MoniKitchen
Chili!
That's Hilaaarious
Anniversary Party silliness - watching "Knocked Up" and referencing it all weekend long!
Good Talk
We've had a few of these and we'll have many many more in the coming months and beyond. Our first baby talks were mainly our living and financial situation. But reality set in and we decided it was easiest and smartest to just stay put in our condo for the time being and in this economy. Maybe in a year we'll be able to save up a little and the housing market will be better.
Then our talks moved to daycare and more money matters. It's going to be tight, but we'll have to make it work somehow like so many other new parents do!
Marriage Epiphany
Well, here we are! We made it through the first year of marriage. We've grown and we've learned a lot about marriage and ourselves. As we stand here at our 1-Year Anniversary, we are not free of bumps and bruises - that is for sure. There were some dark lows, that for awhile seemed impossible to recover from. There were laughs, "awww" moments, some good food - and we refused to become an "old married couple" who disappears from the social scene. (Although now with Silly Baby coming on the scene, that may become the case!!!)
In these 365 days since I donned my Oleg Cassini princess wedding gown and Tim was packaged in a handsome tux, we have truly made a full 360.
November 17, 2007 was a sigh of relief sort of day. A day we had finally made it. Our love was official and we were now husband and wife. November 17, 2008 we have just broken the news and gotten used to the idea that we will soon be parents!!!
So from newlyweds to new parents, Tim and I are leaping onto the next milestone in our life together. From fresh out of college 22-year olds who met at a wedding and just wanted to go out every weekend and sleep off the hangovers 'til 2pm the next day - to here we are...
On our now unofficial 6-year anniversary of May 31, 2009 - we will be two married adults in our 2nd year of marriage - becoming parents!
I've learned that in our lives, we can be many things to many people and many different times. We are born a son or daughter, sister or brother. We can be a student, a classmate, a coworker, a fellow member, a teammate, a friend. But the two most important people you can become to someone else is a husband or a wife, and a mother or a father.
Happy One-Year Anniversary, Tim. I love you! Here's to a lifetime more...
To all my loyal readers, this brings this blogfest to close.
Please join us in our next chapter: http://www.oursillybaby.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
WEEK #52: 11/9 - 11/16
Social Butterflies
Sunday
We went over to Tim's mom's for an early Thanksgiving with John's kids and to share the baby news with them! On our way home, we also stopped at Pat & Lorie's to tell them the news in person as well.
Friday
Katie & Mandsi came to town and we told THEM the baby news by putting it up on our scrolling marquis board over the bar!
Saturday
The morning started with Coffee Talk then a whole bunch of floppy time, then the Anniversary Party at Fox & Hound - where finally EVERYONE knew the news of Silly baby!
Aww...That's Nice!
More telling baby news!
20-Second T.O.
Again, no time and too much excitement for any actual arguments to sneak in.
Sunday
We went over to Tim's mom's for an early Thanksgiving with John's kids and to share the baby news with them! On our way home, we also stopped at Pat & Lorie's to tell them the news in person as well.
Friday
Katie & Mandsi came to town and we told THEM the baby news by putting it up on our scrolling marquis board over the bar!
Saturday
The morning started with Coffee Talk then a whole bunch of floppy time, then the Anniversary Party at Fox & Hound - where finally EVERYONE knew the news of Silly baby!
Aww...That's Nice!
More telling baby news!
20-Second T.O.
Again, no time and too much excitement for any actual arguments to sneak in.
WEEK #51: 11/2 - 11/8
Social Butterflies
Friday
We drove up to Milwaukee to go out for a fish fry with my mom and tell her the baby news!
Saturday
We had lunch with Tim's dad for Taylor's birthday and told them the baby news as well!!
At night, we went over to Amy & Pat's for Game Night with that group. We did NOT tell them the baby news, as this weekend was just for the family!
Aww...That's Nice!
Telling our families about the baby news!
20-Second T.O.
Too busy with too much excitement and good news to fight!
Friday
We drove up to Milwaukee to go out for a fish fry with my mom and tell her the baby news!
Saturday
We had lunch with Tim's dad for Taylor's birthday and told them the baby news as well!!
At night, we went over to Amy & Pat's for Game Night with that group. We did NOT tell them the baby news, as this weekend was just for the family!
Aww...That's Nice!
Telling our families about the baby news!
20-Second T.O.
Too busy with too much excitement and good news to fight!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
MONTH #11: September 18 - October 17, 2008
MoniKitchen
Chorizo Carbonara
Ummm, I googled this recipe - but now can't find it. Soo, if you're interested I suggest you just google it? meh.
Humor
Just in general, we had a good time goofing around at Billy's wedding with Josh & Tina, etc.
Good Talk
Ok, so who knows why this got to me SO much. But at Billy & Jenn's rehearsal dinner - Billy gave a little speech and read a poem to Jenn and then they exchanged gifts. She got him so famous collectible guitar and he got her big 'ol diamond earrings.
So this made me think about how Tim & I didn't give each other gifts, b/c it would be another expense at come time for our wedding, we were pretty much maxed out. And at the time it seemed like a logical thought, but now it just bummed me out and was another reminder of how strapped we are and how so many other people are so much better off.
On my car ride home, and Tim went to stay with Billy & Guido, he called me and I spoke to the above points. But it was that type of conversation where I didn't want to have a conversation, I wanted to vent. So not much was resolved that night. The next morning Tim called me, and we did talk more about it. And of course nothing was resolved, but it helped to sorta get it out there.
Marriage Epiphany
Things are going to happen in a marriage that you can't control. You can't control another person, much less everything that happens to them. You also can't completely control your luck and the way the chips fall.
A marriage needs to be viewed as an us vs. the world rather than a me vs. him. I spent the entire summer in the latter category and unless you're planning on a divorce, it's no way to live in a marriage. So I swallowed that pill and tried to see the sunny side of certain things. Saw that Tim & I are still best friends and always will be and we'll always be able to make each other laugh and have "obsessions". It's "the world" that gets in the way, and really knocks you down. And that's what happened in the past few months. It may happen again. The world is bound to knock us down again. Hopefully someday we'll get a little break and the world will lift us up and things will fall into place. Until then, it's a battle. But it's a battle much easier fought together, than against each other.
Chorizo Carbonara
Ummm, I googled this recipe - but now can't find it. Soo, if you're interested I suggest you just google it? meh.
Humor
Just in general, we had a good time goofing around at Billy's wedding with Josh & Tina, etc.
Good Talk
Ok, so who knows why this got to me SO much. But at Billy & Jenn's rehearsal dinner - Billy gave a little speech and read a poem to Jenn and then they exchanged gifts. She got him so famous collectible guitar and he got her big 'ol diamond earrings.
So this made me think about how Tim & I didn't give each other gifts, b/c it would be another expense at come time for our wedding, we were pretty much maxed out. And at the time it seemed like a logical thought, but now it just bummed me out and was another reminder of how strapped we are and how so many other people are so much better off.
On my car ride home, and Tim went to stay with Billy & Guido, he called me and I spoke to the above points. But it was that type of conversation where I didn't want to have a conversation, I wanted to vent. So not much was resolved that night. The next morning Tim called me, and we did talk more about it. And of course nothing was resolved, but it helped to sorta get it out there.
Marriage Epiphany
Things are going to happen in a marriage that you can't control. You can't control another person, much less everything that happens to them. You also can't completely control your luck and the way the chips fall.
A marriage needs to be viewed as an us vs. the world rather than a me vs. him. I spent the entire summer in the latter category and unless you're planning on a divorce, it's no way to live in a marriage. So I swallowed that pill and tried to see the sunny side of certain things. Saw that Tim & I are still best friends and always will be and we'll always be able to make each other laugh and have "obsessions". It's "the world" that gets in the way, and really knocks you down. And that's what happened in the past few months. It may happen again. The world is bound to knock us down again. Hopefully someday we'll get a little break and the world will lift us up and things will fall into place. Until then, it's a battle. But it's a battle much easier fought together, than against each other.
Monday, November 10, 2008
WEEK #50: October 26 - November 1, 2008
Home Cookin'
Booooo. I suck.
Social Butterflies
We both had colds so that prevented us from venturing out much. Oh - but Tim met up with Billy after work on Thursday night - so that counts!
Aww...That's Nice!
Details can't really be disclosed to the public here, but let's just say Tim & I are turning over a new leaf in our marriage and are looking forward to "coming out of the dark" in time for our one-year anniversary. We've had some good talks and that general good, warm & fuzzy feeling is taking over where the bitterness once stood.
20-Second T.O.
Tim called on his way home from being out w/Billy. It was only 9:30pm so obviously not too much craziness had occurred. I still I had to ask how many drinks he had - not trying to be accusatory, but of course I come off sounding that way. Long story short, he only had 3 drinks, but b/c he thought I was accusing he came off defensive which turned into me going off about why I had the right to be concerned.
Booooo. I suck.
Social Butterflies
We both had colds so that prevented us from venturing out much. Oh - but Tim met up with Billy after work on Thursday night - so that counts!
Aww...That's Nice!
Details can't really be disclosed to the public here, but let's just say Tim & I are turning over a new leaf in our marriage and are looking forward to "coming out of the dark" in time for our one-year anniversary. We've had some good talks and that general good, warm & fuzzy feeling is taking over where the bitterness once stood.
20-Second T.O.
Tim called on his way home from being out w/Billy. It was only 9:30pm so obviously not too much craziness had occurred. I still I had to ask how many drinks he had - not trying to be accusatory, but of course I come off sounding that way. Long story short, he only had 3 drinks, but b/c he thought I was accusing he came off defensive which turned into me going off about why I had the right to be concerned.
WEEK #49: October 19 - 25, 2008
Home Cookin'
Chili on Sunday that lasted us 'til Thursday!
Social Butterflies
On Friday night we babysat for Isabella, Nicolas and Bianca. Not sure if that's "social" but hey, there was some adult time in there too visiting with Pat & Lorie and Connie!!
Aww...That's Nice!
We took turns being very cozy with Bianca in our efforts to get her to fall asleep. Which we eventually did. Yay!
Chili on Sunday that lasted us 'til Thursday!
Social Butterflies
On Friday night we babysat for Isabella, Nicolas and Bianca. Not sure if that's "social" but hey, there was some adult time in there too visiting with Pat & Lorie and Connie!!
Aww...That's Nice!
We took turns being very cozy with Bianca in our efforts to get her to fall asleep. Which we eventually did. Yay!
MONTH #10: August 18 - September 17, 2008
MoniKitchen
Lemon Pepper Chicken
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 T margarine
1 T cornstarch
1 14.5oz. can chicken broth
3 T lemon juice
1 C chopped broccoli
1/4 C minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 C uncooked instant rice
lemon pepper to taste
-Cook chicken, onion, carrot and garlic in margarine until chicken is light brown, about 5 minutes.
-In a bowl, combine cornstarch and broth. Stir in lemon juice, salt and rice.
-Add cornstarch mixture to skillet and bring to a boil.
-Reduce heat, add broccoli and parsley
-Cover and simmer 5-10min or until rice is tender.
-Season with lemon pepper to taste.
Serves 6
One Serving Contains:
261 calories
5g fat
70mg cholesterol
568mg sodium
Will You Go Out With Me?
Cubs game on Labor Day. We took the Metra in to the Loop and hopped on the Red Line. We got the biggest pizza-by-the-slice ever and headed into the game! It was a blah game, but a nice day. Then we walked around for a bit, hopped back on the Red Line to the Loop. We had 45min to kill before the next train so we grabbed a sandwich to eat at Giordano's!
That's Hilaaarious
Human Giant absolutely took the cake and summed up most of our laughter from this 10th month.
Good Talk
Chelsea's wedding was bittersweet as far as our marriage is concerned. It was great watching & being a part of one of my best friend's weddings only 9 months after our own. Remembering what that day felt like for me, but also reminded me of a happier time. Happiness I hadn't been feeling for most of the summer. But instead of feeling jealous and angry over this, I felt sad and the week after the wedding I was able to express my sadness in perhaps a bit more constructive way. Sure, it was nothing I hadn't said in some way before - but I think I get through to Tim when I speak calmly vs. upset.
The Good Life
Tim got a job as a Market Reporter at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. So no more sales, and it's in the financial field which was his "dream." It's a huge global company with plenty of room for advancement. The only catch is it is very low pay. It'll be a year until he's making a decent salary, so more rough times ahead. But at least there's hope.
Marriage Epiphany
It has gotten to the point that I'm just doing this to myself. The past is so far in the past now, neither of us can do anything to change it. I've beat us both over the head about my resentment and Tim's response has been consistent and all he can do. Say he's sorry and that he understands. That the future will be different and better. It's time for me to accept that as much as Tim has accepted responsibility for his mistakes. The marriage is in my hands, if I keep beating it, I'll kill it - if I can accept it & nurture it, then it can go back to being in both of our hands.
Lemon Pepper Chicken
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 T margarine
1 T cornstarch
1 14.5oz. can chicken broth
3 T lemon juice
1 C chopped broccoli
1/4 C minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 C uncooked instant rice
lemon pepper to taste
-Cook chicken, onion, carrot and garlic in margarine until chicken is light brown, about 5 minutes.
-In a bowl, combine cornstarch and broth. Stir in lemon juice, salt and rice.
-Add cornstarch mixture to skillet and bring to a boil.
-Reduce heat, add broccoli and parsley
-Cover and simmer 5-10min or until rice is tender.
-Season with lemon pepper to taste.
Serves 6
One Serving Contains:
261 calories
5g fat
70mg cholesterol
568mg sodium
Will You Go Out With Me?
Cubs game on Labor Day. We took the Metra in to the Loop and hopped on the Red Line. We got the biggest pizza-by-the-slice ever and headed into the game! It was a blah game, but a nice day. Then we walked around for a bit, hopped back on the Red Line to the Loop. We had 45min to kill before the next train so we grabbed a sandwich to eat at Giordano's!
That's Hilaaarious
Human Giant absolutely took the cake and summed up most of our laughter from this 10th month.
Good Talk
Chelsea's wedding was bittersweet as far as our marriage is concerned. It was great watching & being a part of one of my best friend's weddings only 9 months after our own. Remembering what that day felt like for me, but also reminded me of a happier time. Happiness I hadn't been feeling for most of the summer. But instead of feeling jealous and angry over this, I felt sad and the week after the wedding I was able to express my sadness in perhaps a bit more constructive way. Sure, it was nothing I hadn't said in some way before - but I think I get through to Tim when I speak calmly vs. upset.
The Good Life
Tim got a job as a Market Reporter at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. So no more sales, and it's in the financial field which was his "dream." It's a huge global company with plenty of room for advancement. The only catch is it is very low pay. It'll be a year until he's making a decent salary, so more rough times ahead. But at least there's hope.
Marriage Epiphany
It has gotten to the point that I'm just doing this to myself. The past is so far in the past now, neither of us can do anything to change it. I've beat us both over the head about my resentment and Tim's response has been consistent and all he can do. Say he's sorry and that he understands. That the future will be different and better. It's time for me to accept that as much as Tim has accepted responsibility for his mistakes. The marriage is in my hands, if I keep beating it, I'll kill it - if I can accept it & nurture it, then it can go back to being in both of our hands.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
WEEK #48: 10/12 - 10/18
Home Cookin'
Italian Chicken & stuffing & veggies. A yummy hearty fall comfort meal!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
We went to Pat & Lorie's for a little grill out as my mom was visiting as well. Watched the 2nd half of the Packer game and played with the kids.
Saturday
Tim went to NIU's Homecoming out in DeKalb with Ellen, Brad and Guido
Aww...That's Nice
Tim & I had a really sweet and reassuring talk on Saturday night after he got home from DeKalb about our future and whatnot.
Italian Chicken & stuffing & veggies. A yummy hearty fall comfort meal!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
We went to Pat & Lorie's for a little grill out as my mom was visiting as well. Watched the 2nd half of the Packer game and played with the kids.
Saturday
Tim went to NIU's Homecoming out in DeKalb with Ellen, Brad and Guido
Aww...That's Nice
Tim & I had a really sweet and reassuring talk on Saturday night after he got home from DeKalb about our future and whatnot.
WEEK #47: 10/5 - 10/11
Social Butterflies
Friday
Billy & Jenn's rehearsal dinner. Rehearsal at church followed by dinner at Home Run Inn pizza. Tim went home with Guido & Billy to spend the night with the guys and get ready for the wedding!
Saturday
Billy & Jenn's wedding! Josh & Tina came too and a handful of Tim's friends. It was a smaller wedding, nice to spend the time hanging out with everyone!
Humor
Billy's nephew was the ring bearer and at some point at the wedding reception he ended up wearing only his tux vest with no shirt underneath!
Aww...That's Nice
Tim gave me a 'Thank You' and 'I Love You' shout-out during his best man speech!
20-Second T.O.
I had some green eyes at the rehearsal dinner when Billy gave a speech and they gave each other blingin' gifts, since Tim & I could not afford to do that when we got married - and still cant' afford it : / But, as you see, he made up for the prior in his best man speech the next day.
Friday
Billy & Jenn's rehearsal dinner. Rehearsal at church followed by dinner at Home Run Inn pizza. Tim went home with Guido & Billy to spend the night with the guys and get ready for the wedding!
Saturday
Billy & Jenn's wedding! Josh & Tina came too and a handful of Tim's friends. It was a smaller wedding, nice to spend the time hanging out with everyone!
Humor
Billy's nephew was the ring bearer and at some point at the wedding reception he ended up wearing only his tux vest with no shirt underneath!
Aww...That's Nice
Tim gave me a 'Thank You' and 'I Love You' shout-out during his best man speech!
20-Second T.O.
I had some green eyes at the rehearsal dinner when Billy gave a speech and they gave each other blingin' gifts, since Tim & I could not afford to do that when we got married - and still cant' afford it : / But, as you see, he made up for the prior in his best man speech the next day.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
WEEK #46: 9/28 - 10/4
Home Cookin'
Chorizo Carbonara
Pizza Dip
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Cubs/Brewers game at Miller Park with Brad & Ellen. Tailgated and had tortilla rollies, cheddarwursts, cheese curds, chips and dip and Miller Lite! The Brewers won and since the Mets lost, this was the game that got the Brewers into the playoffs for the first time in 26yrs!
Saturday
Game Night at Tim's mom's house. We had Lou Malnati's pizza, BLT dip and we made our Pizza Dip!
Humor
The Cubs game started at 9pm on Saturday, so Tim didn't want to miss a second. Game Night started at 5pm and sometimes can last hours. So Tim was very antsy with all the questions that are deliberated for 10min in our trivia game. So being more sensitive to it, it was funny to notice how off topic we'd get during the game, or how when someone DOES answer, the others on the team want to question everything and deliberate for another 10min!
20 Second T.O.
Tim's mom's driveway is dark, narrow and curves and it's very annoying to back out of there, having to navigate around her car also in the driveway. I needed Tim's help to back out and I was concerned about rolling over what I thought was a flower bed - that apparantely is no longer there anyway - but I was saying that to Tim, he had no idea what I was talking about and kept referencing something else. yaddayadda yadda.
Chorizo Carbonara
Pizza Dip
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Cubs/Brewers game at Miller Park with Brad & Ellen. Tailgated and had tortilla rollies, cheddarwursts, cheese curds, chips and dip and Miller Lite! The Brewers won and since the Mets lost, this was the game that got the Brewers into the playoffs for the first time in 26yrs!
Saturday
Game Night at Tim's mom's house. We had Lou Malnati's pizza, BLT dip and we made our Pizza Dip!
Humor
The Cubs game started at 9pm on Saturday, so Tim didn't want to miss a second. Game Night started at 5pm and sometimes can last hours. So Tim was very antsy with all the questions that are deliberated for 10min in our trivia game. So being more sensitive to it, it was funny to notice how off topic we'd get during the game, or how when someone DOES answer, the others on the team want to question everything and deliberate for another 10min!
20 Second T.O.
Tim's mom's driveway is dark, narrow and curves and it's very annoying to back out of there, having to navigate around her car also in the driveway. I needed Tim's help to back out and I was concerned about rolling over what I thought was a flower bed - that apparantely is no longer there anyway - but I was saying that to Tim, he had no idea what I was talking about and kept referencing something else. yaddayadda yadda.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
WEEK #45: 9/21 - 9/27
Home Cookin
Chorizo breakfast burritos TWICE and Tina's tortilla rollies!
Social Butterflies
Saturday
We headed up to Milwaukee Saturday afternoon to hang out with my mom for her birthday. Pat, Lorie and the kids came too and Uncle Bob even stopped by! We grilled out and chit chatted for a long while. Then around 6pm my mom, brother and the kids went to a park and me, Lorie and Pat stayed back. When the others got back we played a really quick game of "The 90's" - Simon's (me, mom & Pat) WON!
Then around 10pm, my mom went to bed and we stopped over by Josh & Tina's
Humor
On our drive up, Tim & I got in a graphic discussion about road rage and drivers/situations in the past that have really pissed us off and how we would imagine torturing those people. Rage is healthy, right? NICE!
Aww..That's Nice
Tim helped set my mom's GPS up for her.
Chorizo breakfast burritos TWICE and Tina's tortilla rollies!
Social Butterflies
Saturday
We headed up to Milwaukee Saturday afternoon to hang out with my mom for her birthday. Pat, Lorie and the kids came too and Uncle Bob even stopped by! We grilled out and chit chatted for a long while. Then around 6pm my mom, brother and the kids went to a park and me, Lorie and Pat stayed back. When the others got back we played a really quick game of "The 90's" - Simon's (me, mom & Pat) WON!
Then around 10pm, my mom went to bed and we stopped over by Josh & Tina's
Humor
On our drive up, Tim & I got in a graphic discussion about road rage and drivers/situations in the past that have really pissed us off and how we would imagine torturing those people. Rage is healthy, right? NICE!
Aww..That's Nice
Tim helped set my mom's GPS up for her.
WEEK #44: 9/14 - 9/20
Home Cookin'
bite me...
Social Butterflies
Friday/Saturday
Friday night I went out to Johnny B's in the Rockford area for the Regiment Alumni meeting. Had several drinks with several of the alumni - none that I even marched with! Actually, I think I was the youngest person there by about 10yrs! Felt really cool though, sitting around a campfire with all these Regiment 'top dogs' I'm flattered they even remember my name :)
Saturday was the Band Festival. Had lunch at BW3's and then started setting up at Harlem High School. I manned the "Vote for Your Favorite Band" table! Afterwards, of course, drinks at Backyard Grill!
On Friday - at home - Tim hung out with Anthony at Jersey's as usual when I am gone!
Humor
I was scrambling around trying to get out of the house by 6pm to head to Rockford on Friday night, and of course I'm running behind. I finally get all my stuff to the car, with Tim's help, around 6:30pm. I get in the car and pull out my GPS system, notice that it needs some charging - but look all over my car and can't find the charger that's typically by my car lighter! I call Tim and tell him to start looking in the condo for it and head back inside. All I can think of is that the last time I could remember using it was for Chelsea's wedding that Katie drove to - and I worried that we had left the charger in HER car those few weeks ago. But I did think it was weird that she wouldn't have noticed it in her car yet?
So anyway, neither of us can find it anywhere. Then I see the brand new GPS - the same as mine - that I just purchased my mom for her birthday. I decide to massacre the packaging and burgle THAT charger. AS Tim is performing the massacre, I start to remember that the actual last time we used the charger was for the Cubs game a couple weeks beforehand and that Tim had thrown the GPS & charger into my purse when we parked for the game. I was annoyed by the charger/cord being all up in my business in the purse, so had put it in the hidden zipper pocket. Ironically, it was the same purse I was taking with me that night that I hadn't thought to look for. SO the whole time, I had the charger with me, in my purse without knowing.
I had to tell my mom the story when I gave her the gift to explain why the packaging was "tied" closed ;)
Aww...That's Nice
Tim helping me to my car and helping with the charger.
20-Second T.O.
We had a BIG fight going to the mall on Sunday. We first went to Bed, Bath & Beyond - yes! we had time! And then Tim was saying he needed to go to the mall - but I didn't really have anything *I needed to get there - but we continued on that way anyway (further from home) 'til he says what he needs is shoes and a backpack. The BB&B is NEXT to a Sport Mart which would for certain have both these items - OR going back towards home we pass a Kohl's too. But instead we had driven 10min further away. So I was just questioning his reasoning - like why didn't he just think of it when we were NEXT to somewhere he could have went instead and his answer was a defensive "why does it matter?" SO it just turned into a bickerfest until we got in the mall and went our separate ways until I was done with the few things I had been looking at.
YIKES! And yea, it took some time for both of us to come down off this thing!
bite me...
Social Butterflies
Friday/Saturday
Friday night I went out to Johnny B's in the Rockford area for the Regiment Alumni meeting. Had several drinks with several of the alumni - none that I even marched with! Actually, I think I was the youngest person there by about 10yrs! Felt really cool though, sitting around a campfire with all these Regiment 'top dogs' I'm flattered they even remember my name :)
Saturday was the Band Festival. Had lunch at BW3's and then started setting up at Harlem High School. I manned the "Vote for Your Favorite Band" table! Afterwards, of course, drinks at Backyard Grill!
On Friday - at home - Tim hung out with Anthony at Jersey's as usual when I am gone!
Humor
I was scrambling around trying to get out of the house by 6pm to head to Rockford on Friday night, and of course I'm running behind. I finally get all my stuff to the car, with Tim's help, around 6:30pm. I get in the car and pull out my GPS system, notice that it needs some charging - but look all over my car and can't find the charger that's typically by my car lighter! I call Tim and tell him to start looking in the condo for it and head back inside. All I can think of is that the last time I could remember using it was for Chelsea's wedding that Katie drove to - and I worried that we had left the charger in HER car those few weeks ago. But I did think it was weird that she wouldn't have noticed it in her car yet?
So anyway, neither of us can find it anywhere. Then I see the brand new GPS - the same as mine - that I just purchased my mom for her birthday. I decide to massacre the packaging and burgle THAT charger. AS Tim is performing the massacre, I start to remember that the actual last time we used the charger was for the Cubs game a couple weeks beforehand and that Tim had thrown the GPS & charger into my purse when we parked for the game. I was annoyed by the charger/cord being all up in my business in the purse, so had put it in the hidden zipper pocket. Ironically, it was the same purse I was taking with me that night that I hadn't thought to look for. SO the whole time, I had the charger with me, in my purse without knowing.
I had to tell my mom the story when I gave her the gift to explain why the packaging was "tied" closed ;)
Aww...That's Nice
Tim helping me to my car and helping with the charger.
20-Second T.O.
We had a BIG fight going to the mall on Sunday. We first went to Bed, Bath & Beyond - yes! we had time! And then Tim was saying he needed to go to the mall - but I didn't really have anything *I needed to get there - but we continued on that way anyway (further from home) 'til he says what he needs is shoes and a backpack. The BB&B is NEXT to a Sport Mart which would for certain have both these items - OR going back towards home we pass a Kohl's too. But instead we had driven 10min further away. So I was just questioning his reasoning - like why didn't he just think of it when we were NEXT to somewhere he could have went instead and his answer was a defensive "why does it matter?" SO it just turned into a bickerfest until we got in the mall and went our separate ways until I was done with the few things I had been looking at.
YIKES! And yea, it took some time for both of us to come down off this thing!
WEEK #43: 9/7 - 9/13
Home Cookin'
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Big 'ol breakfast of eggs, potatoes o'brien and sausages!
Social Butterflies
Whaaa whaaaa
Humor
Ok, I'm really not good at ordering food over the phone. I'm not sure why. A large part of my career has been on the phone and there's no problem there. But since Tim& I have been dating, whenever we order a pizza or anything, I make him do it. He always rolls his eyes at me, not understanding why I "can't" do it. WELL. Now he witnessed it! We were ordering separate dinners from separate places on Friday night, and I was ordering from a Thai place for the first time. They pick up and I say "Hi!" somewhat over-enthusiastically...and Tim, sitting next to me, busts out laughing at me! SO then I start shaking in laughter while choking on the words "I'd like to place an order for delivery" to which the asian lady on the phone responds in a very heavy accent - "Heeeelllooo?? are you taaalking??" So I have to get up off the couch and SPRINT to the bedroom and close the door so I can gather my breath and continue ordering!
SO now, I believe, I will never have to order anything ever again!
Aww...That's Nice
I really wanted to make a nice big breakfast on Saturday, but it was super rainy out so didn't feel like going out to get eggs - so Tim did! yaya!
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Big 'ol breakfast of eggs, potatoes o'brien and sausages!
Social Butterflies
Whaaa whaaaa
Humor
Ok, I'm really not good at ordering food over the phone. I'm not sure why. A large part of my career has been on the phone and there's no problem there. But since Tim& I have been dating, whenever we order a pizza or anything, I make him do it. He always rolls his eyes at me, not understanding why I "can't" do it. WELL. Now he witnessed it! We were ordering separate dinners from separate places on Friday night, and I was ordering from a Thai place for the first time. They pick up and I say "Hi!" somewhat over-enthusiastically...and Tim, sitting next to me, busts out laughing at me! SO then I start shaking in laughter while choking on the words "I'd like to place an order for delivery" to which the asian lady on the phone responds in a very heavy accent - "Heeeelllooo?? are you taaalking??" So I have to get up off the couch and SPRINT to the bedroom and close the door so I can gather my breath and continue ordering!
SO now, I believe, I will never have to order anything ever again!
Aww...That's Nice
I really wanted to make a nice big breakfast on Saturday, but it was super rainy out so didn't feel like going out to get eggs - so Tim did! yaya!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
WEEK #42: 8/31 - 9/6
Social Butterflies
Friday
BW3's with Anthony!
Saturday
Garry's Surprise 30th Birthday Party. Got there around 4pm and ate waaay too much cheese and smoked meats, played Bags of course and then ate waaaay too much Portillo's!
Humor
Quoting 'Major League' "Look at this fuckin' guy" "You want me to take him outside? Beat the shit out of him?" "Too high, Too high!" "What does that even mean 'too high'?" "I don't know how these guys are laying off pitches this close!"
Friday
BW3's with Anthony!
Saturday
Garry's Surprise 30th Birthday Party. Got there around 4pm and ate waaay too much cheese and smoked meats, played Bags of course and then ate waaaay too much Portillo's!
Humor
Quoting 'Major League' "Look at this fuckin' guy" "You want me to take him outside? Beat the shit out of him?" "Too high, Too high!" "What does that even mean 'too high'?" "I don't know how these guys are laying off pitches this close!"
WEEK #41: 8/24 - 8/30
Home Cookin'
Taco Dip for the Phantom Regiment party.
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Sadly departing from DoCo & Chelsea's wedding weekend, we stopped in Sturgeon Bay and had some yummy "breakfast" of lunch food.
Saturday
Tim had Billy's Bachelor Party in Hammond, IN. A town in which Billy is not allowed to return to : /. Their day was filled with Laser Tag, crappy Golf, Strip Club and walking around trying to find the drunk groom!
Monica went to Rockford for the Phantom Regiment 2008 World Championship Celebration. I've never seen so much food in my life, and learned that I'm not very good at smoking cigars ;)
Humor
Continuing to quote 'Human Giant'
"Swindled!"
"Look at all these dickheads"
"Why don't you take of MY shirt"
"Nice beard you piece of shit!"
"Tell me something I don't know ya dumb fuck!"
Taco Dip for the Phantom Regiment party.
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Sadly departing from DoCo & Chelsea's wedding weekend, we stopped in Sturgeon Bay and had some yummy "breakfast" of lunch food.
Saturday
Tim had Billy's Bachelor Party in Hammond, IN. A town in which Billy is not allowed to return to : /. Their day was filled with Laser Tag, crappy Golf, Strip Club and walking around trying to find the drunk groom!
Monica went to Rockford for the Phantom Regiment 2008 World Championship Celebration. I've never seen so much food in my life, and learned that I'm not very good at smoking cigars ;)
Humor
Continuing to quote 'Human Giant'
"Swindled!"
"Look at all these dickheads"
"Why don't you take of MY shirt"
"Nice beard you piece of shit!"
"Tell me something I don't know ya dumb fuck!"
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
WEEK #40: 8/17 - 8/23
Home Cookin'
Can't remember :(
Social Butterflies
Thursday
We headed up to Milwaukee, I picked up my bridesmaid dress and got a mani/pedi then met Tim over at Josh & Tina's for the night
Friday
Breakfast with the Nelson's & Vogel's then hit the road for DoCo! Rehearsal, Rehearsal Dinner, and DEBAUCHERY in the hotel room!
Saturday
A very light breakfast for Monica, swirly time getting ready at the Kaeske cabin then wedding fun, gorgeousness and yes, more debauchery to round out the day!
Humor
Human Giant. Over and Over and Over.
Aww...That's Nice
The last song of the reception was "I've had the Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing. I found Tim and made him dance along with me as I re-enacted the movie choreography ;)
20-Second T.O.
Tim programmed all the necessary DoCo addresses into Darth before the weekend. Since we were separated going to the rehearsal, I was in a carload of bridesmaids from the rehearsal and Tim & Josh just went straight to the dinner. Well, I guess the restaurant address couldn't be found when he entered it so it drew up some other "nearby" address. Well, that address ended up being in Sturgeon Bay - about 20miles south of where we needed to be. Being that one of my top 5 pet peeves is getting lost and turning around, this was quite an annoyance for me.
Can't remember :(
Social Butterflies
Thursday
We headed up to Milwaukee, I picked up my bridesmaid dress and got a mani/pedi then met Tim over at Josh & Tina's for the night
Friday
Breakfast with the Nelson's & Vogel's then hit the road for DoCo! Rehearsal, Rehearsal Dinner, and DEBAUCHERY in the hotel room!
Saturday
A very light breakfast for Monica, swirly time getting ready at the Kaeske cabin then wedding fun, gorgeousness and yes, more debauchery to round out the day!
Humor
Human Giant. Over and Over and Over.
Aww...That's Nice
The last song of the reception was "I've had the Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing. I found Tim and made him dance along with me as I re-enacted the movie choreography ;)
20-Second T.O.
Tim programmed all the necessary DoCo addresses into Darth before the weekend. Since we were separated going to the rehearsal, I was in a carload of bridesmaids from the rehearsal and Tim & Josh just went straight to the dinner. Well, I guess the restaurant address couldn't be found when he entered it so it drew up some other "nearby" address. Well, that address ended up being in Sturgeon Bay - about 20miles south of where we needed to be. Being that one of my top 5 pet peeves is getting lost and turning around, this was quite an annoyance for me.
MONTH #9: July 18 - August 17, 2008
MoniKitchen
Margarita Slush
-8 C water
-1 1/2 C sugar
Heat in large pot and dissolve. Let cool.
-12 oz can frozen lemonade
-12 oz can frozen limeade
-1 1/2 C tequila
-1 C triple sec
Mix together and freeze.
Serve in margarita glasses!
Will You Go Out With Me?
La Magdalena and then went to see Pineapple Express for Tim's birthday.
That's Hilarious
Katie saying she wanted to have sex with Tiger Woods on a bed of money - and Tim hearing it as bed of monkeys!
Good Talk
We've been discussing the reality of where recent events are taking us. With Tim getting the job at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange that is only part-time and not paying well, but wanting to go back to school that CME will pay for, we had to figure out what this means for us financially and for our marriage as a whole. It's still just a day at a time, so we'll have to adjust as we go : \
Recap
Tim made some career strides this month starting with more promising job opportunities and ending with his new job at the CME. Unfortunately, what we thought was the best-case-scenario, a job at the CME, wasn't as good as we hoped - as with many of our hopes. He's getting paid less than he did when he was an intern there in 2003 and it's only part-time. On the bright side, it is not sales, they pay for school immediately and it is a gigantic company. But we are in for a very very long journey before we're even near I'd been hoping to have when we got married.
Marriage Epiphany
Rolling with the punches.
A year ago, I thought we'd be house/townhouse shopping by now. Heck, I even thought there was a chance we'd be talking babies! But the past 3 months have thrown us for a loop and now we're on a different path.
So now what? We need to find things to replace what we are lacking. We aren't house shopping - so instead let's career shop! I am taking a Meeting & Event Planner course at Harper College and Tim will be looking into Master's programs - enrolling most likely in the 2nd semester.
I guess you could call it a distraction, but these positive efforts are more like filling the space available in our "dream cabinet." Life is always a little more exciting when there's something to look forward to.
Margarita Slush
-8 C water
-1 1/2 C sugar
Heat in large pot and dissolve. Let cool.
-12 oz can frozen lemonade
-12 oz can frozen limeade
-1 1/2 C tequila
-1 C triple sec
Mix together and freeze.
Serve in margarita glasses!
Will You Go Out With Me?
La Magdalena and then went to see Pineapple Express for Tim's birthday.
That's Hilarious
Katie saying she wanted to have sex with Tiger Woods on a bed of money - and Tim hearing it as bed of monkeys!
Good Talk
We've been discussing the reality of where recent events are taking us. With Tim getting the job at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange that is only part-time and not paying well, but wanting to go back to school that CME will pay for, we had to figure out what this means for us financially and for our marriage as a whole. It's still just a day at a time, so we'll have to adjust as we go : \
Recap
Tim made some career strides this month starting with more promising job opportunities and ending with his new job at the CME. Unfortunately, what we thought was the best-case-scenario, a job at the CME, wasn't as good as we hoped - as with many of our hopes. He's getting paid less than he did when he was an intern there in 2003 and it's only part-time. On the bright side, it is not sales, they pay for school immediately and it is a gigantic company. But we are in for a very very long journey before we're even near I'd been hoping to have when we got married.
Marriage Epiphany
Rolling with the punches.
A year ago, I thought we'd be house/townhouse shopping by now. Heck, I even thought there was a chance we'd be talking babies! But the past 3 months have thrown us for a loop and now we're on a different path.
So now what? We need to find things to replace what we are lacking. We aren't house shopping - so instead let's career shop! I am taking a Meeting & Event Planner course at Harper College and Tim will be looking into Master's programs - enrolling most likely in the 2nd semester.
I guess you could call it a distraction, but these positive efforts are more like filling the space available in our "dream cabinet." Life is always a little more exciting when there's something to look forward to.
WEEK #39: 8/10 - 8/16
Home Cookin'
Steak!!! yum.
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Breakfast in downtown Indy (Le Pepe!) with the gift certificate I won on the bus ride to DCI Championships because I easily knew more trivia than anyone else :)
Monday
Last night of bowling! Ashley filled in for Cameron.
Saturday
Jenn's shower
Jackie's going away party in the city
Steak!!! yum.
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Breakfast in downtown Indy (Le Pepe!) with the gift certificate I won on the bus ride to DCI Championships because I easily knew more trivia than anyone else :)
Monday
Last night of bowling! Ashley filled in for Cameron.
Saturday
Jenn's shower
Jackie's going away party in the city
Sunday, September 7, 2008
WEEK #38: 8/3/08 - 8/9/08
Home Cookin'
I made frozen margarita slush for Tim's birthday family gathering - oh and bacon cream cheese chicken on Friday! YUM!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Katie/Mandsi here for breakfast
Tim's mom, John & boys, Uncle Ed and Pat/Lorie, Isabella, Nicolas and Bianca all came over to hang at the pool
Monday
Bowling!
Friday
My mom came to town to stay overnight before heading to....
Saturday
Drum Corps International World Championship in Indianapolis/Bloomington, IN! Which was the greatest decision EVER b/c my corps, the Phantom Regiment - friggin' WON the World Championship outright for the first time EVER. I nearly had a heart attack!! So it was very social outing since we went to the Alumni Gathering before and hit up the buses afterwards to celebrate the win with staff, members and other fans!
Humor
Playing the alphabet game on the way to Indy. And NOT finishing it until we were at the show!
Aww...That's Nice
Tim tagging along to DCI with me. I think he's off the hook now on coming to drum corps events with me!
20-Second T.O.
On our way to dinner Thursday night. Tim forgot a coupon and I was just annoyed that he forgot after he was just at home all day and couldn't remember that one thing. So he hates when I'm annoyed by him and said I was blowing it way out of proportion, etc. A couple U-Turns later, we were back out to dinner.
I made frozen margarita slush for Tim's birthday family gathering - oh and bacon cream cheese chicken on Friday! YUM!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Katie/Mandsi here for breakfast
Tim's mom, John & boys, Uncle Ed and Pat/Lorie, Isabella, Nicolas and Bianca all came over to hang at the pool
Monday
Bowling!
Friday
My mom came to town to stay overnight before heading to....
Saturday
Drum Corps International World Championship in Indianapolis/Bloomington, IN! Which was the greatest decision EVER b/c my corps, the Phantom Regiment - friggin' WON the World Championship outright for the first time EVER. I nearly had a heart attack!! So it was very social outing since we went to the Alumni Gathering before and hit up the buses afterwards to celebrate the win with staff, members and other fans!
Humor
Playing the alphabet game on the way to Indy. And NOT finishing it until we were at the show!
Aww...That's Nice
Tim tagging along to DCI with me. I think he's off the hook now on coming to drum corps events with me!
20-Second T.O.
On our way to dinner Thursday night. Tim forgot a coupon and I was just annoyed that he forgot after he was just at home all day and couldn't remember that one thing. So he hates when I'm annoyed by him and said I was blowing it way out of proportion, etc. A couple U-Turns later, we were back out to dinner.
WEEK 37: 7/27/08 - 8/2/08
Home Cookin'
Boooooooooooo Monica!
Social Butterflies
Monday
Bowling!
Monica: 122, 116, 139
Tim: 139, 142, 163
Friday
Katie & Mandsi's "surprise" visit for Tim's birthday. We went to Fox & Hound and played a lot of Guitar Hero!
Saturday
Cubs Rooftop Game at Brixen Ivy with Katie, Mandsi, Ellen, Anthony, Tim and me. Afterwards we hung out at Ellen's and Billy/Jenn and Garry/Jacqui joined us.
Humor
Katie saying she wanted to have sex with Tiger Woods on a bed of money, but Tim hearing it as "bed of monkeys."
Aww...That's Nice!
I'm not gonna be modest...the aww that's nice moment of the week (the year maybe??) is me SURPRISING Tim and taking him to a rooftop Cubs game for his bday. I'm awesome!
20-Second T.O.
We had a clean bill of health this week!
Boooooooooooo Monica!
Social Butterflies
Monday
Bowling!
Monica: 122, 116, 139
Tim: 139, 142, 163
Friday
Katie & Mandsi's "surprise" visit for Tim's birthday. We went to Fox & Hound and played a lot of Guitar Hero!
Saturday
Cubs Rooftop Game at Brixen Ivy with Katie, Mandsi, Ellen, Anthony, Tim and me. Afterwards we hung out at Ellen's and Billy/Jenn and Garry/Jacqui joined us.
Humor
Katie saying she wanted to have sex with Tiger Woods on a bed of money, but Tim hearing it as "bed of monkeys."
Aww...That's Nice!
I'm not gonna be modest...the aww that's nice moment of the week (the year maybe??) is me SURPRISING Tim and taking him to a rooftop Cubs game for his bday. I'm awesome!
20-Second T.O.
We had a clean bill of health this week!
WEEK #36: 7/20 - 7/26
Home Cookin'
I made some scoop and bake cookies. Does that count?? Yea...didn't think so : \
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Bianca's Baptism and Nicolas' 3rd Birthday Party at Pat & Lorie's.
Monday
Bowling!
Monica: 109, 71, 147 (WHAT?!)
Tim: 140, 150, 157
Saturday
Hung out at Garry & Jacqui's
20-Second T.O.
I was wearing my sassy hat on Saturday, making remarks on the sly and whatnot. Tim was not a fan. It turned into much more once we got home from G&J's.
Humor
I had a really bad dream Sunday night. In it, Tim did something really bad - I have no recollection what - so I was really mad at him. Well, in this dream sequence fight it comes out that tim did a porno back when he was 18??? So I was LIVID and asking him all these questions. Turns out his part was him alone in an empty room being videotaped masterbating. Riiiiight. So we joked about that the whole week. My silly subconscious!
Aww...That's Nice!
At the baptism/birthday party at my brother's, Tim was really getting along with my aunt & uncle he barely knows as well as some of Lorie's extended family.
I made some scoop and bake cookies. Does that count?? Yea...didn't think so : \
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Bianca's Baptism and Nicolas' 3rd Birthday Party at Pat & Lorie's.
Monday
Bowling!
Monica: 109, 71, 147 (WHAT?!)
Tim: 140, 150, 157
Saturday
Hung out at Garry & Jacqui's
20-Second T.O.
I was wearing my sassy hat on Saturday, making remarks on the sly and whatnot. Tim was not a fan. It turned into much more once we got home from G&J's.
Humor
I had a really bad dream Sunday night. In it, Tim did something really bad - I have no recollection what - so I was really mad at him. Well, in this dream sequence fight it comes out that tim did a porno back when he was 18??? So I was LIVID and asking him all these questions. Turns out his part was him alone in an empty room being videotaped masterbating. Riiiiight. So we joked about that the whole week. My silly subconscious!
Aww...That's Nice!
At the baptism/birthday party at my brother's, Tim was really getting along with my aunt & uncle he barely knows as well as some of Lorie's extended family.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
MONTH #8: June 18 - July 17, 2008
MoniKitchen
Hot 'N Spicy Corn Dip
-2C frozen corn, thawed and drained
-1 80z cream cheese
-1 Lg tomato, chopped (1 C)
-1 small jalapeno, finely chopped & seeded
-1 C shredded cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Mix all ingredients
3. Spread into 9" pie plate
4. Top with shredded cheese
4. Bake 20min until golden brown
Serve with RANCH or plain Wheat Thins!
Will You Go Out With Me?
Oh my God! I totally forgot about this effort! Since we had three date night in Month #7, it didn't cross my mind. We'll have to make up for it?
Good Talk
Tim didn't get anywhere near drunk over the 4th of July. I made sure not to "monitor" and it went well. A few days later we did talk about it. Basically that if I'm ok with it, I won't say anything - since it's status quo if there's no problems.
Recap
The month started with time apart, then some good and bad moments sprinkled throughout. We did a lot of activities and get togethers with many different people. Some progress but some fights that showed me it's over yet.
Marriage Epiphany
Patience! I'll admit, I don't have much. I want something, I want it now. I get an idea in my head and it needs to be put into action. I'm unhappy about something, it needs to change. I can't operate that way in a marriage, I'm realizing. I don't have control over another person. When it comes to the things I want in my life/marriage, I must learn patience. Many stars must align and time is necessary to get there.
Hot 'N Spicy Corn Dip
-2C frozen corn, thawed and drained
-1 80z cream cheese
-1 Lg tomato, chopped (1 C)
-1 small jalapeno, finely chopped & seeded
-1 C shredded cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Mix all ingredients
3. Spread into 9" pie plate
4. Top with shredded cheese
4. Bake 20min until golden brown
Serve with RANCH or plain Wheat Thins!
Will You Go Out With Me?
Oh my God! I totally forgot about this effort! Since we had three date night in Month #7, it didn't cross my mind. We'll have to make up for it?
Good Talk
Tim didn't get anywhere near drunk over the 4th of July. I made sure not to "monitor" and it went well. A few days later we did talk about it. Basically that if I'm ok with it, I won't say anything - since it's status quo if there's no problems.
Recap
The month started with time apart, then some good and bad moments sprinkled throughout. We did a lot of activities and get togethers with many different people. Some progress but some fights that showed me it's over yet.
Marriage Epiphany
Patience! I'll admit, I don't have much. I want something, I want it now. I get an idea in my head and it needs to be put into action. I'm unhappy about something, it needs to change. I can't operate that way in a marriage, I'm realizing. I don't have control over another person. When it comes to the things I want in my life/marriage, I must learn patience. Many stars must align and time is necessary to get there.
Friday, July 25, 2008
WEEK #35: July 13-19,2008
Home Cookin'
Quesadillas on the fly. MAN they were good. Just some grilled chicken, tons of shredded cheese and then some green onions, jalapeno and green pepper. I used some other random seasonings and then of course had sour cream and salsa on top! SO YUM!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
PACT Management meeting. We met in the Dominick's eating area for a couple hours. VERY interesting stuff and I am now officially the Volunteer Coordinator! Good times...
Monday
Bowling! I got a 116, 127 and 133!
Friday
Jersey's for dinner and drinks with Michelle and Dave who were in town and spent the night. We went home and played 80s & 90s game! Boys won the 90's Game and girls won the 80's Game. i had the astounding idea that someday Tim & I should be on the SAME trivia team. B/c we have never *once* been on each other's side for games. 99% of the board games I've played in the past 5 years have been AGAINST Tim! So being the competitor I am, no wonder I practically murder him every time we play! Teammates - might be the new way to spice up a marriage ; P
Saturday
IHOP for breakfast with Michelle & Dave, then at night we went down by Brad & Ellen's to meet up with them after their bar-a-thon. Aaaaand to find out that they "make-out now." Wow.
Humor
The "shock" from Ellen & Brad's *coming out*
Aww...That's Nice!
I had a band concert on Wednesday night outside the Schaumburg Library that Tim came to. It was a lovely summer night and afterwards we got Oberweis and walked around looking at ducks and talking about hanging out over the summers in high school!
20-Second T.O.
Ohhh...just the typical bickering during the 80's & 90's Games :)
Quesadillas on the fly. MAN they were good. Just some grilled chicken, tons of shredded cheese and then some green onions, jalapeno and green pepper. I used some other random seasonings and then of course had sour cream and salsa on top! SO YUM!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
PACT Management meeting. We met in the Dominick's eating area for a couple hours. VERY interesting stuff and I am now officially the Volunteer Coordinator! Good times...
Monday
Bowling! I got a 116, 127 and 133!
Friday
Jersey's for dinner and drinks with Michelle and Dave who were in town and spent the night. We went home and played 80s & 90s game! Boys won the 90's Game and girls won the 80's Game. i had the astounding idea that someday Tim & I should be on the SAME trivia team. B/c we have never *once* been on each other's side for games. 99% of the board games I've played in the past 5 years have been AGAINST Tim! So being the competitor I am, no wonder I practically murder him every time we play! Teammates - might be the new way to spice up a marriage ; P
Saturday
IHOP for breakfast with Michelle & Dave, then at night we went down by Brad & Ellen's to meet up with them after their bar-a-thon. Aaaaand to find out that they "make-out now." Wow.
Humor
The "shock" from Ellen & Brad's *coming out*
Aww...That's Nice!
I had a band concert on Wednesday night outside the Schaumburg Library that Tim came to. It was a lovely summer night and afterwards we got Oberweis and walked around looking at ducks and talking about hanging out over the summers in high school!
20-Second T.O.
Ohhh...just the typical bickering during the 80's & 90's Games :)
WEEK #34: July 6 - 12, 2008
Home Cookin'
Buffalo Chicken Dip for Game Night #2 w/the in-laws.
Aww...That's Nice
Getting Nicolas his car from 'Ridemakerz' and then having ice cream with them afterwards :)
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Ridemakerz to get Nicolas' birthday present. It's a Build-A-Bear for cars!!! So cute!
Monday
Bowling again!
Saturday
Game Night at the in-law's. The girls got about 29 sports questions, every time we'd roll the black die for a 'jump' it would land on Sports. TWO times we said 'no' to it being whatever year when it actually was - only a 10% chance! But I did guess that University of Tennessee played in the Fiesta Bowl versus some other college. So that was pretty sweet. But then I BLEW it for the win when I said 'Motown Philly' was 'Cooleyhighharmony' GOO! It's like on Friends: we steal that TV Guide EVERY week! USE YOUR HEAD!
20-Second T.O.
Call me immature. I was on edge following our defeat in Game Night and just feeling annoyed and of course it's easy to take that out on our life problems. So on our drive home I just sorta vented all-raw style like word vomit.
Buffalo Chicken Dip for Game Night #2 w/the in-laws.
Aww...That's Nice
Getting Nicolas his car from 'Ridemakerz' and then having ice cream with them afterwards :)
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Ridemakerz to get Nicolas' birthday present. It's a Build-A-Bear for cars!!! So cute!
Monday
Bowling again!
Saturday
Game Night at the in-law's. The girls got about 29 sports questions, every time we'd roll the black die for a 'jump' it would land on Sports. TWO times we said 'no' to it being whatever year when it actually was - only a 10% chance! But I did guess that University of Tennessee played in the Fiesta Bowl versus some other college. So that was pretty sweet. But then I BLEW it for the win when I said 'Motown Philly' was 'Cooleyhighharmony' GOO! It's like on Friends: we steal that TV Guide EVERY week! USE YOUR HEAD!
20-Second T.O.
Call me immature. I was on edge following our defeat in Game Night and just feeling annoyed and of course it's easy to take that out on our life problems. So on our drive home I just sorta vented all-raw style like word vomit.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
WEEK #33: June 29 - July 6, 2008
Home Cookin'
Nothin'...I suck...
Social Butterflies
Monday
Bowling w/Colin & Cameron!
Thursday
Butterworks with the Milwaukee crew..and special guest star - my ma!
Friday
Grill out at Chelsea's and Hales Corners fireworks
Humor
Ok, so I wasn't even there for it - but Dick Taco Twat Twat Lunch Time was something Josh & Tim came up with on their late night run to "the border" late on the 4th of July. Funny?!
Aww...That's Nice
I felt a soft spot during the Butterworks Fireworks...so I was sitting on Tim's lap or between his legs in front of him. During the 'works, we kissed for a minute - and it was a big relief to just be in that moment. I even felt my body *sigh* a little, thinking about how I truly do love that guy :)
20-Second T.O.
Get this....NONE to report on ;)
Nothin'...I suck...
Social Butterflies
Monday
Bowling w/Colin & Cameron!
Thursday
Butterworks with the Milwaukee crew..and special guest star - my ma!
Friday
Grill out at Chelsea's and Hales Corners fireworks
Humor
Ok, so I wasn't even there for it - but Dick Taco Twat Twat Lunch Time was something Josh & Tim came up with on their late night run to "the border" late on the 4th of July. Funny?!
Aww...That's Nice
I felt a soft spot during the Butterworks Fireworks...so I was sitting on Tim's lap or between his legs in front of him. During the 'works, we kissed for a minute - and it was a big relief to just be in that moment. I even felt my body *sigh* a little, thinking about how I truly do love that guy :)
20-Second T.O.
Get this....NONE to report on ;)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
WEEK #32: June 22 - 28, 2008
Home Cookin'
I made a hot 'n' spicy corn dip for Game Night. YUM!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Machine Shed for breakfast after Show of Shows with Katie, Lisa, Dave and Liz!
Monday
Bowling!!!
Monica: 84, 96, 114
Tim: 110, 180, 105
Saturday
Game Night at the Giacomino's! Mike/Mindy and the kids drove up for the day as well. We celebrated both my 28th birthday and my mother-in-law's 45th birthday. We played Apples to Apples and the 80's Game. I won the Apples game and the women won the 80's Game!
Humor
We played with my TomTom randomly and downloaded some of the new voices. Our favorite is DARTH!
20-Second T.O.
The night before Game Night, Tim had gone over to Garry's to hang out and spent the night there. The next day he had a headache and seemed tired, so OF COURSE I was assuming it was a hangover. So OF COURSE Tim was extremely defensive b/c I didn't even know what I was talking about, and I was defending my stance b/c it's an easy assumption to make. So we shared "words" for about 10min on the way to his mom's and I basically stated he'd have to prove a lot before I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I just have to be stern.
I made a hot 'n' spicy corn dip for Game Night. YUM!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Machine Shed for breakfast after Show of Shows with Katie, Lisa, Dave and Liz!
Monday
Bowling!!!
Monica: 84, 96, 114
Tim: 110, 180, 105
Saturday
Game Night at the Giacomino's! Mike/Mindy and the kids drove up for the day as well. We celebrated both my 28th birthday and my mother-in-law's 45th birthday. We played Apples to Apples and the 80's Game. I won the Apples game and the women won the 80's Game!
Humor
We played with my TomTom randomly and downloaded some of the new voices. Our favorite is DARTH!
20-Second T.O.
The night before Game Night, Tim had gone over to Garry's to hang out and spent the night there. The next day he had a headache and seemed tired, so OF COURSE I was assuming it was a hangover. So OF COURSE Tim was extremely defensive b/c I didn't even know what I was talking about, and I was defending my stance b/c it's an easy assumption to make. So we shared "words" for about 10min on the way to his mom's and I basically stated he'd have to prove a lot before I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I just have to be stern.
Monday, July 14, 2008
MONTH #7 continued...
Marriage Epiphany
Can you change the past by changing the future?
Even though the past is written in stone, and while sometimes the future can also seem unchangeable - it's not. The present can seem like a prison sentence - that you will be stuck in whatever path you're heading, but it doesn't have to be like that.
It will take work. I'm trying to get on board with this theory. After a month of "soul searching" and trying to problem-solve the problems in my mind, the past is the aspect of my marriage that is getting me down the most and leading our present circumstances to feel like a life sentence.
I am grasping at straws to find a way to get out of this rut. I can't just decide to be happy because that's just masking my emotions and they will certainly come back with a vengeance if I do not deal with them now. That's why it has taken me so long to get over this. I'm searching for a cure, not a treatment.
I'm starting to believe that if we can do things now to change our lives and get us on a new path, then that can help soothe the pain of the past.
My husband hasn't had the greatest of career paths in the past 4 years since he graduated college. So while he can't go back and get a different first job out of college that wasn't sales or have a different major that he would like to be using now vs. the one he's got that he can no longer use or want to use, by going back and getting an MBA in business/finance - can he change the future, stop the present from continuing by getting out of the unreliability of sales and into the finance field where he will be happier and hopefully more successful?
I've been regretting leaving Drum Corps International over 3 years ago now to get into the agency life, which now bores me. Money was 90% of the reason I left what was the best job I've had and what I'm realizing is what I really want to be doing with my life. But now my yellow pages/direct mail agency experience outweighs my event promotions and marketing experience from DCI, making it more and more difficult to get back into that field. However, in the past few months I've been volunteering for PACT Humane Society - doing grunt work of cleaning kitty cages :) nothing glamorous, but enjoyable nonetheless. Well, the management of the PACT Humane Society recently took notice of me and my professional qualities and officially as of yesterday I am now the Volunteer Coordinator for the Barrington Rd PetSmart. This is an all-volunteer organization so there will never be a job prospect out of this, but for now it is something on the side I can use my professional talents towards and be passionate about. And who knows, maybe someday I'll have this listed on my resume and it will be my ticket into the career I want!
So that was a long-winded update, but with these recent changes & plans, I'm trying to look at it that way. That instead of getting depressed over the past, I should be proactive and learn from the mistakes and find ways to make the future even better - instead of rolling over and allowing the past to have beaten me.
Can you change the past by changing the future?
Even though the past is written in stone, and while sometimes the future can also seem unchangeable - it's not. The present can seem like a prison sentence - that you will be stuck in whatever path you're heading, but it doesn't have to be like that.
It will take work. I'm trying to get on board with this theory. After a month of "soul searching" and trying to problem-solve the problems in my mind, the past is the aspect of my marriage that is getting me down the most and leading our present circumstances to feel like a life sentence.
I am grasping at straws to find a way to get out of this rut. I can't just decide to be happy because that's just masking my emotions and they will certainly come back with a vengeance if I do not deal with them now. That's why it has taken me so long to get over this. I'm searching for a cure, not a treatment.
I'm starting to believe that if we can do things now to change our lives and get us on a new path, then that can help soothe the pain of the past.
My husband hasn't had the greatest of career paths in the past 4 years since he graduated college. So while he can't go back and get a different first job out of college that wasn't sales or have a different major that he would like to be using now vs. the one he's got that he can no longer use or want to use, by going back and getting an MBA in business/finance - can he change the future, stop the present from continuing by getting out of the unreliability of sales and into the finance field where he will be happier and hopefully more successful?
I've been regretting leaving Drum Corps International over 3 years ago now to get into the agency life, which now bores me. Money was 90% of the reason I left what was the best job I've had and what I'm realizing is what I really want to be doing with my life. But now my yellow pages/direct mail agency experience outweighs my event promotions and marketing experience from DCI, making it more and more difficult to get back into that field. However, in the past few months I've been volunteering for PACT Humane Society - doing grunt work of cleaning kitty cages :) nothing glamorous, but enjoyable nonetheless. Well, the management of the PACT Humane Society recently took notice of me and my professional qualities and officially as of yesterday I am now the Volunteer Coordinator for the Barrington Rd PetSmart. This is an all-volunteer organization so there will never be a job prospect out of this, but for now it is something on the side I can use my professional talents towards and be passionate about. And who knows, maybe someday I'll have this listed on my resume and it will be my ticket into the career I want!
So that was a long-winded update, but with these recent changes & plans, I'm trying to look at it that way. That instead of getting depressed over the past, I should be proactive and learn from the mistakes and find ways to make the future even better - instead of rolling over and allowing the past to have beaten me.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
MONTH #6 continued...
Good Talk
There were many talks in this month. It was a lot of Tim wanting to know what he could do to make me happy - that he's a different person than he was during our previous hard times, etc. My side of the conversations were always just venting - not yelling - but just "going off" about whatever new thoughts I'd had. It was that and just saying that I needed some time.
Recap
The month started off with a bang. A big, negative, black cloud BANG! Tim lost his job right before our 6-month anniversary which sent me into my bitter betty depressive state as it just added to the pile of all the other bad thoughts that had started to weigh me down. The straw that broke the camel's back, if you will.
We spent a lot of time apart - both with a weekend apart and even when we were out together and especially home together. With TV shows over and the Cubs games in full swing - we were in different rooms most nights. And this time apart wasn't in that "let's do thing separate to make our time together even better" sort of way. It was literally just to take our minds away from the strenuous times we'd been having. I think it worked out for the better as I sorted out my feelings - they weren't constantly in Tim's face and I didn't have to talk about it.
As the month went on, there were better days - and my birthday marked a small turning of a new leaf.
There were many talks in this month. It was a lot of Tim wanting to know what he could do to make me happy - that he's a different person than he was during our previous hard times, etc. My side of the conversations were always just venting - not yelling - but just "going off" about whatever new thoughts I'd had. It was that and just saying that I needed some time.
Recap
The month started off with a bang. A big, negative, black cloud BANG! Tim lost his job right before our 6-month anniversary which sent me into my bitter betty depressive state as it just added to the pile of all the other bad thoughts that had started to weigh me down. The straw that broke the camel's back, if you will.
We spent a lot of time apart - both with a weekend apart and even when we were out together and especially home together. With TV shows over and the Cubs games in full swing - we were in different rooms most nights. And this time apart wasn't in that "let's do thing separate to make our time together even better" sort of way. It was literally just to take our minds away from the strenuous times we'd been having. I think it worked out for the better as I sorted out my feelings - they weren't constantly in Tim's face and I didn't have to talk about it.
As the month went on, there were better days - and my birthday marked a small turning of a new leaf.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Ok, this is the most random commercial ever.
What does the stuffed animal bear being able to "walk" down the street with the girl have to do with spreading joy? I mean, isn't just the image of a little girl and a stuffed animal heartwarming enough?? NO?? WE have to see the freaky bear toolin' around?! weird.
And what's with the guy doing a random 360 - is that joy? or is that the guy that does the robot on the Dave Chapelle show?
Oh, and let's not forget the guy standing at the edge of the broken bridge - dancing. What was he doing up there? about to jump off? well, thank god random cute guy got that phone call on his US Cellular phone while he was on the escalator. US Cellular - saving lives!
What does the stuffed animal bear being able to "walk" down the street with the girl have to do with spreading joy? I mean, isn't just the image of a little girl and a stuffed animal heartwarming enough?? NO?? WE have to see the freaky bear toolin' around?! weird.
And what's with the guy doing a random 360 - is that joy? or is that the guy that does the robot on the Dave Chapelle show?
Oh, and let's not forget the guy standing at the edge of the broken bridge - dancing. What was he doing up there? about to jump off? well, thank god random cute guy got that phone call on his US Cellular phone while he was on the escalator. US Cellular - saving lives!
OBSESSION??
Ok, so we're not really obsessed with this, but it's on ALL THE TIME. It's not a Cubs game without me hearing it from a distance and going from bobbing my head back and forth b/c it's a cute song to wanting to barf INTO a heineken bottle when I envision the scene with the ballerina & sweaty naked old guys!!!
MONTH #7: May 18 - June 17, 2008
MoniKitchen
Chicken & Spinach Pasta Casserole
-10oz uncooked mostacciolli
-1 10oz pkg frozen spinach thawed and drained
-2 tsp veggie oil
-2/3 C chopped onion
-2 large garlic cloves, minced
-1 lb. boned, skinned chicken breast, cut into 1" pieces
-2 141/2 oz. cans whole tomatoes, undrained & coarsley chopped
-3 T tomato paste
-1 1/4 tsp dried basil
-3/4 tsp dried oregano
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
-1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat over to 350 degrees
Cook mostaccioli according to package directions, drain
Place spinach on paper towels; squeeze until barely moist
Coat a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray, add oil
Place over medium-high heat until hot
Add onion and garlic; saute until tender
Add chicken, cooking and stirring until chicken no longer pink
Stir in tomatoes and the next 5 ingredients, bring to a boil
Reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
Combine pasta, spinach, chicken mixture and 1/4 C Parmesan cheese in a bowl, mix well
Spoon into 9x13 baking dish coated with cooking spray
Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 C Parmesan cheese
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes
Serves 8
295 calories
6g fat
53 mg cholesterol
725mg sodium
Will You Go Out With Me?
We had two dates this month! First we went to Entourage for our five year anniversary - we each had steaks! First we had drinks in the bar, I had some yummy martini and Tim had a captain & coke. After dinner we went to see Indiana Jones 4!
Our other date was for my birthday on June 17! We had dinner at Texas de Brazil! So yum. Afterwards we walked around the mall and Tim bought me my Ryan Theriot Cubs jersey. Also for gifts I got a TomTom GPS system, a dozen white roses and a Brewers T-Shirt!
That's Hilarious
We've been overusing the "That's What She Said" joke a whole lot. More me than him.
Otherwise, there's a Heinekin commercial on during every Cubs game commercial break - and at first I really like the song, but then I get dupped b/c the part where the ballerina is bringing a tray of beer to the gross sweaty old naked guys in a sauna CREEPS THE BEJESUS OUT OF ME!
Chicken & Spinach Pasta Casserole
-10oz uncooked mostacciolli
-1 10oz pkg frozen spinach thawed and drained
-2 tsp veggie oil
-2/3 C chopped onion
-2 large garlic cloves, minced
-1 lb. boned, skinned chicken breast, cut into 1" pieces
-2 141/2 oz. cans whole tomatoes, undrained & coarsley chopped
-3 T tomato paste
-1 1/4 tsp dried basil
-3/4 tsp dried oregano
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
-1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat over to 350 degrees
Cook mostaccioli according to package directions, drain
Place spinach on paper towels; squeeze until barely moist
Coat a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray, add oil
Place over medium-high heat until hot
Add onion and garlic; saute until tender
Add chicken, cooking and stirring until chicken no longer pink
Stir in tomatoes and the next 5 ingredients, bring to a boil
Reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
Combine pasta, spinach, chicken mixture and 1/4 C Parmesan cheese in a bowl, mix well
Spoon into 9x13 baking dish coated with cooking spray
Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 C Parmesan cheese
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes
Serves 8
295 calories
6g fat
53 mg cholesterol
725mg sodium
Will You Go Out With Me?
We had two dates this month! First we went to Entourage for our five year anniversary - we each had steaks! First we had drinks in the bar, I had some yummy martini and Tim had a captain & coke. After dinner we went to see Indiana Jones 4!
Our other date was for my birthday on June 17! We had dinner at Texas de Brazil! So yum. Afterwards we walked around the mall and Tim bought me my Ryan Theriot Cubs jersey. Also for gifts I got a TomTom GPS system, a dozen white roses and a Brewers T-Shirt!
That's Hilarious
We've been overusing the "That's What She Said" joke a whole lot. More me than him.
Otherwise, there's a Heinekin commercial on during every Cubs game commercial break - and at first I really like the song, but then I get dupped b/c the part where the ballerina is bringing a tray of beer to the gross sweaty old naked guys in a sauna CREEPS THE BEJESUS OUT OF ME!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
WEEK #31: June 15-22, 2008
Home Cookin'
Tim made a yummy dinner of grilled chicken, tatos and veggies!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Since I slept over at Katie's (for the first time!) I walked down the street to Buckley's to meet my mom for my birthday Brunch! My mom had the quiche and I had the crab eggs bennie. We each had a mimosa and it was just a gorgeous relaxing Sunday morning in downtown Milwaukee as we sat outside enjoying the ambience.
Monday
Bowling league! Cameron was not there, and Colin was sick so the team suffered a little.
Tim = 150, 116, 120
Monica = 104, 115, 126
(I think...)
Friday
Katie came down to visit and we all went out for my birthday at Finn McCool's in Schaumburg. It was a beautiful night and we took over the entire patio! Thanks to all who came out. NO thanks to the waitress who burgled $60 >: (
Attendees:
Me, Tim, Katie, Ellen, Ashley/Andrew, Christine/Jason, Jaime+friend, Amy (not) Z., Amy Fabs, Steve/Anna, Billy/Jenn, Garry/Jacqui, Anthony, Brad
What a great turnout!!!!!!!!!!
Afterwards, Steve/Anna and Anthony came over and I busted out 325123531 photo albums!
Saturday (Monica w/Katie!)
We had a nice little Saturday planned!
Katie was here so first we had breakfast sammiches (eggs over hard, white cheddar, bacon or sausage on Everything bagels - SOOO YUM!) then she & I got gussied up and headed out to Arlington Heights for Colin's Premier of his piece, 'Nyad's Dream'. It was a free concert at the Metropolis concert hall and was sponsored by one of his Elgin Symphony donors! The performers was a trio of a cello, harp and flute. There was a cocktail reception at intermission., and then we had to cut out to head to
SHOW OF SHOWS!!!!!!
My drum corps, the Phantom Regiment's, home show!!!! It is something I have done every year except last year. I get to run into some of my old drum corps friends, supporters and staff who I have lost touch with, and take a trip down memory lane at Boylan High School and the overall atmosphere of drum corps. I get so nostalgic I nearly barf! But oh, that beer tent!! I can no longer make memories on the field - but that beer tent will always be there to make new memories!
Tim
While I was off doing all of that, Billy came over and they went to shoot pool across the street!
Humor
Something about "labia-course" at Finn McCool's. May need Tim or Katie to elaborate on that one...
Aww...That's Nice!
My birthday card from Tim!
[front]
My Wife...
She makes me want
to be a better man.
She challenges
and motivates me.
She makes me happy,
and I'd do anything to make her happy.
[inside]
She's you -
My incredible wife -
And I love you
With all my heart.
20-Second T.O.
When we went to bed Friday night, I sighed "our life sucks.." Not really trying to start a conversation - and I wasn't deeply upset, just blah. Just thinking about the stuff other people/couples are able to do and afford right now. It was entirely just an exasperation but Tim was very annoyed by it and called me out on my statement. I was super tired and just kept trying to get out of the conversation, which just made it worse.
Tim made a yummy dinner of grilled chicken, tatos and veggies!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Since I slept over at Katie's (for the first time!) I walked down the street to Buckley's to meet my mom for my birthday Brunch! My mom had the quiche and I had the crab eggs bennie. We each had a mimosa and it was just a gorgeous relaxing Sunday morning in downtown Milwaukee as we sat outside enjoying the ambience.
Monday
Bowling league! Cameron was not there, and Colin was sick so the team suffered a little.
Tim = 150, 116, 120
Monica = 104, 115, 126
(I think...)
Friday
Katie came down to visit and we all went out for my birthday at Finn McCool's in Schaumburg. It was a beautiful night and we took over the entire patio! Thanks to all who came out. NO thanks to the waitress who burgled $60 >: (
Attendees:
Me, Tim, Katie, Ellen, Ashley/Andrew, Christine/Jason, Jaime+friend, Amy (not) Z., Amy Fabs, Steve/Anna, Billy/Jenn, Garry/Jacqui, Anthony, Brad
What a great turnout!!!!!!!!!!
Afterwards, Steve/Anna and Anthony came over and I busted out 325123531 photo albums!
Saturday (Monica w/Katie!)
We had a nice little Saturday planned!
Katie was here so first we had breakfast sammiches (eggs over hard, white cheddar, bacon or sausage on Everything bagels - SOOO YUM!) then she & I got gussied up and headed out to Arlington Heights for Colin's Premier of his piece, 'Nyad's Dream'. It was a free concert at the Metropolis concert hall and was sponsored by one of his Elgin Symphony donors! The performers was a trio of a cello, harp and flute. There was a cocktail reception at intermission., and then we had to cut out to head to
SHOW OF SHOWS!!!!!!
My drum corps, the Phantom Regiment's, home show!!!! It is something I have done every year except last year. I get to run into some of my old drum corps friends, supporters and staff who I have lost touch with, and take a trip down memory lane at Boylan High School and the overall atmosphere of drum corps. I get so nostalgic I nearly barf! But oh, that beer tent!! I can no longer make memories on the field - but that beer tent will always be there to make new memories!
Tim
While I was off doing all of that, Billy came over and they went to shoot pool across the street!
Humor
Something about "labia-course" at Finn McCool's. May need Tim or Katie to elaborate on that one...
Aww...That's Nice!
My birthday card from Tim!
[front]
My Wife...
She makes me want
to be a better man.
She challenges
and motivates me.
She makes me happy,
and I'd do anything to make her happy.
[inside]
She's you -
My incredible wife -
And I love you
With all my heart.
20-Second T.O.
When we went to bed Friday night, I sighed "our life sucks.." Not really trying to start a conversation - and I wasn't deeply upset, just blah. Just thinking about the stuff other people/couples are able to do and afford right now. It was entirely just an exasperation but Tim was very annoyed by it and called me out on my statement. I was super tired and just kept trying to get out of the conversation, which just made it worse.
WEEK #30: June 8-14, 2008
Home Cookin'
Well, it wasn't for Tim and me, but I made Magic Cookie Bars and Pickle Wraps for Chelsea's Bachelorette Party!
Social Butterflies
Monday
We began our bowling league at Hoffman Lanes just down the street with Colin & Cameron.
Monica = 114, 128, 116
Tim = 170, 183, 193
Saturday (Monica)
Chelsea's shower at Matty's - a beautiful morning!!! Then we stopped at my mom's so I could pick up my stuff, then I headed to Katie's to relax & get ready for the Bachelorette Party! The boat ride was cancelled due to alleged hail storms heading our way, which never showed up. So inside we moved the party indoors to Katie's apartment until after 9 or so and then we headed on out to Trinity!!! What a great idea and fun place to be! 3 nice size bars all connected, but all a little different. To anyone in Milwaukee - I recommend!!
We ended the night at some German bar - I have no idea what it was called. I was paralyzed in pain from my feet ;)
(Tim)
Tim had Anthony & Billy over for a little while playing video games.
Aww...That's Nice!
Tensions have been high, so on Friday we were emailing and Tim said to enjoy my weekend and to not think about him, us or our problems and just have fun.
Well, it wasn't for Tim and me, but I made Magic Cookie Bars and Pickle Wraps for Chelsea's Bachelorette Party!
Social Butterflies
Monday
We began our bowling league at Hoffman Lanes just down the street with Colin & Cameron.
Monica = 114, 128, 116
Tim = 170, 183, 193
Saturday (Monica)
Chelsea's shower at Matty's - a beautiful morning!!! Then we stopped at my mom's so I could pick up my stuff, then I headed to Katie's to relax & get ready for the Bachelorette Party! The boat ride was cancelled due to alleged hail storms heading our way, which never showed up. So inside we moved the party indoors to Katie's apartment until after 9 or so and then we headed on out to Trinity!!! What a great idea and fun place to be! 3 nice size bars all connected, but all a little different. To anyone in Milwaukee - I recommend!!
We ended the night at some German bar - I have no idea what it was called. I was paralyzed in pain from my feet ;)
(Tim)
Tim had Anthony & Billy over for a little while playing video games.
Aww...That's Nice!
Tensions have been high, so on Friday we were emailing and Tim said to enjoy my weekend and to not think about him, us or our problems and just have fun.
WEEK #29: June 1 - 7, 2008
Home Cookin'
Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake!!! Recipe will be posted in my Monthly entry.
Social Butterflies
Sunday
We ran some errands and then stopped over by Pat & Lorie's to give them the picture frame I had engraved with Isabella, Nicolas and Bianca's names. Lorie was out with Isabella, so we just stayed for a little bit playing with Nicolas.
Wednesday
Tim's mom, John & the boys were at Coco Key water resort in nearby Arlington Heights, so they came out to have lunch with Tim. Tim went back to the hotel with them and played with Nick & Bob in the water park, etc.
Saturday
We went over to Garry & Jacqui's housewarming party. There was a long time of playing bags and then into the evening we all played Wii and Guitar Hero.
Humor
At Garry & Jacqui's, we had about 1/2hr worth of constant "That's what she said" comments.
20 Second T.O.
BOO! On the way home from Garry & Jacqui's...it started because when I stopped drinking, I hinted that "we" could be done drinking - assuming Tim would get the hint. Shortly after he asked if I wanted to leave. I said "no" (b/c I didn't want to leave, I just wanted to be done drinking), and the next thing I know Tim's got a beer in his hand. He wasn't drunk by any means, but when this whole driving thing happened a year and a half ago, it was sort of an "agreement" that he would stop drinking when I did since I had to always be the DD. That has failed several times (see most other 20 second TO's). So on the way home, I bought up the "agreement" which he had allegedly forgotten about.
Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake!!! Recipe will be posted in my Monthly entry.
Social Butterflies
Sunday
We ran some errands and then stopped over by Pat & Lorie's to give them the picture frame I had engraved with Isabella, Nicolas and Bianca's names. Lorie was out with Isabella, so we just stayed for a little bit playing with Nicolas.
Wednesday
Tim's mom, John & the boys were at Coco Key water resort in nearby Arlington Heights, so they came out to have lunch with Tim. Tim went back to the hotel with them and played with Nick & Bob in the water park, etc.
Saturday
We went over to Garry & Jacqui's housewarming party. There was a long time of playing bags and then into the evening we all played Wii and Guitar Hero.
Humor
At Garry & Jacqui's, we had about 1/2hr worth of constant "That's what she said" comments.
20 Second T.O.
BOO! On the way home from Garry & Jacqui's...it started because when I stopped drinking, I hinted that "we" could be done drinking - assuming Tim would get the hint. Shortly after he asked if I wanted to leave. I said "no" (b/c I didn't want to leave, I just wanted to be done drinking), and the next thing I know Tim's got a beer in his hand. He wasn't drunk by any means, but when this whole driving thing happened a year and a half ago, it was sort of an "agreement" that he would stop drinking when I did since I had to always be the DD. That has failed several times (see most other 20 second TO's). So on the way home, I bought up the "agreement" which he had allegedly forgotten about.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
WEEK #28: May 25-31, 2008
Home Cookin'
Again, Tim's been the cook!!! So it's pointless for us to wait for me to get home and then cook!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Ellen's BBBQ - lots of food, Summer Shandy and Strongbow. The boys played bags while the girls played Wii bowling and tennis! Then the few of us who were left - Garry, Anthony, Tim, me, Ellen all played Wii Mario Kart.
Friday
I went to see 'Sex and the City' with Colin and his *friend* Brad!
Anthony came over to hang out with Tim, they went to Hooters then came back to our condo and we chatted for awhile and then they put on 'The Jerk' for a bit before Anthony went home.
20 Second T.O.
I was very on edge all week. On Thursday, I worked until 7pm and didn't answer my phone b/c I was so focused on what I was working on. Tim was very upset and started to get worried. So when I called him on my way home, I was immediately on the defensive. He ended up hanging up on me and when I got home, I went straight into the bedroom. He came in to talk and wonder why I was in there and I continued to be very defensive, so it turned into a big blowout fight about a whole bunch of other stuff. We remained apart until 'Lost' when I finally came out to apologize, but then we got into a very serious conversation that lasted over 1/2 hour. We didn't entirely make up at the end of it, but got to a point where we could just take a deep breath, move on and watch 'Lost.'
Aww...That's Nice
Tim gave me this card on our [now] unofficial 5 year anniversary before we left for dinner at Entourage and saw 'Indiana Jones 4':
[front] On Our Anniversary
[1st page] With Each Year, You Mean Even More to Me
[inside]
With each passing year, I realize that you matter more to me than anyone or anything else in this world.
Through all the little rituals of everyday living and in times of stress or problems, your presence is my comfort, my joy, my stabalizing force.
You're always there for me, and I intend to always be here for you...
appreciating you and loving you with all my heart.
Happy Anniversary
[end]
A card like that couldn't have come at a better time!!!
Again, Tim's been the cook!!! So it's pointless for us to wait for me to get home and then cook!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
Ellen's BBBQ - lots of food, Summer Shandy and Strongbow. The boys played bags while the girls played Wii bowling and tennis! Then the few of us who were left - Garry, Anthony, Tim, me, Ellen all played Wii Mario Kart.
Friday
I went to see 'Sex and the City' with Colin and his *friend* Brad!
Anthony came over to hang out with Tim, they went to Hooters then came back to our condo and we chatted for awhile and then they put on 'The Jerk' for a bit before Anthony went home.
20 Second T.O.
I was very on edge all week. On Thursday, I worked until 7pm and didn't answer my phone b/c I was so focused on what I was working on. Tim was very upset and started to get worried. So when I called him on my way home, I was immediately on the defensive. He ended up hanging up on me and when I got home, I went straight into the bedroom. He came in to talk and wonder why I was in there and I continued to be very defensive, so it turned into a big blowout fight about a whole bunch of other stuff. We remained apart until 'Lost' when I finally came out to apologize, but then we got into a very serious conversation that lasted over 1/2 hour. We didn't entirely make up at the end of it, but got to a point where we could just take a deep breath, move on and watch 'Lost.'
Aww...That's Nice
Tim gave me this card on our [now] unofficial 5 year anniversary before we left for dinner at Entourage and saw 'Indiana Jones 4':
[front] On Our Anniversary
[1st page] With Each Year, You Mean Even More to Me
[inside]
With each passing year, I realize that you matter more to me than anyone or anything else in this world.
Through all the little rituals of everyday living and in times of stress or problems, your presence is my comfort, my joy, my stabalizing force.
You're always there for me, and I intend to always be here for you...
appreciating you and loving you with all my heart.
Happy Anniversary
[end]
A card like that couldn't have come at a better time!!!
WEEK #27: May 18 - 24, 2008
Home Cookin'
Well, since Tim lost his job he's been the "cook" lately. It's been great coming home to dinner on the table. And although he doesn't really do *recipes, the meals are yummy!!
Social Butterflies
Saturday
7-10 Lanes in Elmhurst with Billy/Jenn and Guido/Sarah. We just had a drink and bowled one game and that was about it! But it was a nice halfway point for everyone to meet up.
Humor
Guido bowls weird...He does some crazy hop skip jump when he releases. So we all had a pretty good time with that ;)
Aww...That's Nice!
After the *meh-ness of the day before (at Tim's dad's house - see previous post), we went out to Brunch at La Strada for our 6-month anniversary. We had a very nice time and just stayed away from the negative issues and enjoyed each other's company.
20-Second T.O.
Yikes, can't really explain just a one. It was sorta constant meh-ness through the week. No specific blow-out though.
Well, since Tim lost his job he's been the "cook" lately. It's been great coming home to dinner on the table. And although he doesn't really do *recipes, the meals are yummy!!
Social Butterflies
Saturday
7-10 Lanes in Elmhurst with Billy/Jenn and Guido/Sarah. We just had a drink and bowled one game and that was about it! But it was a nice halfway point for everyone to meet up.
Humor
Guido bowls weird...He does some crazy hop skip jump when he releases. So we all had a pretty good time with that ;)
Aww...That's Nice!
After the *meh-ness of the day before (at Tim's dad's house - see previous post), we went out to Brunch at La Strada for our 6-month anniversary. We had a very nice time and just stayed away from the negative issues and enjoyed each other's company.
20-Second T.O.
Yikes, can't really explain just a one. It was sorta constant meh-ness through the week. No specific blow-out though.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Dreams...
I always have very vivid dreams and I've actually always enjoyed it and how well I remember them in the morning! Some are so vivid and realistic they stick with me for an entire day as I have to convince myself it was an actual dream.
Needless to say I have a very developed unconscious psyche. Normally only I can dissect my dreams as they are specific to my life. I dream of being back in drum corps, while engaged I dreamt of my wedding day - both with weird random mishaps occuring that usually turned out to just be a funny way showing my stress.
I rarely have the drowning or naked in school or falling dreams that you can google definitions for...Until the past week or two. At first when I had the following dream I didn't think much of it until this morning when it occurred to me that this same dream scene has occured in at least 3 of my dreams in the past week. Typically I am having another dream (random non-descript, one was a drum corps dream) and then this scene pops in.
The dream goes like this:
I'm driving at night down a parkway - with trees/park on either side [Milwaukeeans, imagine something like the Root River Parkway]. There is always a large amount of traffic too and intersections.
What happens is that I am either driving fast and reckless - faster than I've ever driven in real life OR I fall asleep behind the wheel OR I'm just completely not paying attention and not looking straight ahead.
I end up having to swerve away from oncoming traffic and slam on my breaks which makes my car spin and skid out of control off the road. But in real life, I'd think the car would just tip over or stop once it was on grass- but mine doesn't. I continue to skid sideways having absolutely no control over the car and I am just bracing myself for a crash or something. But I don't really know how it ends. I dont' know if I can't remember the end, or my dream doesn't have an end. It's always as if I'm about to go into a river or off a cliff --but I don't see said river or cliff, it's just that is what I'm bracing myself for.
Pretty intense, right? Well, this morning I decided to google it since I thought it might fall into the "typical dream" definitions. And here's what I found.....WOW.
Are you dreaming about an out of control car, a car crash, a car wreck or other similar topic? Here is what it means.
Cars are vehicles that you normally should have control over. They're not like a plane or train, where someone with years of training and education is in control of. Cars are normal vehicles that you should be able to drive yourself, that you use every day to get your normal life tasks done. For that reason, a car very much represents your life in a dream. It represents your normal day to day activities, the way that your life is progressing.
If you dream that YOU are driving that car and are losing control or have an accident, it means that you don't like the way your life is turning out. You wish that you were making wiser choices, that you were better able to deal with the normal traumas life is throwing at you. You need to find the strength to grab that wheel and handle the turns and slippery situations.
Projecting car accident and partially your fault symbolize some blame conscience you have. You may be feeling low in self confidence. That accident may also indicate you have made some bad choice in life and you are blaming yourself. It is all about your guilt conscience you have in reality.
That is 100% on the nose. And it is scary that I could be so textbook. I guess ya never really feel anything or go through something someone else hasn't already felt or gone through. Maybe it shouldn't be such a lonely feeling....
Needless to say I have a very developed unconscious psyche. Normally only I can dissect my dreams as they are specific to my life. I dream of being back in drum corps, while engaged I dreamt of my wedding day - both with weird random mishaps occuring that usually turned out to just be a funny way showing my stress.
I rarely have the drowning or naked in school or falling dreams that you can google definitions for...Until the past week or two. At first when I had the following dream I didn't think much of it until this morning when it occurred to me that this same dream scene has occured in at least 3 of my dreams in the past week. Typically I am having another dream (random non-descript, one was a drum corps dream) and then this scene pops in.
The dream goes like this:
I'm driving at night down a parkway - with trees/park on either side [Milwaukeeans, imagine something like the Root River Parkway]. There is always a large amount of traffic too and intersections.
What happens is that I am either driving fast and reckless - faster than I've ever driven in real life OR I fall asleep behind the wheel OR I'm just completely not paying attention and not looking straight ahead.
I end up having to swerve away from oncoming traffic and slam on my breaks which makes my car spin and skid out of control off the road. But in real life, I'd think the car would just tip over or stop once it was on grass- but mine doesn't. I continue to skid sideways having absolutely no control over the car and I am just bracing myself for a crash or something. But I don't really know how it ends. I dont' know if I can't remember the end, or my dream doesn't have an end. It's always as if I'm about to go into a river or off a cliff --but I don't see said river or cliff, it's just that is what I'm bracing myself for.
Pretty intense, right? Well, this morning I decided to google it since I thought it might fall into the "typical dream" definitions. And here's what I found.....WOW.
Are you dreaming about an out of control car, a car crash, a car wreck or other similar topic? Here is what it means.
Cars are vehicles that you normally should have control over. They're not like a plane or train, where someone with years of training and education is in control of. Cars are normal vehicles that you should be able to drive yourself, that you use every day to get your normal life tasks done. For that reason, a car very much represents your life in a dream. It represents your normal day to day activities, the way that your life is progressing.
If you dream that YOU are driving that car and are losing control or have an accident, it means that you don't like the way your life is turning out. You wish that you were making wiser choices, that you were better able to deal with the normal traumas life is throwing at you. You need to find the strength to grab that wheel and handle the turns and slippery situations.
Projecting car accident and partially your fault symbolize some blame conscience you have. You may be feeling low in self confidence. That accident may also indicate you have made some bad choice in life and you are blaming yourself. It is all about your guilt conscience you have in reality.
That is 100% on the nose. And it is scary that I could be so textbook. I guess ya never really feel anything or go through something someone else hasn't already felt or gone through. Maybe it shouldn't be such a lonely feeling....
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
MONTH #6 continued...
Marriage Epiphany
This is something I guess I've always known about myself in my relationship with Tim. But it took until now to really take a step back and think about why I do this, and what it says about me and my feelings.
Whenever an issue arises with Tim, or something relationship-related gets me down, my mind automatically drifts back to the other big issues we've stumbled over in the past. Healthy or not - I'm not really sure.
It certainly doesn't make the issue at hand any easier to get through. On the positive side, I look at how we made it through issues before - and I reaffirm myself that "we can make it through anything."
I try to see what I didn't get out of the last problem-resolving process or what worked for me/us last time and I should continue to do.
This time, I've realized I need something I never thought I needed before - just me. Before when an issue would smack us in the face, I thought everything should be worked out together. Thoughts constantly shared and if I was feeling something - or had more thoughts on it days later, I wanted Tim to hear about it and help me feel better by answering whatever bothered me or just to get it off my chest.
But now, I just want to bury myself in my own thoughts until I'm over them on my own - and not just because I want to be, but because I truly am. I have no idea how long this will take. It's already been over an month! I realized in the five years we've been together - this is the most inconvenient time to need 'alone time'. But it's what I need and what I've never given myself. Now it's not like i'm ignoring Tim - we still carry on as normal at home - just at arm's length, and he is certainly walking on egg shells.
Some days I see a little light at the tunnel, of being able to see myself happy and feel happy. But the next day I'll think of something that just really aggravates me and I'm back to being unhappy. That's why the days I feel a little more optimistic - I'm not celebrating it, because I am aware two days later I could be right back in the clouds again. I don't want that yo-yo emotional journey. So when several days go by and I am consistently feeling optimistic and/or happy, then I will let my guard down and let Tim back in.
Right now it's just not the time yet.
Payback's a bitch...
This is something I guess I've always known about myself in my relationship with Tim. But it took until now to really take a step back and think about why I do this, and what it says about me and my feelings.
Whenever an issue arises with Tim, or something relationship-related gets me down, my mind automatically drifts back to the other big issues we've stumbled over in the past. Healthy or not - I'm not really sure.
It certainly doesn't make the issue at hand any easier to get through. On the positive side, I look at how we made it through issues before - and I reaffirm myself that "we can make it through anything."
I try to see what I didn't get out of the last problem-resolving process or what worked for me/us last time and I should continue to do.
This time, I've realized I need something I never thought I needed before - just me. Before when an issue would smack us in the face, I thought everything should be worked out together. Thoughts constantly shared and if I was feeling something - or had more thoughts on it days later, I wanted Tim to hear about it and help me feel better by answering whatever bothered me or just to get it off my chest.
But now, I just want to bury myself in my own thoughts until I'm over them on my own - and not just because I want to be, but because I truly am. I have no idea how long this will take. It's already been over an month! I realized in the five years we've been together - this is the most inconvenient time to need 'alone time'. But it's what I need and what I've never given myself. Now it's not like i'm ignoring Tim - we still carry on as normal at home - just at arm's length, and he is certainly walking on egg shells.
Some days I see a little light at the tunnel, of being able to see myself happy and feel happy. But the next day I'll think of something that just really aggravates me and I'm back to being unhappy. That's why the days I feel a little more optimistic - I'm not celebrating it, because I am aware two days later I could be right back in the clouds again. I don't want that yo-yo emotional journey. So when several days go by and I am consistently feeling optimistic and/or happy, then I will let my guard down and let Tim back in.
Right now it's just not the time yet.
Payback's a bitch...
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
MONTH # 6: April 18 - May 17, 2008
MoniKitchen
Katie's Southwestern Crab Bake recipe as seen below. We had the leftovers in tortillas and it was even better!
Will You Go Out With Me?
Tuesday, April 29
We went out to BW3's after work and watched a bit of the Cubs game then went to see 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'
That's Hilaarious
'Applebottom Pebs' was the ongoing joke for the month. We'd hear the "Low" song on the radio and I'd make tim sing his *lyrics at the chorus: "She's and Applebottom Pebs...with the FUR....She's got Colby Jack looking at HUR"
Good Talk
Well, we had two doozies this month!
Wednesday May 7
I had to get some thoughts off my *chest* to Tim. Basically just how I started regretting how I had handled our difficult times in the past. Tim was very put off by everything I was saying. Fearing that what I was trying to communicate was that it was a huge mistake to get married. That wasn't my point, because I am pretty sure no matter what we'd probably end up together in the end, anyway. Journey vs. Destination and I'm more concerned about the Journey right now. Tim said some very strong things about proving himself, being a great husband and doing whatever it takes to give us the life we want.
Saturday May 17
The second chat was on our way home from his dad's - it's actually more in the 20-Second T.O. category. It was the day after Tim lost his job and it really hit me hard. He did get angry, but again said very strong things. But for now, this is just something I really need to get over on my own.
Recap
Well, this month was pretty intense. One of the hardest we've been through in our five years together. It started with our weekend apart, then into my heavy reminiscing and re-thinking my life - namely the way I've handled this relationship and the issues it has dropped on my shoulders. Reminiscin morphed into reacting to the loss of tim's job which has basically sent me into a tailspin.
Katie's Southwestern Crab Bake recipe as seen below. We had the leftovers in tortillas and it was even better!
Will You Go Out With Me?
Tuesday, April 29
We went out to BW3's after work and watched a bit of the Cubs game then went to see 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'
That's Hilaarious
'Applebottom Pebs' was the ongoing joke for the month. We'd hear the "Low" song on the radio and I'd make tim sing his *lyrics at the chorus: "She's and Applebottom Pebs...with the FUR....She's got Colby Jack looking at HUR"
Good Talk
Well, we had two doozies this month!
Wednesday May 7
I had to get some thoughts off my *chest* to Tim. Basically just how I started regretting how I had handled our difficult times in the past. Tim was very put off by everything I was saying. Fearing that what I was trying to communicate was that it was a huge mistake to get married. That wasn't my point, because I am pretty sure no matter what we'd probably end up together in the end, anyway. Journey vs. Destination and I'm more concerned about the Journey right now. Tim said some very strong things about proving himself, being a great husband and doing whatever it takes to give us the life we want.
Saturday May 17
The second chat was on our way home from his dad's - it's actually more in the 20-Second T.O. category. It was the day after Tim lost his job and it really hit me hard. He did get angry, but again said very strong things. But for now, this is just something I really need to get over on my own.
Recap
Well, this month was pretty intense. One of the hardest we've been through in our five years together. It started with our weekend apart, then into my heavy reminiscing and re-thinking my life - namely the way I've handled this relationship and the issues it has dropped on my shoulders. Reminiscin morphed into reacting to the loss of tim's job which has basically sent me into a tailspin.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
WEEK #26: May 11 - 17, 2008
Home Cookin'
Katie's Southwestern Crab bake!!! Yum!!! A meal we ate again Thursday night in tortillas!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
-Izabela's Baptism (Szymon's daughter)
An hour and a half-long Polish Catholic mass followed by dinner at Maggiano's! Garry & Jacqui were there too.
-Tim's Mom's for Mom's Day! We just stopped over to say hi since we were nearby. We gave her a card and the Parent's Album from our wedding.
Saturday
-Tim's dad's
We drove up to Grayslake for a made-up Mother's Day. Grandma & Grandpa O'Neill were also there. we brought the wedding album, the Hawaii honeymoon scrapbook and their Parent album. They grilled burgers, etc. and we drove over to see their new house. They bought a foreclosure and fixed it up to move on in!!
-Garry's
That night I just wanted to be alone, so Anthony picked Tim up and they went over to Garry's and played Wii, etc for a few hours at their new house.
Humor
We randomly watched an episode of "The Office" where Michael drives into the lake b/c he misunderstands the GPS directions. I've seen the episode before but this time I was DYING! Then that made Tim laugh :)
Awww...That's Nice
Well, this is tough since it was a very hard week for us. I'm having major issues with our current situation. Through this, tim has said reassuring and sweet things about being 100% committed to making our life better, etc but for now it is falling on deaf ears.
20-Second T.O.
How about a weeklong!? I was very self-centered this week, so I was either very cold or I was expressing my unhappiness. So either Tim had to rool over and take it or become defensive. Lose-lose situation.
It escalated on our drive home from his dad's after sitting with them for 6 hours and listening to them discuss the sugar coating of how he's been 'blessed' with this 'opportunity' of losing his job. I am not optimistic and won't be until there's something to believe in. Like ONE interview or something.
Katie's Southwestern Crab bake!!! Yum!!! A meal we ate again Thursday night in tortillas!
Social Butterflies
Sunday
-Izabela's Baptism (Szymon's daughter)
An hour and a half-long Polish Catholic mass followed by dinner at Maggiano's! Garry & Jacqui were there too.
-Tim's Mom's for Mom's Day! We just stopped over to say hi since we were nearby. We gave her a card and the Parent's Album from our wedding.
Saturday
-Tim's dad's
We drove up to Grayslake for a made-up Mother's Day. Grandma & Grandpa O'Neill were also there. we brought the wedding album, the Hawaii honeymoon scrapbook and their Parent album. They grilled burgers, etc. and we drove over to see their new house. They bought a foreclosure and fixed it up to move on in!!
-Garry's
That night I just wanted to be alone, so Anthony picked Tim up and they went over to Garry's and played Wii, etc for a few hours at their new house.
Humor
We randomly watched an episode of "The Office" where Michael drives into the lake b/c he misunderstands the GPS directions. I've seen the episode before but this time I was DYING! Then that made Tim laugh :)
Awww...That's Nice
Well, this is tough since it was a very hard week for us. I'm having major issues with our current situation. Through this, tim has said reassuring and sweet things about being 100% committed to making our life better, etc but for now it is falling on deaf ears.
20-Second T.O.
How about a weeklong!? I was very self-centered this week, so I was either very cold or I was expressing my unhappiness. So either Tim had to rool over and take it or become defensive. Lose-lose situation.
It escalated on our drive home from his dad's after sitting with them for 6 hours and listening to them discuss the sugar coating of how he's been 'blessed' with this 'opportunity' of losing his job. I am not optimistic and won't be until there's something to believe in. Like ONE interview or something.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Week #25: May 4 - 10, 2008
Home Cookin'
:( Wah, Wah...Tim had his wisdom teeth pulled so he wasn't so much eating anything exciting. So we kept it basic!
Social Butterflies
Monday Night (Monica)
I went out with Colin and his guy friend to Applebee's then bowling at Poplar Creek Bowl! Usually I suck a lot the first game, and get a little better the second game. But this time I bowled an 80-something and then a 133!!!! Wow! Plus, they have $5 mai tai's that are great!
Thursday Night (Monica)
After work I went out with some Qwest team people to Village Tavern in Carol Stream. Had a few beers and a few smokes on an empty stomach so I was feeling it! A lot of fun conversation about girls' asses and strip clubs!!! ???
Friday
I got to go to the Cubs game for free! A lettershop vendor had some tickets available for their skybox! So at 11:30am we were picked up and driven down to Wrigley Field for the game! There was free food and a nice big spread of food. Fantastic view and even little heat lamps since it was a COLD day!
Friday Night
I was pretty zonked from the day and the night before (I'm old!) so just wanted to be curly. Ellen stopped by for a little while. We chatted, watched 'Scrubs' and she checked out the wedding album :)
Saturday
My mom came to town! So at 5pm I went over to Pat & Lorie's to take her to our manicure/pedicure appointments at Heavenly Massage! There was a little bit of a wait, but they got us done pretty quick. And hey, for $30 can't complain too much! After that we went to pick up Tim, then to Lou Malnati's to pick up our pizzas. Then back over to Pat & Lorie's to hang out. Of course since 'Uncle Tim' was there, Isabella and Nicolas wanted to watch Toy Story 2. So we all sat there, looked at the wedding albums and my mom's Italy pictures. Then my mom came back with us to stay the night. We only had time to watch one Lost episode before we were all sleepy!
Humor
Isabella's "interview" for her preschool yearbook. My brother read it outloud to us and MAN I wish I had a copy to type up here. It was very ADD-driven, going from talking about Nicolas' Spiderman themed bday party he'll have this year, and then back to what they got from Christmas, then something about how her 'baby' (Bianca) doesn't have any teeth, then something about summer, then a rather graphic description of how Bianca was born via c-section "the doctors had to cut open her belly to get bianca out then put mommy's tummy back together" - we were all D-Y-I-N-G!!!
Awww...That's Nice!
Cuddling and playing with Isabella and Nicolas! We took selfies and looked at the wedding album - they got a kick out of being in some of the pictures and Isabella made comments on pretty much every picture and would say random things about the day. Tim held Bianca for a long time, she was super comfy and passed out!
20-Second T.O.
Not so much a fight as just an extended conversation about my "grass is greener" issues. It helped to just say some of it outloud. I know Tim's feelings were hurt by the way it came across, but it's something that bothers me a lot and just needed to be said.
:( Wah, Wah...Tim had his wisdom teeth pulled so he wasn't so much eating anything exciting. So we kept it basic!
Social Butterflies
Monday Night (Monica)
I went out with Colin and his guy friend to Applebee's then bowling at Poplar Creek Bowl! Usually I suck a lot the first game, and get a little better the second game. But this time I bowled an 80-something and then a 133!!!! Wow! Plus, they have $5 mai tai's that are great!
Thursday Night (Monica)
After work I went out with some Qwest team people to Village Tavern in Carol Stream. Had a few beers and a few smokes on an empty stomach so I was feeling it! A lot of fun conversation about girls' asses and strip clubs!!! ???
Friday
I got to go to the Cubs game for free! A lettershop vendor had some tickets available for their skybox! So at 11:30am we were picked up and driven down to Wrigley Field for the game! There was free food and a nice big spread of food. Fantastic view and even little heat lamps since it was a COLD day!
Friday Night
I was pretty zonked from the day and the night before (I'm old!) so just wanted to be curly. Ellen stopped by for a little while. We chatted, watched 'Scrubs' and she checked out the wedding album :)
Saturday
My mom came to town! So at 5pm I went over to Pat & Lorie's to take her to our manicure/pedicure appointments at Heavenly Massage! There was a little bit of a wait, but they got us done pretty quick. And hey, for $30 can't complain too much! After that we went to pick up Tim, then to Lou Malnati's to pick up our pizzas. Then back over to Pat & Lorie's to hang out. Of course since 'Uncle Tim' was there, Isabella and Nicolas wanted to watch Toy Story 2. So we all sat there, looked at the wedding albums and my mom's Italy pictures. Then my mom came back with us to stay the night. We only had time to watch one Lost episode before we were all sleepy!
Humor
Isabella's "interview" for her preschool yearbook. My brother read it outloud to us and MAN I wish I had a copy to type up here. It was very ADD-driven, going from talking about Nicolas' Spiderman themed bday party he'll have this year, and then back to what they got from Christmas, then something about how her 'baby' (Bianca) doesn't have any teeth, then something about summer, then a rather graphic description of how Bianca was born via c-section "the doctors had to cut open her belly to get bianca out then put mommy's tummy back together" - we were all D-Y-I-N-G!!!
Awww...That's Nice!
Cuddling and playing with Isabella and Nicolas! We took selfies and looked at the wedding album - they got a kick out of being in some of the pictures and Isabella made comments on pretty much every picture and would say random things about the day. Tim held Bianca for a long time, she was super comfy and passed out!
20-Second T.O.
Not so much a fight as just an extended conversation about my "grass is greener" issues. It helped to just say some of it outloud. I know Tim's feelings were hurt by the way it came across, but it's something that bothers me a lot and just needed to be said.
WEEK #24: April 27 - May 3, 2008
Home Cookin'
Taco Night - Sunday
This is really becoming a regular thing! I like it!
Social Butterflies
It was a light week since Tim got his wisdom teeth pulled :(
Saturday Night (Monica)
I went to Fox & Hound to meet up with Christine & Ashley (SMG) and their men for dinner and a few drinks. I had some crazy Purple Viper drink that was strong and GOOD. After three of those bad boys I was feeling pretty good. But a little bit lame since I was home before 8pm since the couples had night time plans, so there I was drunk while it was still daylight :)
It was a good time reminiscing with the girls and actually made me miss SMG and moreso, that if I had stayed I probably could have been moved to the downtown Interactive dept...not that that's my "dream" but as summer nears working downtown is alluring.
Taking care of Tim after getting his teeth pulled! I had to help him to the car, buy him pudding, juice and other soft stuff. Got him hom and set him up in the bedroom with all his "supplies". On Saturday, after Kitty Duty, I brought him an Oreo Frosty from Wendy's!
Taco Night - Sunday
This is really becoming a regular thing! I like it!
Social Butterflies
It was a light week since Tim got his wisdom teeth pulled :(
Saturday Night (Monica)
I went to Fox & Hound to meet up with Christine & Ashley (SMG) and their men for dinner and a few drinks. I had some crazy Purple Viper drink that was strong and GOOD. After three of those bad boys I was feeling pretty good. But a little bit lame since I was home before 8pm since the couples had night time plans, so there I was drunk while it was still daylight :)
It was a good time reminiscing with the girls and actually made me miss SMG and moreso, that if I had stayed I probably could have been moved to the downtown Interactive dept...not that that's my "dream" but as summer nears working downtown is alluring.
Humor
Still, APPLEBOTTOM PEBS!
Awww....That's Nice!Taking care of Tim after getting his teeth pulled! I had to help him to the car, buy him pudding, juice and other soft stuff. Got him hom and set him up in the bedroom with all his "supplies". On Saturday, after Kitty Duty, I brought him an Oreo Frosty from Wendy's!
20- Second T.O.
Uhhh....it was something stupid about that I made a random noise? Clicking my tongue or something...Tim asked why I made said noise so I assumed he was annoyed because it was a "mouth noise!!!" (tim's #1 pet peeve, he's sensitve to the slightest sound!). Blah, then the fight just sorta ended.
Monday, April 28, 2008
WEEK #23: April 20 - 26, 2008
Home Cookin'
Steaks and Lipton Tomato Basil noodles...YUM!
Social Butterflies
Peoria (Monica)
On Sunday morning I was still in Peoria and Lisa took Liz & I to the shooting range. So I shot a rifle for the first time! I didn't do too bad either - 7 disks out of 25!!!
Milwaukee (Tim)
Tim had spent the night in Milwaukee at Josh & Tina's with Billy, so they got up and hit the road back to Chicago!
Saturday - Pat & Lorie's house
We went over to Pat & Lorie's to see Bianca again and my mom who came down for the day after just getting back from her 10-day trip to Italy! She had souvenirs for all of us and told us of her trip. Most of our 2hr visit over there was comprised of me in Bella's room playing Barbies (including the bride barbie I gave her at the wedding that she calls "Auntie Monica" - and the part of "Tim" was played by their Woody-Toy Story-doll ;)
Tim was also tied up with Nicolas playing Nerf ball in his room where "no girls were allowed" and then burgling Tim on a walk down the block that ALSO no one else was allowed to join. So Bella & Nicolas were really having a Monica & Tim lovefest that day!!!
We also got to see my cousins Paula, AnneMarie and Jenny as they were in town shopping!
Afterwards we went to Houlihan's with my mom.
Saturday Night - Jenn's 30th Bday @ Cobra Lounge
We drove into the city around 8pm to go to the Cobra Lounge for Jenn's *surprise* 30th bday. It was a good time! We tried to name TV shows and movies set in Chicago and later, creative names for gay bars!
They had a special on Kilo Kai rum so I had that with Ginger Ale! Never had that before and it's a keeper!!!
Humor
I gotta say the gay bar naming! It was really random and seriously went on for like 30min!!!
Aww...That's Nice
The above mentioned afternoon with Bella & Nicolas! I hope our own kids love us this much :)
20 Second T.O.
With our job situations ( I know, we're all sick of hearing about this!), we were talking about Tim's options for a job search. He doesn't have that *dream job* so it seems that whatever his next job is, it may just be to get out of this one. It's very frustrating b/c of course I've always known what I've wanted to do for the most part so it's hard for me to understand - but also because I want him to be on a career path for his sanity and for our success!
I said something along these lines one night last week and Tim got very defensive as if I were attacking him! So we got extremely frustrated with each other before it came to the point of him finally understanding I wasn't attacking him, that I'm concerned for his happiness and that yes, he understands why I'm frustrated about the situation.
Steaks and Lipton Tomato Basil noodles...YUM!
Social Butterflies
Peoria (Monica)
On Sunday morning I was still in Peoria and Lisa took Liz & I to the shooting range. So I shot a rifle for the first time! I didn't do too bad either - 7 disks out of 25!!!
Milwaukee (Tim)
Tim had spent the night in Milwaukee at Josh & Tina's with Billy, so they got up and hit the road back to Chicago!
Saturday - Pat & Lorie's house
We went over to Pat & Lorie's to see Bianca again and my mom who came down for the day after just getting back from her 10-day trip to Italy! She had souvenirs for all of us and told us of her trip. Most of our 2hr visit over there was comprised of me in Bella's room playing Barbies (including the bride barbie I gave her at the wedding that she calls "Auntie Monica" - and the part of "Tim" was played by their Woody-Toy Story-doll ;)
Tim was also tied up with Nicolas playing Nerf ball in his room where "no girls were allowed" and then burgling Tim on a walk down the block that ALSO no one else was allowed to join. So Bella & Nicolas were really having a Monica & Tim lovefest that day!!!
We also got to see my cousins Paula, AnneMarie and Jenny as they were in town shopping!
Afterwards we went to Houlihan's with my mom.
Saturday Night - Jenn's 30th Bday @ Cobra Lounge
We drove into the city around 8pm to go to the Cobra Lounge for Jenn's *surprise* 30th bday. It was a good time! We tried to name TV shows and movies set in Chicago and later, creative names for gay bars!
They had a special on Kilo Kai rum so I had that with Ginger Ale! Never had that before and it's a keeper!!!
Humor
I gotta say the gay bar naming! It was really random and seriously went on for like 30min!!!
Aww...That's Nice
The above mentioned afternoon with Bella & Nicolas! I hope our own kids love us this much :)
20 Second T.O.
With our job situations ( I know, we're all sick of hearing about this!), we were talking about Tim's options for a job search. He doesn't have that *dream job* so it seems that whatever his next job is, it may just be to get out of this one. It's very frustrating b/c of course I've always known what I've wanted to do for the most part so it's hard for me to understand - but also because I want him to be on a career path for his sanity and for our success!
I said something along these lines one night last week and Tim got very defensive as if I were attacking him! So we got extremely frustrated with each other before it came to the point of him finally understanding I wasn't attacking him, that I'm concerned for his happiness and that yes, he understands why I'm frustrated about the situation.
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