Rain Rain Rain

I spoke too soon in my last post. It's been raining non stop lately! I haven't been able to go to the pool at all. Hopefully the rain won't follow us to Mexico next week!

In better news.....Angel and I found an apartment in the city, we move August 1st!

HOT HOT HOT

It's finally summer! (Although spring was nowhere to be found this year) We've been having record heat for this time of year (95 today). I hear it's going to get over 100 tomorrow! My mom and I ran a 10k Saturday, and the heat was miserable. I drank more water then I ever have before while running, and ran through as many sprinklers as I could find. Later, I found out that someone died and 10 people were hospitalized from the heat while running in a race downtown that same day. I don't think I've ever been so miserable running before, and I'm glad drank so much water while I ran. I bought a season pass to the pool this summer, and I'm so glad I did! I've been going almost every day now that the school year is over.

13.1

Sunday May 15th I ran my first half marathon. I was 2 hours and 16 minutes which was just at a 10:30 minute mile pace. I seem to always be able to go faster in races then I do in training. (I guess that's normal.) I was nervous because I really hadn't gone much further then 10 miles in my training, so I wasn't sure if I could make it! 

Luckily the weather was perfect for running (not so much for watching). It was in the low 50's, cloudy, and slightly misting. *not sure if misting is a word :)

The first 10 miles were not bad at all and went by rather quickly. Not gonna lie, the last three were a little tough. It did get very windy and cold running on the bridge coming into downtown Cleveland. Although the race wasn't as nearly as tough as I thought it would be, it definitely was a great feeling to be done!

My Mom, Angel and I with our medals on.

Milwaukee....the trip home

We packed up and left Milwaukee on our third day but we had a few stops on the way home we planned to make. 

Our first stop was the MYERS CHEESE CASTLE. Nope, not a castle made of cheese but it was full of cheese (delicious cheese inside!)

We bought some great jalapeno cheese bread and cheddar cheese cubes.

Next up we stopped at the jelly belly factory, but it was the day before Easter so the place was crawling with screaming babies and hyper children. We didn't feel like waiting an hour to take the tour (plus its just a distribution plant, no production) so we just bought some jelly bellies and left. 

We stopped at an outlet mall and then cruised on home. 

Later that night we dyed some Easter eggs. Angel doesn't eat eggs, and I forgot about them so now they're rotten. Ooops. 

Overall I think we had a great trip in Milwaukee. It's not a place that I'd want to go back to many times, but it was definitely worth seeing.

Milwaukee Day 2

Our second day in Milwaukee was our biggest day. 

We woke up and went to the Pabst Mansion. 

http://www.pabstmansion.com/

 ( I'm actually in this picture, can you find me?)

It was an amazing mansion and we had the cutest little 75 year old woman for a tour guide. The house was beautiful and Captain Frederick Pabst was an interesting man. 

(These pictures are all from the website; you weren't allowed to take pictures inside.)

At the end of the tour the little old lady said "PBR got a bad name for awhile, but I've heard it's becoming quite popular again". Angel and I just looked at each other and smiled, because it's obviously the worst beer ever. But laughs on us I guess because the Captain made millions off of the disgusting stuff. Nice mansion though. 

Our next stop was the Miller Brewing Tour. 

 

I'm trying to lift a keg, unsuccessful. 

The tour itself was ok. Unfortunately production wasn't happening because the plant was closed for Good Friday. I was disappointed we didn't get to see all those bottles go by. 

This warehouse was filled and filled with case after case of beer. This picture doesn't due it justice at all. The best part was when the tour guide said that this warehouse provides ten states with beer, but 60% percent all goes to ONE city to the south. What city was that? You guessed it..... Chicago!

After the tour they sit you at a bar table. (We were sat with a very nice couple from Milwaukee.) Then out comes the free beer! I was expecting samples...but they give you 3 ten ounce beers, EACH! I was definitely feeling a little tipsy when we left. 

Our tickets to the Pabst Museum also included admittance to two other places, so that's where we headed next. The Charles Allis Art Museum was the strangest "museum" I have ever been to. It was an old house full of random things. Plus, Angel and I were the only ones in the place.
We couldn't think of anything to do other then take strange pictures

Angel plays the "museum" piano 

What the heck is this??

Reading a book...

This museum was so weird and boring so I took a nap on the couch

The last house museum was the Villa Terrace. Not nearly as good as the Pabst but definitely better then the Charles Allis.

While we were at the last museum we saw a brochure for the distillery nearby. We headed over there right away. The tour was informative and the guy definitely knew his stuff. We paid 3 dollars for a tasting afterward which basically meant a quarter shot of everything they produced.

Bloody Mary before the tour.

I totally forgot what kinda drink this was. I know it tasted good :) 

We went back to the hotel to shower and get ready. We wanted to do some walking around/shopping before dinner but it was POURING rain. We went to dinner at an ok restaurant but it wasn't great. We were going to go to a comedy show that night, but we were so tired that we ended up just stopping at the casino for awhile before going back to our hotel. Originally we really thought it would have been fun to go to a Brewers game, and tickets were only 4 dollars. However with the rain we decided we didn't want to be wet and cold. It wasn't until later while watching the game at the restaurant we realized why the people in the stands weren't even wearing coats. THEY PLAY IN A DOME!!! Haha there was no need for us to consider the weather! Oh, well.

Milwaukee Day 1

I think the most succesful part of our trip was the fact I learned how to spell Milwaukee! (It's hard!) 

Last weekend Angel and I traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin (or Wiscahhhnson depending on where you're from). 

My adventure started before I left Naperville actually. I walked to the train station and planned on taking the metra to the city where Angel works because it's on the way to Milwaukee. I show up at the train station and they announce my train is canceled, but the next train (coming 15 minutes later) is going to stop at the first trains stops. Okay, no big deal just 15 minutes. The train arrives and I get on. Once it starts to move the ticket taker comes around and I say "I'm going to Hinsdale". He says, "This train is not stopping in Hinsdale, you better get off in Lisle and catch the next one." What???? I hurry off the train. It's not until after I get that I realized the dumb ticket taker probably just didn't know that this train was following the previous trains schedule.  So I should have just stayed on! Oh well, too late for that. I check the next train schedule in Lisle and the next train isn't coming for an hour and half! There was no way I was waiting for that, so I called Angel at work and while he finished work I waited in a coffee shop. 

After that train debacle I was pleasantly surprised that it only took an hour and forty five minutes to arrive in Milwaukee.

After we checked in to our hotel we went to one of Angel's favorite restaurants in Milwaukee, Saz's. It was good, but I don't think it is one of my FAVORITE restaurants....

I can't get this picture to flip around...sorry!

BBQ

The view from our hotel

Amanda Moore Squared

Today while subbing I was taking attendance. 

I saw a name and paused...."Amanda Moore" 

I quickly exclaimed, "We have the same first and last name!"

I think I confused the poor girl.

Meeting Lois.

My favorite book of all time is The Giver, by Lois Lowry. I read it at least once a year. A few weeks ago she was doing a book signing at a local bookshop in Naperville. I walked over and I was hoping that I could get her to sign my copy of The Giver. She was signing a new book, something about a mouse. It's strange to me that someone who wrote such a brilliant novel as The Giver, hasn't written anything else then can even compare since! She was a really good speaker actually, and very personable. I didn't wait in line to get my book signed (it would have been hours) but it was interesting to see her in person and hear her speak. 

 

I'm Backkk

It's been awhile. Sorry about that. It's been a busy month....

I was in Florida for ten days over spring break. The weather was great! Especially because Chicago has decided that the end of April is still winter; yeah it snowed on Saturday. 

I think I went to the Beach everyday I was in Florida

 

In case you're wondering, I didn't quite finish all the books I brought with me to Florida. Oh well. I LOVED  The Glass Castle and The Da Vinci Code. I would definitely recommend them both!

Last weekend Allison and Sarah came to visit! We stayed downtown one night. 

Yesterday Angel and I ran a 10k.  It's semi-scary to think that in less then a month I'll be doing the half, which is 2 10k's. I was actually happy with my time. I was right at 10 minute miles, which was surprising because when i train I'm usually at 11 minute miles.

This weekend Angel and I are going to Milwaukee Thursday night-Saturday. We were planning to do lots of outdoors things, but the weather is going to be rainy and in the 40's, so museums here we come!

Happy St. Pattys Day!

St. Pat's Day in Chicago is different then it was in Cleveland. Here they celebrate St. Patrick's Day the Saturday before the 17th. Strange. Also no Catholic Schools are off for the day; even stranger. At least they dye the river green.  

Saturday Angel and I ran in a St. Patty's day 5k. I was getting over a stomach virus (yuck) so I just jogged it in 29 minutes. Angel came in in 24 minutes (but I gave him the virus the next day ha ha). After the race they were handing out Guinness and Reubens.  Just what you want at 8:30 am. (Actually they were delicious :) ) After the Race we headed over to the Naperville Parade, and then that night we ate dinner at Quigley's. Yum. 

Last night was our community St. Patrick's day dinner. Once again we were the only ones under 65, but it was free food so whatever. There was also a community sing along. Old people love Danny Boy.

Today, the actual holiday, I wore green beads. That is all. 

I really wanted one of these

 

but I gave up ordering food at a counter for Lent so I couldn't :( boo

I may have too high of expectations.

Next Friday I'm going to Florida for the week. I'm excited to swim and sun but most of all I'm excited to READ! I've been putting books on hold at the library the past few weeks in preparation for this trip. A few days ago I went to pick them up.....I think I may have overdid it. 

1. The DaVinci Code- I've been thinking I should read this for YEARS. It's finally time. 
2. The Glass Castle-My friend Allison recommended this to me. We usually like the same books so I figured I'd give it a try. 
3. Eleven Minutes- This came up recommended for me on Shelfari. I'm so excited to read this one. 
4. Things Fall Apart Trilogy- I'm ashamed that as an English teacher I haven't read this yet. 
5. Dawn- sequel to Night by Elie Wiesel. I loved Night but I haven't heard great things about Dawn and Day. We'll see.
6. Little Bee- I randomly picked this up at Barnes and Noble and read the first chapter. 
7. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian- This is a YA novel that was recommended to me
8. Water for Elephants- I'll prob. finish this before I leave. It's great so far
9. The Postmistress- Another random find on the shelf at B&N.

Who thinks I can finish all these in 8 days??

heart my chipotle

Ask me what my favorite restaurant is and I'll tell you Chipotle. I know Chipotle's not really a restaurant but I'm addicted.
Yesterday Angel went on a Chipotle run and I told him not to get me anything because I gave up any food you order at a counter for Lent. Well that guy brought me home Chipotle anyway, "just in case I changed me mind!" That guy trying to get me to cheat on my Lenten resolution! He said it didn't count because he bought it FOR me. Hmm...good theory?
Obv. I couldn't' resist a good burrito bowl so I dug right in.
I made an important discovery. I have clearly developed the recipe for the best burrito bowl. The burrito bowl Angel brought me was NOT GOOD.
Anyway I thought I'd share the BEST BURITTO BOWL receipe with you.

1. Rice
2. Black Beans
3. Green Salsa
4. Corn
5. Sour Cream
6. Cheese
7. Guacamole

Whatever you do, don't get the peppers and onions! They will RUIN your bowl.

Shelfari

If you love (or like) to read Shelfari is a great website. It lets you keep track of what you have read and what you want to read in the future. I really like it because so often I'll hear about a book and think "I want to read that!" and then I'll forget the book's title within a few days. Now whenever I hear about a book that I'm interested in I just add it to my virtual shelf.

http://www.shelfari.com

Dogs love me.

About a year ago I was out for a run when I heard something that sounded like a tree branch scraping along a sidewalk. I kept running, but the sound didn't go away. I glanced down at my side and screamed.
I saw this running right to the left of me.

Once I calmed down I quickly realized this dog was not chasing me; rather it just seemed to want to run with me. I shouted "go home" at him (her?) and it scampered off in the direction it came from.

Yesterday THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED.

Although this time when I looked down this was following me....

Needless to say I didn't scream this time.

Brunchy Brunch

Last Sunday I developed a sudden craving for an Omlette. Our building provides continental breakfast, and Angel doesn't eat eggs so we had no omlette making materials. I decided that we should go out for brunch.

First though, Angel and I went running**.  **(Not together but I made him pose for a picture anyway)

 

Then we walked in the cold to Egg Harbor Cafe. 

 

Aren't these mugs cute? I want some. 

 I got a egg white veggie omlette with an english muffin and fruit. It was delicious!

It was a pretty long wait, and much closer to lunch time by the time we got there so Angel had a burger instead of brunchy food.

That's the end of our brunch experience. YUM.

Snowmegeddon, Snowpocalypse, Snowprah?

All names I've heard when describing the blizzard Chi town is getting as I type. The past few days people have been FREAKING out everywhere over this weather. I was really surprised to see this reaction; this is the Midwest after all.

Jewel ran out of bread....How long do people think this blizzard will last?! Longer then it takes to eat 1 loaf of bread?!

No school tomorrow, obvs. However, snow days aren't NEARLY as exciting when you're a sub who only gets paid when you work.

This afternoon it seemed like everyone was overreacting, but now it's getting pretty crazy out. 

Here are a few pics from the blizzard (hard to see in the dark, I'll take more in the morning).

..........

Subbing can be pretty boring sometimes....

especially in physics when you have to watch a video on gravity 5 times in one day....



snore.

yay, snow?

It was very cold this week. At one point the wind chill was up to -24 (temp was -5) where we live. It's been much to cold to run outside this week which really sucks. The only people I've even seen running are people who wear those face masks and full spandex (you know, REAL runners) so I haven't even attempted. It was horrible just walking from my car to Barnes and Noble yesterday (about 200 meters). I heard on the news that uncovered skin would get frostbit in 15 minutes. Anyway, I woke up this morning to see this out my window.
                                                                        

                                                                      Snow!

That means it's getting warmer right? I've always heard that sometimes it's "too cold to snow". I'm guessing it may be a whole 20 degrees here today?! Oh boy!

My cat got me sick.

They say it's impossible for humans to get sick from cats and vice versa.

It seems awfully curious that Angel, Bella, Dusty and I were sick within a week of each other...

hmm...

NYE

New Years Eve can be summed up in one sentence this year.....

I knocked over a tree.

Happy 2011! 

Yes, this is the the tree. (before that is)

Merry Christmas!

Christmas was very very very very busy this year. We had a few too many parties to go to. 6 in 3 days!

Christmas Eve we had my Mom, Dad, and sister over at our apartment for dinner and presents.

We started Christmas morning off at Angel's Mom's house (In Indiana) for more presents and an early dinner. We then went to my Aunt's house for another dinner and played "the stealing game" for more presents. The night ended at Kirk's parent's house (back to Indiana) for a few more drinks and yes, we opened a few more presents.

By Sunday (the day after Christmas) all I wanted to do was sleep but we had two more parties to go to. Angel's stepdad's family was first on the list followed by the annual day after christmas party at my Mom's cousin's house.

It was a bit much; but great to see family and friends!

Cruisin'

The first week in December Angel and I went on a cruise with my Mom and Dad (sorry Beth!). Although Angel's weather curse continued (it was a bit chilly) we had a great time anyway.

Highlights included....

Angel and I got to drive the boat! (Just Kidding!)

We weren't chickens! We climbed the rock wall! (I won!)

Lots and lots of drinks....

Visiting Key West.

nighttime in Nassau

Angel trying to win the sexy legs contest (sorry Ange, better luck next time)