Monday, February 14, 2011

Snowmageddon

It all started that fateful afternoon on the first day of February.  I left at 3pm to some flurries, and by this time (after 6pm) was getting walloped by blasting, drifting snow from the lake.  I probably should have used more common sense and stayed on the freeway, but it was so packed and its usually so much faster.  I was not one of the unfortunate ones who got to stay on Lake Shore Drive overnight.  I got behind the SUV shown below.  He went rogue status and just went around all the cars that had given up and parked along the road.  I made it out just before they shut down the road.  Over 1000 people were stuck all night.  Stinks to be them.  I was hungry and had to go pee.  I would not have done well if I had to stay out there.
Talking and texting is illegal, but I haven't read anything about taking pics.
  During the night, we saw thunder and lightning, there were supposedly 25 foot waves on Lake Michigan, and most of our neighborhood was without power all night (not us, but we have radiator heat, so it wouldn't have mattered).  It was supposedly the 3rd worst storm in Chicago History. We woke up the next morning to 20+ inches of snow.

The Streets were covered, you could barely see cars, and

Cars were abandoned in the middle of streets and intersections.

I love these pictures. The cars just look like speed bumps. It was so bad, both Kevykins and I got 2 snow days.  That is 2 paid work days without working.  Can't beat that!


Its a good thing we were robbed once, they could have easily just walked up to our back windows there.  EEK!
I wanted to go down to the lake to check it out, but I didn't have the energy to forge through all that snow to get to it and Kevin didn't want to go.
The streets were too much for the plows to get to.  After 2 days, and no plows, the residents started shoveling the roads.  Cars were trying to make it through side streets, and people were spending hours trying to dig out their cars.  Since it can be so laborious and time consuming, Chicago has a code (not like the new TV show).  Its tradition. It is not illegal (not technically legal either).  If you dig your car out, you get dibs.  Dibs are an understanding.  If you're street like me, you get it.  You respect it.  Someone marks their spot.  Its theirs.  The more clever you are, the better.  I saw some good ones, but didn't get pics.  I saw some baby baskets, cat scratching posts, dinner tables and chairs, and the classic bucket and stick.
The common chair and stick.  Don't try to park there, or you're 'finna' get shot.  (or just get your tires slashed.).  Don't break code.

Valentine's HELP!!!


Valentine's Day.  It is a day for romance, love, and all things mushy.  I love super duper sappy movies, I love to hear about other people's romantic encounters.  I am a sucker for love.  I hate anything that doesn't have a happy ending.   

As much as I love romance, I am not very romantic.  I come by it honestly.  My father was not much of a romantic.  My mother used to say "if he ever bought me flowers, I would think he had cheated on me".  (He did eventually buy her flowers once, because she was gone for over a month).  Therefore, I do not enforce or inspire romance from my darling Kevin.  Don't get me wrong, he does all the right things. Especially when he actually remembers that it is the 14th, not the 15th, which has been a problem every year.  I do get flowers every Valentine's day, even when we weren't in the same place.  We just don't go crazy with exorbitant gifts and getaways.  Do I wish he were more romantic? Maybe when I am romanticizing life, but not really.  It would force me to be more romantic.

So, you might ask, what my Valentine's day plans are. Here is a list of my planned day:  I sent him an e-card.  I am super thoughtful, I know.  I am working out with my new work-out buddy after I get done at work. He gets to feast on left-overs for dinner (probably alone), and he has a basketball game tonight. I will likely be asleep when he gets back because I have to get up early for work.

 SO, here is where I need your help. I love this guy, I'd like to show him, but I realize I am Pathetic.  Please, give me some ideas of how I can make-up for my lack of romantic ambitions.  Give me some ideas (mind you they have to be cheap...remember, ultra frugal husband).  I have a long weekend this week, so I have a few days that I can plan a late V-day celebration.

To wrap things up, I want to mention how lovable my darling Kevin is. Aside from being so hot that he still makes me weak in the knees and gives me butterflies, he also has other redeemable qualities.   He is far more thoughtful than I am .  He is sweet, kind, compassionate, really logical, almost as funny as I am, smart, and did I mention Hot? He is the LOVE of my life.  I think I'll keep him.
           

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Groundhog Day

Am I superstitious?

Maybe a little. Kevin does like to point out that I am illogical. So I suppose we'll go along with that. Tomorrow marks Groundhog day. Punxsutawney Phil is going to come out and predict the future.
We are in the middle of a blizzard. The Governor has decreed Illinois in a state of emergency. We have the national guard on standby. Lake Michigan has 25ft waves (this isn't the North Shore of Hawaii) 3-4 inches of snow are falling per hour, drifts as high as 10 feet. It took a whopping 3 hours to get home today.
If that Groundhog wants to live, he will close his beady little eyes and not even look see his shadow. If he does, you better call PETA because I will make Michael Vick look like a saint.
On a happier note, tomorrow is a SNOW DAY. No work!!!

The Joys of Working in Education

We found this little gem attached to the elevator this morning.