I have goosebumps.
Chicago Tribune Spectacular Chicago Slideshow
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Master of the Yard - Brady
Last summer, our yard was the bane of my existence. Neither Kevin nor I really knew how to deal with it, and I constantly felt stressed out and embarrassed by it - it always seemed overgrown with weeds. It's an acre and half with lots of flower beds, and just keeping up with the mowing seemed impossible. To give you an idea of what we were up against, the owners before us were landscapers by profession and had a six-person gardening team.
This year, though, I started this thing. Every day, I work in the yard for one hour. It has done wonders. First of all, if I give myself a time limit, I don't get overwhelmed by the work and don't feel guilty if I go inside without doing everything I think needs to be done. Secondly, it's amazing how much you can accomplish if you just do a little bit, often.
Other than being able to read whatever I want for as long as I want, this has been the single most gratifying thing I've done this summer.
Here are some pictures of our yard, now that I've mastered it (okay, not mastered it but can at least co-exist peacefully with it) and some of the shortcuts that have made it possible.
Where I started with my hour-long shifts.
I keep up pretty well with the mowing now. Since we have a push mower, I just consider it my exercise on the day I do it. Because, you know, I totally do an hour and forty-five minutes of exercise every day. :)
No weeds!
No weeds!
This may LOOK a little wild, but you should have seen it before I got my hands on it!
Seemingly healthy plants.
My most recent and most helpful shortcut. This area of our yard was overgrown with weeds. I noticed underneath ivy was growing, so I just mowed it. Although some of the ivy was cut back, there's still a pretty healthy green layer on the ground, and all of the weeds are gone (or so short you can't see them).
Helpful shortcut #2. We let a big section of the lawn grow wild. It cuts our mowing time way down and, we truly believe, controls mosquitos. The first summer we were here we couldn't sit outside for any amount of time without getting eaten alive. Now, we think that bigger, predator bugs have a habitat and eat up all of the mosquitos. We haven't had nearly the problem with them that we used to.
Easiest shortcut? Hire somebody else. We paid a little bit of money to have someone else come and pull the weeds that were taking over our driveway and put down more gravel. Well worth it.
And the yard fights back:
Poison something on my arm. I was a baby about it for about a week.
Scratches on my leg. Ewww and ouch.
Two final elements that motivate me? Listening to NPR on our portable radio while I work (I learn so much!) and having a beer afterward on the porch.
I'm really proud that I've finally learned how to manage this. However, I am not a gardner and will be 100% content if I never have a yard this big ever again. A postage stamp Chicago lawn, or even just some flowers on a balcony, will be okay with me.
This year, though, I started this thing. Every day, I work in the yard for one hour. It has done wonders. First of all, if I give myself a time limit, I don't get overwhelmed by the work and don't feel guilty if I go inside without doing everything I think needs to be done. Secondly, it's amazing how much you can accomplish if you just do a little bit, often.
Other than being able to read whatever I want for as long as I want, this has been the single most gratifying thing I've done this summer.
Here are some pictures of our yard, now that I've mastered it (okay, not mastered it but can at least co-exist peacefully with it) and some of the shortcuts that have made it possible.
Where I started with my hour-long shifts.
I keep up pretty well with the mowing now. Since we have a push mower, I just consider it my exercise on the day I do it. Because, you know, I totally do an hour and forty-five minutes of exercise every day. :)
No weeds!
No weeds!
This may LOOK a little wild, but you should have seen it before I got my hands on it!
Seemingly healthy plants.
My most recent and most helpful shortcut. This area of our yard was overgrown with weeds. I noticed underneath ivy was growing, so I just mowed it. Although some of the ivy was cut back, there's still a pretty healthy green layer on the ground, and all of the weeds are gone (or so short you can't see them).
Helpful shortcut #2. We let a big section of the lawn grow wild. It cuts our mowing time way down and, we truly believe, controls mosquitos. The first summer we were here we couldn't sit outside for any amount of time without getting eaten alive. Now, we think that bigger, predator bugs have a habitat and eat up all of the mosquitos. We haven't had nearly the problem with them that we used to.
Easiest shortcut? Hire somebody else. We paid a little bit of money to have someone else come and pull the weeds that were taking over our driveway and put down more gravel. Well worth it.
And the yard fights back:
Poison something on my arm. I was a baby about it for about a week.
Scratches on my leg. Ewww and ouch.
Two final elements that motivate me? Listening to NPR on our portable radio while I work (I learn so much!) and having a beer afterward on the porch.
I'm really proud that I've finally learned how to manage this. However, I am not a gardner and will be 100% content if I never have a yard this big ever again. A postage stamp Chicago lawn, or even just some flowers on a balcony, will be okay with me.
Friday, July 24, 2009
6th Thing I Love About Chicago: The White Sox - Brady
Okay, this is kind of false because I actually don't like pro sports, and baseball seems particular shady to me.
HOWEVER,
If I were going to like a baseball team it would be the White Sox. And I secretly do kind of like them. Don't tell anybody.
Here's a list of what I like. I realize I am going to say probably indefensible, maybe controversial things. I realize Cubs fans who are my dear friends might be mad. I realize I know very little about what I'm talking about. If you post a comment to argue with me, you'll probably be right. But I'm going to say it anyway.
- I like that they feel like underdogs. Whether they are or aren't, they seem like the under appreciated team in Chicago - the second team of the Second City. Their colors are kind of ugly, their stadium isn't that cool, and the neighborhood where they play has some big problems. That just makes them seem cooler and more, you know, authentic to me.
- THEY HAVE VEGGIE DOGS AT U.S. CELLULAR FIELD! You have to work for them, though, let me tell you.
- They won a World Series in 2005! Epic moment in my life. I had just moved to Chicago and was in my first semester at Northwestern. I was working on this awful partner project up in Evanston on the night the Sox were probably going to win it. I was really mad because my partner had procrastinated, the project was due the following day, and I was stuck up on campus doing something I would have preferred to finish a week before. She kept spending way too much time on details that didn't matter, talking all the while about how much she loved projects. Finally, after 8 hours of work, I told her I HAD to leave because I had to take the El back into the city. I got on and then, 45 minutes later, off the train, grabbed a cab to the pizza place where Kevin and I had agreed to meet, listened to the game wind down on the ride over, shoved money into the cabbie's hand, ran through the rain to the door of the restaurant (at least I remember it raining), and sat down at the bar in time to see the last out. Everyone in the place cheered and hugged. It was very memorable.
- Their theme song the year they won was "Don't Stop Believin'." I love that song.
- All of my family likes the White Sox. When they won the World Series, my dad framed newspapers for all of us to hang in our houses. Now, Bobby Jenks stands guard in my parents' living room. You see, the poster Dad made for himself and Mom (that newspaper had Bobby Jenks on the front page) fell over on their dog Buckner once. Now Buckner won't go near Bobby, so they put that framed newspaper in front of wires they don't want the dog to chew.
- Ozzie Guillen! Could that guy be any crazier? Just Google "Ozzie Guillen Quotes," and I guarantee you'll be entertained. I also love that he used to play for the Sox.
- Okay, this one's going to get me in trouble, but the White Sox just seem classier than the Cubs. For example, apparently, Wrigley Field is notoriously unpopular with non-white players because they hear so many racial slurs during games there. Also, I feel like all the Cubs do is lose and whine. And, come on. It's just pathetic to blame not winning on a hundred year old curse. The Sox just seem to do their jobs, no excuses, no complaints. When they suck, they admit they suck. Or at least Ozzie does.
- Scott Podsednik, Paul Konerko, and Jermaine Dye are cute, cute, cute. Jim Thome is adorable and loves to hug people. Jose Contreras breaks my heart. And A.J. Pierzynski is way too smart for his own good. I enjoy him immensely.
- Probably totally unfairly, I like White Sox fans better. They seem like life-long Chicagoans or people from The Region in Indiana (and Hoosiers are the best people around). I always think of Cubs fans as suburbanites who only come into the city to drink. (Oh no I didn't! Oh yes I did.)
- The moment in 2005 where Ozzie wanted Bobby Jenks to come in to pitch and made the "big and tall" signal with his hands.
- Most recently, Buerhle's perfect game.
HOWEVER,
If I were going to like a baseball team it would be the White Sox. And I secretly do kind of like them. Don't tell anybody.
Here's a list of what I like. I realize I am going to say probably indefensible, maybe controversial things. I realize Cubs fans who are my dear friends might be mad. I realize I know very little about what I'm talking about. If you post a comment to argue with me, you'll probably be right. But I'm going to say it anyway.
- I like that they feel like underdogs. Whether they are or aren't, they seem like the under appreciated team in Chicago - the second team of the Second City. Their colors are kind of ugly, their stadium isn't that cool, and the neighborhood where they play has some big problems. That just makes them seem cooler and more, you know, authentic to me.
- THEY HAVE VEGGIE DOGS AT U.S. CELLULAR FIELD! You have to work for them, though, let me tell you.
- They won a World Series in 2005! Epic moment in my life. I had just moved to Chicago and was in my first semester at Northwestern. I was working on this awful partner project up in Evanston on the night the Sox were probably going to win it. I was really mad because my partner had procrastinated, the project was due the following day, and I was stuck up on campus doing something I would have preferred to finish a week before. She kept spending way too much time on details that didn't matter, talking all the while about how much she loved projects. Finally, after 8 hours of work, I told her I HAD to leave because I had to take the El back into the city. I got on and then, 45 minutes later, off the train, grabbed a cab to the pizza place where Kevin and I had agreed to meet, listened to the game wind down on the ride over, shoved money into the cabbie's hand, ran through the rain to the door of the restaurant (at least I remember it raining), and sat down at the bar in time to see the last out. Everyone in the place cheered and hugged. It was very memorable.
- Their theme song the year they won was "Don't Stop Believin'." I love that song.
- All of my family likes the White Sox. When they won the World Series, my dad framed newspapers for all of us to hang in our houses. Now, Bobby Jenks stands guard in my parents' living room. You see, the poster Dad made for himself and Mom (that newspaper had Bobby Jenks on the front page) fell over on their dog Buckner once. Now Buckner won't go near Bobby, so they put that framed newspaper in front of wires they don't want the dog to chew.
- Ozzie Guillen! Could that guy be any crazier? Just Google "Ozzie Guillen Quotes," and I guarantee you'll be entertained. I also love that he used to play for the Sox.
- Okay, this one's going to get me in trouble, but the White Sox just seem classier than the Cubs. For example, apparently, Wrigley Field is notoriously unpopular with non-white players because they hear so many racial slurs during games there. Also, I feel like all the Cubs do is lose and whine. And, come on. It's just pathetic to blame not winning on a hundred year old curse. The Sox just seem to do their jobs, no excuses, no complaints. When they suck, they admit they suck. Or at least Ozzie does.
- Scott Podsednik, Paul Konerko, and Jermaine Dye are cute, cute, cute. Jim Thome is adorable and loves to hug people. Jose Contreras breaks my heart. And A.J. Pierzynski is way too smart for his own good. I enjoy him immensely.
- Probably totally unfairly, I like White Sox fans better. They seem like life-long Chicagoans or people from The Region in Indiana (and Hoosiers are the best people around). I always think of Cubs fans as suburbanites who only come into the city to drink. (Oh no I didn't! Oh yes I did.)
- The moment in 2005 where Ozzie wanted Bobby Jenks to come in to pitch and made the "big and tall" signal with his hands.
- Most recently, Buerhle's perfect game.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
I Love Chicago This Much - Brady
Whoa. Check out this email I just sent to my friends. They asked for suggestions of what to do in Chicago, and I whip out this epic novel. I'm not going to label this post, and I don't even expect anyone to read it unless they want ideas of what to do in Chicago. Just wanted to show the sheer volume of stuff I came up with off the top of my head.
Here are some suggestions for you. You might want to double-check if places are still open. My information is about 2 years old. :) I'm also CCing Kevin, so he can pipe in if he thinks of anything else.
Food:
Giordano's is my favorite deep-dish pizza (and I've sampled an embarassingly large number of them). There are locations all over the
city, and they deliver if you want.
Geja's Cafe is where I had maybe my best Chicago meal. It's a fondue restaurant. It's expensive, but when we were there we found a "Cheese and Chocolate Special" for $18 a person. Definitely great if you like fondue and want to go someplace nice. Another negative (or plus, depending on how you look at it) is that they don't take reservations. It's usually a wait in the two hour range on the weekend - not sure about a weekday.
D.O.C. Wine Bar is also on North Clark and is a really nice, fun, laid-back, and usually not too crowded place to get drinks or even
dinner. You can get flights of wine for a reasonable price, and although the place looks pretty trendy the staff is usually really nice and approachable.
Carmine's is an Italian place Kevin LOVES. It used to be his favorite restaurant. It's also a little expensive, although probably less than Geja's. Right next door is:
Tavern on Rush which is also super nice, a little expensive, and very "Chicago." Both it and Carmine's are on Rush street just a little north of downtown.
Angela's Burrito Style: Late night Mexican food. The later you go, the more characters you'll see. Also on North Clark and very casual. The atmosphere is NOT fancy at all. Think fast food restaurant but less clean. Ha.
Clarke's: On Belmont near where it intersects with Clark. This is a really fun, young area (and also right by where our new apt is). This is also good late-night food. It's open 24 hours and is a diner so has about everything.
The Signature Room (John Hancock Building): One of the best pieces of Chicago advice I can give you is this: If you're interested in going up in a tall building and looking down, go to the Signature Room in the Hancock Building. They'll charge you a lot to go up in the Sears/Willis Tower or the Hancock Building. If you go to the Signature Room, you're like one floor below where the others go, and it's free except for the drink or appetizer or dinner you order! The views are stunning. The women's bathroom has the best, believe it or not.
Nacional 27: This is one of my very favorite restaurants. Latin American food. Really, really nice atmosphere and staff. A little expensive. Apparently, it turns into a salsa/flamenco club on weekend nights after a certain hour.
Activities:
Millennium Park: Really fun to walk around (and FREE!). There are 2 restaurants there. The one with outdoor seating is more casual. The Park Grille is indoors and a little fancier.
Art Institute: Kind of expensive to go to, but amazing if you like art. You could spend days in there.
Navy Pier: Definitely touristy. It's nice on a pretty day, though.
The Lakefront: Chicago's lakefront is really beautiful, and almost all of it is public park (in fact, literally all of it might be). It's nice to walk along and is also free.
The Vic Brew and View: I LOVE THIS THEATER. You get in for $5 (Bring your ID. You have to be over 18.) It shows fun stuff--second run films, TV show finales, etc. You can buy snacks or drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). It's in an old theater theater--like where plays used to be (I think. It looks old and fun regardless). It's just casual and fun and one of my favorite non-touristy Chicago things. Near the Clark and Belmont intersection also.
The Century Landmark Cinema is a place that, in the words of my cousin, "You can go in, pick any movie they're showing, and will love it." Also on North Clark. (Am I biased?)
The architecture cruises are really fun. If you take one, do the river tour.
Lincoln Park Zoo: FREE! And good. Kevin knows the gorillas by name. If you walk just a little farther north through the pretty parks you'll find the Conservatory, a really nice botanical garden/greenhouse that's also free.
Second City: A great comedy club on North Wells. A lot of Saturday Night Live's cast gets their start here but, in my opinion, it's way better than SNL. This is one of my very favorite things to do in Chicago. There are two troupes: Second City and Second City Etc. I like Etc. better because the humor is more political, but both are great.
North State/Dearborn: If you start at Division Street and walk north on either State or Dearborn, you will see the most beautiful mansions and their perfectly manicured postage stamp lawns. After several blocks you'll hit a park, and if you want you can walk out to the Lakeshore at that point. Walk towards the blue and find a bridge or tunnel to get out to the beach. :)
Pilsen: If you feel like an adventure, you can head down to the Pilsen/Little Village neighborhood. It's 95% Mexican, and you'll feel like you're in a different country. The National Museum of Mexican Art is down there and cool to visit.
Wicker Park Fest: I've never been, but Wicker Park is a "hip" neighborhood and the description says they have food and indie music. Here's a website where you can get more info: http://chicago.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/wicker-park-fest-2009-bucktown-wicker-park/225683/content
Celebrate Clark Street: Another festival, up north. More music! http://chicago.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/celebrate-clark-street-festival-rogers-park/939166/content
Shopping:
Water Tower Place: Really nice, fun, indoor shopping mall. On Michigan Ave.
Clark/Belmont intersection: Crazy, funky stores. Venture down Halsted Street and you'll see more male mannequins dressed as women than you can imagine. Also fun coffee shops and ethnic restaurants.
Armitage: I've discovered a really cute shopping area at Armitage and Sheffield. There aren't a ton of stores, but they're really
cute.
Handy Websites:
www.metromix.com - This is where Kevin and I get ideas all the time.
http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/trip_planner.aspx - Go here to plan trips on public transportation. If you're downtown or anywhere that I've listed, really, you'll also be able to hail a cab without a problem.
http://chicago.metromix.com/events/article/chicago-festival-guide/339943/content - A guide to all of the festivals in Chicago this summer. I stopped listing all the ones that looked fun above because there were too many!
Here are some suggestions for you. You might want to double-check if places are still open. My information is about 2 years old. :) I'm also CCing Kevin, so he can pipe in if he thinks of anything else.
Food:
Giordano's is my favorite deep-dish pizza (and I've sampled an embarassingly large number of them). There are locations all over the
city, and they deliver if you want.
Geja's Cafe is where I had maybe my best Chicago meal. It's a fondue restaurant. It's expensive, but when we were there we found a "Cheese and Chocolate Special" for $18 a person. Definitely great if you like fondue and want to go someplace nice. Another negative (or plus, depending on how you look at it) is that they don't take reservations. It's usually a wait in the two hour range on the weekend - not sure about a weekday.
D.O.C. Wine Bar is also on North Clark and is a really nice, fun, laid-back, and usually not too crowded place to get drinks or even
dinner. You can get flights of wine for a reasonable price, and although the place looks pretty trendy the staff is usually really nice and approachable.
Carmine's is an Italian place Kevin LOVES. It used to be his favorite restaurant. It's also a little expensive, although probably less than Geja's. Right next door is:
Tavern on Rush which is also super nice, a little expensive, and very "Chicago." Both it and Carmine's are on Rush street just a little north of downtown.
Angela's Burrito Style: Late night Mexican food. The later you go, the more characters you'll see. Also on North Clark and very casual. The atmosphere is NOT fancy at all. Think fast food restaurant but less clean. Ha.
Clarke's: On Belmont near where it intersects with Clark. This is a really fun, young area (and also right by where our new apt is). This is also good late-night food. It's open 24 hours and is a diner so has about everything.
The Signature Room (John Hancock Building): One of the best pieces of Chicago advice I can give you is this: If you're interested in going up in a tall building and looking down, go to the Signature Room in the Hancock Building. They'll charge you a lot to go up in the Sears/Willis Tower or the Hancock Building. If you go to the Signature Room, you're like one floor below where the others go, and it's free except for the drink or appetizer or dinner you order! The views are stunning. The women's bathroom has the best, believe it or not.
Nacional 27: This is one of my very favorite restaurants. Latin American food. Really, really nice atmosphere and staff. A little expensive. Apparently, it turns into a salsa/flamenco club on weekend nights after a certain hour.
Activities:
Millennium Park: Really fun to walk around (and FREE!). There are 2 restaurants there. The one with outdoor seating is more casual. The Park Grille is indoors and a little fancier.
Art Institute: Kind of expensive to go to, but amazing if you like art. You could spend days in there.
Navy Pier: Definitely touristy. It's nice on a pretty day, though.
The Lakefront: Chicago's lakefront is really beautiful, and almost all of it is public park (in fact, literally all of it might be). It's nice to walk along and is also free.
The Vic Brew and View: I LOVE THIS THEATER. You get in for $5 (Bring your ID. You have to be over 18.) It shows fun stuff--second run films, TV show finales, etc. You can buy snacks or drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). It's in an old theater theater--like where plays used to be (I think. It looks old and fun regardless). It's just casual and fun and one of my favorite non-touristy Chicago things. Near the Clark and Belmont intersection also.
The Century Landmark Cinema is a place that, in the words of my cousin, "You can go in, pick any movie they're showing, and will love it." Also on North Clark. (Am I biased?)
The architecture cruises are really fun. If you take one, do the river tour.
Lincoln Park Zoo: FREE! And good. Kevin knows the gorillas by name. If you walk just a little farther north through the pretty parks you'll find the Conservatory, a really nice botanical garden/greenhouse that's also free.
Second City: A great comedy club on North Wells. A lot of Saturday Night Live's cast gets their start here but, in my opinion, it's way better than SNL. This is one of my very favorite things to do in Chicago. There are two troupes: Second City and Second City Etc. I like Etc. better because the humor is more political, but both are great.
North State/Dearborn: If you start at Division Street and walk north on either State or Dearborn, you will see the most beautiful mansions and their perfectly manicured postage stamp lawns. After several blocks you'll hit a park, and if you want you can walk out to the Lakeshore at that point. Walk towards the blue and find a bridge or tunnel to get out to the beach. :)
Pilsen: If you feel like an adventure, you can head down to the Pilsen/Little Village neighborhood. It's 95% Mexican, and you'll feel like you're in a different country. The National Museum of Mexican Art is down there and cool to visit.
Wicker Park Fest: I've never been, but Wicker Park is a "hip" neighborhood and the description says they have food and indie music. Here's a website where you can get more info: http://chicago.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/wicker-park-fest-2009-bucktown-wicker-park/225683/content
Celebrate Clark Street: Another festival, up north. More music! http://chicago.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/celebrate-clark-street-festival-rogers-park/939166/content
Shopping:
Water Tower Place: Really nice, fun, indoor shopping mall. On Michigan Ave.
Clark/Belmont intersection: Crazy, funky stores. Venture down Halsted Street and you'll see more male mannequins dressed as women than you can imagine. Also fun coffee shops and ethnic restaurants.
Armitage: I've discovered a really cute shopping area at Armitage and Sheffield. There aren't a ton of stores, but they're really
cute.
Handy Websites:
www.metromix.com - This is where Kevin and I get ideas all the time.
http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/trip_planner.aspx - Go here to plan trips on public transportation. If you're downtown or anywhere that I've listed, really, you'll also be able to hail a cab without a problem.
http://chicago.metromix.com/events/article/chicago-festival-guide/339943/content - A guide to all of the festivals in Chicago this summer. I stopped listing all the ones that looked fun above because there were too many!
I am also still alive... -Amy
Sorry that I suck at blogging. Seriously. I am actually always thinking that I need to get on and write, but then something else catches my attention.
Right now, I am baby sitting for two incredibly cute kids, Max and Myah! They are our cousin, Katie's, little ones and they are TOO fun. They are both occupied for a short minute, so I thought I would write!
I am excited to start the school year, I can't wait to be on the schedule of a regular person! Right now I am baby sitting for two different families and working 40 hours a week for my friend's parents as well. It has been a fun but BUSY summer. I am just excited to have some normalcy in my schedule and my life. I am teaching pre-school in La Porte (which I think I already posted) and I am pumped about it.
Even more exciting, I found out the the Dollar Store by our house is now carrying certain teaching supplies! And the stuff they have is super cute! I love a bargain! I am going to be raiding that place A LOT! If anyone has tips of where to get cheap, cute, and functional education supplies (especially for primary aged kids) please share the wisdom!
Well, I best be going, miss Myah needs a bottle. But I WILL post more and I'm sorry (mostly to my sisters) for being MIA!
Right now, I am baby sitting for two incredibly cute kids, Max and Myah! They are our cousin, Katie's, little ones and they are TOO fun. They are both occupied for a short minute, so I thought I would write!
I am excited to start the school year, I can't wait to be on the schedule of a regular person! Right now I am baby sitting for two different families and working 40 hours a week for my friend's parents as well. It has been a fun but BUSY summer. I am just excited to have some normalcy in my schedule and my life. I am teaching pre-school in La Porte (which I think I already posted) and I am pumped about it.
Even more exciting, I found out the the Dollar Store by our house is now carrying certain teaching supplies! And the stuff they have is super cute! I love a bargain! I am going to be raiding that place A LOT! If anyone has tips of where to get cheap, cute, and functional education supplies (especially for primary aged kids) please share the wisdom!
Well, I best be going, miss Myah needs a bottle. But I WILL post more and I'm sorry (mostly to my sisters) for being MIA!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Potential Brunch Spot??? - Kelly
If you have spent any weekend with me during the past year or two then you know that I LOVE brunch. I've been googlemap stalking our new neighborhood and found a brunch spot with potential.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
I am still alive - Kelly
I am! The post from my other blog about sums it up. Pretty soon I'll have the energy to blog about what's going on in my life again- but for now I'm just going to head to bed. :)
Don't Hate Me Kelly - Brady
I was reading Kelly personal blog today, and she posted the following comment:
All I have time to do these days is ride the train to work, work, and ride the train home. I finally fit in a (pathetic) run today and a trip to Wal-Mart to buy some stuff for my new kitchen, but that is seriously it.
The good news is I only have 15 days until I get the keys to my apartment (11 of which will be spent at work, 2 at a wedding, and 2 at a Bachelorette party!).
Thank.God.
I love staying with my parents, but this commute is killing me!
I have been experiencing the exact opposite this summer. I'm continually amazed that my daily activities add up to 8, 9, 10 hours. When people ask me how I'm spending my vacation, I either have trouble remembering or say, embarrassed, something like, "Well, I'm reading a lot, I guess, and doing stuff around the yard and...you know...puttering around. Oh, I do tutor a kid. Yeah, yeah...4 hours a week..."
For example, today I:
- Got up at 6:45 and made breakfast.
- Checked email.
- Read nytimes.com and chicagotribune.com for about an hour.
- Somehow spent the rest of the morning finding someone to fix loose tiles we have and schedule a Verizon repairperson to come out to fix our phone.
- Ate lunch
- Worked in the yard
- Had a snack
- Checked email and Facebook (oh yes, all my Facebook friends, I am extremely well-versed in all of your lives right now. I haven't missed a new photo album in WEEKS) and created this blog post.
And it's 3 p.m. How does that stuff add up to almost a day?
I know all you working people out there probably hate me right now, Kelly especially as she has a full work day with a two-hour commute on each end. However, although I'm really grateful to have this time to get things done before my life gets crazy again, I would not want to do this for long. I get kind of weird and moody when I'm at home all day. Plus, I am not a person who loves house and yard work. I'm more of a sit in the office, drink coffee, and work on my computer kind of gal.
BUT, I am definitely enjoying a little (big) break for now and trying to just absorb myself in whatever activity I'm doing so I'm not wishing away my last real summer vacation. And it can be pretty calming and satisfying to put on music and just organize a room or put NPR on our portable radio and weed for two hours in the sunshine.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Meet Up - Brady
meetup.comThis is a really fun site my friend Kristin introduced me to. She's signed up for a bunch of their groups already. I'm hoping to find a Spanish-speakers one so I can keep up the language even though I'm not teaching it anymore.
Kelly, Kristin found an East Lakeview dog-walking group through them.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Trip to Evanston and Other Updates - Brady
It's been an eventful week. I had a great 4th of July weekend that involved a fancy party on Lake Syracuse (which included 3 awesome dogs for me to play with - I think Kevin is set on getting a greyhound someday based on his experience with one that was at the party), a more casual party at my grandparents' house in La Porte, and then fireworks on Lake Wawasee. You really can't beat Indiana in the summertime, especially if you have access to some water.
On Tuesday I went up to Evanston to have a discussion with the professor I'll work with next year, two of the research professors he works with, and another student who will work with my professor but in the clinical psychology program at Northwestern (my professor has a joint appointment, so he works with people in my program and with people in the psychology program). We talked about a chapter the professor wrote for a book that's coming out. It was a good visit. They had some snacks set out, the discussion was interesting, and a few of us went out for a beer together afterward. I was nervous until I got there and the discussion started. I don't feel like I was particularly great with them - it's been a long time since I've had a very academic discussion! I tend to second-guess everything I say in a new situation, but I told myself this time that these people will have about five years to get to know me. Whether I made a great impression, a terrible one, or anything in-between, they'll know the real me eventually.
Other than that, I just continue fluctuating between excitement over this next step and nervousness about it. In the last few weeks I've found myself jealous of people who know exactly where they'll be and what they'll be doing for the forseeable future. My cousin Katie and her husband Andy, for example, have this beautiful house, two wonderful kids, and jobs at the same company near my hometown. Amy is babysitting for them this summer, and I went over to visit her while she was working. For a little while, I would have loved to just switch places with them. Same thing with my best friend Lindsey. She and her husband have a GREAT house in Indianapolis, an adorable daughter, and jobs they like and can stay in for awhile. Sometimes I would love to be in a position like that instead of one where I live apart from my husband and have no idea where I'll be in six years. I know, though, that there will be plenty of time to settle in somewhere. There are good and bad things about any choice a person makes, and I really do believe I'm making the one that's right for me.
On Tuesday I went up to Evanston to have a discussion with the professor I'll work with next year, two of the research professors he works with, and another student who will work with my professor but in the clinical psychology program at Northwestern (my professor has a joint appointment, so he works with people in my program and with people in the psychology program). We talked about a chapter the professor wrote for a book that's coming out. It was a good visit. They had some snacks set out, the discussion was interesting, and a few of us went out for a beer together afterward. I was nervous until I got there and the discussion started. I don't feel like I was particularly great with them - it's been a long time since I've had a very academic discussion! I tend to second-guess everything I say in a new situation, but I told myself this time that these people will have about five years to get to know me. Whether I made a great impression, a terrible one, or anything in-between, they'll know the real me eventually.
Other than that, I just continue fluctuating between excitement over this next step and nervousness about it. In the last few weeks I've found myself jealous of people who know exactly where they'll be and what they'll be doing for the forseeable future. My cousin Katie and her husband Andy, for example, have this beautiful house, two wonderful kids, and jobs at the same company near my hometown. Amy is babysitting for them this summer, and I went over to visit her while she was working. For a little while, I would have loved to just switch places with them. Same thing with my best friend Lindsey. She and her husband have a GREAT house in Indianapolis, an adorable daughter, and jobs they like and can stay in for awhile. Sometimes I would love to be in a position like that instead of one where I live apart from my husband and have no idea where I'll be in six years. I know, though, that there will be plenty of time to settle in somewhere. There are good and bad things about any choice a person makes, and I really do believe I'm making the one that's right for me.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Busy times - Kelly
Life has been absolutely insane for the past few weeks, but I've been having a blast. Here's a little timeline of what I've been up to:
June 10th- Ended school/hosted my parents in Charlotte
June 12th- Mom and Dad took Lucy back to Indiana
June 17th- In Chicago for five days for work/Lesley's wedding
June 22nd- Looked at apartments, made a decision, flew back to Charlotte
June 23rd- Was back in Charlotte, packed up moving truck
June 24th- Went to Charleston for vacation
June 29th- Moved out of Charlotte for good/ spend the night in Bloomington
June 30th- Back in LaPorte
July 1st/2nd- Started my job in Chicago
July 4th- Holiday stuff with family
And just a taste of what's ahead...
July 5th- Back to Chicago to stay with a coworker
July 6th- Fly to Vegas at 8 am (stay until July 10th, evening)
July 11th/12th- In Bloomington for my roommate's wedding
July 13th- 17th- First full week of work in Chicago
July 18th/19th- My cousin's wedding in southern Indiana
July 20th- 24th- Another week of work
July 25th/26th- Out of town for a friend's wedding celebration
July 27th- 31st- More work!
July 30th- Get keys for apartment
July 31st/August 1st- Move into apartment
It's all a little bit insane and overwhelming, but extremely exciting! Needless to say, though, that I'll be thrilled come August 1st when Lucy and I are finally in our apartment in the city. With all I have going on I'm sure it'll be a quick month.
June 10th- Ended school/hosted my parents in Charlotte
June 12th- Mom and Dad took Lucy back to Indiana
June 17th- In Chicago for five days for work/Lesley's wedding
June 22nd- Looked at apartments, made a decision, flew back to Charlotte
June 23rd- Was back in Charlotte, packed up moving truck
June 24th- Went to Charleston for vacation
June 29th- Moved out of Charlotte for good/ spend the night in Bloomington
June 30th- Back in LaPorte
July 1st/2nd- Started my job in Chicago
July 4th- Holiday stuff with family
And just a taste of what's ahead...
July 5th- Back to Chicago to stay with a coworker
July 6th- Fly to Vegas at 8 am (stay until July 10th, evening)
July 11th/12th- In Bloomington for my roommate's wedding
July 13th- 17th- First full week of work in Chicago
July 18th/19th- My cousin's wedding in southern Indiana
July 20th- 24th- Another week of work
July 25th/26th- Out of town for a friend's wedding celebration
July 27th- 31st- More work!
July 30th- Get keys for apartment
July 31st/August 1st- Move into apartment
It's all a little bit insane and overwhelming, but extremely exciting! Needless to say, though, that I'll be thrilled come August 1st when Lucy and I are finally in our apartment in the city. With all I have going on I'm sure it'll be a quick month.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Things I Love About Chicago: All Four Seasons - Brady
The unseasonably cool weather combined with my fellow future NU grad students' concerns about Chicago winters have reminded me of something a little bit crazy I love about the city: all four seasons.
Yes, the winters are super cold. Yes, the summers are super hot and humid. Yes, spring and fall are super short. But here is why I love each and every one of them.
Spring in Chicago: relief after a cold winter, hot runs on the Lakeshore Trail followed by wading in Lake Michigan that instantly cools you off, flower boxes and postage stamp lawns, how the minute it hits 55 degrees bars and restaurants remove their windows so they're open-air, WANTING to walk all of a sudden, when the buses open their windows, when standing up on an El platform with the wind blowing is finally nice, not torture, LEAVING Chicago for spring break, the first day you can wear a t-shirt and no coat
Summer in Chicago: Taste of Chicago, Venetian Night, beer gardens, open windows (I actually like hearing sirens at night-is that weird?), going to the beach, Beachstro-the temporary restaurant built ON the beach, art fairs, street fairs, eating outside, sitting on balconies, Navy Pier, rooftops, concerts at Millennium Park, outdoor movies, visitors (because no one comes to visit Chicago when it's cold!)
Fall in Chicago: relief after a hot summer, beautiful colors, sweater weather, trips home on the South Shore to see family over Thanksgiving, cooler runs, red wine, coffee in the morning, the purple line up to Evanston, going to movies at Landmark Century Cinema
Winter in Chicago: snow, holiday lights, really warm winter coats, ice formations on Lake Michigan, walking around Lincoln Park Zoo at night with hot chocolate and Peppermint Schnapps, ice skating at Millennium Park, Superbowl Sunday, the South Shore ride home for the holidays, walking in the cold to a bar or restaurant and then sitting by the fire, candles in apartments, the heaters at El stations, trying not to slip on the ice when you're brave enough to run in the cold, that moment when you step on the bus and you're finally warm, Christmas shopping, New Year's Eve, the sound radiators make, that one 60 degree day in February that reminds you it's going to start all over again
Any of you Chicago-lovers out there, feel free to add your own!
Yes, the winters are super cold. Yes, the summers are super hot and humid. Yes, spring and fall are super short. But here is why I love each and every one of them.
Spring in Chicago: relief after a cold winter, hot runs on the Lakeshore Trail followed by wading in Lake Michigan that instantly cools you off, flower boxes and postage stamp lawns, how the minute it hits 55 degrees bars and restaurants remove their windows so they're open-air, WANTING to walk all of a sudden, when the buses open their windows, when standing up on an El platform with the wind blowing is finally nice, not torture, LEAVING Chicago for spring break, the first day you can wear a t-shirt and no coat
Summer in Chicago: Taste of Chicago, Venetian Night, beer gardens, open windows (I actually like hearing sirens at night-is that weird?), going to the beach, Beachstro-the temporary restaurant built ON the beach, art fairs, street fairs, eating outside, sitting on balconies, Navy Pier, rooftops, concerts at Millennium Park, outdoor movies, visitors (because no one comes to visit Chicago when it's cold!)
Fall in Chicago: relief after a hot summer, beautiful colors, sweater weather, trips home on the South Shore to see family over Thanksgiving, cooler runs, red wine, coffee in the morning, the purple line up to Evanston, going to movies at Landmark Century Cinema
Winter in Chicago: snow, holiday lights, really warm winter coats, ice formations on Lake Michigan, walking around Lincoln Park Zoo at night with hot chocolate and Peppermint Schnapps, ice skating at Millennium Park, Superbowl Sunday, the South Shore ride home for the holidays, walking in the cold to a bar or restaurant and then sitting by the fire, candles in apartments, the heaters at El stations, trying not to slip on the ice when you're brave enough to run in the cold, that moment when you step on the bus and you're finally warm, Christmas shopping, New Year's Eve, the sound radiators make, that one 60 degree day in February that reminds you it's going to start all over again
Any of you Chicago-lovers out there, feel free to add your own!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Lease Signed - Brady
Well, I mailed our lease and security deposit today, so it's official. We'll be living at 3116 N. Clifton. Very exciting!
By the way, though, renting an apartment is expensive! We had to pay the first month's rent ahead of time, a security deposit that is the same as a month's worth of rent, PLUS another half a month's rent security deposit for Lucy. It felt like putting a down payment on a house. How do people right out of college manage that? Do their parents help them out or what?
So, Kelly will be commuting into Chicago for a month and will move in to the apartment on August 1st. I'll come occasionally to move in and then join her there mid-September. Kevin will be up as often as he can.
Plan on visiting!
By the way, though, renting an apartment is expensive! We had to pay the first month's rent ahead of time, a security deposit that is the same as a month's worth of rent, PLUS another half a month's rent security deposit for Lucy. It felt like putting a down payment on a house. How do people right out of college manage that? Do their parents help them out or what?
So, Kelly will be commuting into Chicago for a month and will move in to the apartment on August 1st. I'll come occasionally to move in and then join her there mid-September. Kevin will be up as often as he can.
Plan on visiting!
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