Blizzardmania

Snow!

 I live in the Midwest, scratch that I live in the Chicago land area. Let's be real here, this city was made for snow, half our budgets get poured into snow and ice removal. Snow days are far and in between. 11 inches of snow, work is still on, 2 feet of snow over a 2-3 day period, work is still on.

snow in Wheaton

However, in the instance that we do get this so called "'Life-threatening’ blizzard" (you know the one where we have rapid accumulation in a short stint of time with a punch of winds) I received this email from my boss.

Lets keep an eye on the weather, if the we get what its expected overnight Tuesday, I don’t want any of you in on Wednesday. There are a few folks closer to the building that can muster in if needed.  We will most likely have an EQ* tomorrow to get people out before the weather hits hard.

*EQ is our office terminology for Early Quit

the one and only snow day from when I lived in Minnesota

Due to my early am dentist appointment tomorrow combined with tomorrow's EQ, I've been privileges with the chance to work from home. So tonight, I'm going to put together my survival kit and then prep for the best 2 snow day ever. Here's what I am thinking

• a corncob pipe, a button and some coal for the best snowman ever (I wasn't prepared in Minnesota)
• a shovel and some buckets to turn our kids playset in the yard into a winter fort (Minne's gonna be stoaked)
• Catch up on thank you cards (I'm so behind) and help Minne work on her Valentine's
• Maybe some baking
• hot cocoa, wood in the fire place me cuddled on the sofa with a good book in hand
• perhaps a sled ride with the hubs - we'll see if he gets all his shoveling done first ;)

 the one and only snow day from when I lived in Minnesota

If you were to have a snow day, what would you do?

PS I bet Minne is going to be most excited.

Illinois civil unions bill

Every one deserves love.

Congrats to my home state for finally signing the civil unions bill.

Love who you want and be so proud, it's totally allowed!

Mondays could not get any better.

Minne Monday

Recovering from the best Birthday weekend ever. A trip to Two Bostons, new toys, Bowser Beer and a salmon treat. 

Not to mention, clean new sheets on the bed, I love that. Thanks mom and dad.

Love Minne

January Can't End Until - Love Min

 January cannot end until we celebrate my Birthday.

As I grow a year older, I am no longer afraid of that peske window in my kitchen! BOOM Happy Birthday to me.

It's also been made aware that because I am an older more mature dog I can no longer have Birthday parties with my friends, apparently that's only for babies. I reminisce:

and some more

You think I will still get presents?

January is over

January is almost over and what have I done to work towards my 2011 resolutions? Great question.

1. Last week I attended my first Delta Gamma event since graduation, and I loved it. I know I know, I've been a horrible Alumni but I have to start somewhere and if I am going to be writing checks for the rest of my life, I might as well sign them off to somewhere that has really impacted my life. Plus there's still the philanthropy side of things post college graduation. That makes every one feel good right?

2. Paleo eating and working out is not going so well. But since I used January to focus on DG, maybe I'll use next month to focus on this? Plus I do start my training program for the Mini this month so I guess it's time.

CLICK THIS LINK (not spam I promise)

Click this link, go quickly, do it!

In the 80s I may or may not have had a crush on NKOTB and in the 90s I may or may not have had a crush on BSB. Whatever my story may be, work forces me to follow concert tours stopping at the UC. Today I found this link and I'm in love.

Why?

1.  It's a reminder that baseball season is around the corner (pitchers and catchers report in 18 days - true story)
2. I think the marketing displayed in this web form is just perfect, it captures the venue and the tour in a way that just makes sense (believe me I will be letting the promoters know how much I love this)
3. I sit in dark basement office with the tech guys (don't get me wrong, they are great guys) but the realism in the clouds make me think that I am somewhere else. AND I LOVE THAT.

Kudos NKOTBSB marketing team, Kudos.

PS if you click every link that I included, I am sorry to say I fooled you. Yup, every hyper link goes to this - http://nkotb.com/ GOTCHA!

Costume Idea?

Post the hubs Birthday I emailed my rental suite contact and thanked them for working with me. I sent them a few photos from the Birthday with the following message

Although the surprise was the best part of the night I am pretty sure the attached photo shows what my husband thought the 2^nd best part of the night was.

The response?

Haha, now we know what you’re dressing up as for Halloween!

I am pretty sure my husband is convinced that this is what I am going to be for Halloween next year. (keep in mind I don't usually even celebrate the holiday)

Surprise Birthday Party

A little late but to end my husbands 30th Birthday weekend, I threw him a surprise Birthday at the United Center for a Blackhawks vs Predators game. Awesome right?!?

I booked the 40 person super suite at the Madhouse (which was freakin sweet BTW) and was able to get 40 of Landon's friends and relatives to travel to Chicago to join us on the hub's very special day. At first I was surprised about how much interest there was in coming out for Landons Birthday, but let's be honest, I have a pretty great husband so I wasn't that surprised.

our view from the suite, this taken post game, check out all the banners

the Birthday boy with all the girls in his life

the birthday boy with all the girls he wants in his life, go ice crew?

Happy Birthday lover!

I missed you!

It's true I really did miss you. In fact, I think I missed you as much as Minne missed me her weekly Minne Monday shout out. So much to tell you but for now, I'll leave you with this.

Current Obsession

Flash mobs!!

This one a coworker of mine was in when he was with his previous employer.




And then there was this one, that took place on the same very day I was here. Judging my the lighting we missed it by only a few short hours





I really want to be in one. Maybe I will start one at the United Center?

Note to self: Read this when down

I probably don't say it enough but being 26 and having a job, better yet, a job I really like, makes me feel really happy. Sure I work some weird hours and have to give up long weekends but when pieces of your life all just start to fit together perfectly...you just have to go with it. I mean how many people get to see this on a daily basis? 

Great job, wonderful husband, healthy family, great friends... right now, I'm really happy. That needs to be recorded so the next time I am not, I can at least look back at this and smile.

"Head Over Feet"

Sometimes my words aren't enough. Post the hubs getting his tattoo on Saturday we were driving back home. I realized that in only a few hours my husband was going to be 30 and I couldn't be happier to have some one so great in my life. We were just about home when this song came on. It took me back to my younger years, when I used to hope to feel how Alanis Morissette did at the time of writing this. I hope the hubs knows that everything this weekend was for him of how he makes me feel, Head Over Feet

I had no choice but to hear you

You stated your case time and again

I thought about it

You treat me like I'm a princess

I'm not used to liking that

You ask how my day was

You've already won me over in spite of me

And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet

Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are

I couldn't help it

It's all your fault

Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole

You're so much braver than I gave you credit for

That's not lip service

You've already won me over in spite of me

And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet

Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are

I couldn't help it

It's all your fault

You are the bearer of unconditional things

You held your breath and the door for me

Thanks for your patience

You're the best listener that I've ever met

You're my best friend

Best friend with benefits

What took me so long

I've never felt this healthy before

I've never wanted something rational

I am aware now

I am aware now

You've already won me over in spite of me

And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet

Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are

I couldn't help it

It's all your fault

PS I'm a big sucker for acustic music, so let's let the lady herself take it away

"Oh No"

In the last day of his twenties, the only thing the hubs could say was... "Oh noo!"

JUST KIDDING! He enjoyed every minute of it.

Wait time out this is funny, before the hubs could get a tat, his buddy had to shave him. There were some jokes here about the hubs next tattoo being on his butt. 

And now it's serious go time.

Look at Chad go, he's pretty friggin awesome.

Lets get this Pete some pants shall we?

Post tattoo time we did something unthinkable - well unthinkable when you're old. We went to the hubs favorite bar at Purdue and we day drank. Well not me (someone had to be the sober sailor), but the hubs had his little cousins over for some fun at Jakes. We ordered his favorite menu items for lunch and beverage and we played about 100 games of the card game @ss hole. The best part was one of our good friends and the lady who married us joined in on the fun. Hi JD (had to name drop since I know she's a loyal reader).

After the Jakes day time fun, we made our way to Mad Mushroom, because apparently that's what you do at Purdue. Every one was having fun.

So much fun, that no one wanted to leave.

Here's where the hubs called grandma, the little cousin was so happy to be talking to her.

Thumbs up from the cool guy on the right. Go Captain Awesome.

I thought that Landon was super mad at me for making him go home. What he didn't know at this point was that he'd be seeing his cousins tomorrow. SPOILER ALERT the next day I threw him a surprise party. More to come soon.

Minne Monday

Hey look guys, I'm ready to go to the Blackhawks game for dad's surprise 30th Birthday. Wait it's Monday at 8:45 and you haven't woken up yet. What's going on here?

Oh wait, you already went?  partied so hard and now are sleeping all day? And I wasn't invited? What happened to it being my Birthday month?

Purdue/Tattoo/Last Day of Being 29 Road Trip

What are you supposed to do on your last day in twenties? Is there one thing that every one should have done at least once in their twenties? Luckily for me, I still have a few years (deep sigh - thank goodness), send me any suggestions so I can work on knocking them out.

But this post isn't about me, it's actually about the hubs. He has exactly one more day, 24 hours to be exact. Exactly one more day in his twenties.

How does he want to spend it? Exactly like it started. At Purdue, hanging with friends and (here's the kicker) and he is going to have his best friend give him a tattoo, a Purdue Pete. Yup my husband is getting his college mascot branded on him. It is fitting. College is where many people spend time defining who they are and really start thinking about who they want to be.

But lets go back to the awesome part of that last paragraph - his friend, his groomsman is an artist, in fact he's a tattoo artist. How many people get to say they got their tattoo from one of their best friends?  Not this girl, but for sure my husband.

Going back to sleep for a few hours. Should have some photos for you from the Purdue/Tattoo/last day of Being 29 Road Trip next week.

Dear Husband

I know it's your Birthday, but if you could spare a few minutes of your time and dollars from your pocket book, it would be much appreciated.

 Just hop on over to Horchow and use the 25% off code to order me this. Please? Thanks.

Love you forever.
Wife

BACKSTORY: we have 4 different browns going on in our room with the fireplace (oak trim/fireplace, deep brown leather sofa & chair, dark brown table chests, and tall brown bar chairs.) I need something to break it up. I think this would do just fine, fun but not too wild or too bright. Perfect.

Birthday Friday

My husband is turning 30 this weekend. So I thought I would do a nice thing, you know. Come home from work early last night, get all his laundry done, cook dinner, do all the dishes he left in the sink...ect and make some funfetti cupcakes for him to bring to work today. Even at 29, they are still his favorite.

I thought I was super wife, that was until I got 3 text messages from the hubs this morning. Apparently the girls at work out did me.

They win.

Darn it, they totally win.

Don't send ____ to boys

My husband's Birthday is coming up and it reminded me of something that I did that was apparently terrible. And I will NEVER do it again.  Ready for it?

A few years ago my husbands birthday was close to the same time that he took a new job. I was so excited for him and I was living in a different state so I decided I wanted to send him something to work. You know as a congrats, Happy Birthday and I miss you kind of gift. I couldn't send sweets because the hubs isn't huge on them and I certainly wasn't sending a teddy bear or a fruit basket because well he would have thought both were lame. The idea of balloons made me smile but having him leave work in the windy Chicago winter with them put an image in my head of the hubs getting super frustrated and then finally just letting the balloons go.... money spent would have been wasted.

And then I stumbled across this

Yup, it's a flower arrangement that looks like beer, the carnations are foaming at the top. I thought this was perfect. The beer says congrats (in a work friendly way) and the flowers were the sweet I miss you happy Birthday message I was hoping for.

I got notification that it was delivered around noon. I waited and waited to hear something from the husband. 3 hours go by, nothing. by 5pm I figured he had to be on his way out of work so I called him. After talking for a few minutes I finally just come out and ask the question. it went something like this:

"I sent you something today did you get it?" me
"Yeah" pause "I got something alright" hubs
"ok... did you like it?" me
"I... I... I'm going to be honest, I'm not sure I get it."
(me now thinking - oh no did the wrong item get sent?)
 "It was beer flowers, get it it looks like a beer but it's flowers" me trying to say in a super convincing voice
Pause
"Oh, now that you mention it I guess it does look like beer" hubs

REALLY?!?! After that moment I swore to myself I would never send the hubs flowers ever again. Better yet, I'v decided the only thing I will ever send is heart shaped pizzas for Valentines day...that's it.

Minne Tuesday: Mom I said Stop

Mom I said stop, stop staring at me funny... I feel fine (no thanks to the big ole shot you just gave me) but really I'm fine, just trying to relax.

No Pants!

In my house, we do no pant Sundays. Or as the husband says, pants are optional.

In other places they do No Pants Subway rides. Every year when I see these articles, it makes me smile.

Minne Monday: Atopic Dermatitis

A few weeks back we realized that Minne's white paws and belly kept looking more and more pink, her hair loss was getting worse and her mood wasn't her happy go lucky self. We finally bit the bullet and decided to take her to the dermatologist. After the first consultation visit we were out $500 and we had to schedule another visit which was going to cost us close to $800.

Yeah yeah we know it sounds really expensive, believe us, after just buying a house and the holidays, it was really expensive. But you know what else is expensive? Every time Minne would have a bad allergic reaction, we would have to rush her to the vet, where they would run tests and then inject her with steroids.

Do you know how much that costs? About $150 (sometimes more) every time we went. In the summer, some months we had to take her to the vet 2 or 3 times a month. Poor Min. After doing the math if these bills were a one time thing, and if the dermatologist was able to diagnose her, we would only be paying $70 a month for shots (the first 2 months of shots would actually be included in the $800 of the 2nd visit). Long term, it looks like we could save money and have a happier dog and since she isn't even 4 years old yet, it was time to bite the bullet. We also learned that the steroid shots that she was getting every time she had a bad reaction were part to blame for her hair loss and they also effected her anxiety and mood overall. Enough said.

So over the holidays I took a morning off work to take Mine to the dermatologist. There, the doc took her from me for an hour. They shaved her and marked her and injected her with little amounts of antigen. Afterwards, they observe the surface area to determine if she was allergic to any of the agents they gave her. This is called Inradermal Skin Testing. It's the same practice that is done on people.

This was taken a few hours after her tests. As you can see, there are a lot of red/discolored marks showing everything she is allergic to. Ready for the list?

• Kentucky Blue Grass
• Anything sheep related, especially wool
• Tobacco, all things smoke related
• All bugs that bite (from flies, mosquitoes to tics)
• Mites
• 3 kinds of trees
• 2 kinds of weeds

and more that weren't ranked as high, but these are the majors.

The result is she has Atopic Dermatitis, which is essentially environmental allergies. This is common among people and pets, who knew? The solution - The vet spent some time building some formulas based on Mins allergies and they packaged them into these cute little viles. I take these files and that I inject the formula into Minne on a scheduled basis. I was a little worried about having so much power of these shots in my hand. I mean, I didn't want Minne to hate me every time I gave her a shot and I didn't want to hurt her. Luckily, 3 shots in, she doesn't seem phased. We'll see how she's doing in a few months, as the doctor said it can take awhile for the shots to build up her immunity to all her allergies and we may not see results for up to 9 months.

MORE ON ATOPIC DERMATITIS via WebMD

• Susceptible breeds include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Wire Fox Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Dalmatians, Poodles, English Setters, Irish Setters, Boxers, and Bulldogs, among others, although any dog may be affected. Even mixed breeds may suffer from atopy.
• Atopy begins in dogs 1 to 3 years of age.
• In early canine atopy, itching is seasonal and the skin looks normal. Dogs scratch at the ears and undersides of the body. The itching is often accompanied by face-rubbing, sneezing, a runny nose (known as allergic rhinitis),watery eyes, and licking at the paws

Where's the Solution in the Resolution?

I went with option C. There just wasn't any where else to go.

If there was something that I could do better to be a better person wouldn't I want to know? Wouldn't you want to know?

And besides the entire idea behind a resolution (as I understand it anyway) is getting yourself to achieve that solution, that solution that is going to make you better. So C it was.

Who's going to hold you accountable?

Better yet, who's going to hold me accountable for keeping up with my new years resolutions?

Me that's who. Wait no I'm lying, I'm not that strong on my own...but maybe, just maybe if I start a journal of my eating and fitness habits and I'm forced to look at it every day then, maybe I'll get closer to holding myself accountable? Yup, I say that with a questions because (if we're being honest here) it may just be an epic fail.But I have to start somewhere right? So well here's what I eat and what I try not to eat.

It's young, it's fresh but most importantly it's honest. I don't expect you to read it or follow it but to keep me accountable for my actions, I had to share.

Please forgive me, especially for breaking up with a certain someone something.

Boot Obsession

Thank goodness I live in a place where boots are not only accepted but expected! I have a major boot obsession. I can't write down how many pairs of boots I've actually purchased in the last year because having it on record could be a bad thing. However, I saw piperlime was having a super mega sale of all things fantastic and had to take a peek. Sure enough there are boots on sale. Damn it.

So in my attempt to not buy everything on sale, I am hoping for some blogger help. I narrowed it down to a few boots, which do I get? One of them? all of them? none of them?

I saw these in November for $120, I have a pair of high boots similar to these and I love love love them over jeans or leggings. Now that these are only $59, are they worth it? I should note, my purse and other accessories through the fall/winter are primarily grey and I don't currently own grey boots other than my Uggs which the husband is persistent that Uggs are not meant to be worn in public.

And then there are these bad boys. Very similar to the ones above but a little more rugged. Perfect for that casual weekend when you want to look casual but still be put together but not over done, you know? The pricing? $39.

When I see a pair of shoes for under $20, I often feel like if I don't by them I'm letting a perfectly good pair of shoes go right out the window. So when I saw these at $19 I had to do a double take. My only concern is they look cheap to me but on a snowy wintery day are these perfect? Are they the kind of shoes that should make me say, who cares if the Chicago salt trucks destroy them? I'm just not sure.

New Single For Brit? SHUT THE EF UP!

Seriously, there's a leak of the new single and some how I am one of the last to know about it. Someone please tell me how this happened. May I remind you my second blog post of all time was devoted to Britney.

So thanks to the Queen of Pop himself, here it is. Listen to it. Now, do it.

No it's not Britney singing, but it's pretty awesome and it makes me so excited to hear it from her. And maybe just maybe a new single means a new cd which means a new concert tour?!?! Lets hope, pretty pretty please.

Britney, if you're reading this, please plan a tour stop in Chicago at the United Center. I guarantee my friends won't disappoint.

A few more New Years Resolutions

My husband came walking into the kitchen the other night, as I was doing dishes and asked me what he could do to be a better husband as part of his New Years resolution.

This was a hands down no brainer, so I quickly respond, "start being on time for things." He got a little offended and responded kind of harshly with a "wow you came up with that one quickly now my turn."

Wait go back to the last 3 words in the last sentence "Now my turn?" Did my husband really just come in and ask me what he could do to better himself knowing that he was going to turn around and tell me what I could do to be better?

What does one do in this situation?
A. Laugh it off and hope not to talk about it again
B. Quickly withdraw the last statement about him needing to better himself
C. Listen to see what he has to say, because lets be honest, as perfect as I may seem, I could still be a better person?

...answer honestly, I'm depending on you.

PS if you know my husband you know he's late to everything, he was even the one late to our own wedding. I'm not kidding.

Dog Birthdays

If you have a dog you know how awesome dog Birthdays can be. I was reminded today that my little Boston turns 4 years old on the 28th of this month (a few weeks after the hubs turns the big 3-0). Thanks to our favorite pet boutique, Two Bostons, we just received Minne's 1st birthday email.

Minne has her own email address. If you'd like to wish her well on her big day, send all emails to minnewhetsel@gmail.com. Sometimes she responds, but to be fair she doesn't have fingers and her email box fills up quickly with emails from Petsmart, Pet Co, and Two Bostons.

PS if you live in the western suburbs and own a dog, go visit the Two Boston stores. Seriously, you won't be disappointed and bring your pup with!

Europe Adventures

I told you guys about my bestie in Germany right? And how she decided last minute to spend NYE in Paris? We'll here's a few quick photos from their trip. Ready to drool in envy?

These make me wish I had the guts to take a job in a city foreign to me with a 4 year contract. On the plus side, we've officially started our savings for for our big Euro trip to visit these 2 in 2012, we're on the right track right?

We have to wait till 2012 because we want to go in September (before pie season and the UC season) and September of 2011 is when these 2 will be tying the knot back in the states. I'm sure it will be well worth the wait.

PS Miss you Jacks! (I saw that you've been reading my blog, it makes me super happy)

Minne Monday: I surrender

"I used to fight getting my nails cut, but I've learned I get a treat afterwards. Therefore, I surrender." Minne

PS my new years resolutions because I heard every one is doing it.

1. Stop being scared of the large window in my new house
2. Stop licking my paws (hopefully my allergy shots will help with this)
3. Learn to take my pills so my dad doesn't have to choke me

2011 Resolutions

My friend Jess reminded me that I needed to get on my resolutions for 2011. This year, unlike a year ago, I am working 1 job instead of 3. I think, and I am hoping this will give me more time to work towards keeping up my resolutions. So lets get going with 2011:

• To be a more active member of the Delta Gamma Alumni Association (this is something that meant so much to me in college and the last few years I have let is slip and some times I don't even pay my lifetime dues on time, shhh don't tell)
• Major cliche, but I want to get healthier by doing 2 things - keeping up with Paleo style eating ( I started towards the end of last year and it was amazing) and training for the Indy Mini

So Much To Celebrate!

Happy Anniversary to my little bloggity blog and a very Happy Happy New Year to you all! Hopefully you got to ring it in with friends and family close by. I've been ringing it in with some friends, a few family members, lots of coworkers (while working) and finally I am now celebrating blogger style/.

A year ago I started my blog for a few reason and listed them in my first post, you can read it here. Today I still blog to try to capture the good things going on in my families life but I feel my blog starting to do things on it's own. It doesn't seem to have a clear definition or meaning and I am not exactly sure what the new year will bring but I am excited to see where it leads.

Happy 2011 Blogger style!