Making Plans
Well, my prayers were answered. After spending one day last week applying for a summer job at several different places (from bakeries, to grocery stores, to restaurants), I received a call from one of my babysitting clients who told me that she was considering taking a part-time summer job and wondered if I would be available to baby-sit for her! Of course, I said yes. Her daughter, Laura, is 18-months-old and very, very sweet. I baby-sat for her last summer, so I’m excited to be able to go back this year as well. I’ve had a few other babysitting offers so, between all of those, I’ll be able to spend the summer doing what I love to do best.
Last night, my mom, my friend Sara, Sara's mom, and I, went to a cooking class at Whole Foods. I went to a class like this a few weeks ago, with just my mom and me, and we both had a great time. The theme of the class was “Italian Market,” so I knew that it would be a wonderful menu (I happen to really love Italian food). We started out with a Roasted Artichoke and Taleggio (type of goat cheese) Crostini. Next, the chef prepared Orrechiette (a type of pasta that, in Italian, means “little ears”) with Asparagus and Fava Beans, which was followed by a lovely combination of Roasted Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon Salt, and an Arugula Salad with New Potatoes, Green Beans, and Pancetta. My favorite dish of the night was, of course, dessert. It was an Apricot Crostata served alongside vanilla bean ice cream. I loved everything about this dessert – the buttery, flaky crust; the creamy texture of the combination of fresh apricots and apricot jam; and the crispy crumb topping. I think that what I loved the most about the crostata was just the endless possibilities for experimenting and creating your own. I really love figs, so I think that when I make it I will try some fresh figs, fig jam, and sprinkle the top with brown sugar and honey. That might be nice served with maple ice cream or some kind of coffee-flavored ice cream. I can’t wait to try it!
A few days ago, I found out that one of my good friends from Belmont, Ateia, is going to be living on-campus next semester! She was planning on commuting, but decided not to. 
Also (perhaps the most exciting part of the news), she’s going to be living in Thrailkill!!! Although her room is a few floors above mine, it will still be nice to be able to hang out together after a busy day of classes.
I talked to Raychel via WebCam yesterday! It was so much fun to catch up and make plans for the fall. She was babysitting her siblings so, lucky for me, I got to see a few of them! I’m so thankful for technology like that; it makes you feel like you’re sitting right next to the person you’re talking to – even when, in reality, you’re hundreds of miles away.
Well, I think I’m going to go get ready for the day! Tonight, my friend, Alyssa, and I are going to spend some time catching up, playing DDR, and cooking…I’m really looking forward to it.
