Monday, March 12, 2012

March and April

Running at full speed ahead into spring - we somehow "sprang" forward already yesterday, and now its already almost halfway through the month.

Work is freaking crazy, I have been going full steam ahead with Industry Events and the first event is less then a month away.  Kind of freaking out over here.

I also have been going to Industry parties, any kind of social engagement to invite professionals to Industry Events.  The best ones have cotton candy.
That's Lisa from Women In Film.  Its good to have people to tag team these events with.
And thats about it.  All I do is work.  I have started working on my website but I have no idea what I want my website to actually be.  So its kind of all over the place.
Anyway, there is nothing I would love to do now more then anything then lay under my desk and nap.   But I can't.  But I wish I could.

Oh, and my birthday is coming up - just planned it Here!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Leap Day William

Because February is the longest yet shortest month of them all, I thought to start off on a comedic foot.  Today is Leap Day!  I'm not really sure if I'm supposed to do something special or not, but since it only happens once every four years, I figured I should mention it.

Anyway, this has been a tough month.  My dad had surgery, work has been stupidly stressful, Mackie was forced into resigning from her position at work and now she needs to start looking for a new job.
I feel like every February is a trial.  Lex and Mary-Frances both lost a parent in February.  Two years ago was a terrible February for the Alevizos's.  It really is a hard month, and I wonder what the power of February is to make things like this happen, and to really have such a strong blow.

It's like February is a challenge, its so hard to climb over it and get to March.  Maybe that is why, though.  The last month after a long, cold and dark winter.  Spring right out of reach of your fingertips.  I'm not sure, I just hope that the rest of the year goes better then it has started.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Am I really an adult?

Sometimes I feel like that I may not "really" be an adult.  My perception of an adult as a child was many things involving suits, knowing how to go to places, making home improvements, married with kids.

Well, I have one of those things.  We have a higher majority of friend that rent vs friends that own.

Home ownership is terrifying.  So scary.  But in the same way, its always been something I have wanted.  I hate paying rent.  Our landlords pop by whenever, we always have to worry if they come by and the gates are open and the dogs can escape; or worse - dare they just walk in.
Our deck is in total code violation - I guarantee more then 10 people would collapse that thing.

I have an obsessive addiction of looking at houses - online, I probably get emails from at least 4 different companies a day - Truilia, Redfin, etc.  Because I really want to own.  Come April 2012, we will have paid over 40K in rent where we currently are.

But there is the freedom in renting - being able to move to a different hood, not being responsible, etc.  But with the responsibility of 2 dogs  - its not that easy.  Only one is "medium size".

Anyway, on our homeowner ship quest, we found the house in the post previous to this.  Is it perfect?  HELL NO.  Is the yard the size of a shoebox?  HELL YES.  But is there potential?  Can we move in and be comfy until the kitchen makes me crazy (minimum of 2 weeks), but can we?  Yes we can.  I think.

These big decisions in life terrify me.  As they would with normal people.  After renting for 13 years, owning is totally different.  But a lot of people do it.  Its how I look at having children - lots of people do it.  So there has to be a learning curve I have to learn, right?

The dude accepted our offer - 50K less then what he was asking + a 13 month home warranty, meaning if the furnace blows or the roof implodes, we're ok...at least I think?

My biggest fear is leaving my neighborhood.  I was thinking Forest Park because there is so much more bang for your buck, and talk about YARDS!  But then, I think that maybe I'm not ready.  When kids come, it will definitely be my #1.  But for now - lets see?

I have lived in Ukrainian Village for 13 years!  Well, my first place was Goose Island, but I don't count that, really  My living, growing, turning into the person I am, meeting Bill was in UV.  It's a lot.  UV is so freaking pretty, and nice, and safe, and convenient,  and what I'm used to.  Logan Square is all diagonal streets and I'm easily confused.  I can figure it out, right?  Its so much more populated over there it seems, right next to the blue line.... as I ramble on and on.

Here it is on the map! 2711 Julia Ct.  I do kind of love I would be Julie on Julia...not going to lie.
Stay tuned.....

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The House we want to buy

Here we go again!  Our building is in foreclosure, and Bill and I have had enough!  We found a house that we both really, really, really like.  Here are some photos!













Thursday, December 15, 2011

To Sheba.....

Life is really not fair sometimes.  Today, my parents had to put their dog Sheba to sleep.  This is so sad.  Sometimes I just feel like my family takes hits constantly.  It's awful.  My parents are so sad, as am I.  I wish I didn't know this information for another 2 hours when I'm off work. 
Sheba was a beautiful Husky with an amazing personality.  As a Husky, she was an escape artist and once was found inside Binny's.  As my mom said, "She really is a Ford!".
She will be terribly missed, and I hope I can be a help to my parents during this time. 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Almost There!

I need a vacation.  So badly. I'm running on fumes at this point.  I'm burnt out. Out of creative ideas and energy.  But...finally what I have been working on (and off) is Mom's Cookbook!
Memories of Love From the Kitchen and the Heart.
I'm so happy and proud its finally completed!  But now we can only hope it comes in 9 days.  I'm kind of doubting it, so Amy mounted the front and back cover just in case.
Here are some of my favorite photos from the book:
                                       Mom, Cousin Jeanie, Aunt Carol and Uncle Denny Paul.
                                                   Me & Dad in Mom & Pop's dining room.
                                                                         Mom & Pop
 One of my favorite childhood memories was grilling outside, sitting at this table and braiding all the fringe.  And eating of course.
                   This looks like just a regular dinner at Mom & Pops. That's where I always sat.
 Uncle Denny Paul at the head of the table.  I feel like I can smell all the awesome food on this table.
        The "Nosh" portion of a Julian gathering.  Please note Bob Ford's famous Deviled Eggs!!!
                                                   Mom, Pop and Uncle Denny Paul.
                                                          Eating Amy's birthday cake.
                                                    Mom looking hot behind the bar!
                                     Proud Amy on her 8th (?) Birthday?  And that's THE CAKE.
                                                 The cover of the cookbook, Mom & Pop.