I forgot to mention that I got a new tattoo while I was in Reno. I got it to honor the memory of my mother-in-law who was taken much too early by breast cancer, and to support my cousin as she battles breast cancer right now. It is still healing up but it's beautiful, and when it is completely healed I will post a photo!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
The Space
Hey there! I know I should say sorry for not writing, but things have been extra crazy around here lately. The semester is winding down for me, Huz is getting into new studies, and I just got back from Reno, so there's been a lot of playing catch up going on.
I got to visit Virginia City, a very old silver mining town, and Lake Tahoe while I was in Nevada. Both are wonderful places and I'm really glad I had the chance to see them! Below are a couple of photos of Lake Tahoe, but they do NOT do it justice. It's truly breathtaking.
I'm not going to say a whole lot about my trip, but I will say that though it was hard, it was really really nice. It was so nice to be able to spend time with my cousins and my aunt and uncle...people I see far too rarely. And they were sooooo happy to see us too, especially my mom who has an incredibly calming presence. It was hard to leave, but I hope that we will be able to visit more often. I believe I have both Grace and Meghan coming to visit me in Chicago this summer...so I'm really looking forward to that!
In other news....
Huz and I have joined a gym here in Chicago for the winter months! Finally! It feels sooooooooooooooooo incredibly good to be back in the gym regularly. And I love so many things about our new gym, 'The Space'. It is literally right next door to our place, so it is incredibly convenient, and it is owned by a woman my age who is also a personal trainer. She is incredibly sweet and she gave us a good deal when I told her that the huz and I are both students.
The owner also offers other services on site such as a variety of fitness classes, nutrition counseling, massage therapy, and even manicure service. I love that the gym is open 24 hours, 365 days a year, and it's primarily used for one on one personal training. This means that the gym member base is very small, and it rarely gets crowded. I can't say enough good things. If you're in the Hyde Park/Kenwood area, I'd definitely recommend The Space for all your fitness needs.
I got to visit Virginia City, a very old silver mining town, and Lake Tahoe while I was in Nevada. Both are wonderful places and I'm really glad I had the chance to see them! Below are a couple of photos of Lake Tahoe, but they do NOT do it justice. It's truly breathtaking.
I'm not going to say a whole lot about my trip, but I will say that though it was hard, it was really really nice. It was so nice to be able to spend time with my cousins and my aunt and uncle...people I see far too rarely. And they were sooooo happy to see us too, especially my mom who has an incredibly calming presence. It was hard to leave, but I hope that we will be able to visit more often. I believe I have both Grace and Meghan coming to visit me in Chicago this summer...so I'm really looking forward to that!
In other news....
Huz and I have joined a gym here in Chicago for the winter months! Finally! It feels sooooooooooooooooo incredibly good to be back in the gym regularly. And I love so many things about our new gym, 'The Space'. It is literally right next door to our place, so it is incredibly convenient, and it is owned by a woman my age who is also a personal trainer. She is incredibly sweet and she gave us a good deal when I told her that the huz and I are both students.
The owner also offers other services on site such as a variety of fitness classes, nutrition counseling, massage therapy, and even manicure service. I love that the gym is open 24 hours, 365 days a year, and it's primarily used for one on one personal training. This means that the gym member base is very small, and it rarely gets crowded. I can't say enough good things. If you're in the Hyde Park/Kenwood area, I'd definitely recommend The Space for all your fitness needs.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
T minus 10 days...
...until my mom and I fly out to Nevada to visit with some family that we see far too infrequently.
I wish I could say that I am completely excited about this trip, but to be perfectly honest part of me is not excited at all. Not because I don't love the family that we're going to see, but because of the circumstances that brought this trip about. Because I am afraid the moment I see my beautiful cousin, instead of being the supportive rock I have envisioned, instead I may very well double over and burst into tears.
You see, my cousin has been diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer. She recently underwent a mastectomy and she currently half way through her courses of chemotherapy. When she is finished, she will undergo radiation therapy as well.
As if her struggles weren't bad enough, my uncle (her father) was diagnosed with serious esophageal cancer within days of receiving my cousin's diagnosis. I feel really helpless. I have spoken with my second cousins on the phone frequently, and I have sent countless cards, and I have prayed. But I still feel like there is so much I *can't* do, and that breaks my heart. It's just an all around difficult situation and it sucks.
You know, it feels really good to just type this post. I've been holding a lot of these feelings in for a long time. It feels like I am finally exhaling.
Anyway, no matter how *I* am feeling, I am going to fly out with my mom next week and do my very best to shower them all with love and support. I am also going to do my best to inspire some smiles and laughter because my family deserves all of that, and so much more.
I wish I could say that I am completely excited about this trip, but to be perfectly honest part of me is not excited at all. Not because I don't love the family that we're going to see, but because of the circumstances that brought this trip about. Because I am afraid the moment I see my beautiful cousin, instead of being the supportive rock I have envisioned, instead I may very well double over and burst into tears.
You see, my cousin has been diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer. She recently underwent a mastectomy and she currently half way through her courses of chemotherapy. When she is finished, she will undergo radiation therapy as well.
As if her struggles weren't bad enough, my uncle (her father) was diagnosed with serious esophageal cancer within days of receiving my cousin's diagnosis. I feel really helpless. I have spoken with my second cousins on the phone frequently, and I have sent countless cards, and I have prayed. But I still feel like there is so much I *can't* do, and that breaks my heart. It's just an all around difficult situation and it sucks.
You know, it feels really good to just type this post. I've been holding a lot of these feelings in for a long time. It feels like I am finally exhaling.
Anyway, no matter how *I* am feeling, I am going to fly out with my mom next week and do my very best to shower them all with love and support. I am also going to do my best to inspire some smiles and laughter because my family deserves all of that, and so much more.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Cutest lil pumpkin!
Here's my nephew all ready for Halloween! He is SO CUTE, I just had to share!
Hope everyone has a great week!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Whirlwind...
Soooooooooo much has been going on in the past few weeks! I can't believe it's been so long since my last post! So many nights I wanted to try to write, but school and well, life, have been keeping me really busy lately!
I remember before I moved to Chicago, I was talking to a dear friend who lived in Lakeview (a neighborhood in Chicago) for a few years and he said, "Once you move into the city, you might feel like your life is on fast forward." He was right. Even with the weather cooling down there are tons of events going on.
A couple of weeks ago I was able to take in two excellent concerts at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, my favorite being the Zach Brock Trio.
Zach Brock is an up and coming jazz violinist and he and his trio played inside the Robie House here in Hyde Park.
As you can probably tell, it was a breathtakingly beautiful venue for an intimate evening concert, and I am *SO GLAD* I chose to attend despite the fact that B wasn't able. There was only seating for 70 people inside, and I was one of the lucky ones! Mr. Brock is truly an incredible talent and I feel so blessed that I live in a city where I have access to so many incredible cultural experiences.
The link below will take you to a youtube video of Zach Brock performing his song "Almost Never Was". Please, please do yourself a favor and take the time to listen! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dZl4oeHlbs
B and I have also been fortunate in that last Saturday we were able to spend a couple of hours with a couple of new friends (YAY for new friends!), and sample some beer at the Hyde Park Oktoberfest. I couldn't help but smile despite the 48 degree weather watching all the kids painting pumpkins and wagon riding in the middle of our neighborhood! Oh yes, a real, albeit tiiiiiiiiiiiny, tractor with a wagon was giving hayrides through Nichols Park! So cute!
Annnnnnnd I have only been working two or three days a week lately, so last week I was also able to go down to Springfield and spend some time with Ellie! Though money is tight right now, I feel so very happy and totally blessed because I have been given the gift of time. Time to spend doing things I really want to be doing, like spending time with family and experiencing the city. I know that one day soon school will be over (unless I start grad school...which I am still undecided on....but I think I am getting closer....) and I will have to get a "real job" (Booooooo! ha ha!) so I am enjoying every freaking moment of this and constantly trying to to remind myself to remember to cherish every second because it's not going to last too much longer...
Til next post,
Emme
I remember before I moved to Chicago, I was talking to a dear friend who lived in Lakeview (a neighborhood in Chicago) for a few years and he said, "Once you move into the city, you might feel like your life is on fast forward." He was right. Even with the weather cooling down there are tons of events going on.
A couple of weeks ago I was able to take in two excellent concerts at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, my favorite being the Zach Brock Trio.
Zach Brock is an up and coming jazz violinist and he and his trio played inside the Robie House here in Hyde Park.
 |
| One of the rooms inside Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House. Look at those windows!!! |
As you can probably tell, it was a breathtakingly beautiful venue for an intimate evening concert, and I am *SO GLAD* I chose to attend despite the fact that B wasn't able. There was only seating for 70 people inside, and I was one of the lucky ones! Mr. Brock is truly an incredible talent and I feel so blessed that I live in a city where I have access to so many incredible cultural experiences.
The link below will take you to a youtube video of Zach Brock performing his song "Almost Never Was". Please, please do yourself a favor and take the time to listen! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dZl4oeHlbs
B and I have also been fortunate in that last Saturday we were able to spend a couple of hours with a couple of new friends (YAY for new friends!), and sample some beer at the Hyde Park Oktoberfest. I couldn't help but smile despite the 48 degree weather watching all the kids painting pumpkins and wagon riding in the middle of our neighborhood! Oh yes, a real, albeit tiiiiiiiiiiiny, tractor with a wagon was giving hayrides through Nichols Park! So cute!
Annnnnnnd I have only been working two or three days a week lately, so last week I was also able to go down to Springfield and spend some time with Ellie! Though money is tight right now, I feel so very happy and totally blessed because I have been given the gift of time. Time to spend doing things I really want to be doing, like spending time with family and experiencing the city. I know that one day soon school will be over (unless I start grad school...which I am still undecided on....but I think I am getting closer....) and I will have to get a "real job" (Booooooo! ha ha!) so I am enjoying every freaking moment of this and constantly trying to to remind myself to remember to cherish every second because it's not going to last too much longer...
Til next post,
Emme
Friday, September 21, 2012
Little Miss Apprehensive...
As I'm typing this post there is a steady rain falling outside the window. I'm sipping steaming hot tea from a giant warm mug and watching the city lights twinkling in through the rain. All day it's been overcast, cloudy, breezy and looking like rain. It's 50 something degrees and the leaves on the trees across the street and all down Hyde Park Boulevard are just beginning to change. People are walking a little faster on the sidewalk. They're clad in boots, leggings, sweaters and scarves.
No doubt about it, fall has arrived in Chicago.
There are so many things about fall that I simply adore. Crock pot recipes, cuddling with my huz and Puss In Boots on the couch under warm blankets, lots of hot tea, trips to the apple orchard, football, comfy fall clothes, holidays, chili and cornbread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie blizzards, pumpkin spice coffee....pumpkin anything, really.
I especially love the trees changing colors, and the way they crunch under my feet as I'm walking; the burnt oranges, yellows, and reds of autumn.
Yes indeed, summer fading into fall can be a wonderful thing, but I always get a little apprehensive about the end of summer...because after the lovely fall comes the horrible, bitter winter.
I HATE cold weather. Any by cold I pretty much mean anything below 50 degrees. And hate I mean LOATHE. I hate snow. I hate having to scrape off car windows, warm up car engines, and just use the car more in general because it's too freaking cold out to walk.
I am not joking when I say that I believe I have a touch of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Winter makes me want to hibernate like a big ol' grizzly bear. I truly have to force myself to exercise during the fall and winter months, because if I don't I will be miserable and depressed. And gain unnecessary weight. I am a firm believer that the mind and soul benefit from exercise just as much as the body does. When I am not exercising on a regular basis my entire balance gets thrown off and it's an unhappy, unhealthy place for me to be.
That being said, my husband and I really need to find a gym in the city that is #1. close to our home and #2. affordable. So far my hunt has been unsuccessful, so if anyone out there in cyberspace has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.
I will continue to ride my bike and take lots of walks for as long as the weather allows. Here's hoping fall sticks around for a bit this year!
Til next post,
Emme
No doubt about it, fall has arrived in Chicago.
There are so many things about fall that I simply adore. Crock pot recipes, cuddling with my huz and Puss In Boots on the couch under warm blankets, lots of hot tea, trips to the apple orchard, football, comfy fall clothes, holidays, chili and cornbread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie blizzards, pumpkin spice coffee....pumpkin anything, really.
I especially love the trees changing colors, and the way they crunch under my feet as I'm walking; the burnt oranges, yellows, and reds of autumn.
 |
| I can't wait until the trees look like this! |
Yes indeed, summer fading into fall can be a wonderful thing, but I always get a little apprehensive about the end of summer...because after the lovely fall comes the horrible, bitter winter.
I HATE cold weather. Any by cold I pretty much mean anything below 50 degrees. And hate I mean LOATHE. I hate snow. I hate having to scrape off car windows, warm up car engines, and just use the car more in general because it's too freaking cold out to walk.
I am not joking when I say that I believe I have a touch of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Winter makes me want to hibernate like a big ol' grizzly bear. I truly have to force myself to exercise during the fall and winter months, because if I don't I will be miserable and depressed. And gain unnecessary weight. I am a firm believer that the mind and soul benefit from exercise just as much as the body does. When I am not exercising on a regular basis my entire balance gets thrown off and it's an unhappy, unhealthy place for me to be.
That being said, my husband and I really need to find a gym in the city that is #1. close to our home and #2. affordable. So far my hunt has been unsuccessful, so if anyone out there in cyberspace has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.
I will continue to ride my bike and take lots of walks for as long as the weather allows. Here's hoping fall sticks around for a bit this year!
Til next post,
Emme
Thursday, September 20, 2012
My baby love :)
Guess who I got to spend some time with this week? The most precious little boy on the planet, my nephew, that's who!
I love my nephew so much and it is just incredible to watch him growing and changing all the time. He's such a little miracle!
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| Here are Auntie Emme and Allen at the apple orchard! |
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| Here's Allen playing with Auntie Emme over at Grandma's house! |
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| Big smile for Auntie! |
I love my nephew so much and it is just incredible to watch him growing and changing all the time. He's such a little miracle!
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