Twins!

I can finally announce some very exciting news: my sister-in-law is pregnant with twins!! On one of the ultrasound photos, the babies are colored in yellow so you can tell where they are. This was taken really early on, which is why they look like lima beans.
But the other photos were taken about 2 weeks ago. One of them is waving hello!

Sierra Nevada

Here is the story of Paul, Sierra Nevada and me.

Back in September, Paul and I saw Wilco play at Millenium Park. At the start of the show, he offered to buy us two beers at the beer tent and I asked him to get me an Amstel Light. When he got back to the blanket we put both cups on a frisbee turned upside down. After a few drinks, I remember thinking my Amstel Light tasted really funny. And I didn't really like it but I thought it was so nice that Paul bought me a beer so I didn't want to complain. So I just kept drinking that nasty tasting Amstel Light.

It wasn't until later that Paul told me that I had picked up his Sierra Nevada and started drinking that. He knew I was drinking his beer but he thought that I obviously wanted it, otherwise I would start drinking my Amstel Light again, so Paul didn't say anything about the fact that I was drinking his beer.

Last night, Paul and I met up to go to his co-workers birthday party. We both hit a point where the faux-hawks and rock/country music became too much so we decided to head elsewhere. We ended up at The Hungry Brain on Belmont, where we ran into my co-worker Joe. So we were all sitting around, chatting, trying to help a girl stop hiccuping and I offered to buy a round of beers. Joe wanted a Bass. Paul wanted a Newcastle. I wanted an Amstel Light.

I turned to the bartender and suddenly the memory of the night at the Wilco show rushed into my mind and I, unintentionally, order a Sierra Nevada. I hand it to Paul without even realizing my mistake. He was a great sport about it and offered to drink the Sierra Nevada instead of having me buy him a New Castle.

I think from here on out, whenever I offer to buy Paul a beer I will ask him what he wants and then I will always buy him a Sierra Nevada.

Flowers

I bought some flowers at Trader Joe's yesterday and they've brightened up my whole apartment!

6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon

Last night was Ryan's surprise birthday party. (I just remember that last night Ryan asked me to begin referring to him as Pedro, on this blog. Consider it a 2nd birthday gift.) Brenna had flown in Culon from California to surprise Pedro. It was a lot of fun meeting Culon and it was even better seeing Pedro so thrilled to have his friend in town for a few days.
I met up with the gang at Irish Oak, a small pub in Wrigleyville. We all tossed back some drinks, sang songs with the cover band, and enjoyed celebrating Pedro's life.
We tried to hit up another karaoke bar but it was crowded and the vibe in the bar was a bit too pretentious for our liking, so we headed up to Lincoln Square and hung out at the Daily Bar and Grill.

That is when some random folks starting popping up.

First, more laughter, talking and fun. Second, a run in with an ex-boyfriend which was quite unexpected and surprisingly emotionless. Third, more people show up to celebrate with Pedro and one guy in particular looks incredibly familiar. I looked at him and said "I know you." and he said "I know you. How do we know each other?"
After a few minutes of listing off names of friends we finally caught the connection....Sarah and Paddy! Tom, this guy, is Timmy's best friend. Timmy is Paddy's older brother. Once we figured that out we just grinned and continued on with the celebration.

Happy Birthday, Pedro!

Vampire Weekend

I can not stop listening to the Vampire Weekend self-titled album. The only time I'm not listening to it is when I'm in meetings and during those times I'm singing the songs in my head anyway.

So Vampire Weekend is a big ol' mosh-up of all sorts of sounds. It's definitely pop, with a British feel (some songs kinda have a Beatles vibe, I think), there is African drumming undertones (which reminds me of Paul Simon, post Simon and Garfunkel) and one song's chorus reminds me of the Ramones.

Now I'm probably getting all of those references wrong and some know-it-all is going to come at me saying it's nothing like that at all; all of their influence obviously comes from neo-underground-post-london-punk-via-brooklyn, or something random like that. But that's the stuff that I hear and that's the stuff that makes me listen to the entire album from start to finish and then hit the back button on my Ipod and start the whole thing all over again.

You can see one video here

You can hear one song here

My Last Supper

The coffee table book at Brenna's aunt's house was My Last Supper. It's a book interviewing the world's top 50 chefs and asking them the following:
1. What food would you want served as your last meal?
2. Who would prepare the food?
3. Who would be invited to the meal?
4. What music would you have playing?

I spent about an hour flipping through this book and it sparked quite the interesting conversation on Easter Sunday.

So after some thought, here is what I would want served if I were to have my last supper today:
(in order)
1. a tall glass of cool water - to cleanse the palate and refresh my body
2. flights of wines - including prosecco and moscado
3. a caprese salad with fresh buffalo mozarella
4. an array of cheeses, including brie and the cheddar with chives that Whole Foods sells
5. an array of crackers
6. a loaf of crusty bread
7. sliced fruit: pears, apples, strawberries, pineapple, grapes, blueberries and raspberries. some to be served with the cheese others to just snack on.
8. honey (for the brie and crackers)
9. for dessert: my grandmother's peach cobbler, fresh from the oven and still warm
10. a tall glass of skim milk

I love food and I love the experience of eating food, so by having finger foods that I could pick at, I could take my time with the meal. I would also want all of my family and friends at the meal and we could all be picking at the food on massive plates in the center of the table. There would be lots of conversation and laughter and no one, besides me, would know it was my last supper. That way there would be no grieving during the meal, just celebration.
The food would be prepared by me while everyone stood around the kitchen talking. It would be very important to me that I serve my friends and family for my last supper.
For music, it would start out with shuffling my Ipod and would end with opera. Andrea Bocelli would be lovely.

Easter

Just a quick update on how my Easter went. It went Awesome! I went to church that morning and really enjoyed all of the music and the sermon. Then Brenna and Ryan picked me up and we all went to her aunt's house in Glen Ellyn. Her whole family welcomed me with open arms! Literally! I've never gotten so many hugs in such a small span of time.
The food was amazing and their wine cellar is my dream wine cellar. It's a full-on room with floor to ceiling bottles of wine and not once did my glass go dry (thanks to her very boisterous uncle). We had mimosas in the morning, red wines with dinner and champagne for dessert. It was just lovely.

I opted to bring cookies from Three Tarts Bakery , to share with everyone.

So a big thank you goes out to Brenna, Ryan and family, for inviting me into their home on such a special day.

Happy (belated) Easter, everyone!

Mr. Anonymous

*I changed the image for this posting. I like this one muuuuch better.*

And yes, I think you're a mister...you sure do put in a lot of time reading and commenting on my blog.

I think it's peculiar that you want to be anonymous but you also want me to know that you are reading along. I mean, if you really wanted to be completely anonymous, and just voyeuristic, you wouldn't post comments. But you want me to know that you're reading.

Well I love a good puzzle as much as the next girl, hence my obsession with the crossword, so let's try and solve this, shall we?

Answer me these three questions:
1. Have you and I ever met before?
2. When was the last time you and I spoke, face to face.
3. If I were to ask you out for a cup of coffee (or whatever drink you prefer), would you say yes?

The Helio Sequence

Carisa and I just bought tixs for The Helio Sequence show at the Empty Bottle in mid-may.

I do love me some live music.

Update: I just got an email from Ray and he's hooking me up with some new tunes. I should have the following by the end of the day today:
the black keys - attack and release
vampire weekend - self titled
tapes 'n tapes - walk it off
mike doughty - golden delicious
stephen malkmus & the jicks - real emotional trash
cat power - juke box
juno - movie soundtrack
The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

Chad C.- I know you're a big Jack White fan. Have you heard the new Raconteurs album? What are your thoughts?

Wanted: Pics of Friday

Sean - Happy Birthday! I'll see you in hell. (you heard me)

But first, email me some pics from Friday night. And I know you have pics because I stole your camera and snapped a bunch. I promise not to post any with Hyde in them. ;)

Pop Quiz

Question: What do Chuck Norris and my 3 year-old nephew, Max, have in common?
Answer: By 8:30am today, they had both kicked someone in the neck.

Consolers of the Lonely

The Raconteurs announced yesterday that they're releasing a 14 track album, IN ONE WEEK!!

First Gnarls Barkely and now The Raconteurs, the Lolla line-up is going to rock my face off!

Getting Medium

I met up with Sean last night, at Dunlay's, for dinner and drinks. We haven't had a chance to hang out since before my cruise and we had lots to catch up on. His birthday is on Monday, so I was able to give him his birthday gift as well. He loved getting his card as much as I loved giving it. :)

I've also decided that if the whole "law" think doesn't work out, Sean should be a writer. He has this incredible knack for the English language (remember Flumonia was his invention).
He also invented a word for the place between buzzed and drunk, he calls that place "medium". I will use it in a sentence: I don't feel like getting drunk tonight, I just want to get medium.

I knew it was going to be a fun evening when he called on my drive home from work to ask what time we were meeting up and did I feel like getting food. I replied, "It will probably be closer to 7:30pm and I may get a snack, why?" and Sean said, "Becausing I'm starting to starve." hee hee

The Odd Couple

This went on sale TODAY! Which is 3 weeks earlier than it was supposed to! So I went ahead and bought it. I'm sure it will rock my face off all summer long.

And I bet they play Lolla!!

Update: I'm digging this album. It's not as good as their first one, but it still rocks my face off. (that's my new favorite saying, by the way.)

A Sigh Too Deep for Words

This little snippet has been playing over and over in my mind this past week, Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

I love the idea of a sigh too deep for words. The phrase sounds best whispered, I feel, with a long exhale on the word "sigh". Humor me and try saying that out loud to yourself (and if you have to whisper it or say it under your breath, that's even better)...a sigh too deep for words. It's almost meditative, isn't it?

I know the passage is meant for the weary and tired, the lost and hopeless (and believe me, I get that), but when I hear a sigh too deep for words I don't feel hopeless, I feel peaceful. I like the idea of a Spirit wrapping it's arms around me and breathing deeply.

a sigh too deep for words

This may be due to my friend's recent first yoga experience or perhaps because I'm reading a book on meditation, but when I hear this passage I imagine myself in a yoga class calm and maybe a bit sleepy. I imagine my body relaxed. My spirit quiet. I picture myself, forehead resting softly on the ground, arms outstretched in front of me, knees tucked protectively under my body. And then I imagine the feeling of the Spirit laying itself on my back, resting it's head on my neck, wrapping it's arms around my body and sighing with me.

a sigh too deep for words

Sighing for me.

Eat, Pray, Love

I began reading the book Eat, Pray, Love this weekend, per my mom's suggestion. I can not put this book down. I stayed up until 2am last night reading. Karla and Joy - you both would love this book. As I'm reading it, I keep thinking of the two of you.

Bleeding Heart

I ate brunch today at Bleeding Heart, the new organic bakery that opened up about 2 blocks from my home. This is my new favorite place in the neighborhood and I have a feeling I will be eating breakfast there on a weekly basis, this summer.
As I walked into the shop all I could see were cases full of scones, muffins, croissants, cakes, cookies, fudge and tarts. Color was splashed on the walls, on the chalkboards behind the counter and, most importantly, on the food. It was so pretty to just look at.
So I ordered a croissant with ham off the bone, swiss cheese and white cheddar cheese and organic strawberry-apple juice to drink. I settled into one of the few tables available and paused a moment to take in the punk rock vibe and the contradicting country/bluegrass music that filled the air.
I was surprised at how busy the shop was, considering it's only been open for a little over a month. But there was a line at the register the entire time I was there. Their variety of organic, vegetarian and vegan foods is quite impressive. And the cake case is stunning! Their cake decorater is extremely talented (Angie, next time you visit I want to take you to this bakery.)

So I settled into my table, took a bite of my flaky croissant and began reading a new book. I highly recommend everyone take the time to check out The Bleeding Heart Organic Bakery, on the corner of Belmont and Damen. And if you happen to be there on a weekend morning, keep your eyes open for me. I'll be the girl in the corner table, reading a book and smiling to myself.

Spring Cleaning

I have spent the past week Spring Cleaning. The week of semi-warm (read: not freezing) weather has me itching to open up my windows and get some fresh air through here. It makes me want freshness and cleanliness. So I've been organizing, sorting, cleaning and tossing stuff out and my apartment looks great!
Next week I begin painting, which should be hard and exhausting but worth it in the end.

My apartment now smells like sickingly sweet, fake lemons. It's fantastic.

And it always feels good when I have so much on my mind, to focus and work on a project. It helps me process my thoughts and feelings. It's a sense of relief because I may not be able to fix or control the struggles of my heart but I can fix and control the messiness of my apartment. Everything seems more manageable when my home is clean. That probably sounds silly but it's how I feel.

Selfish Kitty

These are my absolute favorite birthday cards:
The insides read like this:

Yellow - It seems like only yesterday you didn't get me anything for mine.
Brown - Yeah, that game blows.
Blue - In all seriousness, you're a bastard.

Honey

Brenna and Ryan invited me over to their place, last night. We dined on an array of cheese, crackers, honeys and wines. Tasting parties are my new favorite thing!! And how great was it that the day before I had received my Bon Appetit magazine in the mail and one of the first articles was on honey! And it featured Savannah Bee Honey, which is the type of honey I brought!

Anyhoo, we sat around and chatted for hours and I just know that this summer we are going to throw some awesome parties together. AND Brenna has a huge backyard that she wants to turn into a vegetable garden! So I might be able to play in the dirt after all!

Time Will Tell

I found a new theory that explains LOST. You can read it here

read Hunter's comment at the bottom of the page

Practicing Radical Grace

I've been downloading Dave's sermons onto my Ipod and listening to them during my commute to and from work. (Dave is the new pastor at my hometown church. He is one of the most talented pastor's I have ever encountered.) It's amazing how easy it is to keep commuter frustration in check when you spend the hour hearing stories about grace, forgiveness and patience.

This morning I listened to a new sermon about practicing radical grace and forgiveness. Dave's wife, Dana, gave the sermon and called upon her own stories from this past year when her and Dave have been granted radical forgiveness from people in their lives. It was an extremely moving speech. So much so that it brought tears to my eyes as I zipped up the Edens to work.

I try not to be a preachy person but this is something I would like to suggest everyone take a listen to. It's not as "churchy" as you might think. It's more story telling with a great lesson.

But before you listen to a sermon, you should know that Dave used to preach at a Methodist church in Indianola, IA. He struggled with a gambling addiction and due to poor choices involving that addiction, he was asked to leave the Methodist denomination. He's spent the past year in recovery and treatment for this addiction and was voted unanimously by my church to be our new pastor.

And then you should check out this website to listen to a sermon. Ones I would suggest:
-Reading the Will (January 6th)
-Come Forth (March 9th)
-Installation Service (March 9th) *this is the one that brought tears to my eyes*

Que Rico!

Saturday night, Carisa, Michi and I celebrated the final installation of Carisa's birthday week. We dined at the mexican restaurant Que Rico! which we had been eyeing for about a year now. It opened up in Roscoe Village last spring and Carisa and I would comment about it every time we drove home from work.
The food was ok (fantastic empanadas, though) but the real treat was their margaritas! Strong as hell and only $7! We'll take two!

As we started on the second round, I think the three of us all began to feel a bit buzzed and a bit chatty. That's the best thing about hanging with the girls, great conversation and plenty of laughter.

After we stuffed ourselves with flautas and guacamole, we headed over to The Riverview Tavern for some pints. This is where Michael joined in on the festivities and where we came up with the most brilliant idea for a party, ever!

This Friday we're going toe to toe in a board game throwdown. Girls will dominate!

Super Bad 2: Super Worse

His Best Side

This is my favorite photograph of Sean, ever.

The When Harry Met Sally Theory

So lately I've been feeling disappointed in some of my guy friends. Basically I feel like that because I'm a girl, they've been treating me differently. Poorly.

I know that some people think that guys and girls can't be friends because the gender difference will somehow get in the way, i.e. The When Harry Met Sally Theory. I've always disagreed with that theory and used some of my guy friendships as examples of how it can work out. Now...I'm not so sure.

In the past month I've had two guy friends do something that makes me feel less valued as a friend, just because I'm a girl. I'm not going to go into details but, for the first time, I'm questioning if guys and girls can be more than acquaintances. Can they be friends?

Felicity

So I've been Netflixing the show Felicity. It seems like almost every girl I know, but me, has seen this show. There are two lead male characters: Ben and Noel. Ben is the exciting, sexy character. Noel is the steady, good-hearted, friend character.

I've had two girlfriends ask me if I'm a Ben-Girl or a Noel-Girl.

I'm a Noel-Girl, through and through.
Besides, Noel is taller. And y'all know how I feel about the tall boys.

Lollapalooza

YAHOO!!!!!

I just scored two pre-sale tickets to Lollapalooza! $60 for all three days!!! Carisa, Lauren and Sarah also scored tickets!!

Happy Friday!!!!!

And in bitter sweet news, I just read THIS. Good news for me, sad news for Michi.

Mystery Solved

"Mr. Anonymous" is my mom. I was way off.

Flight

The other night Brenna and I had a fantastic dinner at Flight, which is a new-ish restaurant in Glenview. I ordered a flight of sparkling wines while she opted for red wine. We had a cheese fondue for an appetizer, which was delicious. I ate a beet and goat cheese salad for the entree and then molten chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream for dessert. Then we sipped cappuccinos while chatting about all sorts of stuff. What a great evening! I'm so glad she suggested the restaurant!!

One of the things we talked about was how she was going to plant a vegetable garden in her back yard this summer. (She is also signing up for the CSA/Organic Produce program that I'm involved with.) Anyway, hearing her talk about gardening got me thinking about how much I enjoyed gardening last summer. I liked every aspect of gardening: choosing which veggies I was going to plant, weeding and preparing the soil for planting, watering the plants and watching them grow, and finally picking fresh veggies every day to cook with. I wish that I had the space for a garden, this summer. I will instead buy some big pots and plant oregano and maybe a tomato plant. I can't wait for summer!

Flumonia: A Recovery Story

It's been a week and a half since my body waged a war against Flumonia germs. (Flumonia is the term my friend Sean uses to describe my illness. It's part flu, part pnemonia.)

I'm feeling a lot better than I did this time last week but I'm still unable to take a deep breath without choking. The Flumonia has a headlock on my lungs and it won't let them go.
I think more drugs may be required.

In the meantime, I have decided that my story would make a wonderful Lifetime made-for-t.v. movie, Flumonia: A Recovery Story. Starring Tiffany-Amber Theissan.

A girl, living in the city, travels abroad and brings home with her a fantastic tan, some fun stories and The Flumonia. Olivia, played by Tiffany-Amber, faces her most difficult struggle as she clings to life while her community pulls together to rebuild after an F5 tornado rips through town. Can Olivia and the community recover from these disasters? Stay tuned...

You can't have a made-for-t.v. movie without a natural disaster!!

Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture

Why would they ever want to stop producing Polaroid cameras?

Carisa's Birfday Party

Here are a few photos from Carisa's birthday party, which we threw this past weekend. There are also Polaroid pictures, but I'm waiting to get scanned copies of those. Once I get them, I will for sure post. Those were a ton of fun to take!

I think you can tell in the photos which ones were taken at the start of the party, during the party, and towards the end of the party. What a blast!

Happy Birthday, Carisa!