Beginning of the Beginning. Chicago Style with Corn...

This week has thankfully been much better than last week already.
Wednesday night I went and cut most of my hair off in response to the bird in the face....
I decided it was a pleasant end to a dreadful few days.

Through the rest of last week and the start of this one, Keith and I have begun the process of visiting the places and people we love.  Unfortunately, there are too many great people and places to see and share them all.  Our time table and budget can't take it.

As we ready the house and our overwhelming piles of stuff for our new adventure, we say, "so long," to Chicago as we've known it.

There is a little bit of melancholy in all the lasts.
Saturday Keith and I had our sixth anniversary dinner at Shaw's.  We shared fabulous oysters (didn't use to like those), martinis, and selections from the sea.  We chatted and talked about the future- as well as the oddity of having to leave things and loved ones behind in the process.

I am incredibly grateful for the time Chicago has given me and my family.  I have loved the long days in the sun, the walks through Andersonville with friends, and the shared excitement in festivals, parties and shows. The opportunities in both experience and food, and the family I've built here.

When I moved to Chicago, it was December 2002.  I graduated early from school in Kansas City Missouri with a theater degree. Keith came and picked me up in a UHaul.  (I was so eager to move, I skipped walking in my graduation ceremony. ) Keith and I rolled into town on a sunny but cold day - December 18th.  We drove our little UHaul with my meager possessions into Uptown to our first apartment together.  We spent two days in Chicago before heading to Wisconsin to see my family, then to Texas for Christmas.

In January, when we returned I hit the ground applying.... downtown padding the streets... steakhouse after steakhouse, I applied for positions waiting tables.  I was so excited, and naive.  I'd purchased the smallest purse possible- I didn't want,  "to get robbed on the el," my wallet is now bigger than that darn purse.

I began auditioning right away too.  I was told by one of Keith's friends who was an actress that it'd probably take me years to get a part in this town.  So, of course I was thrilled when I was cast in the first play that I auditioned for (oh, I got turned down for a bunch that week too- BUT, I should have known something was up).  I was cast in the play, "Dazed and Cornfuzed," at the Cornservatory.  (side note- dear young Chicago actors- run, screaming.)

I was cast as a dominatrix (fully clothed, not to worry), who's day job was as a barista at Starbucks.  I also had a lovely cameo as a dancing poo.

You read that right.

Poo.

Each day I worked waiting tables at Petterinos, (an upscale restaurant next to the Goodman- I had to wear a tux and bow tie. lame.), then would rush home, say hi to Keith, and jump back on the el for rehearsals.  The first time I went on the el to rehearsal- I accidentally took the purple line and ended up in Evanston.  Whoops.

When the show began, my parents came down to see me perform.  They of course were glowing with pride.....

that is, until they saw me as the poo.

Dressed in a trash bag, covered with fake corn attached to my bodice.
I shimmied and shook to the song, "Corn in my Poo."
You now understand why I am telling people to run away screaming right?
We were supposed to perform for 3 weeks, but probably only went on 10 times, since we had to have an audience of 5 to perform.
It was like pulling teeth.

I think I even made the poster.

As we leave the city, these are some of the things I'm leaving behind and raising up as an offering to all those just starting their journey.

More stories from the marks we've left on Chicago to come. . . .

Sleep well.

A Pantload of Horchata and a Bird in the Face.

That's right.  A description of my night last night.

Yesterday was great for all intensive purposes.  The house terms are final... we officially have all the details worked out.  Earnest money in, inspection and radon - check.  Negotiations complete.

Our new address will be coming to you all soon- we'll be moving August 4th, and signing the final documents on the 5th.  Craziness, yes.

This week has been an exercise in enthusiasm and continued belief in the positive things.

Monday August and I headed out to the doctor to check the staples in his head from last Friday...
On the way there, we got a flat tire.  After waiting for AAA to come, a good samaritan helped me put flat stop in the tire and get me to a service station.  I filled the tire and went in search of a place that could quickly replace my tire with the donut and get me on the way home so I could make school on time.  I found a great place- Acorn Tire, at the corner of McCormick and Lincoln.  Helpful gentlemen said they'd have me on the road in 30 minutes, and repair the tire by the afternoon.

Happily I crossed the street to get August some water to beat the heat.  Well, I got beat instead.  I tripped, while carrying August, and we both went down hard.  I tried to protect him on the way down, and the 10 second fall seemed like an hour of personal freak out- worried about his staples -please oh please don't hit your head baby.....

Knees and elbows bloodied, Kneecap badly bruised.  August, a small scrape and bump - -thankfully escaping with a minor scared cry.  Now shaking uncontrollably, I limp back to the tire store to tell them there is no rush, I need to get cleaned up, and want to get the baby checked by his doctor before I go to school.  Two bumps on the head is two too many in my opinion.

Needless to say, the rest of the day was a bit hectic.  Knees cleaned and bandaged thanks to the manager of the tire store.  August checked by doctor- he's great. Busy, but great. Tire repaired- thankfully, no need to buy a new one.  Home late in the afternoon, school missed. Geez.

So, then that night I noticed that the water stain on the baby's ceiling had grown.  I don't know where it's from, so I text the tenant upstairs... Turns out her ait conditioner has been leaking on the floor- the entire floor in her bedroom is warped, and the ceiling in our sons room has a giant water stain.  Great.  Just Great.  Keith changed out the ac for an old one of ours, we checked the now wavy floor, and retreated to our apartment.

So, we're cool.

Tuesday, we rest.  Go to school, limp around, negotiate the building. No roof fixing, no new water heater.... but they'll throw in a washer and dryer.  Fine. Deal. Stress, but deal.

Wednesday, morning is great!!! We get an estimate on the move, make a mess, and head to school.
Post school AJ and I have a dinner date with my friend Monica.  August throws a hissy in the restaurant, kicking and screaming (nothing was wrong), and refuses to sit at the table.  He sits under the table, throwing things and trying to run around the restaurant.  Needless to say it was hard to chat with Monica (sorry dear!).  Trying to calm August, I put him on my lap and he's kicking and screaming (again, nothing is wrong with him- he's fed, has water and juice, food to eat, and a great place to sit with toys and friends), in his anger, he grabs his Horchata and throws it all over us. My pants and underwear are soaked, the floor tiles are slimy, the baby bag full of ice, rice, and flavored milk.

The waitress ignores us.

Screaming baby, Horchata filled lap, horrified friend.  Calmly we wait for a to go container...
Packaged food, walk down the street. Kind goodbyes and apologies.
Walking towards car, giggling at my misfortune.

That's when the bird flew into my face.
Seriously.

Today's a new day, right?

Last week in Chicago- A picture diary.

I've been a bad little blogger, busily out in Chicagoland, running errands, sharing beverages and mothering to the best of my abilities.

Looking back, it's been a great week......in pictures.

August and Keith at "Aqua Babies."

Sunday, Aqua Babies started the week out with a splash.  

Monday- August and I began collecting notecards for school 

next year.  On the way, we happened by a park and enjoyed a ride

on a busy bee.  Monday night I packed my closet and most of our

kitchen.  

Tuesday after school some girls came over to make amazing creations. 

Here's an example of one of my students' pieces from summer school. 

We felted, fimo'ed, and raised a glass.  What fun! 

Yep.  That's me, and a pole, at Flirty Girl Fitness.  Kaytee Kavanaugh 

showed me the ropes as we twirled, swirled, and dropped it like it was hot.

Or in my case, luke warm. 

Still Wed, after dance class, I headed home through the West Loop.  

I passed this scene, and was inspired to stop and grab a picture of this 

lovely sunset.  

I also made a quick stop at Stanley's fruit market.  I love that place.

Thursday, August and I stacked foam for jewelry class, 

throwing a ball to knock it down, and starting again.

Thursday night Karyn, Kyle and I went to Ravinia, and literally

got "shuusssshed," into submission during the classical concert. 

I couldn't believe that so many people could sit completely silently

during the concert.  We headed to Fat Cat for a beverage and chat to 

soothe our souls. 

Uh Oh, that's right. Our first trama.  Courtney and her friend Elaine came to 

visit for the weekend.  First, we went out for a great German dinner at 

Lashettes. (So Fun!)  Not even home five minutes, August was at the table drawing 

(I was standing next to him), and he was standing on a chair.  Ten seconds later, 

he was on the floor with a little whimper, and when I picked him up, there was a pool 

of blood on the floor.  He'd caught the back of his head on the edge of our buffet. 

Thankfully Keith has had some head-wounds in our relationship, so I have seen how 

much they bleed.  He stopped crying almost immediately and started eating chips, so I 

knew he was going to be ok .  It was a gash about an inch long, and we kept a towel on it as we took him by car to the ER.  We went to Methodist at Ashland and Winnemac.  In less than 10 minutes at the ER, August got three staples in his little noggin and was ready to roll.  He was flirting with the nurses and trying to check everyone's tempwith the thermometer.  It was hard to see him hurt, but I'm so glad he is ok. Of course we came home and he was all over the house climbing right away.    

We went to the beach on Saturday. Someone tiny ran right into the water. 

He was so excited. On the way home, he refused to let me put a blanket or 

warm shirt on him.  Covered with sand and water, I took him home and let 

him run in the sprinkler. 

Later in the day, we ventured out to Margie's with Courtney and Elaine.

Courtney and Elaine hung out Sat and went home early Sunday.  It was so cool to be

able to hassle Courtney again, and to meet Elaine! 

Later in the day on Sunday, I went to a handbuilding pottery class.  It was exciting. 

Who knows how the piece will turn out when it's fired and glazed, but in the meantime, 

It made me want to learn more about pottery! 

This is the bottom of the basket. 

side 1

side 2 

side 3 

side 4. 

So, at week's end (plus one extra day), we've gone far and seen much.  

We swam, ran, ate, potted, swung, bounced, ice-creamed, and spent time with some fantastic friends. 

I'l be sad to leave all the excitement and opportunities behind, but in all honesty, it's Monday morning, 

and all I want is a nap.

Have a great week everyone! 

Rainy Day Snuggles.

August and I are laying in bed right now... nearly 3 hours into my Monday morning.  We're watching Sesame Street reruns and enjoying some honey bunny snacks.
I'm so happy just to be here with him.

I know all the things I should be doing- laundry, cleaning, packing eek! Sometimes it is hard to get motivated when just relaxing feels so good.

Bootcamp at 5:30 this morning took it out of me. I've been going for a week now, and my legs are so tired I feel like I could sleep for days.  After what seemed like 100s of laps around the track at the gym, more "burpies" than I could muster, and enough lunges to tighten even my butt, I came back home and opened the bedroom door to find a newly awakened baby... smiling.  Saying, "Hi," and extending both arms to reach me.

I picked August up and set him on the ground.  He immediately ran into the bathroom, turned around and smiled.  It was time for his morning shower.  I imagine that not many babies are so familiar with the experience of stepping into the shower, wetting his hair, and helping soap himself up.  He seems to really like it, and is just learning to dry himself off when he gets out.
It's amazing how fast time goes.

When he first stood up and walked into the bathroom, I tried to grab a picture of his cuteness.  The light was a soft blue and his tall frame was segmented only by a puffy little diaper.
The picture is nearly a minute later... the moment was gone, (by then he found my coffee cup) but these are the things that catch me.  His accidental beauty and excitement at everything.  I hope I can help him to keep some of that joy as he grows.  He adds joy to my life each and every day.

Now August is cooing at my computer screen, shrieking as the letters fill the screen.
He's laying his face on my fingers as I write and tapping the top of the screen. (seriously)
Now, he's crawled over my lap and is down the hall.
I guess snuggle time is over.

Here's a photo or two from swim class yesterday - I can't help but want to share.

The Adjustment Furrow (In My Brow)

It's interesting sometimes the things that grab you.

We just watched the Adjustment Bureau.  Good movie, fun to watch.
It reminded me of the moments that have caught me the last few weeks.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending "Authentic" by the Joel Hall Dancers at Victory Gardens.
Jen Samples was in the show, and was shaking it amazingly well. Go Jen, get your groove on!

I enjoyed the whole show, and was really taken with the numbers that Joel Hall choreographed himself.
Each piece was explosive... the energy like static electricity.  The first pieces, "El Gato Negro," featured dancers (all women but 2), in full suits with white shirts, hats and ties. (Very Adjustment Bureau come to think of it).  The piece was lit from the sides of the stage, allowing only partial light on the dancers.
As a group of four women began the piece, two turned away from the stage, showing their backs to the audience the whole time.... this shocked me.  I watched them more than the other dancers, fascinated by the fact that the dancers faces were obscured, and the movements were in synch, but so different that each dancer was highlighted.

I was on the edge of my seat.

At the end of the concert, the Joel himself came out and spoke about the title of the piece. . .
Authentic... one of a kind, unlike others, not afraid.  
I walked away from the show hoping I could be inspired to do new things and dance like I wanna.
Or, at least, gain a dancers body at the gym. sheesh.  The arms and backs. They're amazing!

On the way home later that night, I heard a live reading of some corny play on NPR. What stuck with me was a monologue of a character who had just had a stroke.  Her kids were all freaking out because she walked home from the hospital.  (Plausible, like all plays of course)... So, her kids didn't want her talking because they were worried that it would exhaust her.  She said something along the lines of you keep going and going until it stops... You can't worry about the stopping, so you just have to keep going.

And now, after typing... I forgot what struck me about Adjustment Bureau.  Maybe just that we have to make of life what we can, to keep going, and try not to be afraid.

Small things right?

Drumroll Please...

Signed, sealed, delivered, it's ours.

Here is the house, purchased today.

August 5th, it's official.
Keep your fingers crossed till then!
More updates soon.
Too tired to think!

Ta Da!! ? ? I hope.

So... promised updates on the home search.  We exhausted our feet, brains and spending power in a whirlwind tour of the homes available in Sun Prairie Wisconsin.

I feel very much like Goldilocks, as I may have found the, "just right." house for us.
I'll not post it now, so that in case things go astray, no further damage will be done to my blog-psyche.

House #1.

Upon arrival, August was first to notice a winning home feature- the pile of bricks at the side door. Vacant for over a year, this house was great looking on the outside, but lacked certain, "updates," to make it viable, "In the now." 

Once we were able to extract the baby from the brick pile, we were able to check out the inside. 

Blue carpet, floor to ceiling segmented mirrors, and a kickin' dance studio (complete with toe bar) greeted us.  It was a great layout, but had not had any love since the mid 70s or so.  Usually my style? Yes. A bit too much work... so it was off the list. 

The best feature of home #1, a mini drum set that August became quite enamored with. . . it was really cool. Second birthday present anyone?

House #2. 

Our real estate agent had some troubles opening the door... thankfully August was there to step in with a helping hand.  Once inside, oh.... wouldn't you like to know... for this is the one that may be, "it."

The house is nothing remarkable on the outside.  It is nice. Very nice -(don't let my real estate agent know) we like it nice- and I hope that we'll have some "news" soon... so keep those fingers crossed. 

Home #3. 

Pretty sweet at on the outside... College pad from the late 60s on the inside.  I liked the in-kitchen fireplace, but couldn't get down with the cat-pee smell and bright red carpeting in the basement. 

I wanted it to work out so badly, but there was no privacy- the backyard opened to a city park, and every house looked just like it. 

Abode #4

The front-runner, pre trip.  I couldn't wait to see it. 

Then, up close, I saw it.. The real estate agent coined the, "Silence of the Lambs Basement." 

That sort of ruined it for me. 

Dwelling #5. 

Colossal freak out by babyman. 

The family didn't know we were coming, and was in the middle of a major house cleaning. 

It was nice, but not quite what we were looking for. 

The piano in the living room caused the freak out. 

For a closer look: 

When home shopping with a baby, don't allow him to see a musical instrument which he cannot play. 

This was red-faced, mom-kicking fun. 

At least I was smiling. 

Squat Pad #6. 

Cool place. WAAAAAAY out in the country, so that was a no-no. 

It did have an above ground pool with flamingos floating within, a "18th hole," green, and more red carpeting than hell.  It was actually really nice, but too much work.  So we continued on. 

Ranch #7.

The longshot of the bunch.  Out in the country, in a subdivision.  I should have studied the map more closely.  Charming landscaping and luxurious garage.  Issue? the steps that led to nowhere. 

Keith and I surmise that there may have been a plan to add a second story. 

Space #8 

You may notice August's clothing change.  Nothin' says this one's a winner, except for a poop in the pants.  Although August was fond of this place, we made our move, asking to once again see place #2. 

So, offer in, fingers crossed, more updates to come. 

It's a Mad Mad City.

Stretch, roll, a quick check of the watch... it's morning. 6:04am. Sunday.
Time to get up and have a few moments to myself.

Dressed in my favorite stretchy capris with the lettering on the waist, a blue tank, and my kickin' race shoes, I was out the door and down the elevator with only a few sips of coffee (too hot) to spare.

I took a right out of the building, jogging past the men waiting for breakfast on the steps of the capital church.  Past capital square, with notes of, "Prosser is Choking the life out of Madison," and "Solidarity." -- remnants of the fight against Walker and the whole WI government for their passage of anti-labor laws...

As I passed the store with meat pies, I was on State Street- check my watch- 6 miles an hour... for me, not bad.  I continued down State St, noting the remnants of last night's parties.  popcorn spilled in nearly every shopfront door, no idea what would have warranted that.  Sleeping hobos, a few, "Hello, how you doin?"'s and a nice warm breeze greeted me.  The store fronts are sleepy at this time of morning.  Twisting owl heads, hip over-done outfits in the Ragstock windows.... So much to see. It's eerie to see such a lively street so empty.

Campus starts where State Street ends, and although I usually turn around- my heart rate said, "keep going." I was up the hill... the steep hill at campus' start.  Past the, what's that building? My heart skipped a beat.. E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N.  Nice. I slowed, but knew I had to keep going.  Up the hill to the right, the view of the water over the trees is amazing- a few schooners (boats really, I just wanted to use that word) were out on the water, but again, very few signs of life this early.

Passing Liz Waters, I always think of my mom.  Her first dorm here at Madison.  Sitting high on the hill, the architecture of this building puts many dorms to shame.  Calm yellowed brick with great detail- it oversees the lake, right below the observatory.

Current construction makes the hill and the way down treacherous.  Running down the other side of the campus hill, the greenhouses and athletic centers popped up like weeds.  The hill was not so daunting from the other side.  Back up, past the observatory bubble, through the construction... past... E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N. (This time I noticed its shiny underground parking lot and luxurious outdoor seating area- ah- the beauty). Down to Monona Terrace.  The cleaning crew was hard at work washing away yesterday's beer and stacking chairs.

After the terrace, it was back up State Street, past the popcorn and sleeping men, through a maze of closed stores and yesterday's weddings, ooogling sunglasses and note cards as I ran.  Into the Lorraine, down the stairs, in the elevator, and through the hallway to Chelsea's condo door.  Lukewarm coffee now ready for consumption.. computer on blogger, writing away.

A Home It Is?

This morning Keith, August and I will be scouring the Sun Prairie landscape to (hopefully) locate our new home.  It's odd to think that today, we will most likely meet the space where we will live for many years to come.

Our hope, in this move, is that we can find a place for all of us to live and work until August is mostly grown.  The Sun Prairie School district is wonderful, and the neighborhoods are small enough that you can feel like it's a "hometown," but it is still big enough that there is still a little trouble to get into.  (I am just glad there is no El, for the idea he could jump on and take off terrifies me!)

Sun Prairie Wisconsin is about 10 minutes outside the capital of Madison.  It's a straight shot in and out of town, and will allow us access to many of the great things in Madison, but the taxes and home prices of the town just outside.

My school is located on the Northside (literally, it's called Northside) of Sun Prairie, and is one of seven elementary schools in the district.  I am really excited to be joining their team.  I would like for August to go to my school -- I dream of us walking hand in hand to school each morning- - but, I've heard from others that it might be nice if he was at another school close, to, "keep his own identity."

So, back to today.  We've been creeping on some houses online, and have eight showings set up, all over town, all different sorts of houses. It's just odd to consider that at day's end-- the hope would be that one of those houses has proved itself grand enough to call our home (yet affordable enough for us to purchase it!).

Then everything will be set in motion... Offers, stipulations, limits, boxes, moving trucks, and stress- we're trying to take it easy, but I've got less than two months to move house and classroom, and either one could blow my mind.

As we have begun to pack up knick-knacks and art work, it's apparent that more space will be a liberating thing.  I hope for a playroom for August, an art space for Keith, and an office for myself.
I'd like to have a nice lawn, or a lawn that could be nice.  I'd like the house to be sound structurally, but don't care if it's, "attractive," outright - Keith and I are fairly handy.

Waking up this morning, I feel nervous like I did before a show in high school... Will we go on? How will the audience (of future friends, family, and our dogs) receive it?

Think good thoughts as you wake up this morning, and please send some positive vibes our way. . I'll certainly let you know of the outcomes soon.