I sat at my computer today for four hours straight, conducting my job search and applying for jobs. I was so focused on what I was doing, that when I finally looked at the clock, I was shocked that four hours had passed. Then, I realized that my fingers where icey cold, and the tip of my nose was not only drippy but was also completely frozen. (Sorry about the drippy part -- TMI, I know.) So, I went to the thermostat to check the temperature, and it read a frigid 63 degrees inside the house. Now, 63 degrees may not seem very low, but a 63 degree indoor temperature makes for a very chilly house, especially on a gray, cloudy day like today. So, even though the calendar still says "September", I decided to bite the bullet and turn on the heat.
Turning on the heat is a big deal for me. See, I try to wait until the latest day possible, because somehow, having the heat on at home makes me feel that my house has been sealed up for the winter, and I am NEVER ready for winter. Winter in Chicago means blustery winds, layers of clothing, cold cheeks, hats, gloves, scarfs, snow, ice, and boots. Definitely not ready for that. Having the heat on means no more sunny and warm days, no more soft breezes coming through the windows and fresh air flowing throughout the house, no more sitting outside on the patio watching the birds and listening to the trees sway, no more driving with the car windows down.
Now that the heat is on, I'm beginning to thaw. And while I sit here and think about winter, I also remember one of the sayings Chicagoans have here -- if you don't like the weather, give it an hour, as it will surely change. So maybe in an hour, the sun will come out, warm things up a bit, and I'll turn the heat off and open the windows!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Home Sweet Home & Star Wars
Well, as my few friends and followers know, we spent the last week at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We arrived home late yesterday, completely exhausted but filled with so many great memories. While we LOVE to travel, we also love coming home. Yeah, I hate the part of unpacking and doing vacation laundry, but I love the feeling of being back in my own space -- in my own warm, cozy home.
Our vacation was absolutely wonderful. There is nothing like visiting Walt Disney World and seeing it for the "first time" through the eyes of a three year old (Ella) and a seven year old (Katie.) Both Leanne and I have many stories to tell of our vacation; here's is just one that I'll share, and it is about my beloved CT.
CT is a fanatic about all-things Sci-fi, specifically, though, Star Wars and Star Trek. The guy has seen all Star Wars and Star Trek movies at least 100 times, and our DVD library is filled with CT's own personal copies of the movies. And every time there is a Star Wars or Star Trek movie on TV, CT insists on watching it -- commercials and all -- because, you know, there might be a good part coming up that you don't want to miss. (Side note: coming soon, my blog about CT's Star Wars and Star Trek Christmas Tree - stay tuned for that one!)
Anyway, here we are at Disney, browsing around a gift shop, and CT stumbles upon the following:
So, tonight as I'm taking the photo of CT's new cookbook, I shout out to him, "Hey, do you know that this is Volume II of the Star Wars Cookbook? That means that there is a Volume I." And he shouts, back, "WHAT? VOLUME I?" And then, I hear the click click and tap tap of the keyboard as CT is on-line with Amazon.com searching for Volume I. Oh yes, he found Volume I, and it is called "Wookies Cookies". CT yells out, "Oh, I've got to buy this one too!" So, the non-cook will own two Star Wars cookbooks.
Anyway, CT has promised me that he will make something for me from his Star Wars cookbooks, and while I'm not going to hold my breath, I'll definitely blog about it should it ever happen! Yes, it is good to be home.
Our vacation was absolutely wonderful. There is nothing like visiting Walt Disney World and seeing it for the "first time" through the eyes of a three year old (Ella) and a seven year old (Katie.) Both Leanne and I have many stories to tell of our vacation; here's is just one that I'll share, and it is about my beloved CT.
CT is a fanatic about all-things Sci-fi, specifically, though, Star Wars and Star Trek. The guy has seen all Star Wars and Star Trek movies at least 100 times, and our DVD library is filled with CT's own personal copies of the movies. And every time there is a Star Wars or Star Trek movie on TV, CT insists on watching it -- commercials and all -- because, you know, there might be a good part coming up that you don't want to miss. (Side note: coming soon, my blog about CT's Star Wars and Star Trek Christmas Tree - stay tuned for that one!)
Anyway, here we are at Disney, browsing around a gift shop, and CT stumbles upon the following:
CT's eyes light up - really big, as he begins to browse through this cookbook. Yes, a Star Wars Cookbook, featuring "Darth Malt" and more "Galactic Recipes". It takes but a minute before he is at the cash register making this purchase. Now, the funny thing about CT making this purchase is that the guy DOES NOT cook - AT ALL! The poor guy doesn't even know how to boil water! Yes, my CT is clueless when it comes to the kitchen. And considering that he was a bachelor until age 43, I wonder how he survived, and my guess is that he survived on cereal, bananas, coffee, and the good graces of his mom (who is a great cook and probably stocked him up with weekly meals.)
So, tonight as I'm taking the photo of CT's new cookbook, I shout out to him, "Hey, do you know that this is Volume II of the Star Wars Cookbook? That means that there is a Volume I." And he shouts, back, "WHAT? VOLUME I?" And then, I hear the click click and tap tap of the keyboard as CT is on-line with Amazon.com searching for Volume I. Oh yes, he found Volume I, and it is called "Wookies Cookies". CT yells out, "Oh, I've got to buy this one too!" So, the non-cook will own two Star Wars cookbooks.
Anyway, CT has promised me that he will make something for me from his Star Wars cookbooks, and while I'm not going to hold my breath, I'll definitely blog about it should it ever happen! Yes, it is good to be home.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Disney Here We Come
CT LOVES to travel. He traveled extensively before we met, and when we met, we continued to travel. Since the six years we have been together, we have been very, very fortunate to travel to some really great places, including:
Planning for the trip began in May, and let me tell you, trying to plan a vacation with 10 people can be a little challenging -- trying to incorporate different budgets, wants, needs, etc. It took hours on the computer and countless phone calls to Disney, but in the end, we managed to plan what will be a really great trip.
Have you ever been to Disney? Well, if you haven't, I can honestly say that it is truly a happy, happy place. You are practically transported to another world, where you forget your old world and the trials and tribulations of home life. In the countless phone calls to Disney over the last couple of months, I noticed that at the end of every conversation, the representative would always say, "Have a magical day today!" The reps always sound so sincere and HAPPY when they say this to you, that it just leaves you in a good mood. I think my sister-in-law has the Disney phone number on her speed dial, as she calls them every day trying to secure the best reservation times for dinners, etc. Personally, I think she just likes to be told, "Have a magical day today!"
While this is a return visit for us, most of the family has never been to Disney, and I think they will find the experience truly MAGICAL.
Ok, I gotta run and go finish packing. Until next week, here's to YOUR magical day!
- Hawaii (Maui)
- Dominican Republic
- Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice)
- Mexico (Playa del Carmen)
- Florida (Orlando)
- New York (NYC)
- California (Napa Valley, Mendocino, Carmel)
- New Mexico (Santa Fe)
Planning for the trip began in May, and let me tell you, trying to plan a vacation with 10 people can be a little challenging -- trying to incorporate different budgets, wants, needs, etc. It took hours on the computer and countless phone calls to Disney, but in the end, we managed to plan what will be a really great trip.
Have you ever been to Disney? Well, if you haven't, I can honestly say that it is truly a happy, happy place. You are practically transported to another world, where you forget your old world and the trials and tribulations of home life. In the countless phone calls to Disney over the last couple of months, I noticed that at the end of every conversation, the representative would always say, "Have a magical day today!" The reps always sound so sincere and HAPPY when they say this to you, that it just leaves you in a good mood. I think my sister-in-law has the Disney phone number on her speed dial, as she calls them every day trying to secure the best reservation times for dinners, etc. Personally, I think she just likes to be told, "Have a magical day today!"
While this is a return visit for us, most of the family has never been to Disney, and I think they will find the experience truly MAGICAL.
Ok, I gotta run and go finish packing. Until next week, here's to YOUR magical day!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
Today should really be a national holiday. And do you know why? Today is the start of one of my favorite seasons all year long - SUNDAY FOOTBALL SEASON! Wahoooooo!
I have been looking forward to today all week long (maybe my life is just a squosh pathetic). I love Sundays during Football season. I start my Sunday ritual with drinking my morning coffee out of my favorite Chicago Bears coffee mug (and I only use this mug on Sundays during Football Season).
CT is not a big fan of this day, because he knows that come 11 a.m (Central Time), I will be in front of the TV watching the pre-game shows, followed by the 12 Noon games (Bears play the Lions at 12 Noon today), and that means I'll be running around like crazy trying to get chores done, etc., before 11 a.m. And while CT is not the biggest football fan around, he will watch the games with me. Still, I can't help but wonder: if he had a better offer to do something else on a Sunday afternoon, would he take that offer in a New York second? I'm not even going to ask him, because I don't want to hear the answer!
I got my love of sports from my dad. And since we live in the Chicago area, we follow Chicago sports teams. My dad was a big sports fan, and here's how he watched his various games: he would sit in his recliner, with his small transistor radio balanced on one SHOULDER, and he would have the game playing on the radio, but then he would also have the TV on, and he would listen to both broadcasts at once -- the radio in one ear and the other ear tuned to the TV. (Side comment: do they even make transistor radios any more today? You know, the small kind that take 9-volt transistor batteries?) Many-a-time you could hear my dad yelling at the TV when you were outside. One time, a neighbor ran over and asked, "Is everything all right?" And we replied, "Oh, everything is fine. Dad is just watching his game."
So, yes, I am a Die-Hard Cubbies fan, I followed the Bulls through the Michael Jordan era (not as much today, but I'll keep up on their season with sports reports), and I even became a big Blackhawks fan this year which ended with the win of the Stanley Cup. In addition to inheriting this love of sports from my dad, I also got my potty mouth from my dad. WHY IS IT that I insist on yelling back at the TV using all kinds of not-so-pretty and not-so-lady-like language while I'm watching a game?!?! Although I do refrain from using The Big One (that beginnings with the letter "f"), I just can't help myself from calling out all kinds of nasty names to the idiot players, the dumb coaches, and the incompetent referees. Because, as we all know, I can do a much better job myself!!!!
Back to football season... In addition to watching the football games, I also love Sundays at home. During the chilly fall days here in Chicago, Sunday is my day to make some good comfort food for half-time: a good pot of chili (no beans, per CT's request) with macaroni noodles and cheddar cheese, or a pan of nachos, or some homemade chicken noodle soup and crusty bread. Then there is always a quick apple pie that I whip together and throw in the oven -- gotta love the smell of an apple pie baking in your oven during football season. Now, THAT is what CT loves about Sundays at home too. He's already asked me, "So, what are you making today?" And it is even better as the weather changes, and we have more cloudy days than sunny days, and the temperature drops to the point where you really don't want to turn the heat on just yet, so you snuggle up on the couch with a comfy blanket. (Heck, I am seriously contemplating buying one of the snuggy thingies.... I understand that you can get them with your favorite football team logos.)
So, here's to the start of Sunday Football Season! May you watch your favorite team today and may they win (except if they're playing the Bears!!!!) GO BEARS!!!!!
I have been looking forward to today all week long (maybe my life is just a squosh pathetic). I love Sundays during Football season. I start my Sunday ritual with drinking my morning coffee out of my favorite Chicago Bears coffee mug (and I only use this mug on Sundays during Football Season).
CT is not a big fan of this day, because he knows that come 11 a.m (Central Time), I will be in front of the TV watching the pre-game shows, followed by the 12 Noon games (Bears play the Lions at 12 Noon today), and that means I'll be running around like crazy trying to get chores done, etc., before 11 a.m. And while CT is not the biggest football fan around, he will watch the games with me. Still, I can't help but wonder: if he had a better offer to do something else on a Sunday afternoon, would he take that offer in a New York second? I'm not even going to ask him, because I don't want to hear the answer!
I got my love of sports from my dad. And since we live in the Chicago area, we follow Chicago sports teams. My dad was a big sports fan, and here's how he watched his various games: he would sit in his recliner, with his small transistor radio balanced on one SHOULDER, and he would have the game playing on the radio, but then he would also have the TV on, and he would listen to both broadcasts at once -- the radio in one ear and the other ear tuned to the TV. (Side comment: do they even make transistor radios any more today? You know, the small kind that take 9-volt transistor batteries?) Many-a-time you could hear my dad yelling at the TV when you were outside. One time, a neighbor ran over and asked, "Is everything all right?" And we replied, "Oh, everything is fine. Dad is just watching his game."
 |
| Transistor Radios Image search from Google found at antiqueradio.com |
So, yes, I am a Die-Hard Cubbies fan, I followed the Bulls through the Michael Jordan era (not as much today, but I'll keep up on their season with sports reports), and I even became a big Blackhawks fan this year which ended with the win of the Stanley Cup. In addition to inheriting this love of sports from my dad, I also got my potty mouth from my dad. WHY IS IT that I insist on yelling back at the TV using all kinds of not-so-pretty and not-so-lady-like language while I'm watching a game?!?! Although I do refrain from using The Big One (that beginnings with the letter "f"), I just can't help myself from calling out all kinds of nasty names to the idiot players, the dumb coaches, and the incompetent referees. Because, as we all know, I can do a much better job myself!!!!
Back to football season... In addition to watching the football games, I also love Sundays at home. During the chilly fall days here in Chicago, Sunday is my day to make some good comfort food for half-time: a good pot of chili (no beans, per CT's request) with macaroni noodles and cheddar cheese, or a pan of nachos, or some homemade chicken noodle soup and crusty bread. Then there is always a quick apple pie that I whip together and throw in the oven -- gotta love the smell of an apple pie baking in your oven during football season. Now, THAT is what CT loves about Sundays at home too. He's already asked me, "So, what are you making today?" And it is even better as the weather changes, and we have more cloudy days than sunny days, and the temperature drops to the point where you really don't want to turn the heat on just yet, so you snuggle up on the couch with a comfy blanket. (Heck, I am seriously contemplating buying one of the snuggy thingies.... I understand that you can get them with your favorite football team logos.)
So, here's to the start of Sunday Football Season! May you watch your favorite team today and may they win (except if they're playing the Bears!!!!) GO BEARS!!!!!
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| Chicago Bears Image search from Google found at usaplayers.com |
Saturday, September 11, 2010
September 11
So, today is September 11. Nine years ago, a very tragic event changed the world. I remember it like it happened yesterday, yet I wish I could forget it. But I can't. I don't think anyone can.
Do you remember what you were doing on the morning of September 11, 2001? I do. I will always remember that day... for a lot of reasons... partly because of my job at the time, partly because of the souls that were lost that day, partly because of the families who lives would never be the same, and the world, as we knew it, would never be the same.
So, take time out of your busy day today, pause in silence, and just remember.
Do you remember what you were doing on the morning of September 11, 2001? I do. I will always remember that day... for a lot of reasons... partly because of my job at the time, partly because of the souls that were lost that day, partly because of the families who lives would never be the same, and the world, as we knew it, would never be the same.
So, take time out of your busy day today, pause in silence, and just remember.
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