Bitterly cold

Right now it's a balmy -2 degrees F, with the wind chills at -29 below here in Warrenville, and I feel like curling up in my robe and slippers and just hibernating. But I can't, since Pete and I have a wake to attend this afternoon, and Christmas shopping to do. But I think I prefer to just admire the sunny yet windy day through my front door, rather than actually go out into the elements. Brrr!

I'll be posting pix from last night's movie experience later this evening. My Internet is being slow and goofy, which is very frustrating when I'm trying to catch up on my favorite blogs. Maybe it's slow due to the icy weather?

"It's a Wonderful Life" at Hollywood Blvd

Tonight Pete, Matt, Shannon, and I are going to the Hollywood Blvd movie theatre to see "It's a Wonderful Life."



Karolyn Grimes (a.k.a. "Zuzu") will be there greeting moviegoers and signing autographs.



Per the Hollywood Blvd website:

Karolyn Grimes stops by every holiday season to share her memories of the making of "It's a Wonderful Life" before we present the Christmas classic on our big screens. She played Jimmy Stewart's daughter "ZuZu" and uttered the timeless words "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings".



Hollywood Blvd is awesome because you can have a meal and drinks while you watch the show. And at $8 a person, it's an inexpensive way to have a nice evening out.




I don't know that I've ever seen the whole movie in its entirety. I can't wait to go see Karolyn Grimes and get her autograph—I'm buying a copy of "It's a Wonderful Life" for this purpose. And it'll be fun hanging out with Matt and Shannon on such a snowy Saturday night. I hope I can snap a few pix of "Zuzu" and share them with you all. And if we're really lucky, Pete will run through the lobby doing his eerily accurate and hilarious Jimmy Stewart impression...


(Pete running toward McDonald's last week during a snowstorm)

"Merry Christmas, Bedford Falls!"

Busy Bones...

...the pacifiers for dogs. Ah, peace and quiet!

The ice storm cometh

If we thought Tuesday's afternoon commute was bad, well, today's commute will make that one look like a romp through the park. Or so they're saying. I can only hope the storm holds off til later tonight, and that it's neatly wrapped up and the roads are cleaned by the time Pete and I leave for work tomorrow morning.



Um, yeah, right.

Snowy rush hour hell

(Pete looking rather intense on the way home on his driving shift, during our three-hour snowy commute. Not pictured: My glassy-eyed terrified expression, nor the permanent death grip impressions on the seat arms from my hands.)



I only recently got home from work, so I am getting to the blog stuff very, very late tonight. Yes, it took Pete and me three hours to get home! Normally (on a good day) it's a 45 min. ride, so needless to say we're crabby and tired (but home safe).

I'll be reading all my favorite blogs tomorrow night, so if you haven't seen me lately, never fail, I'll be stopping by tomorrow night. In the meantime, stop by vivid to check out the pix from our loooong drive home tonight. Hope you're warm and dry wherever you are!

A (rare) golden window

Some happy windows from my old house...





As someone who is chronically under the weather (and never used to be only five short years ago), I really appreciate those rare moments when I feel really good. I mean really, really good. For instance, this morning I had the usual headache and thirst. Then I also felt run down and sneezy by the time I got to work, which I attributed to my lovely allergies (to what in the middle of winter, I have no clue). And of course the twitching left eye began (thanks, Hooveritis) and I just didn't feel all that great. Big shocker there, eh? So I popped a Claritin-D and an aspirin, had lots of hot herbal tea, and went back to work.

Well, lo and behold, an hour later I was feeling pretty darn good, almost peppy—no, actually, I WAS peppy. What an odd sensation for me to experience. I remember it like an old friend, but haven't seen it in a while. So when I'm feeling peppy, happy, energized, and health problem-free (although my eye insists on twitching), I almost don't know what to do with myself. And that's where I'm at right now. I feel like bursting through the glass doors here at work, skipping through the parking lot, and just laughing. Laughing with happiness, with relief, with elation.

I am certainly not one of those to take such things for granted, and this is exactly why I enjoyed being tagged for sharing my five days of Happy Thoughts (as I was just telling Georgia). As little or big as my blessings may be, I considered myself truly blessed. When I feel good, life is good, all is rosy and happy, and the possibilities are endless. I know it's temporary, until my next fun health problem starts up again (swollen lymph nodes? stabbing chest pains from Hooveritis? migraine? exhaustion?) but I can't help but celebrate this golden window of opportunity. I look around at my coworkers and everyone is acting like life is the same. Don't they see the vivid colors of peoples' quirky cube decorations? Don't they find utter beauty in the delicate snowflakes outside, swirling about our windows? Can't they just explode with happiness over the heavenly warmth from our personal heaters (yeah, it's chilly in here)? Or share in the laughter of our coworkers (rare that it is becoming here these days)? Perhaps they, too, are simply waiting for their own golden window to appear, so that they may peer into the cheerful world it presents, and hopefully feel infused with life in its purest form.

Anyhow, this is what happens when I'm granted these moments. I just want to share with the world, and savor every last bit of happiness I experience from it. I hope you are fortunate enough to find yourself with a golden window today, no matter how small it is, whether a tiny peephole or a floor to ceiling sheet of glass. Enjoy it for what it is, share it if you like (and can), and just be glad we all get to experience this gorgeous thing called life, no matter how many ups and downs (so many downs lately, too) it offers.

Happy Thoughts—Day 5

My furry children. Life would not be as happy without them, and I know this is true, because Pete and I lived without pets (except the fish) for the first few years we were together. And let me tell you, I was always lonely for the poke of a wet nose, the touch of a furry paw, and the warm and happy lick from a happy dog. They truly make us happy, and remind us of the simple things in life.

Happy Thoughts—Day 4

My bed. Oh, how I love thee! Here it is shown in all its glory—rumpled, full of mismatched blankets, quilts, and puffy pillows, still warm from us sleeping in it. Yes, mismatched and rather frumpy, but that's the price you pay for living with animals (Pete included—just kidding, ha ha). There's nothing like climbing into my bed after a long, tiring day, and getting all snuggly under the quilts, Pete generating heat next to me and the doggies plopped on top, snoring and groaning in delight. And to have the opportunity to linger on a weekend morning, waking up from the brightening light (and not an alarm), talking with Pete and laughing and petting the dogs, rubbing sleep from our eyes and cherishing that last little bit of relaxation. And being Monday morning, I'm really, really missing it right now. Ahhh, there's nothing like it!

Happy Thoughts—Day 3

Starbucks, especially a nice and piping hot soy green tea latte, although a spicy chai tea latte is always good, too. Yum!

The Christmas List

Isabelle and our tree from last Christmas



Lovely Chelsea at The Vintage Chair has tagged me to share my favorite holiday traditions with you. So here goes!

1.Wrapping paper or gift bags?
It depends on the gift and the time alloted to wrap said gift. I love the concept of a well-wrapped package in pretty paper and ribbons, but there's no beating the time saved in using a nice gift bag—provided it doesn't look like someone just crammed a wad of paper into a bag and called it a gift (yes, I've seen this).

2. Real tree or artificial?
Definitely real, although I like to accentuate with little artificial trees too. Some day I want to put up one of those silver 1960s Christmas trees (not sure why but I like 'em), but for now I'm happy with our annual Christmas tree trip tradition. And nothing beats that piney smell!

3. When do you put up the tree?
When I get the chance, which hasn't happened yet (oops). I'd love to do it right after Thanksgiving, but that doesn't happen most years. I like to have it up few weeks before Christmas, though.

4. When do you take the tree down?
Usually a week or two after New Years. Again, when I have the time and energy to get to it.

5. Do you like eggnog? It's good but in small doses, methinks. I do like the latte version at Starbucks, though.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Not necessarily a gift, but a Christmas, when I was 9. I woke up to my living room full of gifts, one of them being a brand new 10-speed bike, which I had been coveting for a long time at that point. A giant stuffed bear and some other neat gear rounded out that Christmas. Oooh, I still get giddy thinking about it.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My mom, hands down. She won't typically ever use any gift you ever give her, or if she does, it's after lots and lots of cajoling, accusations, and moping. She means well though.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Hmm, there are lots. Pete and Matt are the two easiest ones I know of right now.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I got it from Target a few years ago when I moved in with Pete, but the angel fell off of it and seems to keep shedding the mossy stuff featured around the animals in the barn. Next year we'll get a new one, hopefully when we're in a new house and ready to start new traditions. This year we're still living in storage room hell.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. But I am very late getting to them, so if you're usually on my list and haven't gotten one, hang in there. I hope to do them tomorrow.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I can't really think of anything that horrible, besides the typical ugly sweaters or gizmos I don't need or use. I guess I'm fairly fortunate that way, eh?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, natch.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
When I get the time and the willpower, which should be happening any day now...seriously, though, I do occasionally buy stuff as I see it throughout the year, but that's not typical for me. I'm usually running around the malls in a panic with all the dads/husbands/boyfriends a few days before Christmas (or even Christmas Eve), trying desperately to find suitable (even passable) gifts for people on my list. I know, it's horrible, isn't it? I think if all those people liked shoes, though, I'd have no trouble going shopping for them. And I used to be a big online shopper in years past, but not so much lately.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
NO! And have I gotten one? Probably, not that I'd know it. Ugh, what a thought.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
How about favorite thing NOT to eat? Ha! But yeah, I do love me some good peppermint (candy, cookies, coffee, chocolates, etc.). And of course anything chocolate is always good. Oh and anything warm, since I'm always freezing for some reason.

16. Lights on the tree?
Depends on my decorating theme that year. I have done all white, white and blue, multicolored, you name it. I like to change it up every Christmas.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
I was just thinking about this last night because a version of it came on the radio: O Holy Night. I just find it to be a very, very beautiful song, one that almost always gives me chills and makes me weepy, especially Charlotte Church's version. And I love very classic songs from the likes of Bing, Frank, Dean, etc. I have always loved The Nutcracker too. But overall I'm not that picky. I think I generally hate modern Christmas music, stuff from today's pop stars, that sort of thing.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Travel, and lots and lots of it. This year we'll be heading out to Savanna for Christmas Eve, only to head out to Algonquin on Christmas morning, then home later that night.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Uh, yeah, can you?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
An angel, although one year I'd like to be crazy and do a star. Stars are so pretty, aren't they?

21. When do you open presents?
For Pete and me (and the animals), we'll probably do it on Christmas night this year. But we also open gifts on Christmas Eve and day at the parties we attend. And then we have another party in Bloomingdale the following Saturday for my side. Whew!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
All the running around, spending, stress, etc. And I hate the cold and dark, especially the dark. I think if the sun rose at 6 and set at 8, that would be awesome and make many, many people happier and not so cranky all the time (meaning me).

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I love silver and gold, and blue and white are very pretty, too. But sometimes I also like bright colorful ornaments. I guess it all depends on my decorating theme that year and what I'm into.

24. Favorite Christmas dinner?
The usual: turkey, roast beef, ham, pierogi, kuski, kolatchki (hey, I'm half Polish, okay?), mashed potatoes and gravy, Italian/Polish sausage, lots of bread, Christmas punch (my uncle Chuck was a master at making a good punch), cookies, desserts in general, I can go on and on...

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I want my health back. And I want a new job. And I want to find a new house, start a family, be financially stable, lose 15 pounds, etc. But as far as an actual gift, I suppose clothing and a jewelry armoire would be nice. And you know what? I realized the other day that no one, and I repeat NO ONE, has ever gotten me the gift of shoes OR a shoe gift card (DSW, Payless, Famous Footwear, etc.) as far as I can remember, except for my parents when I was a kid. Isn't that odd? For someone like me who adores all things footwear, you'd think SOMEONE would scrape together some money for a DSW gift card, wouldn't you? It's not like I make it a secret about how much I adore shoes, do I???...sorry, I lost it there for a minute. Ahem, yeah, anything is welcome, but not necessary, of course. I have more fun giving gifts, but more and more people want JUST gift cards, and there's not much fun in that, is there?

26. What was the first gift of Christmas?
A child, as Chelsea said. But also the gift of hope, happiness, good will, spirituality, and all things precious.

Happy Thoughts—Day 2

My happy thought of the day? My beloved friend, carpooler, and all around good guy, my husband Pete.

He is one of the most happy-go-lucky people I know. He would laugh quite heartily if he read this now, because he would surely disagree, but I don't know anyone who is so good natured and just goes along with the flow most of the time. He's happy to dine on a big ol' bowl of canned chili and shredded cheese (which he's doing now and which I will suffer for in a few hours' time), and he's content just watching an endless string of history and military shows while snuggling with the dogs (and me), which he's also doing right now. He doesn't hesitate to comfort me when I'm feeling depressed about my stupid health, or make me laugh when I'm pissed and irritable. He puts up with my neverending obsession with shoes and all things fashion, and doesn't flinch when I get a bitchy or weepy on him. He is always fond of my quirky behavior and nature in general, partly because he's made of the same stuff I am. He's quick to forgive and loyal beyond words. I don't know anyone more likely to look beyond a person's appearance and see their true beauty. And he's just a very loving, fun, and nice guy to be around (and smart, too!). We have endless discussions about history, politics, science, and everything in between. And I know he'll make a wonderful father, just seeing how much he loves me and our animals (he's kissing Adora right now for the millionth time). He's always ready to help someone in need, and will devote entire weekends to aiding friends and family alike. I love him beyond words, take him for granted sometimes, but always pinch myself at night, wondering how I got so lucky finding someone like him who loves me so much, and passionately, too.

Here's to you, honey!

Sweet baby Jane

Jane Sylvia Oller, born 12-12-08 at 12:23 p.m., 4 lb 10 oz, 17 inches long


Pete, Matt, and Jane


Me and Jane


Me, Jane, and Pete


Sam and Jane, with Mani adjusting Jane's hat


Mani, Sam, and Jane


Matt holding Jane, Pete admiring the baby


Jane's first close up

Happy Thoughts—Day 1

Amanda at Sunshine and Daisy has tagged me, and the rules are that for 5 days you have to post something that made you happy that day and tag 5 people to do the same.

This is very reminiscent of a little thing Georgia and I do at work every day called "Positive Thoughts of the Day". Every morning we email each other a list of all the things we're thankful for or that make us happy. It was originally supposed to be one positive thing a day, but as Georgia knows, I have trouble keeping it to just one! It helps keep us focused on what's important in life, versus the bad things that people (like me) tend to dwell on.

Anyhow, I'm tagging:

Georgia at Jorjah-B
Claire at my memoir of you
Jessi at Dancing in the Moonlight
Candi at Dolce Chic
Chelsea at The Vintage Chair

Happy Thought of the Day: My niece Jane Sylvia Oller was born today, complete with powerful cries and observant eyes (so pretty!).

Photos will be posted tomorrow morning, so check back then!

My lazy day off

I had rather lofty goals for today, but after driving Pete to work this morning before dawn, I realized I was tired and still run down, as I have been for over a week now. So I headed back to bed and slept a few more hours, with Spanky and Adora keeping me company. When I got up, I grabbed my iPhone and started playing, just like Claire suggested (thanks, Claire). It was fun, spontaneous, and I felt a little like my old creative self again.

I'm still moving a bit slow, but I am planning on swinging by Target to get a few supplies, then heading to Gottlieb Hospital to greet the newest member of the family. More about that tomorrow, but in the meantime, here are a few photos of our lazy morning in bed. See more at vivid.

missing G

you were not there today
gone and sorely missed
me, not so good
not quite there—adrift
work was bland and sad and hurried and
mean
colorless
without talk of fashion
and blogs
and tea
and health
and husbands
i was without my muse
my splash of color
my dose of teasing and fun and laughter
and
a good reason for dressing up
and pretty shoes
and trying new things
and the beauty of life
and stravy hair
and happy little birds with scarves on
no one to explain myself to
to share the fluttery and delicate thoughts and ideas
i hide
from the rest, unsure
a catalyst for my creativity
i did not have
no
you were not there today
but home
hurting
tired
sick and sore (and probably bored)
everything was off
the day was not as sunny
as it could have been
the photograph of the day would have been
forced
and not taken with joy
i had no
purple tights to adore
or jaunty caps to admire
or giant cookies to eat
or you
waving from afar to make me
smile
or splashing hot water to laugh about
or swinging crystal chandeliers to
dazzle
or anything
lively
no, not today
instead I was bogged down with the
mediocre
and
too apathetic for
the rest
lacking your spark and zeal and shine
i missed you
can you tell?

The annual Christmas tree trip to White Pines and Sinissippi Forest

And, as promised, here are some pix from Sunday's family outing to White Pines State Park and Sinissippi Forest.

The day started out at the White Pines Inn Restaurant, where we enjoyed a buffet breakfast in the same room where our wedding reception took place.


Mani and ma in the room our wedding reception was in


My breakfast

Then we stepped across the way to look around in the gift shop and visit the parrot, Max. Henry was enchanted with him, so I bought him a little stuffed version of the bird.


Henry talking to the parrot


Max the parrot

Then we all drove to Sinnissippi Forest where we separated and hunted down our trees. Pete and I spied this humble little beauty and claimed it for our own.


Pete with his kill


Pete carrying the tree

Once we all secured our trees to our cars' roof racks, we headed into the gift/donut shop where we warmed up by the fire, listened to carolers, and saw Santa.


View of the shop


Ma after some exciting purchases


Sam chasing Henry


Henry and Santa (and the stuffed parrot)


Matt and Shannon


Me and Pete


Pete, Henry, the stuffed parrot, and dad

After sufficiently warming up, we all headed back to White Pines to go hiking on the Red Squirrel trail with the dogs.


The group starting out on the trail


A spooked Sam


The dog pack—Spanky, Adora, Hambone, and Otto—running and barking


Pete running into the woods to hide from the dogs (it didn't work)


Mani, Pete, Matt, and a distant Sam on the hike


Mani slowly disrobing for our enjoyment after the hike

Finally, we all stopped in at the restaurant's bar to have a drink in honor of our recently departed uncle, Chuck, who used to enjoy a drink with my mom while we all hiked during previous trips (both had difficulty walking the trails).


Mani and Shannon (sorry about the next few blurry pix)


Matt and dad


Henry eating some YoKids from Sam


The buffalo in the bar that Henry could not stop talking about (and was later terrified by)


The group (sans Mani and Henry, who went to the car), all rested and ready to head home

Well, there you have it. Pete and I have yet to put our tree up due to some late arrivals home during the last few days. But rest assured, we'll be doing that soon and I'll post the pix once it's up and decorated.

What kind of Christmas tree are you putting up this year? Real or fake? Big or small? And how are you decorating it?