Thursday, May 28, 2009

Comma Comma Comma

I'm having one of those "what's my motivation?" days.

Before I get too far into that, let me say that my mother's 73rd birthday is today.
She's awesome.
I don't know quite what to say about her that I haven't said.
But, if she knew how to surf the internet, she could read this and know that I love her and am happy to have her in my life.

But, since she wont ever read this let me get back to my self-pity.

The truth of the matter is, I'm a little lost right now.
I feel that I need to move, ya know, since the robbery and all and I am not on a lease, so I can move, whenever I want. (Like all those commas?) So that seems like a good thing, right? You can move whenever to wherever you like and so stop complaining? Yea, yea, I know but here's the thing. I can't really pay more than I pay now, and I have a pretty good deal so living alone doesn't seem much of an option unless I want to live in a studio with just me and my kind sized bed. This, although theoretically wonderful seeming, is not for me. I would like to live somewhere with a separate bedroom (imagine that!) So, then I'm left with the challenge of searching for a roommate because you can get a lot more bang for your buck with a roomie. In fact, I've found some incredible places that if I were to share with someone I would pay much less than I pay now.

But, finding this person is the challenge. I need to find someone who would be good to live with, wants to live in an area I would like to live in and wants to pay around what I would like to pay. This is a lot to line up with someone.

So, I've put some feelers out there (sounds dirty) and the response has been lack luster to say the least. Maybe I'm not a terribly appealing roommate? I don't know, but I feel this search may prove for naught.

I'm not on a lease. This can happen when it needs to. I'm trying to remain optimistic.

But then there is all this other stuff I need to do, like well, finish school for the year. But I can't seem to concentrate because I'm focused on the ways in which I feel uncomfortable in my home and need/want to move.

And really, what I should be working on is getting ready for my parents 50th wedding anniversary party. But I keep telling myself I should get my school work done first, but then I don't do my school work because I'm looking at apartments I can't afford to move into.

These are the things that are making me think more than I should.

In an effort to combat all of this, I'm thinking I need to see the new Star Trek movie because everyone who I know who has seen it has loved it, so I imagine since I do my best to like what everyone else likes, I will feel the same.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

NashVegas, Baby!

Soooo, Nashville was awesome. Seriously, one of the best big small cities I've been to in quite sometime. The landscape is lush, the people are perfectly slow and the gathering we partook in made anything I wouldn't have enjoyed fade right away.

Friday morning I got up at the butt crack-o-dawn and made my way out to midway airport only to realize everyone else was going away on the Friday before Memorail Day. Duh. But it ended up being just fine as I made my way to the plane in time and to Nashville by 9am to be greeted by my dearest soon to be wed Adrianne. We spent the day trying to wrangle others who were making their way into the city eventually landing back at home base so that everyone could just come to them. The evening involved our friend Sara and her boyfriend large procuring a LIMO from some guy they met at the gran ole opry. This may be surprising in some circles, but in any circle that knows Sara, this will not come as a shock. The night went forth with much fun and dueling pianos! The next day we made our way to a park in the woods outside of Nashville for a giant picnic that included most guests of the wedding. I witnessed Adrianne's 85 yr old grandmother play softball (1st base!) and generally a great time had by all. Sunday, Mary and I got up to make a TJMaxx run only to find out that pretty much all of the suburb we were staying in also enjoyed going to the Maxx on Sunday mornings when the store opens. Who knew? We then took our time getting ready and headed to have our pictures taken for the wedding then participate in the ceremony.

It was lovely. Really. All around a thoughful ceremony with great people and wonderful details. I was honored to participate and thankful for the time spent with some people from my past.

I have a bit of visual evidence.

















































Thursday, May 21, 2009

In Spite Of

Whoa, absent much?

Oooooh, friends.

I'm so over this week.
I feel like everything is aligning poorly these days and it is stressing me out.

I'm on the hunt for a new place to live, but I think that means a roommate... so, if you have any ideas.

The truth of the matter is, I don't have time to be looking for a new apartment or really the energy to move, but I think in my head I keep hearing the phrase "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." So, given the state of things in my current living situation I need to protect myself a bit and make a change.

This is in the midst of finals
20 pages of writing.
A presentation.

And! a trip to Nashville tomorrow, which I really am excited about. I will be spending the weekend with peopkle from my past in a place that is totally new and foreign to me. I'm looking forward to just getting on the plane and making it happen. Its good to get a break from your city once in a while and be with others in another.

I did want to mention that the Modern Wing opening was an absolute blast. One of the best times I've had at an event like this. Good company and just general fun. I will share a few snaps.























There was a dude in that box that Tina is walking over. That was pretty amazing.
So yea, it was a treat and I'm thankful Linsey made it so we were able to go.

But now, I sit here in the New Wave coffee watching a surprisingly large number of stay at home dad's and consider things I need to do before tomorrow morning at 745am.

For now.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Yum!

Friday. Myday.

Scattered seems the best descriptor for how I'm rollin' today. Usually when I get like this I try to make a list and start checking things off, but one list later I can't seem to make myself get through any of the items. For now, I'll just blog it out.

First off, let me say that this little Lumix I purchased takes pretty lousy pictures in low light, so I'm bummed about my documentation of last night's dinner.

Blackbird was some sort of dream. It definitely ranks up there with the top meals of my life. It was actually a little much when our entrees arrived, Interpol was playing, and we took our first bites. I don't mean to be over the top, but it was a pretty special experience as I tasted my butternut squash polenta. Those are moments you don't forget. The whole table seemed to agree. The problem with eating that well is that it sets a new standard in your life. I typically prefer to keep low standards because then one has less room for dissapointment, but now my best meal standard is like, whoa.





After our meal, the waiter brought us these lovely dessert wines that our friend Taylor had called in and ordered from Baton Rouge! These southerners sure know how to do it right. We were all kinds of shocked.



Yea, so again, Happy Birthday to Tina. I'm glad to have an excuse to participate in such wonderful eating!






You know, overall, this week has been rather anxiety inducing. I've been trying to play it off like it hasn't, but it has. I'm thinking I can't shake it today. I'm hoping to take the weekend to get past it.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Long story Short

Oh, friends. I don't even quite know where to start.
I'm sure many of you know that my apartment was burgled on Monday. Again.

Long story short, I came home after a long day of work and then class to realized my apartment had been broken into and my television and computer were gone. I'm sure it was disappointing to the thieves that this was all I had of worth in the house. I had the boxes to both items in my front closet, so they must have packed them up and walked out the door with them.

The rest of the night was spent dealing with my crazy landlady and the police officers. Linsey was very kind and came over to keep me company amidst it all.

I took yesterday off to collect myself, spend some time mourning my losses and figure out how to replace that which I need. I feel quite bewildered by the whole situation. It is disappointing that this could happen again to me, and I mean, the stuff is just stuff, but the circumstances of it is frustrating.

But, in all honesty, I don't feel that sad about it. This has happened to me enough times now that I know things can be replaced and we move on. I'm in a very fortunate position right now, so in light of my misfortune I will still be just fine.

But, now once again I am back to thinking about moving.
I am so trapped by the fact that I have such a sweet deal with my apartment, but I suppose if one counted my losses from stolen goods, that would make no difference.
I don't know that I have time to move, honestly, but I think I must try my best to make it happen.

Aside from all of this, I must tell you that I am thrilled to be going to Blackbird tomorrow for Christina's birthday. I've always wanted to go. Then, to top that off, I get to attend an opening event on Friday for the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute. It helps to have friends in high places.

I'm sure tomorrow, my tone will be different.

Monday, May 11, 2009

In the name of MOM

They Came.
We Saw.
She conquered.

On Friday, before the William Ferris Chorale concert I met up with my father and mother who came in for the weekend. My father actually had to leave a bit early because of obligations on Sunday morning, but my mother stayed through Sunday with me.

It was really a lovely time, although I find myself especially tired today. I guess the ole folks can wear a guy out?

Here are a few snaps from the weekend.





























My mother wanted to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo, so we did that on Saturday and also happened upon the Lincoln Park conservatory which I have never ventured into before. It was pleasantly surprising.

Saturday evening we took in a movie and sipped tea. Then Sunday we went to church and had a lovely brunch at Treat with Christina who was so kind to help me keep my mother entertained. After brunch I had to teach a voice lesson and then we made our way downtown to Amtrak where she then headed home.

Overall, things like taking a taxi and riding a train are kind of a big deal to my mother as she hasn't done that much in her life, so I was proud of how she handled it all and I think it proved a little something to her as well.

It was the perfect mother's day, actually. She is an incredibly special woman.

But now, I have to dig in because there is so much to do that I put off in the name of mom.