Nothing starts the morning like being rear-ended.
I'm fine. Z's fine. My car, not fine. But at least she still runs, (and thank GAWD, the bitch who hit me had insurance).
More later.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Defiled!
Nothing starts the morning like being rear-ended.
I'm fine. Z's fine. My car, not fine. But at least she still runs, (and thank GAWD, the bitch who hit me had insurance).
More later.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
It's Official!!!
I am finally allowed to make my big announcement.
One of my favorite relatives is moving to Chicago for the next two months.
Meet Nicole. Nicole is one of my most favorite people.
Nicole just found out that she will be working in Chicago for the next few months, doing show-business stuff. Nicole is from LA. Which automatically makes her cool. Nicole is also fun. And sweet. And a wonderful person. And knows lots of hollywood gossip.
I am SO excited to have someone from my family here for a while. Yes, it will be nice to have someone here to help with the wedding biznas. But it will also be amazing to be able to have a few months to actually get to know her as a person, and not just a relative. I am 100% thrilled.
One of my favorite relatives is moving to Chicago for the next two months.
Meet Nicole. Nicole is one of my most favorite people.
Nicole just found out that she will be working in Chicago for the next few months, doing show-business stuff. Nicole is from LA. Which automatically makes her cool. Nicole is also fun. And sweet. And a wonderful person. And knows lots of hollywood gossip.
I am SO excited to have someone from my family here for a while. Yes, it will be nice to have someone here to help with the wedding biznas. But it will also be amazing to be able to have a few months to actually get to know her as a person, and not just a relative. I am 100% thrilled.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Licking, Stuffing, Labeling, Part 2
Wow. It takes a long ass time to write out 25 thank you notes.
Now I am a product of the Selwyn Tribe, and I was raised with a certain set of expectations. Enforced under threat of being cut from a will, or generally disowned. The terms: Standard turn-around time of 3-5 Business days between receipt of gift and postmark. Content: thoughtful, hand-written, completely original, and sincere. Stationary, appropriate and tasteful. I even have guilt if two people who attended the same function receive the same TYPE of card. Now, that is Thank You Note etiquette paranoia.
Now, granted, we are short on cash, so I had a slightly more limited selection of card style available, and I'm imagine that the standards can slip a little when A) not every family has the same stringent regulatory standards as mine, and B) when it's for a wedding event... I mean seriously, if guests have a year to get the gift, we should have at least a few WEEKS to thank you for it.
But no, I held my ground. And here it is, Day 4 post-shower, and I have a hefty stack of neatly addressed and stamped cards, ready for the mailbox. It's a tad bit harder when you have a full wedding shower guest list to thank. But I did it. I, not we, I wrote them all in one sitting. (Zeke pouted to just have to put the dumb stamps on.) Each one was genuine, sincere and personal. No two are even marginally similar. I'm quite proud of myself.
Plus, it feels wonderful to be able to thank everyone for their gifts. I felt so warm and loved at the Zalinski/Lesniak shower. It's a great family, and I'm lucky to be marrying into it.
You'll all receive your notes in due time... we can't say that the US Postal Service is as prompt as I am. But, to those who attended, and who gave such thoughtful and generous gifts, THANK YOU!
Now, the next question that I raise... where are we going to PUT all of this wonderful new stuff.
Now I am a product of the Selwyn Tribe, and I was raised with a certain set of expectations. Enforced under threat of being cut from a will, or generally disowned. The terms: Standard turn-around time of 3-5 Business days between receipt of gift and postmark. Content: thoughtful, hand-written, completely original, and sincere. Stationary, appropriate and tasteful. I even have guilt if two people who attended the same function receive the same TYPE of card. Now, that is Thank You Note etiquette paranoia.
Now, granted, we are short on cash, so I had a slightly more limited selection of card style available, and I'm imagine that the standards can slip a little when A) not every family has the same stringent regulatory standards as mine, and B) when it's for a wedding event... I mean seriously, if guests have a year to get the gift, we should have at least a few WEEKS to thank you for it.
But no, I held my ground. And here it is, Day 4 post-shower, and I have a hefty stack of neatly addressed and stamped cards, ready for the mailbox. It's a tad bit harder when you have a full wedding shower guest list to thank. But I did it. I, not we, I wrote them all in one sitting. (Zeke pouted to just have to put the dumb stamps on.) Each one was genuine, sincere and personal. No two are even marginally similar. I'm quite proud of myself.
Plus, it feels wonderful to be able to thank everyone for their gifts. I felt so warm and loved at the Zalinski/Lesniak shower. It's a great family, and I'm lucky to be marrying into it.
You'll all receive your notes in due time... we can't say that the US Postal Service is as prompt as I am. But, to those who attended, and who gave such thoughtful and generous gifts, THANK YOU!
Now, the next question that I raise... where are we going to PUT all of this wonderful new stuff.
I couldn't say it better myself.
It's only two games. But I'm pissed. I liked it better when they were down by double digits.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Almost-News
I'm on the cusp of some very exciting news. I am trying to keep myself calm until it is confirmed, but I just can't contain myself. If it happens, I'll be the happiest girl in the whole wide world!
I'll provide an update once it's official.
(and no, I'm not pregnant!)
I'll provide an update once it's official.
(and no, I'm not pregnant!)
Good-bye, Harry
I just finished the final Harry Potter book. And I'm not going to lie. I'm sorry that the series is finished. I've always been a fan of a series. I like the idea of picking up a book already having met the characters, and continuing from where we left off. My summers growing up, during our annual vacations to the Cape, my mom would take me to the book store, and I would buy an entire series-worth of books to read over the few weeks we vacationed. I would finish one, and crack open the next one immediately. My granny encouraged this binge-reading behavior by cleaning out the Library where she worked, sending me crates of books (Hello, Sweet Valley High!).
In High School and College, it was a bit different. There were so many books that I HAD to read, that I didn't get around to do much reading that I WANTED to do. It took me awhile post-grad, but I'm back into the book binge. I'm in a book club that meets monthly, and I'm still reading another few books a month beyond that. But Harry was bad. I couldn't put it down. I would stay up late. Read while I was walking down the street ('cause that's safe in Chicago). I even accidentally stayed out for a two hour lunch break, because I got so caught up in it that I completely lost track of time. I would get panicky if too many days went by before I was able to read again. Addicted? I guess there are worse things to be hooked on.
Now that it's over, I feel a little bit depressed. Withdrawal, perhaps? How will I fill my spare days, now that Harry is gone? Who will entertain me?
I guess I"ll have to move along. And pick up another series.
Anyone have any suggestions? I'll read anything but Chic Lit. Hate Chic Lit.
In High School and College, it was a bit different. There were so many books that I HAD to read, that I didn't get around to do much reading that I WANTED to do. It took me awhile post-grad, but I'm back into the book binge. I'm in a book club that meets monthly, and I'm still reading another few books a month beyond that. But Harry was bad. I couldn't put it down. I would stay up late. Read while I was walking down the street ('cause that's safe in Chicago). I even accidentally stayed out for a two hour lunch break, because I got so caught up in it that I completely lost track of time. I would get panicky if too many days went by before I was able to read again. Addicted? I guess there are worse things to be hooked on.
Now that it's over, I feel a little bit depressed. Withdrawal, perhaps? How will I fill my spare days, now that Harry is gone? Who will entertain me?
I guess I"ll have to move along. And pick up another series.
Anyone have any suggestions? I'll read anything but Chic Lit. Hate Chic Lit.
It's not all stress
This past weekend was my first wedding shower, hosted by my almost-sister-in-law Carol Ann, and an almost-aunt Mary Ellen.
It was a really special day. We are so lucky to have people who love us, and support us.
Thank you to everyone who attended. We are so glad to have you share this with us.
It was a really special day. We are so lucky to have people who love us, and support us.
Thank you to everyone who attended. We are so glad to have you share this with us.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Still Wet, but Happy
It has been raining for who knows how long. And they haven't been drizzles either. We're talking trees down, basement flooding, no electricity DOWNPOUR. But I love extreme weather. Bring it on, I say! Especially with the thunder and the lightning and the drenching rain.
Today, I have our company outing at Arlington Park. We are slated to have more severe thunderstorms all afternoon. I'm sure none of the clients will end up showing, as half of the schools in the 'burbs were canceled, and all of our clients have kids. But we're still going. Horse races, or not, we will be there.
Last night, Z and I went to our annual Red Sox vs. White Sox game at Comisky. We were invited to go with Groomsman Chad, and his wife Stacy, but she's prego and about to pop! So they gave us their tickets. We invited Cousin Kelly and Husband Tim, who are also Red Sox fans to join us in their place.
We got to the game early enough to see some of the Red Sox warm-up. At Comisky, you can get right up next to the warning track, at the level of the field, so players are RIGHT next to you. I kept on spotting people, and pointing them out (Gagne, who is shorter and chubbier in person. Shilling, who is bigger and older in person. Papelbon, who is cuter and more thuggish in person. Varitek, who's butt is even more outstanding in person... etc).
We noticed that people were gathering around a few feet down from us. I saw a tidbit of the players face and I knew it was Papelbon. Zeke grabbed my hat, which he already got signed by my fav V-Tek last year, and headed over. As he set off, my theme song, Donnie Iris' "Ah! Leah!" started playing over the stadium loud speakers... I knew it was fate. In a few moments, Z disappeared into the frantic fans, clamoring for an autograph.
After signing a few, Pap walked away, issuing apologies about running late. As he walked past, I looked over at Z, who was wearing a triumphant smile. He got it. Right next to Tek's. The man is 2 for 2! And no bench players either... REAL LIFE RED SOX! And you wonder why I'm marrying the man...
See below for photographic evidence.
Now, once the excitement settled, we realized that an auspicious green/grey cloud mass was working it's way towards the field. We knew the weather was going to be rough, but we had Stadium Club (aka Pimp-daddy, VIP) tickets, which allowed us into the enclosed, air-conditioned, private, fine-dining/bar/viewing area, so we weren't worried. We headed up, grabbed a table, and enjoyed eachother's company until the game got called. We had a great view of the field through the floor to ceiling windows, and it was quite fun watching the storm roll through.
All and all, a fun night.
Unfortunately, our basement flooded and Kelly/Tim's condo building got an uninvited visit from an uprooted tree, but everyone is safe, and the property damage is minimal.
Gotta Love Mother Nature. Hope everyone is safe and sound. It's hurricane season. Oh wait, I'm in the midwest, it's Tornado season.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Wet
It has been raining. all. weekend. long. And the end is not yet in sight. I hope our basement doesn't flood...
Friday, August 17, 2007
BIG news
I have a major announcement.
We are now registered at Home Depot. And please, someone needs to get us the circular saw. It will be worth the price of admission just to see Zeke covered in sawdust.
I love him dearly. With all of my heart. But my wonderful man is not the handiest man in the world. But when I asked him what on earth we needed a circular saw for, he replied that he'd like to be able "To put up a fence".
We've been together for over 2 years. And in that time I have never seen him yield a tool.
Granted, as a contractors kid, I was raised amidst table saws and grout, so my opinion on the standard of handiness may be biased. And I must admire the fact that he is so dedicated to providing for our Z-family-to-be, that he wants to be able to put up a fence, should we ever need one immediately. And in that case, he deserves to have the tools at his disposal.
But don't we need a yard before we have to worry about a fence. We have a patch of grass, and it belongs to the City of Chicago.
So let's start small. Fix a drippy faucet, or replace a light fixture. Then we can move on to fences, and then maybe decks! (I'd love to have a deck. On which we could enjoy fresh margaritas from our newly acquired glass pitcher.)
That all being said, he does deserve to receive a few new things in the house that don't go in the kitchen.
We are now registered at Home Depot. And please, someone needs to get us the circular saw. It will be worth the price of admission just to see Zeke covered in sawdust.
I love him dearly. With all of my heart. But my wonderful man is not the handiest man in the world. But when I asked him what on earth we needed a circular saw for, he replied that he'd like to be able "To put up a fence".
We've been together for over 2 years. And in that time I have never seen him yield a tool.
Granted, as a contractors kid, I was raised amidst table saws and grout, so my opinion on the standard of handiness may be biased. And I must admire the fact that he is so dedicated to providing for our Z-family-to-be, that he wants to be able to put up a fence, should we ever need one immediately. And in that case, he deserves to have the tools at his disposal.
But don't we need a yard before we have to worry about a fence. We have a patch of grass, and it belongs to the City of Chicago.
So let's start small. Fix a drippy faucet, or replace a light fixture. Then we can move on to fences, and then maybe decks! (I'd love to have a deck. On which we could enjoy fresh margaritas from our newly acquired glass pitcher.)
That all being said, he does deserve to receive a few new things in the house that don't go in the kitchen.
War Zone?
The Chicago Air & Water show is in town this weekend... And all morning, the fighter jets have been zooming around the downtown airspace practicing for the events this weekend. It's one-half exciting and one-half annoying. It's a bit hard to conduct business via phone when it sounds like we are moments away from a bomb siren.
While I do generally enjoy the show, I can't help but wonder how much it's costing our lovely government to do a fly-by with the Stealth bomber. Seriously, is it really all that stealth anyway? It's gone to more baseball games this year than I have! And 5 fighter jets? Just give me a few of those cute little acrobat bi-planes, and I'll be happy.
Anywho, I will now step off my soap box. And return to work.
No more Licker Terrace
Good Bye Ricker Terrace
Today marks the end of my childhood. Well, the end of my childhood home at least.
Mom moves out of 21 Ricker Terrace today. And moves in to a wonderful new loftspace in Watertown. I am so happy for her, and so excited to see how the new place looks once she's had some time to put her design touches into it. It's in a great location, right on the Charles, (and mere blocks away from Haley, once her condo is ready).
True, I will miss the house I grew up in. The garden in front. The big deck in back. Memories of all of those summer-time keg parties... but since I haven't lived there for a decade (literally), I guess it hasn't been my home for a while already. I'm just having a hard time with the realization that the phone number my fingers have in their muscle memory will no longer Phone Home.
Take a look at some of the promo shots from the building. These aren't from Mom's apartment, but I'm sure they aren't too far off. Pretty amazing, right?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
His & Hers Coifs
Today, I won a small victory.
My almost-husband got his hair cut at a real salon. And not just any salon... at MY salon! And I got to watch.
Well, what else was I going to do while my highlights were processing?
It was wonderful. I adore my stylist, and I've been campaigning for him to join me. It's been KILLING me to allow my very handsome man get $15 Supercuts 'dos, where I can never anticipate the results. But now, since we're so close to the wedding, I was able to convince him to start working on his 'wedding hair'. No unpredictable haircuts for us leading up to the big day! And granted, he doesn't get that haircuts must be planned, but he grasped that this was important (to me), and allowed me to book him the appointment.
I guess this is the concession for him... since he keeps threatening to shave it all off the minute the wedding is over. I guess that a few $50 haircuts aren't so bad, when they are the last cuts you'll ever have to pay for again. (Meanwhile, he has no idea I spend $150 every 6 weeks...shhhhh) Good thing for separate bank accounts.
My almost-husband got his hair cut at a real salon. And not just any salon... at MY salon! And I got to watch.
Well, what else was I going to do while my highlights were processing?
It was wonderful. I adore my stylist, and I've been campaigning for him to join me. It's been KILLING me to allow my very handsome man get $15 Supercuts 'dos, where I can never anticipate the results. But now, since we're so close to the wedding, I was able to convince him to start working on his 'wedding hair'. No unpredictable haircuts for us leading up to the big day! And granted, he doesn't get that haircuts must be planned, but he grasped that this was important (to me), and allowed me to book him the appointment.
I guess this is the concession for him... since he keeps threatening to shave it all off the minute the wedding is over. I guess that a few $50 haircuts aren't so bad, when they are the last cuts you'll ever have to pay for again. (Meanwhile, he has no idea I spend $150 every 6 weeks...shhhhh) Good thing for separate bank accounts.
Monday, August 13, 2007
RSVPs are fun
We received our first RSVP in the mail on Saturday. And it was a 'Yes'!
Current Official Guest Count: 2
This is very exciting news people. For the record: it was from Z's side.
Current Official Guest Count: 2
This is very exciting news people. For the record: it was from Z's side.
BP#1: The aftermath
So, I lived through the first of two bachelorette parties (aka BP#1). Barely.
It took a pepperoni pizza, 16 gallons of water, a full day on the couch, and one very impressive back-to-back-to-back 80's movie marathon before I was able to be upright for more than a few minutes.
There are a few people I would like to thank:
1) Emily D, for a few too many bottles of champagne
2) Susie & Maria who planned it, and of course, the girls who attended
3) Especially Murrae-Anne, who made sure I got home
4) My wonderful fiance, who still thought I looked pretty at the end of the night when I showed up bombed to Cousin Jim's pig roast
5) Papa Romeo's Pizza (2 medium pizzas for $15. Are you kidding?)
6) The fine people at HBO On Demand
Now, BP#2 is in exactly one month. Hopefully, I'll feel better by then. Because it's been 2 days already, and I still am not quite right.
It took a pepperoni pizza, 16 gallons of water, a full day on the couch, and one very impressive back-to-back-to-back 80's movie marathon before I was able to be upright for more than a few minutes.
There are a few people I would like to thank:
1) Emily D, for a few too many bottles of champagne
2) Susie & Maria who planned it, and of course, the girls who attended
3) Especially Murrae-Anne, who made sure I got home
4) My wonderful fiance, who still thought I looked pretty at the end of the night when I showed up bombed to Cousin Jim's pig roast
5) Papa Romeo's Pizza (2 medium pizzas for $15. Are you kidding?)
6) The fine people at HBO On Demand
Now, BP#2 is in exactly one month. Hopefully, I'll feel better by then. Because it's been 2 days already, and I still am not quite right.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
A few of my favorite things
So, I have a new favorite food. I know, big shocker.
A new restaurant opened up around the corner about one month ago, and we've already eaten there 4 times. It's a little hole in the wall between Pulaski and Elston, right down the street. Everything on the menu is super inexpensive, and SUPER yummy. It's family owned and family run, and they are so sweet and grateful to share their cuisine.
My favorite dish is an appetizer. Steamed vegetable dumpling finished with homemade meat sauce and dill/garlic yogurt. It's called Aushak. And it's the stuff dreams are made of. Throw a little of their homemade hot sauce on it, and a dribble of yogurt sauce, and you have yourself a dream on your fork.
If you live in the hood, please visit.
Afghan Kebob
4040 W. Montrose
773-427-5041
A new restaurant opened up around the corner about one month ago, and we've already eaten there 4 times. It's a little hole in the wall between Pulaski and Elston, right down the street. Everything on the menu is super inexpensive, and SUPER yummy. It's family owned and family run, and they are so sweet and grateful to share their cuisine.
My favorite dish is an appetizer. Steamed vegetable dumpling finished with homemade meat sauce and dill/garlic yogurt. It's called Aushak. And it's the stuff dreams are made of. Throw a little of their homemade hot sauce on it, and a dribble of yogurt sauce, and you have yourself a dream on your fork.
If you live in the hood, please visit.
Afghan Kebob
4040 W. Montrose
773-427-5041
Bachelorette Parties and Swine
This is going to be an exciting weekend.The girls are throwing me a bachelorette party, and on the same night, Cousin Jim is hosting his third-annual Pig Roast. Decisions, Decisions.
The Pig Roast is fun. It always ends up being a crazy night, but it's always a blast. I went last year. Ironically, it was at this event that I met my friend Brittany (who is also jewish, and a vegetarian to boot). While I do love the pork products (really, what's NOT better with a little bacon), having a whole big pig spinning on the spit is a bit much for me. So I'll be packing zeke up with some handi-wipes and cab money, and send him on his way. He'll have a great time, and by the time I head out, he'll be having fun and won't have to sit home worrying about me.
Besides, it's Ladies night!! No swine on ladies night.
I have absolutely no idea what is in store, but it starts with my favorite Sushi restaurant (Matsu Yama, on Belmont - Dee-lish!). And to make the night special, my wonderful maid of honor has shipped in some champagne, since she can't be there in person. Such a sweet gesture. It's a great group of girls, and I'm looking forward to having a great night out on the town. Plus, I always have fun with Susie and Maria. Thanks for planning girls! I'm make sure to carbo-load to prep for the marathon.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Stamps and Labels
It's official... we're having a wedding.
After three nights of stuffing, labeling, stamping, licking and sticking, they are done. The invites are officially on their way into your mailboxes. The invites were designed by our lovely groom and printed by Mission Press, who rock.
If you already know that you can't come, please let us know, but of course, we hope you can all make it!! The official RSVP date is Sept 15.
Official Countdown: 79 days.
After three nights of stuffing, labeling, stamping, licking and sticking, they are done. The invites are officially on their way into your mailboxes. The invites were designed by our lovely groom and printed by Mission Press, who rock.
If you already know that you can't come, please let us know, but of course, we hope you can all make it!! The official RSVP date is Sept 15.
Official Countdown: 79 days.
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