I love blogging. I love coming to this place where I have a blank canvas and I can just type, get things off my chest, talk about my past, and dream about the future. A few months ago when I found the Photo of the Day challenge I was so excited because I really was lacking all inspiration to kept blogging, but now, after a good run at it, I'm burnt out.
Maybe it's because it's starting to get nicer outside and I want to be there instead of at a computer. Maybe it's because the busy season is upon us at work and when I get home I feel as if my brain is fried from the day... and if I have to look at the computer screen for just one more second I think I may go cross-eyed. And is it just me, or have the prompts been not very exciting for the month of April.
So the photo of the day is over. I hope to find something new and exciting to blog about, but for now, I'm just going to continue what I was doing in the past and show you why each new day is my favorite day.
And since I've been absent from this little corner of my world called my blog, here are some of my favorite things from the past week...
Enjoying a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs and fresh fruit outside of my building on Thursday when I realized I showed up an hour before I scheduled myself to be there. There is nothing like the city in the early morning.
Finishing "Bloom" it's a beautiful, beautiful book that just reiterates that life is a special gift and life is what we make it.
Taking a road trip to my dear friend's baby shower and catching up with Lilly, Lydia, and Mo. I can't wait for this baby to be here... the first baby of the Duhme girls!
Jill telling me that Dillon eats pop tarts for breakfast and when I jokingly asked "when are you going to upgrade him to toaster strudels?" she replied... "well I've been honestly thinking about getting him those." This is the skinniest girl I know, yet she ate two pop tarts and then eventually toaster strudels every single day before high school.
Dan and I thinking we were back in college on Friday. We thought it would be a good idea to drink beer after beer and then play beer pong at a bar. Who did we think we were? I'll never know. I'm just glad I had absolutely nothing to do on Saturday, because it wasn't getting done. I felt like garbage, but we had so much fun on Friday.
Seeing some pretty cool events at work this week and the view is definitely the most beautiful on spring evenings. I still find myself staring out the window every day.
Knowing that my parents are going to be here in two nights! This week can't go quick enough, I am so looking forward to this weekend.
And lastly, the crazy work schedule is working in my favor tomorrow. I get to sleep in, not going into the office until 11:00. Hooray!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
April 10th and 11th
Cold & Where You Ate Breakfast
It's been so cold outside the past two days and I've been scarfing down oatmeal from a disposable coffee cup at my desk while my computer is booting up. Nothing to exciting or glamorous, but it's been my life the past two days.
And so I had a choice, I could either scrounge up some pictures to try to represent "cold" and "where you ate breakfast" in a cool and exciting way, but I decided not to. Just like I decided this morning that it would be a better idea to iron my pants and blouse instead of curl my hair because I only had so much time, I went the entire day with flat, stringy hair, but decided that was the lesser of the two evils... I hate wrinkly clothes. It's all about choices people!
I'm not sure where I am going with this. At first I was envisioning some long drawn out, sappy post about how we make choices every single day that may or may not have an extreme effect on our lives, but then I just deleted an entire paragraph about how I am so excited I talked Dan into picking up beers on his way home. It has been months since we've had beer in our house, and even if they are Mich Ultra's I am enjoying every single drink out of my frosty beer glass. It was a good choice on my part if you ask me.
But I've decided just to scrap it all. Long story short, I haven't taken a picture in two days and my life has been nothing but train rides, phone calls, emails, meetings, and snuggling on my couch. And I'm okay with that, I hope you're warmer than I am here in Chicago and enjoying your breakfasts more than I am, and I hope I can come up with some better things in the coming days.
Cheers to beers and phillip phillips, love him!
It's been so cold outside the past two days and I've been scarfing down oatmeal from a disposable coffee cup at my desk while my computer is booting up. Nothing to exciting or glamorous, but it's been my life the past two days.
And so I had a choice, I could either scrounge up some pictures to try to represent "cold" and "where you ate breakfast" in a cool and exciting way, but I decided not to. Just like I decided this morning that it would be a better idea to iron my pants and blouse instead of curl my hair because I only had so much time, I went the entire day with flat, stringy hair, but decided that was the lesser of the two evils... I hate wrinkly clothes. It's all about choices people!
I'm not sure where I am going with this. At first I was envisioning some long drawn out, sappy post about how we make choices every single day that may or may not have an extreme effect on our lives, but then I just deleted an entire paragraph about how I am so excited I talked Dan into picking up beers on his way home. It has been months since we've had beer in our house, and even if they are Mich Ultra's I am enjoying every single drink out of my frosty beer glass. It was a good choice on my part if you ask me.
But I've decided just to scrap it all. Long story short, I haven't taken a picture in two days and my life has been nothing but train rides, phone calls, emails, meetings, and snuggling on my couch. And I'm okay with that, I hope you're warmer than I am here in Chicago and enjoying your breakfasts more than I am, and I hope I can come up with some better things in the coming days.
Cheers to beers and phillip phillips, love him!
Monday, April 9, 2012
April 9 - Younger You
This weekend while I was home I meant to go through the old pictures to find a good pictures of my younger self, but I didn't...
But today, when we pulled up to our house I saw that I had a package on my front step. I was so excited, it was "bloom." I've been waiting for this package to arrive since I preordered Kelle Hampton's book almost six weeks ago, and it's finally here! And tonight, I settled into my corner and just started reading.
It was towards the very beginning that I found this passage...
"It's taken me awhile to grasp it all, but I have finally arrived at the grown-up place of life-is-what-your-make-it and there are lots of things in life we go through that aren't comfortable or ideal, but they could be so incredibly worse, and a simple life of comfort does nothing to change us, mold us, make us into better, stronger more beautiful versions of ourselves...
I have been reminded so much these past couple weeks of just how wonderfully blessed we are, and the older I get, the more I embrace change as an opportunity to learn just what I am capable of.
I am capable of so much.
... and I am excited at the opportunity of new challenges, more love...Perhaps I had been planted for too long and this little bit of discomfort will challenge me to push myself more toward new chapters in the story of our life.
They will be good chapters.
The last few days have been such a snowballing of emotions and contemplations and yes, hormones, to settle me into a contented place of so-be-it. Life flows on, and I want to experience every tide, every wave, every calm with purpose."
I love this. I've read and re-read it, and it hit home with me. I feel like lately I've really been trying to look at things with the glass half full and when people are nothing but negative, I get really, really aggravated. Because you know what, things could be a lot worse and you have no idea what other people are going through. I feel like people that are negative all of the time would honestly feel better if they just switched their way of thinking. Yes, it might not be as easily done as said, but you got to start somewhere. I wouldn't have thought this way in my younger life.
So I challenge everybody, today, find something crummy... and take that crummy something and find something fabulous about it. Because I'm sure there is something...
With that being said, this weekend while we were home almost every one was asking us about our new eating habits. When I told them we didn't eat meals with more than 400 calories, and I only cooked on Sundays, most people looked at me like I had 3 eye balls. So I thought I would share how incredibly easy this transition has been for us.
So here is how it works. First, I go through my binder of recipes and decide what we'd like this week. I write down all of the ingredients, and then rewrite the things I need in the order that they appear in the grocery store. With this method, I honestly spend more time in the check-out line than in the actual store. I love coming home with a complete list checked off!
And when I get home, I turn on the music really loud, banish Dan to his loft... and cook. The process usually takes between 2 and 2 and a half hours, depending if I go with four recipes or five, and within that amount of time this (please excuse the booze, I don't use that in my recipes)...
...turns into this.
My favorite part of the day is stacking up all of my containers and putting them away, it feels like such an accomplishment, and I know that we are set for the entire week.
And here is what we are having this week.
Greek Chicken Pasta
11 ounces uncooked whole wheat pasta
2 t olive oil
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1/3 cup chopped red onion
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken, cut into bite size pieces
A little over a half a can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
A little over a half a can of tomatoes (or half of one large tomato)
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
A few shakes of parsley
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 & 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
salt and pepper
Cook Pasta.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add garlic and onion, saute for 2 minutes, add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
Reduce heat to medium low, add artichoke hearts, tomato, feta cheese, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, and cooked pasta. Stir all together and cook for about 2 minutes. Four Servings.
Spicy Vegetable Soup
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 teaspoons hot paprika (I put a couple extra shakes and some chili powder)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can tomatoes
1 diced yellow summer squash
2 cups diced cooked potatoes
1 can green beans
2 cups frozen spinach
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
Heat oil in large pot, add onions, cover and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add paprika and stir for about 30 seconds.
Add broth, tomatoes, squash, cooked potatoes and beans. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes.
Stir in spinach and vinegar; continue cooking until heated through, about 3 minutes.
They say to top the soup with a dollop of pesto, I've never done it, but I bet it's delish. Four Servings
Mexican Pork Stew
~I cut this recipe in half, below is for 8 Servings~
3 lb. pork loin
1 1/2 cup salsa verde (green salsa)
1 3/4 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion, sliced thinly
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper
1 can diced tomatoes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, Place everything in baking dish, cover tightly with foil and bake for 2 1/2 hours. Uncover and bake 15 minutes. Remove the pork for the salsa, place salsa in a skillet and heat while stirring for 15 minutes to thicken the salsa. Pour salsa back over the pork. Garnish with low fat four cream and cilantro.
Chicken and Veggie with Orzo
1 cup uncooked orzo
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 Tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces chicken breast, cut into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt
1 cup julienne cut carrots
1 yellow bell pepper cut into thin strips
2 cups julienne cut zucchini
Cook orzo by following package instructions. Combine broth, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Heat 1 T oil and cook garlic, chicken and salt until chicken is cooked through. Heat 1 T oil and cook carrots and bell pepper for 3 minutes, then add zucchini and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir broth mixture until smooth, add to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Add orzo and chicken to skillet. Heat through. Four Servings.
Enjoy!
But today, when we pulled up to our house I saw that I had a package on my front step. I was so excited, it was "bloom." I've been waiting for this package to arrive since I preordered Kelle Hampton's book almost six weeks ago, and it's finally here! And tonight, I settled into my corner and just started reading.
It was towards the very beginning that I found this passage...
"It's taken me awhile to grasp it all, but I have finally arrived at the grown-up place of life-is-what-your-make-it and there are lots of things in life we go through that aren't comfortable or ideal, but they could be so incredibly worse, and a simple life of comfort does nothing to change us, mold us, make us into better, stronger more beautiful versions of ourselves...
I have been reminded so much these past couple weeks of just how wonderfully blessed we are, and the older I get, the more I embrace change as an opportunity to learn just what I am capable of.
I am capable of so much.
... and I am excited at the opportunity of new challenges, more love...Perhaps I had been planted for too long and this little bit of discomfort will challenge me to push myself more toward new chapters in the story of our life.
They will be good chapters.
The last few days have been such a snowballing of emotions and contemplations and yes, hormones, to settle me into a contented place of so-be-it. Life flows on, and I want to experience every tide, every wave, every calm with purpose."
I love this. I've read and re-read it, and it hit home with me. I feel like lately I've really been trying to look at things with the glass half full and when people are nothing but negative, I get really, really aggravated. Because you know what, things could be a lot worse and you have no idea what other people are going through. I feel like people that are negative all of the time would honestly feel better if they just switched their way of thinking. Yes, it might not be as easily done as said, but you got to start somewhere. I wouldn't have thought this way in my younger life.
So I challenge everybody, today, find something crummy... and take that crummy something and find something fabulous about it. Because I'm sure there is something...
With that being said, this weekend while we were home almost every one was asking us about our new eating habits. When I told them we didn't eat meals with more than 400 calories, and I only cooked on Sundays, most people looked at me like I had 3 eye balls. So I thought I would share how incredibly easy this transition has been for us.
So here is how it works. First, I go through my binder of recipes and decide what we'd like this week. I write down all of the ingredients, and then rewrite the things I need in the order that they appear in the grocery store. With this method, I honestly spend more time in the check-out line than in the actual store. I love coming home with a complete list checked off!
And when I get home, I turn on the music really loud, banish Dan to his loft... and cook. The process usually takes between 2 and 2 and a half hours, depending if I go with four recipes or five, and within that amount of time this (please excuse the booze, I don't use that in my recipes)...
...turns into this.
My favorite part of the day is stacking up all of my containers and putting them away, it feels like such an accomplishment, and I know that we are set for the entire week.
And here is what we are having this week.
Greek Chicken Pasta
11 ounces uncooked whole wheat pasta
2 t olive oil
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1/3 cup chopped red onion
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken, cut into bite size pieces
A little over a half a can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
A little over a half a can of tomatoes (or half of one large tomato)
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
A few shakes of parsley
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 & 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
salt and pepper
Cook Pasta.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add garlic and onion, saute for 2 minutes, add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
Reduce heat to medium low, add artichoke hearts, tomato, feta cheese, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, and cooked pasta. Stir all together and cook for about 2 minutes. Four Servings.
Spicy Vegetable Soup
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 teaspoons hot paprika (I put a couple extra shakes and some chili powder)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can tomatoes
1 diced yellow summer squash
2 cups diced cooked potatoes
1 can green beans
2 cups frozen spinach
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
Heat oil in large pot, add onions, cover and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add paprika and stir for about 30 seconds.
Add broth, tomatoes, squash, cooked potatoes and beans. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes.
Stir in spinach and vinegar; continue cooking until heated through, about 3 minutes.
They say to top the soup with a dollop of pesto, I've never done it, but I bet it's delish. Four Servings
Mexican Pork Stew
~I cut this recipe in half, below is for 8 Servings~
3 lb. pork loin
1 1/2 cup salsa verde (green salsa)
1 3/4 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion, sliced thinly
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper
1 can diced tomatoes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, Place everything in baking dish, cover tightly with foil and bake for 2 1/2 hours. Uncover and bake 15 minutes. Remove the pork for the salsa, place salsa in a skillet and heat while stirring for 15 minutes to thicken the salsa. Pour salsa back over the pork. Garnish with low fat four cream and cilantro.
Chicken and Veggie with Orzo
1 cup uncooked orzo
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 Tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces chicken breast, cut into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt
1 cup julienne cut carrots
1 yellow bell pepper cut into thin strips
2 cups julienne cut zucchini
Cook orzo by following package instructions. Combine broth, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Heat 1 T oil and cook garlic, chicken and salt until chicken is cooked through. Heat 1 T oil and cook carrots and bell pepper for 3 minutes, then add zucchini and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir broth mixture until smooth, add to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Add orzo and chicken to skillet. Heat through. Four Servings.
Enjoy!
April 8 - Inside Your Wallet... Easter
I don't really like the prompt for today, so I'm going to skip it. I don't have anything too exciting inside my wallet anyway. Sunday, April 8th was a beautiful Easter Sunday. Dan and I woke up to our Easter basket, I love grown up Easter baskets, full of gas cards and toothbrushes!
We went for a nice jog, sat on the deck, and when Mom and Dad got home from church we started getting ready for the day's celebrations. I pulled up Facebook before we left for the day and saw that everybody was posting pictures of their families in their Easter best, so here are Dan and I... and you can tell John took this picture, because he really wanted his football sign in the shot.
We had the most amazing brunch at Bert and Daves. For some reason I didn't take a picture of all of the food, but we had it all. Omelets, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, fruit, ham, bacon, potatoes (sauteed in bacon grease). Delicious! We played outside, took a little snooze on the floor, watched the Red's win in the bottom of the ninth, and then we were off to The Hartman's. We had another delicious meal with the family and I didn't think it was possible to cheer on a golf game as much as I did on Sunday. It was a good, celebratory day, topped off cuddling on my parent's couch enjoying the wine I brought home for the weekend but was too busy to even think about opening.
The saddest part of the day was knowing that when I woke up in the morning I would have to pack my bags and leave, that may be why I kept asking Dan if we could stay up just a little bit longer... It was a good trip home, good to see some friends and my family. I just soaked everything up and I'll now be held over until the next trip home!
We went for a nice jog, sat on the deck, and when Mom and Dad got home from church we started getting ready for the day's celebrations. I pulled up Facebook before we left for the day and saw that everybody was posting pictures of their families in their Easter best, so here are Dan and I... and you can tell John took this picture, because he really wanted his football sign in the shot.
We had the most amazing brunch at Bert and Daves. For some reason I didn't take a picture of all of the food, but we had it all. Omelets, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, fruit, ham, bacon, potatoes (sauteed in bacon grease). Delicious! We played outside, took a little snooze on the floor, watched the Red's win in the bottom of the ninth, and then we were off to The Hartman's. We had another delicious meal with the family and I didn't think it was possible to cheer on a golf game as much as I did on Sunday. It was a good, celebratory day, topped off cuddling on my parent's couch enjoying the wine I brought home for the weekend but was too busy to even think about opening.
The saddest part of the day was knowing that when I woke up in the morning I would have to pack my bags and leave, that may be why I kept asking Dan if we could stay up just a little bit longer... It was a good trip home, good to see some friends and my family. I just soaked everything up and I'll now be held over until the next trip home!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
April 7 - Your Shadow
We spent a large part of the day today on the deck. This is Mom's sanctuary. She loves sitting out here, mainly to watch the birds. Dan's been asking her a lot about the pileated woodpecker that has come to visit her in the past. So today, Mom went out and bought suet. She claims this is what makes them come to your yard. We hung the suet, and we did a stakeout for this bird.
I honestly thought one would just come flying out of the woods, but it didn't. We did hear it tapping away at a tree in the woods, but it never came. As the day was coming to an end I stepped back out on the deck to watch for a little bit longer, and there it was, my shadow.
Along with the bird watching, this weekend has been full of the simplest pleasures. We've read articles on how to make the most perfect hard boiled egg... and then accomplished it.
We dyed eggs, following the instructions for extra vibrant eggs. Without any little guys around we could let them sit in the dye for at least 15 minutes. Dyeing eggs is a lot more fun when you're drinking wine too.
The eggs came out beautifully.
We've picked flowers.
Had an amazing camp fire in the backyard.
We've taken walks, chopped lots of omelet ingredients to prep for tomorrow's Easter celebrations.
I stole a spoon full of the finished broccoli casserole... it's even fabulous when cold.
Been genuinely interested in The Masters, "Come On Phil", gone to lunch with Brother Justin, drank way too many pots of coffee, and I even snuck in a nap.
And now we're off to cheer on the Reds. Being able to watch a Red's game on television is quite the treat for Dan and I, so B-dubs here we come.
Happy Saturday, Happy Easter.
I honestly thought one would just come flying out of the woods, but it didn't. We did hear it tapping away at a tree in the woods, but it never came. As the day was coming to an end I stepped back out on the deck to watch for a little bit longer, and there it was, my shadow.
Along with the bird watching, this weekend has been full of the simplest pleasures. We've read articles on how to make the most perfect hard boiled egg... and then accomplished it.
We dyed eggs, following the instructions for extra vibrant eggs. Without any little guys around we could let them sit in the dye for at least 15 minutes. Dyeing eggs is a lot more fun when you're drinking wine too.
The eggs came out beautifully.
We've picked flowers.
Had an amazing camp fire in the backyard.
We've taken walks, chopped lots of omelet ingredients to prep for tomorrow's Easter celebrations.
I stole a spoon full of the finished broccoli casserole... it's even fabulous when cold.
Been genuinely interested in The Masters, "Come On Phil", gone to lunch with Brother Justin, drank way too many pots of coffee, and I even snuck in a nap.
And now we're off to cheer on the Reds. Being able to watch a Red's game on television is quite the treat for Dan and I, so B-dubs here we come.
Happy Saturday, Happy Easter.
Friday, April 6, 2012
April 6 - Lunch
Today, lunch was such a treat! Becky, Amanda, and I were all back together again... drinking margaritas and eating chips and salsa like our old selves. It was so good to see them both and catch up. I miss them like crazy.
Please note that we did not steal any menus, salsa bowls, corona salt and pepper shakers, or cactus margarita glasses like we have in the past. We're growing up, becoming real people. The days of drinking tequila until we puke in the bathroom are over... at least during the lunch hour anyway.
Happy Good Friday, Oh, Happy Day!
Please note that we did not steal any menus, salsa bowls, corona salt and pepper shakers, or cactus margarita glasses like we have in the past. We're growing up, becoming real people. The days of drinking tequila until we puke in the bathroom are over... at least during the lunch hour anyway.
Happy Good Friday, Oh, Happy Day!
April 5 - Tiny
Thursday, April 5th was quite the day. I had a wedding tasting so I didn't have to go into work until 10:30 am, which meant I got to watch Good Morning America. I love that show! Work was good, but a long, long day. I got so much done, finalized everything since I was going to be out for a few days, had a wine tasting for our new menus, and then the wedding tasting with a couple from Washington D.C.
Finally at 7:45 I bolted out of the John Hancock Building, I was on the road. I swung by our house, picked up Dan and we were homeward bound. We didn't leave Northwest Indiana until 8:45 pm, which was 9:45 home time, but we just drove... and finally at 1:23 am we pulled into Mom and Dad's house. I automatically felt better about my entire day, and so very excited to be spending the next three and a half days here.
We were so incredibly tired when we got here, we didn't even talk to each other, just crashed into bed. When we come home we sleep in Jill and I's old room, which is now Johnny's room, but he happily sleeps in the basement for the weekend. The room is not purple anymore, and instead of our two tiny twin beds, there is a double bed. But there is still this tiny TV, just like Jill and I had. And when I turned on the tiny TV I flipped the channel button three times and heard it... "Thank you for being my friend...." It was our show. The show Jill and I fell asleep to every single night. The Golden Girls. It was the episode where Blanche thinks her really young trainer is interested in her, but really he wants to hang out with her because she reminds him of his mother. Funny, funny episode! And yes, I stayed awake the an extra half hour just so I could watch the show in our old room. I miss it, I miss this house, I miss Jill in the little tiny bed next to me, watching this tiny TV. And yes, I can tell I'm getting older because I can see this little thing as clearly as I could in high school.
Happy Easter Weekend, everyone. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
April 4 - Someone Who Makes You Happy
My husband makes me happy. It’s still kind of foreign to me saying, “my husband” but I like it. April 4th was one of those nights for us. Neither of us had any prior commitments, which has been rare lately, and we just hung out. I even got him to help me unload the dishwasher and pick up things around the house with me so we can bolt out the door to head home as soon as possible after work on Thursday.
Dan doesn’t need to do much to make me happy, just the way that we are together makes me relaxed and content. We can talk, or we don’t have to. We can tell each other stories and talk about our days. He is always interested in what I did at work and I like asking about his kids at school.
It’s easy for us, and I guess that’s what makes our marriage work. We laugh, a lot, about the silliest things and when we talk about things that we did when growing up it’s always funny to get each other’s perspectives because we are surprised how very similar our childhoods were. This week we discovered that we both hated when our mom’s made salmon patties during Lent, neither of us ate black beans when we were little, every Saturday morning involved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and we both share the same favorite Saved By The Bell episode (the one where Jessie is taking caffeine pills and she’s jumping around her bedroom singing, “I’m so excited, I’m so excited, I’m so, I’m so Scared.”) Who knows what kind of ridiculous things we’ll know about each other in a few more years. And he teaches me things. I guess I never, ever paid attention in history class because I don’t know much of anything when it comes to life before 1987, and Dan is a sponge. He is so full of facts and years; he can tell you the order of Kings and Queens of England and the starting lineup every year for the Reds dating to way before my time. Sometimes it amazes me with the things he knows… but sometimes I think, “Is he just making this stuff up?” I sure hope not since he’s teaching kids these things every day, but still how does someone remember all of that?
He makes me happy, and that’s a good thing, because I’m stuck with him for the rest of my life…but I don’t think I could ask for anyone better.
And I love this picture of us from almost five years ago. I don't think either of us knew at this point that we would fall in love, and get married, but it sure looks like we did. And this picture makes me so happy, I think it just oozes love.
Dan doesn’t need to do much to make me happy, just the way that we are together makes me relaxed and content. We can talk, or we don’t have to. We can tell each other stories and talk about our days. He is always interested in what I did at work and I like asking about his kids at school.
It’s easy for us, and I guess that’s what makes our marriage work. We laugh, a lot, about the silliest things and when we talk about things that we did when growing up it’s always funny to get each other’s perspectives because we are surprised how very similar our childhoods were. This week we discovered that we both hated when our mom’s made salmon patties during Lent, neither of us ate black beans when we were little, every Saturday morning involved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and we both share the same favorite Saved By The Bell episode (the one where Jessie is taking caffeine pills and she’s jumping around her bedroom singing, “I’m so excited, I’m so excited, I’m so, I’m so Scared.”) Who knows what kind of ridiculous things we’ll know about each other in a few more years. And he teaches me things. I guess I never, ever paid attention in history class because I don’t know much of anything when it comes to life before 1987, and Dan is a sponge. He is so full of facts and years; he can tell you the order of Kings and Queens of England and the starting lineup every year for the Reds dating to way before my time. Sometimes it amazes me with the things he knows… but sometimes I think, “Is he just making this stuff up?” I sure hope not since he’s teaching kids these things every day, but still how does someone remember all of that?
He makes me happy, and that’s a good thing, because I’m stuck with him for the rest of my life…but I don’t think I could ask for anyone better.
And I love this picture of us from almost five years ago. I don't think either of us knew at this point that we would fall in love, and get married, but it sure looks like we did. And this picture makes me so happy, I think it just oozes love.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
April 3 - Mail
It was a sad, sad day for me. I didn't receive any mail, not even any mail in my work mailbox! Not even a bill to pay!!
So instead I'm going to share with you something that brings so much joy to my morning. The Tulips on Michigan Avenue. I wish these were in bloom all year long, because honestly they bring a smile to my face for the entire mile walk to work.
Happy Spring!
So instead I'm going to share with you something that brings so much joy to my morning. The Tulips on Michigan Avenue. I wish these were in bloom all year long, because honestly they bring a smile to my face for the entire mile walk to work.
Happy Spring!
April 2 - Colour
Or as I know it, Color.
And on April 2nd we, of course, watched The National Championship game. And with the end of March Madness we took a look at our Sheets on Integrity...
... and mine had more color! After every round we diligently took our brackets, crossed out with black sharpie the ones we didn't get correct and excitedly highlighted the ones we did get right. After everything was said and done I had 40 colored marks opposed to Dan's 37. It was close, but I cannot wait to go to dinner at the restaurant of my choice, I'm thinking Carnival!
And on April 2nd we, of course, watched The National Championship game. And with the end of March Madness we took a look at our Sheets on Integrity...
... and mine had more color! After every round we diligently took our brackets, crossed out with black sharpie the ones we didn't get correct and excitedly highlighted the ones we did get right. After everything was said and done I had 40 colored marks opposed to Dan's 37. It was close, but I cannot wait to go to dinner at the restaurant of my choice, I'm thinking Carnival!
April 1 - Your Reflection
Happy April. To start the month off right here's the month's photo challenge.
I'm pretty excited that we didn't see anybody but each other and the people we passed on the trail, because I did not have to hear an April Fool's joke. I hate those! So reflecting back on the past couple April 1st I have to say one was better than the other.
Two April 1st ago, we got engaged, and that was not an April Fool's Joke. It's was one of the happiest days of my life.
And one year ago on April 1st we said goodbye to an amazing friend. I miss him dearly, but remembering his smile automatically makes me smile... and that's a good memory.
But these two pictures don't count for Your Reflection pictures, so here they are. I love The Bean. It's one of my favorite landmarks in the city, not so much to look at my own reflection, but to watch all the people run around like crazy people seeing themselves in different angles. I like to take everyone there, here's a picture of Mom and Dad on their first trip to Chicago.
And when Dan and I were in London we stumbled this little guy. We called it London's version of the bean. It was so small you can't even really see out reflection in the ball, but you can see St. Paul's Cathedral... and it's beautiful.
I'm pretty excited that we didn't see anybody but each other and the people we passed on the trail, because I did not have to hear an April Fool's joke. I hate those! So reflecting back on the past couple April 1st I have to say one was better than the other.
Two April 1st ago, we got engaged, and that was not an April Fool's Joke. It's was one of the happiest days of my life.
And one year ago on April 1st we said goodbye to an amazing friend. I miss him dearly, but remembering his smile automatically makes me smile... and that's a good memory.
But these two pictures don't count for Your Reflection pictures, so here they are. I love The Bean. It's one of my favorite landmarks in the city, not so much to look at my own reflection, but to watch all the people run around like crazy people seeing themselves in different angles. I like to take everyone there, here's a picture of Mom and Dad on their first trip to Chicago.
And when Dan and I were in London we stumbled this little guy. We called it London's version of the bean. It was so small you can't even really see out reflection in the ball, but you can see St. Paul's Cathedral... and it's beautiful.
The End of March
So it's been 10 days since my last post... which means there is a lot to catch up on. On Monday I misplaced my camera. I had deep cleaned my entire house just two days before, but I couldn't seem to find the camera anywhere. And then, finally, on Sunday while I was picking up the house I found it! It was under a stack of Golf Digest Magazines... Now, from the subject matter of the magazines I will give you one guess as to who thought it was a good idea to stack a bunch of magazines on a camera. But anyway, it's found, so let's catch up.
March 26 - Key
One of my bestest friends gave me this necklace as a graduation gift. It was "the key to my heart." I've kept it, worn it thousands of times, and I still wear it. It reminds me of our friendship more now than ever because we are so far apart, and I'll treasure it forever.
March 27 - Your Name
I sign my name several times a day, every time I book a party I sign the confirmation letter and every time a finalized menu contract goes out I sign my name, Tracy Hartman, but whenever someone asks me my name it comes out... Tracy Hor, I mean Hartman. I think because there was only a two letter change it's even harder for me to get used to my married name. But one upside of this... when I go pick up my prescription it now says HA instead of HO, makes me feel a little better about myself.
March 28 - Trash
On March 28th we celebrated Dan's golden birthday! We spent a very fun evening with our friend Artie at our favorite bar by our house and then came home for a birthday treat... Sprinkles Cupcakes, Dan devoured the first one before I even got to take a cell phone picture of him with his cupcakes, so here's a picture of our trash...
The cupcakes were delish! The red velvet is of course the favorite stand by flavor that you have to get every time you're there, but I would also highly suggest the peanut butter with chocolate chips and chocolate icing. Hello!
March 29 - Feet
With all of the beautiful weather I finally got around to painting my toes. The first pedicure of the year ALWAYS requires red toe nail polish... my favorite.
And to share one of my favorite pictures of all time, my favorite picture of feet... Now that was a fun summer!
March 30 - Toy
I've been told by the three people under the age of 21 that have visited my house that I do not have a fun house because we have no toys. When Dan's cousins came to visit they were searching for toys so hard, but told me the only thing they found were cobwebs... With that being said. This is the closest thing to a toy we have here at the house, Scrabble.
In our entire relationship we've probably played a thousand games of Scrabble, and I've won ONE. I'll never forget my winning word was YEN. I only had a Y and an N in my hand and I found this lonely little E sitting out in the middle of the board. The points I received put me 1 point above Dan. It was a great day!
March 31 - Where you Relax
There it is. I write about this little nook of my home quite a bit. But my corner of the couch is the best place to relax, especially with lots of pillows and one of my favorite blankies from Kait!
Holy Smokes, I finished March, honestly didn't think it would happen. I hope everyone had a great Month. Now to get caught up with April!
Cheers!
March 26 - Key
One of my bestest friends gave me this necklace as a graduation gift. It was "the key to my heart." I've kept it, worn it thousands of times, and I still wear it. It reminds me of our friendship more now than ever because we are so far apart, and I'll treasure it forever.
March 27 - Your Name
I sign my name several times a day, every time I book a party I sign the confirmation letter and every time a finalized menu contract goes out I sign my name, Tracy Hartman, but whenever someone asks me my name it comes out... Tracy Hor, I mean Hartman. I think because there was only a two letter change it's even harder for me to get used to my married name. But one upside of this... when I go pick up my prescription it now says HA instead of HO, makes me feel a little better about myself.
March 28 - Trash
On March 28th we celebrated Dan's golden birthday! We spent a very fun evening with our friend Artie at our favorite bar by our house and then came home for a birthday treat... Sprinkles Cupcakes, Dan devoured the first one before I even got to take a cell phone picture of him with his cupcakes, so here's a picture of our trash...
The cupcakes were delish! The red velvet is of course the favorite stand by flavor that you have to get every time you're there, but I would also highly suggest the peanut butter with chocolate chips and chocolate icing. Hello!
March 29 - Feet
With all of the beautiful weather I finally got around to painting my toes. The first pedicure of the year ALWAYS requires red toe nail polish... my favorite.
And to share one of my favorite pictures of all time, my favorite picture of feet... Now that was a fun summer!
March 30 - Toy
I've been told by the three people under the age of 21 that have visited my house that I do not have a fun house because we have no toys. When Dan's cousins came to visit they were searching for toys so hard, but told me the only thing they found were cobwebs... With that being said. This is the closest thing to a toy we have here at the house, Scrabble.
In our entire relationship we've probably played a thousand games of Scrabble, and I've won ONE. I'll never forget my winning word was YEN. I only had a Y and an N in my hand and I found this lonely little E sitting out in the middle of the board. The points I received put me 1 point above Dan. It was a great day!
March 31 - Where you Relax
There it is. I write about this little nook of my home quite a bit. But my corner of the couch is the best place to relax, especially with lots of pillows and one of my favorite blankies from Kait!
Holy Smokes, I finished March, honestly didn't think it would happen. I hope everyone had a great Month. Now to get caught up with April!
Cheers!
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