Alicia Cermak

I am kind of embarrassed to admit this, but today I made my FIRST cheesecake EVER (… I know, right?)

This morning I was cleaning out Ryan’s freezer, and I realized that we had frozen 3 packages of cream cheese that we bought months (years?) ago with the intention of making guacamole. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think of things that freeze well, cream cheese isn’t on my list…

Aaaanyway, by the time the cream cheese thawed, I was inspired. I did a quick search on RecipeZaar, found Yooper’s Cappuccino Cheesecake recipe, and fell in love.

* 8 whole graham crackers, crushed
* 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
* 1 1/2 cups sugar
* 1/2 cup whipping cream
* 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
* 4 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* chocolate, shaved into curls (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Mix crackers, butter and 1/4 cup sugar in medium bowl; press onto bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with 2 3/4-inch high sides.
3. Bake crust 10 minutes.
4. Cool.
5. Maintain oven temperature.
6. Combine cream, espresso powder or coffee and vanilla in small bowl; set aside.
7. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese in large bowl until smooth.
8. Gradually beat in remaining 1 1/4 cups sugar, then eggs 1 at a time.
9. Beat in flour.
10. Stir espresso mixture until power dissolves, beat into cream cheese mixture.
11. Stir in chocolate chips.
12. Pour batter over crust.
13. Bake cake until edges are puffed and beginning to crack and center is just set, about 1 hour 5 minutes.
14. Cool on rack for 30 minutes; chill, uncovered for 6 hours.
15. Cut around cake to loosen.
16. Release pan sides.
17. Top with chocolate curls, if desired.

2008 Recipezaar. All Rights Reserved. http://www.recipezaar.com

As those who know me might expect, I used about a cup and a half of chocolate chips, and slightly more espresso powder to make this less cappuccino-ey and more mocha-ey. I also ended up skipping the homemade graham cracker crust due to time constraints, and instead purchased one standard graham cracker crust, one oreo crust, and a package of six mini crusts.

The mini cheesecakes were a pretty big hit:

Well, closing isn’t happening on Friday. The loan program I’m using has a bunch of requirements my lender didn’t tell me about until this week, so closing is going to be delayed awhile while we sort all of that out.

However! Not closing on time doesn’t mean we’re not invited to the neighborhood barbecue! Tomorrow Ryan and I are headed over to the new ‘hood to meet some of our soon to be neighbors. I’m really excited to see what everyone is like. I think it’ll be a good time.
It is customary to bring something along to these sorts of events, so of course, I did what any budding domestic goddess in training would do …

I made ridiculous cupcakes.

♥ Leesha

It has been a really long time since I posted anything of substance. I think part of that was simply caused by lack of interesting stuff to post about. For the most part, I’ve been locked into the rather adult schedule of work, sleep, work, sleep, which makes blogging pretty dull. Fortunately, after over a year of saving up everything exciting, I think I have enough to share with you guys. It’ll be kind of out of order. That cool?

School
I think the biggest news of this year is that I am done with school for awhile. On December 15th, 2007 I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Computer Science. Per my parent’s request, I even walked in commencement, as evidenced below. The entire graduation process was actually more painful than I thought it would be. The number of hoops I had to jump through was astounding, and there were several points during the process where I wondered if I was actually going to get it all taken care of. In fact, my diploma says I graduated after Fall semester, but they didn’t finish processing my graduation requirements, transfer credits, etc. until March. I’m hoping to return to school soon to complete my Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) at Syracuse, but financially, that one is tough to figure out. We’ll see.

Travel
On the travel front, 2007 was a busy year. 2008 has been pretty quiet, so far. In January 2007 Ryan and I went to Washington DC and participated in the United for Peace march. It was truly incredible to see soccer moms, punk rockers and old hippies all in one place talking about the same cause.

In April 2007 Nichole and I made our way to Los Angeles to fulfill one of my dreams – to attend a live taping of The Price is Right. Way back in 1989, I had PM kindergarten, so I watched the Price is Right every morning before I went to school, and even went so far as to setup my own ‘Plinko’ board. So, obviously, when word came that Bob wouldn’t be hosting anymore, I knew it was time to make it happen. The entire process is really, really long and really really torturous. The tickets are first come, first served, so you line up in the early morning (we got there at 2am) and wait for them to distribute numbers (which indicate only that you were in line, not that you are going to get into the taping), at which point you can leave the line for an hour in order to get rid of all of the stuff you’re carrying (including your purse, cell phone and camera). The entire day is spent in a queue, and there’s a brief interview process during which they figure out who in line is the most fucking batshit crazy, so they can select those people to COME ON DOWN. There was an absolutely obnoxious lady selected for the show we were on, so during the taping, when they pan over the crowd, Nichole and I are just sitting there scowling in disbelief. Good stuff. We also went to Universal Studios, attending a taping of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, ate tons of Pink Berry (I still get cravings, and seek similar yogurt experiences every time I travel. Thus far, nothing has compared.) visited the Santa Monica pier, and drove Mulholland drive.
We stayed in a crazy little Japanese hotel. Our toilet was also a bidet. Here is a photo of us waiting outside for our spot on The Price is Right

In August 2007, Mark and I attended Penny Arcade Expo for the second time - this time, with Stovetop! That’s probably deserving of its own post. In September 2007 Claudio and I went to Chicago for the Threadless grand opening concert where Hey Mercedes played. It was incredible seeing them again. I imagine it was similar to the nostalgia our parents feel when they see [insert random band that was awesome years ago that you thought you'd never see live again] play at a casino……except Hey Mercedes was still good.

In October 2007 I went to Vegas with ‘the girls’ which was really, really fun. It was the first big trip we had taken together since the infamous Chicago road trip of Spring Break 2002. We did all of the standard Vegas stuff – lounged by the pool, drank, gambled, buffeted. My only complaint was that I spent a LOT of time doing homework. At least it was poolside

2 weeks ago, Mark and I went to Seattle! We took part in the cookie brigade, who collectively raised nearly $5500 for Child’s Play. Brief details on our trip can be found at http://globalevil.wordpress.com/

I’m hoping to get my Flickr/LJ Pics/Picasa accounts loaded up with photographs from all of this stuff relatively soon.

Nerd
On the nerd side of things, I have a confession to make. I’m using a MacBook pro at work. Don’t worry though - I still run Windows Vista at home, and I honestly don’t think I’d ever make the switch to OS X. People kept telling me I’d never go back to Windows after getting my Mac, but I’m just not seeing it. I DO love the terminal, though. It’s like I’m running Linux, but without all of the pain in the ass and with a prettier GUI. (Cygwin isn’t even comparable, so please don’t suggest it)

Work
Speaking of work, I’m still at Arc Stone, but my role has changed. In September 2007 I was promoted to “Network and Systems Manager”. Yes, that’s right, I’m working as a sysadmin. It has been a really interesting change from my developer role, but I enjoy it, and it’s great to have the stuff I was doing anyway be part of my actual job description. We have a mix of Linux (mostly RedHat/Fedora/Cent distros) and Windows systems, so I get to experience a full range of systems administration enjoyment.
I DO miss development though, so if you need help with a project, let me know.

Buying Stuff
In April 2008, I did something against my better judgment. I ordered a 2008 Mini Cooper. I spent a lot of time looking for used Minis, but for whatever reason, I couldn’t find one with automatic transmission that wasn’t completely tricked out and more expensive than a new one. So, I took the plunge. I get between 35 and 40 MPG, I have LED mood lighting, and my car is adorable. My only complaint is that it seems as if dudes in gigantic pickup trucks are jealous of my adorable little fuel efficient car, and are far more aggressive toward me than they were when I was driving my Nissan. Speaking of the Nissan, I still haven’t sold it. Anyone interested in a 1997 Nissan Altima with only 66k miles on it?

In February 2008 I was doing some research on the housing market, and realized that with my pay increases over the last few years, and the fall in pricing, I could finally afford a house! Ryan and I started working with Matt Ashworth’s team in February. I think we’ve had them take us to 300 houses at this point. It’s out of control.
Anyway, after 6 months of things falling through or just plain not working out, we just had an offer accepted! Our closing date is yet to be determined due to some…issues, but we’re still hoping for September 19th. The house itself is awesome, and our neighbors seem amazing. I’m really excited. In fact, I think this excitement is what got me to start this post in the first place.

We’re still looking for roommates. Any takers?
Moving, housewarming party and general house details to follow.

(pic courtesy of Google Street View. Better pics later, promise.)

Summary (loochypoo requires these)
I graduated
I went traveling through a few of our united states.
I use a Leopard at work and Vista at home
I now work as a sysadmin, but for the same company
I miss web development. Give me a project.
I bought a Mini Cooper
I have a Nissan Altima for sale - $4500?
I’m buying a house (!!!!!!)
Anyone wanna live with me?
Ryan is STILL hot

I’d like to say that I’m going to start posting every day like I used to, but I’m not sure there’s any point. However, that said, I’m really excited to be starting this next chapter in my life, so perhaps I’ll feel the urge to get on here more often.

♥ Leesha

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