The New Guerilla Kitchen, or Why I Really Hope My Master's Degree is Worth It

Two days before the big move! Total chaos, but it all worked out wonderfully.

 My report on how Brady's Philly to Amherst move went could be described in one word: Change... ey. We enjoyed the road trip, got lots of help (in many forms) from both of our families, and when it was over, it was just Brady and me, for a very short time, in our future home. We made a quick run to Trader Joe's (only 10 minutes away!), and I made dinner with glorious local farmstand produce: Zucchini fritters, salad and native sweet corn on the cob. Brady finished setting up the electronics, and later we enjoyed an excellent beer (Dogfish Head, Raison d'Etre) and an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Say what you like, this is still one of the best ways I can think of to spend an evening, except for the persistent fact that I would be leaving the next day. Brady and I have done long-distance before - it stinks big time, of course, but we figured it out. Obviously, though, living together for a year kind of spoils you. So we soaked up as much of each other's company as we could before I had to catch my bus to Philly, knowing full-well that it still wouldn't be enough to face the six weeks before we can get together.

I know, I'm so emo, but I see no other way to deal with this at the moment - except maybe cooking.

Most people have kitchen cabinets. I, Miss Fancypants, have a kitchen closet. That's right. My kitchen - or at least the sink, counter space, storage and small appliances - exist in a closet. In case you were wondering, the real difference between our last apartment and my studio is not all in my head. Sharing 715 sq feet on the 9th floor to trying to get comfortable (alone) in 220 sq feet on the first floor is kind of a big adjustment.

Kitchen Closet: Left. Don't even try to tell me that that isn't the tiniest coffee maker you've ever seen.

Kitchen Closet: Right

I am not yet fully frustrated with the kitchen arrangement, though I am certain that day will come. But the way I see it, this is the whole point of GK: To do the best you can with what you have, and find new ways to do things you thought you couldn't. It's about making something out of nothing, and this kinda feels like nothing.





In truth, with the notable exception of counter space, I have everything that I need: A range (electric, grumble grumble), an oven, a refrigerator, a sink and a microwave. As a bonus, I have my baby crock pot, and the internet, so if I can't keep cooking here, I can't call myself much of a Guerilla Anything. I'm going to keep cooking because I need to, to sustain myself physically, spiritually and personally, and until December, this is where I will be doing it.
 

And now, a few very artsy photos of the weekend in Western Massachusetts from Sebastian Ebarb (of Sebastian Ebarb Design):

From Left: Brady's parents, Amy and John Eskilson, Brady, Me, My mother Linda, and my sister Alexandra (Allie)

Oooh, landscapey.

Delicious "Harmony Springs" sodas made in Ludlow, MA and consumed at Cook Farm in Hadley, MA

I am probably not breaking new ground with any of you when I say that the farms, food and friendly people in the Amherst MA area are all amazing. I didn't think a year of city living had affected me that much, but when I had the opportunity to buy 13 beautiful, sweet ears of native corn from an equally sweet farm owner (for $4, by the way) about a hundred yards from where it was grown, I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. This place is beautiful in every way, and once I move there, you might have a hard time getting me to live anywhere else. The "real-life" kitchen in our apartment doesn't hurt, either.