Monday, December 31, 2007

A Look Back at 2007

2007 has been a big year for us. In trying to decide what to post for New Year's Eve, I considered copying my friend Michelle's great idea, a Top 10 List, but decided I should probably think of something myself. Unfortunately, I am having a creativity block, so I've posted my own version of Michelle's list (Meesh - yours is much more creative and humorous). So, here's our Top 5 of 2007:

5. John learned to play the guitar. He's getting quite good, and I'm considering hiring him out to Potbelly Sandwich Works to play music during the lunch rush.

4. I had my gall bladder out (you laugh, but I feel SO much better).

3. I've made some really awesome friends this year. Moving to a new city can be tough, and it's hard to meet great people when not thrust into traditional social situations (i.e. school), so I'm very thankful for my fun girlfriends.

2. John got the perfect job (finally!)

1. Buying our first home! The move was stressful and it took a long time to get things the way we wanted them, but we absolutely love our new condo!

I wish I could have included "Finally learned how to parallel park," but it just wasn't THAT great of a year. Happy 2008 everyone!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

More Merriment...


Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Our Christmas was merry for sure, but certainly not little as we had 4 different family celebrations. Lots of presents (John's fave) and even more food. Hope everyone had a good one, and here are some pics of all our celebrations.




Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Funny!

So, John's mom wanted to find an easier way to get out a Christmas card this year. She stumbled upon some Web site that let you create your own animated card. I've posted the URLs below -- I have to say, I'm impressed with my own moves.

Elf Dance One

Elf Dance Two

P.S. You must have Flash to see the e-cards.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Leather

Today is our third anniversary, and guess what the traditional gift is: leather. Could be worse, I suppose - who ever heard of getting your spouse paper for your anniversary? Anyway, I can't believe it's been three years! They've gone so quickly! It's amazing how time flies when you're out of school and part of the daily grind. I'm not sure what we're going to do to celebrate this occasion, nor do I know what I'm going to get John (leather wallet, perhaps?). But I do know that it's been a long (and fun) road, and I can't imagine traveling it with anyone else.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Final Countdown!


I would say "10 Day Countdown," but apparently we've missed it. Anyway, I can't believe Christmas is a little over a week away! We're still not finished with our shopping! It's nice and Christmas-y around here. Lots of snow was dumped on us this weekend, so it's a winter wonderland! We'll be home in less than a week and can't wait to see everyone! Thought the corresponding picture pretty much summed up the current sentiment at our house.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Another Favorite: Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill


It's been a while since we posted about a favorite spot, so we thought we would post about a new favorite -- Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill. We recently started going here for a quick dinner because it's right across the street from my yoga studio. Rockwell's boasts that they make the best burger in Chicago, and John will agree with that. They also have lots of great salads, which makes me happy. Everything we've tried there is great, so Rockwell's is definitely a keeper!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Ice Storm in Oklahoma

To all our friends and family at home --
Stay warm and be careful!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Cookies, Cookies Everywhere!

I hosted my first cookie exchange this weekend. For those of you who aren't familiar, each person brings a different kind of cookies, and everyone shares cookies - that way each person will go home with the same number of cookies they brought, but all different kinds. Anyway, I only invited 6 people - this way it wouldn't be too out of control. It was still a ton of work, though! Since the cookies were for take away, I had to make all sorts of other apps to eat at the actual party part. It was a really great time, and a nice laid-back way to celebrate Christmas with friends. I've posted a few pictures, including a before photo. The girls who attended are Liana, Sarah, Sam, Erica, Beth and Nicole. Such fun! Now John has the hard job of eating all those cookies!




Saturday, December 8, 2007

Barack Rocks!



Last night John and I attended the Barack Obama Change Rocks event at the Riviera Theater. I wasn't so excited when he told me he got us tickets - those of you who know me well know I'm supporting another candidate - but we had a really great time. Several bands played - a couple of local acts, a couple of guys from Third Eye Blind, Jill Sobule, Macy Gray, and John's favorite band, Wilco. I will say that Barack is a really inspirational man. He has lots of energy and a knack for capturing a crowd. He may have even won me over. He has some really great ideas, respects the Constitution, and is really smart -- three attributes that are absolutely not possessed by the current administration. I know a lot of our family and friends don't particularly share the same views as us, but that's the great thing about being an American - the right to have and speak one's own ideas without shame or retribution. Here are some pictures from the event. We didn't take them - Chris Sweda from the Chicago Sun-Times did.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Let It Snow!

During the past 24 hours, Chicago has turned into a winter wonderland! We got about 6 inches last night and are expected to another 2-4 inches tomorrow! Pictures to follow... Brrr!

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Happy December!







Seasons Greetings everyone! We've been really busy, so sorry for the lack of posts lately! Here are some holiday photos of our place and cats! Also, it started blizzarding today so here are some pictures taken out our front windows. It's a nice and brisk 26 outside, but inside, it's so delightful! Not too hot, though. Isn't it nice when the ice in your water doesn't melt? Ever?