's quiz, so it all works out.  Word has it they are going to let us drop a couple low scores.  Here's hoping.

Blessings,

Cal

Now that's what I call motivation...

No, not motivation to study or put away the last few items from unpacking.  Rather, motivation to keep all of the lights on all night, including in my bedroom, and motivation to take the first available bus to the store to buy the items on my list:

The beer was about as essential as the Borax.

Last night I was going around the apartment conducting my normal paranoid routine of shutting the blinds, locking the doors, and checking the coat closet for intruders...I know, I know... In my defense I had just watched 3 creepy episodes of Law and Order SVU.  That's when I saw it.
I've never, ever, seen an insect this large.  Keep in mind I spent two summers in the woods in Door County (one working and one camping).  I thought I'd seen a cockroach in the bathroom a few days ago, but ever since my neighbors told me they exist here and fall on you from the ceiling when you are showering, I've been a bit paranoid.  I thought maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me as a dark back end disappeared under the cabinet. 
This time I had no doubt.  This sucker was HUGE.  At least 1 1/2 inches, shiny, and black.  In my opinion, way too big to kill by hand, like a mouse or something.  Well, I'm sure some people would be fine with it, but folks, I'm a vegetarian for a reason.  I'd rather get evicted than kill a mouse in my bed (it may have happened before).  Anyway, these suckers are too fast to kill.  By the time you see them, they are disappearing into a crack.

I interrupted my marathon of SVU to do some research.  Then, I hopped on the first bus to the store and picked up some roach bait traps (12 better be enough) and some Borax.  I have since pouffed (the proper technique) the Borax along every nook and cranny.  Maybe I'll get some sleep tonight.

I really can't catch a break when it comes to creepy crawlies.  No wonder my insomnia has been creeping back into my nights.  First the bat bugs, now these giant cockroaches.  While roaches don't bite, they are nasty, creepy, spread harmful bacteria, and are a huge allergen, second only to dust mites.  Ugh.

The new apartments can't be ready for move-in soon enough.

Hebrew Day 5- Finally it's Friday!

I have officially survived my first week of accelerated Hebrew.  Can I actually say anything yet?  Not really.  But I can tell you the alphabet, read a few words, and conjugate a few things.  Today's quiz was probably the worst for me so far because it referenced vocabulary from earlier in the week that had already left my brain.  Vocab is the main thing I hope to tackle this weekend.  I turned in my Pass/Fail form finally.  The difficulty of today's quiz helped solidify my decision.  I feel okay about it now. 
On one of my excursions earlier in the week, I stumbled upon Princeton's downtown and found a cupcake shop that won cupcake wars.  I decided I'd treat myself if I survived 'til Friday (today).

(not too bad for a cellphone pic)

I went the super lame route and chose the cupcake flavor that won Cupcake Wars- chocolate espresso with ganache frosting.  It was divine.  I'm not a loyal Cupcake Wars fan, but I've caught a few episodes and it is where I found Chef Chloe.  I've made several of her vegan recipes since then.
While munching on (read: inhaling) this cupcake, I glanced over and saw a German chocolate cupcake with an absurd amount of gooey coconut pecan frosting on top.  Now I know what I'm having next time.

Walking through the downtown, I decided I love this city.  It is very quaint.  Many of the shops are novel and too expensive for me to do anything past window shopping, but I'm in love.  I went into a few stores on a search for stationary.  I ended up at an eco-goods store and knew I was in the right place when I heard the soundtrack to The Life Aquatic (which is excellent btw).  This store was the real deal, if very expensive.  They also have lots of baby items.  I had to fight off the urge to buy a little piglet for my unborn (and un-conceived...no worries anyone) children. 
I chatted a bit with the store clerk.  She suggested I try an ice cream parlor around the block called The Bent Spoon...maybe if I survive next week, I'll treat myself there!  (Week 3 = the German chocolate cupcake is calling me.)

Princeton is a beautiful place.  The architecture is amazing, like Madison on steroids.  People seem very kind, not just on campus, but everywhere I've been so far.  Here are a few things I've noted:
- Cars stop for pedestrians, even if they aren't in the street.  You can be half a block away and cars will stop (at least near campus) and let you by without flicking you off or running you down.
-A lot of the restaurants sport BYOB signs.  Apparently Princeton has some pretty bizarre liquor laws that only allow so many liquor licenses, so restaurants without licenses let you bring your own.  Weird, but cool (and wallet-friendly).
-I must look as though I belong here (not sure if that is good or bad), because I've been asked for directions several times.  Either that, or it's hard to navigate the roads.  Considering my GPS led me on a 4-5 mile journey (on foot) in the wrong direction the other day, it wouldn't surprise me.

Blessings!

Hebrew Day 3

Tonight I'm nowhere near as hopeless as last night.  People keep telling me that this week is the hardest, so I have room for optimism.  I got my first two quizzes back today- an 87.5% and a 82.5%.  Normally, I'd be somewhat horrified, but I've taken the advice I've received to let go of my grades to heart (or at least really tried to).  I was actually elated with those scores.  It would be different if we weren't cramming so much into every day.  My brain can only handle so much, so I'm satisfied with my B's.  I am going to the registrar tomorrow to switch to Pass/Fail though!

I'm still adjusting to this weird transitional period I'm in.  It isn't adjusting to seminary, because this isn't really what the next 3-4 years will look like.  For one thing, Brent will eventually be here.  So will the rest of my belongings!  Not only that, but we are in temporary housing while the new apartments are being built, so I can't get too cozy here. 

Here's some snapshots of my new life:

 This is how I've been studying.  My desk is too small for all of these papers and I don't have a table right now, so I have re-purposed my yoga mat as a study mat.  No worries, I'm still using it for yoga too.  I've been doing yoga on yogaglo.com and last night there was a free, if very intense, yoga class on campus.

I only have one small pot, two small frying pans, and a pizza pan, so I have gotten very creative with my cooking.  It's very humbling.  This is how I made broccoli tonight.  The pot was being used for canned goodness, so I had to use a frying pan with the pizza pan as a lid.   

This is my room.  It may look like a real bed, but that's an inflatable mattress that is ruining my back.  I relinguished my TV tray to the plants, so everything else goes on the floor.  Notice the study materials all over the place.  I'd be ashamed if I had any time to pick them up and any place to put them.  Brent packed the Christmas lights for me half jokingly, but they actually brighten my mood.  I have them in the living room too.  I'm too lazy to hang them up and one of my favorite yoga studios has them like this on the floor.

This is what I eat!  Canned goodness with some real goodness on the side.  I'm really trying not to gain any weight because my wedding dress will not fit if I do.  However, eating is a fantastic distraction from studying.  It's a hard adjustment though.  Brent and I split cooking duties, but both of us love to cook really good and mostly healthy food.  With limited kitchen equipment, time, and resources, it's hard to come up with a convenient meal that is satisfying, nourishing, and not terrible for me.  I'm doing my best :)
My folks insisted on getting some paper plates when we went shopping.  I haven't used them in the past few years but I'm thankful for them now.  I have enough dishes to do as it is.  I promise I won't buy more, but they are giving me more time to review my Hebrew nouns and prepositions. 

I'm trying to remember how I survived the first two years of my undergrad as a single student.  First, I lived in a sorority where we had a chef and a cleaning lady.  Then, I had an awful year getting by on "free" bagels from my work study job.  Hopefully I can do better this time around.

My new mantra = This is only temporary.  (Say it over and over until it sinks in).

Healthier Taco Dip that is just as delicous as the real thing- I promise!

I love taco dip, but let's face it- it is normally loaded with fat.  Regular taco dip calls for one 8 oz brick of cream cheese creamed with 8 oz sour cream.  This new recipe replaces the cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese (American Neufchâtel to be specific) and the sour cream with plain 0% greek yogurt.  Greek yogurt is one of my favorite foods and a definite road block on the quest to veganhood.  It is a strained yogurt with more protein than normal yogurt and a better texture.  Like sour cream, it is tangy.  However, it has way less fat and calories.  Yes, it is expensive, but I'd argue that it's more versatile than sour cream and less likely to go bad in the fridge as it has many uses!  Eat it with honey, fruit, or use in place of sour cream in pretty much any recipe (maybe not baking...I haven't tried it yet). 

I made this for my first cook-out with the neighbors.  Most of my kitchen gear is back home in WI, along with my hubby :(
*Notice I said "first" because I'm lonely and would definitely like to have many future dinners with the neighbors!*
Anyway, I wanted something I could make with my limited resources.  This is the first recipe I've made with my Kitchen Aid mixer.  Obviously I wouldn't leave her back home.  

Just 3 ingredients.  It doesn't get easier than that!

Creaming together the cheese and yogurt.

The finished dip.  Eat like this or spread thin and top with cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Healthier Taco Dip
Source: Me!
Yield: about 2 cups

Ingredients:
8 oz Neufchâtel cheese, room temperature
8 oz plain 0% or 2% greek yogurt
1 package taco seasoning mix

Directions:
1. Cream together the cheese and yogurt.  I recommend using a mixer or food processor to avoid lumps.
2. Add taco seasoning and combine.
Serving suggestion: You can eat the dip plain or spread it in a thin layer on a platter and top with any combination of cheese, onion, tomatoes, and lettuce.  I recommend leaving the tomatoes off until you are ready to eat it to avoid a watery mess.  If you make this and invite me over, please skip the iceberg lettuce and olives :)

Notes:
- Sometimes Neufchâtel is sold as "reduced fat cream cheese."
- Use more yogurt and less cheese for a thinner dip.  This will save your chips from breaking in a big bowl of dip.
- I highly recommend looking for taco seasoning in the natural foods aisle, or just looking for and avoiding MSG or anything that sounds like it.  Also, I prefer spicy taco seasoning.

Hebrew Day 2

Ugh!  Tonight I'm only 1/3 with my homework but I am calling it quits.  My brain has reached capacity and I'm very tired.  I have 'til Friday to decide to take the class Pass/Fail- something I've never done before.  I have the approval of my Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM), the group that is overseeing my ordination process.  I really think it may be a good idea, and not just because an A seems out of reach already.  I really want to learn Hebrew, not just ace my quizzes.  In fact, I need to learn Hebrew because to become ordained in the Presbyterian (USA) church, it's a requirement.  Plus, how can I truly study the Scriptures without it?  Trust me, a lot gets lost in translation.  Right now, I feel lost in translation.
It may be a good lesson for me to take it Pass/Fail because I need to learn to let go of my grades.  It won't be easy.  My undergrad was all about doing the work to get the grade since I was so busy working.  Time to switch gears I guess.
It's a year's worth of classes in 8 weeks.  Yesterday (Day 1), we were expected to learn the characters, the vowels (which Hebrew didn't have until something along the lines of 900 years after Jesus), how to transliterate, and also several vocabulary words.  Much to my surprise, I think I did okay on the quiz today. 
Tonight is a different story.  I went to the tutoring session today, but the tutor learned Hebrew a different way and was pretty much unable to help.  She's been studying for a final and unable to attend our class the last two days, so I'm hopeful that once she's done with that she can get on the same page as our professor.  I really feel for her.  I could tell she knows her stuff and was genuinely frustrated.  So am I!
I've decided to call it quits tonight and start fresh in the morning. 
Here are some pictures I snapped around Princeton University's campus yesterday.

I readily admit I have no idea what any of those buildings are. (Take that anyone who says the seminary students all pretend they go to Princeton.)  If I were pretending, I'd at least do my homework.


This beauty below is on MY campus.  It's the inside of Miller Chapel.  At one point I really wanted to get married here (until my stepmom pointed out that nobody would come... She's mostly right!).  Just look at those pale yellow walls!  Gorgeous! 

Curried Mac and Cheese

I made this awhile ago but didn't get a chance to post it until now.  I highly recommend it!  I made it for my work going away party and to celebrate the AC getting fixed so I could finally use the oven again.  Everyone liked it, but we still had tons of leftovers because all the ladies are on diets and have way more self control than I do.  (On that note, I may have eaten 1/2 a bowl of taco dip today.)

Pre-baking, hence the lack of brown bread crumbs

We ate leftovers all week.  Here it is with some crostini. 

Curried Mac and Cheese

Adapted from Roger Mooking (His show is Everyday Exotic)

Yield: one 9x13 inch pan

Ingredients:

1 stick butter

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1/2 red onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 green chile, split lengthwise, optional

1 tablespoon curry powder (I recommend hot curry powder, but be careful with it)

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

5 cups (2 percent low-fat) milk

2 1/2 cups Provolone or any other mild cheese, grated (I substituted about 1/2 cup sharp cheddar)

1 1/4 pounds elbow macaroni pasta, prepared according to package instructions

1/2 cup bread crumbs

Bunch asparagus, trimmed- I left this out and topped it with tomato slices (I love asparagus but the hubby doesn't like it)

Kosher salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a large pot, melt the butter with the oil over medium heat. Add in the red onion, garlic, and green chile and saute until tender, approximately 2 minutes. Sprinkle over the curry powder and all of the flour, stirring to create a roux. Whisk to remove the lumps, and cook the flour for approximately 1 minute.

3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to create a curried creamy sauce over low heat.

4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and continue whisking for 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, discard the green chile, and add 2 cups grated Provolone, and stir until smooth.

5. Add the cooked macaroni to the curry sauce, mix until evenly coated, and season with salt. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a 9 by 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup bread crumbs and 1/4 cup cheese.

6. Optional: Arrange the asparagus (or tomato) in a line over the macaroni. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup bread crumbs and cheese over the asparagus, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown

Meet My New Best Friend

Once upon a time my dad told me it was lame to have a rabbit as my best friend.  Okay, I'll admit that is pretty lame.  But how about her?

Thank you Val and Dad for this beautiful mixer!  It was a birthday/moving away/marriage present.  They offered in the past to get me one for graduation, but I really wanted it for a wedding present. I don't know why, but it just seemed right.  Plus, since my hand mixer exploded several months back and I wasn't married yet, it gave me the opportunity to buff up my arms by learning to mix almost everything by hand.  Certain things just can't happen by hand (or at least with my scrawny arms), including whipped egg whites.  I don't even know if I like meringues, but it's about time I found out :)

I went with this particular model for a few reasons:
1. It was at Costco for a fantastic price.  Pretty sure this particular one is sold only at Costco. 
2. It is a bowl lift model (vs. a tilt head), which according to forums gives it a lower center of gravity and more oomph, if you will, for mixing tough doughs.  Keep in mind, I've never made a tough bread dough, but now I know I can... Sounds like a challenge!
3. It has a 575 watt motor, which again, I probably don't need, but hey, why not?  The traditional Artisan mixers, while they come in lots of colors, have a 325 watt motor.  That's probably enough, but I'm greedy.  More power!!
Don't get me wrong, I would be happy with any of them, but this one is a dream.  Too bad all of my baking supplies and dry ingredients are 16 hours away :(
For now, I'll just stare at it, plotting what to tackle first!  Unfortunately, I'm supposed  to learn the Hebrew alphabet by Monday, and I don't think it can help me with that...

This is why there have been no posts lately!

I just moved to New Jersey yesterday.  So far, so good!  The hardest part will be getting used to not having a car, but today I successfully took the campus circulator bus and only had to ask once where I was!  The area is beautiful.  I'm a little nervous for classes to start on Monday since everybody keeps telling me to enjoy the last few days of freedom I have.  I just bought my books for Hebrew and some flash cards.  They were $140 all together, which didn't seem bad at first until I realized that its all for one class (but the class is a year's worth of learning in 8 weeks...So that really makes it at least two courses...). 
Our apartment is nice but I am glad it is only temporary until we move into the brand new ones in September.  There isn't a whole lot of space.  I told my folks yesterday that Brent should probably get his own place... LOL.  They helped me move in and it was much appreciated.  I'm glad they insisted I get some furniture since everything is still back in WI.  Even after a serious Target shopping spree, I still have a folding chair, a camping chair, and a blow-up bed (and a fantastic area rug that was on clearance for $20).  After last night, I've decided the floor may be more comfortable than the inflatable mattress!
I've already decided to stay in seminary forever.  Everyone is ridiculously nice and makes a point to introduce themselves and offer up some type of respite. 
I've never lived so close to major shopping, which is great except I am already broke :)
The biggest grocery store I've ever seen (a Whole Foods x 4) is 2 blocks away, a Trader Joe's is less than a mile away, and every other store you've heard of and some you haven't are within 3 miles. 
Now if only some company would hire my hubby so he can join me on our adventure...

Here's a few pictures:

Templeton Hall (where Admissions and Housing Offices are located)

The white building is Miller Chapel.

Our apartment building (kind of an eyesore!)

I have a back log of recipes I'll try to post soon, before Hebrew starts and my free time is pretty much over!