So, Bob and I were able to spend a few days in Chicago this week.  Now that we’ve lived in Dixie for almost two years we have a certain peculiarity when we travel north.

It was great to finally see the kids, the first time in 12 weeks.  Chrissy and Erik have the sweetest house, what a great way to start out!  Albeit not in North Carolina….we are thrilled for them that they have escaped the rent monster.

Cori is livin like “That Girl!”  She has a treacherous 2 block walk from her apartment on the mag mile to her office.  This will be a great experience; one we hope she nets a job from.  Here is the view from her pool.  (Surprise! the weather stinks!)

Andrew WAS doing well, but then he and Alecia ran in this….

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-090329-shamrock-shuffle-chicago-photogallery,0,5299702.photogallery

Actually he is fine, and he celebrated his 24th birthday in typical Andrew flare; with a $19 hamburger!

Bob worked all week in the Chicago office and I was able to enjoy the city; first time since we got our place!  Why you ask? Guess!  …the weather.  I took a wonderful walk down State Street -was asked to be in a commercial for Bedding Experts (just to say “Goodnight, Chicago”), then visited the Harold Washington Library.  I’ve been on a hunt for some of the specifics my mom told me in reference to her memoirs.  The very helpful librarians referred me to the Chicago Historical Society (which I DID NOT walk to!) and I had a fabulous couple hours in their Reference Room, searching microfilm.  

Mom grew up in the Chicago Lawn (or Marquette Park) area and The Chicago Sun was the newspaper they read.  You now know it as The Chicago Sun-Times.  In the time span that I searched through Marshall Fields was the publisher.  Surprisingly, LITTLE has changed in the news!  The headlines included the stock market and it’s potential comeback, which starlet was currently divorcing, and -most unfortunately- serious crimes against women.  I was amazed by the frank reporting in those articles, including many graphic details.

I was thrilled when, just like in the movies, I found a tiny little piece of news hidden away in an obscure section which relates to my mom’s story. Alas, each nugget of information opens up the rabbit trail and, just like when searching on the internet, time easily escapes.  I couldn’t search as much as I would have liked; suffice to say I can’t wait to go back for more.

Now back to that “accent” thing.  I have a new friend (although THAT may not last for long, considering!) who also lived in Chicago many years ago.  Lucky lady lived on the drive into Ravinia.  Anyway, since SHE has cleansed her palette of all traces of Midwestern speak, she takes great joy in mentioning when I am obviously a Shikaaaahgoen.  Not sure if I should endure my southern friends laughter at my northern tongue or risk learning southern!  Actually, that would be quiet easy….all I need to do is whine more!  I’ll let ya’ll know which way I go….

So here’s what’s new (since Christmas!) Oh my. Well, from the beginning of the year most of our time and energy has been spent (as I am sure many have also done) reorganizing our finances and figuring out how to live in these new economic times. FORTUNATELY, although Bob works in the banking industry, we are still receiving a paycheck. Not everyone can say that. UNFORTUNATELY, the banks left standing are taking the fall for those that risked, sacrificed (America!) and failed. Simply said, the surviving banks’ employees are suffering the consequences. Again, we are most fortunate and blessed…..just significantly challenged.

Enough bank-talk, I’m sure you get enough of that from the news. (if you ever want a different perspective, though, drop me a line…I have a few soapboxes)

“Winter” here has definitely been different than last year. The snow days (when everything shuts down and schools close) have actually included snow.

Bob is finished with heeding the state police warning to stay home from work on those days though. He finds he can get more work done when everybody else stays home.

We found that, while the weather is not as severe as it is up North, a bit of relief in Arizona was desirable. Bob went out on business (headed towards LA) and I tagged along on miles earned to spend some time with mom and dad in Phoenix. It was refreshing to breathe dry air, the downside was a severe sinus/ear infection and three weeks recovery time. Wellllll worth it!

Mom and I spent our alone time (while “the boys” were out on business) writing down our initial notes for her memoirs. It is amazing to me how interesting the stories are in just about everyone’s life. I look forward to compiling her story and sharing it with ya’ll.

Aside from that life has been quite boring. “Highlights” include a weekend helping out at Lois’ Lodge (a home for unwed mothers), Bob serving at the a home of a single mom and her four kids, a fantastic opportunity for me to work a wedding with THEE most wonderful couple, Andrew visiting for the weekend (and eating, and eating), a quick trip to Chicago to see the girls in their new “cribs,” and my new found passion…..Twitter (hope you have been keeping up!)

So keep up with me daily on Twitter http://twitter.com/anniesworld and watch for the excerpts of my first novel…. “Honeygirl” (there’s a tease on this blog)….

Christmas in Chicago

Well.  It was as I feared; great times with family, not so great weather.  Andrew thanked me for bringing such “interesting” weather while we were in town.  Just to recap,

Sub-zero temps
Snow
Wind
Freezing Rain
Wind/snow
Freezing Rain/wind
Freezing Rain/snow
Wintery mix
Rain
Fog
Freezing rain
Ice
60 degrees
Melting snow
Rain
Flood warning
Sunny (the day we left)

And some pictures for perspective….

   our tree

 this is the street to my mom’s house on Dec 26.  We went out for my all-important hair cut and slid (literally) all the way out the subdivision (and then back in again a couple hours later)  sheesh.  You would think these people had never heard of salt!  Like in the south!

 Isn’t snow purty?

   The Chicago River as it started to melt

Needless to say, we are pleased to be back in the south again, albeit missing our family.

January has brought us face to face with reality, as it seems to do to most folks.  Bob returned to work and immediately put his back out. He is now learning the benefits of Advil, chiropractors and ice.  I put the five Christmas trees away and undecorated both the house and the church, amid tearing apart both of my offices (home and work.)   The tanking of the US economy has turned the Interior Design profession into a ghost town, one of those things  EVERY income level now considers to be in the disposable income category (which, no one seems to have) 

The banks in this area will begin to announce their lay-offs this month and no job is secure;  I spend my days praying I won’t have to move for the third time in three years.

On the bright side……all of our air travels were safe and ON-TIME (see Chrissy’s cousin-in-laws blog for a more interesting story http://larkinfamily-joy.blogspot.com/)

I don’t have any Post-Christmas weight to lose

The Lord’s mercies are new every morning

My parents are (somewhat) healthy, happy, and relaxing in the Arizona sun

Chrissy and Erik bought a house!

God is sovereign

After years of searching I have found my passion (to be a stay-at-home wife)

Time “off” has afforded me the opportunity to organize and purge many of the unpacked boxes from the past two moves

God continues to reveal Himself through His word, His people minister to us in amazing ways

AMERICAN IDOL STARTS THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!

so much to be thankful for…….(we covet your prayers…..)

While you all are shivering away up there in the north, WE are still enjoying mild weather.  Although…they say it has been the coldest November in 30 years.  I don’t think you want me to tell you the daytime “lows” though….

So, since I am so late (surprise!) in posting our holiday happenings thus far, I will simply share the highlights.

We rang in November by participating in our bi-annual progressive dinner.  Bob (the master chef—how many hats does he wear now??) made a phenomenal veal piccata, assisted by  neighbors and new friends, Cathy and Pete Brennan.

Most of my month was spent on a major Christmas redecorate for our Church

Most of Bob’s month was spent juggling Merrill Lynch, Countrywide, and LaSalle (and praying his job stays secure)

After a tense couple weeks, my parents’ health finally stabilized and they were able to travel here with our kids, my brother, and my sister-in-law. 

We had a FABULOUS time eating, eating and eating some more.  In between meals, we went ICE skating—relax, the ice is only in the rink—

shopped, ate out at Roosters as well as Mickey and Mooches…..oh yea, that was eating again.  Well, you get the point.  The “kids” (dad included) played Monopoly, congrats Andrew and Alecia (who’da thunk?) and pinochle, of course.  Erik played in the annual community football game; new friend/neighbor Pete mistook Chrissy for me.

)

Bob ran in the Turkey Trot and so did those really skinny Chicago Marathon Champions, Andrew and Alecia—nothing seems to fatten them up!

Turkeys turned out great, in the contest between mom’s and mine (she opened the convection oven to baste her turkey and I didn’t), mom won by a feather.

In the contest for who could use the most butter over a two-day period, mom won hands down. 

In the contest for best neighbor, David and Right-Brain Anne took the pumpkin pie…. unbelievable! (Donkey came home!)

The contest for greatest disaster goes to Bob, and in honor of his phenomenal hosting abilities I won’t mention what it was water. Lots.

The grand prize, however, actually happened after the kitchen was clean, the house quiet and empty, and everyone tucked snug in their own lil beds.  Cori’s the winner! for spending 6.5 hours in the Emergency room when she got home.  Seems all that eating aggravated her gastritis and acid reflux so much that it burned her esophagus.  We may have to rethink that whole butter situation.

So now the house is all decked out for Christmas, I seem to be the only one that gets to enjoy it though

Donkey is happy to be home

and I am back to writing

we’re looking forward to our visit to the frozen tundra…….brrrrrr

ok let me rephrase that, we’re looking forward to spending time with our friends and family this holiday season.  Hope you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas and, I’m sure, we’ll be in touch!

Happily, in the midst of an election, a banking crisis and an economic tsunami, Bob and I were privileged to spend a weekend at the beach. As I said, Bob’s cousin owns a home on the Atlantic Ocean, near Wilmington NC.

When we first moved to Charlotte, we asked everyone we met what they liked about living in Charlotte. Repeatedly we heard, “It is only an hour and a half from the mountains and four hours from the beach!” Well, this summer we experienced the mountains and now we have enjoyed the beach. They were right! It is a quick trip from here and, as you will see from our pictures, somewhat an adventure.

If you have ever used GPS you will understand the word adventure. Garmin, our technological vehicular buddy, regularly takes us on risky yet picturesque escapades and this one was not a disappointment. About half way in to the trip, Garmin had us turn OFF the highway and onto a rustic, deserted two-lane road. Having no maps or knowledge of the route we had no choice but to follow. We’ve heard all the political fighting between Charlotte and Raleigh regarding the lack of financial support for our roads and figured this was one of those underfunded routes; we thought this road would simply take us from one highway to the next. So there we are, happily bouncing down this path when, up the road a piece (;o) we see a car PARKED horizontal in the road. We of course slow down so as not to T-bone the automobile and, sure enough, beyond the horizontal car, the road ends. Well, both of us take a gander to the right and see nothing but trees. You may wonder WHY we looked right FIRST. Well, it is because to the left is the lovely river we had been following all the way down the road. A river that has no bridge. I’m thinking we are going to have to turn around and happily bounce back down the two lane road back to the highway when Bob excitedly points to a “ferry” coming across the river. I put that in quotation marks because those of us who have lived in large cities have one picture of what ferry looks like. This is not one of those. This is a clapboard flatbed pulled back and forth by a chain and, you guessed it! Bob wants US to get ON the ferry!

Bob has never turned down an adventure.

So here is our “Captain,”

along with the CHAIN LINK fence keeping us on board. Try not to think of the possiblities…..

This is the car we almost T-boned. When we got on the “ferry” we looked over and saw they also had Garmin; and very confused looks on their faces.

This is the house we stayed in
(notice the stilts)

Bob, the adventurer….

This is how I save seashells

Ok, remember how the house is on stilts? Well one of the nights there was a storm, complete with 25 mile per hour winds. While that may not seem very windy, the house shook the entire night. This is the way the surf looked in the morning. If you ever wonder who is ultimately in control of this world, spend a day watching the ocean.

             and in contrast…the next morning…

My family will be so proud! I registered to vote. Not only did I register, I even set up a link on my blog so YOU can register! Now don’t get me wrong, it isn’t that I am so fired up about a candidate this election that I could not wait to get my name included on the voter registration (jury duty registration—“no, we don’t do that”) database, it is more that I am fired up to vote AGAINST some folks. It will be nice, however, to not have my state called “blue” before I even walk out the door to vote. I live in a RED state now.

Speaking of red, I started a new blog! For those of you that know anything about me (or if you read my updated profile) you will know that I am “anti” Green. In case you are unaware of the term “Green,” and I can’t believe there are those out there who have not heard that term (but they were all in my Effective Speaking class the day I did my “Red vs Green” speech), it is a term that signifies those that are modern-day environmental advocates. Don’t get me wrong, I love the earth and want to take care of it, it’s just that I refuse to buy into the Green movement and as you read my new blog you will find out why.

Check back in a few days (this is gonna be interesting! writing TWO blogs??) www.letsgoredinstead.blogspot.com for some good giggles.

On another note, I’m pretty sure Bob and I have recovered from our Extreme Home Makeover experience. Tuesday, ABC (and I am not certain Ty participated) revealed the home to the family. Apparently, it was not ready for them to live in. In speaking with the media the builder stated that he underestimated the Carolina heat and how it would set back his crew. Well, he IS from Michigan….guess we can give him the benefit of the doubt. I am still awaiting pictures from a photographer that was on site to prove we actually were there. I know you will all recognize me under my blue (no-resemblance-to-an M&M) hardhat.

Bob will be participating once again on another Habitat build; this one is once again at the framing stage….I think he is addicted. Luckily it falls on the day I have class!

Hey ya’ll!

It HAS been awhile! You are probably wondering why I even started this blog….

The wedding has come and gone; mom’s surgery has come and gone; and summer has just about come and gone. What have the Geez been up to, you might ask? Or really you could care less but you like the new fancy addition to my page so you logged on anyway. Here, for the rest of you that are interested, is the nutshell version.

I have been back home since June 7, a scant six weeks ago. It took some time to get used to living here again after spending three weeks in Chicago. I forgot where everything was or even what I did during a “normal” day. But I eventually settled in and was able to recuperate somewhat.

Bob and I spent our birthday weekend at the Biltmore in Ashville, North Carolina (thanks Mom’s and Dad’s!) What a beautiful place! We stayed on the grounds and enjoyed a tour of the mansion, an unbelievable residence that was home to only three people. If you have not heard of this monument to George Vanderbilt before, it is worth a few minutes of Internet surfing and even more worthwhile to visit! And then you can come see me too…

We spent the next weekend at a Habitat for Humanity build, something I have always wanted to do. Although, when I envisioned participating it was with me holding a paintbrush or some soft fabric, not a hammer! Nonetheless, I survived a 90-degree Saturday morning carrying lumber, avoiding flying nails, and serving in any way possible. The family the house was being built for was there and soooo very grateful.

It was a pleasure to sweat and HURT! (boy did I hurt) on their behalf. Bob the builder

 

What could possibly top that experience except a visit with our kids? Cori and Chrissy turned 21 this July, and we were able to gather in New York City together to help them ring in that long awaited occasion. Erik was there to train for his new position at Bank of America and Chrissy endured the smelly city, small hotel room and EXPENSIVE food for the entire month.
Make sure to check out her new blog…

http://newlywedmccarirns.blogspot.com

 

Cori and her boyfriend Brett flew in from Chicago and we all spent a four-day weekend exploring the city and taking in the sights. We stayed in Times Square at the Crowne Plaza, right in the center of the action and…ACROSS THE STREET FROM M&M WORLD! Imagine my delight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aside from that monumental excursion, some of our other highlights included; Jersey Boys on Broadway

dinner at a fabulous local Italian Restaurant   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bon Jovi in Central Park,

      

 

 

 

squashed cockroaches on the sidewalk, a wedding at Battery Park overlooking the Statue of Liberty, the NYC refuse system, Sunday services at Tim Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church, encountering a line of people wrapped around 5th Avenue who were awaiting the purchase of the new iphone at the flagship Apple store and some fantastic people watching. We saw one guy walking an Italian Greyhound down Broadway that was wearing little hot-pink gym shoes. While I can understand not wanting to have even dog flesh touch the ground in New York City that site was amazing!

Try as I might, however, I was unable to find a t-shirt that stated MY feelings on NYC; no one carried the one that says,

is a strong word

I have included some pictures that document our journey and you will note;

a northern aggression on my newfound southern accent. The McDonalds chain is seemingly making fun of me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

despite grave reports on the national news regarding Wall Street it appears it is still in tact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

although we could not see anything at the World Trade Center site we were still able to get a good shot of the twin tower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So you might now be wondering, what could possibly follow after such an exciting beginning to our summer?

Me too.

I did start school again, this time tackling only one class. I have decided to quit pursuing the degree and only take the classes I think will help me. I have researched a degree in Creative Communication, however I am once again ahead of my time; there is no such thing. I am writing a newsletter for our student association (those young adults have no idea what they are in for) and next week, Bob and I are volunteering for Extreme Home Makeover at a build they are doing here in Charlotte. Yes, THAT Home Makeover (look out Ty!)

So, there you have it. Maybe NOW, I can keep up to date on my blog…..

(this one is for Rachel……)

As you may have heard, things move a bit slower in the south. This would include the frequency of my posts! I learned “slow” easily….

Most of our time over the holidays was spent up north; visiting with family, eating out with friends (a LOT) and reacquainting ourselves with SNOW. We are thoroughly enjoying a mild winter in the Carolinas.

Bob’s mom and dad are here this weekend, the fifth set of visitors we have had the pleasure of entertaining since January. All of the kids have been here, we appreciated a brief visit with Tim Pesole (he spent a good bit of time getting acquainted with our airport) and finally the young lady that also works as our pet sitter stayed while she searched for a new job in Charlotte. I thought I would be lonely this winter!

Mom mentioned she wanted to take pictures to share and since Cori and Chrissy already took several, I decided to start posting photos of our new location. The first one is, of course, the outside of our Southern Plantation (wink wink). My friend Gail thought the little “Hey” in the corner was planted on purpose. It wasn’t, but it certainly suits my new vocabulary.

We went to Boone County yesterday and visited all the quaint little shops. Bob found me the perfect saying embroidered on a hostess towel….

“I wasn’t born in the south but I got here as soon as I could!”

See Y’all Soon!