A New Home (the news I've been alluding to)

I'm not much for beating around the bush, so I'm just going to come out with my news...

This will be the final post on Carretta's in Chicago! *sighs, smiles, feels a nervous flutter in tummy* I've loved sharing with all of you here over the past 2+ years, and I sincerely hope you'll visit me at my new online home. Often. Also? Tell your friends.

Without further delay...I give you my new online digs... BOPRIL - please go check it out. I'll see you there.

XOXO

Why Does this Site Look Weird?

Please forgive any technical issues with the site - working on some behind the scenes stuff to update (and much improve) this space, and will be back with more specifics very soon.

Come back ya'll!! Thanks.

Love is a Picture

I am unfailingly amazed at the power of photographs to instantly transport me to a specific place and time. One glance and I'm back in that moment, remembering clearly the sounds, sights and smells. If it is someone else's shot, I'm there too - seeing in my mind my own version of what they saw through the viewfinder.

I think it is one of the reasons I am so in love with this particular medium, its unique ability to capture moments in time: places, memories, life.

While doing some photo clean-up and organization, I came across a series of images I took back in February on our trip to LA. Instantly, I'm back there, and I see the gorgeous homes that line the boardwalk, the seagulls flying in their flocks, hear the crash of the waves against the smell of salt in the air...home, sweet seaside home.

Happy Love Thursday; here's to your own methods for capturing and savoring life's sweetest moments.

For Father's Day

I was probably the furthest thing from any plan he had for his life; in those days his interests were tennis and skiing, poker and golf. He worked hard and he played hard, and I think a family of his own was probably entirely foreign to him. It's interesting how life works out sometimes, because I am not sure there is another person in all the world who understands me quite like he does. This is because, planned or not, we are cut from precisely the same cloth.

He came from the humblest of beginnings, was the first in his family to complete college, leave the circle, explore a bigger, different dream. Work has defined his entire life, from a young age to this very day; I know for sure that I've never seen a work ethic rival his. I would like to think I have inherited at least a small portion of it to call my own.

Emotion is hard for him, expression of it even harder. I understand this because it is my reality too. And yet, my heart is the deepest, most complicated vessel and I do love completely, fiercely and without fail. The same is true of him. I've always been a Daddy's girl, and even when we didn't see eye to eye, I've never doubted his faith in me, his pride or his love. It is such an honor to be able to recognize that for the special gift it is, to understand my blessings, know my heritage.

I close my eyes and I can see us back then: a blonde little girl  and her hero, running after tennis balls, splashing in the ocean waves, ordering my favorite strawberry dessert at Famous Recipie, and riding first in "Big Red," and then in "Old Blue." And I remember kissing him goodbye each night before bed when he faced the night shift so I'd never have to. 

When I was a girl scout, he would take my cookie list to work with him and I'd always claim the prize for selling the most. 

When I was in high school, there was a time when we lost our way, couldn't see eye to eye. I know now how fiercely he loved me and that there was no line he wouldn't have crossed if he believed it was in my best interest. Even when the days were dark, I knew deep down that we'd find our way back; there was no other option. The connection has always been that deep and that lasting.

In college, he wrote me what would be the first of many cards; I have treasured it for years and it still sits, smeared and worn in a special memory box. I turn to it when I need encouragement, when I forget that I'm exactly who I am supposed to be. He was there for advice, he never allowed me to stop at rest areas when I'd come home to visit, and he drove a U-haul more than seven hours each way to move me in and out of dorm rooms and apartments, (almost) without complaint. :)

After college, he reluctantly supported my decision to move West and paid my rent until I secured a full time job. In a crisis, a medical emergency or the regular drama with "Connie the Contour," he was always my first call. Thousands of miles separated us in those days, but I never felt it because he was as close as I needed him to be. 

On January 20, 2007 he walked me down a lengthy aisle and he gave me away. But not really; he told me that he agreed only to share me, that he would never, ever let me go. And at the reception, I danced with him to It's a Wonderful World. And it was. He gave me the wedding of my dreams, a fairy tale that came true because he'd have it no other way. 

For 30 years, his cool, collected demeanor has calmed me; his advice and vision for me have kept me grounded, and his unconditional love and unwavering pride have given me the strength to take chances, dream big and reach beyond my comfort zone. 

When I walk in a room, his eyes still light up and I know without fail that life is infinitely sweeter when you are lucky enough to be a Daddy's girl.

Happy Father's Day Dad. You're the real deal and I adore you.

I never met Hubby's Dad, but I do feel like I know him. I see him every day in the face and the memories and emotions of my husband.  I am grateful for the family man he was, and for the example he set for his sons. I know he watches over each of them, his treasured family, and that he's proud of the men and women they've become. I honor him today, on Father's Day, because my life wouldn't be nearly as blessed if not for his influence on his youngest son.

Happy Father's Day Mr. Carretta; I wish I'd had the honor of knowing you.

Blame it on the Rain (Yeah, Yeah)

I have lots of words, thoughts, stories, emotions, issues (heh) swirling around in the mind these days - like an always busy little hurricane behind my eyelids. All whirling at warp speed, but for whatever reason, nothing rising to the top in a way that I'm able to share here, with you. So for now, I'm content to be a little quieter, just for awhile. So I can listen and think and form thoughts that will eventually find their way to words.

Not sure what to think of this state of suspension - writers block? Some form of transition in my sub-conscious? Or, maybe less dramatic and philosophical...perhaps just the constant expanse of grey, rainy, dreary blah that seems endless these days? Or the middle of the night wakefulness due to a very anxiety ridden pup frightened to his core by thunder?

It's funny (ironic?) really: writing has been occupying a lot of space in my thoughts lately. Feeling a need to do more of it, exercise the muscle, find new forms of and outlets for expression.

So stay tuned, there's more to come. And in the interim? I'll leave you with fur baby Friday pics to kick off your weekend with epic cuteness.

Staring through the planks, hoping to get to the other side:

You Say OCD, I Say Organized and "Homey"

I can remember organizing things as a kid: I'd alphabetize my CD collection, line up my dolls perfectly, categorize my make-up drawer, jewelry cases, on and on. I was color coordinated, but never "matchy." I was pulled together and "on top of it," but definitely not OCD (shut up).

My need for organization and structure has colored literally every stage of my life and I love nothing more than giving in to its hefty pull, getting lost in the next project that helps scratch the itch. This weekend, we practiced a little worship in the house of IKEA and Momma got a brand new shelving unit. And prints for the wall. And a groovy floor lamp. And several other odds and ends. Total bliss I tell you. I'm geeking out on the complete transformation we created just by reorganizing. I have quite the home improvement list going on in my head, and I think I might make it a semi-regular feature here. Because internet, if you have ideas to contribute, rave reviews, or just need to tell me Martha would never approve, I want to hear it.

New organizational tools for the mail. Who's laughing now junk mail bastards??

My obsession with white ceramic ANYTHING continues...

New shelves...from the side and then full frontal. I LOVE.

Unrelated: I want to congratulate my good friends Adam and Becky on their engagement. It seems impossible that the boy I used to push in a stroller, torture with repeated games of "house," the boy that terrorized me with a very realistic looking rubber snake, the boy that is very much like another brother to me, could be getting married. But he is, and I'm thrilled (even if I'm feeling slightly old). I'm thinking of them tonight, and wishing them every joy as they begin this awesome journey together.

Outtakes from a Long Overdue and Much Enjoyed Vacation

• The power of soft sand, the clear sea, mind-blowing sunsets and the company of good friends really cannot be over-estimated. They are the perfect cocktail to recharge your jets, re balance your energy, reset your sense of inner peace.
• There are way more varieties of rum than I knew existed - and when mixed, they are tasty, but lethal. New favorites include the "no problem mon," and the "Booloo."
• I am more in love than ever with my camera and capturing images, moments, memories and experiences.
• Island life is 24/7 relaxation. It begins with a fabulous breakfast buffet, towel service and all day drink service poolside and lasts into the evening with scrumptious meals and more top-notch service. Yeah mon.
• The people of Jamaica are warm and friendly and really transcend the reputation that proceeds them (except for that taxi drivers that offer various methods to "party").
• High atop a mountain overlooking the Caribbean, there sits a spectacular house, golf course and restaurant...all haunted and all aptly named The White Witch (I fell in love as evidenced by the 3485732 photos I took up there).
• A late afternoon thunderstorm that rolls in within minutes and is done within an hour is really awesome to watch. And also? A welcome relief from the intense heat of the island sun.
• While I missed them tremendously, it turns out I can survive a week without the fur babies. And they can too - I dare say they even thrived on their weeklong stay at Nana's.
• If you indulge in a few too many glasses of Pinot Grigio and go sailing/snorkeling the next day, be very careful not to swallow salt water. The combination is not pretty. Enough said.
• My college friends rock. So do a few new friends I met on this trip. We all meshed instantly and were transported back in time as though years hadn't passed since our last adventure. There's nothing better and I loved every minute.
• The Miami airport has been dubbed my own personal hell. This happens when you're stranded there for a combined 18 hours in one trip. Would it be too much to ask for one sit down restaurant where the menu doesn't consist entirely of pizza, fries and any variety of deep fried meat?
• I'm back to reality (a cold and rainy reality), but can escape any time to the calm, relaxing island inspired paradise in my mind (or in my Flickr photostream, whichever).

Follow this path to bliss...
Hubby and I at sunset at The White Witch
Please take me back. Now. Thankyouverymuch.

Fur Baby Adventure

I'm super excited for our vacation. Truly, I am. I just finished packing and we're all set to head to the airport at an ungodly hour.

But right now, tonight, do you know what I am doing?

I am missing this...

and also? this...

Huge shout out of thanks to my Mom and brother for the 8 hour round trip they made today to snatch these little guys up and keep them safe until Hubs and I return from our vacay. I miss them like crazy, but am so relieved to know they are getting lots of love while we're away.

And now...let the vacation begin!

Good Stuff

Resorting to my trusted fall-back method of relaying news that is a) unrelated, b) random, and c) guaranteed to be way more exciting to me (I'm easy to please) than you. Yep, that's right Internet. Here are a few bullets of what's making my "good stuff" list these days:

• After the constant complaining, the utter failure to understand people's obsession, the vow to never stoop so low, I've crossed over to the dark side. And embraced reality television. In all its tacky, non-celebrity and often non-talent way. Specifically, I could waste the rest of time (all of it - right through eternity) watching Donna Martin live her "real life" courtesy of Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. And also? Southern Belles: Louisville is just a delicious little treat. Good stuff, I tell you. What's your (reality) poison?
• I am on the brink of an actual vacation. To a place that is neither home to family members or the next work inspired location. An honestly unplugged week away from the office, and email and voice mail. To an island. To Jamaica! To watch my dear friend get married, but also, to romp on the beach with my own hubs and vow that we won't go 2.5 years before our next official vacation. That's right - we haven't done a true vacation since our honeymoon. Pathetic, we know. Save your scolding for later. I can't hear it while daydreaming about my island adventures. Yeah mon!
• The next iteration of this blogging thing is enticingly close...are you curious? I hope so...can't wait to be all "official" in the bloggy world.
• In my constant drive to technology inspired bliss, the latest toy to which I am completely addicted is our new flip cam. He's a tiny little guy, completely portable and so easy to just pop into the computer to upload videos. Voila! And because I'm generous and always thinking of you, I will be posting videos soon and often. As a matter of fact, I would post one right now were my computer, wireless connection and fate in general not conspiring to make me LOSE MY MIND. 

With that, I'll leave you and head off to my island adventure - back soon with more adventures, ranting and cursing (just kidding) (kind of).

Memorial Fun

Clear skies greeted us on our first official trip of the season to Lake Gage - and told us that summer is finally here. As I type this, it is cold and rainy back in Chicago, but I am choosing to ignore that and focus instead on the great weekend just behind us.

We relaxed and read, ran the lake's perimeter, grilled yummy meals and ate them outside,  caught up with family and broke in the jet ski for yet another year of summer fun.

Looking back on our terrific weekend and precious time with family, I sit here thinking of the families who are sad today. Those who are missing special people, mourning what could have been. I hope that memories will bring them comfort today. I hope the same for you.

And also? Two little guys tested their swimming chops. We thought it would be best to just show you.

Now Accepting Congratulations

A couple of completely unrelated observations/updates for your reading pleasure:

1.  I am now in my 2nd week of a...wait for it...consistent workout routine. I am spinning 3 mornings a week at 6am and then running on weekends. Sure, when the alarm goes off, it feels like my own personal sign that the world is ending, but once I drag myself there, it is downright enjoyable. And my day feels much better all around after such a productive start. I might eventually add in strength training the other 2 mornings of the week. Because I am crazy. And a glutton for punishment. And sick and tired of my ass's adventures into the bigger and flabbier.

2. I planted something. And it grew. This from the girl who has killed bamboo. Honest to God. Most witnesses including the friend who gave me the bamboo as a gift did not believe me. "You cannot kill bamboo," they said. "It is virtually impossible." Well, then I'm a magician because that effin stalk turned brown and fell out of the pot.

But apparently, I've redeemed myself, because I got the brilliant idea to plant herbs - and they are growing. Come back in a day or 2 and I'll show you the flowers I planted last weekend. I'd show you now, but I want to make sure they make it at least a week before I begin citing them as proof points that I'm THAT MUCH CLOSER to Martha status.

Come to Mama

I am fairly certain this nifty bike needs to find it's way to my house - and fast. Do you know what would fit so perfectly in that adorable basket/bucket contraption? Can you guess? That's right...

Two adorable fur babies - and it is deep enough that it might cure Jack's bike phobia - I'm already taking leisurely rides to gorgeous destinations in my head. It's fun people, it really is.

All You'll Ever Need to Know About Me

I am nothing if not a contradiction in terms. I despise email forwards. Truly, I do. And because karma is one nasty broad, I have many family members who adore email forwards. Internet, do you know what else they adore? Sending those loathsome forwards to me. You know the ones I mean: don't talk on your cell phone at the gas station or your car will blow up, the 90 million ways you can and will be kidnapped when returning to your car from a shopping mall, a lengthy prayer with some dire threat if you don't send the email to at least 20 people in 20 minutes, etc. I've learned to cope: I immediately delete, curse once under my breath (ok, maybe twice) and go on about my day.

But because I am complicated, there are exceptions to this rule. Namely, those crazy forwards where you fill in a bunch of useless information about your life (the latest one has been 16 things). You know the ones - you delete the previous person's answers, fill in your own and then terrorize your friends and family by forwarding it to them. It makes no sense, but I can't get enough of those - I will seriously pause in the middle of a very busy workday to complete one. I tell myself it is a nice break for my mind.

Knowing this, it is absolutely no surprise that when I stumbled upon yet another quiz on a friend's blog, I could not resist clicking on it. I might need medication.

This quiz in particular has me flummoxed (funny word, right?). This is supposed to give me insight into my personality, but is it a bad sign that a) you don't really understand your "type," and b) it seems to read like the definition of an oxymoron?

You decide. And from now on, please refer to me by my rightful title. The Tree Hugging Extroverted Self-Improver. The end.

Oh, and one more thing...happy Love Thursday, each and every one of you.

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Tree Hugging Extroverted Self-Improver

Working (It) Out

Why is it that I cannot seem to break out of my fitness funk? I know I am not alone in the pursuit of a thinner, healthier outlook, but I just can't seem to nail a plan and take charge of this particular part of my destiny.

There are excuses aplenty! Oh boy, am I the queen of excuses! My schedule is nuts, work has taken over my life, I'm tired, my head hurts, my gym bag is too heavy, aliens abducted my running shoes, I really just want to eat the entire bag of pirate's booty with no regard for what it will do to my own booty. Those excuses aside, the truth is that, deep down, I just don't want to sink any further into the rut of being so displeased with the image that stares back at me from every mirror I encounter.

I am wiped when I come home from work, but also dead on my feet in the mornings. I know all about the vicious cycle - working out will help to restore my energy, but in order to reap that benefit, I need to move my a#!. I think I am going to attempt to a morning commitment to change things up a little. Feel better about facing my days, start the day in the office a little later (which trust me, is going to require alot of adjustment - I'm nothing if not a creature of habit), really try to fight my way to a better me.

And eventually (hopefully soonish)? I'm going to be able to face that mirror without wondering who the hell that girl is staring back at me. 

Keep your fingers crossed, will you? And do me a favor...if you hear anything that remotely resembles an excuse from me, tell me exactly where I can shove it. M'kay? 

Spring is the Perfect Time for a Play Date

We officially welcomed spring this weekend in the Windy City. It was a bit chilly, but gorgeous and we spent as much time as possible outdoors.

We also did a play date with a friend's sweet little yorkie "Dude." The boys had a great time frolicking with their new friend and it made me want another pup STAT. He's four months old and about four pounds of sweet fluff. 

Flowers are in full bloom everywhere you focus the eyes and I was snap happy with my camera all weekend long.

Friday night featured an amazing sunset and time on the roof deck with wine and on Sunday (Mother's Day), I woke up, told my Mom I love her and then spent every minute with my 3 favorite guys.

The week is turning out to be much easier to face after a top notch weekend. Hope you all had one of your own.

What? Big kids can totally enjoy play dates too!

Completely obsessed w/ these guys - they are covering downtown Chicago right now!

This lovely sunset greeted me on Friday evening and I kicked off the weekend with a glass of wine as I watched it unfold

Jack, Cooper and their new buddy "Dude" frolicked at the park all afternoon

Bokeh Baby!!!

After much self instruction, reading and practice....a glimmer of hope. Not perfect...by no means mastered, but the beginning of beautiful, magical bokeh!!

The Wine is Already Open

It's the weekend, and I have no concrete plans other than working out, accomplishing errands, and enjoying time away from work.

Did you hear that sound? It was my sigh of contentment, the cork of the wine bottle, the bark of a fur baby who knows he's going to the park really soon.

Happy weekend, happy fur baby Friday!

With MOMS Like These...

She was so young when I entered her life - barely more than a baby herself (by today's standards anyway). You'd never know it though - she has devoted every minute, every thought, every heartbeat to us since the day we first drew breath. 

When I was a kid, she'd sit with me until my homework was just right, talk to me until every problem ceased existence, gave me every opportunity even though she didn't have many herself in those days. My Halloween costumes were the most creative, my outfits for the plays and school themes the most thought out and envied, my school lunches so perfect with a handwritten note on my napkin. 

When I was in middle school she went the extra mile to ensure our move didn't disrupt my advancement into womanhood, made sure I knew that popular didn't elude me, that I could and would belong anywhere I chose. She convinced a neighbor to drive miles through a blizzard that paralyzed our state for weeks so we could get to the post office where I would find out if I'd made cheerleader.

In high school, she traveled to every away game, no matter the distance and often alone (and was front and center for home games too). She wore a button with my picture with 10 times the pride of the star quarterback's Mom. She befriended my friends, advised every decision, oversaw every milestone, comforted every sorrow and fulfilled every need. She was front and center at every performance, every award ceremony and she was genuinely happy about this, bursting with pride. Never bored, never pulled in a million directions, always focused on me. Looking back from this side of adulthood, I have no clue how she did that. None whatsoever.

When I applied to colleges, she championed one road trip after another and walked tirelessly through campuses helping me to imagine my life there, determine if it was the right fit. When it was time to start a new life, she helped me pack all I would need (and then some) and drove the distance with me. Helped hang every picture in my dorm room, arranged every book, spared no detail. And when it was time for her to leave, and I stumbled with tear-filled eyes, unsure of the future, she was steadfast. She hugged me and it was an embrace I'll remember always and she whispered "fly high my beauty, you were born for this and the world has seen nothing of what you can do."

She filled my mailbox with cards and letters and my dorm room with flowers and care packages every single year. She visited and she called and she listened and she supported. As each year ended, she was there to help me move on to the next adventure. When I spent a summer surrounded by snakes and nature and stumbled yet again, not sure of my decision, she gave me her ear, her encouragement, and if I truly needed it, an exit strategy.

When college was done, she was again there to celebrate the milestone - there were thousands in the crowd on that graduation day, but I sensed her presence even before I saw her - beaming that smile I've known my entire life, shouting my name louder than any other. 

And when I decided to move West, so far from all that I knew and all that I'd been, she supported me. I know now how hard that must have been for her. But she never wavered, not once. She helped me pack the car and she got into the passenger seat and she chronicled every minute of the cross country adventure in a journal that she later gave me as a gift.

The phone calls continued (daily) and the advice never stopped flowing freely. I've recently entered my 3rd decade and she was there to usher it in, and she is there to listen to every problem, still tries to fix all that breaks. 

I can glimpse motherhood myself these days, and when I do, I see her there. Supportive as ever, excited always, welcoming a new generation.

I know now what I could not have known then. That her entire adult life has been a sacrifice for me (and my brother). That she has given her all so that we would never know loneliness, never lack encouragement, grow up sure of ourselves and our purpose. I am so happy in my life today and I know that so much of that is due to her. I stand on the shoulders of my own personal giant. And I can see as far and as wide as her love has carried me (and carries me still).

Happy Mother's Day Mom... my mentor, my teacher, my light, my friend.

And because I'm the luckiest gal around, I'll shift focus to my other favorite woman on this very special day. She has welcomed me and loved me and laughed with me for years and I look forward to many more to come. And also? She brought Hubby into this world and let's just face it...he's one fine man (in every sense of the word). For that? I'll be eternally and enthusiastically grateful.

Happy Mother's Day Maureen - you're the world's greatest prize in the Mother-in-law (MIL) lottery.

I am so very techy!

This is a test. I am going to be very pleased with myself if it shows up as an actual post.

Love,
Me

Roots are Good. So Are Traditions.

When my brother and I were little, my parents took us to Keeneland where we enjoyed the eye candy and even got to choose horse names that my parents would place $2 bets on for us. I remember those trips so fondly...but for me, it was always about the horses. Not the races, not the betting, but the beautiful, majestic, amazing horses.

I'd rush out to the winner's circle after every race to catch a glimpse of the beauties up close and personal. I'd reach out as far as possible in hopes of touching their silky coats. I was content just to gaze at them and loved nothing more than the sight of them in full stride - truly in their glory.

Even now, all these years later, I feel the same. It is all about the horses. These days, I have a lot of dissonance about the ethics behind the industry, the exploitation, use of drugs in the sport, etc. But in spite of all that grown up stuff, when I go back to Keeneland or Churchill Downs, I am that kid again - just thrilled to be in the presence of some of the world's most stunning animals.

And happy to be with my family during a time honored tradition of both my heritage and my own immediate family. Even though I'm somewhat distant from my Southern roots these days, it always feels right to step back into them from time to time. To remember where I came from. And be grateful for my history and the continued traditions of family. 

Happy Love Thursday. I hope your families and your traditions are steadfast and strong.

Horses and Hats Make Me Happy

I'm just back from this year's Derby extravaganza and it was another one for the books. We lucked out on weather and escaped a monsoon by the skin of our teeth and enjoyed yet another terrific day of horsemanship, hat stalking, family bonding and mint juleps.

The race was insane - chalk up another one for the under dog (horse?)! I enjoyed every minute of catching up with family and reconnecting with my southern belle roots. The eye candy was plentiful as always and I'll post more documentation as soon as technical difficulties stop derailing my Flickr uploads!

New life goal? One of 2 options...own my own beautiful Kentucky horse farm and spend my days among my many equine friends OR interview immediately for the position of Chief Party Officer, Churchill Downs. That is an actual job - I saw him myself - on the jumbotron screen. I can't decide which to commit to.

It was Like Time Stood Still

Sorry for the length between posts of late ya'll. Many factors have contributed, but by far the biggest is my evil, demented, bastard of a wireless router. Yep, technical problems still abound over here. One of these years I'll be able to figure it out. You'll know when that year arrives because I'll have lots of photos with my posts once again. And also? My Flickr page will be updated more than once a decade because I'll be able to upload photos without becoming old and gray in the process.

In any case, last weekend was simply fabulous. It was a total whirlwind and my travels nearly gave me whiplash, but it was entirely worth it. My fabulous girlfriend is getting married and we toasted her single days goodbye in the sunshine of Destin, Florida with the help of a rockin' wine festival. 

I love time with good girlfriends. It was as if we had encountered a time warp. We could close our eyes and we were back in Knoxville, drinking Sutter Homes blush straight from the bottle in front of the fridge. 

Fortunately, we have upgraded our taste in wine (and our consumption etiquette). Happy bachelorette Beck!! XOXO

Flying is fun!

I'm jetting off for a quick trip to Florida to join Beck's final adventure as a single woman - should be a great time!

Happy Friday all - happy fur baby Friday!

Not Exactly How I Planned It

I have never been one who possessed great amounts of self esteem in the appearance department, but this past week has just been ridiculous.

Exhibit A if you will: I realized it was my final weekend to shop for an outfit for this year's Derby extravaganza since I'm out of town this coming weekend and the following weekend is the big day. So...I set out for some serious shopping. Nothing fit. I mean seriously - nothing. Dresses were too bulky in some places and way too tight in others. Way too tight even in bigger sizes. WTF? I know I haven't exactly been a fitness buff of late, but I don't eat horribly and it's not like I haven't worked out in years. Let's just say I was even less happy under those abhorred fluorescent lights than usual.

Exhibit B: most of you know that this past year wasn't my best in the dental department. My teeth have always been a good asset and I had never had a cavity in my life until about a year ago. Granted, I did skip out on going for 3 years (not a typo) leading up to that appointment and might have (MIGHT) fallen asleep a time or two before brushing, but it is not like I lost my toothbrush altogether. In any case, I had 6 cavities (again, that is not a typo). I seriously looked at my dentist like she was an alien. So over the course of a year or so, I had all 6 fillings done - insurance included, this was still an adventure into the thousands of dollars. She also informed me that I was doing some serious damage to my teeth with my clenching habit (another post, I promise). For that, I needed to be fitted for a night guard. Immediately. I told her the guard would have to wait and I'd just do my best to stop the clenching on my own (awesome plan, I know).

Fast forward to Monday of this week. Are you ready? I'll give you the short version. 2 more cavities and the damage from the clenching (not even a year has passed) is exponentially worse. So much so, that my front bottom teeth are even chipping (she showed me in a close up mirror - I'm forever grateful as now I'm totally obsessed with staring at my effed up teeth) and one of my back bottom teeth is literally missing the majority of enamel on the outside layer.

Suffice it to say, I am just beyond thrilled to shop for my 2 new fashionable fillings and super sexy night guard (which I'm going to get before my teeth shatter into a million pieces). Just the way I wanted to kick off spring. And also? I'm feeling like I really began my 30's with a bang - a bang of the fat-assed, snaggle toothed variety.

NOT the image I had my head. Not at all. Send dental floss. And weight watchers.

Love,
Me

The Mother of Organization Projects

They are few and far between, but they are appearing. They are. Signs that spring might actually make an appearance in Chicago.

On Friday, the temps reached 70. I celebrated by leaving work early (shock of all shocks, but I did it!) and taking the boys to the park. And sitting on our deck with a book and my laptop (not the work one I might add). And also? I bought fresh flowers. Lots of fresh flowers. Because nothing says spring to me quite like gorgeous flowers. I can hardly wait to plant some...but more on that later.

Another milestone to mark spring's entry? An organizational project...namely, the great closet transition. Yep - I ditched the heavy winter stuff and left the middle weight stuff. Switched out the drawers and took the opportunity to take yet another stab at reorganizing. 

I have a dream closet. Seriously, I do. It is huuuuge. And it has lots of drawers and built in shelving and several layers of hanging space. That closet IS in my future (somewhere), but in the interim, I am going to work with what I've got. So I spent several hours in organizational bliss. I heart organization. Big, pink fluffy soft heart it, I do.

*update: I drafted this post a week ago, and have attempted multiple times to upload the photos to accompany it, but it just isn't happening. I decided just to hit publish - maybe I will share the pics another time. Boo technical issues!

Why my Wireless Internet is now Topping my SUCK IT List

I have so many posts planned (seriously, a whole list of 'em!), but a little something TECHNICAL keeps getting in my way...

Can someone please send IT support? Or the geek squad? Or the entire staff of the mac genius bar? Or copious amounts of wine? Or maybe a little something called patience?? Thanks.

ps - I am also clearly a genius photographer judging from the light on that first pic. Sheesh!

Family

Baskets of Goodies

Sorry to be a bit late with this post, but per usual, life has been a bit difficult to keep up with lately.

The annual Easter with extended family at the lake was bliss. Very frigid bliss, but bliss with sunshine and blue skies nonetheless.

Hope you glimpsed spring in your celebrations too. 

when the sun filled the sky, we headed for the open field in back of the house for hours of joy for Jack...he chased his beloved orange ball until we forced him back inside.

checking things out from atop the dock...next time we visit, this will be back in the lake where it belongs!
showing his cute face in attempt to score some of our dinner. for the record, he totally succeeded.
bounty for the boys from the easter bunny - they are thrilled with the new loot!
blue skies are gracing us with their presence once again...ah, how I've missed you!