a perfect chicago evening

as much as i am DYING to get back to florida and what i call normal... tonight is the type of night that could make me think twice.

a beautiful walk down the river to the lake (which I always want to call the ocean... it's just HUGE), sushi and a cold beer on the docks and a leisurely stroll back to the house. Yup it was pretty perfect.

I understand, I would be jealous if I were you. :)

Just kidding! what did you do today?

no let up from this bug yet

I thought maybe I could kick this thing but yesterday at work...

Sweet little came hobbling in on her newly-discovered legs holding the single finger of her mom. Blonde hair perfectly over-sized hazel eyes and one seriously beaming smile. So cute.

so in true "insider" fashion I located one of our stock stuffed animals and brought it out to her. Ha, oddly enough, she was more interested in my fancy bracelets then in the cute purple fish I was offering.

We played and laughed for a while playing the traditional "pass the toy" that children her age seem to love. She seemed to be the only bright spot in an otherwise *#$&y day. Just when I thought I was crawling out of the deep dark whole I was in (mentally), her mother laughed again at the sweet child and then offered, "you know, you are going to make a great mother some day."

and let the tears begin. I have no idea why I reacted that way. Maybe it was the already emotionally draining day, maybe I hadn't slept well enough, maybe it was PMS. In any case, I was done. Of course I didn't lose it in front of the guests, that's not cool, but man I died inside.

So much for beating the bug

Bug-10 Amy-0

tragically

I appear to have been bitten by a bug. So many cute websites for little ones and all there sweetness...

Not good. We are soooo not ready for children and yet...

I honestly do not wish to raise my children in Chicago. I want to be back in the south where they can learn "Yes Ma'am and No Sir" like second nature. But...

No I'm not pregnant. But would it be an all-together bad thing?

I need to watch supernanny for a while. Maybe this bug will go away!

it's magic

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is true to it's namesake. It's pure magic! although I begrudge the need to get on all fours and scrub the oil and grease off my kitchen floor, my hatred lessened at the realization that I had a box of the little scrubber pads of glory.

I know this post is utterly pointless, but that's what is on my brain. Thank you Mr. Clean!!

not so much going on

So my life has been pretty standard for the last few weeks. Work, sleep, work, sleep, date night, work, sleep. Somewhere in that timeline, I started back into a reading kick. Here are my recent thoughts.

1. Potato-peel Pie Reading Society, although interesting, not interesting enough to hold my attention. Maybe I'll be in the mood for it later.

2. Julie/Julia never gets old

3. Neither does The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

4. Something borrowed, although I haven't seen the movie, I'm convinced it cannot be as good as the book. Even though I can only see Ginnifer Goodwin as the main character.

5. Just starting Something blue. I hope it's as good as the first.

6. Morning Glory. Next in line. I am on a quest to read the book versions of all the movies I love.

What are you reading?!

April is done, May in progress

Here's the update on the 2011 Challenge

April was the kick-off. It started with kevin informing me we were running the "Run to Remember" for fallen officers. Too bad he only gave me about a weeks notice. Did I mention I wasn't working out at all at that point? Yea, not good. But it's for a good cause and so we did it. Here's the proof. (please ignore my uber red face, I look like this after I walk up the stairs. I love being Irish)

Then for May we did something a little different. My hotel requires its employees to do at least 2 community events a year. (sounds harsh but with my church background, this really is not asking a lot) So we signed up for the "Bark in the Park" hosted by the Anti-cruelty society. Clearly this is something near and dear to us. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of me with duncan yet, Gina hasn't sent it to me. But, I did swipe this one of Kevin and Duncan halfway through the 5k. Duncan decided that 60 degrees outside was just too hot and he needed a dip in the lake. Please note, this dog was born and raised in Florida and not one time went in the water there. That dog is so weird!

2011 Charity Run Challenge

Being in desperate need of a goal and something to strive for, I have officially begun my 2011 challenge. I used to workout regularly while training for pageants. These days, though, it's a burden to walk to the bus stop. I know that sounds horrible but since our wedding in November, my life has been upside-down.

This past saturday, my husband signed me up for the "Run to Remember" 5k for fallen law enforcement. Something clicked. I had a new challenge.

Although it is not May, I haven't yet decided if this challenge will run for 12 months or just the 2011 calendar year.

So, help is needed. There are a couple ways to help.

1. Run with me. I know that sounds crazy but accountability is the best form of support for someone who struggles with motivation. You don't have to come to chicago to run, although if you want to, I have a fabulous couch to crash on. :) You can also run where you are and send me your stories.

2. Sponsor a run. The entrance fees don't sound like an extreme amount of money but believe me it starts to add up. Send me a message and I can let you know which runs I'm planning to do. Or, if there is one you would like to do but can't I will try to do it for you, just send me the info.

3. Donate. I honestly cannot wrap my head around running for the sake of running. So my 5ks will all be in support of a charity. the majority of them will be for cancer research since it is so close to my heart. Send me a message and I'll send you the link for which organizations I will be running for.

I really hope you will support me in whatever way possible.

thoughts for the day

I actually really enjoyed the 5K yesterday. My husband ran the whole thing alongside of me , instead far ahead of me.

If you have been through puberty or high school, you are no longer allowed to wear the plaid catholic skirt. It's not attractive, it's trashy.

Customer service is a tough industry. No one is happy and everyone wants everything for free; even those in the service industry

I once thought I was a very outgoing person. I think it changes as one gets older. Now I just don't like people.

I miss my mom. My home town.

kevin makes an awesome tomato sauce.