Team shot... and I actually think everyone's in this one!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Funny things that have happened the past couple of days
1) Watching a bicyclist run into the side of a car which was coming out of an alley. No one was hurt, so I figure it is ok to laugh. It was like something right out of the movies, just thwap and then the tumble over the handle-bars. To make it even better, the driver then proceeded to yell at the bicyclist. Crazy drivers.
2) While volunteering at the city pound on Saturday, there was a woman who was hell-bent on walking the dogs, though she clearly had no idea what she was doing. Now, there's really not much to this. You go to the cage. You open the cage. You slip the "noose-neck" leash around the dog's neck and off you go. Now, I will be the first to admit when you open the cage if you're not careful you do run a high risk of having the dog get out because they're just so excited at the possibility of escape. However, usually if this happens once, you learn quick the proper way to open the cage. This woman, on the other hand, had three dogs get out on her. And that was just as she was getting them out of the cages. She also managed to lose 4 more out in the field. I really don't have a clue what it was she was doing, but I swear every time I turned around there was another dog running from her as she ran after them yelling and throwing her hands up in the air as if to say, "How does this keep happening?" My thoughts exactly.
3) While on the way to a street festival the other night, some friends and I pulled up behind a stalled car in the turn lane. Our driver hopped out to help and before long he had two other guys with him and pushed the car to safety. Now, this in itself isn't really funny. The funny part to me is I've known this guy approximately 4 weeks and have been present twice now when he's rescued a stranded motorist. I'm not sure if car trouble follows him or if he's just a really nice guy. But it made me laugh, none the less.
2) While volunteering at the city pound on Saturday, there was a woman who was hell-bent on walking the dogs, though she clearly had no idea what she was doing. Now, there's really not much to this. You go to the cage. You open the cage. You slip the "noose-neck" leash around the dog's neck and off you go. Now, I will be the first to admit when you open the cage if you're not careful you do run a high risk of having the dog get out because they're just so excited at the possibility of escape. However, usually if this happens once, you learn quick the proper way to open the cage. This woman, on the other hand, had three dogs get out on her. And that was just as she was getting them out of the cages. She also managed to lose 4 more out in the field. I really don't have a clue what it was she was doing, but I swear every time I turned around there was another dog running from her as she ran after them yelling and throwing her hands up in the air as if to say, "How does this keep happening?" My thoughts exactly.
3) While on the way to a street festival the other night, some friends and I pulled up behind a stalled car in the turn lane. Our driver hopped out to help and before long he had two other guys with him and pushed the car to safety. Now, this in itself isn't really funny. The funny part to me is I've known this guy approximately 4 weeks and have been present twice now when he's rescued a stranded motorist. I'm not sure if car trouble follows him or if he's just a really nice guy. But it made me laugh, none the less.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Melancholy
So the boy I've been... not dating, but spending time with recently told me he just wants to be friends last night. That in its self is not really what's bothering me, I don't think. Though, I guess I am a little disappointed by it.
Instead, it seems to be more about the general realization that I miss my good friends who have in large part left Chicago in the last year.
I think the benefit to having him around rather constantly was to feel that there was always someone around to spend time with, talk to, etc. And while I truly hope we will remain friends, I'm sure the consistancy will take a hit.
I miss having Kristi and Barbara in the office to get through the day. I miss having Nicole and Allyson around for trips to the movies or museums. I miss having Sarah down the hall.
It's not that I don't have other friends. I honestly have quite a few, but somehow it's just not the same as having that one who's just always around.
Sometimes I get really good at being very happy on my own and I can go along with that quite nicely until something reminds me of what I'm missing. That's when the melancholy hits.
This post is a bit of a downer. I know that it's really not that bad and I'll be just fine, but exposing yourself is part of the blogging world, right? If I can't spill my guts to anyone who happens to stumble across my blog then who can I?
Anyway, that's my mood at the moment. Hope to be back to sharing funny bus stories and pictures of my adorable god-daughter again soon!
Instead, it seems to be more about the general realization that I miss my good friends who have in large part left Chicago in the last year.
I think the benefit to having him around rather constantly was to feel that there was always someone around to spend time with, talk to, etc. And while I truly hope we will remain friends, I'm sure the consistancy will take a hit.
I miss having Kristi and Barbara in the office to get through the day. I miss having Nicole and Allyson around for trips to the movies or museums. I miss having Sarah down the hall.
It's not that I don't have other friends. I honestly have quite a few, but somehow it's just not the same as having that one who's just always around.
Sometimes I get really good at being very happy on my own and I can go along with that quite nicely until something reminds me of what I'm missing. That's when the melancholy hits.
This post is a bit of a downer. I know that it's really not that bad and I'll be just fine, but exposing yourself is part of the blogging world, right? If I can't spill my guts to anyone who happens to stumble across my blog then who can I?
Anyway, that's my mood at the moment. Hope to be back to sharing funny bus stories and pictures of my adorable god-daughter again soon!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Surprise!
This weekend we had a surprise graduation party for Carl at the farm. Most amazingly, he was actually surprised! I really didn't think there was any way we were going to manage that. But Kathleen did a great job keeping things under wraps and throwing him off the trail. (and a tough job it was when Carl first found out about the trip! - way to stay strong, Kathleen!)
We had a full house of Kathleen's parents and little sister, Dad, Mom, Zander, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. And of course the star of the show - Miss Lillian.
So far we've spent the rest of the weekend playing euchre, shooting off fireworks, doing a little fishing and taking a TON of pictures!
Pictures are much too slow to upload on this dial-up connection, but I'll post a bunch when I get home.
We had a full house of Kathleen's parents and little sister, Dad, Mom, Zander, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. And of course the star of the show - Miss Lillian.
So far we've spent the rest of the weekend playing euchre, shooting off fireworks, doing a little fishing and taking a TON of pictures!
Pictures are much too slow to upload on this dial-up connection, but I'll post a bunch when I get home.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Congratulations are in order!
I just want to send out a big
!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!
to my big brother for finishing his PhD today! We couldn't be prouder of you, Carl!
---------------------
And another big
!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!
to Miss Lily for learning to crawl!
Amazing and great things are happening all around us!
!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!
to my big brother for finishing his PhD today! We couldn't be prouder of you, Carl!
---------------------
And another big
!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!
to Miss Lily for learning to crawl!
Amazing and great things are happening all around us!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Week in review
Tuesday - drove home from Indiana, dropped Dad and Zander off at the airport, got a quick load of laundry done and then headed up to Milwaukee for the Kenny Chesney concert at Summerfest. Arrived home at about 12:45am.
Wednesday - worked all day. It was Kristi's last day in the office so a group of us went out for drinks after work. When the evening was all said and done, I arrived home around 12:30am.
Thursday - worked all day. My kickball league had a party at Carol's (one of the few country bars here in the city.) We spent the evening dancing and singing karaoke. I arrived home at 3:30am.
Friday - I did not work, but still was up at 6am. Friday night was softball and then I met Kristi and Jenna for awhile. By 12:30am I was practically asleep on the table and decided to call it a night.
Saturday - I slept in until 10:30am which felt awesome after the previous week of no sleep. Was up last night until about 3:30. Up at 9am today.
And now, I'm feeling a bit like a slug hanging out on my couch while there's a beautiful day going on outside, but I'm just not sure I can make myself do anything contructive.
I've had a great time this week, but I really don't think my body can keep up with this kind of schedule! Definitely need to tone it down this next week.
I haven't received pictures from all the misc. activities this week, but here are some photos from the kickball party at Carol's.
A truly awful picture of me singing (about as bad as my voice), but proof I was singing non-the-less. I was singing the female part to a Meatloaf song in this one. Oh, my.
This is Scott (co-captain of my kickball team) and a true lover of nights out at Carol's.
Wednesday - worked all day. It was Kristi's last day in the office so a group of us went out for drinks after work. When the evening was all said and done, I arrived home around 12:30am.
Thursday - worked all day. My kickball league had a party at Carol's (one of the few country bars here in the city.) We spent the evening dancing and singing karaoke. I arrived home at 3:30am.
Friday - I did not work, but still was up at 6am. Friday night was softball and then I met Kristi and Jenna for awhile. By 12:30am I was practically asleep on the table and decided to call it a night.
Saturday - I slept in until 10:30am which felt awesome after the previous week of no sleep. Was up last night until about 3:30. Up at 9am today.
And now, I'm feeling a bit like a slug hanging out on my couch while there's a beautiful day going on outside, but I'm just not sure I can make myself do anything contructive.
I've had a great time this week, but I really don't think my body can keep up with this kind of schedule! Definitely need to tone it down this next week.
I haven't received pictures from all the misc. activities this week, but here are some photos from the kickball party at Carol's.
A truly awful picture of me singing (about as bad as my voice), but proof I was singing non-the-less. I was singing the female part to a Meatloaf song in this one. Oh, my.
This is Scott (co-captain of my kickball team) and a true lover of nights out at Carol's. Sunday, June 25, 2006
Photos of summer fun
Monday nights are kickball nights. Here are some pictures of my team on and off the field. Go PIRATES!
And then Fridays bring softball. Here are some pictures from this past Friday's after game party.
This is me and Pike, the mascot.
The red team plus our #1 cheerleader, Kristi.
Nick, Kristi and me. Classy shades!Saturday, June 17, 2006
This is why I love Chicago
I woke up this morning, peeked out the window and decided it was a great day for the beach. So I threw on my swimsuit, grabbed my beach chair and headed down the street to Oak St. beach (a whopping 3 miles from my door.)
I spent a few hours basking in the sun, reading and watching all the entertaining people around me. Oak St. beach is always fun because it attracts a lot of tourists who have been wandering the magnificent mile. Therefore you get a lot of fully dressed people with their pants rolled up to their knees wielding cameras. But there are always the families, college students and others who are just naturally drawn to a beach.
Once I had my fill of beach lounging and was properly hungry I meandered back to Michigan Ave and got a sandwich from an Italian cafe and dined alfresco while listening to the band playing outside of Hancock.
Then I crossed the street to Borders and wandered the aisles there, picking up a couple of new books and a CD. While I was perusing the bargain fiction section, an older gentleman approached me and asked if I worked out my arms a lot. I laughed and told him no. My arms are certainly not my best feature! He went on to tell me that they looked like I do and then said, "They look massive and strong." Wow. Is that supposed to be a compliment? I laughed my way out of that section.
Once I had regained my composure I crossed the street to visit the Hershey store to pick up a supplement to Alexander's birthday gift (chocolate twizzlers are a favorite of his.)
Then I hopped back on the Chicago bus and continued on my way home. Just a great way to spend a day. I really need to remember to do this much more often.
Now I'm off to take a shower and meet up with some friends for an evening out on the town.
Gotta love Chicago in the summer!
I spent a few hours basking in the sun, reading and watching all the entertaining people around me. Oak St. beach is always fun because it attracts a lot of tourists who have been wandering the magnificent mile. Therefore you get a lot of fully dressed people with their pants rolled up to their knees wielding cameras. But there are always the families, college students and others who are just naturally drawn to a beach.
Once I had my fill of beach lounging and was properly hungry I meandered back to Michigan Ave and got a sandwich from an Italian cafe and dined alfresco while listening to the band playing outside of Hancock.
Then I crossed the street to Borders and wandered the aisles there, picking up a couple of new books and a CD. While I was perusing the bargain fiction section, an older gentleman approached me and asked if I worked out my arms a lot. I laughed and told him no. My arms are certainly not my best feature! He went on to tell me that they looked like I do and then said, "They look massive and strong." Wow. Is that supposed to be a compliment? I laughed my way out of that section.
Once I had regained my composure I crossed the street to visit the Hershey store to pick up a supplement to Alexander's birthday gift (chocolate twizzlers are a favorite of his.)
Then I hopped back on the Chicago bus and continued on my way home. Just a great way to spend a day. I really need to remember to do this much more often.
Now I'm off to take a shower and meet up with some friends for an evening out on the town.
Gotta love Chicago in the summer!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Things that make Lily smile.
Getting ready to crawl.
Lily is a huge fan of Terra fetching her dog-toys. I think she sees possibilities in this. If she can't figure out the crawling thing, I think she'll just train Terra to go get her toys and bring them to her. If only mom and dad didn't keep telling Terra "No!"
Mommy's so funny!
Tasty treats!
Hmmmm, you look tasty...
Yes, absolutely delicious. 
I'm not so sure about elephant...
Oh, what was I worried about? Elephant is divine!
She is her father's daughter
Carl at about 1 year.
Lily at about 7 months. I don't think there's any denying they're related.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Lily's funny new trick
I'm out in Baltimore for a little visit and am highly amused by one of Lily's latest tricks. When she's in a sitting position and wants to get into a rolling or crawling position she just leans forward and THWAP! clunks her head on the floor. Now, while they may have nicely padded rooms at school, the only thing on the floors here is a pretty thin rug. This results in a nice red circle wherever her head came into contact. I should mention this doesn't seem to phase Lily in the slightest. She just goes on with her business.
It's a little hard to see in the picture, but if you look closely you can see the red spot above her right eye.
It's a little hard to see in the picture, but if you look closely you can see the red spot above her right eye.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Busy weekend Part II
And then my friend Kristi and I spent a lovely afternoon taking in some of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Oak Park.
Busy weekend
A day at Brookfield Zoo with my friends Ilda and Marco and their son, Noah.
Now that's a busy mamma.
You want me to do what to the goat?
OK, mom, I got it now. 
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
This fits too...
I'm feeling a bit like Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama today. You know that part when she says something about loving New York City but when she goes back home to Alabama "this fits too."
I spent the weekend up in Wisconsin on my friend's boat. Small towns, simple pleasures, lots of nature to take in and I caught myself thinking... what am I doing in the city? When all I really want out of life is a house, a dog, some trees and family... what am I doing in the city where none of those things are easy to come by?
But then I returned to the city and I take in the awesome skyline, the ease of having pretty much any activity at my fingertip and the less small-mindedness of the people and I get confused.
I think in part I'm in the city because I can't imagine finding someone with similar beliefs in the smaller towns. But, the truth is I'm not having much luck finding anyone with my beliefs and my love of the country in the city.
And then I think, what am I waiting for? I should move towards what I want out of life and the rest will fall into place when it falls into place. But it's a scary prospect to consider leaving a good paying job that I enjoy, my friends, my ease of travel to visit family, the city that I know....
There's probably plenty of middle ground (suburbs for example) where I could have a house and a dog and not be so far removed from life as I know it. But then there's that concern about being further away from the single-life of the city. Oh yeah, and the commute!
One of these days I hope to figure this all out. Maybe this is just another phase in the the Quarter Life Crisis. Meanwhile if any of you have any suggestions - feel free to throw them my way! Until then I'll just try to keep enjoying both worlds! :-)
I spent the weekend up in Wisconsin on my friend's boat. Small towns, simple pleasures, lots of nature to take in and I caught myself thinking... what am I doing in the city? When all I really want out of life is a house, a dog, some trees and family... what am I doing in the city where none of those things are easy to come by?
But then I returned to the city and I take in the awesome skyline, the ease of having pretty much any activity at my fingertip and the less small-mindedness of the people and I get confused.
I think in part I'm in the city because I can't imagine finding someone with similar beliefs in the smaller towns. But, the truth is I'm not having much luck finding anyone with my beliefs and my love of the country in the city.
And then I think, what am I waiting for? I should move towards what I want out of life and the rest will fall into place when it falls into place. But it's a scary prospect to consider leaving a good paying job that I enjoy, my friends, my ease of travel to visit family, the city that I know....
There's probably plenty of middle ground (suburbs for example) where I could have a house and a dog and not be so far removed from life as I know it. But then there's that concern about being further away from the single-life of the city. Oh yeah, and the commute!
One of these days I hope to figure this all out. Maybe this is just another phase in the the Quarter Life Crisis. Meanwhile if any of you have any suggestions - feel free to throw them my way! Until then I'll just try to keep enjoying both worlds! :-)
Parker Pics
Barbara is a little concerned that the baby-stalkers of the world are going to see Parker's pictures on my blog and hunt her down, so I promised to post pictures sparingly and not give any helpful hints to the bad people of the world. On that note (until otherwise approved), I will cease and desist from posting any more Parker pics after today.
Check out these chubby checks and all that hair!!!
Here Parker is explaining to me how much she dislikes this whole waking up thing.
Check out these chubby checks and all that hair!!!
Here Parker is explaining to me how much she dislikes this whole waking up thing.Wednesday, May 24, 2006
My newest little baby friend
I'd like to introduce you all to my new pal...
Parker Eileen
My good friend (and boss) Barbara had her baby girl Tuesday morning. Hopefully, I'll get to meet her in person tomorrow! I'm sure I'll have more pictures then.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
That's my boy, Barrett
I never liked AJ Pierzynski anyway and today Michael Barrett made his feelings known too. I will miss him for the next few weeks though. :-( Check it out here.
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