Saturday, May 30, 2009

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!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

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).


Monday, May 25, 2009

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.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

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.

Friday, May 15, 2009

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.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

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

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

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? 

Sunday, May 10, 2009

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!!




Friday, May 8, 2009

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.


Thursday, May 7, 2009

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.


Monday, May 4, 2009

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.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

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