Post birthday

Sunday night, tomorrow is ready, lesson plans and homework sheets are printed.  This weekend culminates in the best way: satiation.  I'm going to make this brief, as one more episode of The Wire waits for me, and tomorrow's 5:45am start will arrive sooner than desired.  I am full in so many ways.  Nick orchestrated a birthday surprise for me last night: after I recovered from being stunned, I was so so happy that I got to spend a few hours with some of my favorite people ever.  I was surprised at the Honky Tonk Barbeque under the guise of showing off this eclectic place to Nick's mom Theresa and Aunt Peggy, who were visiting for the weekend.  It was really crowded so our friends ordered take out and brought it back to our place.  This was kind of perfect because I'd been really wanting to to share our apartment with our friends.   Mary Sue brought homemade pistachio cake, and, if you read my birthday post from last week, you know how special that was.  It was delicious, just like Mom's.  Today I took the morning to recover from staying up late last night, and at noon got myself swiftly up to the Contact Jam, in which the combination of Links Hall energy and rolling and flying always rights me.   On the drive up I noticed that when the sky is grey, the lake is lovely light sea foam green, which is the exact color of a new scarf I got yesterday.  Theresa and I split a 2 for 1 deal at a shop in Chinatown and I now have a new scarf to put into the rotation.  There is something so comforting about wearing a soft, beautiful scarf, that can both hide me and act as an undercover security blanket.  I love it. And tonight we've had a bit of an apocalyptic looking lightening storm and audible rain that clears the air.  I love that too. 

And yes, we are happy.

I am not sure how to feel:  it's Sunday night in Pilsen and the only place that has free WIFI is McDonalds.  I think I'm simultaneously embarrassed and thankful.  This is the homeless and cold warm up place, also the family eatery, and the table is sticky.  But I am truly glad to get my fill of the interweb, and to catch up on unpaid bills.  Who would have thought that not having consistent wireless at the apartment would put me at such a loss.

Oh life is such a process, and this week was no exception.  We are slowly acclimating to having some stability and certainty in our lives, and yet we regularly still long for the road.  School is great.  I am surrounded by amazing, positive coworkers and children that need me, and I am constantly learning and engaging with enhancing my skills as an educator.  It's really nice.  I've gotten to engage with my physical body as well, it's such a treat to take class, and this week I took from both Molly Shanahan and Kristina Fluty, who collectively equal two of my favorite people and movers.  And today I finished my week off with some jamming at the Chicago Contact Improv Jam, it's always so so good to spend time in the sacred space that is Links Hall, and to let my kinks be rolled and pounded out, all the while honing my dance listening skills.

This week I've actively begun my Spanish learning attempt using the Living Language method, courtesy of Chicago Public Library. With practice the cds will be helpful, but I'm thinking that in order to really get it, I will definitely require a trip to Mexico or Central America very soon.  Especially when it's miserable here in Chicago and we can't take the cold anymore.  Of course, it would be solely for Spanish practice, which is required for my job, so I could write the entire trip off of our taxes, right?  I think so.

This looks like a place where I could really practice my Spanish. :)

This week, Nick has been hard at work being a house husband.  And I am completely content with it.

This is a corner view of the bed Nick made for us.  It still is calling for a coat of paint, but for now it's perfect! 

My crafty husband also fashioned a bead chandelier to spice up a lacking light fixture.  It doesn't really filter the light through the colors, but it does create great dappled light and shadow in the room. 

"Um, dear, why are you photographing me?  I am right in the middle of building a desk for YOU."

And now for you curious folks, here are a few requisite photos of the new place. 

Preliminary shot of the kitchen...

Check out our sunny bathroom.  We picked up a yellow shower curtain and a yellow print mat yesterday.  It really helps the mood in the early mornings!

And here's the guy himself, goofy as ever.  And yes, we are happy.

Parting words:

Thanks Jill! This is something to live by. 

And now that I am sufficiently fried, and craving Big Macs (j/k) I think I have satiated my internetting needs for now.  Till next time...