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By kilax, September 28, 2008 7:19 pm

My parents were in town this weekend to see Robin Williams at the Chicago Theater.

My parents look so cute! And Steven and I… look like goobers!

We had so much fun while they were here – we watched a movie and ate popcorn, made pancakes and eggs for breakfast, played Rock Band, went to a car show, went to our town home association “Fall Harvest” celebration in the park, ate at a Mexican restaurant, toured my office, went to see Robin Williams, and visited the Mexican bakery in our neighborhood.

And that was all between the hours of 9:30 pm on Friday to 10:00 am on Sunday!

We took a long nap when they left.

Robin Williams was really funny. In the beginning of his skit he told some Chicago and global warming jokes. Then he told quite a bit on politics, which really made me laugh (and proud of myself for actually knowing what he was talking about). And in the end, he told some of his sexual jokes. He did a lot of impersonations and facial expressions – there were two large screens on the stage so everyone in the theater could see him “up close.”

The show was about an hour and a half long. We were all amazed by the energy he had for the whole time! I’m surprised my stomach doesn’t hurt today from laughing for so long.

For breakfast today, we took my parents to the awesome Mexican Bakery close to the town train station.

Yes, that’s all for four people (to try)!

This place is amazing – tons and tons of sweets and breads at cheap, cheap prices. You grab a tray (or bucket) and tongs when you walk in, then go around and grab all of the different things you want – and there are so many things to try. There was a line of at least 10 people waiting to check out when we got there – at 9:00 on a Sunday morning! I guess we are not the only people who think this place is awesome!

Steven paid $10 for his tray, and mom paid $8.40 for her tray.

It’s interesting that baked goods from other cultures never taste like you expect them to – even when they look the same as an American staple! We love to try new things though, and found some that we really like.

My poor mom, though. After we got home, she got sick, and couldn’t try anything. She had a really upset stomach – and still did when she got back to Iowa. I told her that is what I feel like every time I go home – from eating WAY TOO much food. So, oops, I guess we did the same thing to her! But when family is around, don’t you feel like eating a ton of fun food? I sure do. I hope she feels better soon. Because other than that, it was a perfect weekend!

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By kilax, August 27, 2008 5:48 am

Did you hear about the Chicago-area woman who held a “Battle of the Bridesmaids” 5K to decide on the bridesmaids for her wedding? (Article here)

The race, and her wedding, were both last Saturday. Seventy-five people (men and women) showed up for the race. The top three female finishers got to be bridesmaids – they were fitted for their dresses on the spot. Surprisingly, the bride knew the three women from other races.

My two thoughts were: Why would this woman want strangers in her wedding party? and Why would a woman want to be a bridesmaids in a stranger’s wedding? But hey, to each their own! It was an interesting story.

Steven and I signed up for a 5K in September – but we don’t have to be in a stranger’s wedding if we place in one of the top three spots (ha!).

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By kilax, July 27, 2008 10:55 am

One of our top priorities today is creating a few Cruisin’ CDs for when we are driving this around next Saturday:

Of course, that is assuming the Gallardo has a CD player. I was surprised when the Ferrari didn’t have AC, so you never know…

We need some suggestions for good “Driving” music. Here’s what’s on our list so far (in no particular order):

1. “Low Rider”
2. “La Grange” – ZZ Top
3. “Panama” – Van Halen
4. “Disco Science” – Marwais (Snatch Soundtrack)
5. “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum
6. “Latin Girl” – Black Eyed Peas
7. “Harder Better Faster Stronger” – Daft Punk (and I must say, I liked this band BEFORE Kanye West sampled them)
8. “Can I Get A” – Jay Z
9. “The Joker” – Steve Miller Band

So, you can see… we have a varied musical tastes. I really REALLY like classic rock, and will probably put a bit more of that on there.

What are your suggestions for good “Driving” songs?

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By kilax, July 13, 2008 10:10 pm

Whew. What a weekend. I’m so happy I took tomorrow off as well. I need to rest.

We went to our first Cubs game today…

The nerve wracking 9th inning

The Cubs lost, but we still had fun!

On our way to the ballpark, while we were still in the Loop, a woman stopped me on the street to ask how to get to the Cubs game. Long story short, I told her how we were getting to the game, but that I wasn’t sure if that was the right way to go.

A man shows up at her side and says, “Maybe if you didn’t get your education at Iowa State University, you would know where you’re going.”

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

I look at this guy, and it is my boss from when I worked at ISU for the Environmental Health & Safety Department! His wife saw people wearing Cubs shirts (us) and stopped to ask for directions, even though he didn’t want to. What are the odds of that encounter? He lives in Ames and I haven’t seen him since May ’07 (we’ve only been in contact through email).

We rode to the game together, and I gave him my business card and asked that we meet again before he leaves town (he’s in for a conference). I hope we get together again!

In other news: When my sister was packing her car for the drive home, she found a package addressed to me behind the bushes at our home! WTF? It arrived on Wednesday, and I didn’t even know it was there. I wasn’t expecting anything. To my surprise, it was an early birthday present from Gina! A cute little vase (that looks like a milk jar) with two gray kittehs that says “Friends”! I feel so awful that I didn’t know it was there. THANKS GINA!!! I can’t wait to use it. (I don’t mean to look demented in this photo, but like I said, it’s been a long weekend!)

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By kilax, June 19, 2008 5:43 am

One of the things I love about my job is that I get to go into all these neat buildings in Chicago. It’s great to see all the different architectural styles… but what I really love are the amazing views.

Can you imagine this being the view from your office?

It’s really fun to think about what people will see from their workspace. I think it really affects the way you work. I know I really enjoy working in an open office, with full height windows on two complete sides. We don’t have a cool view of the lake or anything though. You can see the Sears Tower… but only when you go stand in one corner!

What’s your workspace like (whether at work, or your office at home)? Do you think it’s important to have sunlight and a view? Or do you not care either way?

Side Note I: I saw this parked in front of the Board of Trade yesterday. I want.

Side Note II: I’m having a really hard time staying caught up with blogs, leaving comments, responding to comments, writing anything worthwhile here, and responding to emails lately. My apologies. Please don’t take it personally. I am trying to catch up, but can’t find the time (it’s all that GD bowling!).

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By kilax, May 29, 2008 5:42 am

You’re driving on a highway in the Chicagoland area, and another driver cuts you off. What do you do?

1. Ignore it and slow down.
2. Honk your horn and slow down.
3. Slow down and get into another lane
4. Tailgate them until they get off the highway.
5. Zip over into the next lane, get really close to the side of their car, and ride there for awhile while giving them the evil eye, then take off.
6. Speed around them really fast, then get in front of them and slam on your breaks.

Did I miss any options?

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By kilax, April 23, 2008 6:04 am

I called my dad yesterday to tell him how excited I was to see a grey Lamborghini Murcielago on my walk to the train Monday night in Chicago.

“It’s one of the things I love out there, dad” I proclaimed. “As soon as the weather gets warm, you see all these awesome cars – Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis…”

“Yeah. I didn’t see anything like that on my way home from work Monday.”

“What, you didn’t see any Lamborghinis?”

“No,” he replied. “I don’t think there are even 10 people in Waterloo [Iowa] who can pronounce it.”

Ha ha.

“I was really excited to see it,” I continue.

“Yeah. It’s nice to know that at least someone enjoys what they’re driving.”

Yeah, that guy in the Lamborghini and Steven in his Infiniti.

The point of me writing this is not to point out how funny and sarcastic my dad is. Nor is it to bore you with another post about cars (although I probably have).

I just wonder… why do I notice these things? Why do cars interest me? Why don’t they interest some people? Why do I get really excited when I see a nice car?

My dad is a mechanic, but I know nothing about how cars WORK. I just know when I see one I like – it’s usually streamlined, aggressive, and curvy.

I have a list of the cars I would like to own. But I haven’t even driven a quarter of them. It’s just an aesthetic thing.

Maybe it’s time for me to get in the garage with Steven… and help him with the project car. Oh yes. The infamous (in my mind) Datsun 1978 280Z. That’s a whole ‘nother post.

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Today’s Idiom: to carry the day – to win the approval of the majority

Kim’s suggestion to go to Red Robin for lunch carried the day, although not everyone got the Gardenburger Royal Red Robin burger.

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By kilax, April 10, 2008 8:03 pm

A lot of umbrellas were abandoned in Chicago today.

When it rains like it did today, I just walk in the rain, sans umbrella. I am that person you always see, looking pathetic, with their umbrella inside-out. There is really no point for me to even bother. I’d just as well get wet.

And… because I can’t help but post these photos, check out the “pothole” my parents encountered when they arrived home from work today.

Is it still called a pothole when it is this BIG? The view of this photo is coming away from my parent’s house – they have to cross this bridge each day to get anywhere – there is no other way into their home (our their one, sole neighboring house).

The barricades were not up when they got home. Apparently, my mother “went to the town hall immediately to tell them about their pothole EMERGENCY.” So the police came out and set up the barricades.

It’s always fun when my mom calls me, all excited, to tell me a story like this. She is so animated.

According to my mother, the pothole is the width of a car, by 3′-0″ lengthwise. She also said it is over 4′-0″ deep. Hmm, judging from the photo, I don’t think my dad is that tall… unless he is standing on a ladder or something?

Anyway, can you imagine driving home in the dark and not seeing that thing? Whoops…

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By kilax, April 8, 2008 8:50 am

It perplexes me that any pedestrian in the Chicago Loop would run through the crosswalk when the “do not walk” sign is present – rather than wait 20 seconds for the “walk sign” to appear again.

Is the pedestrian in such a hurry to get to work that they would rather risk their life running in front of traffic than be late?

There are a lot of cars in the Loop during rush hour. I have a suspicion the car is most likely to win the race.

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Today’s Idiom: to pour oil on troubled waters – to make peace, to calm someone down

I tried to pour oil on troubled waters, but Steven was so infuriated he wouldn’t listen to me, and continued to yell back at our neighbors.

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By kilax, January 8, 2008 5:54 am

It seems like Steven and I get a lot of inquires about our commutes from our family and friends who don’t live in the Chicago suburbs.

With him, the question is “how many miles do you drive to work each day?” and “how long does that take you?” and “why do you live so far away from your office?”

With me, it’s “how long does the train ride take?” and “why do you live so far away from your office?”

We find ourselves answering these questions, but slipping our common justifiers in with our answers. Mine are “At least 100 other people get on the train stop with me in the morning to go all the way to the city!” (i.e. I am not the only crazy one), and “it would take me three hours to drive to the city!” and “I think I am only going to commute like this while I am young!”

His justifiers (which I usually provide to him) are, “when I bought my house I worked at an office that wasn’t so far away,” and “we could buy a house closer to the city, but it would be 1/10th of the size of ours now, and be in poor quality.”

I think it is funny that I feel like I have to justify commuting on the train to Chicago. When people ask me about it they are just curious, not mean or spiteful, but when I am talking about it, I realize how ridiculous it sounds, so I try to rationalize it.

The truth is, A LOT of people commute from the suburbs to Chicago. We live in the suburbs so we can have yards, and garages, and decent houses. But just because a lot of people do it, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck, and I don’t get to work each day thinking, “why the hell do I live so far away?” Because I do.