I've technically been off work (meaning school) since Tuesday, but every day has been on the go. I'm realizing that the older I get, especially since now I'm a parent, the days of lounging on the couch and binge watching TV shows on weekends or holidays are long gone. There's always something going on.
Here's a run down of the past few days:
Tuesday
My first day off from school, I told the purse store I could come in for a few hours. I took Emmie to Bruce's parents' house, which is nearby, and worked from 3 - 7 pm. Then I drove back to their house and hungrily wolfed down some pot roast and rutabagas his mom made. Bruce had gone straight there after he got off work. We stayed and socialized for a bit, then drove two separate cars back home. It was super windy and the car felt like it was getting pushed around by drunk giants. I was glad to get home and put my feet up.
Wednesday
Bruce took a half day and was home by lunchtime. We bundled up like Eskimos (it was 28°!) and drove out to the city. It was the second day of Chicago's annual Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza and we were taking Emmie for the first time!
When I lived in Europe, I visited the Christkindlmarkts in Germany, and fell in love with the tradition. When I moved back to America and subsequently to Chicago, I discovered the one here. Each year the Christkindlmarkts come out with a unique mug out of which you can drink hot spiced wine, or glühwein. I collect them and couldn't wait to get a new one.
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| My glühwein mug collection, and a Weihnachtspyramide from Bruce's childhood |
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| Chicago's Christkindlmarket with Picasso's sculpture in the background |
Afterwards, we browsed the market stalls. Emmie got to meet the Christkind, a young woman with long blond curls, golden crown and silvery robes, who represents the fairy spirit that brings the children of Germany their Christmas presents. She roams the festival and greets the little ones. Emmie stared at her in awe and later called her "Beauty lady."
Then we stood in line for Santa's house. By then, it was getting dark and all the layers couldn't stop my toes and legs from stinging with cold. I held Emmie in my arms, bouncing her up and down, trying to keep her face out of the wind. Eventually, it was our turn, and she got to sit on Santa's lap! She wasn't scared at all. She whispered that she would like some toys, but he thought she said "cars." We'll see what he brings her!
Thursday - Thanksgiving
We were pleasantly stuffed. There was no counting calories that day, that's for sure!
"Black" Friday
I had to work 8-4:30 pm and Bruce generously drove me to the mall, so I didn't have to park at the offsite parking for employees. It was busy at the store, but nothing like last year where you couldn't barely turn around without bumping into someone. I think that a lot of people are fed up with the crowds and would rather do their shopping online.
Bruce's sister picked me up after work and took me home. She had stayed at their parents' house the night before, but was staying at our place on Friday night. I was completely worn out, but we adults stayed up after Emmie went to bed, talking and imbibing in some Christmas spirit.
Saturday
We all hung around lazily in the morning. Originally, we were supposed to meet with my aunt for breakfast, but she got sick and cancelled at the last minute. So Bruce's sister stayed and watched Emmie so Bruce and I could run some errands. We picked up some food from a local hot dog place for lunch - supporting our town's small businesses on Small Business Saturday. They're my favorite lunch place anyways. I'd always rather give my money to the independent places than the mega-corporations.
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| "Before" wood trim |
We also purchased the supplies we need to paint the trim. I asked Bruce if we could at least get the downstairs done before Emmie's birthday party later this month, so he started yesterday! I read blog posts by LiveLoveDIY and Young House Love on how they painted their trim, plus a few more how-to articles. We got a 2" angled trim brush with short comfort grip handle and some painter's tape.
I pretty much kept Emmie occupied while Bruce worked for hours. He's awesome.
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| "After" - white trim |
We loved the way it's turning out! The beige wall color looks really pretty now, instead of bland. The house no longer shows its age; it seems bright and fresh. The pictures on the wall really pop.
We choose to keep the handrail and post of the stairs the original wood color for now, for practical reasons. I was inspired by Pinterest to do it that way. We can always paint it later if we change our minds.
Bruce painted until almost midnight. The trim needed three coats, and the stair spindles were time consuming. He finished one half of our living room, but the rest shouldn't be too hard to do. I offered to help, but we need another brush and a babysitter for that!
Today, Sunday
Bruce's parents are coming over to watch the Bears vs. Vikings game at noon. I can't wait for them to see the trim!
This is my last day off from school and the first Sunday game I can watch. Bruce is going to make guacamole, but I'm in charge of running to the store for the ingredients, beer, and wine. Gotta go!
Maybe later tonight, Bruce and I will get a chance to really relax. Then, it's back to the grind.
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