The last time I updated my wish list was in February. Not too long ago, but March was a busy month!

3. Dinner at Alinea

Our long awaited dinner was delicious. It left me rethinking pork belly and bubblegum. Unfortunately the way they presented the “bubblegum” was rather outside of my wheelhouse, but I think I’ll incorporate Thai flavors next time I prepare pork belly- it blew my mind.

23. Re-try the foods I hate; peas, cottage cheese, black olives, beets

Beets I had two occasions in March to sample beets, I tried them, I still don’t like them. I’ll keep trying them, and I’m sure this summer I’ll eventually have to prepare them when we get some in our CSA box.

Peas, I was unprepared for my most loathed food- peas- when we had dinner at Alinea. I ate them, and I have to admit they didn’t make much of an impression- which is a good thing. If we come across some early spring peas at the farmer’s market or in our CSA this year I’ll try again.

28. Invest in a new camera

Finally! This has been on my to-do list for ages. I was putting off doing the research and I was definitely putting off spending the dough, but I pooled together a couple of generous birthday gifts and took the plunge. I bought a Nikon D-40, not too much camera, sort of an intro SLR, and I’m looking forward to my photographs getting better as my skill improves.

38. Art Institute of Chicago (Modern Wing)

Each museum pass you check out from the CPL is good for admission for four people so when my mom was in town we went to the Art Institute. I haven’t been since before they finished the modern wing, and it was a real treat. I was particularly please that our planned visit coincided with a Matisse exhibition- my favorite! (See if you can spot my homage here)

43. Museum of Contemporary Art

Contemporary art is an interesting beast. It seems that so much of what is revered is ugly, and that “beautiful” art is passé. I can’t deny that some of the exhibits were extremely provocative and certainly elicited very emotional responses from both Josh and me.