The different terms at Art Center have different mindsets: fall is serious, spring is kind of an in-between time, and in summer people tend to stop giving a shit.

Sometimes this relaxed summer attitude is really fun. For instance, my Communication Design 2 class last summer was a blast. The teacher was more laid back than usual, and we all had a great dynamic leading often to giggle attacks during critique. But this summer is different. This summer seems to be about rolling in whenever the hell you please. People aren’t taking their classes seriously, doing their work, or showing up on time.

It is this last issue that has been bothering me the most. Today in Type 4 (comprised of 5th and 6th term students) I was the only person on time by HALF AN HOUR. Granted, I have a tendency to be early–chalk it up to chronically late parents–but still. I was at the emergency vet at 2:00AM (more on that later) and I still managed to show up on time. I even brought kitty (renamed Maybelle, if you’re keeping track) to class with me.

My Graphic Design 2 class (which thankfully ended last week) was similar. The teacher was generally 15-20 minutes late, sometimes student #2 showed up around the 20-30 minute mark, and then #3 would wander in anywhere between 45 and two hours late. What a distraction and a waste of my time.

End rant. I’ll update on the cat status as soon as I know more.

Last week, Derek and I went and tried out a new Korean restaurant in Pasadena. “Cham” was having an invitational tasting of their menu for a soft opening, and Mr. D scored us a spot. So, enjoy my first (of many potential) food post!

Cham is a chic Korean Bistro on Cordova and Lake.
They had the complete menu available for us to try, and the friendly host helped us decipher their choices.

We started with the Spicy Tuna & Pea Shoot Pocket, followed by a Marinated Fresh Crab Meat version. Both were sweet and delicious, with rice at the bottom.

Next we tried the Spicy Tuna SSam Garden Platter (because Derek and I can never have enough spicy tuna). This one was indeed very spicy, but again, delicious.

The owner came over and showed us how to mix it properly, as well as assemble our next course:

Which was a traditional Korean BBQ Short Rib taco-y situation. It came out steamy and beautiful.

Wrapped up in lettuce with a raddish slice, some noodles, cilantro and a red bean spread, it was all the right mix of textures and complimentary flavors.

Finally we ordered Rice Cakes & Beef Bulgogi, which had nothing to do with the Quaker version I had in my head. Delicious and chewy, these little rice morsels were a wonderful compliment to all that spicy tuna.

The people next to us were enjoying their food too!

All in all, my first Korean food experience was delicious and surprisingly healthy. The free part helped too.
Next time you’re hungry in Pasadena, check out Cham as a nice alternative to the Old Town routine.