My name is Jessica and I have a problem...

My name is Jessica and I have a problem..... I'm addicted to otter pops. The popsicle not the alcoholic beverage (I only recently found out about this other version). I haven't had one since I moved to Baltimore approximately eight months ago and I have been going through withdrawals ever since I left Idaho. I think that qualifies as a major addiction (it wouldn't surprise me if there was crack laced into each tube of heavenly goodness).

If you've been my friend for a while, I have probably introduced you to this addiction of mine. I'm single handedly responsible for almost a dozen new otter pop addicts during my last two years of undergrad alone. Otter pops are tubes of frozen, sugary deliciousness!

There are many who will argue with me about the hierarchy of flavors (*cough cough* Ryan Marcum) but the following is my list from most to least favorite (it's my blog and I can post what I want to):

Orange > Fruit Punch > Lime > Strawberry > Grape > Blue Raspberry

And yes, I can tell you the names and personality of each otter that represents each flavor. Don't judge me.

Besides my apparent addiction, you maybe wondering why do otter pops deserve a whole blog post to themselves. The main reason is to celebrate the fact that I finally found a place (After 8 months of searching! And no, I'm not joking.) that sells them in Baltimore! 

How did I discover the magical place that sells these positively sinful popsicles? Yesterday, I was on my way out of my apartment building when I passed my friend Ryan (who is not the same Ryan as mentioned above) carrying a box of otter pops. I'm ashamed to say that I literally accosted him for the location where he bought them.

He told me about a magical Rite Aid on Falls Rd where I'd find the object of my desire. So today I conducted Operation Obtain Otter Pops which was a success (as can be seen by above photos) and I have shoved as many as possible into my already overcrowded freezer.

Now all I have to do is wait as patiently as possible for them to freeze so I can eat them. Maybe it is time to start OPA (Otter Pops Anonymous)...

Why, Hello Summer!

I can't believe it! I'm officially done with my first year of grad school!
That means summer is officially here and what better way to kick it off by a visit from my old roommate, Bethany. OK, to be honest, I kicked it off with a nap to recover from finals and the subsequent all-nighters. And with a haircut. Goodbye eight inches of hair!
But back to Bethany visiting. It's going to be awesome! Beaches, camping, laughing, staying up late (with no studying involved!) and as always, with tons of ice cream. To bad there isn't a Little Caesars any where close by.
BRING ON THE SUMMER!!! Let it be full of movies, books, friends, food, and labwork!

Is It Summer?

Is summer here yet? Well it feels like it! What a beautifully warm day! Too bad I was inside for most of it.
The weather is not the only thing that is indicating that it's summer. My calendar and I realized I am almost done with my first year of graduate school. Holy cow! Where has the year gone?
The only things separating me from summer is one week of teaching, two exams, one presentation, and one journal club meeting. Of course, there are some tests I need to proctor somewhere in there. But the end is in sight!
Bring on summer road trips, camping, hiking, and lots and lots of sunshine! I'm totally ready to convert sunlight into vitamin D and melanin. I'm also so ready to visit home this summer. Come on August! Another awesome thing about summer is... wait for it.... the food! The fresh vegetables and BBQs, I can't wait! So here's hoping for some fresh salsa and a passing grade in Advanced Biochem...