Extra Credit...

One semester of college under my belt. I took Art Appreciation and CAD Fundamentals this semester and received "A's" in both courses. The work took some getting used to, and the nights of working until at least 1 AM seemed perpetual. Although some assignments were difficult I got into a work rhythm and they proved to be quite rewarding. The work paid off and I have a 4.0 GPA for the time being. I know these were fairly easy courses and work will be more difficult as I move forward, but I am reveling in my success!
I wrote my first research paper on the Prairie School of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural design career. I had a great editor to help me and got 38 of 33 points available. I took a trip to Chicago with Neil to gain information about Frank Lloyd Wright and his design. I was able to include my own images in my paper which gave me extra credit. The overall available score for the course was 111 and with extra credit I was able to get a score of 135.6. I received a nice note from my Art professor following the course:

"Nathan,

You are the Man!! No worries Mate!! You definitely aced an A. I wish all my students were as prolific, proactive, and throw themselves into their work has you did. I have to say, out of all my ARTH classes (I taught two this semester, over 50 students) you scored the highest of all, and accumulated extra credit on top. I enjoyed your research paper, and your discussion units. Are you a research analyst as your 40/wk job? Do you write books for living? If not, you might look into this! Nathan, I truly enjoyed you as a student, and wish you all the best as you pursue more college classes, and other adventures you take on. You will do well, I can tell..." Steve Lambert

Very encouraging to hear! I am in the process of signing up for Advanced CAD as instructed by my professor, but the system they have indicates I need to take the Technical Graphics course prior. Because I am not seeking their degree for this, I am going to speak with the Chairperson of the Technical Department to see if I can waive this particular course.
I am looking forward to furthering my education and attempting to gain a position at an architectural firm as soon as I am able. Current economy has hampered that goal for the moment.

Undergrad

Having taken my first mid-term tests last week, I have completed half a semester of my first experience with college. Both midterms went very well, I got 39 of 40 questions correct in my AutoCAD class and I aced my Art History exam. I am pleased with my grades so far but have a couple more tests and my first 'college level' research paper to complete for my art class. I have selected 'Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Prairie School' as my subject. This is fitting to my desire to seek a degree in architecture. I am a bit apprehensive of composing a research paper, but I am certain, in the end, I will do well.
I spent a few hours today at the Crown Hill Cemetery to study a couple of books I have checked out of the downtown public library. I have found the area surrounding James Whitcomb Riley's memorial to be a serene place to read and think. Today proved to be somewhat less tranquil as the memorial saw quite a bit of traffic. Nonetheless, I was able to get some study done and enjoy the unseasonably warm day.

Showing some leg...

Another great weekend of culinary endeavors!  

I joined Joel, Heather and their daughter and went to the City Market in downtown Indy.  Such a great place for fresh foods.  Joel had his eye on a Greek eatery in the far corner of the Market,  and we all agreed that would hit the spot.  Quickly after ordering, they explained they only would accept cash, so I hurried off to the nearest ATM to obtain a different form of 'dough'.   We all ordered gyros, but I added an order of baklava.  Serving Pepsi products, I naturally

 ordered my drink of choice: Mountain Dew.  Sadly, they were out of Mountain Dew, so I settled for an orange soda.  Fortunately for me, the rest of the meal made up for the lack of Dew.  The gyros were excellent and the baklava was exquisite! 

  Having finished lunch, we visited Moody Meats and got a beautiful leg of lamb to make for dinner.  We also utilized a coupon Moody offered in their brochure: if you buy $10.00 or more, they give you 1 pound of hickory smoked bacon! 

 I can't wait to use the bacon for another cooking venture.

  

  After the purchase at Moody, we returned to Joel and Heather's, as she had a baby shower to attend.  Joel and I t

hen ventured to Whole Foods to pick up the rest of the ingredients for our meal.  

One great thing about Whole Foods is the tasty samples to munch on while browsing the store! 

 Sometimes the most simple things in life are the best!

I was mainly involved in the prep work as Joel didn't need much help to prepare the courses.  We began the dinner with pita bread, sliced into strips and baked with oil and salt to flavor, served with artichoke hummus and baba ghanoush.  For the most part, I snacked on the 'appetizer' while Joel finished the main course!  Like I said, Joel had the cooking under control.  Needless to say the lamb was incredible!  Beside the lamb was a nice butter leaf lettuce salad with a caesar dressing, new potatoes mashed with a hint of rosemary, and some colorful kidney beans.  We happily ate, and were quite full after.  Another fine meal presented by the culinary masters!

Yes Chef!

A friend of mine, Joel, and I have been enjoying the great television programming on Monday and Tuesday nights.  'American Gladiators', 'Wipeout', and 'I Survived A Japanese Gameshow' to name a few.  But, being 'foodies', we are drawn most to the reality cooking show 'Hell's Kitchen' hosted by Gordon Ramsay.  It has been one of Joel's interests to cook Chef Ramsay's cookbook in its entirety.  So I decided to help him in his first venture.  I may have promise as a 'sous chef'!   

 

 I sat in Joel and Heather's apartment Saturday night having enjoyed three great dishes we made from Chef Ramsay's cookbook.  We were able to replicate his Risotto with Wild Mushrooms and Baby Squash (we used Acorn Squash) Stuffed with Mushrooms and Artichokes.  Both main dishes turned out wonderfully!  I'm not a big fan of mushrooms per se, but I loved both items. The acorn squash was cooked perfectly, and the butter sauce that topped the medley was excellent!  The risotto was a welcome companion to the squash.  The flavors complemented each other extremely well.

  After the dinner we made Chocolate Fondants, and watched the movie Drillbit Taylor.  The fondants were quite rich and the movie was a hit.  At the end of the night, bellies were full and compliments were paid to the chefs.  Overall, a great evening.  Food is a wonderful thing!

A Takeoff And A Landing...

  A lot has transpired since my last entry; to say the least!!  10 months later, life's a bit different...

Frustrations and life-lessons learned, after a half a season last year in the ChampCar World Series, I decided to leave auto racing and try my hand in another field: aircraft maintenance. Working on aircraft is actually very similar to working on race cars, but has brought some challenges and opportunities to grow. I actually find the different cars I have worked on far more difficult than most aircraft.
  

  The jump from racing also brought a parting  with my 2006 Subaru Sti. I was able to get into another Suby; a year older, double the miles and half the payment! My new 2.5 RS lacks, well, everything that was cool on Sarah (my Sti), but is exactly what I need.

 

I do like the color, andI receive much 

less grief about it being a 'shopping cart'!  In fact, I don't think anyone I know has used this nomenclature for Hagar (the other car). 

 

 

 This change also gave me more time at home with friends and likewise time to see concerts I haven't been able to attend because of travel.  I had the pleasure of going to see The Family Values Tour, Rush, Genesis, Regina Spektor, Brandi Carlile, Bill Cosby, the John Butler Trio, and finally Robert Fripp and the League of Crafty Guitarists.   All of the artists were absolutely phenomenal!!  What a blessing to have the chance to take in such great talent!  

Flyleaf and Korn during the 'Family Values' tour at the Verizon Wireless Center in 

Indianapolis, IN

  

 

            

            Genesis in Columbus, OH                                         The John Butler Trio in Indianapolis, IN

  Bill was spot on and absolutely hilarious!  He never missed a beat and was as animated as he has ever been!  He interacted with the audience quite a bit, and even made fun of the Bears, as they were competing in a game during his show.  I sure am glad I got to go! 

I realize while I'm typing, how much I enjoy driving and road trips.  I guess it fits, being I spent most of my life in a car of some sort traveling around the world.  I guess it's just in my blood!   

 More blogs to come, and I doubt it will be another 10 months!