[steady as she goes] 
[the road to the hake retreat in Northern Pennsylvania] Patrick Henry is comfortable now. Like a well worn sneaker. Not that I generally wear sneakers, but you know, if I did. There's always a few rough spots along the way. It's sort of like living with family. They drive you crazy, but you love them all the while. You know, I think I've finally caught my stride here. I'm feeling pretty settled in Political Theory major—the switch was a good decision I'm not the sharpest tool in the philosophical shed, but I feel like I've found a niche. I planned our Theory Retreat this year, which was an adventure. We finally did make it though. Three locations and one car accident later. It was the most wonderful, relaxing weekend of the whole semester. But then, good company and fresh country air are always a pleasure, aren't they?
The Boy 
[Andrew and I in Old Leesburg]
Andrew and I celebrated our one-year anniversary on November 10th. January will mark two years since we first met. Where did the time go? Seems like last week we were planning the Freshman Social, writing FIHRRs, and laughing at all those well-meaning matchmakers. Apparently they were all right and we we're the last to know. Nowadays you can find us hiding upstairs at Blackberry's, sipping mugs of Black and Tan and studying—or not studying, as the case may be. After all, good coffee and conversation are just a few of my favorite things. And with my favorite person? Just the best ever.
It's a Wing Thing—You Wouldn't Understand 
[me and the wing at the freshman social]
I love being an RA. Is this actually supposed to be a job? You know what they say, love what you do and never work a day in your life. I love having girls knock on my door at all hours of the day...and night. Whether it's to talk for an hour, or just to get the key to the supply closet. For a girl who never had sisters, having these girls is a absolute treat. I came into this wanting to be a blessing to them, but they have blessed me seven times over. Thank you girls!
_______________________________________________________ Bundt Cake for Beginners:
 The day I discovered the bundt cake I knew I would never return to the frustrating world of pies again. Easy, but elegant, the bundt cake is omni-appropriate—the little black dress in your pastry closet. Effortlessly beautiful, she’s that lip-gloss-and-go girl who waltzes into your 8 am logic class with nothing more than powdered sugar and a smile and puts your artfully frosted layer cake to shame. Dear hearts, why do battle with pastry tips and pretense, marzipan and masquerade? Give the bundt cake a chance, and you won’t be let down. This moist cinnamon pecan recipe comes from my Aunt Nancy and was my first foray into the world of bundts. It became an instant hit everywhere I took it, so now I always keep the ingredients on hand for last minute potlucks and surprise visitors. Cinnamon Pecan Swirl: Cake: 1 box yellow cake mix 1 box instant vanilla pudding Four eggs ¾ cup oil ¾ cup water 1 tsp vanilla Nut filling: ½ cup chopped pecans ½ cup brown sugar 2 tsp cinnamon Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 3 tbs milk ½ tsp vanilla Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and spray the Bundt pan with Pam. Beat all of the cake ingredients together at high speed, adding the eggs one at a time. Mix together the nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Pour half of the cake batter into the pan, then sprinkle the filling evenly over all. Pour the rest of the batter over the filling and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the pan cool for 10 minutes, and then flip it onto a nice platter. Decoration is up to you. Use this glaze recipe to create a Pollock-eque spackle job, or just sprinkle on some powdered sugar. Garnishing with a houseplant ala My Big Fat Greek Wedding is appropriate, but entirely optional. To mix things up a bit you can replace the vanilla pudding with lemon, coconut, pistachio, or just about anything you can think of. Pecans are my favorite, but really any nut will do. For a denser cake that can handle fruit, chocolate, and just about anything else you can throw at it, ask for my Marshall Field's Sour Cream Bundt recipe. Enjoy!
_______________________________________________________ From Snowy St. Cloud Minnesota,
Over the river and through the woods, To wherever you may be This is the Savvy Socialite, Wishing you a Happy New Year
Meredith Footfalls echo in the memory, down the passage which we did not take
towards the door we never opened, into the rose-garden. My words echo,
Thus, in your mind. -Burnt Norton, T.S. Eliot | 
