So long, November!

Sadly, I did not end November fulfilling my daily "what I am thankful for" Facebook post. This. Is. Tragic.,  I know. Ah, trends.. they come with their appeal and they get left by the wayside with their neediness, er, my lack of commitment. Perhaps, next year I will rethink jumping on the bandwagon.

Though, I did see a few clever bloggers posting "Thankful Thursdays."

Anyhoo, I hope you all wrapped up November with a stellar Thanksgiving, full of love and goodness.

Our Thanksgiving kicked off with an awesome (insert sarcasm) kitchen mishap.

The day before Thanksgiving our kitchen faucet broke! Luckily, this occurred after I had maded10 lbs of mashed potatoes. Well, 5 lbs made and 5 lbs on the stove, boiling away. Yes, 10 lbs.. I'm the youngest out of 6 kids needless to say family affairs are with the masses. Back to the kitchen mishap... the cliff notes version...

The cold water knob busted off and water was everywhere!! It took me a few minutes to process that I needed to turn off the cold water valve for the water to stop. Of course, maintenance wasn't available to come and fix our sink, but they did call to see if we were OK. The voice mail I left may have been a bit dramatic.. "HELP! Kitchen flooding! Sink is broken! HELP! Water everywhere! HELP!

Ugh, renting! I was thankful that we didn't have to fork out money to fix, but on the other hand - we didn't have a kitchen sink until Monday morning!

Come May we will be in another place. Don't get me wrong, our apartment is lovely and the area is a gem. However, the apartment it's not without it's many flaws. Such as; a window in. the. shower. in the shower! That is NOT waterproof. I am constantly cleaning to prevent any kind of mucky built up. The bathtub has the depth of a foot bath! Light switches that don't turn on lights! The thing is we needed a 2 bedroom quickly and saw our current place with desperate eyes. Everything looked amazing when we first saw it. But now living in it for a bit, we are starting to see all the defects. I digress...

Once I finally got the water shut off I snapped a quick picture to send to Bryan. The picture does not do the damage justice. You can't really tell, but water was EVERYWHERE!

After the clean up and finishing up the taters, I decided I needed some silly in my life. So, we watched Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Oh, and the taters... were yum yum! Though, they did provide their own controversy, but I'm not getting into that. But I will give you a beautiful photo.  

Thanksgiving Day. My sister, Maura hosted. She lives in Montgomery. A million trillion miles from the city. No, no. no. 44 miles west of the city. Our friends, Kristen and Laura were headed to the same area as us.. correction same subdivision, so naturally we were all travel buddies! Bryan and I grabbed an iGo car and scooped the lovely ladies up. 

Thanksgiving was good. I came home with a full belly and thoughts of reflection. I think my favorite part about Thanksgiving was when Bryan had a sing song and we all gathered around. I only snapped a few photos. I'm bad with capturing the moment at family gatherings. There is usually SO much going on! Here are the ones I did manage to get. 

Bryan, me and brother-in-law, Dan

Happy Thanksgiving! My husband is Irish so this Thanksgiving business is all new to him. He calls it "practice Christmas" I love it. 

My niece, Ava with her guitar. 

The table 

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Music Mondays: Free Record Store Performance

I love social media for a plethora of reasons one being that it offers real-time event information. Riot Fest posted to Facebook that Laura Jane Grace (formerly Tom Gabel - read about it here) front women for Against Me! would be playing a FREE in store performance at Reckless Records in Wicker Park on Friday, November 29 in part of Black Friday. Oh, heck yes! The Mr and I have been long time fans of Against Me! And, I am STILL kicking myself for turning down the offer to see them while I was studying abroad in Dublin. I digress. We had planned to head to the record store a few hours before the gig started, but errands and not keeping track of time got away. We arrived less than an hour to gig time and to our surprise it was crowded, but not jammers. We ran into some people we knew and landed ourselves a pretty sweet spot. No fashionable late arrival for this punk rock darling, the show started promptly at 5pm. She played about 10 songs. She did hang around to sign autographs and chat, but we didn't stick around. Laura Jane announced that she moved to Chicago recently, so hopefully that means more gigs! I took some videos, but they are being stubborn and not loading correctly. Here is a video from YouTube and a photo. Enjoy!

Bits of This and That..

So...

Got a tattoo

I've been wanting another tattoo for about a year now. This marks my 4th and is representative of my husband and me. It has been less than a week since I got it and I have to say it is healing perfectly. The above picture was taken right after I got it.
And...

The Alkaline Trio and New Found Glory concert was amazing! They played Sunday night at The Aragon (a very quick bus ride from our apartment) My better half and me  LOVE, love, loooove pop punk rock - we sang our hearts out and drink a lot of beer. Luckily, I had the next day off. Bryan recently put in a lot of overtime at work that paid off - he was able to head into work 2 hours later than normal the next morning.

The set list for both, in my opinion, were fantastic.  For Alkaline Trio click here; For NFG click here


Oh...

Tomorrow is my birthday. So, learn a bit about Scorpios if you don't already know. I am without a doubt a true Scorpio. (yah, ok so you don't believe in that stuff. No biggie, I do and it's my blog!) xoxo

Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac, and that shouldn't be taken lightly -- nor should Scorpios! Those born under this sign are dead serious in their mission to learn about others. There's no fluff or chatter for Scorpios, either; these folks will zero in on the essential questions, gleaning the secrets that lie within. Scorpios concern themselves with beginnings and endings, and are unafraid of either; they also travel in a world that is black and white and has little use for gray. The curiosity of Scorpios is immeasurable, which may be why they are such adept investigators. These folks love to probe and know how to get to the bottom of things. The fact that they have a keen sense of intuition certainly helps. 

The Scorpion symbolizes Scorpio, and that is no accident. Much like the Scorpion would rather kill itself than be killed, those born under this sign are in ultimate control of their destiny. It is life on the Scorpion's terms, too, since these folks promote their agenda (they are quite the executives) and see to it that things go forward. Others may find this overbearing (it can be) and even self-destructive, but that's the beauty of the Scorpio: they have tremendous regenerative powers, much like the literal Scorpion can lose its tail and promptly grow a new one. Fearless Scorpios rarely lose; they just keep on going, since they are stubborn and determined to succeed (this Scorpio trait is in keeping with the Fixed Quality assigned to this sign). Scorpios work as hard as they do so they can someday sit back and feel satisfied with themselves. These folks are intense, passionate and filled with desire. They're also complex and secretive, so don't expect to get much out of them, lest they become suspicious and exit stage left. It's best not to bet against Scorpios, either, since these folks are surprisingly resourceful. 

Scorpio is ruled by Mars and Pluto. Mars was the God of War in ancient Roman mythology and is the first (and most ancient) ruler of Scorpio. When Pluto was discovered in the 20th century, it was also assigned to this sign. Pluto was known as the God of the Underworld in ancient Roman times, so when coupled with Mars, expect some intense energy to head toward Scorpions here on Earth. This planetary combo makes for people who are motivated, penetrating and aware. Scorpions don't miss much, since they are highly attuned to the vibrations of others. They are intuitive, probing and very focused on knowing who's who and what's what. Scorpios can lose their temper (and even become vengeful) when someone gets in their way, so it's best to give them plenty of room. Remember, they're unafraid, and a loss today simply means an opportunity for victory tomorrow. 

The Element associated with Scorpio is Water. As opposed to the 'roiling seas' seen in other Water Signs, a better motto for Scorpios would be 'still waters run deep.' Those born under this sign are as emotional as their waterborne brethren, it's just that they're not as likely to show it. The Scorpio's emotions are repressed, kept under cover. Again, these are secrets to be used another day. That said, be aware that these folks are clever, perceptive and always in the mix. Their ability to see into things can sometimes be a curse for Scorpios, however, since they can take an insignificant matter and turn it into a huge slight. Beware the Scorpio who feels crossed! These folks can turn vindictive in no time flat. Luckily, once Scorpios catch their breath, they will return to their usual determined and loyal (albeit strong-willed) ways. Finally, while Scorpios aren't above some subtle manipulation to get what they want, they'd much rather take a scientific, even mystical path. The Scorpio-born are powerful and passionate, qualities that serve them well, as long as they don't let them deteriorate into self-indulgence or compulsion. 

Scorpios love competition in both work and play, which is why they'll air it out in sports and games. Extreme sports are right up Scorpio's alley, as is most anything that will test their mettle. They've got to have an adversary, since it makes the game that much more fun. Scorpio's colors? Powerful red and serious black. When it comes to love, though, Scorpios soften up a bit and are caring and devoted with their lovers, even if they do hold on a bit tight. Scorpios are also lusty in the extreme (how else?), so they need to be mindful of their reproductive organs. 

The great strength of the Scorpio-born is in their determination, passion and motivation. Scorpios don't know the word quit, which is why they usually get the job done. A powerhouse? Like no other.

Go find it - Go be IT.

Unconventional beauty is much more appealing especially when the beauty is true and whole hearted. I mean, it's easy to put a face on and outwardly appear beautiful, but if that face (and by face I'm metaphorically speaking) doesn't match a beautiful heart and soul then it's useless, in my humble opinion. I am drawn to true beauty - one with integrity. I have seen many ugly truths and some I have to grin and bare it. I am mature enough to understand that social and work politics exist. This realization does aid to my cynicism in people and chips away a bit at my gregarious nature. So I urge.. request..

be beautiful.
be true.
be with only good intention.

Afterall, doesn't anything else just weigh you down and drown out all the amazing things life is offering?

ODE TO SELF

I always thought once I'd hit my 30's I would be so secure and confident that nothing or no one would have me second guessing myself. Welp, I was wrong. I'm a couple weeks away from turning 33 and, not that it is often at all, but I do have my moments of self doubt. Hey, who doesn't!?

However, I am much more confident then I have ever been. I think there is a beauty in growing older and knowing year after year you settle more into your own skin. I am thankful that I no longer need validation of my worth that so many of us desperately seek in our adolescences and early 20's. I love that I know what I like and how I like it. Professionally, I feel strong in my talents, skills and value add. This is who I AM.  

And, whenever those moments of  self doubt seep in I quickly dig deep and remind myself that it's OK to be ME. And, if I am feeling negative vibes from others I know it is most likely that they are not comfortable within themselves that making you feel badly is what they need.  

Bottom line, as I see it, under no circumstance should you ever feel you need to alter who you fundamentally are as person. Love who you are and OWN IT.  

Be your authentic self and never apologize!

My Favorite Month

Ahhh, November, my favorite- it's chalked full of goodness!

My birthday
Thanksgiving
The month that reminds me to SEE all the amazing things around me and to be thankful for all that I have. (We should always be thankful, but it's this month that give my senses an extra boost)

I have always felt November marks a time for new beginnings and reflection.  

Love you, November. xoxo

A Reminder..

To myself and everyone else...

 

 

 

Stay strong. Love is all around you, but you may need to open more than your eyes to see it. xoxo

 

 

Winter

As the cold air rolls into the Midwest and the leaves change in color, I'm reminded of how much I love this time of the year. Sure, pumpkin flavor surfaces in almost anything, root vegetables and stews become mealtime staples, but what I love about fall is that it means winter is right around the corner. Yes, WINTER... poor winter... gets the evil eye and all the gripes. However, the other day my sweet husband rattled off all the great things about winter in Chicago.

First of all ...

Chicago is simply magical in the winter. Summer evokes an energy, no doubt. Though, Chicago at wintertime is electrifying with pure magic - in my opinion.

 

 

Zoo lights!  Bryan and I LOVE zoo lights. Cocoa in hand (perhaps with a splash or two of peppermint schnapps)  



 

 

 

Bryan's birthday is 3 days before Christmas and for his celebration he loves to go see It's a Wonderful Life at the Music Box. He has spent his past 2 birthday's in Chicago and  last year declared, for as long as we are in Chicago for his b-day this is what we will do. Afterwards, with happy heads we head out for a yum meal and cocktails. It's lovely. If you haven't ever gone, please do yourself a favor and go. It's the happiest place on earth, eat that Disney! Carolers, Santa playing the piano - bells and jingles.. ah, love.

 

 

And, when the snow comes.. we make the most of it!

 

Snow angels!

 

Rooftop snowball fights with friends

 

 

And, when it just gets TOO cold to play out doors we hunker down inside with puzzles and board games. With thick wooly sock on (I love them!) we snuggle up under blankets and watch movies and sip on tea or red wine. mmmm...

 

I'm looking forward to another Chicago winter with my yellowbird!

 



 





 

Shine On!

 

 

I really focus on surrounding myself around positives - people, environments, activities, ect...

Inevitably there are negativities that factors into anyone's world, but knowing what is healthy and within your power to manage is important, in my opinion. Some people crave the drama - it's almost they can't function without it - like an appendage. I don't understand that. I will say,  I'm not one to shy away from confrontation. If someone is treating me unfairly or whatnot I will have no hesitation to address. Why sit mute? Always my hope is that through the confrontation a healthy resolution comes from it. A real solid genuine one. Sometimes that is not always the case, but at the end of the day I at least know I gave it my all. Hey, can't control how the cards fall - can only pick them up. When I lay down at night to go to sleep I want to feel I still have my integrity. I want to whole heartedly feel I gave myself, my environment and all the people in it nothing but love and honesty.

As I strive to always be mindful of that, these saying often ring in my ear. I hope by sharing them they give you a positive boost. Be good. Be kind. Be true. You never know when it will all go away!

My Yellowbird

I have been meaning to write up a post about Bryan and I celebrating our 1 year of marriage, but rather I want to just post about him. Spoiler Alert: This is a mushy- lovey gush fest about the love of my life.
 
I adore our love story. Even though it is filled with many moments of painful unknowns and years apart. Oh, the thought of those gut wrenching airport good-byes or those painful Skype conversations of "how are we going to figure this out - we live in different countries" just makes me ache. Though, I hold all of those memories so dear to my heart and wouldn't trade them and our story in for anything.  We both often reminisce about the night we met. It was truly magical. It was Thursday, February 2, 2006. In the middle of a smoke-filled beer garden, of a popular pub located, in Dublin, Ireland, the local boy and the American girl, on her study abroad program, locked eyes. Oh, I know - BARF - sounds like a cliché romantic movie plot, but it is all true.  We chatted that night away. His friends disappeared. My friends disappeared. And, it was just us. He walked me back to my dorm.We kissed. A powerful connection that was born that night. It really is what defines us. We spent the next almost 7 years figuring it out. We were married on September 28, 2012. 
 
Bryan and I couldn't be more alike and more opposite. It is what makes us work well together. I am very type A with a splash of spontaneity. He is laid back, but possesses a driven nature. He has adapted to living in another country remarkably well. And, adjusted nicely (with a few bumps) to being in his own place minding himself, for the first time. Sounds crazy, but he arrived to Chicago having not been on his own yet. So, grocery shopping, laundry, chores, ect were all new territory for him. He was relentless in his job search. Regardless of whatever set back he experienced he forged ahead. He never lost sight of what was important for the growth of him and us.  I admire him.
 
I cherish our nights of cooking meals together while listening to music and discussing everything from our day to current news. We steal kisses and hugs all the time. On the couch, he watches football (my American friends, that is soccer) and I read a book while curled up in his arms. I love that when we go to bed we stay up chatting and giggling like little kids having a sleepover. Bryan is so funny - not in the conventional way, but he never fails to not make me laugh.
 
I love that.
 
I paint and he plays the guitar. He listens and says all the right things. We have each other's back!  He observes everything and teaches me to not be so forthcoming with people. That most people don't have your best interest and it takes time to develop relationships.  I am an open book with virtually no secrets. He is friendly, but remarkably reserved. He melts my heart with the vision he sees for us - possible kids, dogs,  a home filled with song, dance, art, truth and laughter. He is so smart. Of course, I say that, right, but truly, he has a great sense of logic. He loses everything and I always know where it all is. I can plan any adventure and know he is game to come along. We compliment each other in a profound way.  I have never felt so truly loved, by another human being outside of my family. We have a saying "yellowbirds for life" - neither of us could imagine life without the other.
 
I love that we grow stronger each and every day.

March 2006 - During my Dublin study abroad program.

(Oh, so long ago!  I had an eye brown ring and wore hemp necklaces that friends made)

October 2006 - During Bryan's visit to Chicago. I came back home from my program in May and by September he booked a ticket to come see me.

 

November 2011 - on one of Bryan's 3 month visa visits.

 

 

January 2012 - Taken at the Metro during a punk rock concert

September 28, 2012. The day we got married.

Workplace Fashion: To Wear or Not to Wear?

This morning, on my way into work,  I overheard a conversation between two girls on the topic of dressing for where you want to be in your career.
 
2 girls on the Brown line:

Girl 1: "Project what you want, dress the part and you will get it"

Girl 2: "It makes sense. If you go into work looking like a hot mess it reflects what people think of you and your ability."

 
That conversation came on the heels of a conversation I recently had with a friend about work attire. It seems to me, once something is mentioned or heard it pops up all over the place. Such as, the following article that I randomly found the other day while doing research...
 
From an article in The Business Journals: 

"You may not like it, but your work attire does affect the perception of your ability to handle bigger jobs -- in other words, your “promote-ability.” 

For the full article click here
 
I think choosing what to wear and how you present yourself to the world speak volumes - maybe more than one would like to admit, but we live in a world of first impressions - this especially true in the business world.
 
I recall a conversation, at a former job, between me and a higher up about someone at the company who "is a great asset, but doesn't have the "look" to be in front of clients/media." I sat speechless. I didn't know how to respond. I just took a mental note - it was great insight into business place culture/expectations.  
 
Where I work now is an office designed for companies that telecommute. I see my 3 other co-workers usually daily and then maybe a few other people who work in the same shared office. I think because there is not a strict dress code I am guilty of not always giving much effort into my outfit for work. Maybe I am running late in the morning and decided to forfeit make-up. Or, just throw my hair up and put on a headband. Voilà!  97% of the time, I just made that percentage up, I will ensure I am dress professionally. You never know who you will run into. I recall one Friday when my boss was downtown for a meeting and afterwards asked the 4 of us Chicago employees if we wanted to get drinks. Oh, this day was not one of the 97% times- yeah, this day, I decided to not wear make-up, throw my post showered, uncombed, wet hair in bun and wore jeans and a blousy top.  Now, this was a Friday, so I was not radically causal, but I was very aware of my laid back appearance. I wondered if my boss took notice.


From an article in The Wall Street Journal:

"Clothes generally won't be the sole determining factor in whether a person moves up the corporate ladder. But it makes a difference."

For the full article click here
 
I do think it is important to stick to your own sensibility with clothing, but remember YOU are a brand. What vision do you want to present to the office, colleagues, clients, ect?  
Am I alone in this thinking? Thoughts?  

Oh, and for fun I found this quiz -
http://www.psychologies.co.uk/tests/what-do-your-clothes-say-about-you.html
 
I got "Seductive" .... It's true - I don't like leaving people feeling indifferent. I like black and white - yes or no - situations. No grey area for me.

Enjoy!

Currently

Oh, hey there.. Happy Thursday! So....


Listening to:   A lot from The Swellers and Frank Turner. I reference both of them here


Reading: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) By: Mindy Kaling. (you know, the girl from The Mindy Project and Office)

This book is seriously awesome! I highly recommend it.

Excited for:  Dublin! We FINALLY booked tickets.  February 2014, The McMahon's are a comin'! I am excited, but I am also so, so, SO nervous. I am going to be meeting my husband's parents for the first time, ever. and I hope they like me. Maybe even love me, ha! I know.. I can hear your "whaaat?" and see the confused look. All I can say is looking back it all makes sense on how we never met. Bryan and I started casually dating during my study abroad. Who meets parents in the first couple months of causal dating? They definitely knew about me throughout the many years.  Ah, long distance relationships - not for the faint of heart. I'm also hoping his friends like me. And, if they don't they at least  pretend to. hahaha... oh my. This trip will be an exciting adventure nonetheless. 

Thinking about: Joining an art class. I never took to sports when I was growing up. I always gravitated  to art classes and crafty projects. Living in a big city so many of my friends/people I know join sport leagues to stay active/meet people.  Bryan and I joined a kickball league this past summer and it was a wonderful experience. We had a ton of fun and met really stellar people most  of who are now friends! Recently, Bryan joined a soccer league and I see how much enjoyment he has from his weekly (sometimes more) game.  So, despite the cost ($175 for 5 weeks, $325 for 10 weeks) I am pretty sure I am going to join a pottery class at a local art studio. I should probably decide..classes start soon!

Eating: A nickel free diet. ugh! I have been battling skin issues on my hands and feet for almost 2 years now. Nothing super gross just a case of eczema/mild psoriasis - looks like dry skin, but it can be painful and on a vanity level embarrassing. I have been to several dermatologist, an allergist and spent a copious amount of money on trying to get to the root of the cause. In this hunt, I tested positive to having a nickel allergy. The allergic reaction to nickel is contact dermatitis.. on the hands and feet! So, my dermatologist wants me on a nickel free diet for 2 months and then to see him again in December. What is a nickel free diet.. oh, well... here is a break down of food to avoid and food to eat.

High content nickel containing foods – the ones to avoid!

• Chocolate/Cocoa Powder
• Cashews
• Kidney Beans
• Green leafy vegetables
• Legumes especially dried beans and lentils.
• Bean sprouts also have a high nickel content.
• Whole wheat and multigrain flours are high in nickel content. Avoid wheat and oat bran, oatmeal, brown rice, and flower seeds (such as sunflower and sesame).
• Foods with baking powder
• Peas
• Pineapple
• Prunes
• Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts
• Seeds
• Soya
• Canned meats and fish, such as tuna.

Foods low in nickel content (these CAN aggravate nickel allergy)
95% of this list have items that I consume if not daily, multiple times a week - ugh!

• Raw tomatoes, onions and carrots
• Apples and citrus fruits and their juices
• Beer
• Wine (especially red wine)
• Fish such as herring, mackerel and tuna
• Poultry, eggs and fish (except salmon)
• Asparagus
• corn
• cucumber
• dill
• mushrooms
• parsley
• potatoes
• Yeast

Foods that you CAN eat on a nickel free diet

• Fruits including peaches, pears, raisins, rhubarb, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and other berries. Any of these can be eaten fresh or cooked, but not canned.
• Most vegetables are allowed on this diet. Recommended vegetables include: bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, and cruciferous greens (cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, bok choy). Vegetables may be fresh or cooked; canned items are discouraged.
• All plain dairy products eg. milk, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt etc. are allowed.
• Grains: Refined wheat and most corn products are permitted on this diet. Pasta, white rice, cornflakes, cornmeal, and white breads are all low-nickel foods.
• Most kinds of animal protein are low in nickel content. Chicken, turkey, beef, and eggs are recommended. Do not eat canned meats and fish, such as tuna.
• Alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea (though not from urns or machines) are allowed, as are sodas, and juices from low-nickel fruits.

So, pretty much a high protein, vegetable and fruit diet with very small amounts of grains. I feel like a test rat! No, no, no... it's fine. I mean if it gives me insight to this skin issue then that's the goal and hope.

Watching:  Sons of Anarchy - this show is my jam! Everyone seems to be obsessed with Breaking Bad, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, ect... but SOA, in my opinion tops all other shows.  Season 6 of SOA is proving to be the bloodiest. IT. IS. JUST. SO. GOOD. Anyone else a SOA lover?

Creating:  This painting - it's for my friend, Kate.  It a work in process and hopefully I'll be finished with it by next week. Ah, love painting!

EXPENSIVE: Music Mondays

I think the Mr and I just went to our last gig for a while. We saw Break Anchor, awesome punk band from Michigan, at Reggis Rock Club this past Saturday night. It was a stellar time and show. My friend Kate's little brother is the drummer in the band and we've always had a conflict every time Break Anchor has played a gig in Chicago, so we were delighted to finally catch them.

I say "our last gig for a while", because the price of keeping up our live music addiction is becoming too much.

As much as we LOVE live music, we don't always love the price tag that come with it. Very few venues have a flat fee anymore. When the gig is advertised at say, 20 bucks that doesn't include all the taxes and surge charges that get tacked on bringing that 20 dollar ticket to grand total of $37.50.  I mean, really, I just made that price up, but I'm not far off from accuracy.  Concerts are EXPENSIVE. Then times that by 2 for the Mr. and I and already walking into the gig we've spent somewhere between 70-100 bucks .. just.for. the. tickets! THEN factor in drinks, possible merch and maybe a late night burrito after the gig. Easily the concert has cost more than I need to note here. And, times that all by 3 or more a month.. yeah, a lot of moolah! We both know that we have to curb this hobby of ours.  

Here are some gigs  in October we'd love to go to, but know the money is better staying put in our bank account. Also, we are POSSIBLY going to see Alkaline Trio/New Found Glory on Nov. 17 and those tickets will be a total of 77 bucks! If we go - it's my birthday celebration event. I swear.. Matt Skiba if we go, you better not be a hot-drunk-mess during the show.

(click on the band name to watch a video)

• Restorations @ Beat Kitchen on 10/8
• The Swellers @ Beat Kitchen on 10/18
• Desaparecidos @ The Metro on 10/25
• Into Over It @ Schubas on 10/25 (clearly, I wouldn't go to this one IF I was in the market for shows since it's the same night as Desaparecidos, but this is still a good one!)
• Frank Turner and The Sleeping Soul @ The Vic on 10/29

What do hobby do you spend a ton of money on?

October kickin' with goodness!

Coming off the heals of Bryan and my 1 year anniversary October rolls in with an explosion of goodness. (a post on that to come)

My cousin Emily and her husband Nick welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world last night. I am over the moon with excitement and happiness for them in their new journey as parents. Also, for my cousin Susan and Aunt Nancy as they both now enter a new journey as Aunt and Grandma. I know my Uncle George sure is looking down upon his family in pure bliss and joy. Oh, and now I have tears in my eyes as I write this - damn overly emotional genes(?) - I'm just a sap. Anyhoo - Cheers to Lois Isabella Lowe!

And, happiest of birthdays to a little boy who proved from day one he's here for the win. My friend Heather and Don's little boy Marshall turned 1 today. Moments after he was born he found himself a home in NICU for what seemed like forever. He is such a sweet and HEALTHY little man. Happy Birthday, Marshall William.

Oh, the well wishes do not stop there..

October 1 is also the birthday to Miss Elisabeth Jean AKA Libby! It rips me apart sometimes when I think of how far I live from some pretty stellar people I'm lucky to call friends. Libby is the daughter of my childhood friend, Russ and his wife Malena who all live in Arizona.  Libby turned 5 today and I have only met her twice! However, her painting is so proudly showcased in my family room.
::::searching in photos::::
EPIC FAIL... thought I had a photo of it. ugh.. :-(

Oh, well, Happy 5th Birthday to you Libby!

In other news, I'm just happy to be alive and kicking. No, seriously - lately I've felt a bit challenged and not in a good -growth -for-you- kind of way. Regardless of whatever BS is going on I'm delighted to be breathing and loving. I'm humbled that I awoke today with so many reasons to smile and people to celebrate. The love you give and feel is what matters.

To Gift Or Not To Gift

Bryan and I recently had a conversation about gift giving.  As our first year of marriage comes to a close, we wanted to get on the same page and set a precedence. We are still in  a place of getting financially sound and share the same bank account so is it really necessary to give gifts? 

 

 

 

We decided...

Anniversaries - We want to always go away for the weekend and that is the present to ourselves. No need for anything extra.

Birthdays - We gift. This is a day to channel your inner child and feel down right spoiled! Neither one of us have desire to make a big "to-do" with friends and family, but definitely want to live it up with each other. To clarify, we aren't opposed to the "to-do", but if it doesn't pan out then no biggie. For Bryan's birthday, we have a nice tradition started of going to dinner and a movie. His birthday is 3 days before Christmas and a movie theater near us has a 2 week long showing of It's a Wonderful Life complete with pre movie entertainment of carolers, Santa and Christmas cheer. it's like the happiest place to be! He LOVES this movie so we go to that and then do dinner/drinks afterward. For me, it's been different every year, but ideally if I am at a concert with Bryan and drink in hand I am one happy girl. For the gift, we decided nothing too expensive or over the top, but something that is a treat, something that the person really wants.  

Christmas - We  buy a collective gift. Something we both want for us or the home. For example, a TV to put in the bedroom.

In the end, it's about being together for all of the milestones. Although, out of curiosity, I wonder do other couple have gift giving protocols in place?

A Brief Absence..

Life has been busy lately both personally and professionally. All good stuff, but just not enough free time to give to this little blog of mine. So, to recap:

• Riot Fest came and went. IT WAS STELLAR. I can't wait till next year. 
• Got a new area rug and chair from work

• Planning a trip back to Dublin (Feb. 2014)
• Planning our 1 year wedding anniversary trip (Headed to Galena)
• Work has been a ball of stellar busyness: New clients, TV placement, trade show season, meetings, ect, ect,  - I'll tell ya the recession sure did not hit the PR/Marketing sector - at least I have not experienced any decline in the past several years.
• Annual family golf outing
• Buying a yoga mat
• Learning yoga
• Hangs with good people - and on this note....

I've been thinking a lot about friendships. Claims were made of truth, friendship, honesty - ect, and they are falling short. I am disappointed. I thought these words when spoken were 100 percent true. I wear my heart on my sleeve and usually welcome with open arms and I hate the thought of having to be guarded. I like my loving nature, but I am feeling more and more that I am giving it too freely to people who have yet to earn it. Old saying, but one I do believe in: Actions speak louder than words.

I digress..

• Painting
• Focusing on health/skin care
• Money management
• Thinking about turning 33 - whoa!  Also, this Portlandia clip about birthday loans... I absolutely LOVE. Not sure what I will do for this birthday. I toyed with ideas of hosting a party or going bowling... but, honestly, the planning and expectations seems a bit much.  Alkaline Trio is playing 3 days before my b-day and I am STRONGLY leaning towards doing that and going to din din on my actual b-day with Bryan.  Anyhoo - enjoy this clip.

So, I think that captures all that has taken my time and energy as of late. Parting words...