This Year at the Zoo...

there's a baby sea otter! As always, the Pittsburgh Zoo doesn't disappoint. Some new animals this year like the sand sharks, and I don't think I've seen the kangaroos.

And of course, my back yard isn't really a zoo, but check out the crazy pumpkin plant threatening to take over the yard. Usually Kaya decides to sit right in the middle of the garden. This time she was posing for the picture.

Hockey

Last year I spent a lot of time blogging about hockey. This year, I haven't said a thing...it was just too good to be true. I didn't make it to as many games during these playoffs as last year and I had to work during a lot of the games, but the end result is the best it could possibly be: the STANLEY CUP is back in Pittsburgh. I think it's only fitting to post a few pictures including some from the parade on Monday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcXe8tCpFEI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1xbRLVNzro

Small House, Big Work

So, it's that time again. My dissertation work is over, vacation is over, and there's no excuse to not work on the house. This weekend Mom and I took out the very scary, smelly, old carpet from my stairs and hallway. It doesn't look good now, but I hope I'll have updated pictures soon.

Also, I didn't have time for a garden last year, but this year here it is! Again, doesn't look great yet, but when those sunflowers sprout and bloom, it better be awesome!

The Blue Malkin

1 oz Blue Curacao

1/2 glass OJ

Fill with 7-Up

All over ice.

Trademark: Amanda Reynolds and Matt Oberdier

Updates

Well, the summer semester has begun. Right now I have one ENG 102 class that I meet for the first time this evening, and I'm grading SATs along with tutoring online. It's not much, but at least it's something.

The big news is getting back from vacation in St. Maarten with Matt and my parents. I've put some new pictures from the trip.

Finally, let's go Pens!!!

Oooohhhhiiiiiooooo

That's right...Pittsburgh girl went to Ohio for two days. Don't worry. I made it back unscathed! One of the best things was Matt taking me to Vegitteranean, Chrissie Hynde's vegan restaurant in Akron. Awesome artichoke pizza and a portabello wrap...

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate

I made truffles/candy for Mother's Day...here are some pictures. Probably won't do this again anytime soon...

"The Savvy Grouse"

The Pennsylvania Adventure website has changed its name. You can now find my posts at: www.thesavvygrouse.com Check out this week's blog on the Montour Trail.

If You Thought the Bloody Leg was Bad...

…then check out the boot. That’s right, it’s a few days before the marathon, and if you haven’t heard, I have a stress fracture in my right tibia. My leg had been hurting for months, but I really thought it was shin splints. That is of course until I tried to run last Thursday. I had been running less (tapering) the last few weeks before the race, and my leg just kept feeling worse and worse. Now I get to wear this contraption for a few weeks, and also there’s no running, biking, etc. allowed for 6-8 weeks. The only thing I can do apparently is swim. Too bad I’m not so great at that! I think I’ve figured out why this thing is useful. It’s such a pain to walk in it that you basically avoid any walking you would normally do. So, I guess if I fall down the stairs that sort of defeats the purpose of resting my leg, right?

Here are some pictures of the marathon that I got to WATCH.

Seven Course Brunch?

Since I moved to Pittsburgh, I've been wanting to try a small vegetarian restaurant near my house. It's actually more of an antique shop masquerading as a restaurant. Literally, everything's for sale. Today Laura and I finally made it to Zenith. For Sunday brunch you order one main dish (pancakes, chick pea burger, tofu, french toast, eggs, etc.) and get a drink and the buffet all for ten bucks. Most things are vegan and there's an entire table just of desserts. The buffet has fresh breads, fruit, at least ten different salads, hummus, etc. Pretty amazing place! Check out the size of Laura's sandwich!

Another Year, Another Easter Bread

I took a few pictures from Easter dinner, but I hadn't gotten around to posting them yet. Here you go. Nice to be home in Pittsburgh for once!

Rachmaninoff at Heinz Hall

You're not supposed to take pictures in Heinz Hall, but I had to steal a few! On Saturday, Matt and I had a good dinner at Palomino and a great Rachmaninoff concert at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. Great night full of city experiences like riding the T!

A PhD is Like an MD, but She Can't Help Anyone

Because I know some people have been anxiously waiting...I PASSED! I don't have a whole lot to report, other than the fact that passing doesn't feel nearly as good as it should. The whole "you have to get a job" and "you have to publish your book" doesn't seem all that rewarding, but nevertheless, it's a step in the right direction. Thanks to V, Carly, and Catherine for having a drink with me to celebrate while I was in Florida. Oh, and I think it's "Dr. Amanda," not "Dr. Reynolds" for future reference. And thanks to Matt for picking me up at the airport for more celebrating. Finally, thanks to my parents, aunts, uncles, grandma, etc. for taking me out last weekend too!

Let This Be a Lesson to You

The first 10 or 11 miles of my run today were pretty good. I started out on the South Side, crossed the Hot Metal Bridge, went up Bates and into Schenley Park. From there I went to Frick Park, ran the trails for a while, and headed back toward home.

Then I was bitten by an angry stick. That's right. A sharp, violent, angry stick. Now, I pack all sorts of things for long runs: a cell phone, some cash, Shot Bloks, sports drink...the whole bit. But from now on, I think I'll pack some Band-aids. It wasn't a bad cut at all, but it would not stop bleeding. After a few minutes of mopping blood off my calf with my hand I was looking pretty bad and still miles from my car. So, I headed to Schenley Loop where there are restrooms, fountians, etc. Sounds smart, right? Sure, except that apparently all those facilities are closed for the winter. I got lots of terrified stares from parents pushing children in strollers considering my handful of blood and red leg. No, I was not slaughtering small forest creatures as I jogged through the woods! Stop staring for goodness sake!

Oh well, what to do? I finished my 24 miles beaten and bloody. Next time: Band-aids.

Will You Be in NYC in April?

Ok, I probably won't get to see it, but one of my poems will be featured on restaurant menus in New York City this April for National Poetry month. The journal, Alimentum, has a cool program that puts poems (both old and new) on menus for hungry restaurant patrons to enjoy while they wait! Check out the broadside from last year, and stay tuned for this year's broadside with my poem online. And hey, if you happen to be in one of these restaurants and see the following poem, take a picture for me please. I wrote this during one of my wonderful stints as a waitress at the "Chuck Wagon Restaurant" in Gainesville, FL. Yes, it's as good as it sounds.

Night Shift

There is always someone waiting
for a napkin, a salad, a tray full of grease.

Crimson and clover, over and over
from some anonymous speaker hidden

in a dank corner that no server
has ever dared clamber up a stool to clean.

Three-top in section eight,
one coffee, two creamers,

six screaming kids.
“Waitress! There’s a hair in my chicken.”

“I get two sides? How about left and right?”
“You want a tip? Third horse, second race.”

The biggest insult is always the pennies left,
cold soup, a tipped and flying glass of milk.