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.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
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.
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