Oct 25, 2005
Nana's funeral was nice. Short and sweet, and funny and solemn and tearful, and full of love and life. It is hard to talk about this woman without cracking a joke. She was full of the piss and vinegar, misunderstandings and teasable situations that old age can bring. It was lovely to catch up with some family members I rarely get to see, and to meet others for the very first time. And to spend an entire weekend cuddling with my baby nephew Justin, pretending he was mine. Until his diaper needed to be changed. Then it was back to mom.
I also got to meet my mom's new boyfriend, who I adore already. He has the same name as my little brother, and he has a daughter named Emily. Bizarre.
My birthday is Sunday, and I'm starting my oh-my-gosh-I'm-another-year-older-and-what-have-I-accomplished-since-last-year train of thought. And it is better than last year. This year I've accomplished alot. And I'm happier than I was last year. And more secure in who I am and what I am becoming. I have a lot going for me and I finally feel right about it. Like I deserve it.
In year 25 I:
got a new job that I adore. began working with my husband, who I adore. gained a new little nephew, who I adore. got a little bit more out of debt. went carless and loved it. helped a friend get married. lost a nana. gained a new hobby in making jewelry. bought lots of shoes. found an incredible hair dresser and an even more incredible doctor. saw nyc for the first time ever. saw hawaii for the first time ever. supported a friend through a divorce. learned how to go to sleep when my husband isn't there. finally purchased a real, grown up couch. got an ipod. celebrated two wonderful years with the hubb. began painting again. realized that being happy is ok.
I also got to meet my mom's new boyfriend, who I adore already. He has the same name as my little brother, and he has a daughter named Emily. Bizarre.
My birthday is Sunday, and I'm starting my oh-my-gosh-I'm-another-year-older-and-what-have-I-accomplished-since-last-year train of thought. And it is better than last year. This year I've accomplished alot. And I'm happier than I was last year. And more secure in who I am and what I am becoming. I have a lot going for me and I finally feel right about it. Like I deserve it.
In year 25 I:
got a new job that I adore. began working with my husband, who I adore. gained a new little nephew, who I adore. got a little bit more out of debt. went carless and loved it. helped a friend get married. lost a nana. gained a new hobby in making jewelry. bought lots of shoes. found an incredible hair dresser and an even more incredible doctor. saw nyc for the first time ever. saw hawaii for the first time ever. supported a friend through a divorce. learned how to go to sleep when my husband isn't there. finally purchased a real, grown up couch. got an ipod. celebrated two wonderful years with the hubb. began painting again. realized that being happy is ok.
Oct 17, 2005
My step-mother's mother passed away early this morning. We've all known this was going to happen for quite a long time. I saw her two weekends ago, bedridden, skin and bones, mumbling, unable to eat, barely alive. She had moments of lucidity, however, beaming and incredibly happy when introduced to her new baby great-grandson two weeks ago; telling her daughter, fully aware of what was happening: "I'm dying, aren't I? But I'm OK with that, I've made peace, I can go now." and "I can go now because I've paid my bills." and "I don't know what He is waiting for, I'm ready to go now." and "I'll tell your dad you say hello. I can carry a message from earth to heaven. I like that."
Now she's gone.
So another trip to the east coast, another visit with my family who is still living. Another celebration of this 90+ year old woman's life. Stories of Nana. Like when she said, in her southern drawl, "Emily, I didn't know YOU were going to be here!" to me at my own wedding. And when she asked who my handsom boyfriend was when I showed up to her house with my little brother. And when she would drink a holiday liquor and fall asleep on the couch with the TV blaring away at the loudest possible level. And when she would put shrimp and ham and biscuits in a napkin to feed to her little pomeranian, CB, who Nana referred to as "him" even though the dog was a girl.
She passed in peace, on her own time, from only her own body's refusal to keep living. In her own home. Surrounded by her family. Cared for by her children and grandchildren. Exactly the way she wanted.
Now she's gone.
So another trip to the east coast, another visit with my family who is still living. Another celebration of this 90+ year old woman's life. Stories of Nana. Like when she said, in her southern drawl, "Emily, I didn't know YOU were going to be here!" to me at my own wedding. And when she asked who my handsom boyfriend was when I showed up to her house with my little brother. And when she would drink a holiday liquor and fall asleep on the couch with the TV blaring away at the loudest possible level. And when she would put shrimp and ham and biscuits in a napkin to feed to her little pomeranian, CB, who Nana referred to as "him" even though the dog was a girl.
She passed in peace, on her own time, from only her own body's refusal to keep living. In her own home. Surrounded by her family. Cared for by her children and grandchildren. Exactly the way she wanted.
Oct 13, 2005
it has been busy, and i have been uninspired, at least in the words department. i spent the weekend with my family in the mountains of virginia, and i'm still recovering from the love and the food and the lack of sleep. i love my relatives. that's a nice feeling.
my cousins carey and laura are both pregnant, so we had a surprise baby shower. i gave them both little tiny virginia tech onesies and tiny hokie bird booties to celebrate our alma mater. i can't get over how little babies are. except for my new nephew on my step-family's side. he is a huge fat little two and a half month old man. i just wanted to shove him in my suitcase and bring him back to chicago with me, how cute he was in his little cable knit sweater vest and cargo shorts. which reminds me: i don't understand the purpose of pockets on baby clothes. do they need a place to put their wallets and keys and spare change?
my favorite verbal exchange of the weekend: (backstory: laura is pregnant. she has two kids, 5 year old jake and 3 year old grace. their aunt is also pregnant.)
grace: (looking at her mom and her aunt) "you don't have a baby."
emily: "no, you are right, i don't have a baby."
jake: (evaluating me with a furrowed brow) "yeah, you are WAY too thin."
this will leave me with smiles for weeks, i tell you. except that today while holding my coworker's 4 month old, i realized that i kind of want a baby. a little bit. sort of. but at least after a weekend of eating and drinking too much toddlers don't mistake me for being pregnant.
i am obsessed with little comfy ballet flats and mocassins right now. i'm working on wearing my bronx flats out:
i plan to spend some time this weekend taking pictures of the dozens of necklaces and earrings i've made over the past few weeks. i have way too many to do anything with, so i may end up trying to get a booth at one of the many chicago craft fairs to sell some of it. i ordered some new beads yesterday, some pearls, more agate, jasper and amazonite. i can't stop.
vows i've made in the past week:
1. to never book a 6:30 am flight again.
2. to drink more water.
3. to dress my children well.
4. to bring a flask and some sedatives next time i travel, just in case my flight is delayed THREE FREAKING HOURS.
5. to overreact less.
my cousins carey and laura are both pregnant, so we had a surprise baby shower. i gave them both little tiny virginia tech onesies and tiny hokie bird booties to celebrate our alma mater. i can't get over how little babies are. except for my new nephew on my step-family's side. he is a huge fat little two and a half month old man. i just wanted to shove him in my suitcase and bring him back to chicago with me, how cute he was in his little cable knit sweater vest and cargo shorts. which reminds me: i don't understand the purpose of pockets on baby clothes. do they need a place to put their wallets and keys and spare change?
my favorite verbal exchange of the weekend: (backstory: laura is pregnant. she has two kids, 5 year old jake and 3 year old grace. their aunt is also pregnant.)
grace: (looking at her mom and her aunt) "you don't have a baby."
emily: "no, you are right, i don't have a baby."
jake: (evaluating me with a furrowed brow) "yeah, you are WAY too thin."
this will leave me with smiles for weeks, i tell you. except that today while holding my coworker's 4 month old, i realized that i kind of want a baby. a little bit. sort of. but at least after a weekend of eating and drinking too much toddlers don't mistake me for being pregnant.
i am obsessed with little comfy ballet flats and mocassins right now. i'm working on wearing my bronx flats out:
and i'm thinking about something new now....or else the same shoes in tan:
i plan to spend some time this weekend taking pictures of the dozens of necklaces and earrings i've made over the past few weeks. i have way too many to do anything with, so i may end up trying to get a booth at one of the many chicago craft fairs to sell some of it. i ordered some new beads yesterday, some pearls, more agate, jasper and amazonite. i can't stop.
vows i've made in the past week:
1. to never book a 6:30 am flight again.
2. to drink more water.
3. to dress my children well.
4. to bring a flask and some sedatives next time i travel, just in case my flight is delayed THREE FREAKING HOURS.
5. to overreact less.
Oct 5, 2005
In addition to being best friends, roommates, lovers, husband and wife, and parents to our future children, (among all sorts of other things to each other), Hubb and I now face the challenge of becoming co-workers. My small (20) person company has hired my husband (we're now 21). He starts on the 17th.
1. I'm thrilled to have this chance to get to know him in a different way. A professional relationship to tack onto all of the other kinds of relationships we have.
2. This is a great step for Hubb's career. I'm very happy for him, and for my company. We're happy to have him join the team.
3. All of our eggs are in one basket. Although I'm feeling positive about everything else, this is going to take come mental massaging to work through.
Congratulations, Hubb!
1. I'm thrilled to have this chance to get to know him in a different way. A professional relationship to tack onto all of the other kinds of relationships we have.
2. This is a great step for Hubb's career. I'm very happy for him, and for my company. We're happy to have him join the team.
3. All of our eggs are in one basket. Although I'm feeling positive about everything else, this is going to take come mental massaging to work through.
Congratulations, Hubb!
Oct 4, 2005
Oct 3, 2005
10 Things
1. Francesca's Forno is amazing. Simple, delicious, fun, beautiful and amazing. If you haven't been yet, go now. The risotto is divine.
2. Puppets are incredibly cool. Puppeteers on Milwaukee Avenue on a Friday night, even more so. I wish more street performers included puppets. It is a quickly disappearing art.
3. Weird coincidence: Last weekend I tripped on Damen Avenue's inconsistent east sidewalk. While walking home from dinner Friday, I noted to Hubb"Hey, this is where I fell last weekend," at exactly the same moment that another unsuspecting (and perfectly sober) girl took a spill on the same piece of pavement. We were all a little shocked at the bizarre coincidence of it all. I told her the bruised would heal in about a week.
4. Allergies and sniffly sinus crap has got to go.
5. In the days before we know where our future lies for sure (can't talk about it now, maybe tomorrow. And no, I'm not pregnant.) I cook for some relaxation and comfort. Tapioca pudding, cornbread, pumpkin butternut squash soup, and the stuffing and apricot bourbon barbecue sauce for my southern stuffed chicken. I cut up so much pumpkin and squash that I gave myself a blister. It was worth it, though. And I hope my dinner guests tonight will agree.
6. La Creperie is delicious. It inspires me to make more thick flavorful sauces. And learn to speak French again. And wear little berets, full skirts, and striped sweaters.
7. I thought summer was over? WTF?
8. After more than a year, I am still in love with this simple graphic jewelry. (hint hint)
9. Spring vacation: Southwest USA, Spain, Australia, or....?
10. My new centerpiece for my dining room table:
1. Francesca's Forno is amazing. Simple, delicious, fun, beautiful and amazing. If you haven't been yet, go now. The risotto is divine.
2. Puppets are incredibly cool. Puppeteers on Milwaukee Avenue on a Friday night, even more so. I wish more street performers included puppets. It is a quickly disappearing art.
3. Weird coincidence: Last weekend I tripped on Damen Avenue's inconsistent east sidewalk. While walking home from dinner Friday, I noted to Hubb"Hey, this is where I fell last weekend," at exactly the same moment that another unsuspecting (and perfectly sober) girl took a spill on the same piece of pavement. We were all a little shocked at the bizarre coincidence of it all. I told her the bruised would heal in about a week.
4. Allergies and sniffly sinus crap has got to go.
5. In the days before we know where our future lies for sure (can't talk about it now, maybe tomorrow. And no, I'm not pregnant.) I cook for some relaxation and comfort. Tapioca pudding, cornbread, pumpkin butternut squash soup, and the stuffing and apricot bourbon barbecue sauce for my southern stuffed chicken. I cut up so much pumpkin and squash that I gave myself a blister. It was worth it, though. And I hope my dinner guests tonight will agree.
6. La Creperie is delicious. It inspires me to make more thick flavorful sauces. And learn to speak French again. And wear little berets, full skirts, and striped sweaters.
7. I thought summer was over? WTF?
8. After more than a year, I am still in love with this simple graphic jewelry. (hint hint)
9. Spring vacation: Southwest USA, Spain, Australia, or....?
10. My new centerpiece for my dining room table:
Sep 30, 2005
Aardvarks are freaky
So...I hear that Chicago may be smoke free come Spring. I have four words to say about that: IT'S ABOUT F@$%ING TIME! Breathing! It's going to be fun again!
I just peeled and segmented three oranges and my hands smell heavenly. And it's Friday. And we have a busy busy wonderfully fun weekend planned. VIP party tonight. At least two different dinner dates, one of which I get to host which means using my china! And I got a new cute tee shirt last night. With a little bird on it. And I fit into my old favorite jeans today a little better than I did two weeks ago. And my bruised knees are rapidly healing. And I get to see my entire family next weekend: my dad, step-mom, brother, grandmother, great aunt, aunt (x2), uncle (x2), step-sister, step-brother-in-law, pregnant cousin (x2), cousin-in-law (x2), and second cousin (x2). Then I get to see my mom. Hurrah! Celebration and parties and fun and family. All is well in the land of emily.
Like Star Wars suck your brain freaky. Just look at those fingers. They have fingers!
So...I hear that Chicago may be smoke free come Spring. I have four words to say about that: IT'S ABOUT F@$%ING TIME! Breathing! It's going to be fun again!
I just peeled and segmented three oranges and my hands smell heavenly. And it's Friday. And we have a busy busy wonderfully fun weekend planned. VIP party tonight. At least two different dinner dates, one of which I get to host which means using my china! And I got a new cute tee shirt last night. With a little bird on it. And I fit into my old favorite jeans today a little better than I did two weeks ago. And my bruised knees are rapidly healing. And I get to see my entire family next weekend: my dad, step-mom, brother, grandmother, great aunt, aunt (x2), uncle (x2), step-sister, step-brother-in-law, pregnant cousin (x2), cousin-in-law (x2), and second cousin (x2). Then I get to see my mom. Hurrah! Celebration and parties and fun and family. All is well in the land of emily.
Sep 29, 2005
Today is absolutely the best weather EVER! I love fall, the crisp, the cool, the sweaters, the knee high socks. It invigorates me and makes me want to take long walks in the evening and cuddle up by the fire with the Hubb and the kitties with a stomach warming shot of brandy. I am all orange and brown today. Comfortable and cozy, ready for the smell of leaves and pumpkin.
Speaking of pumpkin, Hubb and I are hosting a dinner party this Monday night, and I plan to make a yummy pumpkin and acorn squash soup. I have fresh sage that I've been dying to use, and now that soup season is finally here, I'm on it. Yay for pumpkin soup!
So I ran an errand for the Hubb last night, and in the process fell in love with a fabulous sexy red dress. I bought it with plans to wear it to Christmas parties, and maybe even a New Year's bash this year. I can't believe I'm already thinking about the holidays. But at least I'm going to look damn good.
Speaking of pumpkin, Hubb and I are hosting a dinner party this Monday night, and I plan to make a yummy pumpkin and acorn squash soup. I have fresh sage that I've been dying to use, and now that soup season is finally here, I'm on it. Yay for pumpkin soup!
So I ran an errand for the Hubb last night, and in the process fell in love with a fabulous sexy red dress. I bought it with plans to wear it to Christmas parties, and maybe even a New Year's bash this year. I can't believe I'm already thinking about the holidays. But at least I'm going to look damn good.
Sep 27, 2005
Fashion, crafts, dancing and drinks sums up my weekend. Fabulous independent designer duds on Friday, a huge impressive representation of the Chicago (and more) craft scene on Saturday (before the rain), Cut Copy, Hot Chip, Fourtet, $2 PBRs and lots and lots of fun. Oh, and completely wiping out on the uneven sidewalk on Damen Avenue. Yep, I walked away with terribly bruised knees and bruised ego. I hadn't even had a drink yet.
Hot Chip is awesome and is pretty much my new favorite band. So much energy! Wee-ooo-wee-ooo keyboards, handclaps, harmonizing, drum machines and members that look like my friends and family (seriously, the drum machine guy looks sort of like my father in law.) Perfect.
So, it has been a stressful couple of weeks in my household, and the weekend was a perfect way to unwind and forget about life for a while. I'm looking forward to the unknown being known again . . . I hate being in limbo. And I love being vague.
Hot Chip is awesome and is pretty much my new favorite band. So much energy! Wee-ooo-wee-ooo keyboards, handclaps, harmonizing, drum machines and members that look like my friends and family (seriously, the drum machine guy looks sort of like my father in law.) Perfect.
So, it has been a stressful couple of weeks in my household, and the weekend was a perfect way to unwind and forget about life for a while. I'm looking forward to the unknown being known again . . . I hate being in limbo. And I love being vague.
Sep 23, 2005
Today = Perfect. For many reasons:
1. Perfect walk-to-work weather. Cool, but not cold. Sunny, but not hot.
2. Birthdays at work and The Best Birthday Cake Ever. Whole Foods Bakery is my absolute favorite.
3. Good hair day (the wave is behaving), good shoe day (cute pointy moccasins), good pants day (new jeans).
4. GenArt Shop CHICago event tonight. I don't feel I even need to explain my thrill about this one.
5. Busy busy busy. And a busy social calendar for the weekend. Fabulous.
1. Perfect walk-to-work weather. Cool, but not cold. Sunny, but not hot.
2. Birthdays at work and The Best Birthday Cake Ever. Whole Foods Bakery is my absolute favorite.
3. Good hair day (the wave is behaving), good shoe day (cute pointy moccasins), good pants day (new jeans).
4. GenArt Shop CHICago event tonight. I don't feel I even need to explain my thrill about this one.
5. Busy busy busy. And a busy social calendar for the weekend. Fabulous.
Sep 22, 2005
I'm planning on sleeping VERY well this weekend, to make up for lost beauty rest over the last couple of weeks of my suddenly busy and anxiety-prone life. Suddenly...that's a lie, really. It's pretty much always been this way. I just refuse to believe it.
I sort of miss being in college; I miss my girlfriends, the naps in the middle of the day, the complete lack of "plans" except to spend time with the boy. Lounging and carefree and $210 a month rent and pizza at 2am with no worries of weight gain. sigh.
All summer long I've been in denial, wearing pants and sweaters to work, refusing to acknowledge that it is hot out. Now that it is almost October (can you believe it?!) I'm having trouble thinking about putting away the flipflops and packing up the swimsuits for another 9 months. Not that I swam at all this summer, but still...waking up in the dark is always the "wrong side of the bed" for me.
My feet are blistered and angry with me for wearing shoes today. I wear flip flops from the first signs of spring to the first signs of autumn, and today decided to try the confined footwear thing to get back into the swing of things. My feet need pampering in order to go through the seasons.
I am finally accepting the fact that life is full of drama. Period. Something is always happening to someone....babies are born, grandparents pass, people get new jobs and get married and there will always be a new pair of shoes to buy and a new restaurant to try. I tend to get stuck in this ridiculous idea that I have a calm group of family and friends, that I'm getting to a point in my life where things will remain the same, safe, normal. There is no such thing. And I am full of lies and hypocrisy.
I sort of miss being in college; I miss my girlfriends, the naps in the middle of the day, the complete lack of "plans" except to spend time with the boy. Lounging and carefree and $210 a month rent and pizza at 2am with no worries of weight gain. sigh.
All summer long I've been in denial, wearing pants and sweaters to work, refusing to acknowledge that it is hot out. Now that it is almost October (can you believe it?!) I'm having trouble thinking about putting away the flipflops and packing up the swimsuits for another 9 months. Not that I swam at all this summer, but still...waking up in the dark is always the "wrong side of the bed" for me.
My feet are blistered and angry with me for wearing shoes today. I wear flip flops from the first signs of spring to the first signs of autumn, and today decided to try the confined footwear thing to get back into the swing of things. My feet need pampering in order to go through the seasons.
I am finally accepting the fact that life is full of drama. Period. Something is always happening to someone....babies are born, grandparents pass, people get new jobs and get married and there will always be a new pair of shoes to buy and a new restaurant to try. I tend to get stuck in this ridiculous idea that I have a calm group of family and friends, that I'm getting to a point in my life where things will remain the same, safe, normal. There is no such thing. And I am full of lies and hypocrisy.
Sep 21, 2005
I'm into the lists today...I'm not very busy.
What I'm currently into:
1. Matthew Herbert. Making music out of food = simply awesome. And in Hubb's words, Herbert's food-music is "a lot more accessible than I expected." If you're half the food freak I am, you'll be amazed. Promise.
2. These shoes, because they're cute, but not too cute:
3. This phone, because it is super sexy:
4. Drinking sake before bed.
5. Leeks.
What I'm currently into:
1. Matthew Herbert. Making music out of food = simply awesome. And in Hubb's words, Herbert's food-music is "a lot more accessible than I expected." If you're half the food freak I am, you'll be amazed. Promise.
2. These shoes, because they're cute, but not too cute:
3. This phone, because it is super sexy:
4. Drinking sake before bed.
5. Leeks.
Unimportant things I have noticed at my office:
The Studio:
1. If I wear a sweater, the office is inevitably warm. If I wear thin clothing, it will be cold.
2. If music is playing, I am happier than if it is not.
3. For having 20 people working in the same room, The Studio is surprisingly quiet.
4. I can't stop myself from eavesdropping, which makes me incredibly paranoid when making my own doctor's appointments and scheduling get-togethers with friends.
The Kitchen:
1. If there is food on the counter, it will be eaten.
2. If I want to save communal food for myself, all I have to do it place it at the back of the top shelf.
3. Quite a few people have no idea that they are allowed to place their coffee mugs in the dishwasher by themselves.
4. If I wear a white shirt, coffee will splatter on to my chest at some point throughout the day.
The Bathroom:
1. The light in the women's restroom is incredibly flattering, even on my most bloated and terrible hair days.
2. Two of the tiles in front of the left most stall come together to look like a giant penis.
3. The lock on the left most stall does not always close properly.
4. The left most stall is my stall of choice. Mostly because of the penis-tiles.
The Studio:
1. If I wear a sweater, the office is inevitably warm. If I wear thin clothing, it will be cold.
2. If music is playing, I am happier than if it is not.
3. For having 20 people working in the same room, The Studio is surprisingly quiet.
4. I can't stop myself from eavesdropping, which makes me incredibly paranoid when making my own doctor's appointments and scheduling get-togethers with friends.
The Kitchen:
1. If there is food on the counter, it will be eaten.
2. If I want to save communal food for myself, all I have to do it place it at the back of the top shelf.
3. Quite a few people have no idea that they are allowed to place their coffee mugs in the dishwasher by themselves.
4. If I wear a white shirt, coffee will splatter on to my chest at some point throughout the day.
The Bathroom:
1. The light in the women's restroom is incredibly flattering, even on my most bloated and terrible hair days.
2. Two of the tiles in front of the left most stall come together to look like a giant penis.
3. The lock on the left most stall does not always close properly.
4. The left most stall is my stall of choice. Mostly because of the penis-tiles.
Sep 20, 2005
I love weddings. Almost as much as I love babies. And I'm getting two new baby cousins this coming spring! I have two pregnant cousins right now; sisters; due in March and April. I get to see them both next month at my family reunion. Lives, thay are a'changing. I love it!
Not much else going on. I have cramps. And I feel like it is still Monday.
Not much else going on. I have cramps. And I feel like it is still Monday.
Sep 13, 2005
Time is flying and I can't believe it is September already. I didn't even go to the beach. Not once. I'm a terrible Chicagoan.
Life has somehow slipped into a comfortable easy thing recently...which I suppose is actually a good thing. It is just difficult for me to get used to. I'm content and happy and settled. Life is good.
Sometimes I feel like a broken record.
One of my best girlfriends is getting married this Saturday, so I head out to Jersey for a whilrwind wedding weekend in a few days. I get to participate in the wedding as a bridesmaid (or matron, I guess would be more appropriate.) I am thrilled and excited and so so happy for her and her beau. I have never known them well as a couple, because they started dating after I left college, and then the groom-to-be nearly started a fist fight at my wedding defending the honor of his soon-to-be-bride, but I've gotten to know him since then and have absolutely fallen in love with him. Slicing me a plate full of tuna sashimi that you caught yourself is a surefire way to win my heart. Congratulations Lin and Glenn!
Exciting changes for hubb and I may be in store for the near future, so for the fear of a jinx I keep my mouth shut and my fingers crossed for everything to turn out they way we hope. And you should too.
Thanks.
Life has somehow slipped into a comfortable easy thing recently...which I suppose is actually a good thing. It is just difficult for me to get used to. I'm content and happy and settled. Life is good.
Sometimes I feel like a broken record.
One of my best girlfriends is getting married this Saturday, so I head out to Jersey for a whilrwind wedding weekend in a few days. I get to participate in the wedding as a bridesmaid (or matron, I guess would be more appropriate.) I am thrilled and excited and so so happy for her and her beau. I have never known them well as a couple, because they started dating after I left college, and then the groom-to-be nearly started a fist fight at my wedding defending the honor of his soon-to-be-bride, but I've gotten to know him since then and have absolutely fallen in love with him. Slicing me a plate full of tuna sashimi that you caught yourself is a surefire way to win my heart. Congratulations Lin and Glenn!
Exciting changes for hubb and I may be in store for the near future, so for the fear of a jinx I keep my mouth shut and my fingers crossed for everything to turn out they way we hope. And you should too.
Thanks.
Sep 6, 2005
685 miles of driving + fried cheese curds + Lakefront brewery tour + meeting up with friends across state lines even though they live blocks away from us + Motel 6 + the coolest t-shirt ever + wine and cheese + the hardest bar to find in Milwaukee = a damned good Labor Day get away.
Hubb and I dubbed our trip "Come on, get out of Illinoise". It was spectacular. I'm not generally strong on spontaneity, but this weekend I enjoyed every wonderful minute of it. We drove all the way up Sheridan Road from Chicago to Milwaukee, watching the scenery change from downtown to upscale suburb to tiny hole in the wall town to hip neighborhood to downtown again. It was an incredibly interesting social experience, watching one road change so drastically up the lakeshore. We definitely got our unlimited miles out of the rental car. Money incredibly well spent.
Once back we attended not one, but TWO! Labor Day weekend bbqs, ate a lot, drank a lot, and relaxed and enjoyed the fact that we had Monday off work. Now it is back to the ratrace, with quite possibly the busiest week I've had in a very very long time. (not obvious by the fact that I'm posting today...)
And today, as I wear my totally awesome souvenir from my trip (a pale green t-shirt with dollar signs screened on the inside, so they ever-so-subtly show through), I get a bonus! My first ever bonus! It's been a great month so far.
Hubb and I dubbed our trip "Come on, get out of Illinoise". It was spectacular. I'm not generally strong on spontaneity, but this weekend I enjoyed every wonderful minute of it. We drove all the way up Sheridan Road from Chicago to Milwaukee, watching the scenery change from downtown to upscale suburb to tiny hole in the wall town to hip neighborhood to downtown again. It was an incredibly interesting social experience, watching one road change so drastically up the lakeshore. We definitely got our unlimited miles out of the rental car. Money incredibly well spent.
Once back we attended not one, but TWO! Labor Day weekend bbqs, ate a lot, drank a lot, and relaxed and enjoyed the fact that we had Monday off work. Now it is back to the ratrace, with quite possibly the busiest week I've had in a very very long time. (not obvious by the fact that I'm posting today...)
And today, as I wear my totally awesome souvenir from my trip (a pale green t-shirt with dollar signs screened on the inside, so they ever-so-subtly show through), I get a bonus! My first ever bonus! It's been a great month so far.
Sep 1, 2005
So, my step-brother-in-law was bitten by a rattle snake on Sunday, and nearly died. He was finally sent home from the hospital today, but for a while we didn't know if he was going to live, die, end up permanently brain damaged or lose his arm. He'll be fine, we think, but not until after 4-5 weeks of intense pain and sickness, a result of an incredibly lethal dose of rattle snake venom and three bags of anti-venom. Right now we're just happy he's alive.
He and his wife (my step-sister) just had a baby two months ago.
Life is fragile, people. A lesson which has been bored into my head this week with the incredibly sadness and tragedy Katrina has left behind and the near loss of a family member.
He and his wife (my step-sister) just had a baby two months ago.
Life is fragile, people. A lesson which has been bored into my head this week with the incredibly sadness and tragedy Katrina has left behind and the near loss of a family member.
Aug 24, 2005
My boy, my baby, my love, my puppy, my Booper, my Chester-bester boy. He may not be around much longer. News broken to me by my dad while I am at work. I cried. I looked up plane ticket prices. I cried some more. Even if you can't wait until I'm home in October, I'll be there, Chester. I need to say goodbye to you. You'll always be my boy. I love you, Booper.
Aug 23, 2005
It is one of those days that never ends, when you have something to look forward to (Star Wars, yay!) and nothing to keep you busy until it begins. I am spending my time daydreaming: earrings to make, books to read, unwatched CSI episodes, imagining myself as a student at Kendall College...our visit Saturday has left me in complete awe and envy. Now I REALLY want to go to school there, I want to fondle the fryers, stroke the marble pastry countertops, poke around the walk in fridges. I want to cook in one of the teaching kitchens just once, prepare one meal on the gorgeous state of the art 8-burner ranges. I want to spend my time with hundreds of passionate chefs-to-be, learn how to make a good souffle, watch someone mold fondant. I want access to unlimited resources and ingredients, an insiders knowledge to every meal I eat out, a justified snobbiness from years of education and experience. But at over a $200k price tag, maybe I'll just keep teaching myself...learning by doing. After viewing the facilities at Kendall, I have designed my dream kitchen in my head. At least I have that.
Seriously, the spice lecture was fascinating, and if you ever get a chance to visit the Spice House or go to one of their lectures, take it! Tom and Patty are both hilarious and knowledgeable, and incredibly entertaining. They told us many things that I already knew, but much much more that I didn't. They also inspired me to completely clean out my spice and herb cabinet and spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on fresh ones.
Seriously, the spice lecture was fascinating, and if you ever get a chance to visit the Spice House or go to one of their lectures, take it! Tom and Patty are both hilarious and knowledgeable, and incredibly entertaining. They told us many things that I already knew, but much much more that I didn't. They also inspired me to completely clean out my spice and herb cabinet and spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on fresh ones.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)