It's the same everywhere. You have take the good with the bad, the busy with the slow. I have really been understanding this phenomenon this week at work. Since I've started we honestly haven't had a real "slow season." This week has taken a turn, it always does during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Who wants to have a party the week between the two biggest party days of the year?
Anyway, I've been doing everything in my power to keep busy at work these past two days. Organizing everything from the past couple months because we've been so busy and haven't had time to do it. Making the new menus for the new year, sending out marketing information, and organizing my folders on my computer (something I find a lot of joy in doing strangely). I even took on the role of office gardener yesterday watering all the plants and trying to bring them back to life after the holiday weekend. Sorry, but there was no saving the poinsettia!
The biggest project I've taken on is organizing all of the floor plans that we've accumulated lately. I made the most wonderful binders separated by private dining rooms and then the type of event taking place in those rooms. I have affectionately given these binders the name "Private Dining Play Book." I guess it's the "coaches wife" mentality coming out in me. As you can tell I'm very excited about my new book and I've been studying it on the train diligently !
So I was just having a conversation with Jesika about my next two days at work and how I don't really know what I'm going to do to fill my days and this is what she came up with...
Wednesday:
Order tickets for New Year's Eve
Make Hair Appointment
Request Thursday off and put in the reasoning line:
"because I will facebook and talk on the phone anyway, so you might as well let me do it from the comfort of my own home."
Thursday: See Jesika
Now it's a very nice thought, and I'd love to make my trip home one day sooner, but I won't. I'll go to work and find something to do. Water plants, eat snacks, take trips to the restaurant, and find something to organize. I'm excited to go to work these next two days, but I am definitely ready to go back home! But Jes, I'll try to give Human Resources the reasoning for my day off and I'll be sure to let you know how that works out!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Our Christmas Morning
Christmas morning this year was quite the production. Believe it or not, Dillon wasn't too into the whole present opening process so I think it took over an hour to open gifts. You may know from my earlier post that Jill has always done the wake-up call on Christmas morning by ringing an old bell that mom keeps on the hutch. This year was no different... well maybe a little different, I received a text at the Hartman house from Jill. "Ding-a-ling, Ding-a-ling, time to come home." Dan and I kept our pj's on, put on our coats and boots, and headed over to Mom and Dad's.
When we got there Dillon was eating cheerios and asking Grandma to make cinnamon rolls. She of course put them in the oven, stating that she was not just making them because Dillon asked for them (we all knew she was lying, we see more and more of Great-Grandma Hornbach in her every time Dillon comes home.) We then finally had to beg to open presents.
Dillon and I handed out all the presents, I think his stack was taller than he was and we all took turns opening our gifts. Every gift Dillon opened he just wanted to play with. We had to take breaks for Dillon to check out his toe... he told us he had a hang nail and then we had to take a break for John to take the smoking cinnamon rolls out of the oven. We somehow managed to distract Dillon enough so he didn't ask about them... they had to be thrown away!
I think everybody got everything that was on their Christmas lists. I came home with beautiful leather gloves, earrings, a crock pot, some good wine, and a new scarf from Dillon (Jill and I have made it a Christmas tradition for Dillon to give me a scarf). Dan got a shop-vac and some new tools (do you think we are becoming old people for being so excited about these gifts??) Dillon, I believe, got every Thomas the Train toy, book, and video out on the market, and he loved them all. But I think one of his favorite gifts may be the bean bag. John got an i-pod touch, Jill got three new pairs of shoes, Dad got a new belt and wallet, and mom got all kinds of good things, most importantly her 2011 calender full of family pictures.
We couldn't have asked for a better morning. We topped it off with a big breakfast and then everyone took a nap. And this was just the beginning of the day, Christmas of course would not be the same without the Horstman family. We all had a great visit and ate the most amazing food. Fantastic day spent with the family, my favorite was probably ending the day snuggled in Mom and Dad's 80 degree basement having Dad read a Christmas story... and Dillon still worried about his hangnail!
When we got there Dillon was eating cheerios and asking Grandma to make cinnamon rolls. She of course put them in the oven, stating that she was not just making them because Dillon asked for them (we all knew she was lying, we see more and more of Great-Grandma Hornbach in her every time Dillon comes home.) We then finally had to beg to open presents.
Dillon and I handed out all the presents, I think his stack was taller than he was and we all took turns opening our gifts. Every gift Dillon opened he just wanted to play with. We had to take breaks for Dillon to check out his toe... he told us he had a hang nail and then we had to take a break for John to take the smoking cinnamon rolls out of the oven. We somehow managed to distract Dillon enough so he didn't ask about them... they had to be thrown away!
I think everybody got everything that was on their Christmas lists. I came home with beautiful leather gloves, earrings, a crock pot, some good wine, and a new scarf from Dillon (Jill and I have made it a Christmas tradition for Dillon to give me a scarf). Dan got a shop-vac and some new tools (do you think we are becoming old people for being so excited about these gifts??) Dillon, I believe, got every Thomas the Train toy, book, and video out on the market, and he loved them all. But I think one of his favorite gifts may be the bean bag. John got an i-pod touch, Jill got three new pairs of shoes, Dad got a new belt and wallet, and mom got all kinds of good things, most importantly her 2011 calender full of family pictures.
We couldn't have asked for a better morning. We topped it off with a big breakfast and then everyone took a nap. And this was just the beginning of the day, Christmas of course would not be the same without the Horstman family. We all had a great visit and ate the most amazing food. Fantastic day spent with the family, my favorite was probably ending the day snuggled in Mom and Dad's 80 degree basement having Dad read a Christmas story... and Dillon still worried about his hangnail!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
December 26th
They say that December 26th is the worst day of the year... Christmas is over and everyone just sits around being kind of let down. Your house is a mess, your belly is aching, your head may be pounding from a hangover and there is wrapping paper all over. Christmas songs aren't on the radio anymore, shopping malls are putting out spring clothes, and you know your next big task is to take down the Christmas tree you just so lovingly put up. You have to find places to store all you new Christmas gifts and the next you have to worry about plans for New Year's Eve... and then you must think about your resolutions. I really can see how for some people, this could be an awful, awful day.
But me, I have to disagree, and say, although there were some low points (having to leave St. Leon without Dan and saying good-bye to Jill and Dill), today was still one of my favorite days! I woke up in my new pj's at my house with my entire family. I got to enjoy two pots of coffee with mom and dad, I got to eat breakfast with Dillon (I think everyone got to do this individually today, Dillon had three breakfasts throughout the morning), I got to hang out with John (and he let me pluck his eyebrows!), play farm and blow bubbles with Dillon, laugh with Jill, snuggle with Dan, and listen to the Bengals beat the Chargers! December 26th was just as good as any other day spent with my favorite people. I have so much to share with you about the Christmas weekend, but for now I just want to leave you with my favorite picture from my time spent at home.
I hope you all had such a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed your families as much as I did.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
My Christmas List
Dear Santa,
I didn’t really ask for much this year, just some new pj’s and purple leather gloves, so since I think I’ve been pretty good this year, I was wondering if you could just bring me enough time this weekend to do the following things:
Snuggle with Dillon
Cook food with Mom
Sit at the Kitchen Table with Dad, eat deer salami, and drink beer
Play with all our presents at Rick and Donna’s after we open them at midnight
Allow Dan and I to cook the most wonderful Holiday meal tomorrow afternoon
Go to church with the family
Eat at Skyline and LaRosa’s
Laugh with my girlfriends
Snuggle with Jill, yes I know it’s silly but we usually prefer to sleep in the same bed when we are home
Have John make me pancakes
See all my cousins
Spend time with Dan’s Grandpa who will be home for the day
Sing Christmas Carols
Eat lots of yummy food without feeling sick
Visit with my aunts and uncles
Take lots of pictures
Wear all my cute Christmas outfits
Enjoy the long weekend
Oh, and yes, I would still really like the pj’s and purple leather gloves.
Love,
Tracy
I didn’t really ask for much this year, just some new pj’s and purple leather gloves, so since I think I’ve been pretty good this year, I was wondering if you could just bring me enough time this weekend to do the following things:
Snuggle with Dillon
Cook food with Mom
Sit at the Kitchen Table with Dad, eat deer salami, and drink beer
Play with all our presents at Rick and Donna’s after we open them at midnight
Allow Dan and I to cook the most wonderful Holiday meal tomorrow afternoon
Go to church with the family
Eat at Skyline and LaRosa’s
Laugh with my girlfriends
Snuggle with Jill, yes I know it’s silly but we usually prefer to sleep in the same bed when we are home
Have John make me pancakes
See all my cousins
Spend time with Dan’s Grandpa who will be home for the day
Sing Christmas Carols
Eat lots of yummy food without feeling sick
Visit with my aunts and uncles
Take lots of pictures
Wear all my cute Christmas outfits
Enjoy the long weekend
Oh, and yes, I would still really like the pj’s and purple leather gloves.
Love,
Tracy
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Top Ten Pictures of 2010
Dan and I absolutely love countdowns... we like to watch the ridiculous ones on VH1 and the sports stories on ESPN. We email each other the stories counting down the top pictures of the year on Yahoo! So with Dan's help I thought I would share with you... My Top Ten Pictures of 2010. These are in not particular order, I just couldn't rank all of the great things that have happened this year!
Zip lining through Puerta Vallarta. This was two days after we got engaged and it was the most fun adventure we have been on together. Absolutely something I will never forget!
The view from my new office ... well really the restaurant... well really, the restaurant's bathroom, but still, I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing this every day!
I love these three more than anything and I will never take for granted the time we get to spend together. I wish they would all move the Chicago!
The Blackhawks game was definitely the best sporting event I attended this year. Hockey is probably the coolest sport to watch live... and every body must experience the National Anthem at The United Center before a Blackhawks game... there is nothing else like it. The Blackhawks hold a special place in my heart. They are the only team that I loved that I remember winning a championship. Yes, I'm too young to remember the Reds winning 1990...
This picture pretty much sums up the best job I will ever have. Bartending at Harry's is something that I am so grateful for. Not only did I have so much fun every single night I went to work, I gained a family and made a lot of money. I miss the place just like I miss St. Leon, and I will always remember this Tuesday night when I started dancing on the bar to the YMCA!
"I Did It!" Graduating from Purdue was not only a highlight of my year, it will always be a highlight of my life. My Aunt Jane once told me that it may not seem like a huge deal, but having a degree from Purdue is such an accomplishment that is looked highly upon. I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself and would never in a million years give back the experience that I had. Hail Purdue!
The Five Friends. Sadly, this was the one time this year that we were all together. I love these girls and I am so honored that they will be the ones that stand with me the day Dan and I get married. I could never ask for a more special group of friends, and they will always be my family.
This picture was taken by such a kind lady about 20 minutes after we got engaged and I stopped bawling my eyes out. I will never forget this night. I'm not kidding when I say that was my favorite dinner of all time. Not only was it the most authentic Mexican food I've ever had, we were at a small table for two, five feet away from the water's edge, with wonderful wine, and candle light... and Dan asked me to marry him. Such a special evening. Definitely a highlight of 2010.
These girls also hold a special place in my heart. I met them all (well besides ManFace) as soon as I moved into my dorm room. Since that day, when we started skipping BGR activities and eating in the dining court, they've been counted amongst my closest friends. I probably wouldn't have gotten through college without them... I know I wouldn't have had as much fun or as many laughs and I just love them to pieces.
And of course, this is one of the greatest pictures of the year. Not only was it Paul and Theresa's first trip to Chicago it was such a great weekend. Dan and I both had our families there, we all enjoyed many meals, cocktails, and laughs together and it was a great way to spend a summer weekend... not to mention it was July 3, 2010, exactly one year from they day we are going to get married. Let's just hope the weather is as wonderful.
Zip lining through Puerta Vallarta. This was two days after we got engaged and it was the most fun adventure we have been on together. Absolutely something I will never forget!
The view from my new office ... well really the restaurant... well really, the restaurant's bathroom, but still, I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing this every day!
I love these three more than anything and I will never take for granted the time we get to spend together. I wish they would all move the Chicago!
The Blackhawks game was definitely the best sporting event I attended this year. Hockey is probably the coolest sport to watch live... and every body must experience the National Anthem at The United Center before a Blackhawks game... there is nothing else like it. The Blackhawks hold a special place in my heart. They are the only team that I loved that I remember winning a championship. Yes, I'm too young to remember the Reds winning 1990...
This picture pretty much sums up the best job I will ever have. Bartending at Harry's is something that I am so grateful for. Not only did I have so much fun every single night I went to work, I gained a family and made a lot of money. I miss the place just like I miss St. Leon, and I will always remember this Tuesday night when I started dancing on the bar to the YMCA!
"I Did It!" Graduating from Purdue was not only a highlight of my year, it will always be a highlight of my life. My Aunt Jane once told me that it may not seem like a huge deal, but having a degree from Purdue is such an accomplishment that is looked highly upon. I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself and would never in a million years give back the experience that I had. Hail Purdue!
The Five Friends. Sadly, this was the one time this year that we were all together. I love these girls and I am so honored that they will be the ones that stand with me the day Dan and I get married. I could never ask for a more special group of friends, and they will always be my family.
This picture was taken by such a kind lady about 20 minutes after we got engaged and I stopped bawling my eyes out. I will never forget this night. I'm not kidding when I say that was my favorite dinner of all time. Not only was it the most authentic Mexican food I've ever had, we were at a small table for two, five feet away from the water's edge, with wonderful wine, and candle light... and Dan asked me to marry him. Such a special evening. Definitely a highlight of 2010.
These girls also hold a special place in my heart. I met them all (well besides ManFace) as soon as I moved into my dorm room. Since that day, when we started skipping BGR activities and eating in the dining court, they've been counted amongst my closest friends. I probably wouldn't have gotten through college without them... I know I wouldn't have had as much fun or as many laughs and I just love them to pieces.
And of course, this is one of the greatest pictures of the year. Not only was it Paul and Theresa's first trip to Chicago it was such a great weekend. Dan and I both had our families there, we all enjoyed many meals, cocktails, and laughs together and it was a great way to spend a summer weekend... not to mention it was July 3, 2010, exactly one year from they day we are going to get married. Let's just hope the weather is as wonderful.
Monday, December 20, 2010
My 10 for 10 Update
With only 10 days left in 2010 I thought I would revisit my 10 for 10. You can see the original post here. Of course like every to-do list I had high hopes for myself, somethings just didn't happen, but I did have quite a few successes. So here are my updates! We will see what will happen in the next ten days!
1. I got half-way to my savings goal. My student loan payments starting mid-November hindered my plan a little bit, so hopefully I can get back on the saving train come the new year! I'll give myself a 50% for goal #1.
2. I also finished my #2 goal halfway. We got the most wonderful photographs and framed them... but they are still sitting on the chair waiting to be hung on the wall... So it looks like I can only give myself a 25%.
3. At last, something I can give myself a 100% on. Thanks to our "Black Friday" purchase of an elliptical I have proudly lost 5 pounds... Now I just can't gain it back this coming weekend!
4. Didn't join a book club, 0%, failure for me. But I have been reading some really good books, including Decision Points by George W. Bush. I don't think this would be on any book club's reading list here in Chicago, they are all too liberal! So maybe a book club isn't such a good idea for me.
5. See my girlfriend's twice. I have to give myself a 75% on this one, because sadly I haven't been able to see Kaitlin. I miss the girl like crazy and must make it a point to see her come the New Year. Love you Kait, and for the rest of the girls... I'm so glad you drug me to Boogie Nights when I was home in October and I loved spending the evening drinking margaritas with you over Thanksgiving!
6. 100%++ for item #6, I'm learning new things every day at work and I am very excited about the new opportunities coming in 2011!
7. The eve of Thanksgiving was much more calm than expected, we kept it low key, drinking at Paul and Theresa's (Paul has pretty cheap beer prices) and since I don't think we are going to be getting home until very late on Christmas Eve-Eve, I'm going to go ahead and give myself a 100% for not ruining Thanksgiving or Christmas by being hung-over.
8. Another 0% for #8. I didn't have the chance to learn how to make kipfuls or rolls, we were just so busy over Thanksgiving and I didn't have the time. Maybe next year. But I will surely enjoy them come Christmas Eve.
9. I've already posted enough about my Christmas tree, so I'm giving myself a 100% on having a beautiful tree. Jill and Dillon made it even more special by making me my first home-made ornament!
10. Take more pictures, 80%, there is always room for improvement. I've been doing good, snapping funny pictures around the house and I love the pictures that I have of the family from Thanksgiving. I already have my charger and camera packed for the trip home so be expecting many pictures! I'm so excited for Dan to open his Christmas present... shhh, don't tell, but he's getting a camcorder. I'm so excited to start recording the funny adventures we have!
1. I got half-way to my savings goal. My student loan payments starting mid-November hindered my plan a little bit, so hopefully I can get back on the saving train come the new year! I'll give myself a 50% for goal #1.
2. I also finished my #2 goal halfway. We got the most wonderful photographs and framed them... but they are still sitting on the chair waiting to be hung on the wall... So it looks like I can only give myself a 25%.
3. At last, something I can give myself a 100% on. Thanks to our "Black Friday" purchase of an elliptical I have proudly lost 5 pounds... Now I just can't gain it back this coming weekend!
4. Didn't join a book club, 0%, failure for me. But I have been reading some really good books, including Decision Points by George W. Bush. I don't think this would be on any book club's reading list here in Chicago, they are all too liberal! So maybe a book club isn't such a good idea for me.
5. See my girlfriend's twice. I have to give myself a 75% on this one, because sadly I haven't been able to see Kaitlin. I miss the girl like crazy and must make it a point to see her come the New Year. Love you Kait, and for the rest of the girls... I'm so glad you drug me to Boogie Nights when I was home in October and I loved spending the evening drinking margaritas with you over Thanksgiving!
6. 100%++ for item #6, I'm learning new things every day at work and I am very excited about the new opportunities coming in 2011!
7. The eve of Thanksgiving was much more calm than expected, we kept it low key, drinking at Paul and Theresa's (Paul has pretty cheap beer prices) and since I don't think we are going to be getting home until very late on Christmas Eve-Eve, I'm going to go ahead and give myself a 100% for not ruining Thanksgiving or Christmas by being hung-over.
8. Another 0% for #8. I didn't have the chance to learn how to make kipfuls or rolls, we were just so busy over Thanksgiving and I didn't have the time. Maybe next year. But I will surely enjoy them come Christmas Eve.
9. I've already posted enough about my Christmas tree, so I'm giving myself a 100% on having a beautiful tree. Jill and Dillon made it even more special by making me my first home-made ornament!
10. Take more pictures, 80%, there is always room for improvement. I've been doing good, snapping funny pictures around the house and I love the pictures that I have of the family from Thanksgiving. I already have my charger and camera packed for the trip home so be expecting many pictures! I'm so excited for Dan to open his Christmas present... shhh, don't tell, but he's getting a camcorder. I'm so excited to start recording the funny adventures we have!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas Beers
With Christmas only days away this weekend was dedicated to finishing up all the little last minute things. I still had Johnny to get a gift for... he's always the most difficult to buy for, but I think he will like he present this year! I also had to get the to's and from's for all my packages. It amazing that I remembered who got each present that was wrapped exactly like every other one under the Christmas tree. And the last thing I had to cross off my list was, "Buy Christmas Beer!"
So with this list in hand I ventured out to the mall. Dan was in no way going to be talked into this trip with me. I tried most of the morning, bribing him with lunch and dinner, but he wasn't taking my bait... he had a date of his own to go on with his friend Artie, so I was on my own.
It took me 25 minutes to find a parking space, but once I got in the mall, and past all the crazies at JCPenney, I was okay. I got almost everything checked off my list and even treated myself to a wonderful coffee drink at Gloria Jean's, this made me miss Jesika like crazy.
Christmas beer was the lone item left on my list. It's been a tradition for quite some time that we drink Corona's on Christmas. I'm not sure how this started, but we've had some funny stories associated with the Christmas Coronas. There was one year when Bert was in charge of getting the limes for the beers. We all arrive at Bert's on Christmas Eve, dressed in our finest, right out of church... and Bert pulls out kiwis, I don't remembered exactly how we remedied the problem, I'm sure someone went and bought some limes from somewhere, but we will never let Bert live that one down. Every year we make sure she has limes, not kiwis for the beers.
Then there was the Eve of Christmas Eve my Sophomore year of college. Bert and Dave were over and we started drinking the Christmas Coronas... We had ran out of Bud Lights, so Dad let us drink the corona, we almost ran out of that too and we definitely ran out of limes... Mom was chopping up the onion to make her famous cheese-ball and Dave and I thought it would be a good idea to put onion in our beer... Worst.Idea.Ever. I know for certain I finished the beer, but Lord, it was awful.
Last year, we went big. I brought home cases of 24 oz Coronas, which I think can only be found in college towns. It seemed like a fantastic idea. I watched people drink these down in no time while I was bartending. Christmas Eve it wasn't such a great idea. They were so gigantic and they got warm before we finished them. But they were quite the conversation piece, Dad even made sure to get his picture taken with his Corona in the middle of taking family pictures.
The thing is... I don't even like Corona. So this year we are breaking tradition, but still trying to keep with it a little bit. Dan and I got Stella Artois and Blue Moon... keeping with the fancy beer tradition, but getting something we really enjoy. Now we just need to make sure Theresa gets oranges for Dan's beer and doesn't mix up the fruit.
So we are ready for Christmas, the presents are wrapped, the tags are put on them, and the Christmas beer is ready to be packed. So now I just have to get through four days at work, while Dan enjoys his break from school. Christmas Eve can't get here soon enough!
The Birthday Cards
This week has passed by so quickly, I can't believe that it's over already. And during this week I turned 23, I'm not sure where my 22nd year went... apparently my sister doesn't either, she wrote gigantically on my birthday card, "Happy 22nd Birthday!" I laughed just thinking, "Did you really think I was only 21 years old?"
The card made me laugh and made me think about all the other wonderful and funny cards I've received for my birthday.
I don't remember which birthday it was but, there was one time when my great aunt Janet brought over my birthday card, on December 8th... and it was a belated birthday card! It was one of my favorites because every year I think about the belated birthday card I received 8 days before the real day!
The girls always give me fantastic cards, I've kept most of them because they usually have pictures of old ladies on them... acting just how we will act when we are that age. I have one of two ladies floating on rafts from Amanda, that was from the year we spent most of the summer floating around in her pool. There is one from Jesika with two ladies so hung over, they don't know what happened the night before, they are just glad because they are still wearing their hats... that's so Jesika and myself.
All my birthday cards this year brought so many smiles to my face. The messages that the girls wrote in my cards really just made me realize that I have the best friends in the world. And the gift that I received from Jill and Dillon was the most perfect gift... Jill was right, I definitely needed a homemade ornament on my tree!
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Registry
One of the big tasks that we completed during our Chicago weekend, was our wedding registry. It took me quite some time to get Dan excited about it, but once we were in the store, and he had the scanner in his hand... he was ready.
We are living pretty comfortably together, when I think about what we don't have now the things that come to mind are an ironing board and a crockpot. We both lived on our own before we moved in together, so we really have everything we "need", so now, according to the econ teacher Mr. Hartman, we could think about things we "want." You know, matching dishes and fluffy towels!
Dan really kept me in check though, when I strayed from our list we made before going, he gave me that look and said "What are you going to do with that?" "Where are you going to put that?" Sad to say, Dan did not let me register for a cheese dome... so please don't ask me to bring a cheese ball to any function, I won't have the appropriate dish!
We had such a fun day, making our way from Crate and Barrel then to Macy's. My favorite was sitting at one of my favorite bars downtown, spreading out all the papers, drinking beers, and checking out what we registered for.
You'll never believe what we left off of the list though... An Ironing Board!! Good thing we can add to our registries online, because I don't think I'm getting Dan back out there!
We are living pretty comfortably together, when I think about what we don't have now the things that come to mind are an ironing board and a crockpot. We both lived on our own before we moved in together, so we really have everything we "need", so now, according to the econ teacher Mr. Hartman, we could think about things we "want." You know, matching dishes and fluffy towels!
Dan really kept me in check though, when I strayed from our list we made before going, he gave me that look and said "What are you going to do with that?" "Where are you going to put that?" Sad to say, Dan did not let me register for a cheese dome... so please don't ask me to bring a cheese ball to any function, I won't have the appropriate dish!
We had such a fun day, making our way from Crate and Barrel then to Macy's. My favorite was sitting at one of my favorite bars downtown, spreading out all the papers, drinking beers, and checking out what we registered for.
You'll never believe what we left off of the list though... An Ironing Board!! Good thing we can add to our registries online, because I don't think I'm getting Dan back out there!
Snow Day...
... For Everyone, But Me!
Dan got the call today... AT 4:45 AM, that let him know there was no school today. It was right then that I realized that I will never get another snow day! So I got out of bed, 45 minutes early, because I knew my commute would take that much longer today. Dan was nice enough to get out of bed too, clean off my car, warm it up, and drive me to the train station. I left my house at 6:20... and arrived at my desk at 8:40, long morning if you ask me.
When I called my mom this afternoon I caught her making lunch for my dad and brother. Dad had a vacation day, and John had no school, I was so jealous of the day they got to spend together, and of the beautiful scenery they were probably enjoying. This is one of my favorite pictures I've taken of Grandpa's Farm. You definitely don't see scenes like that around here.
I thought back to all the snow days that I used to enjoy. There were the times I would get stranded at Amanda's house and we would spend the next day sled riding down her driveway. There were the nights when we would stay outside with our neighbors building ramps and forts because we just knew that we wouldn't have school the next day (I precisely remember the one night we stayed out way too late, and somehow we had to go the next day...Terrible). And the best days were the days we would go to school, but got sent home early. My Favorite!
I honestly thought today... "Oh how I miss college!" My favorite was when I would just look outside and decide that I didn't want to go. I would snuggle in my bed all day until Amanda came home after her hours of class and made me get up. I saw one of the very few snow days at Purdue during my freshman year. That day was so much fun, we built the most fantastic snowman right outside our dorm, ate every snack we had between three of our rooms, watched silly TV, and played all day! I loved Duhme and I would give anything to spend a day back on the third floor! Yes, our snowman had an ipod! I'm pretty sure we stole it off of a poster from the dining hall!
So my snow days are over, and the people I love the most will always have snow days. Amanda and Jesika are already called off for tomorrow... and they only got 1" in Tennessee. We will see if Dan goes tomorrow... I hope not, I kind of liked having a little chauffeur today!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
"Color Me Happy, There's a Sofa in Here for Two!"
Channeling my inner "Pretty Woman" this is exactly what I said as I walked into the elevator at The Palmer House this weekend. I've never seen such a beautiful hotel and I was happy to spend the weekend there. I don't know how Dan finagled two nights at this historic place, but it was a great birthday weekend in the city and I learned many history lessons while we were there.
Including... The same man that restored the Sistine Chapel restored the beautiful ceilings in the hotel lobby, Potter Palmer (I love his name) gave the hotel to his new wife, Bertha, as a wedding gift (I told Dan I wouldn't mind a hotel of my own in July), and Bertha is the one that invented The Brownie at the hotel (we enjoyed one of her original brownies at "Potter's Pub" last night, it was fantastic). I also learned that in the 1950's there were 17 telephone operators that worked full time for the hotel, they averaged 2,700 phone calls an hour (that's 178 calls an hour, per person, are you kidding me, I get flustered after about 5 calls in an hour!). I saw Bertha's 24-karat gold rimmed china that was proudly displayed in the lobby. The china is insured for $7,000 a place setting! And I thought the place settings we registered for this weekend were nice!
The hotel was beautiful, the weekend was fantastic, and despite the weather we had such a good time being in the city! And to get you all in the Christmas spirit I will share with you the three most beautiful trees I saw this weekend!
The Palmer House
Daley Plaza
The Hartman House
The Weather Outside is Frightful
... and I'd give anything right now for a delightful fire inside!!
Don't get me wrong, we are staying cozy today, snuggled upstairs in our snuggies. But oh my goodness, I've never seen snow like this before!
We cut our Chicago weekend short and left as soon as we got up this morning, trying to beat the blizzard like conditions. Of course, with our luck, we got back to the train station as soon as the snow was blowing in from all directions. I honestly thought it only snowed like this in Minnesota, I've definitely never driven in anything like this, and now as I look out my window and the street sign is about the blow off it's post, moving south is looking better and better.
What a nice welcome home... no temperature to record!
I'm starting to get nervous about my commute tomorrow, but Dan says the world doesn't shut down when it snows here like it does at home. Trust me, if St. Leon ever saw snow like this, school would be called off for a month!
So today we are staying in... we braved the grocery store as soon as we got back and now that everything is put away we can just watch from the inside the ridiculousness that is called "Lake Effect" snow. They weatherman is saying that there will be 12 to 15 inches by morning, and I'm just hoping that I survive my first Chicago winter!
The least comforting quote of the day "Look at the weather in Chicago" by Boomer Esiason as he watches from him nice and cozy broadcasting booth in New York! Please tune into the Chicago Bears game that is about to start if you'd like to see what I'm seeing right outside my window!
Don't get me wrong, we are staying cozy today, snuggled upstairs in our snuggies. But oh my goodness, I've never seen snow like this before!
We cut our Chicago weekend short and left as soon as we got up this morning, trying to beat the blizzard like conditions. Of course, with our luck, we got back to the train station as soon as the snow was blowing in from all directions. I honestly thought it only snowed like this in Minnesota, I've definitely never driven in anything like this, and now as I look out my window and the street sign is about the blow off it's post, moving south is looking better and better.
What a nice welcome home... no temperature to record!
I'm starting to get nervous about my commute tomorrow, but Dan says the world doesn't shut down when it snows here like it does at home. Trust me, if St. Leon ever saw snow like this, school would be called off for a month!
So today we are staying in... we braved the grocery store as soon as we got back and now that everything is put away we can just watch from the inside the ridiculousness that is called "Lake Effect" snow. They weatherman is saying that there will be 12 to 15 inches by morning, and I'm just hoping that I survive my first Chicago winter!
The least comforting quote of the day "Look at the weather in Chicago" by Boomer Esiason as he watches from him nice and cozy broadcasting booth in New York! Please tune into the Chicago Bears game that is about to start if you'd like to see what I'm seeing right outside my window!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Wrapping Paper Story
I have always loved to wrap Christmas presents. I've probably been helping, and then eventually doing all the wrapping since I was in first grade. I would wrap every body's presents for my mom and now I like wrapping the gifts better than I like picking them out for people. I spend so much time picking out the paper and the bows that I want to put on them... and that is how I spent most of my Saturday evening, wrapping presents.
All the presents, ready to be packed up and taken back to St. Leon and Guilford. I just hope the bows stay in tact on the trip!
Wrapping paper was actually the demise of Santa Claus for me. I think I believed in Santa longer than most people did, but there was one year when Mom must have only bought one style of paper.
It was Christmas morning, Jill woke me up by ringing this ridiculous bell that we had and we went out to the living room to open the gifts. The cookies were gone and the milk had been finished off as well and there sat all of our presents... IN THE SAME PAPER THAT I HELPED WRAP EVERYONE ELSE'S GIFTS IN! I still remember asking my mom, "Why does Santa have the same paper we do?" and I can still see mom sitting there, I think she was a little surprised and I don't really remember what she said, I just remember thinking, "This Santa character is really just a character."
The next year Christmas was just as great as normal. We still had Christmas Eve at Great Grandma Hornbach's house, Jill still woke me up with the bell at some god-awful time in the morning, and we still spent the day playing with our toys, trying on our new clothes, and spending time with our cousins at Grandma Horstman's house.
I knew there was no Santa, but that's still who our gifts came from that year(wrapped in the same paper as the gifts for our grandmas). And to this day our presents are still from Santa. This year I am so excited to spend Christmas morning with the family, especially Dillon who will really think his gifts came from Santa... as long as Grandma doesn't make the same mistake with the wrapping paper!
All the presents, ready to be packed up and taken back to St. Leon and Guilford. I just hope the bows stay in tact on the trip!
Wrapping paper was actually the demise of Santa Claus for me. I think I believed in Santa longer than most people did, but there was one year when Mom must have only bought one style of paper.
It was Christmas morning, Jill woke me up by ringing this ridiculous bell that we had and we went out to the living room to open the gifts. The cookies were gone and the milk had been finished off as well and there sat all of our presents... IN THE SAME PAPER THAT I HELPED WRAP EVERYONE ELSE'S GIFTS IN! I still remember asking my mom, "Why does Santa have the same paper we do?" and I can still see mom sitting there, I think she was a little surprised and I don't really remember what she said, I just remember thinking, "This Santa character is really just a character."
The next year Christmas was just as great as normal. We still had Christmas Eve at Great Grandma Hornbach's house, Jill still woke me up with the bell at some god-awful time in the morning, and we still spent the day playing with our toys, trying on our new clothes, and spending time with our cousins at Grandma Horstman's house.
I knew there was no Santa, but that's still who our gifts came from that year(wrapped in the same paper as the gifts for our grandmas). And to this day our presents are still from Santa. This year I am so excited to spend Christmas morning with the family, especially Dillon who will really think his gifts came from Santa... as long as Grandma doesn't make the same mistake with the wrapping paper!
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