girl on top of the world

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-03T18:39:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! Last year I made a list of resolutions and I realized in order to accomplish them its probably a good idea to post them so you can see if your doing them. Well this year I decided I would try something different and just have more daily gratitude. Grateful for family, friends and looking forward to new adventures in the year ahead. Cheers everyone! Hope you have a wonderful year!

Best of 2011

2011-12-14T13:52:00.002-06:00

Top 10 CD's of 2011

1. Radiohead-King Of Limbs
2. Elbow- Build a Rocket Boys!

3. Other Lives-Tamer Animals
4. The War on Drugs-Slave Ambient
5. M83- Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
6. We Are Austines-Rise Ye Sunken Ships
7. Bon Iver-Bon Iver
8. Low-C'mon
9. James Blake-James Blake
10. Lykki Li- Wounded Rhymes

I didn't think this was as strong a year as last year and I seemed to find more singles than whole CD's I liked. Saw some great live acts at both Pitchfork and Lolla. One of the most surprising performances was by Future Islands at Lincoln Hall.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T17:24:00.000-05:00

I think I was 8 in this photo. My mom made this costume and I think it got a lot of use over the years. I love how people go all out now and really get into decorating. I walk around the neighborhood near where I work looking at all the houses. There is also a candy store near me that has all the candy I grew up with.

I take a day of around this time as well so I can enjoy the last days of fall. I wanted to see the other piece by graffiti artist ROA. It was kind of hidden behind this building near downtown in this industrial area. Was amazing to see in person and perfect for this time of year.

Also wanted to check this park not far from there called Sterns Quarry Park. Has an interesting history as well as it was a landfill and is now a green space, park and spot you can go fishing.

The running path along the lake I use sustained damage from a recent storm. The 2nd within weeks of each other with 25 foot waves. It washed away a large section of the path and people could no longer use it but I ended up jumping a fence and cutting through the golf course which is next to it. They are in the process of trying to fix it but not sure if it will be usable.

Nicodemus The Cat

2011-10-06T18:38:00.000-05:00

This was my grandma Peurrung's cat named Nicodemus. When I was growing up whenever we went to my grandma's apartment he was sitting near the front door. She would change the bows around his neck so it was always fun to see what she chose. I ended up getting him several years ago because he was pretty broken from so many falls. I enjoy putting things together so I felt like I could fix him and now he sits near my door. I always think of my grandma when I look at him and I am honored to have him. I don't remember the history of how she got him but I love his name. Here is what I found out about the history of his name Nicodemus.

Summer Turns to Fall

2011-09-18T17:23:00.003-05:00

Few videos that remind me of fall.

Sights, sounds and tastes of summer

2011-08-14T14:29:00.000-05:00

Public pool I do laps and hang out all summer

My favorite Chicago Beach-Montrose. Food vendors walking around selling treats.

Me and my niece Maggie at Pitchfork Music Festival

My friends enjoying Pitchfork Music Fest.

Farmers Market

My friend John and I at Lollapalooza 20 Anniversary Year.

Lobster Corn Dog at Lolla. mmmmm

Cincinnati famous ice cream sold at Whole Foods-summer flavor Strawberry Chocolate Chip.

Roof top view at friends house

Street Art and Summer

2011-07-10T08:47:00.000-05:00

I was invited to a summer solstice party few weeks back. One of my favorite days of the year because it stays light so late. We ended up having this huge storm come in. The party was at this converted warehouse space that is across from the train tracks in Wicker Park. The tenants who live there know a lot of garffiti artist and this one famous one named Roa wanted to do a piece on his building. Roa has a world wide reputation and works all over the globe, including New York, Los Angeles, Mexico, Belgium. Poland, and now Chicago. Check out both links. The first one shows him doing the piece and some other works. He did another piece here on the south side which I hope to go see. The other link shows some of his other work which I think are pretty amazing.

Warrior Dash 5K

2011-06-22T20:06:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I did this race called Warrior Dash with my sister Julie and my brother Pete. Its a race that has all these crazy obstacles like climbing walls, mud pits, creeks with logs you had to go under or over, tires, old cars, giant blocks, rope climb up a ramp, up muddy hills, fire and the last one which was a giant mud pit that you actually had to swim through because they had barb wire you had to go under. A lot of people really got into it and had costumes on. And at the end they had a giant hose to spray so you could rinse off a bit. Boy did we get muddy! What a great day and a great challenge. Reminded me of a cross between Survivor and The Amazing Race.

PHOTOS

2011-05-31T16:10:00.000-05:00

Chicago Art Institute Field Trip

2011-05-16T19:34:00.000-05:00

I have a friend who works at the School of the Art Institute and she invited me to go hear an artist whose exhibit was opening at The Art Institute Of Chicago. A contemporary photographer named Uta Barth. Its the first time I ever went to hear an artist whose work was showing there which must be a great honor. She was very interesting and while its not really my kind of photography I found her to inspire me in my own photography. Was another cold and blustery Spring day here. So it was perfect weather to do something indoors.

Chagall Window

New Modern Art Wing

Spring Project.

2011-04-30T19:14:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to fix these old chairs a friend gave me and finally got around to getting it done now that we had some nice weather finally.

I bought some outdoor material at a local craft store. I had to go out to the suburbs to buy spray paint because they don't sell it in the city because of graffiti. Which makes no sense to me.

I choose colors that I love blue and green. And I must say what a blast to spray paint even though I ended up getting it on my feet. Was a great project to do and I'm now inspired to do another spray paint project. So stayed tuned. I am going to make my outdoor space fun for summer.

Where is Spring?

2011-04-16T18:28:00.001-05:00

Chicago is having one of it's coldest Springs on record. I've trying to use my grill again and savoring the sun when it comes out. The trees are just starting to bud and have seen some Spring daffodils coming up but as we all know Chicago never really gets a nice warm Spring.

I made this Sesame Noodle recipe passed on by a friend. Great with spring asparagus and or you can add chicken or shrimp to it too if you need a bit of protein. I'll have the leftovers for my lunches during the week which is a bonus. Enjoy!

Sesame noodles recipe:

1 lb noodles
1/2 c. oil
1/2 c. soy sauce
1/2 c red wine vinegar
5 Tbsp. peanut butter
2 tsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. ginger
6 Tbsp. sesame seeds
4 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

Cook noodles. Pour a bit of the 1/2 c. of oil over them so they don't stick together once they're drained. Mix soy sauce, vinegar, peanut butter, sugar and the rest of the oil in a small bowl. Beat together with a whisk.
Heat up the sesame oil in a wok or large pot. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and ginger. Cook until garlic
colors. Add noodles and sauce, cook for a few minutes. Heat sesame seeds in a skillet over low heat until they color slightly. Add to noodles. Chop up scallions to sprinkle over the top!

Apricot Yogurt Scones

2011-04-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

We finally got a warm day here and I have all the windows open. I decided to make these scones I saw on my favorite blog Apartment Therapy. They were pretty easy to make though I made a big mess!! Great way to celebrate a taste of summer.

Earth Hour 2011

2011-03-27T14:53:00.000-05:00

I celebrated Earth Hour on Saturday March 26th or should I say earth hours. Lots of candles, scary movie, plenty of popcorn. Nice way to cut back on energy for an evening.

French Market. Ooh LA LA

2011-03-07T20:24:00.001-06:00

I finally made a trip to the French Market near downtown Chicago. It was a cold and dreary day and I needed to escape my cabin fever. I started with a coffee and walked around admiring the pastries, the breads, cheeses and meats. I ended up with some yummy treats which I enjoyed throughout the day.

LIFE

2011-02-22T17:44:00.000-06:00

I took this from my niece Maggie's blog because I love it so much. Holstee Manifesto. I am now going to work on my own manifesto.

Organize Project

2011-02-21T20:11:00.001-06:00

I could not remember how long I have lived at my current home but I think its 7 or 8 years. All I know is that lately I have been needing to make changes. I think when you get used to a place or a routine its a good to do something to break out of that. So I took on reorganizing my storage space, bedroom closet, hall closet and kitchen cabinet/drawers. First I went out and bought some supplies. I organize people for a living so I knew a few things would help transform my spaces. As a result I have a great new closet, tossed out a lot, donated some and found some old photos from the past.

Before

After

Some of the best places to get organizing supplies are Target and The Container Store.

One of my photo discoveries from a trip to visit my sister Lori. We climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge. I think this was the mid 90's looking at my hair style. Some of the other photos my hair from the 80's was just too scary to post!

Blizzardalooza 2011

2011-02-05T16:27:00.002-06:00

As most of you know Chicago had a Blizzard this past week. I think the total was 22 inches. There was 60 mile an hour wind gusts and thundersnow and lighting. It was pretty cool and scary at the same time. Got a great workout helping my neighbors shovel out the alley so our cars can get out. Now I am wondering how long it will take to melt, and how do I ship some off to my family in Australia and when is spring going to get here.

Australia Vacation 2011

2011-01-22T13:03:00.003-06:00

Every year I make the long journey for my vacation to visit my sister Lori and her family in Australia. Its summer there which is the perfect time to go and escape the winters here in Chicago.

I love going there because there is so much to do and see beside getting to spend so much time with the family. As I recover from jet leg and being back in the cold frigid winter I look back on what I did while I was there. Unfortunately I got sick right before I left Chicago. My sister took me straight to the clinic not far from their house. I paid a reasonable amount for the doctor to conclude I had an infection. I was given a prescription and sent on my way. I was pretty impressed with the health care system there.

1. Saw really cool show at the world famous Sydney Opera House called Soap. Was amazing show and my first at the Opera House.

2. Went to see an exhibit by Annie Leibovitz at the MCA .
3. Watched movie from New Zealand called Boy outside at the Olympic Park. Was a very sweet film and I miss seeing movies outside.
4. Trip to the Snowy Mountains. Hiked up Mount Kosciusko which is the highest peak in Australia, explored Yarrangobilly caves and took a dip in a natural spring pool.What a beautiful area of Australia!

5. On the way back from the Snowy Mountains we stopped in the capital of Australia which is Canberra. We went to the National Gallery and saw exhibit called Ballet Russes.
6. We then went up to the Central coast and enjoyed a few days at the beach! Can't get enough of the beach and we even saw a school of dolphins.

7. On the way home we stopped at one of Sydney's famous pastery chefs Adriano Zumbo's cafe. Wow! Famous for his macaroons.
Also made a stop at the chocolate place called Belle Fleur. My sweet tooth is satisfied!

I am so grateful to my sister Lori and Russell, Emma, Grace, Kate (extra thanks for letting me sleep in her room), and Adam for letting me stay with them and taking me to see and experience so many fun and exciting things and just being able to relax. I miss them already!!

And I have adopted Lori's annual pick a work for the year and mine is LOVE. Love you guys!

Happy New Year! 2011 Here I Come!

2011-01-02T13:31:00.000-06:00

I don't really make resolutions but I do like to like to think about the year ahead and what I want to accomplish.

1. Smile more.
2. Have a budget and stick to it.
3. Have more adventures.
4. Have more peace.
5. Paint my bedroom a different color and reinvent my living space.
6. Go on a long car trip somewhere I've always wanted to go.
7. Take some martial arts classes.
8. Take some long walks.
9. Eat slower.
10. Live in the moment more.

Hope everyone has a healthy and happy new year.

Top 10 Music Releases 2010.

2010-12-12T13:20:00.001-06:00

This year was a great year for music. So much great new music came out. I got to see a lot of bands in concert and have some great memories.

1. Innerspeaker by Tame Impala
2. Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter
3. This is Happening by LCD Soundsystem
4. Teen Dream by Beach House
5. Total Life Forever by Foals
6. The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
7. Beast Rest Forth Mouth by Bear in Heaven
8. Fields by Junip
9 Broken Bells by Broken Bells
10. High Violet by The National

First Snowfall.

2010-12-05T13:57:00.000-06:00

I love the first snowfall. And this year is the first year I have been trying to run outside all year long. So far has been really great going down to the lake front for my twice a week if I can runs. The area I run has some of the best views of the city and being close to nature and no traffic really keeps me motivated. So the day after it snowed I went out not knowing what to expect. It was about 28 degrees outside the coldest out so far too. I was amazed at how truly beautiful it was. The sky was cloudy with the sun peaking through and the few runners I did see all seemed to be enjoying it. I warmed up about 5 minutes into the run. My fingers were pretty cold though but at the end of the run I was feeling good.

I normally run up this hill at the end of my run but today all the kids were sledding down it so I watched wishing I had a sled! Looks like I may need to invest in one because it looks like so much fun.

Quotes

2010-11-14T09:42:00.000-06:00

I like hearing great advice or a good quote. So many wise and important quotes mean so much in times of joy, sorrow, celebrations, challenges to over come and just living life.

1. Life is either a great adventure or nothing. by Helen Keller

2. "When you reach a fork in the road take it." Yogi Berra

3. “Dance as though no one is watching you. Love as though you have never been hurt before. Sing as though no one can hear you. Live as though heaven is on earth.” by William W. Purkey

4. "Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you I had no control over.” unknown

5. "Life is way too precious & beautiful to let anyone hurt me, make me sad or feel worthless, take my happiness away." Janice Peurrung

6. "Sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you" unknown but heard this a lot from my tour guide Stephen when I traveled through Europe in my early 20's.

7. "I just think with my heart" Kate Field

8. "With Love you find strength, with passion we find joy, in our lives we persevere, we keep going we can fly" Lori Field Peurrung.

9. "Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity. Gilda Radner

10. I've always liked the serenity prayer and never knew the author Reinhold Niebuhr wrote this extended version.

God, grant us the...

Serenity to accept things we cannot change,

Courage to change the things we can, and the

Wisdom to know the difference

Patience for the things that take time

Appreciation for all that we have, and

Tolerance for those with different struggles

Freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the

Ability to feel your love for us and our love for each other and the

Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.

Birthday and Halloween weekend

2010-10-31T16:21:00.000-05:00

My birthday just happens to fall the day before my favorite holiday Halloween. Who doesn't like Halloween. Watching scary movies, eating candle apples, dressing up and eating my favorite candies mini butterfingers and Reese cups. I normally take the day off and do something fun. This year it fell on a Saturday so I took Friday off and decided I needed some kind of pampering. I read about this Korean bath house called King Spa And Sauna. I was just going to enjoy all the sauna rooms and baths but decided I needed a scrub. I got the best scrub/massage and felt like I had been on a vacation when I left after 3 hours. That may become my new birthday ritual.

Bear in Heaven

Friday night I went to a concert with some friends. I had not yet been to this new venue called Lincoln Hall and heard great things about it. Was one of the best venues to see lives music.

On Saturday I went to my favorite places in the city called Garfield Park Conservatory.

Dinner with friends made my Birthday complete.
Thanks everyone for all the Birthday wishes!!

cold season

2010-10-20T11:07:00.000-05:00

You hear this is the time of year for flu shots. I am considering getting one this year. I got a cold that has been going around. Here are some tips to prevent colds and if you get a cold how to feel better.

I try and do these all year round to stay healthy.

1. Wash hands, wash hands and wash hands. Have plenty of lotion and purell hand sanitizer on hand.
2. Drink more tea. Especially green tea which has many healthy things in it.
3. Get plenty of sleep.
4. Try to keep stress to a minimum. I do yoga to help with this.
5. Exercise even if its just walking.
6. Eat well. I don't think eating lots of chips and dip and cookies count. But I'm all for comfort foods in the colder months. I take a one a day vitamin to make sure I get all I need.
7. Laugh A LOT! May not ward off a cold but it will make you feel better. And break stress which will help.
8. Do something fun or pampering for yourself. Once a day if not once a week.
9. Drink plenty of water. I do that all year round but in winter its pretty dry so its important to stay hydrated.
10. I eat more garlic in the colder months. I pretty much put it in every thing I can. Supposed to be good for warding off colds...and vampires!

If you do get a cold:
1. Don't panic. Hopefully when you start to feel it you can do some things to keep it short.
2. Have plenty of kleenex. I love the ones with lotion in them!
3. Take extra vitamin C or drink Emergen C or eat more things that are rich in C.
4. Get plenty of rest and take it easy. Which means slow down or stop working out if you have a fever.
5. I try not to take over the counter stuff but I give in if my symptoms are bad and I need to function or sleep I will take them. I found an old hot toddy recipe that works well at night.
6. Drink water and tea...lots of it! So many good teas out there for colds.
7. I like to take a steam either at the gym or at home. Yes I turn the hot water on and sit in the bathroom.
8. If you have a fever or feel run down best to take the day off of work.
9. If you do stay home wear most comfy warm clothes. Read, watch movie or TV, stare out the window and nap.
10. Be patient and kind to yourself.
11. Oh and chicken soup!!!!!

Fall Field Trip

2010-10-13T20:30:00.001-05:00

I took the day off of work so I could enjoy my favorite season FALL. I wanted to get out of the city and experience some color so my friend recommended Morton Arboretum about an hour from my house. This place is amazing and just what I needed to feel, smell and taste fall.

Pumpkins

2010-10-10T16:19:00.000-05:00

Its that time of year when you see pumpkins everywhere. I'm a big fan of all things pumpkin.

Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin pie
Pumpkin butter
Pumpkin soup
Charlie Brown "The Great Pumpkin"
Pumpkin Ale
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin muffins
Pumpkin Latte
Pumpkin carving
Pumpkin patch
Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkin candles from Tatine

Favorite Things

2010-10-03T17:07:00.001-05:00

I have a favorite things I can't live without. I know Oprah does her favorite things but I don't have enough money to give you all my favorite things so instead I am just going to write about them. Not necessarily in any kind of order

1. My Uggs-yes I know everyone has them. I have to be one of the first to bring them over when visiting my sister and her family in Australia. I only wear mine around the house and to take the trash out. They have lasted me about 15 years and they are the most cozy shoes to wear in winter months.

2. My iphone.

3. Milk and Honey granola. This local breakfast/lunch place makes their own and sells at places all over. I get mine at Whole Foods. I'm waiting for Maggie my niece to make me some of her homemade granola I hear about! I eat it with fruit and yogurt almost everyday for breakfast.

4. Newman's pretzels. I have been a fan of his company and products for a long time. I love that they give so much of the profits to charity. These pretzels have 5 grams protein per serving so they are a great work snack. Great dipping into humus or good mustards too.

5. Tatine Candles. My friend Margo makes the most amazing candles. I light them almost everyday. Pumpkin ones are my favorite this time of year.

6. KEXP radio. Love this Internet radio station. Listen all day at work. I get to hear a lot of new music and some great old stuff too.

7. Apartment Therapy: love this website/blog. I get so some much great information from it.

8. This warm fuzzy blanket I got a Target few years ago. Great for snuggling up on the sofa.

9. Yogi tea. I drink some coffee usually a soy latte once or twice a week but I try and drink more tea. I love that they have quotes at the end of the string of the tea bag. They are so inspirational to read.

Says "True Understanding is Found Trough Compassion"

10. Lucas Pawpaw ointment: This stuff is amazing. I do not go anywhere without it. I bring back some every time I go to Australia and pass on to my friends I love it so much. Use it on my lips and hands when they are dry. Great for the winter months.

What are some of our favorite things?

A Day in the Country.

2010-09-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

I was invited view weeks ago to visit an old friend I haven't seen in a some time who now lives in Valparaiso Indiana. Its about an hour east of Chicago. I was ready for some time outside the city. See I love Chicago but sometimes city life can burn me out. I love this time of year and I have been so busy a nice day in the country and a bike ride sounded perfect. Was nice to have fresh air, beautiful scenery, sounds of birds, no traffic and no one to run me over.
It was my first bike ride in Indiana and I laugh because I was never sure why Indian was called the Hoosier state?

Lesson and Signs

2010-09-18T17:34:00.000-05:00

This year for me has been full of reflection. Not sure if that is mid life or just the things that happened this year or both. I really try and find the meaning of things and its not always easy to do. I look for signs to tell me things will be ok or give me strength to get through. I was out with some friends Friday after work doing our weekly ritual of getting together to talk, laugh and and have some drinks. I got a call from my neighbor that my building was on fire but that it was on the south side of the building. I live on the north side. Some workers who had been doing work on the roof accidently set the roof on fire. I have been through a fire before so it was strange I didn't want to rush home because I didn't want to experience the trauma of seeing the building I live in flames as all the neighbors watch. I knew no one was hurt so I decided to stay and enjoy my friends. Some may think that is avoidance or denial but I knew I couldn't do anything and I would deal with whatever I had to when I returned home. I was very lucky as others were not. My condo only smelt like smoke and I didn't have electric for 12 hours. I can handle that though it did bring back memories of the first time. I woke up the next morning and went to my yoga class and the new art work on the walls were these paintings of beautiful birds. There was also a really great thunderstorm during class. Those signs brought me peace. My friend Terry who is Jewish told me last night was the holiday Yom Kippur. And that they fast after sunset and reflect on the past year. I like that and hope that all that I experience with the support and love of my friends and family makes me a better and stronger person.

Labor Day

2010-09-06T19:56:00.000-05:00

They say its the official last weekend of summer. I decided to spend mine with my family in St. Louis. My first road trip there in a very long time. I normally fly there so my 5 year old car with only 25,000 miles on it was excited and so was I. I wondered on my drive how Labor Day holiday came about.

Things I did in St. Louis: some time by the pool, eating, went for a run with my brother Pete around Creve Coeur lake. local brew pub Schlafly Brewing, bike ride, St. Louis Cardinal Game vs. Cincinnati Reds, more eating and drinking. The weather was perfect all weekend and enjoyed spending time with my family. Thanks everyone for all the fun! Mom for all the cooking, Pete for treating the beers and Dad for getting my car washed/gassed up. Great way to end my summer and bring on fall!!

Closing Out Summer

2010-08-29T15:41:00.001-05:00

Oh the last days of summer. Oh so sad to see it go. But Fall is my favorite time of year...sorry summer. I will miss summer for being able to swim my laps outside, biking to work, the extra daylight, flip flops, seasonal fruits and veggies, outdoor dining and festivals. I had a pretty good summer but they do always seem to fly by. I still feel like I'm going back to school and feel the need to buy new clothes and get school supplies. I look back on the list of what I wanted to do at the beginning of summer and I did a lot but still have a few things to do. Next weekend I will be visiting my family in St. Louis so I hope I can get a few of them in while I'm there. Here are some photos of the summer.

My other bike/vintage Schwinn

Outside Lands Music Festival Lucky Winner!

2010-08-17T20:49:00.003-05:00

So I love to enter contest. I enter spa trips cause I just want to be pampered somewhere really cool, sometime to win some kind of cool prize but mostly I enter to win a trip to a music festival or a concert. I want to travel more and I am a huge music geek so I figure if I ever win then I could do both. I never think I'm going to win just fun to dream. So when I entered a contest on facebook for apple/itunes trip to this music festival in San Francisco I never dreamed I would win but I got a phone call/email and was pretty much in shock till I left for the airport and realized it was real.

So I got picked up from the airport in a limo which was so amazing. We stayed at the St. Francis Weston right on the square downtown San Francisco which is a beautiful historic hotel.

I brought my friend John along because I've known him for a very long time and I used to bring him to shows all the time when I worked in the music business and got free tickets. He loves music as much as I do. I must say San Francisco had perfect fall like weather and it felt so good after being in hot Chicago all summer. And as I pointed out to my friend no mosquitoes or flies which was a shock to him but an added bonus for us as we walked around enjoying the sites. The first night John got a recommendation for this natural wine bar called Terroir Natural Wine Merchant. Had this great rustic feel and they played records which is always a treat. We were hungry so the owner suggested checking out the food truck across the street called Chez Spencer . They helped us pick a wine that went really well with our food. We enjoyed meeting new people and our first night was a complete success.

Next morning we were ready to head to the Outside Lands. We met our wonderful host Melody and her fiance Nick and headed to the festival. We had VIP so I was loving the nice restrooms and beverage/ lounging area. The festival is held in Golden Gate Park which is breathtaking. I could not believe how tall the trees were and couldn't ask for a better backdrop to see some great music.

Local Vineyards Tent

VIP area

The weekend was amazing and one I will never forget. Great place, great bands, great food, great people and what an adventure we had. Thanks so much to everyone involved in making my weekend so special. I am very lucky!!

Day 1:
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars-full of energy
Levon Helm Band-great country sounds
Bassnector
My Morning Jacket
Tokyo Police Club-loved them really got the crowd going
Wolfmother
Cat Power
The Stokes

Day 2:
Amos Lee
Soft Pack-fun
The Temper Trap- Australia guys who really know how to rock. My favorite of the fest.
Al Green
Chromeo- Did some dancing.
Phoenix- French guys who knew they could be so good
Social Distortion
Kings of Leon

My Nieces and Nephews.

2010-08-08T13:57:00.000-05:00

I think I have some of the best nieces and nephews. Ok maybe I am biased but really they are all great and have the Peurrung quality of goofiness, competitiveness, and best smiles out there! I can't say enough about how great their parents did raising them and its always a joy to be around them. I'm one lucky aunt.

My oldest brother Pete/Janice's Kids
Emily: The oldest and smartest of the bunch. You were such a good kid and have grown into a beautiful woman. You married a great guy! And you remind me so much of your mom. Elegance and grace.

Michael: Great sense of humor of both your parents and first boy. You got the artistic and math gene. Lucky you! You and Laura make a great team. You always have a way of making everyone laugh. You love beer!

Maggie: Your dad always says you remind him of me. I don't know if that is good or bad. I think good. You like order, klutzy, music, photography and kind of goof! Don't worry you won't grow out of it if your anything like me!

My sister Lori/Russel's kids:
Grace: Other twin. You are your namesake. Elegant and smart. I love watching you get on point in your ballet shoes. Your postcard collection is amazing and love all the Jane Austin type period movie/books. So I guess that makes you a romantic.

Emma: Twin 2. Your outgoing, creative and always watching out for people. Your great soccer player. And you love those Vampire, Sci-Fi, Fantasy type books/movies. So guess that makes you a dreamer.

Kate: The old soul who always says the most interesting things. Your mom called them katisms and I love that your so curious and kind. And your room is so much more clean that your sisters!

Adam: Cheeky boy you are. You have to survive with 3 older sisters. You love sports and games. And oh the Lego's!!

My Brother Steve/Sharon's kids:

Jack: Your just like your dad. Quiet and mischievous. Great at sports. You love to be outside!

Daniel: Youngest of them all. He is a boy full of energy, silly and has no fear.

My sister Julie/Jim's kids:
Spencer: Calm and easy going. Can eat a lot! You love sports and play well with others.

Megan: You love to swim and your really great at it. Your so sweet and cute. You have such a pretty bedroom!

Who Doesn't Love Flowers!

2010-08-02T21:24:00.001-05:00

I can't tell you how much I love giving and getting flowers. They brighten up your day and make you feel good to get them. I try to buy them when I can especially at the farmers market or in the dead of winter when having something so beautiful and alive in my house make me feel warm and happy.

Flowers remind me of so many things, people, places and events in my life. I will always remember my sister in law Janice for the great arrangements and love of flowers she passed on to those around her.


From my nephew Micheal's wedding-they are on my desk at work


From my niece's Emily's wedding

My favorite flowers are tuberose which smell very fragrant just as the sun sets. I also love Lilly's because they smell really amazing and are so big and bright. But really I love them all!

Food Glorious Food!

2010-07-25T10:21:00.001-05:00

I don't know what it is but I really enjoy taking photos of food. Fresh produce, something I made at home, eating out, or at a street fest. There is something very artistic about the way it looks. If I could only capture the smell.

I am not a picky eater except I don't like cake or most sweets which I don't know where I got that since both my parents love sweets. I will eat almost anything once. I once ate monkey brains while on a trip in Europe, snails, alligator, frogs legs and shark. Whether its in my car, on my bike, sitting at the beach I love the smells coming from restaurants, peoples homes or BBQ. Though I don't like the smell of Korean food or some Eastern European food. I guess its a acquired smell.

We had a round table when I was growing up so my deaf sister could try and follow our conversations. It reminded me of the Brady Bunch. As a family we almost always ate our meals together. I wasn't a big fan of my mom's cooking (sorry mom) so I would give the dog my food or move it around my plate looking like I was done. "Can't leave the table till your all done."
I think my nieces in Australia adopted my tactic. During Lent on Fridays we couldn't eat meat so my mom made fish sticks with macaroni and cheese or cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. I love my mom's Thanksgiving when the house would smell so amazing. Turkey, my grandmothers dressing, monkey bread, yams, cranberries and mashed potatoes with home made gravy. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

I have favorite foods I could eat all the time. Chips and dip, really good pizza, cheese, bread, fresh strawberries, corn on the cob...the list could go on.

Going to the farmers markets in the summer is the best! There is one here in Chicago called Green City Market that is supposed to be one of the best with lots of organic produce, meats, cheeses and breads.

Green
City Market

Family selling produce off the back of their truck

I think food really is the ritual of life. We gather with friends and family to share something that comes from the earth made with love. We eat to give us comfort, energy, and nourishment to keep us alive. I can think of nothing better than sharing a meal with my friends or family!

Pitchfork Weekend.

2010-07-19T16:27:00.000-05:00

Pitchfork music festival is three days of great music, seeing some new friends and some old friends, sunshine, heat, beer, water, some food, dancing, sunscreen, sing alongs, and so much more. I've been going to this festival since it began and always seem to enjoy hanging out with different groups of friends all enjoying the music together in the hot summer sun of Chicago. This year 2 of the three days were sold out so it was really packed. I say every year not sure I will go back but I keep doing so. Was also great to have my niece Maggie up for one day. She seemed to enjoy her first music festival and I think she may just come back! I'm only sorry I didn't get a photo of us together! Maybe next year? Also thanks to my friend Carter who got me a pass for the weekend! Rocking good time! Thanks everyone for another fun festival.

Scars

2010-07-11T10:29:00.001-05:00

My favorite part of one of my favorite movies Jaws is the scene when they compare scars. One trying to out do the other to see who had the best or worst scar and the story of how they got it. I think scars are cool because there is always a great story behind them and they mark a moment in your life you can't erase sort of like a tattoo but not one you chose. I think some of my scars happened when I was too young to remember and people have to tell me how I got them. Like the one over my eye which I was told our dog bit me.

The one on my head which you can't see and not sure how many stitches but my sister had to tell me she shut the car door on my head. She says she didn't do it on purpose which we both laugh about now. One on my leg I got from falling off a bunk bed though I think my brother pushed me off.

One I have on my knee I fell out of my car trying to reach for something I dropped and my knee landed on a rock. I was getting to leave for my grandfathers funeral in Ohio. The worst one is the one I have on the top of my right rear thigh. I was about 7 I think and a girl in my neighborhood ran into me with her bike fender. I had over 100 stitches inside and out. I have 3 scars 2 on my back and one on my upper arm from having moles removed to test for cancer. They turned out OK but I wear sunscreen religiously and a hat. I'm a klutz so it seems I do have a bunch. I also think my lines on my face are also like scars that tell me I've lived and that is part of aging. Some scars are not visible to the eye but can have a lasting memory. A smell or seeing someone or something can trigger that memory. Those scars can heal with time and hopefully aren't as painful as when you first experienced them. Do you have a scar and a good story to go with it?

Red, White and Blue

2010-07-05T16:21:00.001-05:00

When I think of the 4th I think of fireworks, BBQ, parades, red white and blue everything, apple pie, being with family and friends, flags and sparklers. I did decorate my bike when I was a a kid and won a Polaroid camera. Since living through a 4th of July fire in the apartment I was living at the time I try and create new fun memories but I'm still like one of those dogs who does not like hearing their neighborhood exploding all night long. I would sleep in the bathtub or under the bed if I could escape all the noise. This year we did a quick trip up to Milwaukee on the 3rd which was my first time there. Its an amazing city and had a ton of fun with my friends Margo and Monica.
We stayed at The Iron Horse which was so amazing.

Harley Davidson is based here so you see and hear a lot of motorcycles.
We ate and drank our way through Summer Fest.

Which is this very large music festival right on the lake. They had fireworks that went on for an hour or so while we watched Peter Frampton sing. Sure did bring back memories of high school.

Thanks Margo and Monica!

Sleep!

2010-06-26T14:34:00.001-05:00

Sleep we all need it and we all love to sleep. At least I do! When I was little I remember having bad dreams like every other kid afraid of things I didn't understand. I really do think your dreams tell you a lot about what your going through. Fear, happiness, loss, frustration, anger. I often look up what my dreams symbolize. I dream a lot from time to time about tornadoes. Not just because I'm fascinated by them but because they symbolize not having control over things in your life.

I used to sleep really well up until a few years ago then I developed insomnia which is not fun for a sleeper like me. They say that can happen with age. I try and do things at night that help me sleep better. Sorry counting sheep does not help because the sheet are kind of noisy. Yoga, eating light at dinner, meditate, don't watch any TV before bed especially news or crime dramas, no intense books that might keep me awake, using lavender lotion, writing, talking to someone and lately I've been using this iphone app that simulates the rain. The sound of the rain always helps me sleep.

Also don't sleep in much since I usually wake up really early. But every once in a while if I'm really tired or I can clear my mind and its nice and cozy I can fall back asleep at least for another hour or 2.

I have tried to make my bedroom as cozy as possible since its probably the biggest bedroom I've ever had. soft pillows and sheets, soft lighting, books next to my bed, water, candles from Tatine.

BOOKS

2010-06-20T11:27:00.001-05:00

I think I have always been a big reader. I inherited my love of reading from my dad who reads a lot of books especially when we went on vacation when I was growing up. I also tend to read a lot when I'm on vacation. Sitting in the sun at the beach or a cozy chair at home in the winter months. My favorite author when I was young was Judy Bloom. I also like the Little House on the Prairie series. I remember reading comic books, romance, adventures, classics and mysteries. Now I read all kinds of books but my favorites are historical fiction. Devil in The White City and Loving Frank are two in recent memory that I really enjoyed. Both take place in and around Chicago and I learn so much about what it was like during different times in our history and how people lived.

I've been in a book group for over 10 years now. We have a great mix of amazing woman all with their own individual stories and amazing lives. When we get together sometimes we discuss the book and have insightful discussions. What we liked or didn't like, if the writing was good, if the characters were interesting, if it brought to another place and time, what we learned or what pissed us off. I think our record for discussion is about 30 minutes. It can get pretty lively depending on how much wine we consume. We have shared laughter, tears, hardships, adventures, and some very frank discussions about life and the world.

Reading is a passion of mine and has helped me get through different phases of my life. I enjoy learning about the world around me, the people, the places and the lessons of life. There is no better way to gain knowledge and insight by just being still and immersing yourself in a good book. What is your favorite book and how did it influence your life.

This blog is dedicated to my father because it fathers day and he influenced my love of reading. Thanks Dad!

Games We Love To play

2010-06-05T10:20:00.000-05:00

Games I play now and when I was a kid: Ghost in the Graveyard, Red Rover, Red Light Green Light, Tag, Kickball, Dodge ball, Monopoly, Kick the Can, Clue, Spin the Bottle, Quarters, I Never, Left Right Center, Boggle, and my all time favorite Scrabble. I love Scrabble even though I am the worlds worst speller okay maybe not the worst but really how do I play when I can't spell? But somehow I manage and still have fun. I don't win very often because I play with people who are very competitive but still make it fun especially the times you spell silly or dirty words that get you a lot of points! And a lot of laughs. Games keep you young, expand your mind, let you have fun with people and drive you nuts in a good way hopefully.

I also like puzzles and once I start one can't seem to pry me away till I'm done. The vintage ones are the best. What kind of games do you like to play?

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-29T18:56:00.000-05:00

Always welcome a 3 day weekend! This holiday marks the beginning of the summer season which reminds me of swimming outside, bbq, street festivals, baseball games, picnics, going to the beach, eating lots of ice cream, air conditioning at the movies, sweat in places you don't want to talk about, fireworks, fresh fruits and veggies, weekend get away, and spending time with friends and family. But its also a weekend to remember. I never really knew the history of the day and decided to read about it. I remember all those who have come into my life and are no longer with me. Their spirit is always with me and gives me peace so I appreciate all I have and just enjoy it.

Bike Rides

2010-05-29T13:35:00.003-05:00

I love my bike rides. I ride as much as possible in the summer and love the smells. In the morning its coffee and donuts and other parts of the day its spices, bbq, hot dogs, flowers, fresh cut grass and some not so great smells which I will not bring up. Sunrise rides are really cool. Nothing better than seeing a sunrise along the lake. Yes I know 5:00 am is pretty early but you get to see the most interesting people and things. I saw a guy running without shoes, a few walk of shames, and a few who were looking for some paid action, street people looking for food and sleeping where they can.

Love seeing the sailboats, the birds, the shirtless men running doesn't hurt either, the views are spectacular, the golf course along the lake I'm always afraid of a stray ball hitting me some day, a stop at the dog beach is always fun. Watching the dogs play and run around. I've chased a thief on my bike who I watched steal someones bike who was laying down resting and wasn't paying attention. I didn't catch him but I'm sure I scared him some! Also had to give a cyclist CPR who went down right in front of me. That was really scary. I'm glad I knew how. Saw a guy taking a nap in a grocery cart and a man riding his bike with a giant inner tube around his waist. I don't know how he did it without falling off!

I try and commute to work most of the summer so give my car a rest and be outside as much as possible gets me through the day. I have been hit a few times in the past but never had any serious injuries thank goodness. I did think about changing my profession to stunt woman once. Have to be really careful in the city. When I ride out in the country so much easier and free and really more relaxing. I have an old Schwinn I ride for fun rides and its like being a kid again. Love the freedom it gives me and never have to worry about parking!!

Go Team!

2010-05-18T17:29:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel like my life is like a sporting event. Sometimes I play amazing and everything falls into place. Nothing or no one can stop me. Other times I can't seem to get past the lineman and fall flat on m face. I just hope if I'm injured I will heal fast and get back in the game. And if I have a bad day or miss that pass my team won't be mad at me. But when I score that winning goal with just seconds to go my team will high five me and its the best feeling in the world. Fight to the end.

Summer List

2010-05-17T16:50:00.005-05:00

Things I want/will do this summer:

Play Putt Putt Golf.
Surf lake Michigan.
Skip work go to a Cubs game-I'm a Cardinal and Reds fan so would be nice if it was one of those teams they play. Sorry Cubs fans!
Long bike ride in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Go to Pitchfork music fest.
Visit my family (Austin, St. Louis & Algonquin)
Volunteer
Give 50 hugs in one day.
Kayak along the lake front.
Canoe Chicago River.
Tour Half ACRE, 3Floyds and Two Brothers. Learn more about beer.
Hit the farmers markets as much as possible.
Cook a meal for my friends
Go to street/music festivals
join a team or goup
work on my novel
get a new job or 2nd job
go to a drive in movie
Take more photos
help a friend in need
take a class on blogs
find/talk to someone I haven't seen in a long time
get better at playing scrabble
grow herbs
go sailing and not get sea sick

If anyone would like to join or help me please feel free!

New Adventures

2010-05-16T18:41:00.011-05:00

Being single in the city I have to try new things in order to meet new people/potential dates/networking. I need to have something to talk about Monday at work! This past weekend I did this thing called Mac and Cheese Minglers. The talented host name is Saya and she used to host dinner parties for singles and now she just does parties. She puts together a great mix of people all who don't know each other in her spacious loft which used to be a toy factory. She assigns snacks/drinks to each person to bring. I made basil dip. The evening started with the game where you get a celebrity/famous person posted on your back and you have to guess who you are based on asking others yes or no questions.
Then she separated us into three groups and first we had to introduce ourselves to the whole group, where we grew up, where we went to college and what we do for living. Then each group got a list of 7 questions and we picked the person who gave the best answer to tell to the whole group after our individual groups finished. Was a great way to learn about people and hear some really great stories. Once that is over people are free to "mingle". Was a lot of fun getting to know new people. One guy met Michael Jackson when he was a kid, another woman is planning a trip around former Soviet Union states for a year, one did a blacksmith class for several months in the Appalachians, one met the president when she was working in Afghanistan. Everyone had their own unique story and have lived pretty amazing lives. I will definitely do it again.

I live near an area of the city called Ravenswood Manor (Ex Govenor Blagojevich not sure if he still lives there-if those walls could talk).
Area has some really nice old bungalows and beautiful gardens and is right along the Chicago river. On Sunday the neighborhood holds one of the oldest and largest garage sales in the city. My friend Chris ended up with an amazing 50's style lamp and we both found some old vintage post cards. Was a great way to spend a beautiful Sunday morning walking and looking through all the junk and some treasures.

Skyward

2010-05-08T16:34:00.002-05:00

I have always been intrigued by the weather. I consider myself a weather nerd. When I saw the Wizard of Oz I was scared and fascinated at the same time with tornadoes. I want to go storm chasing someday so I can see one... yes I know a bit strange! I also take a lot of photos of clouds and sunrises/sunsets. I'm superstitious about the full moon and that it follows me, brings me luck and makes some a little crazy. When I go on a trips to Michigan or camping seeing the galaxy and all the stars is one of those things that takes my breathe away. Something about the power of the sky I always seem to want to look at it, wonder about it and think who might be up there watching over me. I make wishes when I see a falling star which has happened a few times.

View from my office window. I really appreciate my window and daydream staring at the sky.

Plane rides are the best places to view the sky. So peaceful.

Chicago has some amazing sky just after or before a storm.

Last trip to Australia 2010. Grace my niece who lives there shares my passion of clouds.

Storm clouds are some of my favorite kind of clouds.

This blog is dedicated to moms. Those who are are in my life and those who have passed on and those yet to be moms. May your wisdom and love always shine down upon us.

Music is My Passion

2010-05-02T09:19:00.000-05:00

I've always been very passionate about music and it gets me through some difficult times. It lifts me up and makes me smile. It puts me in the mood when I clean the house or drive around in my car doing errands singing and playing it really loud. It enables me to have a really good cry too. Music reminds you of times in your life good or bad but it strikes memories that make you feel something. Its funny I got some post on facebook recently from some high school friends who remember me driving them around in the big station wagon I drove listening to 8 tracks of REO or ELO. Was nice that they remembered that after all these years.

The first time I DJ at college radio station KJHK I was so scared I would mess up but once I found all this music I could play I loved it. There is no better feeling of cuing up a record and taking requests knowing you were making people happy who were listening. When I went to some of my first shows in college I was blown away about how much talent these bands had and skipped studying for a test to see the Pixies when their first album came out.

When I worked at the music store when I first moved to Chicago I used to drag my friend John to a lot of shows because I would get free tickets. We saw a lot of great shows together. I loved working at the record store getting exposed first hand to new music and getting lots of free promos didn't hurt either.

I remember my nieces in Australia when we saw an outdoor show of a band they loved getting them up close to the front and seeing how exciting it was for them to see a band so close was really fun for me to get to share that memory with them. I got to go to a Red Rocks in Denver a few years ago with my friend Anna. I always dreamed of going there since I saw the U2 live in Red Rocks video on MTV in the 80's. It was a magical night of seeing the bands The Black Keys and My Morning Jacket up in the mountains overlooking Denver on a clear crisp full moon evening.

I still love discovering new music and going to live shows. I have so many memories of my life and the music I was listening to at the time. A first kiss, a new boyfriend, a breakup, a road trip, a festival of music, a wedding, a funeral, a small dinner party, a birthday, a dance or a great party. I hope music can continue to inspire and make memories of my life and I hope I can continue to share those memories with the people I love. I recently saw a show where it was so good it gave me goosebumps. I love when that happens. It makes me feel lucky to be alive!

Amy's Day Off

2010-04-25T08:44:00.001-05:00

Friday I decided to take the day off, play hooky, take a mental heath day whatever you like to call it. I was due for one! I get a lot of sick days at work and generally I like to plan something for the day that is if I'm not actually sick. If its winter I like to just stay in bed for a while, watch bad TV, drink tea and read magazines all day. If its nice out I like to go for long bike ride, read at a cafe outside or go to the beach. So Friday I decided to first do some garden work-boy does my condo yard have a lot of weeds!

Then went to my favorite cafe for lunch called Milk and Honey had this amazing cream of mushroom soup with truffle oil and some home made lemonade which went perfectly together.

After I went to go work with my friend Margo at her studio. She makes these amazing soy/bees wax candles. I enjoyed the afternoon helping her out boxing up candles for shipping. I love working at her studio is smells so good, in the spring smells like flowers and nature! Her studio is so warm and inviting with rock posters everywhere and great tunes playing on the stereo. We laugh and sing and talk about life. I would love to quit my job and work for her..maybe someday!
Tatine Candles

To end out the day I then meet my friends for Friday drink "meeting" . They decided to go to this place called Rainbo. When I first moved here to Chicago it was the bar I went to the most. Its this dark bar with the windows blacked and old stage behind the bar and great old booths to cozy up in. It used to be one of the smokiest bars around late at night. Its so much better smoke free! They change the art work up on the walls and this time they had some strange ventriloquist paintings like Charlie McCarthy and Howdy Doody. It was so creepy and I felt like I was in some kind of Steven King movie. Was nice to catch up with friends and listen to some old 80's music oh and they have a photo booth!

Sometimes you just need to take a work day off and do something fun!

Funny

2010-04-17T15:10:00.000-05:00

I love to swim. Its something I've done since I was very young. I have so many memories of spending time at the neighborhood pool with my friends smelling like chlorine, getting goggle marks on my eyes and eating ice cream every chance I could. I was on the swim team when I was 6.

I loved swim meets eating jello out of the box to give us energy. It would turn your fingers whatever the color of the flavor of jello. My mom saved my ribbons I won and I still have some of them. Now I swim about a mile a week and its my favorite workout because I don't have to worry about sweating. It feels like mediation when I'm gliding through the water. About 6 years ago I discovered a radio you could get that was waterproof so I could enjoy music while swimming. Then I discovered ipod waterproof containers so I can listen to my favorite tunes while swimming. It really helps motivate me and I even sing to myself underwater! Only problem is swimming makes me very hungry so I always want to eat a bag of chips when I'm done!

My sister and her kids in Australia don't see to many VW Beatles over there so when they see one they do that whole punch buggy thing. Being a kid at heart myself several years ago I have been spotting this pink pig bug car and couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw it. I told my sister and her family about it and they loved that someone would do that. One time I was on my bike and I heard this oinking sound in the distance and it was the car! I was cracking up and almost fell off my bike. I finally found this photo on line and wanted to share it.

pink pig car by funnybunnytoes

2010-04-11T08:08:00.000-05:00

Has been really nice spring here in Chicago so far. Though we did have a really cold day this week and saw some light snow flakes. Everything is starting to bloom. I love spring here since our winters are so long. Just being outside and feeling the sun is such a gift. For the things that have happened to my family recently I cherish these days even more. When I'm on my runs or bike rides listening to new music I think about how lucky I am to have such great friends and family. Some highlights from the week. Seeing Robbie Fulks play at my favorite venue THE HIDEOUT. He is playing every Monday night at 7 which makes it easy to get home early on a week night.

Tried Bikram yoga which is a series of yoga poses done in a room about 95 or something. Feels like a sauna and its very challenging. I think I like the normal yoga better but good for me to try something new.

My friends and I have our after work "meetings" every Friday where we get together at different bars and share our weeks stories and just laugh and have some fun. This week was the Map Room

which was packed because a beer convention for craft beers was going on so lots of beer geeks on hand and some free samples and food. We had to leave to relocate because some of our friends couldn't get in because the bar was full so we went to our old standby The Green Eye. My friend Bill will need to scout some new locations for the spring/summer season because we like to be outside. Last night I went the Hideout again and saw a sold out show from a musician Bill Callahan. It was just him and his guitar. Everyone was so into it and not a sound from the crowd. His songs are really sad about loss, love, family and he sings a lot about birds and trees. I enjoyed it though I felt like I needed a shot of whiskey when it was over. Spent my Sunday going to see my friend Carter who is selling records at this record fair. I love looking through old albums brings back memories! And ended up at one of my favorite lunch spots Milk and Honey.

2010-04-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

Starting a blog not really sure why. I'm a 40 something single person looking for adventures. I don't always know what I'm doing. Gee I need all the help I can get most of the time! I don't think your ever too old to learn something. I'm looking for any inspiration and I find it in everyday people, places and things. Music has always been a part of my life and I try to find new bands and spread my discoveries. My friends and family are very important to me and help me create so many memories and share the good and the difficult times. At the end of the day I am grateful for so many things.