Sam's hot-spot

I am back from a wonderful weekend in Chicago seeing the sites, and of course, wonderful friends. The trip out was clam and boring. We did have a book-on-CD (thank you public library system). Although, Kite Runner, is not the most up-lifting story for a Friday night/Sunday afternoon drive, it is a great story that keeps you guessing. We did not finish the 12-disc unabridged version, so thanks to the advent of modern technology, it now sits on my hard-drive ready for my iPod. Also, there was a really good piece on Chicago Public Radio, an interview with Dr. David Kessler about his new book and how the American diet is addicting.

We visited the Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, and of course the Magnificent Mile. It was so great to see Amy, Faisal, Beth, Jake, Sam, Keng-I, and Brooke. I also met a few of Sam's new friends at 'her' new hot-spot, Suite Lounge. I would recommend it for anyone in the neighborhood. It was a little under-ground secret with great martini's, and out luck at a prime table topped off the night. It was great to see Sam out with the masses, mingling with the best of 'um. She has her own bar now, where they greet her by name, and know her drink.

Wine, birthday, and a make-over

There was a great, albeit a tad crowded, wine tasting at a restaurant just around the corner from my place on Friday night. The night started a bit earlier, though, with a impromptu lab happy-hour. I wasn't originally planning on beer and wine in the same night, but considering this is the first lab-related social event that has happened since my arrival, I felt the need to participate. The theme of the wine tasting was "World Cup of Wine: France vs Spain." There were about 30 wines, split pretty much half and half. As these things usually go, after about the fourth taste all the reds were tasting similar as were the whites. However, there was a bright, and spicy, star in the bunch, a French Domaine de la Cotes-du-Rhone. I would not say it was spectacular, but just its sheer distinctiveness among the bunch made me put down a few bottles for me and a few for Christian on the order. On top of that tasty treat, it is well priced and available at Arbor Farms Market, how sponsored the tasting.

After breakfast out and a few errands on Saturday, I took a trip "home" for a dinner party for my brother's 30th birthday. It just never ceases to amaze me some of the personality traits of mine that Marissa has. She was bouncing off the walls with excitement for my daddy's party; very reminiscent of "Tina-time" that used to occur in my bouncing-off-the-wall days. I also had a chance to meet up with Dan and Kelly later in the evening and catch-up a bit. It is wonderful to be able to make it home for things of this nature, but sometimes I find that even though I am home more, I don't really see people that much, as I'm usually in-and-out for whatever event has brought me to Grand Blanc.

One of my new-favorite stores in Ann Arbor, Ulta, had free-mini make-overs today, so I took the opportunity for a little, did I mention free, pampering and tips.

Now it is time to plan our trip to Chicago this coming weekend. I am ecstatic to see my friends, get out of town, and actually do some touristy stuff in Chicago.

Back to the blogosphere

After about a four month hiatus, I have decided to return to blogging, mainly because life is seemingly settled enough to have some (mis)adventure worth sharing.

To start off, a brief summary of the last few months in the life of Dr. X-Tina.

1. My final PhD study is now published in Brain Behavior and Immunity with some well-received press
   
2. The post-doc grant is funded and will start this summer, along with the clock. I'm planning on moving to the next phase of my career when it is finished. Figuring out what that will be, hum...
3. Come this August, the extended Sherry family will have another little one, as my brother and sister-in-law are expecting their third child
4. There is a new(ish) boyfriend in my life, most of which I'll probably keep private, but I must say he's pretty wonderful.
   
5. I'm off for a 30th birthday booze cruise in about a month; stay tuned for (mis)adventures to follow
6. I have been volunteering with Operation Frontline through Gleaners Food Bank in Detroit, as a nutrition instructor for their "Eating Right" program.
   
7. Starting this summer, I will be an adjunct nutrition instructor at The Art Institute of Michigan, teaching nutrition to culinary arts students; a paid gig that will start some retirement savings, since post-docs don't qualify.
8. My circle of friends is expanding...slower than I'd like
9. My cousin was in a fairly serious car accident last weekend. He, and the other passengers, are out of the woods, but his recovery will be a long journey.
10. And just my luck, to top it all off, my car suffered two small injuries weeks apart during all the snow in February.