Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

So despite the scrooge-like neighbor texts and stool theft, I would say my and Chelsea's Christmas party was a success. It is rare you can get that many good friends in one room. I'm glad we made it happen. Here are a few glimpses of the evening, courtesy of Chelsea's Nikon. Also a few Christmasy shots I took recently.

my lovlies.

so glad atta ann could make it home in time!

Christmas apartment.

It's all in the music.

I was inspired by my friend De'mar, to make a list of my top ten albums of the year. I thought about how daunting of a task this would be and then I remembered the easiest and most honest way to figure it out, play count on Itunes! Turns out that didn't really help either..So here we go kids.

In no particular order...

The Snake the Cross the Crown- Cotton Teeth
So, this album was actually released in 2007 which probably means it should be nowhere near this list but it was probably my single most listened to album this year.
When the album was originally released, I heard of it from a friend and gave it a brief listen but really didn't think too much about it. This year however, I revisited the record, I don't know what didn't register before but my lord is it excellent music. It is one of those records where every song is your new favorite song, and no matter how many times you listen, you still want to hear it just as much the next time.

Dear and the Headlights- Drunk Like Bible Times
Awesome band, awesome album. The bands album, Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, was an incredible debut release, so needless to say I was extremely nervous about the release of this album I really didn't want to be let down, and I am so happy to say I was not.

Jenny Lewis- Acid Tongue
Now I know this was actually released at the end of 08, but the majority of listening happened in 09 so I think it's fair game. My dearest Lexi welcomed me to world of Jenny Lewis a few years ago, it is now our tradition to go see her together whenever she is in town. This music is nothing like what you might know from her Rilo Kiley days. If you are ready to embrace your folky, campfire sing along side, I recommend you listen to this record.

James Morrison- Songs For You, Truths For Me
Ditto about the 08 release of this album. What a sexy voice this man has though. My sister introduced me to this album, thank you sister. JM does this very appealing modern soul sound on this album.

Britney Spears- Circus
Make fun, I don't care. I am a Britney fan til the end. It's fun music. It's good music. It makes me happy, I don't think I need to defend that. Hell, I will even admit to paying $300 to see the show. It was totally worth it.

Cold War Kids- Loyalty to Loyalty
Okay, this is turning into a list of September 08 releases. Excellent album. I can't wait til their new EP, Behave Yourself, is released next month...or leaks sooner. Saw them live earlier this year, excellent performers.

As Tall As Lions- You Can't Take It With You
Okay so they are friends of mine, but didn't mean this album had to be included. It definitely deserves to be. I really, really love this record. These guys are excellent musicians, there is no denying that. This album showcases a lot of different sounds and styles, all executed extremely well. I do think this album requires a lot more commitment than their self-titled album, but I promise you won't regret putting a ring on it.

Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
A friend introduced me to this album earlier in the year. It definitely was not love at first listen, but something made me want to dedicate some listening time to this record. I am glad I did. I am also glad it inspired Solange Knowles cover of "Stillness is the Move," so good.

Blakroc Self-Titled
This album, for me, was a breath of fresh air. I really like the Black Keys, so I had high hopes for this record. For anyone with a fondess for rock/hiphop, you're really going to like this record. The Ludacris/ODB track is amazing. I mean it's Ludacris and ODB, how could it not be?

Alberta Cross- Broken Side of Time
After 2 years of listening to their 2007 EP, The Thief and The Heartbreaker, some new material was long over due. This guy has such a unique vocal style, I think you either love it or hate it. I happen to love it. This album is a little...heavier.. than the EP, but is great none the less.

You've got me.

Let's try this again.
Oh, my on and off relationship with blogging. I always have the best intentions, I really do. Sometimes though, when you're being educated 3 days a week, and you're being a pseudo mommy to 3 year old twins 3 days a week, blogging isn't really at the top of the priorities list.
Now however, I have a lovely month long break from the daily school grind. So I figure I can dedicate a little time to this bad boy.

So many good things are going on right now, I really feel blessed.
2009 has had it's ups and downs, that is for sure, but it seems to be closing on an excellent note which I am very thankful for.

I finally feel like past two and a half years at Columbia are starting to pay off. I am meeting some excellent people, taking advantage of opportunities and hopefully forging the way for a career I truly love. Securing a spot at Columbia's label AEMMP Records is one thing I'm really, really excited about. I also just found out that I will be traveling with them to SXSW this March, and hopefully networking my ass off and meeting some people who can be awesome resources (not to mention visiting my lovely Atta Ann!)

I've been working a steady job (what!?) for a few months now, which also feels great. I cannot lie, sometimes I don't want to work 8-6 on Saturdays, but it does feel so good to be able to look at my savings account and not feel embarrassed, or scared.

Per usual, photography gets pushed to the back burner when things get busy, but I've been making a conscious effort to use $2,000 camera I had to have this summer. The material may not be the most inspired, but it feels good to be at least shooting a little bit. I want to work on some more portraits. I loved doing Gracie's senior photos this summer. They turned out so beautifully, it really made me want to do more.

I'm sorry but, could the girl be any more beautiful?

In two days I'll be traveling to Michigan for a week long visit. I am so excited, I really can't even express. Things have been so crazy in Chicago for these past couple months, being at home, spending time with family and old friends will be a really really nice change of pace.

Having no complaints right now feels really good. It's rare that we can really say that, so I'm going to enjoy it as much as humanly possible. Hope everyone else is doing as well.

The Circle Game

I miss developing black and white prints.

I want to bake today. What, I am not quite sure.

I will report back.

How do I feel? I feel a million miles away.

C'est triste. Ajourd hui c'est deux, n'est pas quatre.

I once ate these.

Grubs.

No lie, ate the whole thing.

Tasted like a Slim Jim. The jerky, not the sandwich. 

my blue heaven.

Just when you thought Chelsea and I couldn't get any cuter...

It was too beautiful of a night to eat inside, so we made this cozy little set up on the back porch. 

We ended up staying out there all night, Jen and Carly joined us for lots of wine and stories.

I truly live for nights like that. 

Saturday in the park

I think it was the fourth of July.

Actually it was Friday, April 17th...but thats all relative.

It was the first real day of spring today, and the ladies and I decided to celebrate by lunch in the park. 

Two of the best, not to mention beautiful, friends in the whole world.

There was the most beautiful butterfly kite being flown in the park. You can't really see it in this picture, but it was great. 

Iquitos, Peru

Some mornings, actually quite a few mornings, I wake up wishing I was laying beneath a tent of milky white mosquito netting, on top of a ridiculously hard and flat mattress. 

Regardless of how "rustic" the accommodations are, there is no sleep like the sleep you get on those balmy nights, so completely exhausted from the amazing adventures you had that day, letting the sounds of the rain forest lull you into slumber. 

I hope by next year I can make trip number three a reality.

Words really don't do justice to how incredible this place is and how beautiful it's people are.

I tried to capture it with photographs. 

 

Mornin' Sunshine

Vanilla Almond French Toast with Coconut and Berries

I wish I had the time and resources to make this breakfast every morning. I think it would probably make the majority of the days a lot better. My waistline, not so much.

Instead I'll do this.

Vanilla Almond Granola with Kefir, Honey and Berries

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Raspberry Beret, I think I love her.

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Raspberry Almond Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache 

I don't know about her but, I know I love these. 

I have more treats to post, but I am pretty exhausted from a busy Easter Sunday.

It was my first Easter away from home but Jen and I made it wonderful regardless. We went to see our favorite team, The Detroit Red Wings, play the Blackhawks. Although we played miserably it was still a lot of fun. After the game we went over to Dave and Laura's house for an Easter Feast (er?). Not only was it delicious, but we had so much fun. We did an egg hunt and had a bonfire, not to mention quite a bit of wine. Made some unexpected new friends, which is always wonderful. Overall it was just a really beautiful day. I feel very grateful to be living the life I do. I hope everyone was fortunate enough to have a great day with family, friends, both or maybe like mine, they are one in the same. 

Old Man Chicago.

Chicago was beautiful this evening. I look forward to nice weather being a regular occurrence. 

Today was a good day. I spent the majority of it in the kitchen, which is always a treat. I have some beautiful things to post tomorrow. 

I belong to Hockeytown.

Since I can't be with my biological family on Easter, I will be with my hockey family, the Detroit Redwings. Can you see the resemblance? 

Round, dark and handsome.

Vegan Chocolate, Cinnamon, Peanut Butter Cookies.

Sure to brighten the day of any vegan...or anyone with tastebuds.

Here's a million mute expressions. Here's the one where I choke on my words.

It's so strange when you push feelings aside for so long, and you don't even realize it. Then one simple thing can pull you right back to where you were however long ago. A picture, a song, whatever it is, it doesn't matter. You feel the lump rise in your throat and know instantly that no one really is as strong as they think they are, or as they act. Even if you know, you just can't help but to look.

I know we all feel it. I do. I just don't know why everyone has to ignore it all the time.

true value

Why is it so easy to be in love with the idea of someone, even if you know the reality?

I feel as though that is the question I am constantly seeking the answer to, and I probably won't find it. 

It most likely will just happen that I will find myself lucky enough to be in love with someone and their reality, and no longer be interested in looking for the answer to my question.

Or at least that's what I'm hoping.

As for now, I suppose my love of Cemitas Pueblas will have to suffice.

Me amo cemitas milanesa y pastel de tres leches. 

Revolution Spreads To Two Provinces

I feel like so much happened today. 

I feel like I am finally getting my act together. 

I should be in a Pull Ups ad, I'm a big kid now.

Who knows if it will last, but right now I truly feel things in my life are heading in the right direction. It's a great thing. 

Tomorrow will be another excellent day. 

I'm working a photo shoot, get to see the love of my life RPK and the faj is going to be in town and he's taking the ladies out to dinner. 

I think we're going to play some Scrabble tonight. The Diamond Edition could use some action. I hope I am back to my regular ass 

kicking self because the last two games I played, I lost miserably. Can't let that keep happening, I have a reputation to uphold!

I feel like I have ADD right now because everything I'm saying is so sporadic BUT

I'm drinking the most delicious hot cocoa right now! My sister sent it to me. Land O Lakes Chocolate Caramel, couldn't be more delicious. Couldn't help but to scald my tongue the second it was ready. 

Also, I want Peru this summer so bad it hurts. 

This? done have could who

Inexplicable. 

Teach a man to fish and there's no I in team

Well I would consider last night's surprise party a surprising success. 

It is rare to see that many men in one place. 

Despite the dirty floors and one real fight sparked by a faux one, it was pretty harmless fun.

I hope Atta Ann enjoyed her golden 22nd.

Let us not forget the magnificent dinner at Lucia's preceding le fete. 

Pumpkin squash ravioli in a sage butter sauce with proscuitto and walnuts. Incredible. 

Truly a breathtaking culinary feat. 

I should have taken a picture. 

Instead we got one of Jack Wagner's birthday creation. He never lets us down.

Currently I am in bed with a nice cup of Zen tea. 

Lunch at the Bongo Room lies in the near future.

I want to do as many pleasurable activities as possible before the daily grind starts again on Monday. 

Men?

Also, if someone in Minambres' Spanish 1 Class Monday's at 3:30 could kindly drop as to allow me a spot in the class, that would be fabulous. Thanks a ton. 

I forgot that Chelsea was the one who had brought me this route.

As expected, my dedication to blogging has been low to none.

CAKE, the person as well as the confection, has insp

ired me to try harder.

I am sitting at my desk in my rerearranged room, and it feels right. 

I always did like my room like this, why did I try and fix something that clearly wasn't broken? Always causes more problems. 

Story of my life.

So I know this thing should probably be all contemplative, and emo and whatnot but, right now I just feel like dancing.

Which is why I cannot wait for tonight! 

I love having people at our apartment because we get to pick the music, and do we ever pick it well. I'm sure there will be a lot of Circus and MTV mashups going on, as those seem to be favorites lately. Maybe Jen and I can do our pole dance to Single Ladies.

I think Chiloh is excited about tonight too, its only 2:30 and she's already in the bathroom getting ready!

Kitten, she's such a kitten. 

Thank you for being here today, thank you.

Welcome to 2009. I'm sure that just as in years past, this crazy ride will go by faster than the one preceding it. I suppose you could consider this some sort of attempt at cataloguing the things that have happened, are happening currently and will perhaps happen sometime in the future. 

As for the day that ended 18 minutes ago, it was the first back in the lovely city of Chicago in far too long. As much as I complain about the weather and my constant yearning to be in transit, it always feels right here. Especially with the three beautiful ladies who inhabit crystal and hoyne with me. Chiloh too of course. First night back and already there has been 1 knife thrown, 2 tea kettles full, 3 rooms rearranged and 4 delicious turkey burgers. Never better.