Sunday, June 28, 2009

weddings

We had our first and only wedding of the summer yesterday. Lynn's sister Beth married Bryson and we were there to celebrate the joyous occasion.

What I love about weddings is that when you're single, they fill you with anticipation. What will my wedding be like, I always wondered. After you're married, weddings give you a chance to reflect on your day, as well as think back on the weddings you've attended (the toast that made me cry, the bridesmaid dresses I wanted to steal for my wedding day, the parents who cried when they gave their son/daughter away, etc.)

Many couples renew their vows on special anniversaries. But I say why not renew them each time you attend a wedding? You're there to bear witness and, in the future, love and support the couple in good times and bad. What better time to renew your commitment than at the wedding of another happy couple?

Thursday, June 25, 2009

today

What a strange day with Michael and Farrah dying! I vividly remember dancing to songs from Bad when I was a kid (especially at my 10th birthday sleepover). Good artist; unusual guy.

Things are busy here in Central IL! The Burchfield family arrived yesterday for Lynn's sister's wedding on Saturday so we hung out with them last night. Andrew sure has changed a lot since I saw him 8 weeks ago. I can't wait to see him in his tux onesie on Saturday.

Ben's aunt and uncle are in town from Ohio for the weekend, and Aunt Judy from Florida comes in next week for Ben and John's birthdays. We'll have fun "vacationing" with them in Bloomington-Normal. I hope the heat/humidity subsides. We jumped into summer with both feet, that's for sure. Stay cool, everyone!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

foiled!

We had plans to hit the pool today until we woke up and it was raining (again) so we slept through church and had a lazy morning. Now it's overcast and wet out. Blah. So I am catching up on web chores (bills, email, etc.) before we get on with the day.

This afternoon we'll be celebrating Father's Day. Ben is going to cook for his dad (the parts of soux chef will be played by me and his mom). Happy day to all the papas out there and papas to be!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

it's getting hot in here

We're finally getting a heat wave (and humidity too unfortunately). I took part in two summer favorites today: shandy on the porch swing and fudge pop for dessert.

As the mercury inches upward, I am itching to go on vacation. The soonest I can get away is August, but Ben is stuck here for work. Hrmph. It might be a Bloomington-Normal staycation.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

signs of summer

We're really enjoying the first few weeks of June. And though summer doesn't officially start for another week or so, I am seeing signs summer is indeed upon us.

  • Most of the students have left town so the streets are quieter (normally they are just quiet unless it's 7:45 a.m. or 4:30 p.m.)
  • Work is kicking my butt. This is truly one of the only negatives about my job....summer is the prime time for events so June, July and August are nuts
  • Noisy lawnmowers and weed-eaters ring throughout the neighborhood at 8 a.m. (seriously people!)
  • Ben's a little less hairy (bye bye beard until September)
We start a whole new routine tomorrow in conjunction with Ben's job. It'll be very strange to get up AFTER Ben for the first time in a few years. I don't think this will make getting out of bed any easier...we'll see!

Monday, June 8, 2009

photo highlights

More cupcakes, please!

tasty prosecco

the Lurie garden in full bloom (also featured in my new header)

the new bridge from Millennium Park to the AIC modern wing

birthday highlights

We had a great weekend in the city!

5. books galore at Printers Row
4. modern wing at AIC
3. More cupcakes - double chocolate, passion fruit meringue, salted caramel and red velvet
2. prosecco cocktails - rhubarb was the group fave
1. visiting old friends, of course!

We also had some good news to start the week: Ben is starting a temp position next week through the end of August!! He'll be at an insurance company in town (not mine) getting some more experience in the world of finance.

I don't know how the week can get any better! Maybe we'll play the lottery.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

june?!

My birthday is really sneaking up on me. I can't believe it's June 3. I've been working way too much so the days are flying by, and the weather is way too chilly for June.

We're preparing for a getaway this weekend to the city. I can't wait to visit the new modern wing at the Art Institute, browse Printers Row, eat at our favorite places, visit friends....it'll be nice to get out of dodge.

And I haven't said it in awhile, but we welcome all visitors to Bloomington-Normal! I'd be lying if I said it was the perfect getaway spot, but WE'RE HERE and since that is the case good times will be had!

Monday, June 1, 2009

thunderstorm

I am trying to get a quick post in between storms! We've gotten rain, wind, thunder, lightening and hail since I got home from work. We ran out to carry our new, little tree (currently in a pot to be moved to the front porch soon) to the garage so he didn't get too banged up.

I've been working the past 8 days straight so my brain is toast. I will get back on the blog wagon this week, I promise!