At work on Friday myself and two of my coworkers went across the street to the Westin for a little holiday event they were having for some of the people they partner with throughout the year. We had a great lunch prepared by their head chef and then went directly into the fiercest competition I’ve been a part of in a while… The Fourth Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Competition!
I’ve never made a gingerbread house before… at least that I remember doing, so I was a little nervous going into it, but then realized that I pretty much was on an all-star team with my co-workers Gayle and Lauren. Gayle went to culinary school and is a master with a pastry bag… she was our designated piper and Lauren is one of the more creative people I know and has an awesome eye for what looks good so we were in business! Also, luckily the houses were already constructed for us. Yes, I did go to Purdue but was frowned upon when I made my way over to the engineering side of the campus and I knew that if I would have had to make my own house it would have never stood the test of time!
The array of candy and items that we could choose from was pretty impressive. We dug right into the marshmallow, frosted mini-wheats, pretzels, mike and ikes, dots, jolly ranchers, m&m’s, and of course, I ate just as many goodies and I put on the house and by the end of the afternoon my belly was hurting from licking my fingers that were full of icing.
We started with the roof and once we had the thatched look we were going for there was no stopping us! We decorated the house very tastefully with wreaths and pretty windows and snow around the edges, but we really concentrated on the house’s accessories more. We had a beautiful tree outside with ornaments and a star on top, and snowman, and a sleigh carrying packages. Of course since I grew up in a house heated mainly by the wood stove I decided this needed to be a part of the gingerbread house. We stacked up pretzels outside for a wood pile and then added marshmallows coming out of the chimney to look like smoke, and to top it all off we hammered in an address sign right outside the front porch “875” was the number of course, the address for the John Hancock Building. It looked great and we were very proud of it. The judging finally took place and (drumroll please!) we came in second place! We knew going in that the girls from The American Girl store have won the past couple of years and they won again this year. They had reindeer pulling their sleigh for goodness sake! So after we decided that our team MVP was Gayle because she was the professional piper, we came to the conclusion that we needed to start researching houses for next year! WE WILL WIN!!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Wine... On Tap!
I’ve found it! One of my new favs, Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant.
Last night Dan and I went out with our friends, Artie and Missi. The trip had been planned for a couple days, but Friday we found out we had so much to celebrate. Dan was named “Coach of the Year” for his area in The Reporter and Artie was “Coach of the Year” in The Times! So very exciting for both of these guys, and very well deserved! So of course, we got to the restaurant and had to order a bottle of champagne. Dan and Missi picked out their seasonal raspberry sparkling wine. It was delicious. But then I saw it, the most fabulous thing I’ve seen in a while… WINES ON TAP! I was in love and made the bartender explain everything to me and show me where the wine barrels were stored, etc. Unfortunately they didn’t have champagne on tap (which, when we build our dream home this will be a major fixture of the house), but all their white wines were there, lined up in beautiful silver taps.
Not to mention the food was fabulous, any place that brings out warm pretzel bread already gets rave reviews from me, but then we had sweet chili calamari and caprese flatbread as an appetizer, delicious! For my entrée I had the filet with steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes. Dan of course had the biggest steak on the menu with a horseradish crust and a side of sherry glazed mushrooms. They were both top notch. Dinner of course was full of funny stories, red wine, laughs and our plans for our next dinner adventure (Artie is cooking). But when we got up to leave… none of us could move. Dan passed out as soon as we got in the car from a food coma. And it is 2:13 pm the next day, I haven’t eaten yet, and I’m still not hungry. Too much for us to handle, I guess, but it was great! I highly suggest the place and the best part is; they have a location in Indianapolis… much closer trip for most of my readers than Orland Park, IL. Enjoy, and try the Raspberry Sparkling wine, you won’t be disappointed!
Last night Dan and I went out with our friends, Artie and Missi. The trip had been planned for a couple days, but Friday we found out we had so much to celebrate. Dan was named “Coach of the Year” for his area in The Reporter and Artie was “Coach of the Year” in The Times! So very exciting for both of these guys, and very well deserved! So of course, we got to the restaurant and had to order a bottle of champagne. Dan and Missi picked out their seasonal raspberry sparkling wine. It was delicious. But then I saw it, the most fabulous thing I’ve seen in a while… WINES ON TAP! I was in love and made the bartender explain everything to me and show me where the wine barrels were stored, etc. Unfortunately they didn’t have champagne on tap (which, when we build our dream home this will be a major fixture of the house), but all their white wines were there, lined up in beautiful silver taps.
Not to mention the food was fabulous, any place that brings out warm pretzel bread already gets rave reviews from me, but then we had sweet chili calamari and caprese flatbread as an appetizer, delicious! For my entrée I had the filet with steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes. Dan of course had the biggest steak on the menu with a horseradish crust and a side of sherry glazed mushrooms. They were both top notch. Dinner of course was full of funny stories, red wine, laughs and our plans for our next dinner adventure (Artie is cooking). But when we got up to leave… none of us could move. Dan passed out as soon as we got in the car from a food coma. And it is 2:13 pm the next day, I haven’t eaten yet, and I’m still not hungry. Too much for us to handle, I guess, but it was great! I highly suggest the place and the best part is; they have a location in Indianapolis… much closer trip for most of my readers than Orland Park, IL. Enjoy, and try the Raspberry Sparkling wine, you won’t be disappointed!
The Days of Claymation...
This week as I was snuggled up on the couch staring at my beautiful Christmas tree I realized that Rudolf the Red-Nose Reindeer was about to be on the television. I remember watching this show with my family when I was little, but I really don’t think I’ve seen it in maybe ten years. I was definitely missing out on a wonderful little show. I remembered bits and pieces (the little elf who wanted to be a dentist, Rudolf’s girlfriend, and Yukon Cornelius) but I had forgotten how the show was made. I guess when I was little I just thought it was a normal cartoon. But now watching it… which was kind of painful because we are used to such action packed, fast moving things, I realized that it was Claymation. Holy smokes, that must have taken forever!
I was very interested in all of the business so I did a little research and for a typical 30 minute show there would have been 21,600 stops in production to change the figures for the frames. So I was thinking about the people that made this show, that has been one of the longest running televised holiday shows ever, and how patient they must have been and how organized an operation like that would have had to been to create the show. Pretty cool, I thought.
Most people are probably thinking I am going way too far into all of this, but it got me thinking about how there is no way our society today would do something like that. We have the mindset that instantly replied to emails and text messages are normal, and that every human being accessible 24 hours a day is the common place. We want things NOW, and if we have to wait it’s unacceptable. Everything is so fast paced and I honestly can’t imagine doing my job 20 years ago… I’m honestly not sure how it was done. Thinking about it makes me kind of crazy!
Yes, I am extremely thankful for all of the wonderful advancements in technology, I don’t think I could function without some of them. And keeping in theme of my blog, my favorite technology is DVR! But are they all necessary, probably not. Maybe we should, even if it’s just for a day, go back to the days of Claymation. I guess I’ll go buy lots of stamps and turn on the fax machine at work!
I was very interested in all of the business so I did a little research and for a typical 30 minute show there would have been 21,600 stops in production to change the figures for the frames. So I was thinking about the people that made this show, that has been one of the longest running televised holiday shows ever, and how patient they must have been and how organized an operation like that would have had to been to create the show. Pretty cool, I thought.
Most people are probably thinking I am going way too far into all of this, but it got me thinking about how there is no way our society today would do something like that. We have the mindset that instantly replied to emails and text messages are normal, and that every human being accessible 24 hours a day is the common place. We want things NOW, and if we have to wait it’s unacceptable. Everything is so fast paced and I honestly can’t imagine doing my job 20 years ago… I’m honestly not sure how it was done. Thinking about it makes me kind of crazy!
Yes, I am extremely thankful for all of the wonderful advancements in technology, I don’t think I could function without some of them. And keeping in theme of my blog, my favorite technology is DVR! But are they all necessary, probably not. Maybe we should, even if it’s just for a day, go back to the days of Claymation. I guess I’ll go buy lots of stamps and turn on the fax machine at work!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Hand Turkey
Before I get to the main reason for this post I want to share with you two of my favorite hand turkeys I've come across this month. The first is the gift from Kaitlin, this girl knows me way too well...
And the second is the icon that has been on google the past two days. I think everyone thought that I was crazy for loving hand turkeys so much, I know Dan does, but this is proof that they are a huge deal! They are on google for goodness sake!
So back to the reason for this post... if you have read the blog in the past, or been on Facebook this month, you know that one of my favorite things is the hand turkey. I've made one every year and it has come down to the wire but I have finally made mine for 2011. I was waiting so long because I was honestly having a hard time narrowing down the four top things that I was most thankful for to put on the feathers.
During my long drive home, I had made my top four list. I walked into Paul and Theresa's house and decided before everyone got home from work I would work on the turkey. Well, apparently since cheerleaders don't live at The Horstman House any longer there is no construction paper, that's fine I can use crayons to decorate him. Well, there is no computer paper, no lined paper... nothing, just that thin little paper that Theresa makes her grocery list on, my turkey would never fit on that! Unless Theresa is hiding the paper somewhere (which is perfectly reasonable explanation) or I'm just a really bad looker (which is an even more reasonable explanation) there is no usable paper in this house.
So I was in a real crunch for time now and wasn't sure what to do, I could make it on newspaper, but I'm more thankful for online newspapers since that is what I prefer to read, so I thought that wouldn't be really good for my turkey. And then it came to me... and below is my hand turkey.
Now you may be wondering where the things that I am thankful for are since they aren't written on the feathers. Well, they are all wrapped up in that picutre. Looking back at this year I am so thankful for that day. Everything that I was going to write on my feathers was there that day. I'm thankful for feeling joy, thankful for my marriage, thankful for all of my family, and for my wonderful friends. Food, wine, laughter, dancing, Rod Stewart songs, beautiful weather... those things were all there that day too. It was the day where everything was right in the world, and nobody can ever take those memories away from us. They are ours, and that is what makes my 2011 Hand Turkey so special. Probably one of my favorites to date! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone, or what I like to say "BE THANKSGIVING!"
And the second is the icon that has been on google the past two days. I think everyone thought that I was crazy for loving hand turkeys so much, I know Dan does, but this is proof that they are a huge deal! They are on google for goodness sake!
So back to the reason for this post... if you have read the blog in the past, or been on Facebook this month, you know that one of my favorite things is the hand turkey. I've made one every year and it has come down to the wire but I have finally made mine for 2011. I was waiting so long because I was honestly having a hard time narrowing down the four top things that I was most thankful for to put on the feathers.
During my long drive home, I had made my top four list. I walked into Paul and Theresa's house and decided before everyone got home from work I would work on the turkey. Well, apparently since cheerleaders don't live at The Horstman House any longer there is no construction paper, that's fine I can use crayons to decorate him. Well, there is no computer paper, no lined paper... nothing, just that thin little paper that Theresa makes her grocery list on, my turkey would never fit on that! Unless Theresa is hiding the paper somewhere (which is perfectly reasonable explanation) or I'm just a really bad looker (which is an even more reasonable explanation) there is no usable paper in this house.
So I was in a real crunch for time now and wasn't sure what to do, I could make it on newspaper, but I'm more thankful for online newspapers since that is what I prefer to read, so I thought that wouldn't be really good for my turkey. And then it came to me... and below is my hand turkey.
Now you may be wondering where the things that I am thankful for are since they aren't written on the feathers. Well, they are all wrapped up in that picutre. Looking back at this year I am so thankful for that day. Everything that I was going to write on my feathers was there that day. I'm thankful for feeling joy, thankful for my marriage, thankful for all of my family, and for my wonderful friends. Food, wine, laughter, dancing, Rod Stewart songs, beautiful weather... those things were all there that day too. It was the day where everything was right in the world, and nobody can ever take those memories away from us. They are ours, and that is what makes my 2011 Hand Turkey so special. Probably one of my favorites to date! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone, or what I like to say "BE THANKSGIVING!"
Blue Goose to East Ciana Ct
So this past weekend was so full of many adventures, good food, wine, the girls, and of course many laughs. Once I upload the pictures from the evening I will share more about the weekend, but one of my favorite parts of the weekend was going to the Carr’s new house in Bloomington. It was so reminiscent of driving to Blue Goose Road, the curvy roads, the cows you’d see every once in a while, and the fear of hitting a deer. And then we arrived and it was like the same house, we walked in and there was the office, the beautiful, spotless kitchen, the big comfy furniture, the sun-room, a dog barking… it was the exact same!
Don’t even get me started on the awesome decorations that Diane had out for the shower, as always, it was top-notch. I was also introduced to a new website called “Smarty had a Party!” Diane, I’ll be sure to not let Dan know who introduced me to this site because I’m sure I’ll be using it! The only thing missing that was always at every wonderful event Diane held during high school was gossamer, but I don’t think it was needed, everything was just perfect!
Once the shower festivities were over the little girl came out in all of us and I asked, “Can we go see your room?” And you’ll never believe it, but the upstairs is the exact same as Blue Goose’s upstairs. They have a play room (which is now the wedding room), awesome bathrooms, and all the rooms are connected just like Kait and Evan’s bathrooms used to be. The only thing missing was the chalkboard in Evan’s room and the unicorn in Kaitlin’s.
Around every corner Kaitlin wanted to show us something wedding related. We peaked a little but decided that it would be more fun to have it all unfold the weekend of the wedding. From what I saw everything, of course, is going to be absolutely beautiful. Very elegant with a splash of sparkle! I have always loved winter weddings and I am so glad to be a part of Kaitlin’s.
And as we were leaving her bedroom, in true Kaitlin fashion, she pulled out a little gift she picked up for me… you’ll have to wait until the next post to see what it was, but just so you know, it was my favorite gift that I’ve gotten in awhile!
Don’t even get me started on the awesome decorations that Diane had out for the shower, as always, it was top-notch. I was also introduced to a new website called “Smarty had a Party!” Diane, I’ll be sure to not let Dan know who introduced me to this site because I’m sure I’ll be using it! The only thing missing that was always at every wonderful event Diane held during high school was gossamer, but I don’t think it was needed, everything was just perfect!
Once the shower festivities were over the little girl came out in all of us and I asked, “Can we go see your room?” And you’ll never believe it, but the upstairs is the exact same as Blue Goose’s upstairs. They have a play room (which is now the wedding room), awesome bathrooms, and all the rooms are connected just like Kait and Evan’s bathrooms used to be. The only thing missing was the chalkboard in Evan’s room and the unicorn in Kaitlin’s.
Around every corner Kaitlin wanted to show us something wedding related. We peaked a little but decided that it would be more fun to have it all unfold the weekend of the wedding. From what I saw everything, of course, is going to be absolutely beautiful. Very elegant with a splash of sparkle! I have always loved winter weddings and I am so glad to be a part of Kaitlin’s.
And as we were leaving her bedroom, in true Kaitlin fashion, she pulled out a little gift she picked up for me… you’ll have to wait until the next post to see what it was, but just so you know, it was my favorite gift that I’ve gotten in awhile!
Friday, November 18, 2011
45 Minutes
45 minutes… I can do a lot in this amount of time, make a fantastic dinner, run a load of laundry through the dryer, ride the train from downtown Chicago to Hammond, Indiana, or watch an hour long television show that I dvr’ed. But these 45 minutes sitting here are really dragging, because in 45 minutes I get to leave work and start my journey to see the girls.
Yes, the journey will be a long one, a mile walk to the train, 45 minutes on the train, 3 hours and 50 minutes in the car, PLUS a time change which makes me lose a precious hour! But all that is standing between me and the beginning of that journey is this 45 minutes. I hope it goes quick, I hope my phone starts ringing to make the time go faster, and I hope nothing drastic happens to make me get out of here any later.
I need this weekend, it’s been way too long since we’ve all been together and it will be so good to see them. I’ve got my car packed with more things than you can imagine because who knows what this weekend might turn out to entail… which means lots of outfits. I can’t wait to start the celebrations for Kaitlin’s wedding because I am just so excited for her and Adam. And most importantly, I’m very excited to go out on the town with the girls, drink champagne, and dance like a crazy woman.
So here’s to the girls, I can’t wait to see you… it’s going to be a great weekend! And thanks to the sixth and seventh Friends, Dan and Adam, for holding down the forts while we are out playing this weekend!
Yes, the journey will be a long one, a mile walk to the train, 45 minutes on the train, 3 hours and 50 minutes in the car, PLUS a time change which makes me lose a precious hour! But all that is standing between me and the beginning of that journey is this 45 minutes. I hope it goes quick, I hope my phone starts ringing to make the time go faster, and I hope nothing drastic happens to make me get out of here any later.
I need this weekend, it’s been way too long since we’ve all been together and it will be so good to see them. I’ve got my car packed with more things than you can imagine because who knows what this weekend might turn out to entail… which means lots of outfits. I can’t wait to start the celebrations for Kaitlin’s wedding because I am just so excited for her and Adam. And most importantly, I’m very excited to go out on the town with the girls, drink champagne, and dance like a crazy woman.
So here’s to the girls, I can’t wait to see you… it’s going to be a great weekend! And thanks to the sixth and seventh Friends, Dan and Adam, for holding down the forts while we are out playing this weekend!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Catch Up!
So I have just realized that it has been almost two months since my last post, and I honestly cannot tell you where that time has gone. And today, as I sit here and plan out the rest of the year, I think these six weeks will go quicker than the last. Since there has just been so much going on lately I feel like I couldn’t even put together a well written post, so here it is, one of my famous lists of what has been going on in my life… and just inside my head lately.
The past months have revolved around Mustang Football. It was an absolutely great season. Dan’s goal at the beginning of the season was to make it to the playoffs, and to make it all the way to the quarterfinals was more than I could have ever imagined… I think a little more than he could have imagined too. But I am so proud of him, if you couldn’t already tell from all my Facebook updates, and I’m very excited for next year!
With that being said, I am so happy to have Dan back in my life. It’s good to walk in the door and have him already there, and what is even better is our house rules are now working in my favor… First one home makes dinner! Chef BoyarDan is back in action.
Work has been a whirlwind, but a good one. I’ve had many, many challenges lately, but I’ve gotten through them. I had to do a lot of things I didn’t want to do, but I have come to realize that you just have to. It’s like a Band Aid… Just pull it off already! With all this working lately I will enjoy five days off over Thanksgiving which I am so looking forward to.
Speaking of Thanksgiving… As most of you know it is my most Favorite Holiday (Halloween being my least, which is my explanation for not blogging at all in October). I am really looking forward to all of the wonderful food and seeing my family. Today I realized that I really really miss them and I am starting to get St.Leon Sick! I have been making practice hand turkeys… I still haven’t narrowed down my top four things I am thankful for, but when I do I will be sure to share the 2011 Hand Turkey with you.
The Thanksgiving weekend is going to be a busy one. I hope to start the weekend off with a trip to Harry’s. I haven’t been since graduation, which is way too long, and I’m starting to have withdrawals from the place. We’ll then make the last leg of the trip to St. Leon, spend time with the families, eat lots of food, attend my 5 year class reunion, and of course, go shopping on Friday. Dan, Donna, and I already have our list made, we just need to plan out the route. I’m not really in the market for anything this year, I’ll just go along for the adventure, yummy lunch and bloody marys that Dan has promised me will end the trip.
Speaking of reunions, I’m in for a big one this weekend with the Five Friends. It’s Kait’s Bachelorette Weekend! I am so excited to see the girls, and meet the rest of the girls in the wedding. I’ll be sure to share the pictures and stories from the weekend next week. I can hardly contain my excitement for Kaitlin. This is the first time I’ve been a bridesmaid and I have to say, I am just as excited for this wedding as I was my own. And we are very thrilled we’ll be gaining our Seventh Friend, Adam.
I feel as if there is so much to do between now and the end of the year, I don’t know where to start, but I knew that I wanted to share these last couple of weeks with you, because this is one of my favorite times of year… even though Dan calls me his Grinch Wife, so I’m back to blogging! For now at least, who knows what the next couple weeks may bring!
The past months have revolved around Mustang Football. It was an absolutely great season. Dan’s goal at the beginning of the season was to make it to the playoffs, and to make it all the way to the quarterfinals was more than I could have ever imagined… I think a little more than he could have imagined too. But I am so proud of him, if you couldn’t already tell from all my Facebook updates, and I’m very excited for next year!
With that being said, I am so happy to have Dan back in my life. It’s good to walk in the door and have him already there, and what is even better is our house rules are now working in my favor… First one home makes dinner! Chef BoyarDan is back in action.
Work has been a whirlwind, but a good one. I’ve had many, many challenges lately, but I’ve gotten through them. I had to do a lot of things I didn’t want to do, but I have come to realize that you just have to. It’s like a Band Aid… Just pull it off already! With all this working lately I will enjoy five days off over Thanksgiving which I am so looking forward to.
Speaking of Thanksgiving… As most of you know it is my most Favorite Holiday (Halloween being my least, which is my explanation for not blogging at all in October). I am really looking forward to all of the wonderful food and seeing my family. Today I realized that I really really miss them and I am starting to get St.Leon Sick! I have been making practice hand turkeys… I still haven’t narrowed down my top four things I am thankful for, but when I do I will be sure to share the 2011 Hand Turkey with you.
The Thanksgiving weekend is going to be a busy one. I hope to start the weekend off with a trip to Harry’s. I haven’t been since graduation, which is way too long, and I’m starting to have withdrawals from the place. We’ll then make the last leg of the trip to St. Leon, spend time with the families, eat lots of food, attend my 5 year class reunion, and of course, go shopping on Friday. Dan, Donna, and I already have our list made, we just need to plan out the route. I’m not really in the market for anything this year, I’ll just go along for the adventure, yummy lunch and bloody marys that Dan has promised me will end the trip.
Speaking of reunions, I’m in for a big one this weekend with the Five Friends. It’s Kait’s Bachelorette Weekend! I am so excited to see the girls, and meet the rest of the girls in the wedding. I’ll be sure to share the pictures and stories from the weekend next week. I can hardly contain my excitement for Kaitlin. This is the first time I’ve been a bridesmaid and I have to say, I am just as excited for this wedding as I was my own. And we are very thrilled we’ll be gaining our Seventh Friend, Adam.
I feel as if there is so much to do between now and the end of the year, I don’t know where to start, but I knew that I wanted to share these last couple of weeks with you, because this is one of my favorite times of year… even though Dan calls me his Grinch Wife, so I’m back to blogging! For now at least, who knows what the next couple weeks may bring!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Scout Team
This weekend Dan thought it would be funny if I was part of his scout team. Since I have outlawed watching game film in our bedroom and always leave or go do something else when he's watching next week's team, I thought I would humor him and watch film with the guy. I came upstairs to his "office" and he had a clip board, paper, and pen laid out for me. I pulled up a little coffee table, made a desk for myself and I was ready. The following is what I came up with while watching the Eisenhower Cardinals.
EISENHOWER CARDINALS
By: Mrs. Coach Hartman
Their offense must stink, it's a one man show for the QB
With a defense set-up like that, your center should be running the ball
22 doesn't do much. Run/Throw the ball in his vicinity
The QB has moves like Mick Jagger
Their cheerleaders sound like scary, scary men
Make them throw the ball, coach
Their defensive guys are slippery little suckers, they go after the ball, you must protect the ball!
DBs can't stay on their guys, I think you should concentrate on your passing game this week
Tell Mike to be ready, the guys that come after the put returner are tough
Watch out for the tiny little guy on offense, he's quick and can knock over guys if he has to
I feel like they struggle on special teams, take advantage of that
I want to meet the player named Guillermo Burrito that's on their roster
#5 has wheels
Final Thoughts: This team is good. Must play smart and without penalties. Always keep an eye on the quarterback and his tiny little friend. On offense get through those holes, and remember, I love you Coach.
So will I be a permanent fixture on his scout team... I doubt it. But it was fun and I will take any time I get to spend with Dan and make the best out of it!
Go Mustangs!
EISENHOWER CARDINALS
By: Mrs. Coach Hartman
Their offense must stink, it's a one man show for the QB
With a defense set-up like that, your center should be running the ball
22 doesn't do much. Run/Throw the ball in his vicinity
The QB has moves like Mick Jagger
Their cheerleaders sound like scary, scary men
Make them throw the ball, coach
Their defensive guys are slippery little suckers, they go after the ball, you must protect the ball!
DBs can't stay on their guys, I think you should concentrate on your passing game this week
Tell Mike to be ready, the guys that come after the put returner are tough
Watch out for the tiny little guy on offense, he's quick and can knock over guys if he has to
I feel like they struggle on special teams, take advantage of that
I want to meet the player named Guillermo Burrito that's on their roster
#5 has wheels
Final Thoughts: This team is good. Must play smart and without penalties. Always keep an eye on the quarterback and his tiny little friend. On offense get through those holes, and remember, I love you Coach.
So will I be a permanent fixture on his scout team... I doubt it. But it was fun and I will take any time I get to spend with Dan and make the best out of it!
Go Mustangs!
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Little Things
This weekend I went on a tiny little shopping adventure. I've been eyeing these throw pillows for quite some time and since I was in the area I went in a finally got them. I was so happy with them and while I was standing in the check-out line I remembered that I really needed some new socks, so I picked those up and put them in my cart as well.
Two days went by and I'm still a little excited about the new pillows, but it in no way compares to how I feel about my new fluffy socks.
I was telling the girls at work today about them... the socks, not the pillows... as I was putting on my tennis shoes for my walk to the train, and they just laughed. But then I realized how wonderful the little things are. So tonight I will share with you my favorite simple pleasures from this past weekend...
New socks, of course
A haircut
A freshly cleaned shower curtain and bath rug
A visit from family members
Waking up to our wind chime
A phone call from my sister and my friends
A mustang victory along with a champagne celebration
A nice, long walk with Dan
Beautiful Weather
Finishing a fantastic book
I just loved these little things this weekend. So with all the crazy things going on around me and my eyes opening up to people less fortunate than myself, I'm going to enjoy these little things. And right now, I think I'm going to go put new sheets on my bed, I just love that feeling!
Two days went by and I'm still a little excited about the new pillows, but it in no way compares to how I feel about my new fluffy socks.
I was telling the girls at work today about them... the socks, not the pillows... as I was putting on my tennis shoes for my walk to the train, and they just laughed. But then I realized how wonderful the little things are. So tonight I will share with you my favorite simple pleasures from this past weekend...
New socks, of course
A haircut
A freshly cleaned shower curtain and bath rug
A visit from family members
Waking up to our wind chime
A phone call from my sister and my friends
A mustang victory along with a champagne celebration
A nice, long walk with Dan
Beautiful Weather
Finishing a fantastic book
I just loved these little things this weekend. So with all the crazy things going on around me and my eyes opening up to people less fortunate than myself, I'm going to enjoy these little things. And right now, I think I'm going to go put new sheets on my bed, I just love that feeling!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Married Life
The past couple weeks people have been asking me, "How's married life?" I have to say, the past six weeks have been a whirlwind but life is pretty fantastic.
Yes, we lived together before we were married so not much has changed in that aspect. Dan thought it might when he asked me to iron his clothes and pack his lunch last week. I looked at him and said, "You don't pack my lunch or iron my clothes, so no." He told me I was the worst wife ever, but I'm standing my ground on that one. But I honestly think that the reason our married life is going so well is because we rarely see each other...
Between going back and forth between our home and our parent's home, school starting for Dan, football over taking his life, and my ever changing work schedule, we really just see each other in passing, when we go to bed, when we wake up, and those oh so special dinners that we get to share together.
But you know what, I don't really mind it. I think that it may be the secret to our success.
I don't know about Dan, but I know to never take the time that we have together for granted. I know not to get upset about silly little things while we are together, because I don't want to spend our time together upset. I like to turn my phone off and put the computer away when we're together, because trust me, there is plenty of time for all of that other stuff on my commute, and when I'm home by myself. And we just enjoy.
So this is what I will always have to keep in mind, as long as Dan is coaching football and I'm working not so normal hours/days. I'll keep our precious moments in mind when he goes off to watch film, when he's up to his eye balls in practice planning, and he calls me when he's supposed to be home and let's me know he still has kids in the weight room. I remember that when we do see each other it will be good when I'm riding the train at 9:00 pm at night, when I'm overseeing someone else's wedding, or when I'm spending the entire weekend at the office.
But I love the chaos, I'm thrilled with my job, and I cannot wait for Dan's first game this Friday. And of course, I love our married life. It's my favorite.
Yes, we lived together before we were married so not much has changed in that aspect. Dan thought it might when he asked me to iron his clothes and pack his lunch last week. I looked at him and said, "You don't pack my lunch or iron my clothes, so no." He told me I was the worst wife ever, but I'm standing my ground on that one. But I honestly think that the reason our married life is going so well is because we rarely see each other...
Between going back and forth between our home and our parent's home, school starting for Dan, football over taking his life, and my ever changing work schedule, we really just see each other in passing, when we go to bed, when we wake up, and those oh so special dinners that we get to share together.
But you know what, I don't really mind it. I think that it may be the secret to our success.
I don't know about Dan, but I know to never take the time that we have together for granted. I know not to get upset about silly little things while we are together, because I don't want to spend our time together upset. I like to turn my phone off and put the computer away when we're together, because trust me, there is plenty of time for all of that other stuff on my commute, and when I'm home by myself. And we just enjoy.
So this is what I will always have to keep in mind, as long as Dan is coaching football and I'm working not so normal hours/days. I'll keep our precious moments in mind when he goes off to watch film, when he's up to his eye balls in practice planning, and he calls me when he's supposed to be home and let's me know he still has kids in the weight room. I remember that when we do see each other it will be good when I'm riding the train at 9:00 pm at night, when I'm overseeing someone else's wedding, or when I'm spending the entire weekend at the office.
But I love the chaos, I'm thrilled with my job, and I cannot wait for Dan's first game this Friday. And of course, I love our married life. It's my favorite.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
"Heaven is for Real"
**Disclaimer** I typically do not talk about religion or my faith for the same reason that I don't talk about politics... I know how I feel and I don't think that it is necessary for me to have to explain myself or put my own ideas on others, but I've just read this book and it's made me think, so I'm going to break my own rules and share. Plus, it's been one of the favorite things I've read in awhile.
So last weekend when we were home I saw this book sitting on Donna's coffee table called "Heaven is for Real." Now somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered a Good Morning America interview with this boy, so I was intrigued. I picked it up and started reading. For the last couple months I've been making my way through James Patterson's Women's Murder Club Series, so I thought, this might be a quick little read, something different.
I was in for such a treat that I never expected. Not only was it comforting, but it made me think, made me challenge my own thoughts, and made me realize that even though I haven't been the most religious person lately, I share the same ideas and beliefs as this four year old that made his own trip to heaven and then came back to tell his story. I shouldn't feel bad for having the same thoughts as Colton, Jesus himself said, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." So I'm going to go with that. I don't need to have this true deep understanding of why things are the way that are, I just need to know that heaven is for real.
With the amazingness of my kindle I was able to easily highlight passages that made me think and that I found comfort in. If you've had enough of the religiousness you can stop reading, it won't hurt my feelings, I probably would have stopped at the disclaimer, but if you'd like to know, below are some of my favorite passages.
"What is childlike humility? It's not the lack of intelligence, but the lack of guile. The lack of an agenda. It's that precious, fleeting time before we have accumulated enough pride or position to care what other people might think... It's the opposite of ignorance- it is intellectual honesty: to be willing to accept reality and to call things what they are even when it's hard."
~This is how I feel and how I've always felt, maybe that's what I don't like talking about my religion or faith, because I'm not up on a soapbox with an agenda to try to get people thinking like me, I'm just thinking and praying on my own, trying hard to accept reality as it is.
"Dad, no body's old in heaven, and nobody wears glasses."
~How fantastic is that. I've always wondered what people would be like in heaven, would we just be angels, would we still look like ourselves, would we even be in human form? Those are all questions that I've always thought of, but Colton saw it and he said that every body in heaven is young. People are probably in heaven, well eternity, feeling how they felt best, and of course without glasses, because everyone should have the perfect eye sight in heaven... and there must not be eye doctors there.
"Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
~And this is where the rest of us fall in. We haven't seen, but we can't question it. We just believe. There is no science behind it, not mathematical equation, nothing. Just the pure faith that we have in our hearts. Since I believe, and since I don't question, I know that there will be an after life, and by the way Colton says things are just fantastic.
There are way too many thought inducing passages and interesting things that come out of this young boys voice, but my favorite part of the book, which I'm not going to share with you because it was just really special and I don't want to spoil it, was when Colton finally sees the picture that best depicts Jesus as how he saw him. It was a picture that was painted by another little girl, but this girls family did not believe in God. Jesus visited this girl and then she painted this picture of what she remembered. Colton had seen hundreds of other pictures of Jesus and just couldn't decide what was wrong with his appearance, but it wasn't right and then he saw her painting... and it was Jesus, and heaven is for real!
So last weekend when we were home I saw this book sitting on Donna's coffee table called "Heaven is for Real." Now somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered a Good Morning America interview with this boy, so I was intrigued. I picked it up and started reading. For the last couple months I've been making my way through James Patterson's Women's Murder Club Series, so I thought, this might be a quick little read, something different.
I was in for such a treat that I never expected. Not only was it comforting, but it made me think, made me challenge my own thoughts, and made me realize that even though I haven't been the most religious person lately, I share the same ideas and beliefs as this four year old that made his own trip to heaven and then came back to tell his story. I shouldn't feel bad for having the same thoughts as Colton, Jesus himself said, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." So I'm going to go with that. I don't need to have this true deep understanding of why things are the way that are, I just need to know that heaven is for real.
With the amazingness of my kindle I was able to easily highlight passages that made me think and that I found comfort in. If you've had enough of the religiousness you can stop reading, it won't hurt my feelings, I probably would have stopped at the disclaimer, but if you'd like to know, below are some of my favorite passages.
"What is childlike humility? It's not the lack of intelligence, but the lack of guile. The lack of an agenda. It's that precious, fleeting time before we have accumulated enough pride or position to care what other people might think... It's the opposite of ignorance- it is intellectual honesty: to be willing to accept reality and to call things what they are even when it's hard."
~This is how I feel and how I've always felt, maybe that's what I don't like talking about my religion or faith, because I'm not up on a soapbox with an agenda to try to get people thinking like me, I'm just thinking and praying on my own, trying hard to accept reality as it is.
"Dad, no body's old in heaven, and nobody wears glasses."
~How fantastic is that. I've always wondered what people would be like in heaven, would we just be angels, would we still look like ourselves, would we even be in human form? Those are all questions that I've always thought of, but Colton saw it and he said that every body in heaven is young. People are probably in heaven, well eternity, feeling how they felt best, and of course without glasses, because everyone should have the perfect eye sight in heaven... and there must not be eye doctors there.
"Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
~And this is where the rest of us fall in. We haven't seen, but we can't question it. We just believe. There is no science behind it, not mathematical equation, nothing. Just the pure faith that we have in our hearts. Since I believe, and since I don't question, I know that there will be an after life, and by the way Colton says things are just fantastic.
There are way too many thought inducing passages and interesting things that come out of this young boys voice, but my favorite part of the book, which I'm not going to share with you because it was just really special and I don't want to spoil it, was when Colton finally sees the picture that best depicts Jesus as how he saw him. It was a picture that was painted by another little girl, but this girls family did not believe in God. Jesus visited this girl and then she painted this picture of what she remembered. Colton had seen hundreds of other pictures of Jesus and just couldn't decide what was wrong with his appearance, but it wasn't right and then he saw her painting... and it was Jesus, and heaven is for real!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Absolutely!
I've played a lot of drinking games in the past. A drinking game can really be anything you'd like, and some of the best ones are the ones that you make up yourself. The Friday and Saturday before our wedding were full of drinking games. Friday night the majority of the wedding party decided to leave our hotel to come and stay at Dan and I's house. I really wanted an elephant ear from the fair across the street, but we never seemed to make it over there. We just all assumed our positions around our big coffee table and started playing drinking games.
We decided on one of my all time favorites, circle of death, also known as Kings. Justin brought some of his own rules from IU and we incorporated those of course, but the funniest/worst part about this drinking game is that everyone was drinking with liquor or wine, which equaled the most ridiculous group of people you would ever see... and I didn't even get to see that much of it because Dan cut me off and told me it would be in my best interest to go to bed... so I did.
The next morning we all somehow woke up at our house, us girls needed to get Byron back to the hotel so that he could finish his paper. We teased him that it was probably the most obnoxious car ride he's ever experienced and he sat in the front seat with his head in his hands probably just listening to us in disbelief! We get pretty disgusting and unbearable when we are hungover...
So we made it back to the hotel, had the most fun day, Byron finished his paper (which he later proudly told us he got a 95% on), and we were off to the rehearsal dinner.
We of course had to incorporate The Signature Room into our wedding weekend, and what better way to show off our new city to our friends and family then to take them there for dinner. We rented a huge bus and everything for the trip. It was on this trip that Byron came up with my favorite drinking game ever... ABSOLUTELY!
It started with just, "every time Donna says absolutely you have to take a drink." About halfway through the night Donna caught on and was using it in every single sentence. It then didn't matter anymore who said it, just every time someone said it, you must drink. Every one was hammered! So it became the wedding parties thing, we "Cheers-ed" to it the entire next day, Dan and I were taking drinks of our Guinness when we said it on our honeymoon, and I would text the girls, "I absolutely love you, now please take a drink."
Rick loves the game too. We were going through one of the scariest times that such a young family should go through, meeting with Father Scott before the funeral at the Hartman's house one morning, and Father used the "absolutely" word in a sentence. Rick and I just looked at each other, raised our coffee cups, and took a drink. And smiled of course.
So now it's a lot of people's thing back home. The group of us probably drank 100 beers at the St. Martin's Church Picnic, just drinking to absolutely, and we know if Byron was there the total would have probably gone up to about 120. I write emails to the girls and always try to fit in the word just to get a smile out of them. And whenever I'm on the phone with a client I say the word, and take a drink of my coffee.
It absolutely is my favorite drinking game, and it came about so simply. Byron just leaned over to the group and said, "Let's take a drink every time Donna says Absolutely." And look at us now.
So I'm raising my glass of wine tonight to a fantastic memory, one that will absolutely always be with me.
We decided on one of my all time favorites, circle of death, also known as Kings. Justin brought some of his own rules from IU and we incorporated those of course, but the funniest/worst part about this drinking game is that everyone was drinking with liquor or wine, which equaled the most ridiculous group of people you would ever see... and I didn't even get to see that much of it because Dan cut me off and told me it would be in my best interest to go to bed... so I did.
The next morning we all somehow woke up at our house, us girls needed to get Byron back to the hotel so that he could finish his paper. We teased him that it was probably the most obnoxious car ride he's ever experienced and he sat in the front seat with his head in his hands probably just listening to us in disbelief! We get pretty disgusting and unbearable when we are hungover...
So we made it back to the hotel, had the most fun day, Byron finished his paper (which he later proudly told us he got a 95% on), and we were off to the rehearsal dinner.
We of course had to incorporate The Signature Room into our wedding weekend, and what better way to show off our new city to our friends and family then to take them there for dinner. We rented a huge bus and everything for the trip. It was on this trip that Byron came up with my favorite drinking game ever... ABSOLUTELY!
It started with just, "every time Donna says absolutely you have to take a drink." About halfway through the night Donna caught on and was using it in every single sentence. It then didn't matter anymore who said it, just every time someone said it, you must drink. Every one was hammered! So it became the wedding parties thing, we "Cheers-ed" to it the entire next day, Dan and I were taking drinks of our Guinness when we said it on our honeymoon, and I would text the girls, "I absolutely love you, now please take a drink."
Rick loves the game too. We were going through one of the scariest times that such a young family should go through, meeting with Father Scott before the funeral at the Hartman's house one morning, and Father used the "absolutely" word in a sentence. Rick and I just looked at each other, raised our coffee cups, and took a drink. And smiled of course.
So now it's a lot of people's thing back home. The group of us probably drank 100 beers at the St. Martin's Church Picnic, just drinking to absolutely, and we know if Byron was there the total would have probably gone up to about 120. I write emails to the girls and always try to fit in the word just to get a smile out of them. And whenever I'm on the phone with a client I say the word, and take a drink of my coffee.
It absolutely is my favorite drinking game, and it came about so simply. Byron just leaned over to the group and said, "Let's take a drink every time Donna says Absolutely." And look at us now.
So I'm raising my glass of wine tonight to a fantastic memory, one that will absolutely always be with me.
Monday, August 8, 2011
My Honest To Goodness Favorite Day
I woke up the day after our wedding, told Dan, and posted it to my Facebook... Yesterday was my Favorite Day. And it Really Was.
I can't even describe how wonderful of a day July 3rd was. From start to finish I had the most fun day of my life. We just got the pictures back from the photographer and I am just thrilled he captured all those moments.
I was a little nervous going into the day because on Friday Dan told me, "If I don't play golf well on Sunday morning, my entire day is going to be ruined!" I've never heard more wonderful words than when Donna called me to say, "He had a great game, it's going to be a good day!"
The weather was fantastic, I've never seen my friends or family more beautiful, I've never felt more in love, and I don't think I've ever felt pure joy in that way.
So I just have to share some of my favorite moments from the day, just the day, the favorite weekend moments will come later...
Asking my mom too early in the morning if it was time to get up yet... I was just so excited I could hardly stand it!
Swimming in the hotel pool with my cousins, seeing my bridesmaids emerge from their rooms... very slowly, one by one.
Letting Holly talk me into eating gas station food on the way to our hair appointments.
Learning that Kaitlin and I may be the most disgusting humans on the face of the earth.
Having John, Dillon, and Dad arrive while I was getting my make-up done. I've never seen them all so handsome.
Seeing my mom, I've never seen her more beautiful, except for the pictures from her own wedding day.
Having the five friends together one last time before we became the six friends.
Seeing Dan for the first time.
The sun going behind the clouds as we said our vows.
Signing my new name on our marriage license.
Piling all of us onto a golf cart.
Being together as a family.
Laughing with our entire wedding party.
Greeting and speaking with every single one of our guests.
Dancing to every single song the DJ played.
Slow Dancing with Dan.
Singing two of our favorite song with our friend, Kenny.
Watching people dance like the maniac that I usually am at family weddings... I think I was still the biggest maniac.
Dancing with my Dad and Rick at the very end of the night.
Hanging out in the parking lot of the hotel afterwards... note to self, do not get married on a Sunday, all the bars are closed and there is no after party!
Almost going to jail on our wedding night, it was awful at the time, but now that I think about it, it was pretty hilarious.
Drinking one last beer with my mom, dad, Bert, Dave, Debbie, and Albert in their hotel room before I finally got to my own.
Waking up as a married lady, walking through the floor of the hotel where our wedding party stayed and it looking like a tornado went through it, and of course...
Finding out that my Dad slept in his tuxedo.
I have never had so much fun at a wedding, there is absolutely nothing I would re-do, and I cannot wait until the next party!
I can't even describe how wonderful of a day July 3rd was. From start to finish I had the most fun day of my life. We just got the pictures back from the photographer and I am just thrilled he captured all those moments.
I was a little nervous going into the day because on Friday Dan told me, "If I don't play golf well on Sunday morning, my entire day is going to be ruined!" I've never heard more wonderful words than when Donna called me to say, "He had a great game, it's going to be a good day!"
The weather was fantastic, I've never seen my friends or family more beautiful, I've never felt more in love, and I don't think I've ever felt pure joy in that way.
So I just have to share some of my favorite moments from the day, just the day, the favorite weekend moments will come later...
Asking my mom too early in the morning if it was time to get up yet... I was just so excited I could hardly stand it!
Swimming in the hotel pool with my cousins, seeing my bridesmaids emerge from their rooms... very slowly, one by one.
Letting Holly talk me into eating gas station food on the way to our hair appointments.
Learning that Kaitlin and I may be the most disgusting humans on the face of the earth.
Having John, Dillon, and Dad arrive while I was getting my make-up done. I've never seen them all so handsome.
Seeing my mom, I've never seen her more beautiful, except for the pictures from her own wedding day.
Having the five friends together one last time before we became the six friends.
Seeing Dan for the first time.
The sun going behind the clouds as we said our vows.
Signing my new name on our marriage license.
Piling all of us onto a golf cart.
Being together as a family.
Laughing with our entire wedding party.
Greeting and speaking with every single one of our guests.
Dancing to every single song the DJ played.
Slow Dancing with Dan.
Singing two of our favorite song with our friend, Kenny.
Watching people dance like the maniac that I usually am at family weddings... I think I was still the biggest maniac.
Dancing with my Dad and Rick at the very end of the night.
Hanging out in the parking lot of the hotel afterwards... note to self, do not get married on a Sunday, all the bars are closed and there is no after party!
Almost going to jail on our wedding night, it was awful at the time, but now that I think about it, it was pretty hilarious.
Drinking one last beer with my mom, dad, Bert, Dave, Debbie, and Albert in their hotel room before I finally got to my own.
Waking up as a married lady, walking through the floor of the hotel where our wedding party stayed and it looking like a tornado went through it, and of course...
Finding out that my Dad slept in his tuxedo.
I have never had so much fun at a wedding, there is absolutely nothing I would re-do, and I cannot wait until the next party!
Welcome Back
So this blog may be a little different than most, but I've decided, after some wonderful comments from others, that I want to start blogging again... and more. So here it goes.
The past month I've experienced one of the greatest days of my life and one of the hardest. I've gone from 100 to 0 in one split second and have been in the most beautiful place in the world to the scariest room in a single plane ride. The joy that I had and the sorrow we all experiences was terrifying but now, that I sit here and think about it, I know what I am capable of. I know that I can't be scared of life and what may happen, I must embrace it. Trying times are going to come and I can't imagine more trying, but I have my family (now my two families), I have my friends, and little did I know, because I abandoned it for time, I have my faith.
So from this past month I've just solidified what I've been talking about for the past year on this blog... I will make every day my favorite day. No matter how busy or how frustrated or sad I am, it will be my goal to find something that is my favorite... and share more with you!
The past month I've experienced one of the greatest days of my life and one of the hardest. I've gone from 100 to 0 in one split second and have been in the most beautiful place in the world to the scariest room in a single plane ride. The joy that I had and the sorrow we all experiences was terrifying but now, that I sit here and think about it, I know what I am capable of. I know that I can't be scared of life and what may happen, I must embrace it. Trying times are going to come and I can't imagine more trying, but I have my family (now my two families), I have my friends, and little did I know, because I abandoned it for time, I have my faith.
So from this past month I've just solidified what I've been talking about for the past year on this blog... I will make every day my favorite day. No matter how busy or how frustrated or sad I am, it will be my goal to find something that is my favorite... and share more with you!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
For Byron...
My memories of Byron go way back to the day we were in the same field trip group in second grade, all the sporting events where I cheered for him on the sidelines, and all the laughs we shared in our special group of friends. I feel so blessed to have been a small part of that large group, but it is nothing compared to how I feel to be a part of the Hartman family.
Trust me, it wasn't easy trying to make my way into a family of three boys, but eventually we meshed, and they even let me be the fourth player in all the board games. Dan, Byron, and Justin never let me get away with anything. A simple game of Monopoly or Scrabble could quickly become overtime of game seven. These boys taught me about competition.
All these memories I will cherish forever, but I will especially hold this summer and all of our celebrations close to my heart. Byron made so many trips up to see us this summer. We got to spend his 24th birthday together where we bough him his first martini and showed him how much fun a Frank Sinatra impersonator could be. Rick, Dan, and Byron got to play golf that weekend and when they came home I asked Byron how he played. He gave me his sheepish little grin and said, "pretty good." Dan later told me that Byron played the game of his life, that's always how Byron was. The most humble person I've ever met, but the most special.
Dan was so proud of Byron, he'd tell me everyday how great he was doing and how much fun he was having, "Just Living the Dream," as Byron would say. And we had so many plans for Byron. Dan's dream was to get Byron to come stay with us and get him a job in the city so that he could be Dan's wide receiver coach... and of course, their athletic trainer, and I wanted Byron to find a nice girl to bring home so that Dan, Byron, and Justin would have someone else to tease and make fun of.
So we are going to take these plans and live for Byron. We are going to take him with us every day and I know that because he's with us, we'll be stronger.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
When I Grow Up...
... I want to be Bethenny Frankel.
I love this woman. I know most people cannot stand the lady, and she makes a lot of people cringe (like my sister), but every time I watch her show I can see myself in her. It might be because she overreacts to almost everything. The episode where the turkey is under cooked for her first Thanksgiving with her in-laws and she stomps off into her bedroom... soooo me! It might be because she has no filter on her mouth, much like myself, and she started as a foodie... something I aspire to be.
She honestly has the life I would love. She has the most beautiful family. She has the most wonderful apartment in the city. She has an amazing office in her home. She has an assistant for crying out loud. She has a nanny who is also a hairdresser. Her husband loves her more than life itself. She was so frightened to have a child and she is the funniest, most loving mommy ever, something I hope I will be. And she has made her career on cocktails!
She's so brutally honest it makes me laugh. And she is so kind. But I think what I really admire is she made the most wonderful career just being herself and working incredibly hard. She is now at the point her in her life where she can do anything, dream anything and make it a reality, say anything she wants on her show and people with laugh, and I am so jealous.
I want to be Bethenny Frankel when I grow up. Okay, okay, I most likely will not have a very successful line of ready-made cocktails with a matching tour bus. But, I know that I am as big of a nutcase as Bethenny, but I hope to be as kind, loving, and absolutely hilarious as she is.
I love this woman. I know most people cannot stand the lady, and she makes a lot of people cringe (like my sister), but every time I watch her show I can see myself in her. It might be because she overreacts to almost everything. The episode where the turkey is under cooked for her first Thanksgiving with her in-laws and she stomps off into her bedroom... soooo me! It might be because she has no filter on her mouth, much like myself, and she started as a foodie... something I aspire to be.
She honestly has the life I would love. She has the most beautiful family. She has the most wonderful apartment in the city. She has an amazing office in her home. She has an assistant for crying out loud. She has a nanny who is also a hairdresser. Her husband loves her more than life itself. She was so frightened to have a child and she is the funniest, most loving mommy ever, something I hope I will be. And she has made her career on cocktails!
She's so brutally honest it makes me laugh. And she is so kind. But I think what I really admire is she made the most wonderful career just being herself and working incredibly hard. She is now at the point her in her life where she can do anything, dream anything and make it a reality, say anything she wants on her show and people with laugh, and I am so jealous.
I want to be Bethenny Frankel when I grow up. Okay, okay, I most likely will not have a very successful line of ready-made cocktails with a matching tour bus. But, I know that I am as big of a nutcase as Bethenny, but I hope to be as kind, loving, and absolutely hilarious as she is.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Bunnies Don't Lay Eggs?
Someone, please tell me, why are Easter Bunnies associated with Eggs? I just don't get it, but I'm sure there is some story behind it. Rabbits don't lay eggs and that very thought just went through my brain while I was home for Easter. It's so silly to me, but I've always just thought of one and the other came to mind!
Other than this revelation that I came to, it was a wonderful, wonderful weekend. Full of egg dye, egg hunts, and yummy candy. I think out of two dozen hard boiled eggs only about 12 of them survived between all of us dropping them before they even got into the dye. We all got plenty protein in the process! Mom was not happy because she just kept hearing things crack while we were suppose to be dyeing.
Of course, I pulled into my parent's driveway on Friday night and didn't leave. We played and laughed and ate and napped. It was a lovely weekend. Dillon is getting so big and brave. He has quite the attitude and is very particular about things which just makes me laugh. He may have gotten that from me. He loves candy and was so disappointed when he ran out of jelly beans. He is so into Dora the Explorer and was sure to tell us that his candy was Delicioso! He practiced walking down the aisle with his ring bearer's pillow and just kept throwing it back and forth with David. We have to go make sure he is out of Dillons site on the short walk down the aisle!
We got to see all of our cousins and eat wonderful meals. It really was a great weekend besides the pouring down rain and tornado warnings. But, it was 40 degrees warmer at home than in Chicago, so I was sure to spend every minute outside that I could.
Can't wait to go back in 2 weeks for the Fiesta!
Other than this revelation that I came to, it was a wonderful, wonderful weekend. Full of egg dye, egg hunts, and yummy candy. I think out of two dozen hard boiled eggs only about 12 of them survived between all of us dropping them before they even got into the dye. We all got plenty protein in the process! Mom was not happy because she just kept hearing things crack while we were suppose to be dyeing.
Of course, I pulled into my parent's driveway on Friday night and didn't leave. We played and laughed and ate and napped. It was a lovely weekend. Dillon is getting so big and brave. He has quite the attitude and is very particular about things which just makes me laugh. He may have gotten that from me. He loves candy and was so disappointed when he ran out of jelly beans. He is so into Dora the Explorer and was sure to tell us that his candy was Delicioso! He practiced walking down the aisle with his ring bearer's pillow and just kept throwing it back and forth with David. We have to go make sure he is out of Dillons site on the short walk down the aisle!
We got to see all of our cousins and eat wonderful meals. It really was a great weekend besides the pouring down rain and tornado warnings. But, it was 40 degrees warmer at home than in Chicago, so I was sure to spend every minute outside that I could.
Can't wait to go back in 2 weeks for the Fiesta!
The Wedding Room
It started as a little pile, it then become the spare bedroom's closet, it's now the spare bedroom... yes, I'm talking about the storage area for wedding related items.
And it just keeps growing. Gifts and placecards and favors and invitations and shoes and jewelry and table numbers and picture frames and vases and ribbon and a flower girl's basket, oh my! This month I've made so much wedding progress I don't even know where to begin... I'm just glad so much is done!
As we speak I'm staring at a heaping stack of invitations to take to the post office tomorrow! I just have to go through every single one of them AGAIN before I seal them up because, by my count, I've left out a directions page in exactly ONE of them!
Thank goodness, my muse, Jesika has only been a phone call away while I've been making all of these wedding purchases. I know what I want and what I like, but I always just need her to bounce my ideas off of. I believe I was standing in the middle of Michael's with my arms full of things, having a tiny meltdown because they don't make gray pens to address letters with... she's absolutely the only person that would understand my concern, telling me she only uses charcoal eyeliner because black to too harsh... "Hello, that's what I'm trying to say... I can't address my wedding invitations with harsh black pen!" But I did, and they are fine.
And everything else is fine. Coming along quite nicely actually. I think we are at 65 days, and if they go as quickly has this past month has... holy smokes! I'm going to be a married lady soon!
And it just keeps growing. Gifts and placecards and favors and invitations and shoes and jewelry and table numbers and picture frames and vases and ribbon and a flower girl's basket, oh my! This month I've made so much wedding progress I don't even know where to begin... I'm just glad so much is done!
As we speak I'm staring at a heaping stack of invitations to take to the post office tomorrow! I just have to go through every single one of them AGAIN before I seal them up because, by my count, I've left out a directions page in exactly ONE of them!
Thank goodness, my muse, Jesika has only been a phone call away while I've been making all of these wedding purchases. I know what I want and what I like, but I always just need her to bounce my ideas off of. I believe I was standing in the middle of Michael's with my arms full of things, having a tiny meltdown because they don't make gray pens to address letters with... she's absolutely the only person that would understand my concern, telling me she only uses charcoal eyeliner because black to too harsh... "Hello, that's what I'm trying to say... I can't address my wedding invitations with harsh black pen!" But I did, and they are fine.
And everything else is fine. Coming along quite nicely actually. I think we are at 65 days, and if they go as quickly has this past month has... holy smokes! I'm going to be a married lady soon!
Champagne on a Wednesday Night
Dan's been on the job hunt for quite some time. Doing my own job search was emotional enough. I'd get so excited after every single job interview and I'd start to picture myself in that job, just to get the disappointing call that I didn't get it. Now, that was my own experience, but being on the other end and watching someone go through that was even harder.
Week after week we'd anxiously wait to hear from the schools. Things just weren't looking that great and we'd thought that he would just stay put for one more year.
Then the morning came when Dan called me at work at 8:00 am to tell me that he received a pink slip and if the referendum didn't pass he'd lose his job. At noon he called me and told him he was going to apply for a job back home, and at 3:00 pm he called me to tell me he was just offered a Head Coaching position at an Illinois school close to our house.
Talk about an emotional Wednesday! And trust me, we definitely celebrated.
We've been celebrating all month. We celebrated the night when he came home from signing his contract, we celebrated when the principal called him last night to tell him that the he was approved by the School Board, and Dan says the next time we will celebrate will be when they make it to the playoffs! I told him there will be a celebration after each individual win... he told me, "I think you just like drinking champagne!"
I'm just thrilled for him. I'm excited for our new adventures. I'm excited to start converting our spare bedroom into his office, and I'm starting to get ulcers thinking about his first game in August, but I'm thrilled.
Oh, and the most exciting part... No More Red! We're moving to a school that is emerald green, have I mentioned that green is one of my favorite colors to wear! Go Mustangs!
Week after week we'd anxiously wait to hear from the schools. Things just weren't looking that great and we'd thought that he would just stay put for one more year.
Then the morning came when Dan called me at work at 8:00 am to tell me that he received a pink slip and if the referendum didn't pass he'd lose his job. At noon he called me and told him he was going to apply for a job back home, and at 3:00 pm he called me to tell me he was just offered a Head Coaching position at an Illinois school close to our house.
Talk about an emotional Wednesday! And trust me, we definitely celebrated.
We've been celebrating all month. We celebrated the night when he came home from signing his contract, we celebrated when the principal called him last night to tell him that the he was approved by the School Board, and Dan says the next time we will celebrate will be when they make it to the playoffs! I told him there will be a celebration after each individual win... he told me, "I think you just like drinking champagne!"
I'm just thrilled for him. I'm excited for our new adventures. I'm excited to start converting our spare bedroom into his office, and I'm starting to get ulcers thinking about his first game in August, but I'm thrilled.
Oh, and the most exciting part... No More Red! We're moving to a school that is emerald green, have I mentioned that green is one of my favorite colors to wear! Go Mustangs!
What April?
As I sit here tonight I am thinking to myself, "Where has April gone??" The month started harder than most, but ended better than a lot others. I can't even begin to describe all of the ups and downs of the month, but I've grown because of them, I've learned a lot of lessons because of the things we've been through, and for as many times that I've cried, I've smiled and laughed even more.
I'm thankful for these experiences, and excited for what lies ahead for Dan and I. I'm sick of the rain, tired of wearing a coat, and definitely ready for April to go out like a Lamb.
I guess I just can't describe everything that has happened in the past month in one blog post; so this weekend I've decided to get back to some blogging... some good stories are sure to follow. I just can't decide where to start!
I'm thankful for these experiences, and excited for what lies ahead for Dan and I. I'm sick of the rain, tired of wearing a coat, and definitely ready for April to go out like a Lamb.
I guess I just can't describe everything that has happened in the past month in one blog post; so this weekend I've decided to get back to some blogging... some good stories are sure to follow. I just can't decide where to start!
Monday, March 28, 2011
AJ
He had a contagious smile... Every memory that I have of Adam, whether is be from pre-K CCD class or running into him on Purdue's campus, he was smiling. And that is what I will remember most.
There are so many other wonderful memories that I have. They go way back to Mrs. Steven's kindergarten class. Adam definitely was the class clown and I have to admit, he was my first crush. But we grew up together and he became one of my closest friends. He became a lot of people's closest friends, that's just who he was. He knew how to listen to you, be there for you, but he especially knew how to tease you.
Adam was such a special person and was loved by so many because of his laid back attitude and absolute love of life. You couldn't be around him and be in a bad mood. He wouldn't allow it. He'd put his arm around your shoulder and cheer you up. That's why we can't be sad about losing him, he wouldn't want it that way.
I miss Adam already. I miss seeing him on Sunday mornings in CCD Class. Our class was quite the crew (I think we still hold the record for making the most teacher's/nun's cry) we were together since we were five year's old and I think it was Adam's sense of humor that got us through every Sunday morning.
I miss seeing him on soccer field and basketball court. I loved cheering for one of my best friends from the sidelines and I can only imagine what kind of teammate he was.
I miss running into him on campus. It could be a miserable, windy, pouring down rain kind of day, but there he would be, with that smile on his face, giving me a hug, calling me Tracy Lee because I shouted, "Hey AJ" across campus. He'd give me a hug, instantly make me feel better about everything, and we could always pick up right where we left off.
I miss Adam coming into Harry's on nights when I was working. He loved the green dragons and I just never understood how he could drink those. But, he always left with a smile, a hug, and a nice tip.
I'll miss seeing him around home. Selling ham tickets at the Fireman's Festival, sitting in church with his family, and drinking and us being obnoxious together like we had done so many times before.
I will just miss him. His smile. Him teasing me.
Adam was definitely one of the best people I've ever known and I don't know anyone that would say otherwise. He was the most loyal friend and we were all so lucky to have him in our lives. I'm sure everybody has that special memory of him, I have quite a few (The Eve of Senior Night at the Lion's Field having the biggest shaving cream/toilet paper fight, the time Joan woke up/picked up the entire CCD Class from my house after my birthday party so we could go collect canned goods for the needy, the ridiculous amount of parties we attended Freshman year of college, all the nights Adam made sure ManFace and I got home okay, and the nights we spend playing cards) I will treasure these memories forever.
He was always there for me. He was always there for all of us. I just wish I could have one more of his hugs... they were always my favorite.
There are so many other wonderful memories that I have. They go way back to Mrs. Steven's kindergarten class. Adam definitely was the class clown and I have to admit, he was my first crush. But we grew up together and he became one of my closest friends. He became a lot of people's closest friends, that's just who he was. He knew how to listen to you, be there for you, but he especially knew how to tease you.
Adam was such a special person and was loved by so many because of his laid back attitude and absolute love of life. You couldn't be around him and be in a bad mood. He wouldn't allow it. He'd put his arm around your shoulder and cheer you up. That's why we can't be sad about losing him, he wouldn't want it that way.
I miss Adam already. I miss seeing him on Sunday mornings in CCD Class. Our class was quite the crew (I think we still hold the record for making the most teacher's/nun's cry) we were together since we were five year's old and I think it was Adam's sense of humor that got us through every Sunday morning.
I miss seeing him on soccer field and basketball court. I loved cheering for one of my best friends from the sidelines and I can only imagine what kind of teammate he was.
I miss running into him on campus. It could be a miserable, windy, pouring down rain kind of day, but there he would be, with that smile on his face, giving me a hug, calling me Tracy Lee because I shouted, "Hey AJ" across campus. He'd give me a hug, instantly make me feel better about everything, and we could always pick up right where we left off.
I miss Adam coming into Harry's on nights when I was working. He loved the green dragons and I just never understood how he could drink those. But, he always left with a smile, a hug, and a nice tip.
I'll miss seeing him around home. Selling ham tickets at the Fireman's Festival, sitting in church with his family, and drinking and us being obnoxious together like we had done so many times before.
I will just miss him. His smile. Him teasing me.
Adam was definitely one of the best people I've ever known and I don't know anyone that would say otherwise. He was the most loyal friend and we were all so lucky to have him in our lives. I'm sure everybody has that special memory of him, I have quite a few (The Eve of Senior Night at the Lion's Field having the biggest shaving cream/toilet paper fight, the time Joan woke up/picked up the entire CCD Class from my house after my birthday party so we could go collect canned goods for the needy, the ridiculous amount of parties we attended Freshman year of college, all the nights Adam made sure ManFace and I got home okay, and the nights we spend playing cards) I will treasure these memories forever.
He was always there for me. He was always there for all of us. I just wish I could have one more of his hugs... they were always my favorite.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
It's Official...
... We're Getting Married!
Okay, I guess it's been official since Dan gave me a ring almost a year ago, but today it really felt really official because... Our Invitations Arrived!
With so much help from Aunt Betty I got my invitations ordered and delivered to my house so quickly! When I open the package I just got so excited and it suddenly felt so real to me. We're getting married!
Seeing the invitations was more of a reality for me than when I tried on my dress or picked out the cake. Seeing our families names and the date and time all written out made me more excited than when we picked out the song for our first dance or even tasted the delicious food that we are going to serve. It's really all coming together and the package that arrived today really got me excited about the wedding... 107 days to go before I become Tracy Hartman! AHHH!
Okay, I guess it's been official since Dan gave me a ring almost a year ago, but today it really felt really official because... Our Invitations Arrived!
With so much help from Aunt Betty I got my invitations ordered and delivered to my house so quickly! When I open the package I just got so excited and it suddenly felt so real to me. We're getting married!
Seeing the invitations was more of a reality for me than when I tried on my dress or picked out the cake. Seeing our families names and the date and time all written out made me more excited than when we picked out the song for our first dance or even tasted the delicious food that we are going to serve. It's really all coming together and the package that arrived today really got me excited about the wedding... 107 days to go before I become Tracy Hartman! AHHH!
The Sheets of Integrity
In the past couple of weeks I've decided that I work in one of the most unconventional offices in America... for two very important reasons.
1. Nobody, I mean nobody, in the office brings in Girl Scout Cookie order forms.
Now how is this possible you may ask? Probably because everybody that I work with lives for their jobs and there are only two people in the office that have kids... and they are boys. I actually had to search for Girl Scout Cookies this year, and happily found them at BP the weekend that I went home to visit Mom and Dad. God Love Booth Sales!
2. Nobody fills out NCAA Brackets. I just couldn't believe this, since Monday morning I was waiting for someone to go around and hand out brackets and ask for $20. I even made a special trip to the ATM on Monday morning so that I would have cash the enter into the pool. It just didn't happen. I was so disappointed and shocked. I think last year I was in three different pools. I guess working in a bar kind of lead me to all those brackets... but I honestly think it is more illegal to gamble in a bar than in an office building.
So since I didn't have an office pool to enter, Dan and I started our own, and since our favorite morning radio show is Mike and Mike, we followed their example and made our "SHEETS OF INTEGRITY." Now I don't know how they came up with this term for their brackets, but we love it. All week we've been following along with their sheets and after all the talk, I'm pretty happy with mine, even though only after a few games I've already got two picks wrong... and unfortunately I had Louisville going pretty far. We haven't decided what the winner gets yet, but I'll keep you updated on our progress!
So maybe next year I'll make it my project to put together an office pool, I think I might even be able to make that a first quarter goal of mine...nothing too exciting happens during the first quarter anyway!
1. Nobody, I mean nobody, in the office brings in Girl Scout Cookie order forms.
Now how is this possible you may ask? Probably because everybody that I work with lives for their jobs and there are only two people in the office that have kids... and they are boys. I actually had to search for Girl Scout Cookies this year, and happily found them at BP the weekend that I went home to visit Mom and Dad. God Love Booth Sales!
2. Nobody fills out NCAA Brackets. I just couldn't believe this, since Monday morning I was waiting for someone to go around and hand out brackets and ask for $20. I even made a special trip to the ATM on Monday morning so that I would have cash the enter into the pool. It just didn't happen. I was so disappointed and shocked. I think last year I was in three different pools. I guess working in a bar kind of lead me to all those brackets... but I honestly think it is more illegal to gamble in a bar than in an office building.
So since I didn't have an office pool to enter, Dan and I started our own, and since our favorite morning radio show is Mike and Mike, we followed their example and made our "SHEETS OF INTEGRITY." Now I don't know how they came up with this term for their brackets, but we love it. All week we've been following along with their sheets and after all the talk, I'm pretty happy with mine, even though only after a few games I've already got two picks wrong... and unfortunately I had Louisville going pretty far. We haven't decided what the winner gets yet, but I'll keep you updated on our progress!
So maybe next year I'll make it my project to put together an office pool, I think I might even be able to make that a first quarter goal of mine...nothing too exciting happens during the first quarter anyway!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
2:00 am...
... And I have no idea why I am awake. Maybe it's because Dan is still sick and is snoring so loudly I had to evacuate from our bedroom. Maybe it's because this is the first night I have felt better and I didn't take any medicine to help me sleep. Maybe it's because I've heard more trains tonight than I have since I've moved here. Maybe it's because I don't have my clothes laid out for tomorrow. Maybe it's because my mind can't turn off tonight.
I'm sure every body has those nights when they just can't sleep and their mind is racing around so many things. I can't even get a grip on most of the things that are rolling around in there because they are all so silly. Most of them are wedding related and I can't believe that I'm this worked up about the tiniest things. Other things are work related, and when I think about those things I just think about how tired I am going to be at work tomorrow, but my mind just won't turn off.
I haven't had this problem in a long, long time. I used to not be able to sleep and I would watch the Home Shopping Network. Dan caught me buying things at ungodly times in the middle of the night and made me promise I would quit watching those shows... I did, the things I bought were so ridiculous anyway...except for that jewelry storage contraption.
So here I am at 2:00 am typing away about absolutely nothing. But I knew that this would make me feel better, and it did. Or maybe it's the glare of the computer screen putting a strain on my eyes and that is what's making me sleepy... there I go again with the mind racing. Okay, Okay, I'm going to stop. Hopefully I can get a good night's (or four hours) sleep out here in my little nest I created on the couch... and hopefully Dan quits snoring so loudly.
~Good Night
I'm sure every body has those nights when they just can't sleep and their mind is racing around so many things. I can't even get a grip on most of the things that are rolling around in there because they are all so silly. Most of them are wedding related and I can't believe that I'm this worked up about the tiniest things. Other things are work related, and when I think about those things I just think about how tired I am going to be at work tomorrow, but my mind just won't turn off.
I haven't had this problem in a long, long time. I used to not be able to sleep and I would watch the Home Shopping Network. Dan caught me buying things at ungodly times in the middle of the night and made me promise I would quit watching those shows... I did, the things I bought were so ridiculous anyway...except for that jewelry storage contraption.
So here I am at 2:00 am typing away about absolutely nothing. But I knew that this would make me feel better, and it did. Or maybe it's the glare of the computer screen putting a strain on my eyes and that is what's making me sleepy... there I go again with the mind racing. Okay, Okay, I'm going to stop. Hopefully I can get a good night's (or four hours) sleep out here in my little nest I created on the couch... and hopefully Dan quits snoring so loudly.
~Good Night
Blinded By The Light
Okay, Okay, yes I love this song. It takes me back to Spring Break '06 with Kaitlin driving my mom's car around Destin, Florida and the rest of the girls trying to figure out exactly what the lyrics were...
... anyway, today I literally was blinded by the light when I stepped out of my building on the way home from work. I made my way through the revolving door and HELLO, the sun was still out. I've never been more excited. Yes, I precisely remember turning my clocks forward the day before but it took me until today at 5:30 to realize what it really meant.
So to me, this is what daylight savings time really means...
Grilling out
Flip Flops Opposed to the Ugg Boots That Have Been Affixed to My Body Since Mid- November (I better schedule a pedicure)
Walks and Bike Rides on the Bike Trail
Sitting on the Porch
Hearing Birds Chirp in the Morning
Sun Tans
Cuter Clothes Than These Sweaters
Getting to Hang Out Downstairs Without Having to Wear Slippers on the Stone Floors
Realistic Wedding Planning (I feel like up until a week ago it's all just been pretend)
The Sight of Grass (The last of the snow melted yesterday!)
Outdoor Get-Togethers
And Really, Just A Happier Me!
So I'm thrilled that I moved my clocks forward this weekend, and I'll enjoy my walk home from work now IN THE LIGHT!
... anyway, today I literally was blinded by the light when I stepped out of my building on the way home from work. I made my way through the revolving door and HELLO, the sun was still out. I've never been more excited. Yes, I precisely remember turning my clocks forward the day before but it took me until today at 5:30 to realize what it really meant.
So to me, this is what daylight savings time really means...
Grilling out
Flip Flops Opposed to the Ugg Boots That Have Been Affixed to My Body Since Mid- November (I better schedule a pedicure)
Walks and Bike Rides on the Bike Trail
Sitting on the Porch
Hearing Birds Chirp in the Morning
Sun Tans
Cuter Clothes Than These Sweaters
Getting to Hang Out Downstairs Without Having to Wear Slippers on the Stone Floors
Realistic Wedding Planning (I feel like up until a week ago it's all just been pretend)
The Sight of Grass (The last of the snow melted yesterday!)
Outdoor Get-Togethers
And Really, Just A Happier Me!
So I'm thrilled that I moved my clocks forward this weekend, and I'll enjoy my walk home from work now IN THE LIGHT!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
We're Having A Party
I love going home. I really can't think of many things that are better than pulling into my parents driveway and walking into the most comfortable home I've ever stepped into. Seeing my parents and John and Jill and little Dillon is absolutely one of my favorite things. So after driving for four hours through pouring down rain I was so happy to be home last Friday night. What a weekend we all had!
It was a very productive weekend. We got so many things done for the wedding. I heard the most wonderful news at my dress fitting, "You can't loose a pound before the wedding." I could have kissed the lady when she told me that... Jill was quick to remind me I couldn't gain a pound either. We picked out the flower girl's dress... Macy looks darling, we got all of our undergarments and shoes, and we got the invitations ordered (honest to god, the most over-whelming task I've ever had to do). It's actually all coming together.
But we also had a very, very fun weekend. Full of good food and wine and laughter and DANCING! I haven't danced so much in such a long time, my body actually still kind of hurts from all of the high kicks we did along to "Hot Legs." Yes, hot legs, one of my favorite songs by Rod Stewart... but not my most favorite. That spot is reserved for "We're Having a Party!"
We listened to this song on repeat at least 4 times and just danced... wedding reception style. Mom, Dad, Bert, Dave, Janet, Aunt Betty, Jill, Kenna, Grant, Dillon, and myself were unstoppable. We were all up swinging our beers and glasses of wine in the air, taking turns dancing in the middle of the circle, and singing along. At one point Jill was winning a hula-hoop contest and Kenna and Grant were holding a crutch so that we could do the limbo... Dad is still pretty impressive at the limbo. I had so much fun I didn't want the song to end. That's probably why I kept pushing repeat as soon as it was over. It really was such a fun evening.
But the best part was when we got home John had a heaping stack of pancakes for us! Now if you know me at all, or have read any of my blogs you know that John is quite the pancake chef and he is always willing to make them for me when I've had too many drinks. The pancakes are just so fantastic and nobody can make them like he does.
So I've never been happier than to share my pancakes with my family, and especially Dillon. Saturday night was the first night I had drunken pancakes with a little guy in a booster seat sitting next to me. He loved Uncle Johnny's pancakes too.
What a weekend. I had such a great time with the family and I can't wait to see them all again soon so that we can have another dance party in Bert and Dave's basement and create more funny and wonderful memmories.
Love you all!
It was a very productive weekend. We got so many things done for the wedding. I heard the most wonderful news at my dress fitting, "You can't loose a pound before the wedding." I could have kissed the lady when she told me that... Jill was quick to remind me I couldn't gain a pound either. We picked out the flower girl's dress... Macy looks darling, we got all of our undergarments and shoes, and we got the invitations ordered (honest to god, the most over-whelming task I've ever had to do). It's actually all coming together.
But we also had a very, very fun weekend. Full of good food and wine and laughter and DANCING! I haven't danced so much in such a long time, my body actually still kind of hurts from all of the high kicks we did along to "Hot Legs." Yes, hot legs, one of my favorite songs by Rod Stewart... but not my most favorite. That spot is reserved for "We're Having a Party!"
We listened to this song on repeat at least 4 times and just danced... wedding reception style. Mom, Dad, Bert, Dave, Janet, Aunt Betty, Jill, Kenna, Grant, Dillon, and myself were unstoppable. We were all up swinging our beers and glasses of wine in the air, taking turns dancing in the middle of the circle, and singing along. At one point Jill was winning a hula-hoop contest and Kenna and Grant were holding a crutch so that we could do the limbo... Dad is still pretty impressive at the limbo. I had so much fun I didn't want the song to end. That's probably why I kept pushing repeat as soon as it was over. It really was such a fun evening.
But the best part was when we got home John had a heaping stack of pancakes for us! Now if you know me at all, or have read any of my blogs you know that John is quite the pancake chef and he is always willing to make them for me when I've had too many drinks. The pancakes are just so fantastic and nobody can make them like he does.
So I've never been happier than to share my pancakes with my family, and especially Dillon. Saturday night was the first night I had drunken pancakes with a little guy in a booster seat sitting next to me. He loved Uncle Johnny's pancakes too.
What a weekend. I had such a great time with the family and I can't wait to see them all again soon so that we can have another dance party in Bert and Dave's basement and create more funny and wonderful memmories.
Love you all!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss
I've always loved Dr. Seuss books. Probably because I'm a sucker for rhymes, or maybe because they were easy to memorize and I could convince my family members that I was really reading, when all I was really doing was reciting from memory what I made either my mom or sister read over and over to me.
But what I really loved was celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday! In elementary school we'd always have people come and read stories to us and my favorite was when we actually had green eggs and ham for lunch! In high school we'd always go and read to the students. I always chose to read Oh, The Places You'll Go! I love that book!
And since today is the day... Dr. Seuss's Birthday, and Dan wouldn't let us have green eggs and ham for dinner, I thought I would celebrate by sharing with you some of my favorite quotes from the man himself! Enjoy!
"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose."
~From my favorite book~
“How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
~So, so true. I'm especially feeling this right now as I realize that 4 months from tomorrow... I'm getting married. I feel like I just got engaged!~
"From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!"
~I somehow can find funny things all around me, it makes my life more enjoyable, I think!~
"I’m glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone."
~Dr. Seuss always had a lesson, but this is probably one of the greatest. Never take time with people you love for granted~
"When he worked,he really worked.
but when he played,he really PLAYED."
~My Motto~
"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities."
~As much as I love things to be in their homes and in order, I thrive when things are crazy. The nonsense really does wake up the brain cells~
"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."
~And this is my favorite. I find it more true than anything that Dr. Seuss ever said. I'm just thrilled that I found someone whose weirdness is compatible with my weirdness~
But what I really loved was celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday! In elementary school we'd always have people come and read stories to us and my favorite was when we actually had green eggs and ham for lunch! In high school we'd always go and read to the students. I always chose to read Oh, The Places You'll Go! I love that book!
And since today is the day... Dr. Seuss's Birthday, and Dan wouldn't let us have green eggs and ham for dinner, I thought I would celebrate by sharing with you some of my favorite quotes from the man himself! Enjoy!
"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose."
~From my favorite book~
“How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
~So, so true. I'm especially feeling this right now as I realize that 4 months from tomorrow... I'm getting married. I feel like I just got engaged!~
"From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!"
~I somehow can find funny things all around me, it makes my life more enjoyable, I think!~
"I’m glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone."
~Dr. Seuss always had a lesson, but this is probably one of the greatest. Never take time with people you love for granted~
"When he worked,he really worked.
but when he played,he really PLAYED."
~My Motto~
"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities."
~As much as I love things to be in their homes and in order, I thrive when things are crazy. The nonsense really does wake up the brain cells~
"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."
~And this is my favorite. I find it more true than anything that Dr. Seuss ever said. I'm just thrilled that I found someone whose weirdness is compatible with my weirdness~
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Amanda's Favorite Day
For 16 years I've celebrated my friend's birthday more than I've celebrated my own... This is for many reasons...
She doesn't just have a birthDay, she has a birthMonth
She loves her birthday more than anyone I know could love a day on a calendar
You can't help but celebrate with her because she's so excited
And she's had some pretty fantastic birthday parties.
I remember the one at the skating rink and I think there was one a Perfect North Slopes, there were always sleep overs at her house, and as we've gotten older we've always gone to dinner and out for drinks. She always loves her birthday cakes and I remember one night when we were pretty drunk she named every cake theme of every birthday party since she was about 3 years old.
But in these sixteen years, one thing has been a constant. She always plays her "Zoom" birthday tape. Yes, it's a cassette tape, and she owns a cassette player specifically to play this tape and every time I think of her birthday I automatically think of the song. I can hear it right now, "My name is zoom and I live on the moon, and I've come down to Earth just to sing you this tune, because Amanda, it's your birthday, today!"
So as Sunday approaches I get more and more upset because this is the first birthday I have not spent with her since we were six years old. I was there for every single other one. The time she turned "double digits," the time she turned 16 and passed her driver's test on the first try (I was so jealous of her because it took me 3 trys), the time she turned 18 and was a legal lady, the time she celebrated her golden birthday, 20 on the 20th, and the time she turned 21... and partied like a crazy lady.
I know for a fact that February 20th is Amanda's favorite day, so for that reason, it's one of my favorites too!
So, ManFace, as you turn 23, I'm sorry I can't be there to celebrate with you. But just so know, I'll be singing the song on Sunday that I've heard so many times and have come to love. Happy Birthday, Amanda. I love you to pieces.
She doesn't just have a birthDay, she has a birthMonth
She loves her birthday more than anyone I know could love a day on a calendar
You can't help but celebrate with her because she's so excited
And she's had some pretty fantastic birthday parties.
I remember the one at the skating rink and I think there was one a Perfect North Slopes, there were always sleep overs at her house, and as we've gotten older we've always gone to dinner and out for drinks. She always loves her birthday cakes and I remember one night when we were pretty drunk she named every cake theme of every birthday party since she was about 3 years old.
But in these sixteen years, one thing has been a constant. She always plays her "Zoom" birthday tape. Yes, it's a cassette tape, and she owns a cassette player specifically to play this tape and every time I think of her birthday I automatically think of the song. I can hear it right now, "My name is zoom and I live on the moon, and I've come down to Earth just to sing you this tune, because Amanda, it's your birthday, today!"
So as Sunday approaches I get more and more upset because this is the first birthday I have not spent with her since we were six years old. I was there for every single other one. The time she turned "double digits," the time she turned 16 and passed her driver's test on the first try (I was so jealous of her because it took me 3 trys), the time she turned 18 and was a legal lady, the time she celebrated her golden birthday, 20 on the 20th, and the time she turned 21... and partied like a crazy lady.
I know for a fact that February 20th is Amanda's favorite day, so for that reason, it's one of my favorites too!
So, ManFace, as you turn 23, I'm sorry I can't be there to celebrate with you. But just so know, I'll be singing the song on Sunday that I've heard so many times and have come to love. Happy Birthday, Amanda. I love you to pieces.
My Favorite Bottle of Wine
They say everybody has a least five friends. The one you played with in the sandbox, the one you met on the first day of school, the one who sometimes picks up the tab, and the one who knows how to get anything at a discount. And then there’s the one you think about when you’re having a good glass of wine...
It was almost two years ago and I was pushing my red cart around Target. I'm sure I was there for nothing in particular, but I probably had a cart full of treasures. I stumbled upon this bottle of wine, and right then and there "The Five Friends" were born. It happened to be Jesika's birthday that we were celebrating that weekend, so it made for the most perfect gift. I think to this day she hasn't opened it, it just sits as a fantastic reminder of us... The Five Friends.
Now the story above is actually what is on the back of the wine label, so I'll share our own.
They say everybody has at least five friends. For me, that's all I really need. I have the one that I've grown up with. Up until the time we left our apartment in West Lafayette, the furthest we lived apart was a mile (a quarter of that being her driveway) and the closest we lived was when we shared a 12 foot by 8 foot dorm room... now that was close quarters. I never would have thought that when we packed up my car and hugged goodbye in June I'd miss having her around this much. And it's the silliest things we miss about being around each other, like playing dress up or watching the TV guide channel together.
I have the friend that I can call and just spill my guts to, and my favorite part is that she can do the same... and we understand each other. We had one of these "I understand" conversations today. I loved hearing her ramble on and on about the silliest things but I knew how she felt and I think everybody else in the world would have thought we were crazy for having the conversation that we were having. As opposite as we originally thought we were, we are the same person, we honestly think we were separated at birth because our brains work the same way and she brings out some of the best in me.
I have the friend who I don't get to see or talk to as much as I would like, but I know that if I ever needed anything she would be here in a split second. She's the one that after weeks or months of not seeing or talking to her we can pick up right where we left off. While we talked last weekend we just laughed about our ridiculously funny lives and how we are growing up. But if you were listening to this conversation you would have thought that we were back in high school, chatting and gossiping at my parent's house getting ready for a Friday night football game. I honestly don't think this will ever change between us.
I have the friend who I can always count on to lift my spirits by having a serious conversation or by being the one to take a shot of Jagermeister with me. She's the silliest, most loving person I've ever met. She has a bigger heart than all of us combined and she's our glue to our hometown. If you ever need to know anything you go to her. She knows, and she'll always have the most fantastic story to go along with... and it will take her at least 25 minutes to tell it to you. I'd give anything to listen to one of her stories right now.
So girls, here's to you, and here's to us as a whole. I couldn't ask for a better group to be a part of and I'm thrilled that you are my friends.
It was almost two years ago and I was pushing my red cart around Target. I'm sure I was there for nothing in particular, but I probably had a cart full of treasures. I stumbled upon this bottle of wine, and right then and there "The Five Friends" were born. It happened to be Jesika's birthday that we were celebrating that weekend, so it made for the most perfect gift. I think to this day she hasn't opened it, it just sits as a fantastic reminder of us... The Five Friends.
Now the story above is actually what is on the back of the wine label, so I'll share our own.
They say everybody has at least five friends. For me, that's all I really need. I have the one that I've grown up with. Up until the time we left our apartment in West Lafayette, the furthest we lived apart was a mile (a quarter of that being her driveway) and the closest we lived was when we shared a 12 foot by 8 foot dorm room... now that was close quarters. I never would have thought that when we packed up my car and hugged goodbye in June I'd miss having her around this much. And it's the silliest things we miss about being around each other, like playing dress up or watching the TV guide channel together.
I have the friend that I can call and just spill my guts to, and my favorite part is that she can do the same... and we understand each other. We had one of these "I understand" conversations today. I loved hearing her ramble on and on about the silliest things but I knew how she felt and I think everybody else in the world would have thought we were crazy for having the conversation that we were having. As opposite as we originally thought we were, we are the same person, we honestly think we were separated at birth because our brains work the same way and she brings out some of the best in me.
I have the friend who I don't get to see or talk to as much as I would like, but I know that if I ever needed anything she would be here in a split second. She's the one that after weeks or months of not seeing or talking to her we can pick up right where we left off. While we talked last weekend we just laughed about our ridiculously funny lives and how we are growing up. But if you were listening to this conversation you would have thought that we were back in high school, chatting and gossiping at my parent's house getting ready for a Friday night football game. I honestly don't think this will ever change between us.
I have the friend who I can always count on to lift my spirits by having a serious conversation or by being the one to take a shot of Jagermeister with me. She's the silliest, most loving person I've ever met. She has a bigger heart than all of us combined and she's our glue to our hometown. If you ever need to know anything you go to her. She knows, and she'll always have the most fantastic story to go along with... and it will take her at least 25 minutes to tell it to you. I'd give anything to listen to one of her stories right now.
So girls, here's to you, and here's to us as a whole. I couldn't ask for a better group to be a part of and I'm thrilled that you are my friends.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
There are some things about growing up that you just don't forget. For me, there are several things that will bring back so many memories, but nothing like Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
Mom can make some of the most wonderful meals. Really, I've never had a better lasagna or meat loaf or bowl of chili (although, I have to admit with the tweaks that we've been making to the recipe, mine may have the edge over Theresa's). But my favorite meal of hers was probably the easiest. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
She always had the ingredients. She was always willing to make it. And I can't think of a time she burnt it. Every Friday night in high school I would come home and get ready for the football or basketball game and before I left she'd always make me Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
On snow days we would come in from playing outside and hang out all of our snow clothes in front of the fire and run upstairs in our long johns to eat Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
So yesterday that is what Dan and I did. We dug out my car... and our house and then came in for lunch. I've never been more thrilled than when Dan looked at me and said, "This is the best grilled cheese I've ever had." I told him I learned from the best!
So I have to say that Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is my favorite meal. I think it's because it doesn't change. I think it's because anybody can make it (John perfected the meal by the time he was seven and is probably the best grilled cheese chef since our mom). And I think it's because I can be anywhere... going through anything and if I have this meal, I automatically feel better.
Every day we get to each lunch for free up at the restaurant... amazing work perk if you ask me, but sometimes I have to forgo the award winning lunch buffet, and walk across the street to the food court at Water Tower Place... and pay $10.00 for Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup! There really just isn't anything like it.
Mom can make some of the most wonderful meals. Really, I've never had a better lasagna or meat loaf or bowl of chili (although, I have to admit with the tweaks that we've been making to the recipe, mine may have the edge over Theresa's). But my favorite meal of hers was probably the easiest. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
She always had the ingredients. She was always willing to make it. And I can't think of a time she burnt it. Every Friday night in high school I would come home and get ready for the football or basketball game and before I left she'd always make me Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
On snow days we would come in from playing outside and hang out all of our snow clothes in front of the fire and run upstairs in our long johns to eat Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
So yesterday that is what Dan and I did. We dug out my car... and our house and then came in for lunch. I've never been more thrilled than when Dan looked at me and said, "This is the best grilled cheese I've ever had." I told him I learned from the best!
So I have to say that Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is my favorite meal. I think it's because it doesn't change. I think it's because anybody can make it (John perfected the meal by the time he was seven and is probably the best grilled cheese chef since our mom). And I think it's because I can be anywhere... going through anything and if I have this meal, I automatically feel better.
Every day we get to each lunch for free up at the restaurant... amazing work perk if you ask me, but sometimes I have to forgo the award winning lunch buffet, and walk across the street to the food court at Water Tower Place... and pay $10.00 for Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup! There really just isn't anything like it.
Blizzard 2011
Blizzard 2011 came and went and left us with 22 inches of snow. Last Friday I was really just thinking to myself, "January is almost over with, and this Chicago winter hasn't been that bad." Then the word came... "Blizzard 2011" was approaching.
What an adventure we had. I'm not going to complain at all, because what I endured was nothing compared to what a lot of people did. The most treacherous part of the Blizzard for me what walking to the train on Tuesday just as the Blizzard hit the city. People were making human chains with the end person holding onto a building as they were waiting for the buses that never came so they wouldn't blow away. Signs that cautioned people of "falling ice" were blowing around like crazy. I couldn't see anything more than five feet in front of my face because all it was was snow falling. And there were no taxi cabs in sight. But once I made it to the train station I made it home okay. . . And that's where I stayed for the next 36 hours.
I am one of the lucky ones because I made it home safely unlike the 1,500 that were stranded on Lake Shore Drive for up to 12 hours. My electric didn't go out and leave us freezing like it did for thousands of other people in the city. I didn't have to even try to get to work like some people that have no choice like doctors or nurses. . . or the weathermen. I didn't have to cancel an awesome trip to Costa Rica because the planes were grounded like my boss did. And I have a home. I am really starting to worry about the regular homeless people that I see every single day. They weren't there today as I walked to work, I just hope they got somewhere safe.
So I can't say one bad thing about The Blizzard of 2011. I got to have a snow day which I never thought I would have. Dan and I had plenty of food and wine... we had quite the scrabble game and dance party in our living room on Tuesday night, and we took turns shoveling out of our house all day on Wednesday. We were like little kids taking the yard stick out every once in awhile to see how much it had snowed and after it was all over we walked all around the neighborhood and up to the main road just because we could. This is definitely something I will never forget, and I really wouldn't mind if I never get to see 22 inches of snow again, because I know I will be seeing these piles of snow for at least the next two months (we really hope the snow is gone in time for the wedding).
So I'm glad it's over. I'm glad things are getting back to normal. And I'm glad we got to witness the third largest Blizzard in the history of Chicago. Oh, and of course, my favorite part about all of this is that I can now be considered a true northerner because I have officially dug my car out!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Dan's Home Office
Since Dan and I moved in together we've really gotten to know each other's habits, and I believe we are both honestly trying adjust our own habits to make life better for one another.
The past six months there are things that I've let slide. I now pick up Dan's clothes from the middle of the bedroom floor every night before I go to bed, because I know that if I don't, they could possibly stay piled up for weeks. And in the same six months he has decided that it's not worth asking me to take the cups of water sitting next to the bed downstairs everyday, because he knows that eventually, on Sundays, they will all get taken down to the kitchen.
But there is one thing that I just can't seem to let go, and that is having things laying around all the time... things not being in their "home". Currently Dan's golf clubs are in the guest bedroom even though I've told Dan over and over that they live in the garage. Mail is stacked on the kitchen table, and even though I make him go through it every single day and throw out the junk, the pile seems to still always be there. And at the end of the day, every day, I feel like I bring up at least six pairs of shoes from the front doorway. Dan knows it drives me crazy, and he genuinely apologizes when he seems me roll my eyes at the golf clubs in the guest room, and the stack on never ending mail on the kitchen table... So today, he was sure to warn me about the mess he had created before I got out of bed.
The past couple weekends Dan has been getting up early to work on his grad school work and his current job search. Fine with me, I really enjoy sleeping in the middle of the bed! This morning as I was waking up, he came in, asked me what we were having for breakfast, and looks at me and says... "Now Tracy, don't freak out, it's only going to be like this for the day, I promise."
I heard these words and I had no idea what to expect. So I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, and walked out into the living room to find... A Complete Home Office along with 60% of the products that are sold at Staples... and he hasn't left his little perch all day. He's been working hard, and as the day's progressed he has cleaned up quite a bit of the mess, but the printer is still there, churning out play books like crazy.
So I've spent my day cleaning around him and being his secretary, helping with his projects. And I've decided that I probably shouldn't freak out about this things that are out of place all the time, but I do appreciate the little warnings. I think it makes life a little more pleasant for both of us.
The past six months there are things that I've let slide. I now pick up Dan's clothes from the middle of the bedroom floor every night before I go to bed, because I know that if I don't, they could possibly stay piled up for weeks. And in the same six months he has decided that it's not worth asking me to take the cups of water sitting next to the bed downstairs everyday, because he knows that eventually, on Sundays, they will all get taken down to the kitchen.
But there is one thing that I just can't seem to let go, and that is having things laying around all the time... things not being in their "home". Currently Dan's golf clubs are in the guest bedroom even though I've told Dan over and over that they live in the garage. Mail is stacked on the kitchen table, and even though I make him go through it every single day and throw out the junk, the pile seems to still always be there. And at the end of the day, every day, I feel like I bring up at least six pairs of shoes from the front doorway. Dan knows it drives me crazy, and he genuinely apologizes when he seems me roll my eyes at the golf clubs in the guest room, and the stack on never ending mail on the kitchen table... So today, he was sure to warn me about the mess he had created before I got out of bed.
The past couple weekends Dan has been getting up early to work on his grad school work and his current job search. Fine with me, I really enjoy sleeping in the middle of the bed! This morning as I was waking up, he came in, asked me what we were having for breakfast, and looks at me and says... "Now Tracy, don't freak out, it's only going to be like this for the day, I promise."
I heard these words and I had no idea what to expect. So I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, and walked out into the living room to find... A Complete Home Office along with 60% of the products that are sold at Staples... and he hasn't left his little perch all day. He's been working hard, and as the day's progressed he has cleaned up quite a bit of the mess, but the printer is still there, churning out play books like crazy.
So I've spent my day cleaning around him and being his secretary, helping with his projects. And I've decided that I probably shouldn't freak out about this things that are out of place all the time, but I do appreciate the little warnings. I think it makes life a little more pleasant for both of us.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Not So "Blog Worthy" Blog
I know, I know, I haven't been posting like I used to, and I really just don't know what has gotten into me.
Maybe it's because I've really been trying to think about things for the wedding lately. Finding vendors in an area you are not familiar with is quite the task. Good thing I have Miss Mary Beth at the country club to send me good suggestions. But really, it takes up quite a bit of Internet time every evening.
Maybe it's because Dan and I have been spending more time together downstairs... which I love. We've taken the Christmas tree down weeks ago, but still haven't put the TV back downstairs. So when I get home we eat dinner and just sit and talk, which is nice, opposed to what we are doing now, sitting at opposite ends of the couch pecking away at our computers.
Maybe it's because American Idol started this week. I love this show, and it's definitely one that I turn all my attention to, computer is put away when this show is on.
Maybe it's because I've just been kind of feeling blah lately. I'm sure it has to do with the weather or my brain just being tired by the time I get home. As we speak (excuse me, type) Dan just had to repeat the same thing to me three times because I just couldn't register what he was talking about in my brain. I told him, with a blank stare, that something was wrong with me, he laughed and said, "at least you're finally admitting it." Right now I am just longing for Sunday when I can sleep in and not leave my house... all day!
Or maybe it's because my life just hasn't been very blog worthy lately. We've finally gotten into such a routine with our work and home life, so nothing to0 exciting has happened lately. Which to tell you the truth... does not bother me one bit.
So I'm going to go on with the rest of my week, preparing for a huge wedding at the restaurant this weekend, helping Dan prepare for a job interview for a head coaching position on Monday, picking out wedding flowers and cakes, working so hard to learn as much as possible at work before I take my test to become officially promoted, getting ready for my parents visit, enjoying a city that is so full of hype and excitement as we get ready for the biggest play-off game in the history of the city, and trying brave the sub-zero weather... oh wait... maybe my life has been blog worthy lately... I've just been to busy to think about it!
Maybe it's because I've really been trying to think about things for the wedding lately. Finding vendors in an area you are not familiar with is quite the task. Good thing I have Miss Mary Beth at the country club to send me good suggestions. But really, it takes up quite a bit of Internet time every evening.
Maybe it's because Dan and I have been spending more time together downstairs... which I love. We've taken the Christmas tree down weeks ago, but still haven't put the TV back downstairs. So when I get home we eat dinner and just sit and talk, which is nice, opposed to what we are doing now, sitting at opposite ends of the couch pecking away at our computers.
Maybe it's because American Idol started this week. I love this show, and it's definitely one that I turn all my attention to, computer is put away when this show is on.
Maybe it's because I've just been kind of feeling blah lately. I'm sure it has to do with the weather or my brain just being tired by the time I get home. As we speak (excuse me, type) Dan just had to repeat the same thing to me three times because I just couldn't register what he was talking about in my brain. I told him, with a blank stare, that something was wrong with me, he laughed and said, "at least you're finally admitting it." Right now I am just longing for Sunday when I can sleep in and not leave my house... all day!
Or maybe it's because my life just hasn't been very blog worthy lately. We've finally gotten into such a routine with our work and home life, so nothing to0 exciting has happened lately. Which to tell you the truth... does not bother me one bit.
So I'm going to go on with the rest of my week, preparing for a huge wedding at the restaurant this weekend, helping Dan prepare for a job interview for a head coaching position on Monday, picking out wedding flowers and cakes, working so hard to learn as much as possible at work before I take my test to become officially promoted, getting ready for my parents visit, enjoying a city that is so full of hype and excitement as we get ready for the biggest play-off game in the history of the city, and trying brave the sub-zero weather... oh wait... maybe my life has been blog worthy lately... I've just been to busy to think about it!
Friday, January 14, 2011
It Finally Happened...
... the thing that I've been fearing the most since I heard the words, "Public Transportation."
Let me just set the scene for you.
I was planning on leaving work early today, and I was just so excited! Getting on the early train means getting home at 6:15 opposed to 7:00. I know it's only 45 minutes, but to me, it's the world.
So at the end of the day things kind of went crazy. I had forgot to do something for one of the events this weekend and getting out at 5:00 just didn't happen. That's fine, whatever. But when I got out the door at 5:11, i was certain that I could still make the 5:28 train. So i did my normal routine. I called my mom and talk to her for a bit, quickening the pace just a little. I called Dan and told him wasn't sure if I was going to be home early but I was sure going to try. And then I hung up the phone, looked at my watch, and decided that I really needed to start booking it if I were going to make it.
The scene was something right out of a movie, I'm sure. I was running down Michigan Avenue. In my snow boots and ear-muffs, with a shopping bag full of things that I've accumulated at work... I was dodging in and out of people, going through cross-walks that had "stop" signals, dodging taxi-cabs, hitting tourists with my work and shopping bags, and I finally made it to the train station. I was at a full-on sprint by this time... There is probably a 300 yard straight shot that you have to take once you get underground from the stairs to the train platform and I probably set a new world-record at that distance.
I see the train... the lights are blinking... a see the doors starting to shut... I keep running... and the door slams shut just as I get there. I saw one of the conductors inside and I just start to bang on the window and she looks at me and says... "Step Away, Mam... The Train Is Leaving The Station!" I about died...
And so it happened. I sprinted for 4 blocks and 300 yards for nothing... only to be stuck there for another 28 minutes to wait for the next train... It's the first time, but I'm sure it's not the last. I am now just "that girl" that ran for the train and missed it... Not so much my favorite. But it's a pretty good story.
Let me just set the scene for you.
I was planning on leaving work early today, and I was just so excited! Getting on the early train means getting home at 6:15 opposed to 7:00. I know it's only 45 minutes, but to me, it's the world.
So at the end of the day things kind of went crazy. I had forgot to do something for one of the events this weekend and getting out at 5:00 just didn't happen. That's fine, whatever. But when I got out the door at 5:11, i was certain that I could still make the 5:28 train. So i did my normal routine. I called my mom and talk to her for a bit, quickening the pace just a little. I called Dan and told him wasn't sure if I was going to be home early but I was sure going to try. And then I hung up the phone, looked at my watch, and decided that I really needed to start booking it if I were going to make it.
The scene was something right out of a movie, I'm sure. I was running down Michigan Avenue. In my snow boots and ear-muffs, with a shopping bag full of things that I've accumulated at work... I was dodging in and out of people, going through cross-walks that had "stop" signals, dodging taxi-cabs, hitting tourists with my work and shopping bags, and I finally made it to the train station. I was at a full-on sprint by this time... There is probably a 300 yard straight shot that you have to take once you get underground from the stairs to the train platform and I probably set a new world-record at that distance.
I see the train... the lights are blinking... a see the doors starting to shut... I keep running... and the door slams shut just as I get there. I saw one of the conductors inside and I just start to bang on the window and she looks at me and says... "Step Away, Mam... The Train Is Leaving The Station!" I about died...
And so it happened. I sprinted for 4 blocks and 300 yards for nothing... only to be stuck there for another 28 minutes to wait for the next train... It's the first time, but I'm sure it's not the last. I am now just "that girl" that ran for the train and missed it... Not so much my favorite. But it's a pretty good story.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Today is my favorite day...
For Several Reasons...
1. I'm starting to feel better. Not 100%, I'd say about 65%, but i have energy, my voice works again, and I'm awake at 8:00 pm, much better than the rest of the week!
2. I had such a great day at work. I met two great clients that I'm excited to be working with. I met a "father of the bride" who really was quoting Steve Martin from the movie. The daughter was so embarrassed, but I just had to let her know that my dad has been quoting the movie for the last six months.
My dad's favorite quote is:
Steve Martin: "You're breaking up it sounded like you said $150 a head"
Franck's Assistant: "No,No"
Steve Martin: "Good, I was about to kill myself"
Franck's Assistant: "I said $250 a head"
This father of the bride's favorite quote (which he repeated a couple times today) was:
Steve Martin: "Oh, good, who else can we ask not to eat? My Parents? Your Mother?
The bride I am working with was glad to know she's not the only one out there dealing with a true life "Father of the Bride" (which by the way is one of my favorite movies!)
3. Dan surprised me with by bringing home a bottle of WHITE wine, which means not only did I get to enjoy wine with dinner... I could bring it upstairs. As much as I love red wine, I may be switching over since it is "white fluffy carpet friendly."
4. There is a new Grey's Anatomy on tonight! I've been waiting weeks for my shows to be new since the holiday season... so tonight's the night!
5. It's Thursday... which only means, tomorrow is Friday. This is the first full week I've worked in the past two because of Christmas and New Year's, so it's been a long week yes, but I'm excited that tomorrow is the end of the work week and we have the whole weekend to put our house back together.
So Happy Thursday Night, everyone!
1. I'm starting to feel better. Not 100%, I'd say about 65%, but i have energy, my voice works again, and I'm awake at 8:00 pm, much better than the rest of the week!
2. I had such a great day at work. I met two great clients that I'm excited to be working with. I met a "father of the bride" who really was quoting Steve Martin from the movie. The daughter was so embarrassed, but I just had to let her know that my dad has been quoting the movie for the last six months.
My dad's favorite quote is:
Steve Martin: "You're breaking up it sounded like you said $150 a head"
Franck's Assistant: "No,No"
Steve Martin: "Good, I was about to kill myself"
Franck's Assistant: "I said $250 a head"
This father of the bride's favorite quote (which he repeated a couple times today) was:
Steve Martin: "Oh, good, who else can we ask not to eat? My Parents? Your Mother?
The bride I am working with was glad to know she's not the only one out there dealing with a true life "Father of the Bride" (which by the way is one of my favorite movies!)
3. Dan surprised me with by bringing home a bottle of WHITE wine, which means not only did I get to enjoy wine with dinner... I could bring it upstairs. As much as I love red wine, I may be switching over since it is "white fluffy carpet friendly."
4. There is a new Grey's Anatomy on tonight! I've been waiting weeks for my shows to be new since the holiday season... so tonight's the night!
5. It's Thursday... which only means, tomorrow is Friday. This is the first full week I've worked in the past two because of Christmas and New Year's, so it's been a long week yes, but I'm excited that tomorrow is the end of the work week and we have the whole weekend to put our house back together.
So Happy Thursday Night, everyone!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I'm Sick...
my nose won't stop running, my eyes won't stop running. My cough gets worse as the day goes on, and all I want to do is lay in my bed. I'm on a cough drop and hot tea diet and I'm sure I've grossed out quite a few people on the telephone today with my awful voice. Dan is being a doll, picking up things for me at the drug store, making things for dinner that aren't hard to eat, and understanding that as soon as I get home I want to go to bed... But he's no Grandma Hornbach.
Today as I was riding the train home, I felt so awful all I wanted to do was end up on Grandma Hornbach's porch, still in my pajamas with my blankie in tow and have her take care of me for the day. Being sick when I was little were honestly some of my favorite days, because I got to spend them at Grandma's house. She would let me in, shoo my mom off to work, and a magical day would take place. She'd wrap me up in blankets and wrap a scarf around my neck. She'd bring me tea and the most fantastic chicken soup. We'd eat popsicles and watch The Wheel of Fortune and we'd take naps. In the afternoon I would always miraculously feel better. So much better that we would walk over to Widolff's to get a treat and we always ended up baking something. I was always sad when mom came to pick me up, because I knew she wouldn't let me be sick two days in a row!
Grandma Hornbach, as I've mentioned before, is one of the top three ladies I've ever known. I've been thinking a bout her a lot lately, and I'm sure it's because I wish she were here for the wedding. Grandma was the epitome of all Grandma's and taught me so many important things. Like how to roll out a pie crust and how to transfer it into the pie pan just so, she taught me how to use a Kitchen-Aid mixer without getting my hair or a fragile spatula sucked into the blade, she taught me how to do dishes correctly (you always wash the glasses first!), and how to properly clean the sink when you are done (with Comet). I like to wear dresses most days, and I'm sure the reason behind that is because I never saw Grandma in pants. But most importantly she taught me how to take care of people by her example. I feel like she'd do anything for anybody and she lived to take care of us. Maybe that's where I get my love of hospitality from.
There are times I think about Grandma and just cry, mainly because I wish she were here. But she will always be with me because some of the best memories I have from growing up include her. She was such a special lady with such a special family and she is definitely missed every single day.
Today as I was riding the train home, I felt so awful all I wanted to do was end up on Grandma Hornbach's porch, still in my pajamas with my blankie in tow and have her take care of me for the day. Being sick when I was little were honestly some of my favorite days, because I got to spend them at Grandma's house. She would let me in, shoo my mom off to work, and a magical day would take place. She'd wrap me up in blankets and wrap a scarf around my neck. She'd bring me tea and the most fantastic chicken soup. We'd eat popsicles and watch The Wheel of Fortune and we'd take naps. In the afternoon I would always miraculously feel better. So much better that we would walk over to Widolff's to get a treat and we always ended up baking something. I was always sad when mom came to pick me up, because I knew she wouldn't let me be sick two days in a row!
Grandma Hornbach, as I've mentioned before, is one of the top three ladies I've ever known. I've been thinking a bout her a lot lately, and I'm sure it's because I wish she were here for the wedding. Grandma was the epitome of all Grandma's and taught me so many important things. Like how to roll out a pie crust and how to transfer it into the pie pan just so, she taught me how to use a Kitchen-Aid mixer without getting my hair or a fragile spatula sucked into the blade, she taught me how to do dishes correctly (you always wash the glasses first!), and how to properly clean the sink when you are done (with Comet). I like to wear dresses most days, and I'm sure the reason behind that is because I never saw Grandma in pants. But most importantly she taught me how to take care of people by her example. I feel like she'd do anything for anybody and she lived to take care of us. Maybe that's where I get my love of hospitality from.
There are times I think about Grandma and just cry, mainly because I wish she were here. But she will always be with me because some of the best memories I have from growing up include her. She was such a special lady with such a special family and she is definitely missed every single day.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Maybe Next Year...
2010 came and went and on the Eve of New Year's we made this fantastic Corey Smith song our anthem.
"Times are a changin and I'm still the same
Ol' son of a bitch in the wind
I act like I did back when I was a kid
But it hurts more than it did back then
I go out on the town and make a fool of myself
I run around with the same rowdy friends
I get drunk and obnoxious
And wake up the next day swearing I'm never drinking again
My grandma still tells me enough is enough
Life ain't a game son, its time to grow up
Maybe next year I'll start acting my age
Turn a new leaf over my wicked ways
Get a real job and start pulling my weight
Only 365 days until I change my ways "
Maybe Next Year...
So Here's My Version...
Maybe Next Year,
I'll see my friends and family more
Maybe Next Year,
We'll find a church for ourselves
Maybe Next Year,
I won't drink until I'm sick
Maybe Next Year,
I'll put some money in the bank
Maybe Next Year,
I won't be a bridezilla
Maybe Next Year,
I'll enjoy one of the best days of my life
Maybe Next Year,
I'll throw more dinner parties
Maybe Next Year,
I'll make some friends in my town
Maybe Next Year,
I'll clean up my mouth
Maybe Next Year,
I'll exercise more
Maybe Next Year,
I'll cook more for Dan
Maybe Next Year,
I won't take so many naps
Maybe Next Year,
I'll start appreciating things more
Maybe Next Year,
I won't complain so much
Maybe Next Year...
Happy New Year, Everyone!
"Times are a changin and I'm still the same
Ol' son of a bitch in the wind
I act like I did back when I was a kid
But it hurts more than it did back then
I go out on the town and make a fool of myself
I run around with the same rowdy friends
I get drunk and obnoxious
And wake up the next day swearing I'm never drinking again
My grandma still tells me enough is enough
Life ain't a game son, its time to grow up
Maybe next year I'll start acting my age
Turn a new leaf over my wicked ways
Get a real job and start pulling my weight
Only 365 days until I change my ways "
Maybe Next Year...
So Here's My Version...
Maybe Next Year,
I'll see my friends and family more
Maybe Next Year,
We'll find a church for ourselves
Maybe Next Year,
I won't drink until I'm sick
Maybe Next Year,
I'll put some money in the bank
Maybe Next Year,
I won't be a bridezilla
Maybe Next Year,
I'll enjoy one of the best days of my life
Maybe Next Year,
I'll throw more dinner parties
Maybe Next Year,
I'll make some friends in my town
Maybe Next Year,
I'll clean up my mouth
Maybe Next Year,
I'll exercise more
Maybe Next Year,
I'll cook more for Dan
Maybe Next Year,
I won't take so many naps
Maybe Next Year,
I'll start appreciating things more
Maybe Next Year,
I won't complain so much
Maybe Next Year...
Happy New Year, Everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)