tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152193852024-03-14T02:12:13.752-05:00PeytonspacePeytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-88359300973718678062008-02-24T16:35:00.002-06:002008-02-24T16:42:33.699-06:00The Oscars are tonight and I am kind of excited. One of Jamie's friends from law school is having a little get together so we can all watch the show together. Usually, I do not venture out on a Sunday night at that hour (aka: after dark). But, she only lives a block away, so there is no excuse... my usual excuse for not attending social engagements is because someone live too far away. Basically, if I have to take the train and the event starts after 8, I will not be in attendance. <br /><br />Anywho, my main reason for the excitement is the Oscar pool we have going at the office. We all put $3 in the pool and filled out our ballots. Although I have not seen any of the movies that are nominated, I have confidence in my ability to guess. Last year, I only saw one of the movies that was nominated and I won a Chipotle burrito. Hopefully, I will win again this year. Wish me luck and have a wonderful Oscar night!Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1689516064176043392008-02-12T18:40:00.001-06:002008-02-12T18:47:00.823-06:00One big step on the road to matrimonySo, I have been kind of stuck in the moment of my daddy's death. But, now I am refocusing my energy on my future nuptials. As you know, I have been officially engaged for almost a year now. We were planning a fall wedding at my parents farm (after giving up on the elopment idea)... in fact, my daddy and I had almost worked out all of the details. Well, you know how the rest of that story goes. Let's just sum it up with I am no longer having it there.<br /><br />Anyway, Jamie and I have finally decided on a location. We want to have the ceremony in Asheville, NC. We are looking at the Biltmore, several B&B's, and outdoor sites. It doesn't sound like much planning, but it REALLY is. It is a definite start and the more I look into the location the more excited I get. I am even thinking of having a cream wedding gown (versus the pale blue one I was originally going with) and maybe having a bridesmaid or two... or not. We haven't really gotten past the location. I will keep you posted. (YEAH!)Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-14501556144323503172008-01-24T20:20:00.000-06:002008-01-24T21:25:48.517-06:00Sweet Home AlabamaLately, I have been listening to a lot of Lynyrd Skynyrd... There is something so comforting about it at this point in my life. It brings back memories (college- specifically, Touchdowns-, the first taste of freedom, and on and on). Every, single day I listen to Sweet Home Alabama (sometimes on repeat) and it makes me long for the South. It invokes memories of family and friends. For so long, I dreamed about leaving the South and I finally did move to Chicago in 2003 with my best friend/life partner/now fiance. Four and a half years later (1.5 graduate degrees later for me and almost a law degree later for Jamie), I realize how much I miss it. That does not mean that I want to pack up and move back. I simply wish that I had the same relationships/friendships here with me now. The only time I see my family is at Christmas. I see my friends from the South much less. With everything that has happened, those relationships seem so much more important and I am so far away there is nothing I can do to fix it and that frustrates me. I need that support now and I don't know how to ask for it. Plus, I feel bad asking my local friends for help even though I am truly suffering after my Daddy's death. <br /><br />Well, this post went from could-have-been-fun to depressing... it mimics my everyday. Hopefully, you have a support system that is a little closer than mine... (cue "Debbie Downer" music). Tell them how much you appreciate them before it is too late.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-69697738037791502142008-01-20T17:29:00.000-06:002008-01-20T17:37:19.226-06:00Pea Pod = LazySo, we have been ordering my groceries online lately and we are officially spoiled. Going to the grocery store has not been the same sine I have converted to an online grocery shopper (especially since the high this weekend is 6 degrees with a wind chill of -15). If Peapod (http://www.peapod.com/) is available in your area then you should definitely try it. You can virtually shop in the aisles. The newest feature is that you can copy and paste your grocery list into a little box and it will shop for you. You just pick the brand and size you want. Items can be sorted by price, price per unit, calories, fat, fiber, etc. THE BEST PART... you can order beer and liquor. In my most recent delivery (tonight) I bought a bottle of Bailey's, a bottle of Kahlua, and 2 12-packs of beer. Of all of the perks of living in the city, delivery of anything (and I mean everything) beats it all. Ahhhh, I love the city...Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-73281017599602014722007-12-19T20:10:00.000-06:002007-12-19T20:22:54.001-06:00In memory...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtto5w97tHQYutZy_x1oQ6XWlEKwMKFxEu9FLVMbv2pH6b8HP_GqxbYlFJs90iEa0JIL5d8rJSNMtWdwWLWbkmCpW8a1gPeXwMI1fm35wJxzcuHdq4bZ4VqAidnyroz-e8MCTy/s1600-h/P1010244.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtto5w97tHQYutZy_x1oQ6XWlEKwMKFxEu9FLVMbv2pH6b8HP_GqxbYlFJs90iEa0JIL5d8rJSNMtWdwWLWbkmCpW8a1gPeXwMI1fm35wJxzcuHdq4bZ4VqAidnyroz-e8MCTy/s320/P1010244.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145871972330385058" /></a><br />In memory Jim Caruthers (1949-2007)<br /><br />Thanksgiving weekend, I lost the most important person in my life. He was my rock and best friend. Most importantly, he was my Daddy. The weeks before he died, I considered myself the happiest person alive. Everything was going for me... I had a great job, I was engaged to a great guy, and I had the perfect family. That illusion of perfection left the moment I received the call from my mom telling me that daddy had a heart attack and didn't make it. I am no longer naive to how cruel and unpredictable life can be. Things will never be the same and that really pisses me off. <br /><br />But, I should focus on the positive. Some people are not lucky enough to have a special friendship with their dad. We had 28 really great years together as best friends through thick and thin... for that I am lucky and thankful. He was the most honorable and loving man I have ever known and he will be missed dearly.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-18414592306076240562007-09-25T16:43:00.000-05:002007-09-25T17:12:45.293-05:00Fall Update...I know it has been forever since I have blogged... I have just been going with the flow of life lately. <br /><br />The summer was spent going between Chicago and DC to visit my honey who was clerking for the courts in our nation's capital. It was a nice chance to explore the DC area and to reconnect with my 1st cousin once removed, her husband, and her son since Jamie was staying with them, rent-free.<br /><br />In fact, it opened the door of communication so much that her neice (my second cousin) came to live with us this month to do a medical rotation here in Chicago. I am a bit of a hypochondriac, so having her here has been so great (for me). Let me just tell you, she is going to make an awesome doctor. Not only is she super smart, but she is also so much fun. Her little brother came last week to visit my college and he is a super cool guy, too. He is going to be an amazing artist one day... and hopefully, he will be moving to Chicago soon to attend art school.<br /><br />I'll tell you, it has been so nice to reconnect with family. After losing my only first cousin, it has been kind of lonely knowing that I am all alone on this side of the family. Hearing about how my second cousins all get together at the holidays makes me a little jealous. Our holidays are a little depressing. It is me and the old folks at the holidays, so it doesn't get to rowdy, especially since my brother spends the holidays away (a whole other story I don't want to get into). <br /><br />It is going to be kind of sad to see my cousin leave at the end of the week. Our next houseguest will be a co-worker/friend who is living with us until the end of October when she moves back to the east coast. Having her stay with us will be great. It is sad knowing that she is not going to be around anymore, so I am going to appreciate having a little extra time to spend with her before she leaves. After my cousin's death, she was one of the few people who was there for me when I needed it most. Letting her stay with us is the least I could do for someone who did so much to help me through that painful time. Plus, the kitties LOVE her (she kept them all summer when I was in DC).<br /><br />We are not expecting anymore guests after October which I am not too happy about... I was hoping to have Thanksgiving guests, but I think that has fizzled. This year's Thanksgiving is (was) going to be awesome because I have a Christmas tree that I was planning on decorating the day after Thanksgiving with my guest(s). If this guest(s) would consider changing their mind, it would be the best thing ever. I would even help pay for the flight (you know who you are)... no pressure.<br /><br />Anyway, we are settled back in the windy city (for now), slowly getting back to our routine. Now, if I could only kick this cold. Much like Katie, I catch every cold that comes within 5 feet of me... I guess that is a sign that I need to take better care of myself.<br /><br />Anyway, Happy Fall!Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1011908528340209382007-05-13T08:17:00.000-05:002007-05-13T17:26:15.597-05:00Whew!What a weekend... I usually don't talk about work, but I feel like I should.<br /><br />Friday was Manifest. It is the all day art festival that our College organizes to showcase graduating student work. In conjunction with the event we had our Graduate Commencement Party... it was not as sucessful as it has been in past years. I suspect it is because we usually have it one week before Manifest but this year we tried having it on the same day. All of our students were busy with their departments so no one showed up... I mean almost no one showed up. Probably 30-40 people showed up total ALL night. At one point it was just staff standing around talking about how we all wanted to cry at how bad the attendance turned out. But, then, the Dance Movement Therapy girls arrived and made it seem sort of okay because they had a good time. Thus, the night was not a complete bust. <br /><br />The next morning we had to report to Commencement at 8:15/8:30. I worked that alllllll day. That was a whole other story of unneccesary stress, but I won't get into that now.<br /><br />After the 2 ceremonies, I walked straight to my next event, a gala with Dionne Warwick. Yep, you heard it... I was invited by the Dean to go to a private dinner event with Miss Dionne. I was one of around 100 people (mostly trustees and donors) in the company of this amazing woman. I dined on a perfectly cooked filet mignon, drank a few glasses of wine and listened to the Black Ensemble Theater sing Dionne's songs. Let me just tell you, they were A-MAZING! They ended the evening with "That's what friends are for" and I sat next to my good friend Gemini and sang along and swayed. It was a night I will remember forever.<br /><br />So, back to Dionne. She has not aged a bit. Plus, she is super petit. She arrived in a stretch limo with her entourage of about 6... including her song-writing partner (I think) and her sister (I think). I was there that night to technically work. So, I was stationed at the door to greet the dinner guests. After my 45 minute committment, I was supposed to just enjoy myself.<br /><br />Today I am sooo tired. So, I will relax all day.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-7538676193447736982007-04-16T17:39:00.000-05:002007-04-16T17:47:15.585-05:00It's Official...After 7 years, Jamie and I decided to officially get engaged. <br /><br />Here are some photos for you...<br /><br />With flash...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_ke0gyR0LMShMEcrJPVjdX_peION2E5PfFClvmLi99wdFKGtY-4f7jWT4IDOxP4XMoDE-mcnWE1A5Au8tURebkgpA2aydlTfCmm5S3e1y7H1N7-fIc2t6e5GmprOeMa6aZEg/s1600-h/P1010242.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_ke0gyR0LMShMEcrJPVjdX_peION2E5PfFClvmLi99wdFKGtY-4f7jWT4IDOxP4XMoDE-mcnWE1A5Au8tURebkgpA2aydlTfCmm5S3e1y7H1N7-fIc2t6e5GmprOeMa6aZEg/s320/P1010242.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054160483725124018" /></a><br /><br />Without flash...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJPqdTtlW6wZUVovGnUp59WlMk0s-IE_VwR5M5adfdEPcxduBKx0we1cMV3DzFqFiLd5Q-O3A7tOFb7bOZOVmTYe_mYAxDclE6PU3VfUo63Mzkg9y3ScW7pySJ0etr7HSEgZ3/s1600-h/P1010253.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJPqdTtlW6wZUVovGnUp59WlMk0s-IE_VwR5M5adfdEPcxduBKx0we1cMV3DzFqFiLd5Q-O3A7tOFb7bOZOVmTYe_mYAxDclE6PU3VfUo63Mzkg9y3ScW7pySJ0etr7HSEgZ3/s320/P1010253.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054160122947871138" /></a><br /><br />Insurance photo...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJwKd4RkxaBqh2BQTTRt_ksQQLX6bZcmY-nLHUxLJJFAj-bF11NqZgGJ5h9ZmrSGqiOi4A28hdNDY-OtxboaZBjtD6GfB69vlWRpE5GQNlAZQDH_HMXRKegVetLN3PbvYZmKC/s1600-h/Front+View.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJwKd4RkxaBqh2BQTTRt_ksQQLX6bZcmY-nLHUxLJJFAj-bF11NqZgGJ5h9ZmrSGqiOi4A28hdNDY-OtxboaZBjtD6GfB69vlWRpE5GQNlAZQDH_HMXRKegVetLN3PbvYZmKC/s320/Front+View.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054161136560153026" /></a>Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-39525233363560541532007-03-28T08:41:00.000-05:002007-03-28T08:44:58.954-05:00Pad ThaiHere is a dinner I made not too long ago...<br /><br />Pad Thai with Chicken and lots of veggies<br />Shu Mai (chicken dumplings) <br />Egg Roll<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBor6Mlp1al4FG-uC7A_Ad55XMSr3PcorYu0IwsrhJZ2WLQwa8GDvHwCQt6Y9Wpl8FYE2FwwJZm90fWIXWQ196QlUvMBgzbvDOpYf04d83_-8a6IQrkh9frAcJd1HdvYNpsnt3/s1600-h/img078.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBor6Mlp1al4FG-uC7A_Ad55XMSr3PcorYu0IwsrhJZ2WLQwa8GDvHwCQt6Y9Wpl8FYE2FwwJZm90fWIXWQ196QlUvMBgzbvDOpYf04d83_-8a6IQrkh9frAcJd1HdvYNpsnt3/s320/img078.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046970436732106034" /></a><br />This meal was possible thanks to Trader Joe's.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-3491436992867974762007-03-27T10:20:00.000-05:002007-03-27T10:23:54.851-05:00It's Official...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlQLCxhkuZknayo9_WzzaaBNt8bF8Vc8uKgyVGf5FcbB50i2rY1EO1Xd9aZ0sjo-2Lk-NYTzSrgGa76DXa0bPmBC7qtbOgIaZSdS-zg7zXLrVtuqY1iNlX_tBg9NQiX7L09eR/s1600-h/dc.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlQLCxhkuZknayo9_WzzaaBNt8bF8Vc8uKgyVGf5FcbB50i2rY1EO1Xd9aZ0sjo-2Lk-NYTzSrgGa76DXa0bPmBC7qtbOgIaZSdS-zg7zXLrVtuqY1iNlX_tBg9NQiX7L09eR/s320/dc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046625020290311650" /></a><br />Looks like I will be spending most of my summer here... Jamie accepted the summer associate position at the Department of Veteran Affairs in Washington, D.C. I am so proud of him!Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-69597449511462242492007-03-08T19:50:00.000-06:002007-03-08T19:55:15.003-06:00And still... more snow.On my way to work...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PsYGeY_P3zhkIyQSQ4be0GGxgJt0LvnuyXdvJCijZLQgqM6te3TaRbL7eNBFJGz-9sTW_dFwFYljwhfu_fugITXYagHWmTcABzMHipXMG5AL_kOoZWVZb_dDNzQsOOV4s22A/s1600-h/3-7-07+Snow+on+sidewalk.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PsYGeY_P3zhkIyQSQ4be0GGxgJt0LvnuyXdvJCijZLQgqM6te3TaRbL7eNBFJGz-9sTW_dFwFYljwhfu_fugITXYagHWmTcABzMHipXMG5AL_kOoZWVZb_dDNzQsOOV4s22A/s320/3-7-07+Snow+on+sidewalk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039736362207238626" /></a><br /><br />Although it is not slick, I still find myself walking like I am constipated. Earlier in the season I slipped on a patch of ice in front of about 20 people who had just emerged from the red line station... some found it amusing enough to laugh out loud at my pain. The worst part is that I ruined my favorite BCBGMaxAzria slacks... <br /><br />Enough is enough. Spring? Are you there?Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-46715127084351349932007-03-02T17:41:00.000-06:002007-03-02T17:47:27.605-06:00Did I speak to soon?These are photos of Michigan Avenue and Grant Park that were taken late this afternoon from the Dean's office. It looks like fog, but it's not. It is snow...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZvoSCl9fOBdRP6NewGYsY5J8Ff5kBhVl1-Oxm_M_aheui95DnX6aIwk9kDdEKCpeLUdx7z6PNqM3LTOWyn5OZn0OEUPTkPihwi_CKRd4VGzZQhaY6CIA9Mgn42KjQiq9gx3j/s1600-h/snow+from+kcs+office+1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZvoSCl9fOBdRP6NewGYsY5J8Ff5kBhVl1-Oxm_M_aheui95DnX6aIwk9kDdEKCpeLUdx7z6PNqM3LTOWyn5OZn0OEUPTkPihwi_CKRd4VGzZQhaY6CIA9Mgn42KjQiq9gx3j/s320/snow+from+kcs+office+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037476965172617890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXarkmWWcPj1sTeSuC0kWSyB3cT0buz2gOvBmotVFPNRCpBBU3ROzHTXWhbgty3l5U2eh8OfucQocsaDuFK0CK21KTlI0fpv8-PhlwrDxYP0bMRN5L3DWNyXfPWUp5ZA-Zj6T/s1600-h/snow+from+kcs+office+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXarkmWWcPj1sTeSuC0kWSyB3cT0buz2gOvBmotVFPNRCpBBU3ROzHTXWhbgty3l5U2eh8OfucQocsaDuFK0CK21KTlI0fpv8-PhlwrDxYP0bMRN5L3DWNyXfPWUp5ZA-Zj6T/s320/snow+from+kcs+office+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037476969467585202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7M2rGc6gRL_kWY93S9AW98Tijhe_S_LljNeSkrYcsB0ZEObDzWr4cUu2Ws8SfXiOf8oYocxKNoLvLBT3KiDEWZjHwVi8sOHUPOOtuMHqCdC3Xu6sBIV5WsCdJOIVwhvxkF1H/s1600-h/snow+from+kcs+office+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7M2rGc6gRL_kWY93S9AW98Tijhe_S_LljNeSkrYcsB0ZEObDzWr4cUu2Ws8SfXiOf8oYocxKNoLvLBT3KiDEWZjHwVi8sOHUPOOtuMHqCdC3Xu6sBIV5WsCdJOIVwhvxkF1H/s320/snow+from+kcs+office+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037476973762552514" /></a>Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-54706271052964246372007-03-01T18:33:00.000-06:002007-03-01T19:02:02.118-06:00Goodbye, Loft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWybxCXijfSqoQdRqoaE3hr9-v9QYBuhGjUWosQ3cVwSK6Twsj0en9tGkMdRZxbZMq-CDda8oEn90QTo9b9YjOfSKfDacKvhQMyvBzK76vi5pMPZr6c3s7ygn9jLRrRpefRbr/s1600-h/attack.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWybxCXijfSqoQdRqoaE3hr9-v9QYBuhGjUWosQ3cVwSK6Twsj0en9tGkMdRZxbZMq-CDda8oEn90QTo9b9YjOfSKfDacKvhQMyvBzK76vi5pMPZr6c3s7ygn9jLRrRpefRbr/s320/attack.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037125478362101090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2D1DIU9mIJGKid-ll4VdBsyK2mtJOrCJG5MFKw71VQeDgnftwA_I1r5Tj7Q4zeg69KrSBkICmYf42XokmPKS7aB1ZocsPVGBuyAe7HmgicSBUFBKBS0QBTrUn0YHxaAIByVT/s1600-h/Brick+Wall+Bedroom.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2D1DIU9mIJGKid-ll4VdBsyK2mtJOrCJG5MFKw71VQeDgnftwA_I1r5Tj7Q4zeg69KrSBkICmYf42XokmPKS7aB1ZocsPVGBuyAe7HmgicSBUFBKBS0QBTrUn0YHxaAIByVT/s320/Brick+Wall+Bedroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037123094655251794" /></a><br /><br /><br />I recently upgraded from a super cool loft (glorified studio) to a 2-bedroom (guests welcome). It is super cool and very Chicago. We had exposed brick and really tall ceilings. But, it was nearly impossible to keep warm. At least I can say I have lived in a loft, now.<br /><br />The building's alley is what was historically known as Hell's Half Acre. A hundred or so years ago, it was the most dangerous alley in Chicago. Whores, pimps and theives would rob and sometimes murder anyone who walked down it. Even police officers would not go into the neighborhood. Today, Printer's Row is one of the safest beats in the City. It is also one of the coolest neighborhoods. My building used to be a papermaking company. You could still see nails in the wall where they used to hang paper.<br /><br />I moved a whole 2 blocks. Now, I live on Satan's alley, historically, the 2nd most dangerous alley. Today, it is just a typical alley... I get kind of creeped out thinking about how many people lost their lives in my neighborhood.<br /><br />Here are photos from my loft... (I tried to put the pictures in different places on the page, but I gave up... actually, I just didn't feel like dealing with it. So, they are a bit jumbled... oh well, you get the point.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-D4ucBZ-8Lakl5eA4FacQJLSw5XzcD3c5v8B34AIFGDbD6BRhFjY_N9w9HPjQjuZdJH85OoTfTgnE-poUzQzAyV5Kthoe14TqoWWcQnJP-wnU3RMUSf1EpHdKNiWJXEhcFqM/s1600-h/kitchen+from+dining+area.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-D4ucBZ-8Lakl5eA4FacQJLSw5XzcD3c5v8B34AIFGDbD6BRhFjY_N9w9HPjQjuZdJH85OoTfTgnE-poUzQzAyV5Kthoe14TqoWWcQnJP-wnU3RMUSf1EpHdKNiWJXEhcFqM/s320/kitchen+from+dining+area.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037119761760629986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGL4aoje6pP5_8gvYOHbQW_24_Gg1nlitQlkYX2dgV9-5w4SWBSJwcRb7lnPEWp6MV-DWo6OmCc26l4mZDEtPKn-09h7HKCd65av_uhRa2YJ2ggu0fulwqhp6LPCras3JP8ch/s1600-h/kitchen+looking+out.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGL4aoje6pP5_8gvYOHbQW_24_Gg1nlitQlkYX2dgV9-5w4SWBSJwcRb7lnPEWp6MV-DWo6OmCc26l4mZDEtPKn-09h7HKCd65av_uhRa2YJ2ggu0fulwqhp6LPCras3JP8ch/s320/kitchen+looking+out.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037120019458667762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsGtkP97ABjDj-HE2MFcmgcaqANgwB4GcSHjIqVkIW21RXPLCrWLTBsGzowTdVBNhOCS7uGvA9RDV2tUtPFUno_p2eUgApdoZuhC_zzdA_auVa0wLbHPIlTrRgWgLkyE9mlSw/s1600-h/hall+from+front+to+living.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsGtkP97ABjDj-HE2MFcmgcaqANgwB4GcSHjIqVkIW21RXPLCrWLTBsGzowTdVBNhOCS7uGvA9RDV2tUtPFUno_p2eUgApdoZuhC_zzdA_auVa0wLbHPIlTrRgWgLkyE9mlSw/s320/hall+from+front+to+living.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037119409573311698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpcWmMtQb1DGYHnelTIPvj7RFLeLG1FUCW6DE9XdWa6hO_v0tgfc2KgcYQ__wDef_99JmL3ckb1IHX0CU1aSASsPIMg49-L0o6-kkWwDimS-mihAB-EebwqVEQ4E0Zz2YDnHb/s1600-h/neighbors.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpcWmMtQb1DGYHnelTIPvj7RFLeLG1FUCW6DE9XdWa6hO_v0tgfc2KgcYQ__wDef_99JmL3ckb1IHX0CU1aSASsPIMg49-L0o6-kkWwDimS-mihAB-EebwqVEQ4E0Zz2YDnHb/s320/neighbors.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037120680883631362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCkSQXcyRIDDFnzV6A39wsdhRkGN80QpwXRikMoIQTlNlbKcWe1Cji5uWJP_ax3wgUD_mkMuI6h4uT6tQ0m8d4vDTQkznLi6cZ_-Chc78CfvXaMCYfScHrx3WeCGFtXb9aBuW/s1600-h/neighbors2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCkSQXcyRIDDFnzV6A39wsdhRkGN80QpwXRikMoIQTlNlbKcWe1Cji5uWJP_ax3wgUD_mkMuI6h4uT6tQ0m8d4vDTQkznLi6cZ_-Chc78CfvXaMCYfScHrx3WeCGFtXb9aBuW/s320/neighbors2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037120685178598674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityuxmWhdUjbRKdbAFpkaQYIlfwN-maSIMUYULvBaEAL0cCiPJ5sE-S_I20SLpYApMicRodD8dSK_3jYGE0taVBRyYHgs2ldKh_IZmfo9I7Tga6yd9bl_rIz98rYLDrEvDYJGc/s1600-h/Side+Window+view+4.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityuxmWhdUjbRKdbAFpkaQYIlfwN-maSIMUYULvBaEAL0cCiPJ5sE-S_I20SLpYApMicRodD8dSK_3jYGE0taVBRyYHgs2ldKh_IZmfo9I7Tga6yd9bl_rIz98rYLDrEvDYJGc/s320/Side+Window+view+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037120685178598690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_28L4Y6IX-YlXDEGfWqJcPK_Jh78TuKgwQGHvYLG1o1w9Uhoz45yn75wEFNVYqHgs-6hoP_SUw-SHAfNgRd89OsBmIdXQtTJKvNesu59xxtNCVHjpdT72uybOj0CMGj5jfbw/s1600-h/Side+Window+view+3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_28L4Y6IX-YlXDEGfWqJcPK_Jh78TuKgwQGHvYLG1o1w9Uhoz45yn75wEFNVYqHgs-6hoP_SUw-SHAfNgRd89OsBmIdXQtTJKvNesu59xxtNCVHjpdT72uybOj0CMGj5jfbw/s320/Side+Window+view+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037120689473566002" /></a><br /><br />Goodbye great view of the Sear's Tower! Goodbye Neighbors! Goodbye brick!Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-80934693407188780452007-03-01T18:20:00.000-06:002007-03-01T18:31:43.912-06:00Snow DaysToday it got up to 40 degrees... Soon, the snow will be a distant memory. Here are some photos of our last snow. They were taken on our walk to the grocery store. You can tell it had been there a while because 1) it is dirty and 2) the sidewalks are clear. <br /><br />This is me sitting on a pile that was about 3 feet high.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqlKyF11FSy770NUdhQNvUHF4n0RVdrNLr0xJN1LEKpB_UA-XzwP1UCQ8ugIaDhQBDhAMfuSiMldml3CWNJFJ4Kjp1oaI8QhmKT-AggekxNwcRaag6fiLw-F5pvdsinEMXTLh/s1600-h/snow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqlKyF11FSy770NUdhQNvUHF4n0RVdrNLr0xJN1LEKpB_UA-XzwP1UCQ8ugIaDhQBDhAMfuSiMldml3CWNJFJ4Kjp1oaI8QhmKT-AggekxNwcRaag6fiLw-F5pvdsinEMXTLh/s320/snow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037116175462937714" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg83R9p5FIaqq9Ede6a2G2n0xHADIft5mj_ecXxm8aW_PJREnCFchcNQzzQUGqLaCuiFLtVyTduqqh6PfVmbBLH9F7Y9NL7hv714Evxn_4-y-cJqZWhx17fkn-idJ3fUsNULRW/s1600-h/snow2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg83R9p5FIaqq9Ede6a2G2n0xHADIft5mj_ecXxm8aW_PJREnCFchcNQzzQUGqLaCuiFLtVyTduqqh6PfVmbBLH9F7Y9NL7hv714Evxn_4-y-cJqZWhx17fkn-idJ3fUsNULRW/s320/snow2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037116175462937730" /></a><br /><br />This is Jamie sitting on the same pile. He really did not want to have his picture made. I think it was because he felt silly sitting on a big nasty pile of snow. Oh well, it was fun for me.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaDqzXJaekog9wGirr4b6V_MVv2EMKLoettxCh7V8D8Z9D6xjq2EYRN-IXrLAwZdK0pLqqX8caSFQZ5OqCZSdeFJsVAEZ5hW0GocVjMfxgupFyBSrPpl7yldvZo5fDESroj1G/s1600-h/snow3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaDqzXJaekog9wGirr4b6V_MVv2EMKLoettxCh7V8D8Z9D6xjq2EYRN-IXrLAwZdK0pLqqX8caSFQZ5OqCZSdeFJsVAEZ5hW0GocVjMfxgupFyBSrPpl7yldvZo5fDESroj1G/s320/snow3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037116179757905042" /></a><br /><br />Here is snow man on the patio of a townhouse.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwzAuVBv6bUKnAm4y40yR0F-G5UFxZ3RkghfWrpnZzN6GpunK8EonvQ7Oq1frMwYwUB2zfdggfTSPmtMd54ipidGt6kkW2ZLCL6nk_1I_DM_Yumm0j5GeKj7_9UZDWJUGDZ4c/s1600-h/snow5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwzAuVBv6bUKnAm4y40yR0F-G5UFxZ3RkghfWrpnZzN6GpunK8EonvQ7Oq1frMwYwUB2zfdggfTSPmtMd54ipidGt6kkW2ZLCL6nk_1I_DM_Yumm0j5GeKj7_9UZDWJUGDZ4c/s320/snow5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037116179757905074" /></a><br /><br />Here is when it was all happening. I was picking up takeout from my favorite local restaurant. Seriously, worst walk home, EVER. At least I had the wind to blow me half way there. Oh, and I had to walk to work in it the next day because it takes the second coming for my work to even consider closing.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSptw7H867ncfvu7M39a5DyRrc4FWTrgysrizmKFDdCFNkOopH0M4ypt7aCc283ff_OsKVhEn_PA4AZpPI69T7HRFZA-Phq6Rbuc-XIrHPbwTP-F3tKo0ySk9p-e6p6uZS8yE/s1600-h/snow+from+tamarind.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSptw7H867ncfvu7M39a5DyRrc4FWTrgysrizmKFDdCFNkOopH0M4ypt7aCc283ff_OsKVhEn_PA4AZpPI69T7HRFZA-Phq6Rbuc-XIrHPbwTP-F3tKo0ySk9p-e6p6uZS8yE/s320/snow+from+tamarind.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037117382348747970" /></a><br /><br />I really enjoy the snow, especially when it happens on the weekend and I can go play in it and not just gaze at it through the window at work. Oh well, summer is on its way. And summer brings great weather, long days, and the Cubs.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-70383275495587994182007-02-10T18:25:00.000-06:002006-12-14T17:54:39.113-06:00Gotta love the city!Today, I heard someone yelling at the top of their lungs. Of course, I am so jaded it took a good 15 minutes for me to acknowledge it. Out of my window, I see a shirtless, coatless man walking up and down the street, in front of cars, running people off of the sidewalk, screaming "uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis!" over and over. Okay, first problem- shirtless & coatless in the middle of a Chicago winter. Second, he was walking in front of cars and hitting them as they drove by. The delimma, should I call the police? (I often refer to myself as the neighborhood watch). Let's just say, I get good use out of my binoculars. <br /><br />I decided to wait on calling the police. But I started to get nervous when our neighborhood homeless guy who sits outside of the convenience store started acting alarmed by this apparently insane individual. Within minutes there were 5 cop cars and 2 paddy wagons in front of my building. THe officers tried to talk to the guy, but he started getting aggressive. They took him down... It was like watching Cops live.<br /><br />Immediately, my nosiness took over and I ran down 8 flights of stairs as fast as I could so I could stand in the safety of my lobby to see what was happening. By the time I arrived on the first floor the action was over. All that remained was the man screaming from the back of the police car. So, I returned upstairs; the action was over.<br /><br />That was my afternoon.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1162953640116828622006-11-07T19:55:00.000-06:002006-11-07T20:40:40.256-06:00Another Sullivan Building burns down...This building from the late 1880s caught fire a couple of weeks ago exactly 1 block from my work and 2 blocks from my apartment. It served as the George Diamond Steakhouse which was a popular star spot in the 60s and 70s. Anyway, it burned from Tuesday through Saturday (yes, you heard me- 4 days.) The first night I stood on the roof for hours with a couple of friends watching this thing burn. I was completely prepared with binoculars, the scope, a camera, and a 12-pack of Amstel Light. <br /><br />Here are some photos of the fire...<br /><br />Daytime...<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/63/1402/1600/Fire-daytime-small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/63/1402/200/Fire-daytime-small.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />And....<br />Night<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/63/1402/1600/Fire-nighttime-small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/63/1402/200/Fire-nighttime-small.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1160089473941225872006-10-05T17:48:00.000-05:002006-10-05T18:04:33.953-05:00New job and St. Louis AdventureToday marks the end of my very first week as Assistant Director. It was an absolutely fantastic week! I am seriously the luckiest person in the world because I have the best job. My office is not even close to being ready which is kind of bothering me. Having my desk, phone, and computer finally arrive and set up just so after having to wait for what seems like an eternity will make next week just as exciting as this week. I am petitioning for a laptop so that when I am traveling for work I can also get some work done... hopefully the Dean approves that request. Keep your fingers crossed.<br /><br />You may be wondering why Thursday is the end to this week... well, Jamie and I are going on an adventure to St. Louis tomorrow (I know, we are wild). Jamie has some law conference and I am tagging along just because I can. First stop, the budweiser facotry. Oh yes, you heard it here... Peyton is touring a beer plant and yes, Peyton will be getting tipsy. Also on the agenda- Daniel Boone's house, the historic district (for shopping of course), perhaps Grant's wife's childhood home, and last but not least, Wal-Mart. Most people do not think of Wal-Mart as a destination, but for those of us who live in cities where Wal-Mart is banned due to their lack of support for unions and the fact that they consistently underpay their employees much of the time considerably less than the living wage, this is like going outlet shopping. Seriously, I have ethical issues with shopping at Wal-Mart (I basically think that they are evil), but those low prices are like crack... once you get a taste, you can never get it out of your system. <br /><br />The most exciting part of the Wal-Mart adventure is that we are getting a new vacuum. Our current vacuum is the one that my brother had in the late 90s. The filter has not been changed since 1998; it is hopelessly clogged. It barely picks up the tumble weeds of cat hair that are constantly rolling down our hallway.<br /><br />Anyway, I have to pack... if anyone has any suggestions for things to see or places to eat in St. Louis, then email me.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1159878950909046272006-10-03T07:29:00.000-05:002006-10-03T07:35:50.970-05:00I still love my elliptical machineSince I have this new elliptical trainer (and it seems to be all I can talk about), I have altered my daily routine. I have been waking up at 6:00 to work out before work. Jamie put a bungy around the display, so I can now work while I work out. Since this change in my routine, I find that I am more productive for the rest of the day and I sleep better at night.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1159839424783498162006-10-02T20:35:00.000-05:002006-10-02T20:38:47.216-05:00I'm Lovin' ItI love my new job. I love my new co-workers. I love my office. I love my benefits. I love my bosses. I love my school. I love my boyfriend. I love my friends & family. I love my apartment. I love my cats. I love this city.<br /><br />I am loving life!Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1159361218137425492006-09-27T07:40:00.000-05:002006-09-27T07:46:58.153-05:00Anna NicoleWhat do you think about Anna Nicole Smith?<br /><br />I never felt like or dislike towards her in the past... I mean, yes, I was a bit grossed out seeing the photo of her kissing her really, really old husband (and rich) husband. Some may say she is a gold-digger, but I say she was an entrpreneur.<br /><br />The subject of Anna Nicole comes up because she has been in the news so much lately. Surely everyone, at this point, knows that her son died after she gave birth to her baby girl. I can't help but feel really bad for her. Her attorney/baby's daddy was on the news this morning telling in detail about the last moments they spent with her son. It is just so sad that she gained and lost a child all with in a matter of days.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1159155626822980822006-09-24T22:31:00.000-05:002006-09-27T07:49:10.476-05:00Century ChangeAt risk of sounding like Katie...<br /><br />I am nervous that something bad is going to happen because so many good things have been on my radar for so long. Seriously, on Monday, October 2, I will begin the absolute dream job- Oh, Glorius, Assistant Director! How can thou... whom hath an office so big and beautiful declare that any future fate have negative affects upon conquered success. <br /><br />Why oh why can I not become a 17th C. dutch flemish genre scene?!?!<br /><br />(Okay, I watched Girl with a Pearl Earring recently- I got caught up in the moment)Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1158189248362176052006-09-13T18:08:00.000-05:002006-09-13T18:14:08.363-05:00It is like Christmas in September...<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/63/1402/1600/CSE36_smImg_ellipView.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/63/1402/320/CSE36_smImg_ellipView.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Here is one of the many things that I charged to my AmEx... I have always wanted exercise equipment (treadmill or elliptical) in my home so that I didn't have an excuse to forego working out. Now, seeing it, passing it multiple times a day, makes me want to hop on and work my little ass out.<br /><br />I have it set up in the hall next to the window where I can see the skyline of the city, people walking on the street, and the cars and buses driving by... The funny thing is that I know they can see me from the street, but I don't care- hell, I am on my way to hotness.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1158188576160102622006-09-13T17:51:00.000-05:002006-09-13T18:02:56.173-05:00My AmExEvery month on the 11th, my American Express closes out for the month. So, today, I decide to see what sort of damage I did for the past month... When I looked at the amount owed, my heart jumped in my throat. All I could think was that someone must have stolen my card number because there is no way that I could possibly owe this much just for one month. As I waited for the itemized statement to load, which took an extremely long time, I planned my course of action. First, i was going to contact AmEx and dispute these charges- that is the joy of having an AmEx, the safety/protection to your credit it provides when it comes to theft and your credit.<br /><br />I started reading the statement with my calculator in hand and I came to the realization that, yes, it was me who charged every single item on the list. The grand total is just too embarrassing to say... let's just say that I could have bought my own engagement ring for what I just paid on that damn card. Thank god I had the money to pay it, or I could have really been screwed.<br /><br />Seriously, I am so sick about my spending habits. I really need to curb my elaborate (borderline luxurious) lifestyle... Does anyone have any advice on this matter?Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1156336013024888712006-08-23T07:23:00.000-05:002006-08-23T07:26:53.050-05:00Guest Contributor to Jamie the GastronomeSince Jamie officially begins his 3rd year of law school tonight, I will be posting food and drink related items on his blog, <a href="http://jamiethegastronome.blogspot.com/">Jamie the Gastronome</a>, during his hiatus from the blogging world. <br /><br />You should check it out when you get a chance.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15219385.post-1156203391302031882006-08-21T18:30:00.000-05:002006-08-21T18:36:31.303-05:00JailbirdsSince I am sharing photos of my neighborhood, I thought I would share another interesting picture. This is a picture of the maximum security jail (the concrete building with the narrow vertical slits for windows) that is located in the loop (just a few blocks from my apartment). <br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/63/1402/1600/P1010020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/63/1402/320/P1010020.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />If you look closely at the top, you can see the prisoners (wesaring orange outfits and some white outfits). The top floor is their recreation area. Sometimes, I look through my scope and I can see them playing vollyball... but, most of the time, they are just looking out at the city or down at the streets.Peytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15491237819081798632noreply@blogger.com2