the b-town sound

This is possibly my favorite picture of Burlington...I don't know why I love this building so, but I do...and from every angle. It's like the Hollywood sign for Burlington. Burlington has been so good to me, and after the initial excitement of getting into school has worn off...I find myself sadder than I anticipated...I know that I don't really want to leave this lakeside town...who would? But at the same time...I know that I want to move onward and upward. Life...good thing it takes a while. Life in Burlington, for me, has been about embracing new things, not the least of which is rock 'n' roll. Surprised? Me too. When I moved here, I was an avid REM fan, with mostly classical music albums in my collection. There's nothing wrong with that, I know...but there's so much more to experience I've found. For almost day one, I was exposd to this new scene...the phrase "I'm going to a show" suddenly meant more than "I'm going to spend 45 minutes in a hot club standing in the back and pretending to be interested." I still remember my first Metronome show...and I can't imagine listening to my favorite local rockers without being draped over the huge monitors in the front of the stage. Thanks to those who moved me.

The 'nati

To all of you that are unfamillliar with this particular skyline...this is the Queen City of Cincinnati...once called Porkopolis, due to the overwhelming population of pigs in the late 1800's. Cincinnati's mascot is the flying pig....and there are large decorated pigs all over the downtown and suburban areas. Check out some of these fun sculptures at http://www.bigpiggig.com/ In addition to being obsessed with Pigs, Cincinnati also has the distinct honor of having not just one, but over 40 different skylines...no, that doesn't mean what you may think. Much as the Shiner is gon'd breakfast in Vermont...Skyline Chili is god's after-party but pre-hangover meal. Quite possibly the world's most satisfying meal, the Skyline Chili coney is perfection on a bun...with mustard and onions, naturally. Check out this nectar of the god's at http://www.skylinechili.com/

The countdown begins!

With 29 more days left as a Vermont resident, the time is ripe to begin the massive give-it-away-a-thon...if you want stuff, I'm your gal...I've got a dresser, clothes, fabric, art supplies and lots of "things" that are fun, but won't be able to make it to Ohio. Check back here in a few days for a list and pictures...or just stop by my house to window shop.
Oh yeah...and I have a small kitty that can't live in the dorms with me...perhaps I can sneak her into class with me each day...who can resist this face? But seriously, I'll have to do some creative thinking about how to get this baby to the buckeye state...
Up next..stay tuned fr a crash course in Cincinnati, along with helpful links to fun places, and a comparison between Cincinnati Bacon & Farmer's Diner Bacon (as prompted by fellow "Green Mountain Buckeye, Jason!)

Moving on..

So the rumor is true...and Ninja is leaving Burlington to continue school (Xavier University) and return to life as Kelly Horan. There are still about 36 days left as a resident of this Queen City. Ironically, Cincinnati is also referred to as the Queen City...so in a way...I'm not really moving. Ok, even I know it's not the same. Right now, I focused on not burning any bridges, and not getting too wrapped up in saying "goodbye" to anything. This Christmas holiday kind of messes with me...I feel certian that I will be celebrating New Year's without really considering that it marks my last 14 days in the city I call home. I am totally fosused on eating all my favorite and indulgent items...shiners (for which this blog is named) and steamed kale tops the list...but also Pop Soda and all the cheese and maple syrup I can consume. I already know there is going to be a struggle to find good food in the nasty 'nati...who the hell has heard of steamed kale and nutritional yeast in the midwest?
It's snowing today and it looks like this: I'll miss the snow...and how nicely it falls in Vermont.