Meet and Greets

Between the holidays, the never ending Polar Vortex and a busy work schedule, life as gotten the best of me. As I sit here hyped up on some Alka-Seltzer on yet another Work From Home day (thanks to those tundra temperatures), I figured I should take some time to update.

Within the past two months, I met two people I’ve been waiting to meet since 2004. And three weeks ago, I got to meet a tiny little lass I’ve been waiting to see and hold since August.

First up, the Bernings. Fate dealt us one sweet card when Matthias and his parents ventured down to Chicago the same weekend Mom was in town. We’ve heard a lot about Matthias’s parents over the years, but we’ve never met, as they don’t come to the States all that often. This meeting/reunion of sorts was my absolute favorite part of the holiday season. We all easily fit into conversations with each other, though Matthias had to jump in every now and then and wow us with his seamless German-English-German speech. The weather wasn’t the best, though I spent the whole day in fits of giggles and smiles. A Christmas miracle? Nah, just much overdue.

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After some time Facetiming with Lisa and Baby Beckett, I ended up having a work trip out to Colorado. Lucky for me, the presentation was on a Friday, which meant I could take the weekend with the Watsons down in Colorado Springs and finally meet Baby B. I was pretty excited and anxious as well as a little more than nervous. I cannot tell you the last time I held a baby. After a drive (and gossip sesh) from Denver to the Springs with just Lisa, I arrived to Watson Manor ready to meet Baby B. We both played coy. And during the Kansas game the next day we moved into the “hold me” phase. Thankfully, there’s one thing Baby B and I cannot get enough of…books.

Sharing some book love while dressed in Rock Chalk attire

Even with the mood swings of Old Man Winter, it’s hard to complain too much. Especially since Restaurant Week is going on and Sundance U.S.A. is this Thursday. Needless to say, there’s not much meandering around the city though enjoying the quiet, downtime of “too-cold-for-tourists” season.

Holiday Cheer

Per yesterday’s post, one thing I love about this time of year is all of the Holiday cards you receive. It’s an easy way to spread some holiday cheer while showing off your best look. And while I’m totally digging the family Christmas card videos that are currently just everywhere (#XmasJammies, Slade Family, We Won’t Stop), I still find myself hoping a card went out with the link.

So whether you’re sending cards, giving out smiles while walking around town or sending elaborate productions, Happy Holidays!

*This photo will never, ever get old. It’s such a shame this came on such a tiny Polaroid in the 80s.*

 

Surprises Underground and on the Platform

After a long day at the office, Jill and I made our way to the train platform to do some holiday shopping.

We weren’t in the best of spirits. And then BOOM.

The Holiday Express appeared! In years past, I’ve seen the train and even been on the platform with the train going the other way. This time though, Santa knew we needed some Holiday Cheer.

Inside the train, the seats are covered with holiday graphics, elf window clings to truly “Elf Yourself,” ads replaced with Holiday-themes and the best part (aside from actual elves and the holiday music and candy canes to eat)…HOLIDAY JOKES. I’m still reeling from this experience it was just what we needed. And quite the surprise to hear come billowing through the tunnels.

Proof this train packs quite the glee-infused moment:

Eeeeeee!!!!

Jill’s still smiling today.

 

Oh Beautiful

Happy Fourth of July everyone! I cannot help but recall this scene from one of my favorite summer movies today. Heading down to the Pier to watch tonight. There’s just something about a sky, city and water lighting up from these things.

Let the Celebrations Begin!

Seeing as I enjoy sunshine, I’ve always thought I enjoyed the month of July. It’s hot, there’s baseball going on, BBQs smoking and of course, my blessed day of birth. But after this article on The Gloss, I’m thinking I was made for the month of November.

November is……

……National Novel Writing Month–Maybe I’ll take part in a few years, and then this will be more relevant to me.

……Movember–An ode to some great ‘stache wearers where “men” shave off their facial hair and raise money for men’s health awareness. Totally support it, but sadly, cannot participate seeing as I can’t grow a ‘stache (whew). Thankfully, TOMS has made it possible for lasses to participate this year.

…..National Peanut Butter Lovers Month–Oh hey, I’ve been a peanut butter lover since creation. And I know I have already expressed my passion for this staple. I mean, at work, they offer us staples in the kitchen. Crunchy and Smooth both make the list. Just sayin’…

…..Sweet Potatoes Awareness Month— I’m not sure why the Awareness is needed, but these suckers are tasty! The day Maggie showed me the power of microwaving a sweet potato and eating it was life changing. And sweet potato fries?! Be still my heart. I’d dip you in peanut butter, but I’m not big on mixing and matching.

…..National Pomegranate Month–I still recall the moment Mal pulled one of these foreign alien objects from her lunch box. I thought what in the hell is that. And then I saw her picking at it and I thought, why in the hell would anyone eat seed by seed? Then I tried it. And it was amazing. And I never looked back. POM juice is sick though. Opt for the real deal.

…..National Sleep Comfort Month–I didn’t need another reason to hit the snooze or go to bed at 10 o’clock, but I do!