If it was humanly possible, I would most definitely end my search for a man and just marry the glorious month of October.
October has always been there for me. October is pleasing to all of my senses. The mere mention of hayrides and apple cider makes my stomach flip flop- every time. You know that irrational giddiness you experience when you're head over heels in love with someone and every touch sends tingles down your spine and every kiss gives you butterflies in your tummy ?? That is the spell that October has over me. I love you, October, and I don't care who knows it!! For thirty-one days a year, I am embraced- nay, cuddled by the best month the calendar has to offer.
You can make an argument for July- fireworks! Picnics! Beaches! What about December? Christmas! New Year's Eve! Or November- Thanksgiving!! (And my birthday month!) I understand how great fireworks are, and counting down the new year is always a hoot- but nothing holds a candle to pumpkins (though placing one inside a pumpkin is delightful fun), Halloween, apple cider and a pile of leaves.
Let's not neglect the joy of spending 6 weeks (I start in September) of choosing a costume and taking about eighteen trips to various stores to assemble the perfect outfit, piece by piece, usually completing the ensemble just hours before its debut. Granted, last year I only had one job so taking multiple trips to Halloween stores, Walgreens, Target, Michaels, Beatnix, Crossroads, Buffalo Exchange, Hollywood Mirror and Ragstock was a lot more convenient. This year, I'm working about 52 hours a week and am training for a 15k race, so my free time is scarce and usually spent cooking or sleeping.
Luckily, October understands my busy schedule and led me to the perfect store (Beatnix at Roscoe and Halsted) at the perfect time (the day after payday) and I was in just the right mood (buzzed). The stars aligned, the clearance signs were aglow, and my costume came together in its entirety in about twelve minutes and cost an impressive $35 for a dress, tights, underoos, a flower for my hair, and feather earrings. Some folks like to keep their costume a secret until the witching hour is upon us- I am not some folks. I will gladly announce my costume as soon as I've settled on one. But first, let's go back to the night at Beatnix. I found one of those tight, short, slutty dresses for girls with no imagination who go every year as A Sexy ____(Nurse, Teacher, Cat, Witch, Infant..whatever). It has a yellow and white checkered bodice with puffy lil sleeves and a teeny tiny skirt that barely contains what my mama gave me. I already have a long blond wig at home from when I was Sailor Moon a few years ago, so I thought- Goldie Locks! And what the hey- I've never done the typical "Sexy Whatever" costume, I'm 25 and single so now's the time to show it off.
However- the next morning I woke up and slightly regretted my wine-fueled purchase. Sexy Goldie Locks is boring!!! I climbed up the shelves in my closet to get down my boxes labeled "Wigs and Stage Makeup" and "Costumes and Boas" to see what I could come up with. As soon as I saw the bottles of mint flavored blood and liquid latex, I had it.
To be completely honest, I don't remember how "Goldie Locks and the Three Bears" actually ends. The bears come home to find that someone's been sitting in their chairs, eating their porridge, and the bitch is STILL sleeping in Baby Bears bed. Then..uhhh...that's where my mind goes blank. (I'm going to Google it as soon as I'm done writing this post...) For my Halloween costume I'm taking the Grimm approach and assuming Goldie Locks never made it out of that den. Papa Bear is pissed and some thieving chick won't live long enough to digest the porridge that she has pilfered! And so I shall be...Mauled Goldie Locks. Here's hoping my gore makeup skills are still up to par and I can still make convincingly greusome claw marks across my neck and chest.
Time for some trial run claw gashes...
Happy October! Now, go have some cider!!!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Another August Anniversary...
Let's celebrate another anniversary.....
Happy Anniversary to Tracy Fagan and Myself!!!!!! In August 2010 we both decided to become vegetarians! What began as a 30 day "let's just try this" experiment quickly turned into a "I will never eat meat again" lifestyle.
I recommend to everyone reading Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. And don't skip the uncomfortable parts....that's the point of educating yourself!! Ignorance may be bliss, but...it's still ignorant. Even if you don't choose to change anything about the way you eat, at least you'll know what you're putting in your body and what it went through to get there...and, what it does once it's inside your body. (It doesn't just taste good and then disappear, you know.) After Skinny B I read The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone. Now, if you're going to give these books a chance, definitely read them in the order I listed above. Rory and Kim don't sugar-coat anything. Literally, they hate sugar and they'll call you the "P"-word over it. They call themselves bitches for good reason; they're kind of verbally abusive....! I can appreciate their tough love- I actually kind of like it- but by the end of the book, I needed a hug. Alicia is much gentler. She doesn't call the reader a "P"-word, and she still gets her point across. She also features some amazing recipes. I love her "Baby Bok Choy", "Magic Healing Soup" (I swear it was magic and did heal me!) and "Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups". Another great book is The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, and his son, Dr. Thomas Campbell. It's a fascinating read, following a 30-year study on the health ramifications of a meat-and-dairy diet vs. a vegan one. This book shows scientific evidence of a vegan diet halting and reversing cancer-cell growth, while a meat-and-dairy diet promotes it. These are not opinions of some granola-eating, Birkenstock-wearing hippies. These are scientific facts that the doctors themselves didn't want to believe; or at first even share with colleages at the risk of being ridiculed. I'm not going to get preachy; but knowledge is power!
Now, not only have we committed to a vegetarian lifestyle, but we've both gone one step further and have been Veganish for awhile now, too!
"Vegan...ish?" you ask? Veganish is the term I've made up for the transitional in-between that I find myself in. I would very much like to give up all dairy and and animal products, but I haven't been able to fully make that commitment yet. I've already eliminated dairy from my apartment- however- once in awhile I'll admit to getting ranch dressing while dining out. I also need to give a "Woot Woot!" to my Mom and Sister...who after giving Tracy and I a few funny looks, refusing to buy Tofurkey on Thanksgiving, and continuing to eat their Turkey and Bacon Labrettis (Labrettis are delightful sandwiches that are a mix of a wrap/sandwich/calzone. Available at Something's Brewing in Grayslake, IL, and insanely delicious- my favorite used to be the Country Club (chicken salad and bacon) but now I customize my own, full-o-veggies and love...anyway...) I think curiousity got the best of them and they both read Skinny Bitch and both promptly went vegetarian! If you read my last blog entry, you'll remember the kind things I said about my father....and not for nothing! He still enjoys meat when he gets a chance- but supports our lifestyle choices without much protest. That is a supportive husband, especially when your wife is still the head chef of the hosuehould! (Props, Dad!)
Not only did my Mom and Sister go vegetarian, but within a few months my mom was sending me vegan recipes: "Cashew Leek Burgers" and "Squash and Bean Stew".... Next thing I know, they're both on the Veganish bandwagon! One day I recieved a mysterious package in the mail containing The Complete Guide to Vegan Substitutions...my mom randomly sent it to me to encourage my love of cooking and baking with a vegan heart. (Isn't my Mama awesome?) My sister posts pictures on facebook every few days of her vegan cooking endeavors- and they look painfully delicious. If she hadn't moved to TX, I'd be a frequent (self invited) dinner guest. Helloooo "BBQ "Bacon" Cheezeburgers!!" Another "Woot Woot!" to my Mom for giving us a love of and talent for cooking! It makes our Veganish lifestyles waaayy more fun, interesting, and adventurous than living off of cheetos, rice and beans and salads. (Borrrring!! I'll have the Seitan Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, please.)
Happy Anniversary to Tracy Fagan and Myself!!!!!! In August 2010 we both decided to become vegetarians! What began as a 30 day "let's just try this" experiment quickly turned into a "I will never eat meat again" lifestyle.
I recommend to everyone reading Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. And don't skip the uncomfortable parts....that's the point of educating yourself!! Ignorance may be bliss, but...it's still ignorant. Even if you don't choose to change anything about the way you eat, at least you'll know what you're putting in your body and what it went through to get there...and, what it does once it's inside your body. (It doesn't just taste good and then disappear, you know.) After Skinny B I read The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone. Now, if you're going to give these books a chance, definitely read them in the order I listed above. Rory and Kim don't sugar-coat anything. Literally, they hate sugar and they'll call you the "P"-word over it. They call themselves bitches for good reason; they're kind of verbally abusive....! I can appreciate their tough love- I actually kind of like it- but by the end of the book, I needed a hug. Alicia is much gentler. She doesn't call the reader a "P"-word, and she still gets her point across. She also features some amazing recipes. I love her "Baby Bok Choy", "Magic Healing Soup" (I swear it was magic and did heal me!) and "Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups". Another great book is The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, and his son, Dr. Thomas Campbell. It's a fascinating read, following a 30-year study on the health ramifications of a meat-and-dairy diet vs. a vegan one. This book shows scientific evidence of a vegan diet halting and reversing cancer-cell growth, while a meat-and-dairy diet promotes it. These are not opinions of some granola-eating, Birkenstock-wearing hippies. These are scientific facts that the doctors themselves didn't want to believe; or at first even share with colleages at the risk of being ridiculed. I'm not going to get preachy; but knowledge is power!
Now, not only have we committed to a vegetarian lifestyle, but we've both gone one step further and have been Veganish for awhile now, too!
"Vegan...ish?" you ask? Veganish is the term I've made up for the transitional in-between that I find myself in. I would very much like to give up all dairy and and animal products, but I haven't been able to fully make that commitment yet. I've already eliminated dairy from my apartment- however- once in awhile I'll admit to getting ranch dressing while dining out. I also need to give a "Woot Woot!" to my Mom and Sister...who after giving Tracy and I a few funny looks, refusing to buy Tofurkey on Thanksgiving, and continuing to eat their Turkey and Bacon Labrettis (Labrettis are delightful sandwiches that are a mix of a wrap/sandwich/calzone. Available at Something's Brewing in Grayslake, IL, and insanely delicious- my favorite used to be the Country Club (chicken salad and bacon) but now I customize my own, full-o-veggies and love...anyway...) I think curiousity got the best of them and they both read Skinny Bitch and both promptly went vegetarian! If you read my last blog entry, you'll remember the kind things I said about my father....and not for nothing! He still enjoys meat when he gets a chance- but supports our lifestyle choices without much protest. That is a supportive husband, especially when your wife is still the head chef of the hosuehould! (Props, Dad!)
Not only did my Mom and Sister go vegetarian, but within a few months my mom was sending me vegan recipes: "Cashew Leek Burgers" and "Squash and Bean Stew".... Next thing I know, they're both on the Veganish bandwagon! One day I recieved a mysterious package in the mail containing The Complete Guide to Vegan Substitutions...my mom randomly sent it to me to encourage my love of cooking and baking with a vegan heart. (Isn't my Mama awesome?) My sister posts pictures on facebook every few days of her vegan cooking endeavors- and they look painfully delicious. If she hadn't moved to TX, I'd be a frequent (self invited) dinner guest. Helloooo "BBQ "Bacon" Cheezeburgers!!" Another "Woot Woot!" to my Mom for giving us a love of and talent for cooking! It makes our Veganish lifestyles waaayy more fun, interesting, and adventurous than living off of cheetos, rice and beans and salads. (Borrrring!! I'll have the Seitan Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, please.)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Cheers to 32 Years
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my freakin' awesome parents!! August 4th will be their 32nd wedding anniversary! Holy Moley- what a high bar they have set! After so many years together, it's still so clear and obvious that they LOVE each other. Their relationship gives me hope that one day I'll have one just as strong and lasting, because they've been such a solid example of what marriage is and should be. And as much guff as I get for being anti-online dating, it's their fault!! They have an adorable love story and I want one, too!
My Dad is a retired police officer. While I was growing up, every few years his work schedule changed- from working days, to afternoons/nights, to overnights, and finally to a semi- normal schedule a few years ago before he retired. No matter his schedule, or when he was able to be home for dinner (or breakfast), my Mom had a hot and delicious home cooked meal ready for him. Sometimes he'd come home, eat in uniform with his radio still on in case he was needed, then give us hugs and kisses and go back to work. When he worked overnight, he'd usually get home as we were getting ready to leave for school- and often he'd be holding a box of Krispy Kremes for us. (I always begged him not to feed the stereotype- but those donuts were delightful on the way out the door...) I've even had the chance to work with my dad a few times- in fourth grade I'd go to the courthouse after school to alphabetize warrants for him- he even had a name plaque made for me to hang on his cubicle while I was working. I still have it! Many years later, the summer before I moved to Chicago, I worked with him again. Well, in the same building, anyway. I worked in the courthouse cafe and at the coffee cart, and it was awesome to be able to sit and eat lunch with my dad once in awhile. My Dad is a stellar husband and father. I see the way he respects and loves my Mom, and it really sets the bar pretty high for any man in my life. I know how I deserve to be treated because of how my Dad has treated his three girls.
My dad always took his job seriously, but still made time for his kids. We had family vacations, roadtrips, and went camping a lot. Even our failed vacations have left happy memories- one summer we were going to drive to...Virginia..I think? Well, our car was having trouble pulling our camper- we broke down several times and finally called it quits in Ohio and just decided to camp there for a few days and head home. The campground was flat, covered in gravel, and boring. The nearest attraction was Amish Country. My parents did the best they could to make our failed vacation fun- "Look! The Amish make their own noodles!" The most exciting part of that trip was guilting my dad into buying me a beautiful afghan, covered in butterflies. I basically asserted that this was one of the worst weeks of my life, I promise to love this afghan forever, please just buy it and I won't beg the Amish to take me in to get away. He bought it, and I still have it on my bed- ten years later! One of my favorite memories is when my sister and I were very young- small enough to both fit on his lap, one on each leg, we'd sit in our high-backed yellow chair and he'd read to us. A lot of times it was books from the American Girl series, bless his heart. My parents have always supported my passions and choices. For as long as I can remember I've loved performing- my parents put me in drama courses, musical theater workshops, and community plays. My high school was very small and didn't offer any theater programs- so I channelled my love of performing into Cheerleading. Cheering ignited a love for athletics, so I joined Volleyball and did a VERY brief stint on the Softball team. My parents went to more volleyball and basketball games to see me cheer than I can count. Once, they surprised me at an away volleyball tournament that they happened to be camping nearby- they paused their vacation to watch me play!! My mom even travelled to Tennessee with our cheerleading squad so we could cheer for our boys at Nationals! She endured the fifteen hour bus ride each way, sleeping in a shabby cabin and a flimsy bunk bed, sleeping in the same room as a squad of hyper, over-caffeinated, squealing, laughing, screaming, bouncing teenage girls, and worst of all- cafeteria food!! Thank you, Mommy.
My Mom is a retired psychiatric nurse. I'm only semi-joking when I say working with kids and young adults with severe behavior/psych problems was excellent training for being my Mom. I, like many teenagers, when through a terrible "I hate my parents" phase. I broke rules, I lied, I talked back, I was so disrespectful. And I'm so sorry that I was ever such a pain in the ass. I will always feel guilt for the things I've said to my Mom when I was angry that made her cry. She didn't deserve any of my bad attitude and anger. If I heard my nieces talking to my Mama the way I did, I think my head would explode. I would definitely have to be restrained (which, with my Mom's professional background, she could do! See, it all connects). I know most teenagers go through that phase- but I really wish I could go back and bitch-slap my thirteen-year-old self. My Mom actually cut back her working hours to be at home more- to be there when my sister and I got home from school, to cook us dinner and be there for us when we needed her- and I didn't appreciate it in the least. I have no idea why I aimed my anger mostly at my Mom- she didn't deserve it. For all the effort she went through to take care of her family and go above and beyond to be such a fantastic Wife and Mother, I am so ashamed that I didn't thank her every single day. One thing that helped me snap out of it was when I was about 14, she had a brush with cancer. I realized that my Mama wasn't going to be around forever, and I could lose her. This wonderful, selfless, loving Mother could be gone tomorrow. Now, I'm so happy to call my Mama my friend. I'm so proud to be like her! She's so caring, she's the best cook I know, and she gets joy from making others happy. I hope that I'm half the Wife and Mother my Mama is. She has three grown kids but she'll still cook us dinner, snuggle on the couch, and in my case, still chase me through the house because I scare easily and will go screaming and running at top speed. Whenever we see each other there's usually fits of giggles and one- or both- of us has to rush to the bathroom to avoid peeing our pants. We're also both discovering a new culinary world- Vegan Cooking- and instead of me always calling her to ask kitchen questions- like I have frequently since I've moved out- she calls me for tips sometimes! It's fun to be learning together, but in our own kitchens. We share discoveries, failures, and especially victories! (A few of my favorite victories so far: Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, Cashew Leek Burgers, and Green Monsters!)
Now, speaking of food, I bet you're curious about that adorable love story. I wanted the story to be told accurately, so I asked my mom to tell me her version:
"I worked at a residential facility, usually directly with the clients, but was filling in for a dispatcher for two weeks on the night shift. I loved cooking and enjoyed my co-workers, so one night I brought in homemade lasagna, salad and spumoni. Frequently employees from the Sheriff's Dept. stopped in for coffee and a visit with the head of security. He apparently told them I was bringing plenty of food and that they should plan on eating. That night the Sergeant on duty brought in a rookie that was being trained on night shift. He came in all perfectly uniformed, hat on straight...most polite gentleman I'd ever met. I believed he enjoyed his meal and when he left I thought, "What a nice guy..." Later my temporary boss, the security director, grilled me about what I thought. He said he thought I should go out with him and I told him I was not available. He said, basically, 'you will be soon, you know that.' I forgot about the whole thing. Several months later I must have been filling in again, and wouldn't you know.... thanks to a series of unfortunate events, I happened to be available. Tom called and asked if I might be interested in going out for dinner after work one morning. Just for a dinner, I thought...I could do that. We set the date. On the morning of the date, (around 4:30 in the morning) I got a call from Tom, chatting for a few minutes he asked if we were still on...I said Yes, looking forward to it! Much later I learned that he was hoping to reschedule until he heard I was looking forward to it. Apparently he had forgotten that it was his "day" off. So, he was calling from home, not work when he called at 4:30am. I thought it was funny considering it was April Fool's day. But after being married for this long, knowing how he really values his sleep, I so appreciated his extra effort. I knew that it meant something to him to take me out for dinner when he didn't even want to leave his bed, much less eat!"
See? I told you it was adorable. My Mom gave me that lasagna recipe...and I'm going to veganize it and serve it to any prospective husbands. :)
Thank you so much, Mom and Dad, for everything you've done for our family. I love you so much, and truly appreciate you!! Your love, support, understanding and encouragement has made me the person I am. My self esteem came from your praise and belief in me. Because of how you raised me, I'm confident and independent. Thank you for not letting me quit Calculus even when I cried. Thank you for not letting me quit Band, even when I cried. Thank you for paying three arms and four legs for me to go to private school. Thank you for making it possible for me to move to Chicago and go to art school. Thank you for coming to my very first 5k race. Thank you for supporting me, even if you didn't quite understand, when I became a vegetarian!
I can never thank you enough for the countless things you've done, said, and taught me. I love you!!
My Dad is a retired police officer. While I was growing up, every few years his work schedule changed- from working days, to afternoons/nights, to overnights, and finally to a semi- normal schedule a few years ago before he retired. No matter his schedule, or when he was able to be home for dinner (or breakfast), my Mom had a hot and delicious home cooked meal ready for him. Sometimes he'd come home, eat in uniform with his radio still on in case he was needed, then give us hugs and kisses and go back to work. When he worked overnight, he'd usually get home as we were getting ready to leave for school- and often he'd be holding a box of Krispy Kremes for us. (I always begged him not to feed the stereotype- but those donuts were delightful on the way out the door...) I've even had the chance to work with my dad a few times- in fourth grade I'd go to the courthouse after school to alphabetize warrants for him- he even had a name plaque made for me to hang on his cubicle while I was working. I still have it! Many years later, the summer before I moved to Chicago, I worked with him again. Well, in the same building, anyway. I worked in the courthouse cafe and at the coffee cart, and it was awesome to be able to sit and eat lunch with my dad once in awhile. My Dad is a stellar husband and father. I see the way he respects and loves my Mom, and it really sets the bar pretty high for any man in my life. I know how I deserve to be treated because of how my Dad has treated his three girls.
My dad always took his job seriously, but still made time for his kids. We had family vacations, roadtrips, and went camping a lot. Even our failed vacations have left happy memories- one summer we were going to drive to...Virginia..I think? Well, our car was having trouble pulling our camper- we broke down several times and finally called it quits in Ohio and just decided to camp there for a few days and head home. The campground was flat, covered in gravel, and boring. The nearest attraction was Amish Country. My parents did the best they could to make our failed vacation fun- "Look! The Amish make their own noodles!" The most exciting part of that trip was guilting my dad into buying me a beautiful afghan, covered in butterflies. I basically asserted that this was one of the worst weeks of my life, I promise to love this afghan forever, please just buy it and I won't beg the Amish to take me in to get away. He bought it, and I still have it on my bed- ten years later! One of my favorite memories is when my sister and I were very young- small enough to both fit on his lap, one on each leg, we'd sit in our high-backed yellow chair and he'd read to us. A lot of times it was books from the American Girl series, bless his heart. My parents have always supported my passions and choices. For as long as I can remember I've loved performing- my parents put me in drama courses, musical theater workshops, and community plays. My high school was very small and didn't offer any theater programs- so I channelled my love of performing into Cheerleading. Cheering ignited a love for athletics, so I joined Volleyball and did a VERY brief stint on the Softball team. My parents went to more volleyball and basketball games to see me cheer than I can count. Once, they surprised me at an away volleyball tournament that they happened to be camping nearby- they paused their vacation to watch me play!! My mom even travelled to Tennessee with our cheerleading squad so we could cheer for our boys at Nationals! She endured the fifteen hour bus ride each way, sleeping in a shabby cabin and a flimsy bunk bed, sleeping in the same room as a squad of hyper, over-caffeinated, squealing, laughing, screaming, bouncing teenage girls, and worst of all- cafeteria food!! Thank you, Mommy.
My Mom is a retired psychiatric nurse. I'm only semi-joking when I say working with kids and young adults with severe behavior/psych problems was excellent training for being my Mom. I, like many teenagers, when through a terrible "I hate my parents" phase. I broke rules, I lied, I talked back, I was so disrespectful. And I'm so sorry that I was ever such a pain in the ass. I will always feel guilt for the things I've said to my Mom when I was angry that made her cry. She didn't deserve any of my bad attitude and anger. If I heard my nieces talking to my Mama the way I did, I think my head would explode. I would definitely have to be restrained (which, with my Mom's professional background, she could do! See, it all connects). I know most teenagers go through that phase- but I really wish I could go back and bitch-slap my thirteen-year-old self. My Mom actually cut back her working hours to be at home more- to be there when my sister and I got home from school, to cook us dinner and be there for us when we needed her- and I didn't appreciate it in the least. I have no idea why I aimed my anger mostly at my Mom- she didn't deserve it. For all the effort she went through to take care of her family and go above and beyond to be such a fantastic Wife and Mother, I am so ashamed that I didn't thank her every single day. One thing that helped me snap out of it was when I was about 14, she had a brush with cancer. I realized that my Mama wasn't going to be around forever, and I could lose her. This wonderful, selfless, loving Mother could be gone tomorrow. Now, I'm so happy to call my Mama my friend. I'm so proud to be like her! She's so caring, she's the best cook I know, and she gets joy from making others happy. I hope that I'm half the Wife and Mother my Mama is. She has three grown kids but she'll still cook us dinner, snuggle on the couch, and in my case, still chase me through the house because I scare easily and will go screaming and running at top speed. Whenever we see each other there's usually fits of giggles and one- or both- of us has to rush to the bathroom to avoid peeing our pants. We're also both discovering a new culinary world- Vegan Cooking- and instead of me always calling her to ask kitchen questions- like I have frequently since I've moved out- she calls me for tips sometimes! It's fun to be learning together, but in our own kitchens. We share discoveries, failures, and especially victories! (A few of my favorite victories so far: Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, Cashew Leek Burgers, and Green Monsters!)
Now, speaking of food, I bet you're curious about that adorable love story. I wanted the story to be told accurately, so I asked my mom to tell me her version:
"I worked at a residential facility, usually directly with the clients, but was filling in for a dispatcher for two weeks on the night shift. I loved cooking and enjoyed my co-workers, so one night I brought in homemade lasagna, salad and spumoni. Frequently employees from the Sheriff's Dept. stopped in for coffee and a visit with the head of security. He apparently told them I was bringing plenty of food and that they should plan on eating. That night the Sergeant on duty brought in a rookie that was being trained on night shift. He came in all perfectly uniformed, hat on straight...most polite gentleman I'd ever met. I believed he enjoyed his meal and when he left I thought, "What a nice guy..." Later my temporary boss, the security director, grilled me about what I thought. He said he thought I should go out with him and I told him I was not available. He said, basically, 'you will be soon, you know that.' I forgot about the whole thing. Several months later I must have been filling in again, and wouldn't you know.... thanks to a series of unfortunate events, I happened to be available. Tom called and asked if I might be interested in going out for dinner after work one morning. Just for a dinner, I thought...I could do that. We set the date. On the morning of the date, (around 4:30 in the morning) I got a call from Tom, chatting for a few minutes he asked if we were still on...I said Yes, looking forward to it! Much later I learned that he was hoping to reschedule until he heard I was looking forward to it. Apparently he had forgotten that it was his "day" off. So, he was calling from home, not work when he called at 4:30am. I thought it was funny considering it was April Fool's day. But after being married for this long, knowing how he really values his sleep, I so appreciated his extra effort. I knew that it meant something to him to take me out for dinner when he didn't even want to leave his bed, much less eat!"
See? I told you it was adorable. My Mom gave me that lasagna recipe...and I'm going to veganize it and serve it to any prospective husbands. :)
Thank you so much, Mom and Dad, for everything you've done for our family. I love you so much, and truly appreciate you!! Your love, support, understanding and encouragement has made me the person I am. My self esteem came from your praise and belief in me. Because of how you raised me, I'm confident and independent. Thank you for not letting me quit Calculus even when I cried. Thank you for not letting me quit Band, even when I cried. Thank you for paying three arms and four legs for me to go to private school. Thank you for making it possible for me to move to Chicago and go to art school. Thank you for coming to my very first 5k race. Thank you for supporting me, even if you didn't quite understand, when I became a vegetarian!
I can never thank you enough for the countless things you've done, said, and taught me. I love you!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Short & Sweet
Before you say anything, yes it's been about 3 months...yikes, almost 4, since my last post. Admittedly, I'm really bad at being a consistent blogger!!
In my defense, let me repeat for the 13,00th time that I don't have Internet at home. Or a computer.
Though I haven't written in an inexcusable amount of time, I have had a lot of "Ooh, that would make a good Blog Post!" thoughts. I went to Vegas about a month ago with my best friend and on our very first night there, as we were walking along The Strip, buzzed and elated, and making snarky comments on how SLOW people were walking, Amanda exclaimed, "You should blog our trip!" What a great idea!! She offered me her laptop to write on, every night, documenting our adventures each day as we traveled from Vegas to California: Escondito, San Diego, Oceanside, and then back to Vegas. "Yes! I will!! That's such a good idea!" ....Then neither one of us brought it up again for the rest of the trip. Woopsie.
I got a second job a few months ago, so now not only am I a Brazen Barista, but also a pretty Brazen Smoothie Maker at the Local Gym. For the first few months of working 2 jobs and having an exhausting schedule (I work 6 days a week, and at least 3 of those days are 2-job days...so I work either 9am-8pm or 7:30am-9pm...those are the worst...) I had a reason to be working so hard. I was saving up for Vegas! I saved tip money, I skimped on nights out, I didn't even buy a "Vegas Dress" like I wanted to...just a new swimsuit that I was in need of, anyway. So now that my vacation is over and I'm back to working my (nicely shaped) ass off, I need a light at the end of the tunnel. I need motivation, I need a reason other than the obvious perk of having that second paycheck.
So what should I be saving for? I've gotten really into Vegan cooking- I love experimenting and learning and creating in the kitchen....and I really need a food processor. But....I would also really like to be able to blog from home and not just scramble to type in between customers at the coffee shop....So, home Internet? Then again...I need to fix my bike so I can actually ride it....for the first time....though I've had it for about 2 years. (Technically it's my former roommate's ex boyfriend's mom's bike..but the chances of her ever seeing it again are pretty much nil. I practically have a common law marriage with the thing- I've been paying its rent for around 4 years..) I would also like to go back to school- but I wouldn't even know what to go back for and I refuse to go further into student loan debt without a clear and practical plan. I have so many random passions and no idea which one to follow or even attempt to expand on. Some people my age are so much more together....saving for a house, for a family, for a car...but when I start thinking that way, it's hard to even count the number of things I'm "behind" on at this point in my life....
........I think I'll just get a food processor.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
I guess I'm a runner now...
I'm a really fast walker. Bionic-Woman fast. I walk to and from work every day, year round. It's about a mile and a half each way, and I generally walk each way in 18-25 minutes, depending on weather/stoplights/slooooow pedestrians/etc. And that's my LEISURELY pace. Seriously, my stroll looks like I'm on a moving sidewalk compared to everyone else.
In high school I was into sports, and since high school was only about 6ish years ago, I like to think I'm still "in shape". So, the fact that I used to be athletic and currently walk like the hounds of hell are nipping at my heels, I figured maybe I could be a runner.
I've mentioned my Aunt Tracy before... she's a runner! She has been telling me that it's in our blood- we are runners- and that I need to get going and realize that I, too, am a runner. My closest girlfriends- and there are about 4 of em- all runners! Whaa? I don't like being left out. One night we were all sitting around talking about running- because all these broads signed up for either the half or full Chicago Marathon this year!- and me, being a lil tipsy and therefore more likely to agree to something, decided to start running! Signing up for a marathon (26 miles!) or even a halfsie (13 miles) was too scary imagine, so I signed up the very next day for a 5k.
April 23rd I'm running the Wrigley Start Early Run (http://www.startearlyrun.com/) and I'm excited, with a dash of nervous and a sprinkle of fear. I missed a week and a half of training because I was sick, but I'm back on schedule, almost completely caught up.
My best friend Amanda (one of those pesky runners) asked a bunch of people to describe their running experiences for a educational project she's working on, and here was my input:
3.24.11 Running Thoughts
So far, I've only been running for about a month and I honestly don't know what the hell I'm doing. I'm trying to be smart and healthy but for all I know I'm straining my knee and it's going to explode mid-stride or I'm running slightly hunched and I'm creating back pain for the rest of my life. I'm just not sure.
I started running because I had an annoying itch in my skull and tingle in my body to be more active. I'm super cheap so joining a gym was out of the question, even though I really do enjoy working out. My aunt started running about a year ago, extremely new to the sport. She hadn't run in high school, hadn't even been involved in sports.She took to it quickly and got better with every single run. Within months she decided to sign up for a half marathon. She kept telling me that it's in our blood, we're good runners if we'd just get out there and do it.
Then came January 1, 2011 and it seems like every single one of my female friends' New Years Resolutions was to run either the half or full marathon this year. Not that I'm a follower, but I do like to be included. I decided to commit to a 5k about 2 months out. Though I haven't really ran since high school, and even then it was just a few laps before sports practice, I like to believe I'm in relatively good cardiovascular shape. I walk a minimum of 3 miles a day at an insanely brisk pace, which is far from "in shape"....but I'm no couch potato.
So far my runs have been anything but uniform. I ran outside a few times with no ipod, old shoes, and an 8 year old sports bra. Then I ran on a treadmill with music blaring, staring out a window and doing an occasional dance move because I was so pumped and feelin fly. After running inside a few times and doing better and better, doing my 2 miles faster and faster, I decided to start running outside for my 6 week 5k training. I bought new running shoes! A new sports bra!! I suited up and went out for a run with confidence and swagger....and bombed. Burning lungs, aching legs, blurred vision, numb toes. I couldn't turn my mind off and just enjoy the ride...I had to keep pep talking myself so I wouldn't collapse on the next bench I saw. "You can do it! You're doing awesome! You can slow down but you can't stop! You're halfway there!" It's been rough. I know I'm new to this and I just need to find my stride- literally and figuratively- but I have a feeling finding it isn't going to be as easy as I hoped.
Since I'm a newbie (and a lil intimidated by running where a lot of people will see me making a fool of myself while I learn how to do this) I've been running around the cemetery near my apartment. To me, it's ideal because it's almost exactly 2 miles around and that's a good starting distance for me to strive to run "easily". Once I can go around the cemetery like it's nothing, I'll feel more confident and I'll know I'm making progress. There are also no stop lights or through-traffic, so I don't have to stop/look/cross streets and add the worry of getting hit by a car to the already-mounting list of fears (my knee exploding, asthma attack, passing out from the strobe-light effect of the sun beaming through the cemetery's surrounding gate...)
I'm motivated by my aunt and my friends. I feel their support and encouragement and I want to make them proud. I'm also motivated by the $35 I spent on my first 5k. Like I said earlier, I'm cheap. I can't let that money go to waste-- I'm going to train and work and push myself and do well, because dammit, I didn't pay $35 to run in front of a huge crowd and look like a pathetic idiot who thought 2 months ago that running 3 miles would be cherry pie. I'm also motivated to improve my health and lifestyle. I went vegetarian about 7 months ago and I've been flirting with being vegan for the last few months. I only have one body and I'm as young as I'll ever be and I need to take care of myself now so I don't have a host of medical problems later to deal with. Through my diet and exercise now, at age 25, I know I'm looking out for 50-year-old Susan and she'll thank me for it. (Unless I pulverize my knee or give myself chronic back problems because I'm running like a goober.)
Those were my thoughts a little over a week ago. On my very next run, after missing a week and a half of running because I was sick, I had the best run yet! A daunting 2.25 miles- and within 30 seconds my headphones popped out of my Zune and the music stopped! I wasn't going to stop literally 30 seconds after I started just to fix my music...so...I was stuck. With my own thoughts. I tried to sing in my head. No good. I tried to remember old monologues I have memorized. Couldn't focus. Maybe I could pray. BAM!
I prayed for 2 miles and it was unreal. I usually have problems pacing myself, regulating my breathing, staying focused... at the end of my run I was SMILING, and practically skipped home. This is what we call a breakthrough. :)
In high school I was into sports, and since high school was only about 6ish years ago, I like to think I'm still "in shape". So, the fact that I used to be athletic and currently walk like the hounds of hell are nipping at my heels, I figured maybe I could be a runner.
I've mentioned my Aunt Tracy before... she's a runner! She has been telling me that it's in our blood- we are runners- and that I need to get going and realize that I, too, am a runner. My closest girlfriends- and there are about 4 of em- all runners! Whaa? I don't like being left out. One night we were all sitting around talking about running- because all these broads signed up for either the half or full Chicago Marathon this year!- and me, being a lil tipsy and therefore more likely to agree to something, decided to start running! Signing up for a marathon (26 miles!) or even a halfsie (13 miles) was too scary imagine, so I signed up the very next day for a 5k.
April 23rd I'm running the Wrigley Start Early Run (http://www.startearlyrun.com/) and I'm excited, with a dash of nervous and a sprinkle of fear. I missed a week and a half of training because I was sick, but I'm back on schedule, almost completely caught up.
My best friend Amanda (one of those pesky runners) asked a bunch of people to describe their running experiences for a educational project she's working on, and here was my input:
3.24.11 Running Thoughts
So far, I've only been running for about a month and I honestly don't know what the hell I'm doing. I'm trying to be smart and healthy but for all I know I'm straining my knee and it's going to explode mid-stride or I'm running slightly hunched and I'm creating back pain for the rest of my life. I'm just not sure.
I started running because I had an annoying itch in my skull and tingle in my body to be more active. I'm super cheap so joining a gym was out of the question, even though I really do enjoy working out. My aunt started running about a year ago, extremely new to the sport. She hadn't run in high school, hadn't even been involved in sports.She took to it quickly and got better with every single run. Within months she decided to sign up for a half marathon. She kept telling me that it's in our blood, we're good runners if we'd just get out there and do it.
Then came January 1, 2011 and it seems like every single one of my female friends' New Years Resolutions was to run either the half or full marathon this year. Not that I'm a follower, but I do like to be included. I decided to commit to a 5k about 2 months out. Though I haven't really ran since high school, and even then it was just a few laps before sports practice, I like to believe I'm in relatively good cardiovascular shape. I walk a minimum of 3 miles a day at an insanely brisk pace, which is far from "in shape"....but I'm no couch potato.
So far my runs have been anything but uniform. I ran outside a few times with no ipod, old shoes, and an 8 year old sports bra. Then I ran on a treadmill with music blaring, staring out a window and doing an occasional dance move because I was so pumped and feelin fly. After running inside a few times and doing better and better, doing my 2 miles faster and faster, I decided to start running outside for my 6 week 5k training. I bought new running shoes! A new sports bra!! I suited up and went out for a run with confidence and swagger....and bombed. Burning lungs, aching legs, blurred vision, numb toes. I couldn't turn my mind off and just enjoy the ride...I had to keep pep talking myself so I wouldn't collapse on the next bench I saw. "You can do it! You're doing awesome! You can slow down but you can't stop! You're halfway there!" It's been rough. I know I'm new to this and I just need to find my stride- literally and figuratively- but I have a feeling finding it isn't going to be as easy as I hoped.
Since I'm a newbie (and a lil intimidated by running where a lot of people will see me making a fool of myself while I learn how to do this) I've been running around the cemetery near my apartment. To me, it's ideal because it's almost exactly 2 miles around and that's a good starting distance for me to strive to run "easily". Once I can go around the cemetery like it's nothing, I'll feel more confident and I'll know I'm making progress. There are also no stop lights or through-traffic, so I don't have to stop/look/cross streets and add the worry of getting hit by a car to the already-mounting list of fears (my knee exploding, asthma attack, passing out from the strobe-light effect of the sun beaming through the cemetery's surrounding gate...)
I'm motivated by my aunt and my friends. I feel their support and encouragement and I want to make them proud. I'm also motivated by the $35 I spent on my first 5k. Like I said earlier, I'm cheap. I can't let that money go to waste-- I'm going to train and work and push myself and do well, because dammit, I didn't pay $35 to run in front of a huge crowd and look like a pathetic idiot who thought 2 months ago that running 3 miles would be cherry pie. I'm also motivated to improve my health and lifestyle. I went vegetarian about 7 months ago and I've been flirting with being vegan for the last few months. I only have one body and I'm as young as I'll ever be and I need to take care of myself now so I don't have a host of medical problems later to deal with. Through my diet and exercise now, at age 25, I know I'm looking out for 50-year-old Susan and she'll thank me for it. (Unless I pulverize my knee or give myself chronic back problems because I'm running like a goober.)
Those were my thoughts a little over a week ago. On my very next run, after missing a week and a half of running because I was sick, I had the best run yet! A daunting 2.25 miles- and within 30 seconds my headphones popped out of my Zune and the music stopped! I wasn't going to stop literally 30 seconds after I started just to fix my music...so...I was stuck. With my own thoughts. I tried to sing in my head. No good. I tried to remember old monologues I have memorized. Couldn't focus. Maybe I could pray. BAM!
I prayed for 2 miles and it was unreal. I usually have problems pacing myself, regulating my breathing, staying focused... at the end of my run I was SMILING, and practically skipped home. This is what we call a breakthrough. :)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Less Money, Mo Problems
Being a Brazen Barista doesn't pay quite as well as you may think. I've been stressing over money issues for years... there have been several times that I have had $4 in my bank account that I need to make last a week until I get paid again.
In April of 2009 my roommate and I moved into a 2 bedroom condo on Lake Shore Drive and Irving Park for the low low price of $950 a month. Split that 2 ways and it's cherry pie. It seemed like an amazing deal...15th floor, doorman, security, beautiful views of Lake Michigan (if you looked out of the window at an extreme angle...) Unfortunately after living there only 4 months I got a phone call while at work from our doorman....and a police officer who was there to serve us an eviction notice. Apparently the owner of our condo who (whom?) we were renting from had been in foreclosure since MARCH. March. We began renting mid-April. Shady, shady bitch. We had to move out.
Since my roommate hated her job at the Chicago Tribune and hadn't been able to find a job in her field since graduating a year prior, she decided to move back home to Iowa. :( Stubborn Susan (me) probably should've done the same. It would've been the financially responsible choice. I honestly can't afford to be living in Chicago alone. After moving from the dorms to a 3 bedroom apartment, I paid $500 and eventually $525 a month. At the condo I paid $475 a month. Now, living alone, I pay $650 monthly. It's a great studio apartment and I am able to make ends meet. Barely.
About a week ago I started to read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I'm frustrated with it. I don't feel like it applies to me... it talks about car payments and house payments and husbands and wives and kids and joint accounts and needless spending....I don't have a husband or kids or a car or anyone else's money and I already feel like my needless spending is extremely low. There are "inspiring stories" in the book about how a girl my age realized eating out 6 nights a week was costing her a ton of money. ........Duh! I think I've gone out to eat once in the last month. There are examples of families that downsized to a smaller house. This does not apply to me! I live in a studio apartment! I don't have internet, cable, or a fancy cell phone. I walk whenever possible as opposed to taking a bus or cab. I cut corners, I reuse. And now I'm irritated at Dave Ramsey. Baby step #1 in the makeover is putting aside an emergency $1,000. He says this shouldn't take more than a month or two, tops. Let me tell you something, Dave Ramsey. Even if I was a total hermit and put not a penny towards anything except rent and student loans, it would still take me 10 months to put aside a grand. No joke. Suck on that. Now I'm sweating. And I forgot the whole point of this post.
And so second-job hunting I go.....
In April of 2009 my roommate and I moved into a 2 bedroom condo on Lake Shore Drive and Irving Park for the low low price of $950 a month. Split that 2 ways and it's cherry pie. It seemed like an amazing deal...15th floor, doorman, security, beautiful views of Lake Michigan (if you looked out of the window at an extreme angle...) Unfortunately after living there only 4 months I got a phone call while at work from our doorman....and a police officer who was there to serve us an eviction notice. Apparently the owner of our condo who (whom?) we were renting from had been in foreclosure since MARCH. March. We began renting mid-April. Shady, shady bitch. We had to move out.
Since my roommate hated her job at the Chicago Tribune and hadn't been able to find a job in her field since graduating a year prior, she decided to move back home to Iowa. :( Stubborn Susan (me) probably should've done the same. It would've been the financially responsible choice. I honestly can't afford to be living in Chicago alone. After moving from the dorms to a 3 bedroom apartment, I paid $500 and eventually $525 a month. At the condo I paid $475 a month. Now, living alone, I pay $650 monthly. It's a great studio apartment and I am able to make ends meet. Barely.
About a week ago I started to read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I'm frustrated with it. I don't feel like it applies to me... it talks about car payments and house payments and husbands and wives and kids and joint accounts and needless spending....I don't have a husband or kids or a car or anyone else's money and I already feel like my needless spending is extremely low. There are "inspiring stories" in the book about how a girl my age realized eating out 6 nights a week was costing her a ton of money. ........Duh! I think I've gone out to eat once in the last month. There are examples of families that downsized to a smaller house. This does not apply to me! I live in a studio apartment! I don't have internet, cable, or a fancy cell phone. I walk whenever possible as opposed to taking a bus or cab. I cut corners, I reuse. And now I'm irritated at Dave Ramsey. Baby step #1 in the makeover is putting aside an emergency $1,000. He says this shouldn't take more than a month or two, tops. Let me tell you something, Dave Ramsey. Even if I was a total hermit and put not a penny towards anything except rent and student loans, it would still take me 10 months to put aside a grand. No joke. Suck on that. Now I'm sweating. And I forgot the whole point of this post.
And so second-job hunting I go.....
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Retroactive Resolutions
Instead of thinking of new resolutions for 2011, can't I just make some retroactive resolutions for 2010?
I will drive all the way back from Pennsylvania, only slightly hungover, bright and early on January 1. I will not cry in front of my mother even though I can think of nothing else on the 15 hour drive other than how sad I am and how much I miss the idiot who broke my heart. (Success!)
I will spend Valentine's Day at a Hex Your Ex party and try to get a lil payback. (Evil Success!)
Hexing my Ex will prove bad for my Karma and I will lose my phone that very night and cry myself to sleep, drunk, on my aunt's shoulder at The Golden Nugget at 3am. ("Success"...there is a photo out there to prove it.)
I will party it up Chirish style on St. Patty's Day! We will not lose our collection of cups like in previous years!! My brother will not lose my uncle downtown (like he did 2 years ago) and my uncle will not run from the cops down an alley and make a covert getaway in a cab, then order a $26 dollar "Victory Burger" (like he did 2 years ago). (Drunken Success!)
I will audition! I will be cast! I will sing in front of an audience! I will write my own material and it will be hilarious! (SIDE-SPLITTING SUCCESS!)
I will hook up because I'm single! And because I can! (Hehe. Triumphant Success.)
I will treat my best friend/soulmate as my significant other (my amazing girlfriend skills have to be put to use!). I will let myself into her apartment while she's at work and make her dinner. I will walk her dog (and pick up the poops). I will help her carry chairs we find in an alley a mile to her apartment and up three flights of stairs in the July heat. I will help her carry a 2 piece sectional leather couch down the alley and up three flights of stairs on the coldest day of December. I will help carry her up three flights of stairs if the situation calls for it. (Back-Aching Success.)
I will support my AMAZING aunt as she runs her first 15K and Half Marathon!! (That's HER Success!)
I will finally pick up my college diploma. Two years after I finished college. (Procrastinator's Version of Success.)
I will educate myself about how I nourish my body. I will learn of the conditions and inhumanity of farms, slaughterhouses, and the laughable standards of the meat industry. I will learn what eating animal meat does to your insides. I will understand that eating the rotting insides of animals is in no way beneficial or healthy for my body. I will never again purchase or eat meat. Luckily I will not go through this education process alone and I will have the support of my aunt as she and I swear off the cruelty, lies, and harm of the meat industry together. (Joint Success!)
I will expand my horizons. I will make new friends and try new things. I will go to art galleries and charity events. (High Brow Success.)
I will cheer for the Cubs even when it's beyond embarrassing. I will cheer for the Blackhawks (admittedly as a bandwagon fan) and experience the pandemonium in the middle of Wrigleyville as they win the Stanley Cup. I will do cartwheels down Clark Street! I will cheer for Da Bears- loudly. I will sing "Bear Down" for every touchdown! (Athletic Success!)
I will celebrate my first of many meat-free Thanksgivings and Christmases! (Delicious Success!)
I will put the past in it's place. I will forgive, I will forget. I will release grudges that weigh me down and keep me anchored to regret and "what ifs" . (Success-in-progress.)
Cheers to you and your resolutions...those kept, forgotten, still in progress. Have a safe and happy new year!
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