J-I-L-Y: Archive

And...I'm back with this gem.

Guy: You look so gorgeous in that dress. Someone who is familiar to my two blog readers named ****: I’m wearing jeans actually, but thanks. Ahhh Kirkwoods…providing the backdrop for inebriated laced gems like these since 2007.

Jan 9th

I had

a lovely weekend. Footloose, Oyster Fest, seeing Ere, Kate and Linz, sleeping, now hoping for a Cards victory!!!

Oct 17th

Sunday Evening (A Cheesy Emo Post)

As much as the last few days have been full of fun, friends and family, they’ve also been full of come to Jesus moments. It’s a combination of the significance of another year of life, coupled with the outpouring of joy I’ve had recently and the (this is key) the possibility of joy that I’ve denied myself before. Why would someone deny themselves joy? Or happiness? Or...

Jul 11th

Seriously.

Tears in my eyes As I read through the multitude of Facebook posts…. As I recount my WONDERFUL dinner with Linz… As I think about my family, my friends… I feel truly blessed. And empowered. Jily. What a good birthday.

Jul 8th

My last day of 26

Well this year certainly did not turn out the way I thought it would. Does anything ever really though? There was so much good: Dancing and laughing my a**(for you Mom) off at Kate and Lindsey’s weddings, getting to write for a really incredible CEO, spending time with the kids, getting to visit home for an entire week, Denny Fitch, getting to speak at Lafayette and having the scholarship...

Jul 7th

Anne and I are glued to the tv

Nine years, 7 months and 20 days…GO USA!!!!

May 2nd

In no particular order

People who helped me to have an utterly fantastic weekend: Kate Adam Meg Jordan Hill Charlie Will Meghan Marta Places I loved going: Cuvee, Grahamwich, Cedar Hotel, Theory, Lincoln Park Zoo Dresses I loved wearing: Black (three) with detailed backs Shoes I loved rocking: Black stilettos and Black booties PRAYING that we all have a great week!

Apr 11th

Last night

I wore a little black dress. And towering heels. And had so much damn fun. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and I’ve been doing a pretty poor job of that as of late. I’m ready to stop getting in my own way. Finally.

Apr 9th

And when the event, the big change in your life, is simply an insight - isn’t that a strange thing? That absolutely nothing changes except that you see things differently and that you’re less fearful and less anxious and generally stronger as a result: isn’t it amazing that a completely invisible thing in your head can feel realer than anything you’ve experienced before? You see things more...

Apr 9th

Feb 28th

I'm Back

I’ve not posted more than a sentence or two on my beloved blog in a long time, and I’ve actually taken some time off from social media in general during the month of January. But I’m writing this post now to say despite, and maybe perhaps because of, these last few weeks, I’ve realized how incredibly blessed I am with the people I have in my life-and I wanted to thank them...

Jan 31st

“It was certainly the finest rhetorical moment of his presidency—and...”

– From Time. The President gave an absolutely magnificent speech. Beautifully written, powerfully delivered. Just what our nation needed.

Jan 13th

I am watching

Meet Me in St. Louis. Love this movie-first watched it at my Grandma’s house when I was in 2nd grade. Thought it appropriate in preparation for my trip home for Christmas. This was a good weekend. Got to see Erik, Erin and the girls and exchange Christmas gifts, had a blast with Meg, cleaned my apartment and ran, great brunch with Lindsey and some qt with nurse Kate, who was kind enough to...

Dec 20th

Heard this tonight.... →

Dec 16th

Wow.

I haven’t written on my blog in so long that after I posted the last entry, I thought whose blog is that-the style looks different. As I.Love.Writing. in general, I’ll add this to my regular duties once again…

Dec 15th

I. Love. Writing. Speeches.

Trying to deliver pertinent information creatively Becoming a subject matter expert quickly Holing up in a Starbucks with no bathroom (I don’t love that as much, although the employees are still super friendly) Having R.J. Grunts next door that doesn’t care if you use the restroom (God bless Rich Melman) I’m now running into people I know at Starbucks, as I go on both my...

Dec 15th

Today I...

did a lot of work on Lafayette stuff-excited to be updating the website and adding members to our board! Feel very blessed we’ve been able to create this. Mom et al loved the Garrett’s popcorn I shipped to them (it is one of Oprah’s faves, n’est-ce-pas) and I’m excited to buy presents for Hud, Jacksyn, Will and Charlie tomorrow-a puzzle and books. Little kids are so...

Dec 10th

I am on the phone with my mom

who is killing what must be the world’s largest bug in our house with the help of Jordan, Jen and Jimmy. There is lots of noise and commotion…it feels like I’m right there HAHAHAHAHHA

Dec 8th

Happy to announce...

I’m serving as the communications director for Tim Egan’s campaign for alderman of ward 43! Very excited…Tim’s already doing a ton of great things for our community, and I’m happy to do my part to get his message out and help get him elected! Also working on a speech regarding the intersection of radio promotion/social media/creative thinking. And, in an...

Dec 2nd

Well, what can I tell you...

I’ve been writing A TON working out a lot too having lots of fun generally trying to greet each day with a positive attitude and, asking, what’s the gift in this. Excited for holiday adventures to abound (and continue)!

Dec 1st

I had a good day for a number of reasons.

Least of which is the Crate and Barrel Holiday Gift Guide. My love for this store belies my age, yet knows no bounds.

Nov 23rd

The Catsuit Debut

Black top Black leggings Grey boots Silver snake bracelet Silver necklace gifted by Kate I’m back to my brunette roots…and last night I returned to the Chicago social scene. Hit up some old favorites-Fireplace Inn and Wells on Wells-with the Carlstead crew. Now it’s off to bed, so I can get up tomorrow morning and do what I love beyond measure…WRITE.

Nov 22nd

Maureen Orth

is a hell of a writer. Just google some of the great things she’s penned-I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Nov 12th

This is the life

Only one layer + putting the puffy Northface back in the closet for a few more days=one very grateful Chicagoan.

Nov 9th

“There’s a difference between acceptance and resignation. I’ve...”

– Michael J. Fox. A brave, incredible human being

Oct 30th

Welcome back...

Tonight I put back on the best thing* I ever purchased: My long Northface coat. The mild October weather that gave way to the storm of the century has now brought in a bit of a cold front. It’s weird wearing a massive coat and Uggs for the first time. I’m sure in a few weeks it will feel like second hat. The seasons and the times, they are a changin’ *This is the best most...

Oct 29th

“Missouri is 7-0 for the first time since 1960 when the school ended 11-0 and...”

– After years YEARS of smarting over those 2007 losses (literally I remember them like they were yesterday), and running to the Spread in my Uggs tonight-I made it with 4:45 left on the clock to be amongst the legion of Tiger fans in Chicago as WE BEAT OKLAHOMA! We won!!! It was absolutely, without...

Oct 24th

Go Boys Go

Cheering on my alma mater today…and sending good thoughts/prayers/fingers crossed to our boys this evening, along with the legion of Missouri football fans around the world. I love this sport. It can galvanize-captivate-keep people enraptured unlike any other. And even though this is the first year since 2002 I haven’t heeded Chester Brewer’s call to come on Home, I know that...

Oct 23rd

Oct 22nd

I mean wow... →

Oct 12th

Watch

The indomitable spirit of Denny Fitch.

Oct 9th

Things that Make Me Smile

The cover line re: Kim Kardashian on last month’s Allure—Head for Business, Bod for Sin. Isn’t that what we all aspire to? I kid….not so much. Los Angeles Encouraging e-mails Laughing with a friend at Lux Bar Running out my frustration on the treadmill Girl and Goat! Fashion Week Football Glow party Thursday Family visiting Animal crackers Denny Fitch Sleeping...

Oct 5th

Time

Three Weeks til LA Four Days til Girl and Goat 16 Hours til 5 mile run for LA Beach Body 12 Hours til lunch with Amy 36 Hours til 6 mile run for LA Beach Body …….

Oct 2nd

Watch

Wow…History of Rap…AMAZING.

Oct 2nd

I ran five miles today!

But can I get up before work and do the same? I don’t know…

Sep 29th

Best EPISODE EVER. →

Sep 28th

You know how

sometimes you get something, and you didn’t know you wanted it and now it’s ALL you can think about it? And how today you thought you were close to having it again And then those thoughts were dashed? Yeah, me neither.

Sep 22nd

Sep 20th

Faith

I’m Catholic. I went through all the sacraments-first confirmation, first reconciliation (although, really, what sins did I have to confess at age 7-putting up a fight about bedtime?) and confirmation. I didn’t go to Catholic school, and my church attendance was infrequent—some weeks I’d go all the time, other months not so much. This all changed for me when my dad died....

Sep 13th

Labor Day is

late night walks through the city with my mom, and early morning breakfast at a little place on Bellevue with my mother and grandmother. It’s seeing the wind go through my 86 year old grandmother’s hair as she takes in the majestic apartments and tree-lined lush landscapes of Lakeshore Drive and Astor Court. It’s also the three times we almost caused Grandma to die by running...

Sep 7th

My family is coming this weekend.

And today was 90210 day. I LOVE 90210. Who do I love the most? David and Val. This is the best blog entry I’ve EVER written.

Sep 3rd

Aug 30th

George Clooney

I’ve ALWAYS liked him. As has Kate. The man just gave an impossibly elegant, poignant acceptance speech. He was recognized for his philanthropy, for making good out of his celebrity. And he implored those in the room, and those watching, to continue caring about the causes important to us, long after the flashing lights have dimmed and faded. Simply beautiful…and something we...

Aug 30th

I just had

the BEST sleep. For hours on end. Sure, it was interrupted, but each time I was able to fall back asleep. I feel so well rested…so CLEAR. And the dreams I had…insanity. I wish I was able to get this type of sleep every week, but I’ll take last night for sure—AMAZING. September will be an unusual month for me—one in which Jordan, Jen, Mom and Grandma visit, I go...

Aug 29th

I am excited for fall

Aug 25th

What comes up

Or what’s up with me…I must be tired to have such a LAME title -Furniture shopping/putting together-last week. ALMOST done. Organizing that closet though keeps getting pushed off. -Auction/trivia night-September 25. I do this ALL OF THE TIME. I love it though—so many of my friends/classmates have given me great ideas, and so many have already been so generous with their...

Aug 18th

Aug 13th

Air and Water Show

This time of year always make me smile…well except for last year around this time because that was just SCARY. But I love the Air and Water Show, because nearly four years ago that was the event that welcomed me to my fair city. Jordan, who was nine at the time, asked if it was always this loud in Chicago. Sometimesmaybealotyes. The next year I watched it as I was toiling away in my...

Aug 13th