Midnight and 2009 will soon be upon us. Never one to do the whole resolution thing, I prefer to think about the things I have learned over the last year. A few of my accomplishments in 2008 include:
Making my first lemon pie
Discovering the secrets to soft, chewy cookies
Finding more of my own voice in relation to advocating for myself and others
Increased comfort with Chicago - to the point tourists asked me for help on several occasions
Fun times. There were, of course, many other happenings in my life during the past year, but Shrek 2 is on and I actually figured out how to work Justin and Carrie's set-up!
Happy New Year!
Love!
~g
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Breaking the Silence
So yes, I have been uncommunicative. Manners dictate I should apologize for this, but really, I am not that troubled by it. I find, more and more, I relish the occasions when I disconnect/unplug/etc. from our now-normal existence of 24 hour communication. Unfortunately, there are those that do not appreciate my lack of response, if the volume of missed calls and text messages I have received lately are any indication.
A question on this. I feel that if a person calls but does not leave a voice message, then the call was not that important and it is not my responsibility to return a phone call simply because I noticed a person tried to contact me. Am I correct in this thinking, or does the responsibility lie with with me regardless the fact the caller did not make it known a returned call is appreciated and/or necessary?
My time at home has been nice, if not exciting. I spend most of my time pleasure reading and petting my cat. I did make the trip to Chicago with Mom to rescue Marshall and Sarah, but other than that have been staying close to home. Christmas came and went with very little fanfare this year, and I suspect New Year's will be the same. I struggled a bit with how spiritless our Christmas was, given my overall seasonal spirit was very strong only weeks ago. I suppose I am growing up a bit; I just hope that does not mean the magic and wonder of the holidays I felt as a child must go away.
I spent some time this past week, while we were all under one roof again, trying to figure out my new place in our family. With Justin and Marshall both married and more focused on their own family, and Mom still ruling as the matriarch but also letting go a bit more each day, I find myself wondering just where I fit in. I no longer quite fit the little sister role, nor the baby child role, but with no significant other to count as my family, and with emerging as a full-fledged adult as my school days draw to a close, I do not seem to fit anywhere at the moment. It is a scary and lonely place I am at, and I pray this stage of my life does not last too long.
Friday I will head back to Chicago and prepare for my final semester. Although school will not resume until January 12, my job picks back up on the 5th and I have plenty of Capstone requirements to take care of during my down week. I will only have class on Monday evenings this semester, for which I am grateful. I have never been a fan of losing my entire day to work and my entire evening to school. I know, as I begin in earnest searching for jobs, those jobs that will allow my nights and weekends are more attractive.
On the school note, thanks to a last minute altering of a grade scale, I actually ended up with 3 A's this past semester. Thank goodness! Unless everything falls apart with my Capstone, I am set to graduate May 8, 2009 at 10 am CST.
There is not much else to report. It has been a blissfully quite few weeks which hopefully serve me well as I return to my big-city life.
I hope you all had a happy holiday season.
Love!
~g
A question on this. I feel that if a person calls but does not leave a voice message, then the call was not that important and it is not my responsibility to return a phone call simply because I noticed a person tried to contact me. Am I correct in this thinking, or does the responsibility lie with with me regardless the fact the caller did not make it known a returned call is appreciated and/or necessary?
My time at home has been nice, if not exciting. I spend most of my time pleasure reading and petting my cat. I did make the trip to Chicago with Mom to rescue Marshall and Sarah, but other than that have been staying close to home. Christmas came and went with very little fanfare this year, and I suspect New Year's will be the same. I struggled a bit with how spiritless our Christmas was, given my overall seasonal spirit was very strong only weeks ago. I suppose I am growing up a bit; I just hope that does not mean the magic and wonder of the holidays I felt as a child must go away.
I spent some time this past week, while we were all under one roof again, trying to figure out my new place in our family. With Justin and Marshall both married and more focused on their own family, and Mom still ruling as the matriarch but also letting go a bit more each day, I find myself wondering just where I fit in. I no longer quite fit the little sister role, nor the baby child role, but with no significant other to count as my family, and with emerging as a full-fledged adult as my school days draw to a close, I do not seem to fit anywhere at the moment. It is a scary and lonely place I am at, and I pray this stage of my life does not last too long.
Friday I will head back to Chicago and prepare for my final semester. Although school will not resume until January 12, my job picks back up on the 5th and I have plenty of Capstone requirements to take care of during my down week. I will only have class on Monday evenings this semester, for which I am grateful. I have never been a fan of losing my entire day to work and my entire evening to school. I know, as I begin in earnest searching for jobs, those jobs that will allow my nights and weekends are more attractive.
On the school note, thanks to a last minute altering of a grade scale, I actually ended up with 3 A's this past semester. Thank goodness! Unless everything falls apart with my Capstone, I am set to graduate May 8, 2009 at 10 am CST.
There is not much else to report. It has been a blissfully quite few weeks which hopefully serve me well as I return to my big-city life.
I hope you all had a happy holiday season.
Love!
~g
Friday, December 19, 2008
Winter Wonderland
We certainly have one here in Denver, IA!
In a span of about 8 hours last night over 10 inches of snow fell in Denver. Digging out this morning was quite the chore, only made easier by the fact there were 4 of us. Once the snowplow came by we had to go out again and re-clear the roughly 4 foot wide, 2 foot tall drift he placed at the end of our drive.
More snow, up to 4 inches, predicted to fall this weekend.
Dad, we so totally have you beat.
Love!
~g
In a span of about 8 hours last night over 10 inches of snow fell in Denver. Digging out this morning was quite the chore, only made easier by the fact there were 4 of us. Once the snowplow came by we had to go out again and re-clear the roughly 4 foot wide, 2 foot tall drift he placed at the end of our drive.
More snow, up to 4 inches, predicted to fall this weekend.
Dad, we so totally have you beat.
Love!
~g
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Snow
I thought it was not supposed to snow when the temperatures were below zero.
Oh well. Yayy for a potentially white Christmas!
And for warm homes and blankets.
Love!
~g
Oh well. Yayy for a potentially white Christmas!
And for warm homes and blankets.
Love!
~g
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Happy cat
I suppose it is about time for another post.
I am home in Denver for the next three weeks, in my own room, surrounded by family, and being constantly assaulted by a completely ecstatic cat. I love coming home!
The semester has officially wrapped, and I think I will come out alright. I'm predicting two As and one B, which was hard earned. I won't know until next week for certain, but I am alright with those grades. Unlike Marshall, I will not graduate from grad school with a perfect 4.0, but I will be pretty darn close and perfectly happy with my achievement.
This past week was fairly quiet, especially when I got past my final on Tuesday. After that all I had to do was work and relax. We had our office holiday party (it's a state university and we therefore have to be politically correct) complete with Secret Snowflake gifts. I happened to catch one of the world's best freak-outs on video during our party, courtesy of the service graduate assistant, Samantha, but have not yet decided on whether or not I will share the video with the world.
Saturday Mom and her friend and her friend's daughter came into the city to get me and spend some time doing traditional Chicago holiday things. The highlight of the day had to be eating dinner in the famous Walnut Room (located on the 7th floor of Macy's, formally Marshall Fields) while sitting around the Great Christmas Tree. We were literally seated at the base of the 45 foot tall tree and had a wonderful time with our meal and our server, Rich. Pictures to follow just as soon as I download from my camera and get the pictures from Mom's friend.
Today was a relatively short drive home and general vegging out. It is getting bitterly cold here (wind chills have us down in the -30 range this evening), so we are hunkered down inside and feeling blessed we have the ability to do so.
That's about it. Yayy for vacation!
Love!
~g
I am home in Denver for the next three weeks, in my own room, surrounded by family, and being constantly assaulted by a completely ecstatic cat. I love coming home!
The semester has officially wrapped, and I think I will come out alright. I'm predicting two As and one B, which was hard earned. I won't know until next week for certain, but I am alright with those grades. Unlike Marshall, I will not graduate from grad school with a perfect 4.0, but I will be pretty darn close and perfectly happy with my achievement.
This past week was fairly quiet, especially when I got past my final on Tuesday. After that all I had to do was work and relax. We had our office holiday party (it's a state university and we therefore have to be politically correct) complete with Secret Snowflake gifts. I happened to catch one of the world's best freak-outs on video during our party, courtesy of the service graduate assistant, Samantha, but have not yet decided on whether or not I will share the video with the world.
Saturday Mom and her friend and her friend's daughter came into the city to get me and spend some time doing traditional Chicago holiday things. The highlight of the day had to be eating dinner in the famous Walnut Room (located on the 7th floor of Macy's, formally Marshall Fields) while sitting around the Great Christmas Tree. We were literally seated at the base of the 45 foot tall tree and had a wonderful time with our meal and our server, Rich. Pictures to follow just as soon as I download from my camera and get the pictures from Mom's friend.
Today was a relatively short drive home and general vegging out. It is getting bitterly cold here (wind chills have us down in the -30 range this evening), so we are hunkered down inside and feeling blessed we have the ability to do so.
That's about it. Yayy for vacation!
Love!
~g
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
More about the disgraced
More on the arrest of the Illinois govenor, Rod Blagojebich.
Official affidavit here
Awesome quote as a result of the event -
"If it isn't the most corrupt state in the United States, it's certainly one hell of a competitor," said Robert Grant, special agent in charge of Chicago's FBI office. "Even the most cynical agents in our office were shocked."
~g
Official affidavit here
Awesome quote as a result of the event -
"If it isn't the most corrupt state in the United States, it's certainly one hell of a competitor," said Robert Grant, special agent in charge of Chicago's FBI office. "Even the most cynical agents in our office were shocked."
~g
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
This is why...
It is awesome to study public administration in Illinois.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28139155/
You go, Blago.
~g
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28139155/
You go, Blago.
~g
Monday, December 8, 2008
So dumb!
Ok, whenever there is a crime in which a UIC student, etc. is involved, the campus police email an "Urgent Crime Alert" to all UIC students, faculty, and staff. Usually the crimes are crimes of opportunity, i.e. the victim did something dumb that opened them up to becoming a victim. One of my favorites up to this point is the undergrad walking home at 2 am who decided it would be alright to take a shortcut down an alley. At least, that was my favorite until today's crime alert. Below you will find the text of the email, in it's original form except for the emphasis formatting I added at the especially awesome parts.
For those of you who are wondering, the place where the robbery took place is just about a mile from my apartment. UIC has multiple campuses. I live near and work on the East campus, the medical campus is about 1/2 mile to our West, and South campus is just across a road from East campus. This pair of bandits work the West side, preying on sleep deprived medical students who are not as vigilant.
That's all. Just found it hilarious. Time to study.
Love!
~g
p.s. yes, I carry self-protection devices with me, including incredibly potent mace laced with a dye that is illegal for civilians to carry in most states (but not this one!) and a "screamer" that at the push of a button starts wailing at 125 decibels (a jet taking off is 118). Really, though, if something were to happen I would just hand over the goods and not risk the possibility of a weapon being used on me.
I thought we were the golden standard of civilization and decency.
Sunday evening at 6:10, a UIC student was the victim of an off-campus strong-armAwesome! Seriously, you are going to pull out your wallet?! And then not let go of it when they grab it, causing you to fall down and hurt yourself? Not to mention this pair seems to be hitting this neighborhood lately, working as a team and getting a lot of money, cell phones, and Ipods. They never really hurt anyone, although they often claim to have a weapon. The kicker is this pair has been described in MULTIPLE crime alerts over the course of the semester and this kid STILL pulls out his wallet. I understand wanting to be a decent human being and help out your fellow man, but my generosity in the city only goes so far.
robbery at the Marathon gas station at Ashland Avenue and Roosevelt Road. The
student was putting air in a car tire when two offenders approached and asked
for change to get on the bus. The student pulled out a wallet and gave
them change. The offenders grabbed the wallet, pulling the student to
the ground, and fled east on Roosevelt with the wallet. The student had
minor abrasions to the knees but refused medical attention.
The offenders are described as follows:
1) Male/black, 5-9, 150 pounds, wearing black sweater and black jeans
2) Male/black, 5-6, 150 pounds, wearing black jacket and black jeans
UIC Police recommend *not* giving coins or cash to people who ask for money,
both for your own safety as well as to avoid contributing to possible substance
abuse. Consider donating to a shelter or charity instead. If you choose to give
an individual money, exercise caution.
UIC Police *do* recommend complying with a demand for money or possessions if a
weapon is displayed or a threat of violence is made.
Note that while it is not illegal for someone to ask you for money, aggressive
panhandling, even without a physical threat, is against the law. Notify police.
For those of you who are wondering, the place where the robbery took place is just about a mile from my apartment. UIC has multiple campuses. I live near and work on the East campus, the medical campus is about 1/2 mile to our West, and South campus is just across a road from East campus. This pair of bandits work the West side, preying on sleep deprived medical students who are not as vigilant.
That's all. Just found it hilarious. Time to study.
Love!
~g
p.s. yes, I carry self-protection devices with me, including incredibly potent mace laced with a dye that is illegal for civilians to carry in most states (but not this one!) and a "screamer" that at the push of a button starts wailing at 125 decibels (a jet taking off is 118). Really, though, if something were to happen I would just hand over the goods and not risk the possibility of a weapon being used on me.
I thought we were the golden standard of civilization and decency.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Favorite Holiday Website
http://www.komar.org/cgi-bin/christmas_webcam
Seriously rad. Seriously gaudy.
~g
Seriously rad. Seriously gaudy.
~g
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Capstone
I found out my capstone assignment today! The semester is not even over and I'm already working on material for my next and FINAL semester!
My program does not have a thesis requirement. Instead, everyone is required to take a capstone class in one of their final two semesters. This class is designed to integrate all the material we should have learned in the last two years and use it to solve an actual issue. Government agencies, nonprofits, etc. from around the city are approached by the teacher and asked to submit a project that can be completed, free of charge, by students. The teacher combs through all the proposals, selects those that are most applicable to the program, and submits them to the enrolled students. The students then go through and list their top four preferences. Out of these, the teacher creates small groups and assigns each group a project.
I will be working with two other students, Ben and Adrianna. Our client is Chicago Public Schools, working on program information collection and database creation and administration. The actual task, scope, etc. will be finalized in the next few weeks. For certain, I am going to need to learn Microsoft Access inside and out!
So yeah, exciting news. Other exciting news includes the fact that the semester is almost over and that all I have left is one final. And some phone calls for work that I have been putting off all week. Too bad these are the phone calls that cannot be delegated to a student. I have to make the calls tomorrow, although I would REALLY rather not. Oh well, so it goes. Sometimes one just has to do what one does not want to do.
I am excited classes are almost over. I have my most favorite class tomorrow, and then I am done and just have to finish presentations and tests. For the second time in the course of my program, I am enrolled in a class that is under review. Like my personnel management course last fall, I am in a class this semester that is being taught by a first-time teacher. And when I say first-time, I mean first time, not just someone who is new to this particular course. My teacher in policy just got her PhD this past spring and is getting her feet wet in my class. She is terrible but will not acknowledge it, even though she has been told at least three separate times over the course of the class through evaluations.
Given the amount of complaints the department was hearing, they sent a tenured professor who used to teach this class to sit in on ours, gather information from the students, and provide the current teacher with the equivalent of a performance review. It was after this visit the department put the entire class under review. They are waiting for the final evaluations and grades to make a decision. If the evaluations are poor and the grades uncharacteristically low, the department will re-adjust all grades and most likely release the professor. I am guessing the outcome will follow the worst-case scenario, just as it did last fall. We filled out the evaluations last night, and because of my connections, I know only 2 of 26 had anything somewhat decent to say. And because people are angry and talk, I know 4.0 students are getting the equivalent of Cs and Ds. Heck, I may be one of them! I have not asked to know my grade as I am sure it would only make me upset with no recourse. I particularly feel for all the new students, as I went through this last fall and know exactly how disheartening it is.
It will be interesting to see how it all turns out, especially since this same teacher is slotted to teach this same class in the spring!
Oh, the drama. So much fun!
Other than all of that there is not a whole lot going on. I can't believe it's already been a week since Dad and Jody were in town! Holy bananas!
I have a cat curled up next to me, trying her darned best to get as much orange and white hair as possible on my navy blue sheets and black pants. Gotta love the kitties!
I need to get back to an assignment. Semester is almost over but I'm not quite there yet!
Love!
~g
My program does not have a thesis requirement. Instead, everyone is required to take a capstone class in one of their final two semesters. This class is designed to integrate all the material we should have learned in the last two years and use it to solve an actual issue. Government agencies, nonprofits, etc. from around the city are approached by the teacher and asked to submit a project that can be completed, free of charge, by students. The teacher combs through all the proposals, selects those that are most applicable to the program, and submits them to the enrolled students. The students then go through and list their top four preferences. Out of these, the teacher creates small groups and assigns each group a project.
I will be working with two other students, Ben and Adrianna. Our client is Chicago Public Schools, working on program information collection and database creation and administration. The actual task, scope, etc. will be finalized in the next few weeks. For certain, I am going to need to learn Microsoft Access inside and out!
So yeah, exciting news. Other exciting news includes the fact that the semester is almost over and that all I have left is one final. And some phone calls for work that I have been putting off all week. Too bad these are the phone calls that cannot be delegated to a student. I have to make the calls tomorrow, although I would REALLY rather not. Oh well, so it goes. Sometimes one just has to do what one does not want to do.
I am excited classes are almost over. I have my most favorite class tomorrow, and then I am done and just have to finish presentations and tests. For the second time in the course of my program, I am enrolled in a class that is under review. Like my personnel management course last fall, I am in a class this semester that is being taught by a first-time teacher. And when I say first-time, I mean first time, not just someone who is new to this particular course. My teacher in policy just got her PhD this past spring and is getting her feet wet in my class. She is terrible but will not acknowledge it, even though she has been told at least three separate times over the course of the class through evaluations.
Given the amount of complaints the department was hearing, they sent a tenured professor who used to teach this class to sit in on ours, gather information from the students, and provide the current teacher with the equivalent of a performance review. It was after this visit the department put the entire class under review. They are waiting for the final evaluations and grades to make a decision. If the evaluations are poor and the grades uncharacteristically low, the department will re-adjust all grades and most likely release the professor. I am guessing the outcome will follow the worst-case scenario, just as it did last fall. We filled out the evaluations last night, and because of my connections, I know only 2 of 26 had anything somewhat decent to say. And because people are angry and talk, I know 4.0 students are getting the equivalent of Cs and Ds. Heck, I may be one of them! I have not asked to know my grade as I am sure it would only make me upset with no recourse. I particularly feel for all the new students, as I went through this last fall and know exactly how disheartening it is.
It will be interesting to see how it all turns out, especially since this same teacher is slotted to teach this same class in the spring!
Oh, the drama. So much fun!
Other than all of that there is not a whole lot going on. I can't believe it's already been a week since Dad and Jody were in town! Holy bananas!
I have a cat curled up next to me, trying her darned best to get as much orange and white hair as possible on my navy blue sheets and black pants. Gotta love the kitties!
I need to get back to an assignment. Semester is almost over but I'm not quite there yet!
Love!
~g
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The Parental Visit
Dad and Jody are on their way home, after having spent 3 days and 4 nights in Chicago. The following is how those 3+ days went down, including pictures. Yayy for digital cameras and the ease of sharing electronic files. Oh, technology.
Dad and Jody arrived Tuesday evening, after driving across Iowa and Illinois and dealing with Chicago evening traffic. I had class and was planning on leaving early to meet up with them, but they arrived later than we expected and class was going terribly. I did not want to walk out on my fellow classmates so I stuck it out until we adjourned at 8 pm. The plan at that point was to call Dad and Jody to come over to my place, but I knew they were tired and I felt like surprising them. I hopped on the Blue line, rode it to Clark & Lake, got off and walked about 7 blocks to their hotel and had the front desk staff call their room with the news they had a visitor. Surprise!!!
Rather than walk back to the train and ride it home late at night, I crashed at the hotel Tuesday night. Wednesday we got up, got some breakfast, gathered laundry, and headed to my apartment. Dad and Jody took advantage of my free laundry while we used the oven to bake up the stuffing and dinner rolls for our Thanksgiving dinner. Wednesday was a pretty laid-back day as all three of us took the first chance in a long while to just let go and relax. We spent most of the day at the apartment and the rest of the evening in the hotel talking and laughing and having a generally merry time.
Thursday it was early to rise so as to make the parade. Between getting breakfast, walking to the route, and finding a place to stand so as to see, we missed some of the beginning. Overall, though, I think we saw at least 2/3 of the parade and had a blast. The post prior to this one has more pictures and video. I have a video of the Elmo balloon coming down the street, but it is sideways and I cannot figure out how to rotate it. If anyone knows, please, fill me in!
Thursday afternoon was spent napping, cooking the rest of our meal in the hotel, and watching really bad football. We all went down early as the excitement of the day, the effects of the cold weather, and the fantastic meal we enjoyed hit us hard.
Friday morning it was again early to rise as we had a lot to do on Dad and Jody's last full day in the city. First thing was to hit the Christkringle Market on Daley Plaza. It opened Friday, but was still battened down when we arrived around 10:30 am. With a quick change of plans we headed one block to the East, popping into Walgreens along the way and ending up at Macy's (formally Marshall Fields of Chicago). Every year the windows along State Street are filled with animated scenes, each telling a part of a story. Last year the story was The Nutcracker. This year, I honestly could not tell you the story; it was an original creation. While the windows were a bit of a disappointment, it was fun to be one the street with hundreds of people and street performers.
We checked out the inside of Macy's as well, seeing the lofted Tiffany ceiling and the 3 1/2 story tall Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room. We did a bit of shopping, taking advantage of the Black Friday sales, before heading back to the hotel. We stopped at Harry Cary's for lunch. Not what we expected, but still very good.
Once we got back to the room we settled in for a bit, giving Jody's knee time to rest. She'd taken a tumble a few day prior and the walking was stressing it. Dad and I left Jody for a few hours while we made a quick trip back to my apartment for Tupperware to package up the leftovers of our Thanksgiving dinner. We also made a quick trip to Whole Foods and Target to get Dad and Jody a few things for the road. Then back to the hotel to pick up Jody for a drive down Michigan Avenue to see the lights.
Once we finished that we parked the car and walked back to Daley Plaza to see the Market. This time everything was open and teeming. We spent a few hours walking among the shops, eating strudel, and enjoying the general joy and good feeling in the air. Someone did try to pick Dad's wallet, but being the city-smart people we are, there was not a wallet there to pick. The wannabe thief, according to Dad, looked surprised when his attempts failed. Yayy! No free lunch for the crooked.
I heard, for the first time in years, the song "Dominic the Donkey" as we were walking around the Market. I had a lot of fun jumping around and singing the "hee haw hee haw"s, much to Dad and Jody's obvious disdain. :) If you want to hear the song go here.
Dad and Jody arrived Tuesday evening, after driving across Iowa and Illinois and dealing with Chicago evening traffic. I had class and was planning on leaving early to meet up with them, but they arrived later than we expected and class was going terribly. I did not want to walk out on my fellow classmates so I stuck it out until we adjourned at 8 pm. The plan at that point was to call Dad and Jody to come over to my place, but I knew they were tired and I felt like surprising them. I hopped on the Blue line, rode it to Clark & Lake, got off and walked about 7 blocks to their hotel and had the front desk staff call their room with the news they had a visitor. Surprise!!!
Rather than walk back to the train and ride it home late at night, I crashed at the hotel Tuesday night. Wednesday we got up, got some breakfast, gathered laundry, and headed to my apartment. Dad and Jody took advantage of my free laundry while we used the oven to bake up the stuffing and dinner rolls for our Thanksgiving dinner. Wednesday was a pretty laid-back day as all three of us took the first chance in a long while to just let go and relax. We spent most of the day at the apartment and the rest of the evening in the hotel talking and laughing and having a generally merry time.
Thursday it was early to rise so as to make the parade. Between getting breakfast, walking to the route, and finding a place to stand so as to see, we missed some of the beginning. Overall, though, I think we saw at least 2/3 of the parade and had a blast. The post prior to this one has more pictures and video. I have a video of the Elmo balloon coming down the street, but it is sideways and I cannot figure out how to rotate it. If anyone knows, please, fill me in!
It's Curious George and the Girl in the Bubble!
Thursday afternoon was spent napping, cooking the rest of our meal in the hotel, and watching really bad football. We all went down early as the excitement of the day, the effects of the cold weather, and the fantastic meal we enjoyed hit us hard.
Friday morning it was again early to rise as we had a lot to do on Dad and Jody's last full day in the city. First thing was to hit the Christkringle Market on Daley Plaza. It opened Friday, but was still battened down when we arrived around 10:30 am. With a quick change of plans we headed one block to the East, popping into Walgreens along the way and ending up at Macy's (formally Marshall Fields of Chicago). Every year the windows along State Street are filled with animated scenes, each telling a part of a story. Last year the story was The Nutcracker. This year, I honestly could not tell you the story; it was an original creation. While the windows were a bit of a disappointment, it was fun to be one the street with hundreds of people and street performers.
Dad being, well, himself, but some overall decent pictures
The Salvation Army Band outside Macy's, Friday, November 28, 2008
The Salvation Army Band outside Macy's, Friday, November 28, 2008
We checked out the inside of Macy's as well, seeing the lofted Tiffany ceiling and the 3 1/2 story tall Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room. We did a bit of shopping, taking advantage of the Black Friday sales, before heading back to the hotel. We stopped at Harry Cary's for lunch. Not what we expected, but still very good.
Once we got back to the room we settled in for a bit, giving Jody's knee time to rest. She'd taken a tumble a few day prior and the walking was stressing it. Dad and I left Jody for a few hours while we made a quick trip back to my apartment for Tupperware to package up the leftovers of our Thanksgiving dinner. We also made a quick trip to Whole Foods and Target to get Dad and Jody a few things for the road. Then back to the hotel to pick up Jody for a drive down Michigan Avenue to see the lights.
Once we finished that we parked the car and walked back to Daley Plaza to see the Market. This time everything was open and teeming. We spent a few hours walking among the shops, eating strudel, and enjoying the general joy and good feeling in the air. Someone did try to pick Dad's wallet, but being the city-smart people we are, there was not a wallet there to pick. The wannabe thief, according to Dad, looked surprised when his attempts failed. Yayy! No free lunch for the crooked.
I heard, for the first time in years, the song "Dominic the Donkey" as we were walking around the Market. I had a lot of fun jumping around and singing the "hee haw hee haw"s, much to Dad and Jody's obvious disdain. :) If you want to hear the song go here.
Chicago's VERY large Christmas Tree on Daley Plaza
Part of the Christmas decorations on Daley Plaza
After the Market it was back to Macy's to do a bit more shopping. Once we finished there it was time to go back to the hotel, pack up everything, and get to bed. Friday night was very short as we all got up early so Dad and Jody could get on the road. They got a later start than they had hoped, but overall not too bad. By 9:30 they were on the road and I was back in bed!
And that's that - my Chicago Thanksgiving with Dad and Jody. Fun was had by all with many happy memories created.
The famous Chicago sign on State Street
Dad and Jody are now on their way home, swinging through Denver and Sioux Falls first to see Justin and Grandma, respectively. Apparently there was an issue on Saturday night with a deer as Dad and Jody were driving, but I don't have the details on that. We'll have to wait for Dad to post to find out what happened.
Now I just have two weeks left of school and work before I am off and home for three glorious weeks. Plus, now that Thanksgiving is past, I can openly celebrate the season without angry pilgrims coming after me.
Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!
Love!
~g
And that's that - my Chicago Thanksgiving with Dad and Jody. Fun was had by all with many happy memories created.
The famous Chicago sign on State Street
Dad and Jody are now on their way home, swinging through Denver and Sioux Falls first to see Justin and Grandma, respectively. Apparently there was an issue on Saturday night with a deer as Dad and Jody were driving, but I don't have the details on that. We'll have to wait for Dad to post to find out what happened.
Now I just have two weeks left of school and work before I am off and home for three glorious weeks. Plus, now that Thanksgiving is past, I can openly celebrate the season without angry pilgrims coming after me.
Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!
Love!
~g
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving!
Watch a parade - Check!
Take a nap - Check!
Smell turkey and stuffing and rolls and potatoes cooking - Check!
Success!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Let it be known
That at 1:24 am Central Standard Time on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, I officially submitted my first application for employment upon graduation from my master's program.
I just need to collect the remaining two letters of recommendation and put them in the mail.
Whew! Start praying! And crossing fingers.
And with that, I am exhausted and will be going to sleep.
Love!
~g
I just need to collect the remaining two letters of recommendation and put them in the mail.
Whew! Start praying! And crossing fingers.
And with that, I am exhausted and will be going to sleep.
Love!
~g
Sunday, November 23, 2008
So busy!
I am cleaning the apartment, doing laundry, finishing homework assignments, and will soon be heading to the gym and then to a group meeting for one of the papers I have due this week. Wowza! Nothing like being under the gun.
I made a grocery run yesterday and now have everything we will need for making Thanksgiving dinner for 3 in a hotel room. The only thing I had difficulty finding was the bone-in turkey breast; I did not expect it to look like a frozen chicken. I asked at the meat counter and the woman gave me a bit of back-talk, "Don't you be telling me there are no bone-in turkey breasts over there!" She walked over to the case with me and showed me both the frozen and non-frozen versions, all the while muttering about how there were plenty of of bone-ins and all I had to do was look. Fun times at the grocery store!
I did find the ice cream that Dad and Jody have recently fallen in love with. I got several pints but have a feeling we may be making a trip back to the store to get more.
The craziness of the semester is almost over, for which I am incredibly thankful. I just need to get through Tuesday evening.
Really, there is not a whole lot going on to write about. Just busy as all get out!
Time to change the laundry!
Love!
~g
I made a grocery run yesterday and now have everything we will need for making Thanksgiving dinner for 3 in a hotel room. The only thing I had difficulty finding was the bone-in turkey breast; I did not expect it to look like a frozen chicken. I asked at the meat counter and the woman gave me a bit of back-talk, "Don't you be telling me there are no bone-in turkey breasts over there!" She walked over to the case with me and showed me both the frozen and non-frozen versions, all the while muttering about how there were plenty of of bone-ins and all I had to do was look. Fun times at the grocery store!
I did find the ice cream that Dad and Jody have recently fallen in love with. I got several pints but have a feeling we may be making a trip back to the store to get more.
The craziness of the semester is almost over, for which I am incredibly thankful. I just need to get through Tuesday evening.
Really, there is not a whole lot going on to write about. Just busy as all get out!
Time to change the laundry!
Love!
~g
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Where did the week go?!
Wasn't Sunday just yesterday?
Not much new to report. I am working with my groups to frantically finish term papers that are due next Monday and Tuesday. I am also working on a job application that is due next week. Once Tuesday afternoon hits, though, I am in the clear! Woohoo!
My mystery for the day is trying to track down a student from another university to give her back her U-Pass (the transportation card many universities in the city provide to their students). I found her pass on our campus, even though her school is up on the North side. Attempts to contact her failed, so I'm working with the university to find her, let her know I have her pass, and get it back to her.
Turkey Day one week from today! :)
By the way, Grandma K, I did receive the email you sent me awhile back. It got dropped in my spam filter and took me a bit to find. I am not ignoring you, I promise!
Got to get back to the grind. Love!
~g
Not much new to report. I am working with my groups to frantically finish term papers that are due next Monday and Tuesday. I am also working on a job application that is due next week. Once Tuesday afternoon hits, though, I am in the clear! Woohoo!
My mystery for the day is trying to track down a student from another university to give her back her U-Pass (the transportation card many universities in the city provide to their students). I found her pass on our campus, even though her school is up on the North side. Attempts to contact her failed, so I'm working with the university to find her, let her know I have her pass, and get it back to her.
Turkey Day one week from today! :)
By the way, Grandma K, I did receive the email you sent me awhile back. It got dropped in my spam filter and took me a bit to find. I am not ignoring you, I promise!
Got to get back to the grind. Love!
~g
Sunday, November 16, 2008
PICTURES!
I figured I would upload a few photos depicting recent shenanigans and goings-on.
The ornament that was too heavy for my tree and got hung on the windowsill instead. One of my favorite words.
Also one of my favorite words. This ornament is on the tree and cleverly supported in three areas!
I love stars. Of all of the shapes, symmetric, five-point stars are my absolute favorite. I could have done without all of the glitter, though.
Pretty! I went with red and silver this year.
Still incomplete. I need a tree-topper, but have yet to find one that is not gaudy or too large/small. I am the Goldilocks of tree-toppers. I could go for either a star or an angel, but I know others out there probably have a definitive on what goes on the top of a tree. So what is it? A star or an angel? (Or in Dad and Jody's case, a Father Christmas?)
With lights! And a lovely alley view beyond that!
From Election Day. The stickers I made for myself and others to wear. And two of my student workers proudly showing off their merit of civic participation.
Still snowing!
Love!
~g
The ornament that was too heavy for my tree and got hung on the windowsill instead. One of my favorite words.
Also one of my favorite words. This ornament is on the tree and cleverly supported in three areas!
I love stars. Of all of the shapes, symmetric, five-point stars are my absolute favorite. I could have done without all of the glitter, though.
Pretty! I went with red and silver this year.
Still incomplete. I need a tree-topper, but have yet to find one that is not gaudy or too large/small. I am the Goldilocks of tree-toppers. I could go for either a star or an angel, but I know others out there probably have a definitive on what goes on the top of a tree. So what is it? A star or an angel? (Or in Dad and Jody's case, a Father Christmas?)
With lights! And a lovely alley view beyond that!
From Election Day. The stickers I made for myself and others to wear. And two of my student workers proudly showing off their merit of civic participation.
Still snowing!
Love!
~g
Fortuitous
I could wait no longer - my Christmas tree went up this afternoon. I am giving Angela the downstairs until after Thanksgiving, so my tree is filling up the tiny ledge of my window. It is wonderful in all of its three-foot tall, white light, red ribbon, and silver ornament glory.
I finished the tree, talked with Jody for a good 40 minutes (great conversation), got my laundry out of the laundry room, and returned to my desk to continue on the massive amounts of writing I need to do in the next week.
I decided Free Bird radio on Pandora was no longer appropriate, so I switched over to my Peaceful Holidays channel to accompany my tree. Not two minutes later I glance out the window to see the first snowflakes of the season. Had I known I have this kind of power I would have put up my tree a week ago!
Yayy! Love!
~g
I finished the tree, talked with Jody for a good 40 minutes (great conversation), got my laundry out of the laundry room, and returned to my desk to continue on the massive amounts of writing I need to do in the next week.
I decided Free Bird radio on Pandora was no longer appropriate, so I switched over to my Peaceful Holidays channel to accompany my tree. Not two minutes later I glance out the window to see the first snowflakes of the season. Had I known I have this kind of power I would have put up my tree a week ago!
Yayy! Love!
~g
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Open Letter
Dear Chicagoans and Populations of Nearby Villages and Neighborhoods:
You may have noticed the weather has recently changed from the near-record setting highs to more reasonable, yet still near-recording setting, November temperatures. Your reaction to this change has been quite interesting and may very well be studied by future generations when they take Overreaction 101 during their freshman year of college.
It has been said you have not seen a winter until you experience winter in Chicago. Given my first winter in Chicago was one of the snowiest and coldest in recent history, I can personally vouch for the intensity of the winters, most notably the fabled winds. Given this, one would naturally assume those who reside within the city or nearby suburbs would be rather used to cold weather, precipitation, and wind.
Your reaction to the recent cool-down suggests otherwise. While I agree it is most definitely jacket weather, I rebel against donning boots, hats, scarves, gloves, and full-length winter coats zipped up all the way so as to ward off the extreme 47 degree temperature. Really, people, add three more degrees and all of the sudden you think it is spring and Daisy Duke weather.
Additionally, while it is time to turn on the heat so as to avoid shivering all day and night, the thermostat does not need to be set on tropical temperatures. Wishing you were somewhere warmer and thereby attempting to alter your environment will not magically transport you to that beach in the Caribbean. You chose to live in Chicago and by doing so accepted the idea of four distinct seasons. There is no need for you to consume vast amounts of energy in an attempt to trick your mind into thinking you are somewhere else.
Complaining about the weather will do no good. It is not as if your complaints go on file and Mother Nature alters her practices if she receives enough requests/threats/etc to do so. The Earth rotates on its axis while traveling around the Sun. We are currently tilted away from the Sun and will be experiencing winter until such a time comes that we are once again tilted toward it. Galileo understood this and he did not have the same sophisticated technology we now posses.
Fellow citizens, it is time to accept the fact we have entered into the winter season. Please quiet your complaints, set your thermostat at a reasonable level, and don weather-appropriate clothing. We will be arriving at Spring in approximately 5 months. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
A Chicago Resident
P.S. On the note of non-outerwear attire, ladies, I do not care which fashion magazine told you sweatpants, Ugg boots, ratty t-shirts, and full makeup/hair/accessories is attractive, but you look like an idiot. You obviously woke up with plenty of time to properly clean and dress yourself (too much time, if your heavily made-up face and teased hair are any indication), yet you insist on dressing as if you are heading to a slumber party. Please outfit yourself with real clothes as soon as possible. Trust me, you will look better and most likely be warmer as well.
You may have noticed the weather has recently changed from the near-record setting highs to more reasonable, yet still near-recording setting, November temperatures. Your reaction to this change has been quite interesting and may very well be studied by future generations when they take Overreaction 101 during their freshman year of college.
It has been said you have not seen a winter until you experience winter in Chicago. Given my first winter in Chicago was one of the snowiest and coldest in recent history, I can personally vouch for the intensity of the winters, most notably the fabled winds. Given this, one would naturally assume those who reside within the city or nearby suburbs would be rather used to cold weather, precipitation, and wind.
Your reaction to the recent cool-down suggests otherwise. While I agree it is most definitely jacket weather, I rebel against donning boots, hats, scarves, gloves, and full-length winter coats zipped up all the way so as to ward off the extreme 47 degree temperature. Really, people, add three more degrees and all of the sudden you think it is spring and Daisy Duke weather.
Additionally, while it is time to turn on the heat so as to avoid shivering all day and night, the thermostat does not need to be set on tropical temperatures. Wishing you were somewhere warmer and thereby attempting to alter your environment will not magically transport you to that beach in the Caribbean. You chose to live in Chicago and by doing so accepted the idea of four distinct seasons. There is no need for you to consume vast amounts of energy in an attempt to trick your mind into thinking you are somewhere else.
Complaining about the weather will do no good. It is not as if your complaints go on file and Mother Nature alters her practices if she receives enough requests/threats/etc to do so. The Earth rotates on its axis while traveling around the Sun. We are currently tilted away from the Sun and will be experiencing winter until such a time comes that we are once again tilted toward it. Galileo understood this and he did not have the same sophisticated technology we now posses.
Fellow citizens, it is time to accept the fact we have entered into the winter season. Please quiet your complaints, set your thermostat at a reasonable level, and don weather-appropriate clothing. We will be arriving at Spring in approximately 5 months. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
A Chicago Resident
P.S. On the note of non-outerwear attire, ladies, I do not care which fashion magazine told you sweatpants, Ugg boots, ratty t-shirts, and full makeup/hair/accessories is attractive, but you look like an idiot. You obviously woke up with plenty of time to properly clean and dress yourself (too much time, if your heavily made-up face and teased hair are any indication), yet you insist on dressing as if you are heading to a slumber party. Please outfit yourself with real clothes as soon as possible. Trust me, you will look better and most likely be warmer as well.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Best of
Christmas music: O Holy Night
Household item: Glassware
Baked goods: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Seasons: Spring
Leftovers: Chinese takeout
Traveling: Road trips
Affection: Hugs
Attire: Jeans
Bathroom Cleaner: Tilex
What are your best-ofs?
~g
Household item: Glassware
Baked goods: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Seasons: Spring
Leftovers: Chinese takeout
Traveling: Road trips
Affection: Hugs
Attire: Jeans
Bathroom Cleaner: Tilex
What are your best-ofs?
~g
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Cookies!
The really cold weather has finally hit, with strong winds and grey (gray?) blahness up above. We are all bundled up in sweaters and blankets as we do not want to turn on the heat and pay for the gas. Technically, we do have the heat on, but it is set to kick in only when the temperature inside drops below 55 degrees. This ensures we don't freeze in the middle of the night but do not run the heat unnecessarily during the day. We may have to bump the temp up a few degrees, though, as my nose, fingers, and toes are pretty cold.
I am currently cuddled on the couch with a blanket and two kitties. I just finished off a mug of tea and two peanut butter cookies. I was working on a paper earlier when I decided I needed something warm to drink. Went to the kitchen to make some tea and decided I needed baked goods. I had a tube of Pillsbury cookies in the fridge, and wham-bam, twenty minutes later I have cookies! I still prefer cookies from scratch, but Pillsbury does in decent job and works well in a pinch.
Last night Angela and I went to the salon to get our hair cut. Angela also got her hair colored a very nice red/brown while my stylist tried to talk me into "golden hues that will really brighten and highlight your skin." I said no thanks. She persisted. I said no thanks again. She tried the "we can go with non-permanent that will just let you try it out with no commitment." I told her I like my hair color the way it is and already have natural highlights that work with my skin tone. The stylist next to us who was working on Angela chimed in and agreed he really likes my hair the way it is. End of discussion!
Post-salon Angela desperately wanted some sushi, so off to Sushi Loop, despite my rather strong disdain for all things fish. I knew I could get some good fried rice so I wasn't overly opposed to the supper choice. Once there, I decided to girl-up and at least try something. Angela suggested the Loopy, a tuna and jalapeno concoction that is great for first-timers as the tuna is cooked. I ate 4 of the 8 pieces before deciding I had had enough. Definitely not something I will crave in the future, but at least I tried!
The Halloween decorations are down, although the general fall items remain. I have warned Angela my tree will most likely go up within the next two weeks. It's a new tree with new ornaments and I am a child that likes to play with her new toys. Plus I just really love the Christmas season and want time to enjoy my tree before breaking it down and taking it back to Iowa when I go home for Christmas break.
I have settled into writing end-of-semester reports and various other items at work. Nothing too intensive, but writing day in and day out is a bit wearing. Hopefully I can take off some time after Thanksgiving as I am currently owed roughly 2 1/2 weeks of time off. I won't recoup all of it, but it would be nice to have some of it.
I continue to make it to the gym several times a week, although not nearly as much as I had originally planned. I am quite bored with the gym and need to figure out a way to shake up my routine. There are a few cardio machines I have not tried yet. I did recently get up the courage to look like a fool as I tried the rowing machine. I found I liked it, even though it really wears you out!
Life has become pretty quiet for me. I am slowly getting over this sinus stuff. Sarah, I did get some nasal spray that helped the pressure on the front of my face but did not do a lot for the rest of the symptoms. Mom made a call to my doctor and found I still had a valid prescription for antibiotics. The nurse faxed in an extension on the fill-by date so I could pick them up here in Chicago. We most definitely do not want a repeat of last year so I am now on antibiotics and will hopefully be feeling a lot better soon.
My pumpkin finally met its demise in the dumpster. I noticed the day after Halloween it was getting quite gross, and when I came home that night someone had thrown it away. I am assuming it was our landlady, as the landscaping in the courtyard had also been cut back and winterized. So ends the perfect pumpkin of 2008.
Not much else to report. Life goes, and I go along.
Love!
~g
I am currently cuddled on the couch with a blanket and two kitties. I just finished off a mug of tea and two peanut butter cookies. I was working on a paper earlier when I decided I needed something warm to drink. Went to the kitchen to make some tea and decided I needed baked goods. I had a tube of Pillsbury cookies in the fridge, and wham-bam, twenty minutes later I have cookies! I still prefer cookies from scratch, but Pillsbury does in decent job and works well in a pinch.
Last night Angela and I went to the salon to get our hair cut. Angela also got her hair colored a very nice red/brown while my stylist tried to talk me into "golden hues that will really brighten and highlight your skin." I said no thanks. She persisted. I said no thanks again. She tried the "we can go with non-permanent that will just let you try it out with no commitment." I told her I like my hair color the way it is and already have natural highlights that work with my skin tone. The stylist next to us who was working on Angela chimed in and agreed he really likes my hair the way it is. End of discussion!
Post-salon Angela desperately wanted some sushi, so off to Sushi Loop, despite my rather strong disdain for all things fish. I knew I could get some good fried rice so I wasn't overly opposed to the supper choice. Once there, I decided to girl-up and at least try something. Angela suggested the Loopy, a tuna and jalapeno concoction that is great for first-timers as the tuna is cooked. I ate 4 of the 8 pieces before deciding I had had enough. Definitely not something I will crave in the future, but at least I tried!
The Halloween decorations are down, although the general fall items remain. I have warned Angela my tree will most likely go up within the next two weeks. It's a new tree with new ornaments and I am a child that likes to play with her new toys. Plus I just really love the Christmas season and want time to enjoy my tree before breaking it down and taking it back to Iowa when I go home for Christmas break.
I have settled into writing end-of-semester reports and various other items at work. Nothing too intensive, but writing day in and day out is a bit wearing. Hopefully I can take off some time after Thanksgiving as I am currently owed roughly 2 1/2 weeks of time off. I won't recoup all of it, but it would be nice to have some of it.
I continue to make it to the gym several times a week, although not nearly as much as I had originally planned. I am quite bored with the gym and need to figure out a way to shake up my routine. There are a few cardio machines I have not tried yet. I did recently get up the courage to look like a fool as I tried the rowing machine. I found I liked it, even though it really wears you out!
Life has become pretty quiet for me. I am slowly getting over this sinus stuff. Sarah, I did get some nasal spray that helped the pressure on the front of my face but did not do a lot for the rest of the symptoms. Mom made a call to my doctor and found I still had a valid prescription for antibiotics. The nurse faxed in an extension on the fill-by date so I could pick them up here in Chicago. We most definitely do not want a repeat of last year so I am now on antibiotics and will hopefully be feeling a lot better soon.
My pumpkin finally met its demise in the dumpster. I noticed the day after Halloween it was getting quite gross, and when I came home that night someone had thrown it away. I am assuming it was our landlady, as the landscaping in the courtyard had also been cut back and winterized. So ends the perfect pumpkin of 2008.
Not much else to report. Life goes, and I go along.
Love!
~g
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mindlessness
I seem to be encountering it more and more lately.
It is simple. If you have beliefs you feel strongly enough about that you try to change my beliefs, you need to be able to tell me why you believe that way in the first place. "Because that's what I believe!" is not an acceptable answer.
Ok, done with the passive-aggressive rant. :)
I've been sick lately. There has been a sinus thing going around that I managed to stave off for a month or so but finally got. I am unhappy with my face and sub-dermal systems; they hurt and are gross.
You may have noticed I have been playing with templates lately, similar to my older brother. It started with me asking him how to do one simple thing and grew from there. I think I am finally getting happy with the look.
Tomorrow is a day off (thank goodness!). Routine furnace check at 10 am, gym around 2, and haircut at 6. The haircut is LONG (look at me make a pun!) overdue, and the rest, well, that's just life.
The city continues to operate in a tizzy. Yesterday all the workers at Wendy's were all dancing and singing, "We elected our first black president!" While I shared their enthusiasm, I wanted some food and was not the only customer in line. I waited for about a minute before I finally said, "That's great. I'm happy too and did my part by voting for him. Now, can I order some lunch?" Oh man, if looks could kill....
I do believe today was the last nice day we will have for several months. Temperatures were near 70 degrees all day, but we are dropping about 25 or 30 degrees tonight back to the average November 30s and 40s. Still, we seem to be much better off than the Dakotas! Holy cow!
I am slowly transitioning into Christmas. This week I broke out the music, but only the melodic stuff; no lyrics for me yet. I have also started to put together the list of who gets cards and who gets cards with cookies and who gets actual presents. It's all in an Excel file stored on the my desktop and I am officially a massive dork.
I cannot believe how soon Thanksgiving will be upon us! The visit from Dad and Jody is more and more anticipated.
Time for me to go drug myself up and head to bed. I hope everyone is happy and healthy!
Love!
~g
It is simple. If you have beliefs you feel strongly enough about that you try to change my beliefs, you need to be able to tell me why you believe that way in the first place. "Because that's what I believe!" is not an acceptable answer.
Ok, done with the passive-aggressive rant. :)
I've been sick lately. There has been a sinus thing going around that I managed to stave off for a month or so but finally got. I am unhappy with my face and sub-dermal systems; they hurt and are gross.
You may have noticed I have been playing with templates lately, similar to my older brother. It started with me asking him how to do one simple thing and grew from there. I think I am finally getting happy with the look.
Tomorrow is a day off (thank goodness!). Routine furnace check at 10 am, gym around 2, and haircut at 6. The haircut is LONG (look at me make a pun!) overdue, and the rest, well, that's just life.
The city continues to operate in a tizzy. Yesterday all the workers at Wendy's were all dancing and singing, "We elected our first black president!" While I shared their enthusiasm, I wanted some food and was not the only customer in line. I waited for about a minute before I finally said, "That's great. I'm happy too and did my part by voting for him. Now, can I order some lunch?" Oh man, if looks could kill....
I do believe today was the last nice day we will have for several months. Temperatures were near 70 degrees all day, but we are dropping about 25 or 30 degrees tonight back to the average November 30s and 40s. Still, we seem to be much better off than the Dakotas! Holy cow!
I am slowly transitioning into Christmas. This week I broke out the music, but only the melodic stuff; no lyrics for me yet. I have also started to put together the list of who gets cards and who gets cards with cookies and who gets actual presents. It's all in an Excel file stored on the my desktop and I am officially a massive dork.
I cannot believe how soon Thanksgiving will be upon us! The visit from Dad and Jody is more and more anticipated.
Time for me to go drug myself up and head to bed. I hope everyone is happy and healthy!
Love!
~g
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
And so it will be again...
I was struck tonight by the similarities in Obama's speech and a speech written for the same occasion on the TV series "The West Wing".
On election night (for his second term), President Bartlet ended his acceptance speech with the following words:
"To ensure that the promise of the country is the birthright of all the people. We've achieved so much together always believing, always know that America could be made new again and so it was, and so it will be again. God bless you all. God bless the United States of America."
It sounded familiar...
The enormity of this day has not fully hit me. I need time to process everything. Soon I will let you all know what it was like to be in this place on such an historic occasion. While I was not at Grant Park tonight, the city most definitely had an altered energy today.
My sentences are becoming very poorly written. It is time to end this day so I can wake up tomorrow to renewed hope and pride.
"This is our moment. This is our time . . . out of many, we are one . . ." - President Elect Barack Obama
Love!
~g
On election night (for his second term), President Bartlet ended his acceptance speech with the following words:
"To ensure that the promise of the country is the birthright of all the people. We've achieved so much together always believing, always know that America could be made new again and so it was, and so it will be again. God bless you all. God bless the United States of America."
It sounded familiar...
The enormity of this day has not fully hit me. I need time to process everything. Soon I will let you all know what it was like to be in this place on such an historic occasion. While I was not at Grant Park tonight, the city most definitely had an altered energy today.
My sentences are becoming very poorly written. It is time to end this day so I can wake up tomorrow to renewed hope and pride.
"This is our moment. This is our time . . . out of many, we are one . . ." - President Elect Barack Obama
Love!
~g
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
History
I voted weeks ago by absentee ballot in Iowa. Go me with my fulfillment of my civic rights.
This city is insane today. No other way to describe it.
I made myself (and my student worker) giant "I voted" stickers. Since I did absentee I did not receive a sticker and the city of Chicago does not give out stickers within the city limits. On those points - a) absentee ballots should include stickers and b) The city of Chicago is dumb.
I'll be out in the craziness today. I don't know about being at Grant Park tonight, but I'm definitely checking out the area at some point today. I'm smack dab in the middle of history and I do not plan on missing it.
More to come I'm sure!
Love!
~g
This city is insane today. No other way to describe it.
I made myself (and my student worker) giant "I voted" stickers. Since I did absentee I did not receive a sticker and the city of Chicago does not give out stickers within the city limits. On those points - a) absentee ballots should include stickers and b) The city of Chicago is dumb.
I'll be out in the craziness today. I don't know about being at Grant Park tonight, but I'm definitely checking out the area at some point today. I'm smack dab in the middle of history and I do not plan on missing it.
More to come I'm sure!
Love!
~g
Friday, October 31, 2008
Chuck is getting fat!
Seriously, he waddles. He's gotten quite hippy, but he's sensitive about it, promising to take it off after the holidays.
While I have been keeping track of the damage day-to-day, it was not quite enough to warrant a post each day. This morning I took a picture of the cumulative damage. How can one little squirrel eat so much?!
Not a lot planned for this eve of Hallows. The city is swarming with police (and I am sure quite a few Secret Service members and snipers) in preparation of both tonight's festivities and the large rally planned for Election Night. I think I will just avoid it all!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Love!
~g
While I have been keeping track of the damage day-to-day, it was not quite enough to warrant a post each day. This morning I took a picture of the cumulative damage. How can one little squirrel eat so much?!
Not a lot planned for this eve of Hallows. The city is swarming with police (and I am sure quite a few Secret Service members and snipers) in preparation of both tonight's festivities and the large rally planned for Election Night. I think I will just avoid it all!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Love!
~g
Monday, October 27, 2008
Now it is just funny
Chuck was at it again today! Upon seeing the damage as I came up to the door tonight, I decided I am going to track the amount of damage Chuck does to my pumpkin everyday. I hope that squirrel is enjoying his fresh squash!
Internet connection is back tonight. It seems to be a real crap shoot lately on whether or not I will have a connection. Dumb AT&T Internet.
Class out an hour early tonight! Woot!
Love!
~g
Internet connection is back tonight. It seems to be a real crap shoot lately on whether or not I will have a connection. Dumb AT&T Internet.
Class out an hour early tonight! Woot!
Love!
~g
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Halloween tidings and other goings-on
(Note: This was supposed to be posted last night but my Internet connection went out... again... just mine... totally dumb.)
Our power went out today. For no apparent reason. What does one do when the power goes out in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday? Carve pumpkins, of course! It was a bit chilly outside, but I have the perfect pumpkin this year and I was not going to let a little Arctic wind keep me from carving that bad boy.
The entire time I was outside, Chuck was yelling at me from the various balconies that surround our courtyard. He started on the highest possible balcony, but as the smell of pumpkin reached him he began to work his way down toward me, finishing about 3 feet away and studiously watching me work. I kept throwing him pieces of the pumpkin as I cut them away and figured that would be good enough for him. Wrong! Not 15 minutes after I finished carving and went inside, Chuck gnawed off one of the teeth from the Jock-O-Lantern's mouth and ate it! I caught him in the act and yelled at him good as he scampered away. Honestly, it's more funny than anything, I just wish he would have waited until I was able to take a picture!
I decided there was no point in trying to protect the pumpkin. Inside the apartment it would just rot quickly, and outside it's at Chuck's mercy. I guess I already did pretty much everything one does with a pumpkin at Halloween, so Chuck can have access to it and get some fresh veggies in his system. I'm thinking being a city squirrel and all Chuck does not get too many fresh veggies and I kind of feel sorry for the guy.
I did save all of the seeds and plan on roasting them later this week. They have been washed and laid out on paper bags to dry (inside the apartment away from hungry squirrels!). I have Wednesday night off and figure the seeds will be dry enough by then to roast. I think I will put the Chex Mix spices on them this year.
Last Sunday we had the first ever CUPPA Cup kickball game -an intracollege game between Public Administration and Urban Planning and Policy. PA won the cup in an uncontested game as only 3 UPP students showed. We split into teams and played anyway because kickball is too much fun to pass up, but the CUPPA Cup stays in the PA department.
The Cup is a real thing. Lauren and I made it from a plastic wine glass, spray paint, fake jewels, and hot glue. It is glorious!
School has been pretty laid back for the last few weeks but is picking back up this week and will be demanding through Thanksgiving. The downtime was nice but I know I have to get back in it.
And the heat just came on for the first time this season! We have been studiously avoiding turning on the heat with gas prices as high as they are, but it is COLD tonight! Feels-like low projected to be around 25 degrees F. We will be able to turn the heat off by Tuesday morning as the temperatures are projected to be near 70 by the end of the week, but for now we need it so we don't shiver all night!
The neighbors had a get-together at their place last night. Angela could not go as she was up in the Canookia with her boy, and Ryan was still hung over from Friday night and not up to socializing. I took a plate of cookies and had fun! We grilled, we ate, we talked, we laughed, we wrapped up the night by 10:00 pm. What a bunch of adults!
Life continues. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, mainly because I miss my family and look forward to seeing and spending time with them. I have resisted the urge to decorate my Christmas tree but it is getting more and more tough to leave it in storage. Soon!
Of the three, which is better: 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, or Snickers?
Love!
~g
Our power went out today. For no apparent reason. What does one do when the power goes out in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday? Carve pumpkins, of course! It was a bit chilly outside, but I have the perfect pumpkin this year and I was not going to let a little Arctic wind keep me from carving that bad boy.
The entire time I was outside, Chuck was yelling at me from the various balconies that surround our courtyard. He started on the highest possible balcony, but as the smell of pumpkin reached him he began to work his way down toward me, finishing about 3 feet away and studiously watching me work. I kept throwing him pieces of the pumpkin as I cut them away and figured that would be good enough for him. Wrong! Not 15 minutes after I finished carving and went inside, Chuck gnawed off one of the teeth from the Jock-O-Lantern's mouth and ate it! I caught him in the act and yelled at him good as he scampered away. Honestly, it's more funny than anything, I just wish he would have waited until I was able to take a picture!
I decided there was no point in trying to protect the pumpkin. Inside the apartment it would just rot quickly, and outside it's at Chuck's mercy. I guess I already did pretty much everything one does with a pumpkin at Halloween, so Chuck can have access to it and get some fresh veggies in his system. I'm thinking being a city squirrel and all Chuck does not get too many fresh veggies and I kind of feel sorry for the guy.
I did save all of the seeds and plan on roasting them later this week. They have been washed and laid out on paper bags to dry (inside the apartment away from hungry squirrels!). I have Wednesday night off and figure the seeds will be dry enough by then to roast. I think I will put the Chex Mix spices on them this year.
Last Sunday we had the first ever CUPPA Cup kickball game -an intracollege game between Public Administration and Urban Planning and Policy. PA won the cup in an uncontested game as only 3 UPP students showed. We split into teams and played anyway because kickball is too much fun to pass up, but the CUPPA Cup stays in the PA department.
The Cup is a real thing. Lauren and I made it from a plastic wine glass, spray paint, fake jewels, and hot glue. It is glorious!
School has been pretty laid back for the last few weeks but is picking back up this week and will be demanding through Thanksgiving. The downtime was nice but I know I have to get back in it.
And the heat just came on for the first time this season! We have been studiously avoiding turning on the heat with gas prices as high as they are, but it is COLD tonight! Feels-like low projected to be around 25 degrees F. We will be able to turn the heat off by Tuesday morning as the temperatures are projected to be near 70 by the end of the week, but for now we need it so we don't shiver all night!
The neighbors had a get-together at their place last night. Angela could not go as she was up in the Canookia with her boy, and Ryan was still hung over from Friday night and not up to socializing. I took a plate of cookies and had fun! We grilled, we ate, we talked, we laughed, we wrapped up the night by 10:00 pm. What a bunch of adults!
Life continues. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, mainly because I miss my family and look forward to seeing and spending time with them. I have resisted the urge to decorate my Christmas tree but it is getting more and more tough to leave it in storage. Soon!
Of the three, which is better: 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, or Snickers?
Love!
~g
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Frustration!
I could use a lot of hugs and love right now.
Life is trying at the moment. I know I will be better in the long run for surviving my current work and school frustrations, but right now all I really want to do is say to heck with it all and pack up my room.
Thanksgiving can't come soon enough.
Love!
~g
Life is trying at the moment. I know I will be better in the long run for surviving my current work and school frustrations, but right now all I really want to do is say to heck with it all and pack up my room.
Thanksgiving can't come soon enough.
Love!
~g
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Weekend Goings-On
What a busy weekend!!! I has an appointment with Jason, my massage therapist, Friday morning and then came home to relax and clean. The apartment was nice for a whole day or two! Woohoo!
Yesterday up relatively early (for a weekend) and out to an apple/pumpkin/raspberry orchard. Sure, it was an one and a half hours away, but oh-so worth it! Horizon broken only by colorful foliage, dry cornstalks, and fresh breezes. We picked Yellow and Red Delicious apples, ate some apple pie washed down with cold cider, and purchased fresh doughnuts and apple butter at the store. Consumer-driven and country-stereotypical? Sure! Do I care? NO!
I found the perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch. I will take pictures and show future generations the perfect pumpkin I found in my 24th year on this earth. It did not grow on its side but rather its bottom, making it perfectly round. I left a large stem when I pulled it off the vine. The stem even curves to make a just-right handle (minus those stupid little prickers pumpkins come with). I almost do not want to carve it, but I want its seeds so it has to be cut sometime. I decided I am going to roast pumpkin seeds this year. I remember doing this when I was younger but haven't had them in years. I know they are very healthy and it should be fun!
We arrived home from the orchard later than we planned, and last night was pretty low-key. I knew I had to be up VERY early this morning, so I tried to get to bed at a decent time. Tried is the operative word in that sentence. I got busy and did not go down until about 11:30, meaning the 5:00 am wake up call came way too soon!
The Chicago Marathon was today and I volunteered at an aid location, mile 16 rather than the 13 I had previously thought. Arrived around 6:15 to check in and get my instructions. The group I was with helped in the Gatorade block, while the water was another block down. Let it be said that if I had not already previously despised Gatorade I would have developed a loathing in the 7 hours I was out today.
Keeping in mind last year's fiasco of a marathon in which the day was unexpectedly warm and the aid stations terribly short-supplied, the officials this year added five more aid stations; all told, 100,000 gallons of Gatorade and water. It was my our job to stack the tables of Gatorade 5-tiers high and we spent the first few hours this morning doing just that. Favorite quote of the morning had to come from the Gatorade Coordinator at our station who, while instructing us on the parts of Gatorade to parts of water ratio, said, "The Gatorade is highly concentrated and cannot be drunk straight from the container. Doing so will kill you." It's lethal, but watered down it's a great, electrolyte-boosting sports drink! Woohoo!
Once the runners really started coming through my job turned to standing course-side, passing cups to runners and yelling my voice raw. Between spilling Gatorade all over me while filling the cups in the morning, having it splashed on me as runners snatched the cups out of my hand and the hands of those in front of me, and having not-empty cups tossed at me I came away pretty well soaked and sticky from the race. Straight home and into the shower and clothes straight into the washer.
I had a ton of fun, though! It was totally awesome to see the elite runners, and the rest of the pack was, for the most part, very polite and thankful. It was hot again today, about 80 degrees by noon (it's never a good sign when it is 65 degrees and humid before the sun is even up) and the race starts a bit later than most. Because of last year, race officials instituted a color-coded system to inform racers and volunteers of course conditions. It is a basic triage system, green being good to go and black being deadly. Last year was definitely a black. This year started at yellow because of the heat and humidity, and was upgraded to red by 11:00 am.
Despite the heat, we still had cups stacked three and four high when it was time to start breaking down our station. We had been told to keep mixing and filling, and therefore had been. Tear-down comes and we have tables full of Gatorade. Of course, in the spirit of conservation and environmentalism, the first step of clean-up was to up-end the tables in the street, spilling Gatorade and cups everywhere, and then just using shovels to put the whole mess in large plastic bags. It made me cringe every time a table went over.
It was a great experience overall, and I got a nifty jacket and official badge out of the deal. Go me with my volunteering self!
Post-marathon meant shower and nap. Then some laundry and reading for the upcoming week of classes. What a domestic life I lead!
This coming week is shaping up to be pretty quiet and will give me a nice break. I have class and work on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I take the train home to Iowa. Thursday is for whatever I want! Friday some shopping and a dentist appointment, then back to the city. Saturday is Wicked with Mom!
Life is just continuing at its unrelenting pace, and I'm along for the ride.
Love to everyone!
~g
Yesterday up relatively early (for a weekend) and out to an apple/pumpkin/raspberry orchard. Sure, it was an one and a half hours away, but oh-so worth it! Horizon broken only by colorful foliage, dry cornstalks, and fresh breezes. We picked Yellow and Red Delicious apples, ate some apple pie washed down with cold cider, and purchased fresh doughnuts and apple butter at the store. Consumer-driven and country-stereotypical? Sure! Do I care? NO!
I found the perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch. I will take pictures and show future generations the perfect pumpkin I found in my 24th year on this earth. It did not grow on its side but rather its bottom, making it perfectly round. I left a large stem when I pulled it off the vine. The stem even curves to make a just-right handle (minus those stupid little prickers pumpkins come with). I almost do not want to carve it, but I want its seeds so it has to be cut sometime. I decided I am going to roast pumpkin seeds this year. I remember doing this when I was younger but haven't had them in years. I know they are very healthy and it should be fun!
We arrived home from the orchard later than we planned, and last night was pretty low-key. I knew I had to be up VERY early this morning, so I tried to get to bed at a decent time. Tried is the operative word in that sentence. I got busy and did not go down until about 11:30, meaning the 5:00 am wake up call came way too soon!
The Chicago Marathon was today and I volunteered at an aid location, mile 16 rather than the 13 I had previously thought. Arrived around 6:15 to check in and get my instructions. The group I was with helped in the Gatorade block, while the water was another block down. Let it be said that if I had not already previously despised Gatorade I would have developed a loathing in the 7 hours I was out today.
Keeping in mind last year's fiasco of a marathon in which the day was unexpectedly warm and the aid stations terribly short-supplied, the officials this year added five more aid stations; all told, 100,000 gallons of Gatorade and water. It was my our job to stack the tables of Gatorade 5-tiers high and we spent the first few hours this morning doing just that. Favorite quote of the morning had to come from the Gatorade Coordinator at our station who, while instructing us on the parts of Gatorade to parts of water ratio, said, "The Gatorade is highly concentrated and cannot be drunk straight from the container. Doing so will kill you." It's lethal, but watered down it's a great, electrolyte-boosting sports drink! Woohoo!
Once the runners really started coming through my job turned to standing course-side, passing cups to runners and yelling my voice raw. Between spilling Gatorade all over me while filling the cups in the morning, having it splashed on me as runners snatched the cups out of my hand and the hands of those in front of me, and having not-empty cups tossed at me I came away pretty well soaked and sticky from the race. Straight home and into the shower and clothes straight into the washer.
I had a ton of fun, though! It was totally awesome to see the elite runners, and the rest of the pack was, for the most part, very polite and thankful. It was hot again today, about 80 degrees by noon (it's never a good sign when it is 65 degrees and humid before the sun is even up) and the race starts a bit later than most. Because of last year, race officials instituted a color-coded system to inform racers and volunteers of course conditions. It is a basic triage system, green being good to go and black being deadly. Last year was definitely a black. This year started at yellow because of the heat and humidity, and was upgraded to red by 11:00 am.
Despite the heat, we still had cups stacked three and four high when it was time to start breaking down our station. We had been told to keep mixing and filling, and therefore had been. Tear-down comes and we have tables full of Gatorade. Of course, in the spirit of conservation and environmentalism, the first step of clean-up was to up-end the tables in the street, spilling Gatorade and cups everywhere, and then just using shovels to put the whole mess in large plastic bags. It made me cringe every time a table went over.
It was a great experience overall, and I got a nifty jacket and official badge out of the deal. Go me with my volunteering self!
Post-marathon meant shower and nap. Then some laundry and reading for the upcoming week of classes. What a domestic life I lead!
This coming week is shaping up to be pretty quiet and will give me a nice break. I have class and work on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I take the train home to Iowa. Thursday is for whatever I want! Friday some shopping and a dentist appointment, then back to the city. Saturday is Wicked with Mom!
Life is just continuing at its unrelenting pace, and I'm along for the ride.
Love to everyone!
~g
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Blogs and Thoughts
Marshall and I were having a Facebook conversation tonight about our blogs and life and such. Below is a snippet of that conversation. The reference Marsh makes about love was in response to my status on Facebook, which reads, "Grace wonders, of the following, which is the greatest: Peace, Joy, Faith, Hope, or Love?"
Grace
Grace
:)
i don't say nearly as many profound things in my entries - nothing like you. mine are more for just keeping people up to date on my life and random thoughts
Marshall
ha
i just ramble like a son of a b
not profound at all.
Grace
your thoughts and rambling are usually pretty profound. God gave you quite the mind big brother.
Marshall
well, He gave me something.
i just hope i put it to good use.
Grace
i think you are
Marshall
also, the bible would say love.
just fyi.
Grace
i know the verse, but when you throw faith in the mix....
Marshall
but then comes the debate of whether faith is even possible without love.
OH SHIT NO HE DINTTTTT
Grace
or is the love the result of the faith?
Marshall
can you have faith in something you dont believe in? or that you dont trust?
and arent believe and trust at the core of love?
Grace
yes - that's what faith is sometimes... trusting and believing despite all evidence to the contrary. faith isn't necessarily easy, and arguably stronger when it involves adversary
right.
so then it could be argued than none is actually greater than the others, but that all are equally important when considered to be inextricably tied to the rest.
Grace
which gets to the root of my initial question... perhaps i didn't post looking for an answer but instead knew it would be rhetorical and instead wanted to start a conversation
Grace
or perhaps the question stems from current life events of me
Marshall
im sure it does.
Grace
totally terrible sentence structure there
come on, grad school
Grace
still better than a lot of people
11:48pmMarshall
yea.
The conversation was heading in a route I liked and was saddened when Marshall informed me it was time for him to sign off. I considered writing him an email to continue with my thought process, then decided to post it here instead. I know Marshall is not the only person who will be interested in what I have to say next.
I know something has been missing in my life. And I know that I have been restless and unhappy. And I have known, deep down, for a very long time that what is missing is a belief in something bigger, in God.
Having been raised Christian it is very easy for me to turn to the Christian faith. Honestly, I don't think I ever left it behind. It has always been there, but many questions and doubts of my own have stood in the way. Church and religion have long been sources of pain and confusion for me. The hypocrisy I witnessed and experienced for myself growing up were enough to push me away and keep me away. It is very difficult to look beyond the fallacy of the mortal followers to the perfection of the immortal God. The tangible is always more easily accepted than the intangible.
Several years ago five words wrote themselves on my heart. I did not pay them much mind then, but I am paying them lots of mind now. Peace. Joy. Faith. Hope. Love.
I am still struggling, wanting desperately to believe and yet feeling chained to all my history and doubt.
About two weeks ago I made a decision. I decided, rather than work it all out for myself and then approach God, that I would ask for His help instead. So I sat down by myself and closed my eyes and began to let my heart speak.
I couldn't begin to tell you all of the words. I truly can't remember most. I was not thinking of what to say to God; I was just saying it. I do know I asked Him into my heart and soul. I asked for His love and partnership. I asked for His help in healing the injuries caused in His house as I grew up. I asked for His guidance and patience as I come to know Him as I am now, instead of who I used to be. I told Him I made the choice to have faith in Him and His plan for my life even though questions still plague me. I told Him the faith is my part of the deal, and part of that is the belief He will heal me and come into my life in the timing He sees fit. I told Him I needed and wanted Him and His love.
There was no blinding insight; no instantaneous belief or joy. Mostly there was exhaustion and tears. Really, day-to-day life seems unchanged. The only difference is I feel more calm, more at peace. I laugh more and smile more. I have been more giving of my time, attention, and resources than before and finding great joy in it. And I have become very focused on Christmas. Yes, that is random, but then again, is it?
I am sure there will be tough times ahead. I am sure there will be days when I struggle at maintaining faith. Pray for me. Pray God continues his work. Pray for the day my healing is complete and the Lord enters my life as my partner and savior.
I am sure some of you are going to want to speak to me after reading this. I look forward to hearing from you as I continue this scary and exciting journey.
Much love.
~g
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Singin' In the Rain
So I came out of my test tonight to discover it was pouring down rain and the wind was whipping pretty hard. Problem. I did not take an umbrella to campus today. Only way to get home was to walk, so I walked in the rain. After splashing my way through an unavoidable puddle, visions of Gene Kelly popped into my head and the next thing you know I am skipping and singing. Definitely got some crazy looks, but also got some smiles and one gentleman even nodded and wished me a good evening. Was I ever soaked when I got home! And smiling. Everyone should skip and sing in the rain.
Midterm went alright. Not too great, not terribly bad. Just alright. Yes, I should have studied more, but there's nothing I can do now.
I took the day off of work today and enjoyed sleeping in a bit. Things are going to slow down for the next few weeks which is very good for me. I can use the slower pace. And I really need to get back to the gym! Between illness, injury, and hiatus for work, my gym time has really seen a drastic decline. I am trying to keep up with the healthier eating and am attempting to do things such as sit ups and push ups at home, but I am finding I actually miss the gym. Crazy!
I miss the pool as well. I don't get in as often as I would like. Lauren and I have a deal, though. She hates the pool and I hate the lack of variety, so once a week she gives in and gets in the pool and the rest of the time I don't complain. It's a friendship that works because we communicate and compromise!
Now I just need the guy I can have the communication and compromise and mutual pleasing with.
That sentence made sense in my head.
I'm trying to figure out what I am going to be for Halloween. I think we are going to have a community party here at the building with all of the neighbors. Angela wants to be a Smurfette. I will be costume hunting while at home next week. I would like suggestions for costumes and need them no later than one week from now. You have been charged with your task.
My Christmas spirit has started remarkably early this year. What does that mean?
I will spend most of Friday cleaning the apartment. It is atrocious. At least by my standards. I would be ashamed to bring anyone into this house right now even though none of the mess is mine. At this point I do not care who created the mess - I simply want it gone.
Life continues. 212 days until I graduate from my program and go on to the next phase.
I figured that out today while avoiding studying. At least I can count!
Love!
~g
Midterm went alright. Not too great, not terribly bad. Just alright. Yes, I should have studied more, but there's nothing I can do now.
I took the day off of work today and enjoyed sleeping in a bit. Things are going to slow down for the next few weeks which is very good for me. I can use the slower pace. And I really need to get back to the gym! Between illness, injury, and hiatus for work, my gym time has really seen a drastic decline. I am trying to keep up with the healthier eating and am attempting to do things such as sit ups and push ups at home, but I am finding I actually miss the gym. Crazy!
I miss the pool as well. I don't get in as often as I would like. Lauren and I have a deal, though. She hates the pool and I hate the lack of variety, so once a week she gives in and gets in the pool and the rest of the time I don't complain. It's a friendship that works because we communicate and compromise!
Now I just need the guy I can have the communication and compromise and mutual pleasing with.
That sentence made sense in my head.
I'm trying to figure out what I am going to be for Halloween. I think we are going to have a community party here at the building with all of the neighbors. Angela wants to be a Smurfette. I will be costume hunting while at home next week. I would like suggestions for costumes and need them no later than one week from now. You have been charged with your task.
My Christmas spirit has started remarkably early this year. What does that mean?
I will spend most of Friday cleaning the apartment. It is atrocious. At least by my standards. I would be ashamed to bring anyone into this house right now even though none of the mess is mine. At this point I do not care who created the mess - I simply want it gone.
Life continues. 212 days until I graduate from my program and go on to the next phase.
I figured that out today while avoiding studying. At least I can count!
Love!
~g
Monday, October 6, 2008
Long and Short
I am busy. Very busy. But less busy after Tuesday.
I am becoming more at peace. Broad statement, I know. And somewhat hard to explain. I do not yet know if I am more at peace with myself, my surroundings, my perceived path (or lack thereof), or what. All I know is I feel more settled and calm. I am not questioning but rather thanking God and asking for the peace to continue.
Next weekend I am going apple picking. While I look forward to the apples, I really look forward to the raspberries, pumpkins, and fresh doughnuts. That will be on Saturday. On Sunday I am getting up entirely too early and helping man (or in my case, woman) a Gatorade station for the Chicago Marathon. The station is right around the 13 mile mark and should consequently be incredibly fun.
One of my favorite websites is back up and running. Take a moment to check out Komar.org and his controllable lights. I do not know why I find this sight so much fun, but I do. The Christmas version is even better than the Halloween version!
Tonight will be a somewhat late night as I work on studying for tomorrow's midterm and advancing laundry that I should have done yesterday. I took tomorrow off from work (I am owed quite a few hours) and will sleep in a bit then cram hard. I am fine with the overview of the topics for tomorrow's exam, but need work on the nuances.
I am, in my spare time -ok, let me be frank, in class when I am bored - putting together a list of things to do with my father and stepmother when they come visit me at Thanksgiving. Suggestions are appreciated.
Scavengers in the alley! Wow, they are early tonight. Usually they don't come around until around 11:30. I can hear them as my window overlooks the alley, but being on the second floor I am not very concerned. Our scavengers and us have a mutual understanding - we put the items we know they want (cardboard, recyclables, etc) on top and they collect and leave quickly. Minimally bothersome to us, helpful to them.
The things you learn when living in a city...
I am off to compare Stone's theory of public policy with the rational models. Input is much desired.
Love!
~g
BTW - In my supreme September business I completely spaced off and forgot the birthday's (should that be possessive?) of two good friends. To my Iowa State mother: Remember, you are now officially one year closer to retirement! And to my Dubuque buddy: You will get your card when I get stamps.
I am becoming more at peace. Broad statement, I know. And somewhat hard to explain. I do not yet know if I am more at peace with myself, my surroundings, my perceived path (or lack thereof), or what. All I know is I feel more settled and calm. I am not questioning but rather thanking God and asking for the peace to continue.
Next weekend I am going apple picking. While I look forward to the apples, I really look forward to the raspberries, pumpkins, and fresh doughnuts. That will be on Saturday. On Sunday I am getting up entirely too early and helping man (or in my case, woman) a Gatorade station for the Chicago Marathon. The station is right around the 13 mile mark and should consequently be incredibly fun.
One of my favorite websites is back up and running. Take a moment to check out Komar.org and his controllable lights. I do not know why I find this sight so much fun, but I do. The Christmas version is even better than the Halloween version!
Tonight will be a somewhat late night as I work on studying for tomorrow's midterm and advancing laundry that I should have done yesterday. I took tomorrow off from work (I am owed quite a few hours) and will sleep in a bit then cram hard. I am fine with the overview of the topics for tomorrow's exam, but need work on the nuances.
I am, in my spare time -ok, let me be frank, in class when I am bored - putting together a list of things to do with my father and stepmother when they come visit me at Thanksgiving. Suggestions are appreciated.
Scavengers in the alley! Wow, they are early tonight. Usually they don't come around until around 11:30. I can hear them as my window overlooks the alley, but being on the second floor I am not very concerned. Our scavengers and us have a mutual understanding - we put the items we know they want (cardboard, recyclables, etc) on top and they collect and leave quickly. Minimally bothersome to us, helpful to them.
The things you learn when living in a city...
I am off to compare Stone's theory of public policy with the rational models. Input is much desired.
Love!
~g
BTW - In my supreme September business I completely spaced off and forgot the birthday's (should that be possessive?) of two good friends. To my Iowa State mother: Remember, you are now officially one year closer to retirement! And to my Dubuque buddy: You will get your card when I get stamps.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
So much for writing more often!
It's been crazy busy in my life! School this semester is very intense, and much more like what I imagined graduate school would be. My classes are much more discussion-based, making it very obvious if you fall behind in the reading! And I only have one class that has an actual midterm and final test; the other two have weekly papers and a term paper, respectively. I expected to do a lot more talking and writing in grad school rather than being lectured at and tested. Last year, because I was mostly lectured at, I still felt very much like I was an undergraduate. This semester is much different!
Work has been incredibly busy. The biggest leadership event we do is the annual Student Leadership Conference. Last year I served on the committee for the conference and provided whatever support the coordinator needed. It was a good learning experience but, despite it being a leadership program and me being the leadership initiatives grad assistant, I really had very little to do with the conference. That changed this year!
We moved the conference to the fall semester for the first time this year and with the transition in the office and more pressing programs to plan and launch, the planning of the conference did not really begin until the semester started. That gave me six weeks, SIX WEEKS, to coordinate a conference for roughly two-hundred students! Of course, I am not doing it alone, but I am doing a lot!
I have, in the past five weeks: researched national keynote speakers, solicited proposals from those I felt may be able to provide what we were looking for, convinced the committee to go with my top choice, extended an offer, took care of all of the speaker's travel and facility needs, managed the needs of the afternoon speakers and their technical needs, convinced campus catering to waived a $400 fee, oversaw the solicitation of co-sponsorship in the amount of roughly $5000 - 7000 (we won't know about the last $2000 until after the conference), chose and ordered a conference gift, convinced several on-campus departs and Kaplan, Inc. to donate raffle prizes, and the performed the multitude of daily tasks such a large conference requires.
The conference is one week from today, after which my life gets much easier!
I have still been managing to make it to the gym and continue to impress myself and Lauren with my awesome strength. The gym visits fell off this past week because both Lauren and I felt pretty puny. The time at the gym most likely will be scarce next week, as well, as I put in long hours at work pulling the conference together. Still, I can see and feel a difference and my doctor was uber impressed at the lower numbers my cholesterol is showing (ok, so there was also some medicinal intervention in that one, but I'm doing a lot too!).
The roommate situation is still going well! So is the getting to know our neighbors. This place is starting to turn into its own little community, which is very nice! I like knowing the people who live around me and I like having the ability to have a conversation and even friendship with them. It's shaping up to be a good year here at 1257, 1R.
I am super excited that I am going to become an auntie! :)
Some of the best movies of all time, in no particular order:
12 Angry Men (1957 version)
My Fair Lady
Shop Around the Corner
Love to everyone!
~g
Work has been incredibly busy. The biggest leadership event we do is the annual Student Leadership Conference. Last year I served on the committee for the conference and provided whatever support the coordinator needed. It was a good learning experience but, despite it being a leadership program and me being the leadership initiatives grad assistant, I really had very little to do with the conference. That changed this year!
We moved the conference to the fall semester for the first time this year and with the transition in the office and more pressing programs to plan and launch, the planning of the conference did not really begin until the semester started. That gave me six weeks, SIX WEEKS, to coordinate a conference for roughly two-hundred students! Of course, I am not doing it alone, but I am doing a lot!
I have, in the past five weeks: researched national keynote speakers, solicited proposals from those I felt may be able to provide what we were looking for, convinced the committee to go with my top choice, extended an offer, took care of all of the speaker's travel and facility needs, managed the needs of the afternoon speakers and their technical needs, convinced campus catering to waived a $400 fee, oversaw the solicitation of co-sponsorship in the amount of roughly $5000 - 7000 (we won't know about the last $2000 until after the conference), chose and ordered a conference gift, convinced several on-campus departs and Kaplan, Inc. to donate raffle prizes, and the performed the multitude of daily tasks such a large conference requires.
The conference is one week from today, after which my life gets much easier!
I have still been managing to make it to the gym and continue to impress myself and Lauren with my awesome strength. The gym visits fell off this past week because both Lauren and I felt pretty puny. The time at the gym most likely will be scarce next week, as well, as I put in long hours at work pulling the conference together. Still, I can see and feel a difference and my doctor was uber impressed at the lower numbers my cholesterol is showing (ok, so there was also some medicinal intervention in that one, but I'm doing a lot too!).
The roommate situation is still going well! So is the getting to know our neighbors. This place is starting to turn into its own little community, which is very nice! I like knowing the people who live around me and I like having the ability to have a conversation and even friendship with them. It's shaping up to be a good year here at 1257, 1R.
I am super excited that I am going to become an auntie! :)
Some of the best movies of all time, in no particular order:
12 Angry Men (1957 version)
My Fair Lady
Shop Around the Corner
Love to everyone!
~g
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Madison
So I went to Madison this weekend to hang out with Angela and her buddies and some of my own! Angela's birthday was this past Monday and, falling during the week, mostly unnoticed. She spent last weekend with her boyfriend and this weekend with her friends to make up for it!
My good friend, Mike, came up from Dubuque to join us in Madison. I was super happy as I do not get to see him, well, ever. We all went out last night to watch Wisconsin play Fresno. That was a blast! I loved being back in an atmosphere where everyone was intent on their friends but fully ready to yell at the many TVs broadcasting the game.
We slept in today and got a late start back to Chicago. Making only one detour for cheese, we made it back in very good time and now I am just taking the evening to unwind and gather myself for this coming week. I have quite a few assignments due and frankly could not afford the weekend road trip, but I decided the memories of this weekend are more important than the perfect grade on the assignments.
Life continues to be very busy and I continue to stay right at the water level.
The Broncos need to learn what the word "defense" means.
LOVE!
~g
My good friend, Mike, came up from Dubuque to join us in Madison. I was super happy as I do not get to see him, well, ever. We all went out last night to watch Wisconsin play Fresno. That was a blast! I loved being back in an atmosphere where everyone was intent on their friends but fully ready to yell at the many TVs broadcasting the game.
We slept in today and got a late start back to Chicago. Making only one detour for cheese, we made it back in very good time and now I am just taking the evening to unwind and gather myself for this coming week. I have quite a few assignments due and frankly could not afford the weekend road trip, but I decided the memories of this weekend are more important than the perfect grade on the assignments.
Life continues to be very busy and I continue to stay right at the water level.
The Broncos need to learn what the word "defense" means.
LOVE!
~g
Thursday, September 11, 2008
OWIE!!!
I'm kicking butt at the gym but dang does it hurt! The abdominals in particular have taken a beating this week.
I'm going to be an aunt! It is a bit strange to think of but I am excited. And to be honest a little sad and longing for the relationship and the family myself. But mostly just excited and already loving my new niece or nephew. This seals it - we're officially adults now.
Life has been going quickly, as usual. My big event for work is coming up very soon and with the school year fully underway my obligations to our student group are also picking up. Be sure to check out PASA's blog and website!
http://uicpasa.blogspot.com/
http://sites.google.com/site/uicpasa/
The roomie and I are heading to Madison this weekend to celebrate her birthday with some of her friends. We have plans to hit the farmer's market and the local cheese shop. Party people!
We have gotten to know our neighbors upstairs. Last weekend we grilled out together in the courtyard and played corn hole and had a generally good time. Last night we exchanged fruit and vegetables. I like the sense of community and knowing the people I share walls and ceilings/floors with. CNB is still CNB.
Other than that life just continues to plug away.
Love to everyone!!
~g
I'm going to be an aunt! It is a bit strange to think of but I am excited. And to be honest a little sad and longing for the relationship and the family myself. But mostly just excited and already loving my new niece or nephew. This seals it - we're officially adults now.
Life has been going quickly, as usual. My big event for work is coming up very soon and with the school year fully underway my obligations to our student group are also picking up. Be sure to check out PASA's blog and website!
http://uicpasa.blogspot.com/
http://sites.google.com/site/uicpasa/
The roomie and I are heading to Madison this weekend to celebrate her birthday with some of her friends. We have plans to hit the farmer's market and the local cheese shop. Party people!
We have gotten to know our neighbors upstairs. Last weekend we grilled out together in the courtyard and played corn hole and had a generally good time. Last night we exchanged fruit and vegetables. I like the sense of community and knowing the people I share walls and ceilings/floors with. CNB is still CNB.
Other than that life just continues to plug away.
Love to everyone!!
~g
Thursday, September 4, 2008
CNB
Neighbor Joe has officially been dubbed CNB - Cute Neighbor Boy.
CNB came around tonight for help hooking his Mac up to the Internet. I looked decidedly better tonight compared to his first visit, but alas was not able to help. Macs are dumb. He's a bright boy and has a PC for everyday use; his Mac is only a really old secondary computer.
2 miles at the gym today. 2.5 yesterday. Weights and such as well. Dang. I'm trying to convince Lauren to swim tomorrow in an effort to shake up the routine.
No big plans for the weekend. At some point I need to kick it into gear and get into school mode. It's been difficult to transition into this semester considering how few classes have actually been held. I'm sure this next week it will start to feel more settled.
I'm starting to get a social life. I have been invited to road trip to Madison as well as somewhere in Indiana a few weeks from now. Problem is the road trips are scheduled for the same weekend. Yayy for having friends and being in demand!
Stupid Gustav rain bands. I got soaked despite my umbrella (ella, ella, hey hey). It's time for a new umbrella. The 5 + year old one with the broken spokes just isn't cutting it anymore.
I am becoming a fan of headbands again.
~g
CNB came around tonight for help hooking his Mac up to the Internet. I looked decidedly better tonight compared to his first visit, but alas was not able to help. Macs are dumb. He's a bright boy and has a PC for everyday use; his Mac is only a really old secondary computer.
2 miles at the gym today. 2.5 yesterday. Weights and such as well. Dang. I'm trying to convince Lauren to swim tomorrow in an effort to shake up the routine.
No big plans for the weekend. At some point I need to kick it into gear and get into school mode. It's been difficult to transition into this semester considering how few classes have actually been held. I'm sure this next week it will start to feel more settled.
I'm starting to get a social life. I have been invited to road trip to Madison as well as somewhere in Indiana a few weeks from now. Problem is the road trips are scheduled for the same weekend. Yayy for having friends and being in demand!
Stupid Gustav rain bands. I got soaked despite my umbrella (ella, ella, hey hey). It's time for a new umbrella. The 5 + year old one with the broken spokes just isn't cutting it anymore.
I am becoming a fan of headbands again.
~g
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