Birthday Week, pt. III

We're going to have to skip part II since I don't yet have the pictures. I have to get them from a few people...

On the day of my birth, April 21, I awoke to sunshine. Sunshine! (It had been, and continued to, rain all week. All. week.) I got some fun presents from my roommates, including a cast iron griddle that will take my pancakes up a notch. (I used it on Saturday and it was definitely an improvement! Not to mention I felt super official.) My parents had sent me a birthday package so I ripped it open (in 5 year old style... I can't help it! I love birthdays!) and found a gorgeous new blouse. Birthday outfit, donned.

After work I had planned to take the bus to Dave's house where we would have dinner together. As I walked out the door and started walking to the bus stop, I saw from behind a person sitting on a bench. I thought to myself, "The back of that person's head doesn't look like anyone I normally see here." And then, "That person's jacket looks a lot like Dave's jacket." And then, "Omigosh! It's Dave!" He surprised me and came to pick me up from work! (This is one of my highest luxuries. As a takes-public-transportation-everywhere person, getting a ride ranks up there with a bubble bath or a chocolate dessert. Seriously.)

Dave -- surprise in Hyde Park!

We made stir-fry for dinner (my favorite) and watched 30 Rock (my favorite!) and ate strawberry shortcake (my favorite!).

Vanilla Bean macaroons -- this one was my favorite

He gave me some fabulous gifts as well. A lovely bag from a vintage shop in Chicago (I've been on the bag hunt for a while!), macaroons (I've been itching to try them for months), an awesome ceramic travel mug (such bright colors!), and a bouquet of flowers that are brightening up a dreary last few weeks of April.

Modeling three of my birthday gifts -- blouse, bag, bouquet

It was a lovely birthday and I'm so thankful to my friends and family, near and far, for how special and loved they made me feel. I've got long thank you notes coming to all of you!

At work on Friday, feeling very colorful

Blizzard of 2011

Hey folks, Ashley here on my SECOND snow day! I can't even believe it myself. Yesterday I did a little jig because it was my first ever EVER snow day. Now I have another one. I am so lucky!

So we got this huge snow and these high winds and everything went white here. Yesterday at the tail end of the snow, my roommates and I ventured out to explore the winter wonderland. It was pretty epic and the whole time I was saying, "This is so much fun! This is so much fun!" (Hard to believe, right?)


We got 20.2 inches of snow, but because of the high winds, HUGE piles had formed all over. Right outside our apartment there was snow up to my knees!


On the normally busy street cars were swallowed up by snow. The street still had a good layer accumulated on it and only big cars were out. And lots of people walking around. It was really fun to see all the people out because everyone was friendly and smiling and waving to each other. It was like new years day all over again!


We decided to go see what the beach and the lake looked like, so we headed east with many of our neighbors. We found Chiberia! I've never seen something quite so ominous as the lakeshore yesterday. Large snow-dunes were piled up and the wind was whipping flurries all over the place. Everything was grey, grey, grey.


On our way back home we ventured onto Lake Shore Drive! It was closed for 36 hours (or something like that), so there was no traffic. While we were up there we saw a few snow plows and police cars. Besides that, it was all people taking advantage of the chance to walk on the Drive. There were even some sledders!

So it was a pretty epic adventure. I ended up with melting snow in my boots so I immediately got into bed to warm myself up. Then there was some hot chocolate. It was the best snow day!

Weekend + Weather

You know what Chicago is great for? Weird weather. Let's examine:

I had a wonderful weekend - one that didn't last long enough even though it was an hour longer than normal! As much as I hate how it's going to get dark so early now, I did love the extra hour of sleep. Plus it's only a four hour time difference to Hawaii now; you can ask my mom how much she loves that. (right, Mom?). Oh another plus: it's light out when I wake up now. This makes it easier to get out of bed.

This weekend we four of our delightful apartment went to see the Lion King musical (thanks to Kate's grandma and Kate's birthday!). It was ah-may-zing. The only way I know to describe it is 'visual spectacle.' The costumes and puppets and animals and my oh my, I whole-heartedly recommend it. I sat in my seat with my mouth wide open. (Were you embarrassed, Paige?)

I also got new boots (yayyy), barn danced (who knew there were real barns in Chicago?), and celebrated All Saints Day. I love church potlucks. And I love my church.

I have another photo from the weekend to share but it's on my computer at home, so that will have to wait. Weekend part 2... to come.

Scenes from a three day weekend

Oh the joys of three blissful days off. Here's how I commemorated this weekend...

Susie Homemaker. Okay, maybe not quite to the Susie level yet, but I baked delicious cookies (it's not just me! other people said they were delicious, too!), baked an egg in a tomato thingie, and made smoothies for the roomies after a long bike ride.



I ate sushi with Paige and Kate while sitting in these gorgeous chairs. I am in love with the whole decor of this place from the white chairs to the gray and teal walls to the wooden finish. Gorge. Ous.


We had some beautiful weather in Chi-town the last few days. The air was crisp and the sky was clear and the lake was blue. Delightful. (I got a little distracted by how pretty the lake was during my aforementioned bike ride. Everyone survived though. Don't worry.)


Remember Dinkel's Bakery? I was hanging out with my friend Kimmy at her new apartment and she suggested we stop by to grab some of their cookies for our church potluck. Omigosh. I can't wait to go back.


Ashley ran TEN MILES today in preparation for her half marathon and so we celebrated by eating at Ann Sather. Their cinnamon rolls are to die for. We enjoyed them immensely.


I painted my nails teal last night. They make me happy.


And so, those are some of my scenes. This photo tour did not include the movies watched, walls of Dave's bedroom prepped for painting, nor church parties attended. You'll just have to trust me that those were great fun, too.

Summery things

I love summer. This includes, but is not limited to, potlucks, picnics, cook-outs, and pool parties.

Pink Glove Dance

Grammy just sent me this video and it made my morning! It was made in order to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. I just love how much fun everyone is having. And that janitor dancing away with his mop... Too cute.


Oh shoot, it's getting cut off. I don't know how to make the whole thing show, but you can go to this link to watch it all.

I love my new camera!

I sold my big camera and bought a cute little one which I am SO excited to take pictures with! Look how cute it is...


Here are some pictures I took just last night...