Monthly Archives: May 2009

Decked

Posted on May 31, 2009 | Leave a comment

I have been hearing good things about an Andersonville restaurant called M Henry. Justin and I tested it for Sunday Brunch, and it shall now be called Mmmmm Henry. It was packed, of course, and it’s reputation has clearly leaked out of this neighborhood. Looks as if Lakeviewers and Lincoln Parkers know about this spot as well. Maybe even Wicker Parkers.

The food we ordered was pretty fantastic, but Over Easy may still be our favorite breakfast spot. Though I haven’t tried the M Henry Blackberry Bliss cakes yet, so I can still be swayed. However, I would kind of feel like I am cheating on these.

Our walk home (from Wisconsin as Justin would say…since we were a whole 12 blocks north *GASP*) was really nice since there wasn’t a cloud in the sky all day long. If you were in the direct sun, it was perfect temperature. Perfect for the deck. YES–the roofdeck and yard are done!

The only problem is the pesky powerlines that need to be ducked until the electric company comes by to move them. They were supposed be be here about a month ago. Who do you have to bribe in this city to get someone from Com-ed to show up? Hurumph. Oh well. It isn’t really very urgent I suppose. I will just lay on the deck instead of walking on the deck. No problem.

I leave you with these two random weekend DPH’s:

My 3rd grade self was drooling over these pretty handle bar streamers as we waited outside for a table at brunch. This bike even had a pretty white basket on the front. Want.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in andersonville, Daily Picture, dining

Tagged andersonville, bike streamers, brunch, Chicago, Daily Picture, deck, lilacs, m henry, photography, sunshine, weekend

Up

Posted on May 31, 2009 | Leave a comment

Here is Friday's DPH. Lots of purple lovelies on my walk home. I <3 gardens in the city.

Now onto the good stuff. Pixar’s Up was amazing. Forget the awesome art and animation of the movie, the story and the characters made it one of Pixar’s best yet. I think it is my new favorite. Justin says it is a tie with Wall-E, but only because Up had some sad parts. I really recommend going in while it is in the theater. If you are one of those adults that feels silly going to a “kid” movie in public, please get over yourself. There were more adults and date-nights at UP than kids, and we went on opening weekend. And the 3-d glasses are mega-hot.

I wish I could say that these were the balloons from UP, but they are just attached to a sidewalk sale promotional sign. They will have to do.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Daily Picture

Tagged balloons, Daily Picture, movie, photography, pixar, purple flowers, UP

Light as a Feather

Posted on May 29, 2009 | 3 Comments

New running shoes!

Yesterday, I went to Runner’s Edge on Clark after work. Having never been properly fit for a running shoe before, I was glad that they spent a good amount of time with me. They even had me run to test out each pair. I ended up with a pair of Mizunos that get along with my feet very well. On my way home, I had to open the shoe box to see if they were really in there. The box was so light it felt empty. Now I am officially pumped to start the Couch to 5k training come Monday morning.

→ 3 Comments

Posted in Daily Picture, Uncategorized

Tagged Daily Picture, lightweight shoes, mizunos, runner's edge, running shoes

Nice Haircut, Beth

Posted on May 28, 2009 | 1 Comment

When my dad was visiting a couple weeks ago, he brought me a pile of old letters, drawings, and books. Much of it looks similar to another stack of stuff my mom has dropped off with me. Within the stack of treasure, was this book.

Although I was happy to be reunited with my illustrated friend from childhood, I was also sad to see the poor condition of the book. It is hanging together by various kinds of tape and has practically no spine. I guess it is a sign of a well loved item.

Beth loves kitties, cakes, blond hair with bangs and waking up to sun dancing on her walls. She goes around the neighborhood to share her happy day with others. After more than 20 years, I still feel a bond with her and hope she sticks around long enough to meet my little ones someday.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Daily Picture

Tagged beth's happy day, childhood book, Daily Picture, nostalgia

Family Time

Posted on May 27, 2009 | 1 Comment

The scene: Husband, wife and Porpus lounge on the couch together. Wife’s head is rested on husband’s shoulder. Porp is being cuddled.

Wife: “You’re my best friend.”

Husband: “Aww, you’re my best friend, too.”

Wife: “I was talking to Porpus.”

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged cat, Daily Double, love, marriage

Only Happy When It Rains…

Posted on May 27, 2009 | 4 Comments

…at night. The sound of a rainstorm against the windows at night is such a calming and peaceful noise to fall asleep to. I don’t mind a storm at night one bit, unless I am driving or there are tornadoes involved. But I don’t drive, and tornadoes don’t seem to like Lake Michigan very much so I am pretty safe. Last night’s downpour was such a comforting sound, but only because I was warm and cozy indoors eating pasta and cheese. The baseball fans at the Cubs game were probably on a different page.

This is the window to the front yard this morning. I could have taken it for last night, but you would not have been able to see much since my night skills are lacking

The rainstorm would have been even better if I woke up to a sunny morning full of happy. well-fed plants, but it will likely be an umbrella and wellies kind of day again. Let me just pretend for a second that it was a sunny morning and show you what that may have looked like. It is my blog and I can do what I want.

Good morning, broad summer leaves! Look how you and the sunshine are dappling the sidewalk below. Well done.

Morning, Dr. Suess-puff-ball-purple-flowers!

Morning, Dr. Seuss-puff-ball-purple-flowers!

Tiny Bun! Good to see you. I hope you were underground and cozy last night in your lot on Carmen and Ashland. It would be great if you could have some tiny bun bun babies. That would be maximum cuteness. Thanks.

I hope you enjoyed that fake walk with me.

More random happy happenings yesterday:

It was my mom’s birthday! She just joined Facebook a couple days ago, which means she is actually a lot younger than her real age. Bravo.
I got two tickets to see UP in 3-d this Saturday! I will likely be sharing the theater with all the kids in Evanston, but I am thrilled regardless.
I downloaded the Couch to 5k plan for myself and made a workout calendar that starts next Monday. I am working on my music play-list with the help of Facebook friends, and acquiring some decent running shoes in the meantime. Woot! I have also been inspired by Jo to start eating better. I am going to attempt moderation, which I have never been very good at.

→ 4 Comments

Posted in Daily Picture

Tagged birthday, bunny, couch to 5k, Daily Picture, eating healthy, facebook, leaves, photography, pixar's up, purple flowers, rain, sun, workout

A Liar’s Birthday

Posted on May 25, 2009 | Leave a comment

I have had quite the birthday month. My real birthday was spent with Justin on a relaxing vacation, and my “friend” birthday was celebrated this weekend at the Liar’s Club. There is nothing “Club” about that place. That is why I like it. It is a major dive bar that plays really good and really cheesy music that is good for dancing. The dancing…again, no one really cares. Much interpretive dance was performed on Saturday. Here are a couple shots from the song Sure Shot by the Beastie Boys:

I am not sure what Justin and I are doing here, but Drea is playing a lovely flute to the beat of the song. Please note the nasty mirror and broken air conditioner. Looks like someone's old unkempt basement in there.

And here is my version of the famous Beastie Boys air flute. Ryan is the only one who saved face in this shot. Well played, sir.

Before we went to the Liar’s Club, we ate at a little place called Lincoln Park Noodle house, which is really the only restaurant near there. The food is always good, and the service is OK if you are the only table there. It was slow that night so we were treated well.

What really made my night was how incredibly thoughtful my birthday gifts were. It made me so happy that I have a group of friends that know me so well. *tear*

I have never recieved so many dead-on gifts at one time. Yay for awesome friends.

I have never received so many dead-on gifts at one time. Bravo, awesome friends.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Daily Picture

Tagged birthday, Daily Picture, dance, gifts, liar's club

Poor Porpus

Posted on May 25, 2009 | 1 Comment

Porpus aka Norters aka Norpus aka Nortenstein, was not feeling so hot this weekend. She had a major limp for a day. Then she had a less severe, pity-me-limp for another day.

Day one:

Her food, water, medicine, and entertainment was brought to her. She was carried to the litterbox and from sleeping area to sleeping area.

Day Two. She had a nice bath and brushing. Total spring-spa day.

I was beside myself with worry and had to be at her side for most of the time. I can’t even imagine having a sick kid. I would just die with stress. (I can almost see Alma rolling her eyes). Nostalgic comfort food for lunch made did make me feel better. I dare you to look at these photos and NOT get a hankering for a peanut-butter-and-banana-honey-sandwich.

Highly Nomable.

I am glad that Porpus is all better, but I now realize she may have been faking it for part of the time. Jerk.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in cats, Daily Picture

Tagged cat bath, Daily Picture, food, limping cat, peanut butter and banana sandwich, porpus

Pursuit of Happiness

Posted on May 25, 2009 | 2 Comments

I think I mentioned that we picked up an old game of Trivial Pursuit when we went to Door County last weekend. I now carry around a little stack of the cards in my purse, because you just never know when you might need a little Pursuit. I’ve also been informed that if I had an iPhone, this would not be neccessary, but until then I will keep them in my heavy bag of tricks.

This weekend’s weather called for the first summer visit to the Hopleaf’s beer garden. It is only a few blocks from our place, and is one of my favorite summer spots to pass the time.

Gigantic man paws with the fancy kwak glass. Justin always looks miserable during our patio dining shots, but I assure you he was enjoying himself.

Gigantic man paws with a fancy Kwak glass. Justin always looks miserable during our patio dining shots, but I assure you he was enjoying himself.

Hopleaf Frites. Do not attempt to deny yourself of these. The dipping sauce is divine.

Hopleaf Frites. Do not attempt to deny yourself this pleasure. The dipping sauce is divine.

So we are sitting in the perfect temperature, on the perfect patio, eating our perfect frites and sipping beers. The trivial pursuit cards are being played. The question “What do Las Vegas blackjack dealers stand on” comes up. I sit and think about how their legs must get tired. And I think about the gel mats that bartenders get to stand on. Then I answer “little podiums or pedestals.” I was pretty confident. Justin is horrified. The answer was “17″ of course.

I love being able to walk home from places. Getting in the car would ruin it for me. How else would I get to admire my husband's calf muscles. I have some crazy calf muscles as well. Our babies are going to have serious legs.

Here is Justin on the walk home after we couldn't eat another frite or drink another beer. I love being able to walk home from our adventures. Getting in the car would ruin it for me. How else would I get to admire my husband's calf muscles? I have some crazy calf muscles as well. Our babies are going to have serious legs.

Burst.

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Daily Picture, dining

Tagged beer, calf muscles, Daily Picture, frite, hopleaf, justin, kwak, patio dining, photography, summer, trivial pursuit

Farmer’s Market!

Posted on May 25, 2009 | 1 Comment

I am way behind on my posts. Let’s see…Thursday was great because it was basically Friday. And during lunchtime I got to go to the Daley Plaza Farmer’s Market! It just opened, so most of the produce is limited to asparagus, mushrooms, and potatoes. There were a ton of herb starters, flowers, and veggie plants for those lucky enough to have a garden. I had to stop myself from climbing onto this basil and rolling around.