Monday, August 11, 2008

Well...that's it for now I guess.

It's been swell.

Right now my head is spinning. This week marked the beginning of my return to school. The combination of overtime, my poor attention span and my failure to pick up my new reading glasses has made it a real challenge. The subject--"Research methods in management science" didn't help any. But I persevered, and completed what I needed to do. Only 7 weeks to go.

Yesterday MizBubs and I spent the day at Angelic Organics farm attending a workshop entitled "Farm Dreams: Addressing risks and resources to start a small farm or market garden". The picture of the lovely goat who graced yesterday's post was taken at that event.

Angelic Organics is one of the largest (if not the largest) CSA in the United States. Each week they pack about 1,400 boxes of fresh produce destined for their shareholders. The proprietor of the farm is the subject of an interesting little documentary titled The Real Dirt on Farmer John.

MizBubs and I know that what we want to do is to check out of where we're at, and head for someplace a little greener and more pastoral. We are officially on the 2-4 year plan for that. Anyway, we attended this workshop, got a nice tour of the farm, and reinforced our notions of what we want to do--which is to be out in the country playing in the dirt.

In the meantime, what do we do? We have a daughter who starts her junior year of high school in two weeks, and another who's half way through college. I have 7 months until I become eligible for my sweet police pension, but I have 4 years until I can begin to collect it. I have thrown myself into graduate school to attempt a master's degree in management, so I can successfully whore myself out to corporate America if necessary. No, wait, that sounds ugly. I'm doing the graduate school thing because I want to have more employment options when I pull the plug on my career in the next few years. I have a book I want to write that is for now a growing collection of articles and unread books and clever phrases banging around in my head that I can't put to paper. MizBubs is busy learning more about sustainable farming and is looking at going back to college as well.

Work continues to consume and amuse. I put in nearly 20 hours of overtime in the last week as a result of a flareup in gang activity and a robbery that landed an 85 year old woman in the hospital. I did hear one of the best lines I've heard in a while, from a loud, angry drunk who felt he'd been disrespected by the scrawny Polish-speaking bartender at a banquet hall:

"Yeah some time ah gotta indication ah oughtta knock a motherfuckah OUT."

As I heard this I was standing about 15 feet away, talking to a dapper gentleman in a creamy 4 button suit and bright blue shoes, trying to figure out what happened before the indication man's meltdown.

Yes indeed. Some times I get a indication too. Right now I'm getting a indication that something has to give, and for now it's going to be blogging. At least for a few weeks, until I get my head screwed on straight. Heck, knowing how I like to blab, it'll probably only be for 4 or 5 days. Who knows.

I haven't been commenting on other blogs. I'm lucky when I even get to read them. The fact is, I'd rather be a-bloggin' than reading about quantitative research methods, but this isn't going to bring me any closer to a master's degree. The main thing is, we are developing a plan, and right now I can't afford to be doing anything that doesn't help put me closer to where I want to be.

You know I like visiting y'all, and reading what you have to say, and following all your kooky links. And I like posting, and making y'all uncomfortable with freaks and clowns, and lord knows I'll never forgive myself if a single person falls victim to crack cocaine-fueled alligator attack because I didn't do my job.

All that being said, for now I'm taking a powder folks.

But first I'll give you a Sunday afternoon cocktail, and some tasty food images to chew on while I'm away:

The bee-stung julep

8 mint leaves
1/2 oz organic honey
2 oz Wild Turkey 101 bourbon

Muddle the honey and mint leaves together (use less honey than you would bar syrup in a traditional julep) in the bottom of a tall glass

Add bourbon, mix some more

Fill with ice (preferably crushed, but we were too lazy to do that yesterday)

Top with a splash of water if desired, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint

Dinner on Sunday was lovely. The lovely and gracious MizBubs really outdid herself in the bounty-of-the-earth department. We picked up some tomatoes at the farm, and our own tomato harvest has started. Our own produce stacked up very nicely, thank you.



MizBubs sliced some tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and herbs



Then she made a chilled green bean and chickpea salad, again with the herbs from our garden. It was redolent of lemon thyme, and garnished with nasturtium flowers, as were the tomatoes



I cooked pork. Pork tenderloin crusted in creole mustard and panko, and some roasted sweet potatoes. The overall effect on the plate, and on the palate, was pleasing



See you later, alligators. I'll be around.

36 comments:

Cormac Brown said...

I can relate, sir, I have some indication that I need to return to writing this week, so you have my everyt sympathy.

Anonymous said...

I can understand why you need a break! That's a lot going on!

But it sounds like you're going in the right direction.

Hope to see you again soon.

Cormac Brown said...

That's "every," I wasn't typing with a Castillian accent.

Anonymous said...

Bubs you've been my tether to that mast of benevolent irony which keeps me from crashing on the shoals. Ye cannot let go of the rudder or I'll be stuck in those shallows where criminals are just neglected children, clowns know only love, and all cops have iron heels.
You make it real.
But do what you need to do. I have a two year plan to take Stella Rose to Burning Man so she can tell her 5th grade teacher she missed the first week of school to ride her bicycle naked in the desert.
Fuck it. Call me sometime if you have to go to court in the Loop. I'll buy you lunch.
Best,
Bill T

Mob said...

Take all the time you need man, I'm sure we'll still be here when you get back. Good luck with all the new projects!

SkylersDad said...

You will be missed sir, come back tanned, rested, and ready!

Freida Bee said...

If you need to vent about it all, or tell us about something stupid someone did or said, we'll be here. Good for you on all the stuff. I like MizBubs's idea of learning more about sustainable farming. I look forward to being done with school before too long and switching focus, implementing some of the cool things I've leaned and been motivated to do by ya'll.

lulu said...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Some Guy said...

I saw that Farmer John movie - good stuff!

We'll see you when you get back, Bubs!

Doc said...

We all get busy and some things have to fall by the wayside. I'm glad to hear you and yours are hammering out what it takes to make your dreams come true. You will be sorely missed, but we understand. Now get crackin' on them books so you can come back!

Doc

GETkristiLOVE said...

Bobby Flay gives you ten points for plating.

Dr. Monkey Von Monkerstein said...

Who are you tring to kid? You can't quit us, you love us too much. And we love you and your family as well.

Anonymous said...

Been there, done that, and of course I can totally relate. BTW, I just recieved my first formal confirmation that I've gradumacated. If I can do it with my chemo-addled brain, you'll prolly be at the top of your class.

My only advice is to be kind to yourself. Given a choice between B and burnout, take the B.

L,
D

Barbara Bruederlin said...

I KNEW that was a contented goat! Next year at this time, I want to see a picture of you and MizBubs looking just as blissed out as that goat, as you offer us all the produce we can eat, for free. Do you hear me?

Fran said...

Oh Bubs, while I understand, I am already pining for your witty and bizarre, your clear and thoughtful posts... they were all of the above and more.

Truth be told, I struggle with the same thing.

Deep sigh.

Be good Bubs and I know we will see you around sometime.

Plus I am going to tiki my ass right out to Illinois one day and show up at your door, don't pretend to not know me! I will have a bottle of liquor in one hand and my Elvis ornament singing Viva Las Vegas in the other. We'll have a good time!

Katie Schwartz said...

You will be missed, Bubbsie, missed indeed. As DCup said, you've got a plan, a full plate and you're moving the story forward. I'm excited for you and the entire Bubbsie clan.

I look forward to new posts when time permits.

PS: Howeleena re: the criminal...

PSS: Love the meal, absolutely gorgeous. I'd buy your veggies and fruits any day, toots.

Tanya Espanya said...

Waaaah!

Stay in touch, m'kay?

Smoochies.

Mnmom said...

Well don't stay away too long!! Enjoy your break!

Tenacious S said...

I totally understand. I always feel that way at the beginning of a quarter. Then I find myself needing a break from the schoolwork and find that the blogs are like quick little mental retreats when the smoke is starting to pour out of my ears. Good luck! Let me know if you need a Tiki break. I feel one coming on in about November. I'll be good and burned out by then and in need of a tropical escape.

Anonymous said...

See you when I see you.

Johnny Yen said...

I've got a feeling your absence will be short-lived. Or at least I hope so.

Erik Donald France said...

Best wishes and greater luck, y'all!

Sounds like a swanky and also pragmatic plan in the works.

Three cheers and a 21 gun salute.

Let us know if we can provide support. Certainly add me to a mailing list of potential crop investors ;->

DivaJood said...

I applaud your return to school. It's a tough choice, to work and do school, but I applaud it. And I believe you will do well.

Meanwhile, thanks for ordering up some great Chicago weather.

Gifted Typist said...

Bubs it's always a pleasure to come here and read your intelligent, thoughtful prose.

bts - research methods courses are way more interesting than they sound.

Good luck

dguzman said...

Boy, that IS one of the best lines ever. And thanks for the drink and food info -- I gotta indication as to lovin' a mint julep.

BeckEye said...

See you when you get back. We'll all be good and drunk.

Wren said...

You haven't been gone very long yet, Bubs, but I miss you already. But I do understand -- achieving dreams takes a lot of hard work, and the dream you share with Ms. Bubs is a truly fine one.

I hope you'll drop back by now and then to tell us how things are going. And remember, we're all out here sending good vibes in your direction.

Learn lots, OK?

Distributorcap said...

i have been too busy to even stop by

but now that i did, i hope you come back soon! and best of luck in school

Dr. Zaius said...

I didn't realize that you were going back to school...

bubbles said...

Oh, Bubs. I can relate - on so many levels!

First, the food looked fabulous! You and Mizbubs are so lucky that you share the love of good food, good drink, and lifestyle goals.

Second, school. Each time I sit to read blogs, and heaven forbid to post, I feel guilty that I'm not doing something else - like school...

Third, the desire to work with dirt / the earth. I think the way you are approaching it is so smart! I come from a rural / farming family history. Lots of work, often money losing and risky, but somehow part of one's soul!

Lots of other stuff, too, Bubs! I'll keep stopping by, tho - even if I'm feeling guilty for being on the blog!

See ya!

Oh, what about the next blogger get together? Who would pick the place??? Oh, my. Lots to consider here.

Moderator said...

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

This is like you April Fool's joke, right??? Please??!!

Regardless,we wish you well!!!!

wonderturtle said...

Overall (except for the 85 year old lady in the hospital stuff), they sound like lucky problems to have. Good luck with everything!

kim said...

Say it ain't so. You are part of my morning routine.

Katie Schwartz said...

I know you're not blogging right now, toots. I respect that, I do. I just wanted you to know that should you decide to blog, I've deemed you a KICK ASS BLOGGER. No pressure. No guilt. That's good coming from this jewberry :) I MEAN IT, BUBBSIE.

Dale said...

I had pork tenderloin last night. That should bring you back. :-)

Coaster Punchman said...

Congrats on all your planned life changes. We're never too old to decide to go for what we want. Dinner looks lovely!