Lots of good news for us as of late. First off, B got a new job with a fancy, big time agency and I have never seen him happier, professionally speaking. It is currently a contract job for a month but he is hopeful that it will turn into full time work. So, keep your fingers crossed. As for me, I had my 120-day review and it went better then I could have ever expected, she is pleased with my performance and thinks I do great work. I also got a raise, with another one promised in a few months and will be salaried by the new year. It's pretty awesome for both of us to be gainfully employed and actually liking our jobs, the past few months have been pretty rough on both of us.
This past weekend, we went and saw the Wrens at Schuba's. I had seen them once before and they were amazing. And this time, I think my expectations may have been a little bit too high. They were still very good but I was not a huge fan of them bringing people from the crowd up on stage to play the keyboard or tap some drumsticks. That said, the Wrens do seem to have a bit of cult-like following, and it was quite clear that those that got brought on stage were pretty happy about it. But I will still argue that it was a little awkward and I would have preferred them to do what they do best, rock the house and make me never want the show to end.
On Saturday, we went to yet another wedding, we have had three this summer and this was thankfully the last one. Not to say that they haven't all been beautiful and I have enjoyed myself at each one. But I am glad that we are done for awhile.
Sunday was a beautiful sunny day and we had the whole day to just ourselves. It was nice, it has been a really long time since we could spend the whole day together. We walked over and had the most delicious brunch at Lula Cafe and then went downtown and walked around for a few hours, it was a nice way to spend the day in the city.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
the bun and the oven
This past weekend I went out to see Andi in Denver, to shower her and her baby with presents and love and a few belly rubs. Friday morning, she had to work a half day, so I took full advantage of their overwhelming amount of cable channels. I was disappointed by the Direct TV menu I found it to not be very user friendly nor intuitive, and I am rather fluent at working with such things. Not to worry, Andi's mom came to my rescue and I lounged and channel surfed for a good two hours, it was glorious. Later that afternoon we lunched and shopped, our two favorite activities.
That evening all of the men connected to any of the women attending the shower went for a night of camping and a day of hiking. Which left a small group of ladies to enjoy some wine and dinner together outside on a beautiful night. It was nice to talk to and put faces to many of the people I always hear about.
The next day, was the day of the shower. It was yet another sunny day without a cloud in the sky. Denver heat is so different from Chicago heat because it is so dry out there, so a day in the 90's still feels pleasant. The shower was lovely, drinks and appetizers outside and a nice lunch and presents inside. The layout of the table and room was great, because we were all able to easily converse.
I am not a fan of showers in general, but this was one of the best:
1. alcohol was served
2. appetizers included deviled eggs and crab cakes
3. choice of three desserts
4. wasn't too big, wasn't too small
5. just about everyone had already met
6. nimble present opening
Unfortunately after the shower, I started to feel a little queasy and had a dull headache. I had been feeling run down all week and it was starting to catch up with me, it didn't help that Ethan had been sick the week before either. After taking some medication and sleeping for a good 10 hours, I was feeling better but not great.
Sunday, we spent at the Denver Art Museum, which was one of the most impressive museums that I have ever visited both inside and out. It ended the trip on a high note and I was sad to say goodbye to my friends but happy to be on a plane back to the lowly altitudes of the midwest. I missed both of my men and my bed.
That evening all of the men connected to any of the women attending the shower went for a night of camping and a day of hiking. Which left a small group of ladies to enjoy some wine and dinner together outside on a beautiful night. It was nice to talk to and put faces to many of the people I always hear about.
The next day, was the day of the shower. It was yet another sunny day without a cloud in the sky. Denver heat is so different from Chicago heat because it is so dry out there, so a day in the 90's still feels pleasant. The shower was lovely, drinks and appetizers outside and a nice lunch and presents inside. The layout of the table and room was great, because we were all able to easily converse.
I am not a fan of showers in general, but this was one of the best:
1. alcohol was served
2. appetizers included deviled eggs and crab cakes
3. choice of three desserts
4. wasn't too big, wasn't too small
5. just about everyone had already met
6. nimble present opening
Unfortunately after the shower, I started to feel a little queasy and had a dull headache. I had been feeling run down all week and it was starting to catch up with me, it didn't help that Ethan had been sick the week before either. After taking some medication and sleeping for a good 10 hours, I was feeling better but not great.
Sunday, we spent at the Denver Art Museum, which was one of the most impressive museums that I have ever visited both inside and out. It ended the trip on a high note and I was sad to say goodbye to my friends but happy to be on a plane back to the lowly altitudes of the midwest. I missed both of my men and my bed.
Monday, July 13, 2009
happiness is...
Last month, I watched Stefan Sagmeister share his thoughts on happiness. I admire him greatly as a designer, and thoroughly enjoyed his talk, if you happen to have 15 minutes to spare, watch it, it is so funny and allows you to reflect on your own feelings of happiness.
I have compiled a short list of times in my life when I can remember being truly happy:
1990-1994: my three best friends in highschool (rowing and band)
1996: living in ann arbor
1997: switching my major from pre-med to art
1998: travelling across the country
1999: senior portfolio show
1999: going to paris for the summer
2000: getting my first design job
2002: moving to Chicago
2003: getting my first apartment
2006: having Ethan
2008-present: taking a huge leap of faith and taking a year to re-build my life
There are countless memories that make me smile and I am forever grateful to the small group of friends and family who have loved me unconditionally throughout the years. It is a tough thing to come by, I feel like the older I get, the less chances there are of finding like minded people to engage and build a relationship with. Not to say that it doesn't happen, but the opportunities become less frequent as does the time and energy it takes to maintain them.
That said, the relationship that I am in now, only gets better. We have our ups and our downs but seem to have reached a comfortable state of good. I don't always know why, but B loves me completely and is dedicated to the life that we share together. And it is one of those things that sometimes vexes me but at the same time makes me incredibly happy. And in the grand scheme of things, it is what matters most.
Two Ethanisms (things pertaining to and are anecdotal of my very adorable three year old son):
1. The other week, upon being asked how many languages he spoke, Ethan gleefully responded uno.
2. When we returned from a late night of fireworks, I put Ethan down in his bed. Unbeknowst to me, I left my purse in his room by his bed. Upon awaking the next morning, Ethan was suspiciously late to come in. And when he finally made his appearance, he was covered in streaks of lipstick. On his bed, were the entire contents of my purse with every lipstick and chapstick open and smeared liberally on his wall, with remnants on his bathroom towel (evidently, there was an attempt to clean it off his face). Endearing but with a cautionary warning, that if they are quiet for too long, they are probably up to something.
I have compiled a short list of times in my life when I can remember being truly happy:
1990-1994: my three best friends in highschool (rowing and band)
1996: living in ann arbor
1997: switching my major from pre-med to art
1998: travelling across the country
1999: senior portfolio show
1999: going to paris for the summer
2000: getting my first design job
2002: moving to Chicago
2003: getting my first apartment
2006: having Ethan
2008-present: taking a huge leap of faith and taking a year to re-build my life
There are countless memories that make me smile and I am forever grateful to the small group of friends and family who have loved me unconditionally throughout the years. It is a tough thing to come by, I feel like the older I get, the less chances there are of finding like minded people to engage and build a relationship with. Not to say that it doesn't happen, but the opportunities become less frequent as does the time and energy it takes to maintain them.
That said, the relationship that I am in now, only gets better. We have our ups and our downs but seem to have reached a comfortable state of good. I don't always know why, but B loves me completely and is dedicated to the life that we share together. And it is one of those things that sometimes vexes me but at the same time makes me incredibly happy. And in the grand scheme of things, it is what matters most.
Two Ethanisms (things pertaining to and are anecdotal of my very adorable three year old son):
1. The other week, upon being asked how many languages he spoke, Ethan gleefully responded uno.
2. When we returned from a late night of fireworks, I put Ethan down in his bed. Unbeknowst to me, I left my purse in his room by his bed. Upon awaking the next morning, Ethan was suspiciously late to come in. And when he finally made his appearance, he was covered in streaks of lipstick. On his bed, were the entire contents of my purse with every lipstick and chapstick open and smeared liberally on his wall, with remnants on his bathroom towel (evidently, there was an attempt to clean it off his face). Endearing but with a cautionary warning, that if they are quiet for too long, they are probably up to something.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
fireworks
This past weekend, we celebrated our nation's birthday with many trips to see lots of family. Friday, everyone had the day off and we went and had lunch with my dad and stepmom at Russell's. It is only about a mile from my grandma's old house and I am pretty sure that we had frequented it alot growing up. The original plan was to have lunch and then go to Kiddieland, which was right around the corner. Our plans were changed after we saw the mile long line to get in. We declined and took a raincheck for later in the month.
We then ventured to B's family's chicken store, which I have heard so much about and pretty much had the place conjured up to be like the Corn Palace (but shaped like a chicken). It was not anything like it, but it was nonetheless good to finally be able to go. We then hopped back in the car and went to see nana and papa and had a nice afternoon splashing in the pool and grilling out.
The next day, was the 4th of July, and we went to go see B's granny and papa. Unfortunately, it rained all afternoon and we were relegated to the garage but it was still a plesant way to pass the day and it finally cleared up. B's cousins are both freakishly coordinated and into extreme sports and such and once the weather cleared up, pulled out their skateboards, Ethan took a ride on one (with me holding both hands) and I handed him off to B, and I think it took maybe 2 seconds before he completed face planted off and scrapped the hell out of his face and chin. Everyone fell silent and looked away sheepishly. Luckily, Ethan's love for bandaids transcended any actual feeling of discomfort or pain.
Once night fell, we headed over to watch the fireworks at the nearby golf course. It was Ethan's first exposure to fireworks and we all oohhed and ahhed. It was a wonderful night.
We then ventured to B's family's chicken store, which I have heard so much about and pretty much had the place conjured up to be like the Corn Palace (but shaped like a chicken). It was not anything like it, but it was nonetheless good to finally be able to go. We then hopped back in the car and went to see nana and papa and had a nice afternoon splashing in the pool and grilling out.
The next day, was the 4th of July, and we went to go see B's granny and papa. Unfortunately, it rained all afternoon and we were relegated to the garage but it was still a plesant way to pass the day and it finally cleared up. B's cousins are both freakishly coordinated and into extreme sports and such and once the weather cleared up, pulled out their skateboards, Ethan took a ride on one (with me holding both hands) and I handed him off to B, and I think it took maybe 2 seconds before he completed face planted off and scrapped the hell out of his face and chin. Everyone fell silent and looked away sheepishly. Luckily, Ethan's love for bandaids transcended any actual feeling of discomfort or pain.
Once night fell, we headed over to watch the fireworks at the nearby golf course. It was Ethan's first exposure to fireworks and we all oohhed and ahhed. It was a wonderful night.
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