The first time I ever failed a test was in 4th grade. I just could not wrap my head around fractions. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions by hand? My 9 year old brain didn’t understand it, and I probably even thought “when will I EVER use this again?”

13 years later while studying for the GRE exam, of course.

I don’t know what this type of math (sans calculator) has anything to do with my ability to perform in graduate school. Why do I need to know how to multiply fractions? Why must they test my ability to multiply decimals by hand?

When I’m stressed out or procrastinating I tend to try new recipes. I decided on soft pretzels this time because…well, I don’t really know. I like carbs.

Taking the advice of a twitter pal, I used the Smitten Kitchen’s Recipe, and assumed I would fail. I’ve never been able to bake anything successfully in my life. I don’t understand baking, I don’t understand the difference between baking soda and baking powder (what the hell do they do?), and I hate hate hate hate measuring. However with Mary’s watchful eye, these pretzels turned into a success. Warm, crispy, delicious carby pretzels. They never made it to the Oktoberfest party I attended because I ate them all. And then two days later, we made them again.

Baking and studying do not bring out my best photography skills. At least I remembered to take pictures.