Procrastination, thy name is not Lauren!

At least for this week. So last night I submitted my students' grades, which aren't due until next Monday. Today, I completed a take-home exam that isn't due until Friday. And let me tell ya, Dad always said I could "spread the bullshit" when it comes to writing papers, and he is right. I whipped out 4 essays, totalling 15 pages at 1" margins, in 3 and a half hours. I rock. Now all I have to do is find a job and keep working on my reading list for the comp exam in July. Cross your fingers for me.

Did you know ...

that today is St. George's Day? St. George is the patron saint of England, so this is their big day. Three cheers for our friends, the Brits!

mm, that's good chicken

I just made the most delicious dinner and thought I'd share. I'll be happy to make it for you next time you come visit me :)

Pesto Chicken Rolls
1 bunch basil
1 handful of pine nuts
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 handfuls grated parmesan
about 1/4 c olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 egg
panko breadcrumbs

For the pesto, chop the pine nuts in your food processor, then add garlic, basil, and parmesan. Add enough oil to make it come together, but not make it too wet. I let mine sit over night in the fridge to let all the flavors blend, but you can use it right away.

Pound the chicken breasts so that they are flat and even. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon pesto onto chicken, then roll up and secure with toothpicks. Dip into egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Pan fry in vegetable oil until chicken is done.

Mushrooms and Wilted Spinach
1 c sliced mushrooms
1 clove garlic, cracked
2 or 3 handfuls fresh spinach leaves

Saute mushrooms in olive oil just until they start to caramelize. After about 2 minutes, add garlic. After another 2 minutes or so, add spinach, season with salt and pepper, and cook until wilted (or any other desired texture). Take out garlic before serving.

S.O.S.

I am seriously distressed. It seems that Icebreakers is no longer making my gum and instead has turned to the breath mint side. Breath mints just don't cut it.

... and I forgot to pick up milk, which was at the top of my list, when I was just at the store.

trip to Columbia

So the conference went well. I gave my paper to an audience of 7 or 8. The only questions they asked me were about the Mansfield Park movie instead of the book, which my paper was about. Luckily, I could answer their questions. I heard some other good papers, but nothing really outstanding. I think I'm just tired. Did you know that I was gone for 15 days in March?!

Anyway, Columbia is a pretty cool city, at least the parts that I saw. I stayed in the historic district, which is all nice and old brick and stuff. I think this is one more redeeming factor of SC, making Charleston and Columbia the only points of interest that I've seen. Things are looking up for the state, I guess.

Heigh-ho...

I hate beige!

Seriously. Beige is the epitome of telling someone, "I just can't make up my mind." See, white, on the one hand, is pristine and clean. If you're going to go with color, be bold, daring! Don't half-ass it with beige, of all things, and make a pseudo attempt at using color. It doesn't work!

You wonder why I go on this rant, I suppose. Well, my hotel decided to give me beige wash cloths amid all the other stark white linens. My senses are offended. The wash cloths from yesterday were white. Why can't today's be the same? I don't ask much, especially of a nice establishment such as this one. But beige?

*grumbles under breath*

And while I'm on it, I can't wait until I'm settled in a place long enough to actually merit painting the walls.

The end.