Ike'd

We got Ike'd this weekend. Two days of non stop rain and flooding in some parts. WE found a hole in our kitchen window that caused a minor leak but a leak nonetheless. So that will have to be taken care of.

Yet, despite of the rain we got a lot of things done. On Saturday it was our typical running around to do errands. So we hit a few stores and bought groceries. We headed out to a fondue dinner to celebrate my birthday early because it falls in the middle of the week. I've never had fondue before and it was a fun experience and the food was delish!

Yesterday was organize the office day. So we spent the day moving the boxes out of the office and filling part of the kitchen and living room. The BF built two bookshelves and we started to move things back in. We have not finished because there is still some work to do. Basically I have to clean and organize my desk and area. However, we are pleased with the results, our office is now more spacious and open. Yukon now has a dedicated spot and more room to move. This week we hope to finish it all up so we can start to actually hang pictures in the condo!

I also make rice krispie treats for the BF and for dinner lasagna rolls. They both turned out to be very good and now we actually have left overs to munch on during the week!

I was hoping to have a house warming/birthday part this weekend but it does not look like it will pan out. So I am thinking that this year will be a birthday sans a party. I am kind of bummed about it but another part of me does not want to be bothered with planning it. I guess it does mean I am getting old!

Weekend warrior princess

Moving is not fun. This weekend we spent a good portion of time at the old apartment cleaning, throwing out garbage and packing the car with the random things we left behind. Since we lived on the third floor it was a lot of stair climbing. We had so much to do that it physically and mentally wore me out. Then we got to the condo and there are mounds of boxes left to be unpacked. Only one was unpacked!

Yesterday, we went to the BF's niece's 5th birthday and there is nothing like about 15 sugar fueled kids who descend on the gifts like sharks to chum. It was a frenzy. Of course the man who married my BF's sister (the BF does not like to call him his brother in law for many justifiable reasons) made an obnoxious comment to me that in essence told me that he will remember my name when there is a ring on my finger. He has this habit of calling me Christine and does not see a problem with it. I was so pissed with his comment because the BF and I have been together for almost 2 years, we purchased a home for us, we don't owe him any explanations and he is an ass hole. I know that it is coming but we are stuck together because we want to be and one day we'll make it legal.

I should have told him what the BF tells people when they ask about "the ring"...I have to wait for the divorce to be final and break it off with the mistress.

That would have shut him up!

Oh and doing the laundry with a fake diamond tiara is really cool!

Home...

We did it, we closed and moved!

The closing went well and I only signed my name 47 times.  Yep I counted.  In an hour we became home owners.  We then went to look for a sofa at The store formerly known as Marshall Fields.  We did not find anything we loved so the search continues.

This weekend was spent packing and the BF and his bro started installing the closet organizers.  Yesterday was really a busy day there were so many things to pack.  I was tired and hurting.

The movers arrived 40 minutes early so they started at 7:30 rather than 8.  Which was a bit of a shock because my alarm was set but not turned on so we overslept 15 minutes.  Which was 5 minutes before the movers arrived.  They were awesome, I highly recommend them.  We were done and settled in our new place at 12!  

So the rest of the afternoon was spent going back to the apartment to pick up the babies and come home to unpack.

It is all good!

Get ready, get set....

So tonight begins the first round of "the move".

We have our walk through with our real estate agent and the inspector. Tomorrow we are both off so we will pack, drop of items at the salvation army, run errands and hit the bank for the all important check!

Friday is the closing. (I just read that again, I need to take a breath)

Whew!

On the decorating side I think that I found the sofa. We are looking for a new sofa for the new condo because mine has seen some better days. The BF's requirement is that it is leather and would prefer a sectional. I want a sleeper sofa. Well after searching web sites I think that I found one that fits both of our needs and is on sale which makes it fall way under our budget.

I can't wait to see the place tonight with the painting done and the granite countertops installed!

The fun has just begun!

Flakes

So we are moving in exactly two weeks and to say that I am stressed is an understatement. The BF and I are making an effort to get rid of some furniture and other items that we do not need in the new place or use (like the dining room set, the espresso maker and foot spa plus many other appliances). So we happened to mention this to our respective friends and co-workers.
Immediately, people started to lay "dibs" on items. Great, we were pleased because we can make a few dollars (in some cases) and give it to people who we know would appreciate them. The only caveat is that they had to come and pick the stuff up.

So do you think anyone has....nope. The calls we made went to VM and emails have not been responded to. A simple "no we don't want it anymore" would be fine. We want to get rid of these things so we have spaces for our boxes. We are running out of room

We decided to try and post things on Craigslist and we got a few bites but after the initial email to ask them to pick the item up there is no response. So to add to the stress we now are going to donate some items to either Howard Brown or Salvation Army but the whens and hows are still not logistically worked out

The both of us are so disappointed in people!

Tapas and tape

So sure enough when I left work on Friday guess what I saw sitting on IT guy's desk...my laptop.  He had "disappeared" and I was out the door!  But I will be sure to see him tomorrow!  I will make it a point!

On Friday night, Diana and I went out for tapas.  They were so great, we went to this place in Boystown and it was so much fun.  We ordered sangria and some different types of tapas.  Which included bacon wrapped dates (it was like a bacon covered jelly doughnut), a blue cheese/cream cheese spread in tomato sauce, tomato bread with serrano ham and chorizo and chicken coquettas.  We polished them off and savored every bite.

She brought me some treats from her recent trips to the Big Easy and Minneapolis.  She is so awesome!

Yesterday, the BF and I went to brunch with my friends and their two little ones.  The kids were so well behaved and they all finally met the BF after so long.  It had been a while since I saw them so it was good to catch up.  Then we did our errands and packed some things at home.  I treated the BF to dinner for his b'day and then we met up with a few of his friends for drinks.

Today we did a lot of packing especially in the kitchen.  When we moved in together we had two sets of pots and other items so this time we eliminated the worst and got rid of a lot of kitchen things that seen better days.  We also cleaned out the pantry and tossed.  I also packed some more glasses until we ran out of bubble wrap.  I still have not gotten the chance to clean out the closet yet.  I am dreading that task.  But we will be moving on the 21st (pending that the developers are done by that time with the painting and granite installation) so three weeks to go!

Fermented grapes

Well, tomorrow Diana and her sister are going to go to the Big Easy to walk her marathon on Sunday.

I saw her last night and she is pumped to go! so pop on over wish her good luck, I'll wait....

Last night we went to another cooking class and it was probably one of the best ones yet. I learned to make cheese souffle and this braised chicken dish with olives, capers,rasines, carrots and shallots. Everthing she made was to die for.

On my way home, walking up the stairs who do I see, but our hobo. I scream so loud that the BF heard me as well as some neighbors. Apparently hobo has a key to our building, we called the cops and as luck would have it one of our neighbors did as well. BF called the super to let him know because we want the damn lock changed now! It seems that our neighbors have bumped into him as well at all hours! Today I called the management company and was told the locks are being changed. Damn straight, I am thisclose to moving and I HATE to move but, safety first.

I was shaking with fear when I got into the apartment, I mean shaking. I was so mentally wound up and just so fearful that I could not stop shaking. Two glass of red wine later I was doing a lot better but I want the locks changed!

Tetris

Did you ever play tetris? Well I am living it. We are still in the midst of unpacking and that entails moving some boxes from point A to point D in order to get the box in point B that we have to move to point C. All I need is the mechanical music and I am all set!

Box fort

We are still living our of boxes but we have gotten a few rooms partly done. Our trips to IKEA was a successful we got a new pantry for the kitchen and we are going to build a banquette for our dining room with these pretty doors. Plus some things for our office and cause we wanted them. IKEA knows how to tempt you, it is Satan's store and we always succumb!

Today we went to the BF's niece's christening. It was my first time in sandals and I broke the woman's sandal rule...I had no color on the toes, they looked naked. I am hanging my head in shame!

Do I have to give up a girlie card??

Taken

My apartment was taken, yep one of the lookie loos decided it was perfect for him and he is going to take possession of it on May 1.

So that means that the lease was not broken which means I get my security deposit back!

Time to do the happy dance or as the BF reminded me the "I told you not to worry about it dance!"

Regardless it is some sort of dance...

More boxes and a visit from the parental units

So my parents and the dog drove out to visit me. It was a good trip but, we did not really do much. With the move and just the weather (not to mention the drive for them) nobody was in the mood to do much. The gentleman pirate (AKA BF)came over for dinner on Saturday and my parents adore him! I did pack up about 8 more boxes but still have a lot more to do. It does not look like I made much progress until you open one closet and a few drawers in the kitchen.

I did have three apartment showings this weekend and it was a bit weird. I usually try to go out while they are showing but since we had Charlie and he is just nosy and not everyone likes dogs, we stayed. It was hard having people open your cabinets and look in your closets. But I survived and hopefully the place was taken.

I have a new parking idiot who has dinged and scratched my car a total of 3 times already. So they will be getting a nicely crafted note on their windshield today. Don't mess with me buddy!

I am tired....Monday mornings suck!

Packing...the countdown begins...

Well, the packing in earnet has begun, the movers will be at our apartments on April 30. So that gives me plenty of time to pack right? But I must admit that the BF and I have done a lot so far. He is a bit better off than I am but after yesterday we got a few boxes filled and sealed.

On Saturday we celebrated his birthday with a couple's massage at a chic Bucktown salon. Followed by lunch at Feast, then a wander around the neighborhood. We heading back to our stomping ground for ice cream and then we made our first big purchase. We got a mattress! It was decided that the BF's mattress would go to the new apt because it was bigger. But the mattress was old and starting to get uncomfortable. We both woke up on Saturday with lower back issues and then he turned and said "We need a new mattress!"

But buying a new mattress is worse than buying a car. WE were the only two people in the store other than the salesman who, in his defense, left us alone for the first 20 minutes before he started to circle like a vulture. Then came the "deals" the "special offers" etc so we braced ourselves but it wasn't too bad and we got a nice new one that will be delivered to the BF's apt on Saturday!

Saturday night he held court at one of his favorite bars and it was so much fun to hang with his friends. They are really amazing, funny, kind, witty and loyal friends!

Another weeks begins, I already need a nap!