Well, we have arrived to Pretoria, safe and sound (though certainly jet lagged). Our arrival followed on the heels of a pretty crazy few weeks. We packed up our apartment (again) and moved out in order to make room for our subletter, spent 10 fabulous days in the Big Apple (yes, we were there for the 26" record snowfall, during which we made midnight snow angels on Madison Ave) and then I returned to stay with a dear friend in Chicago while Drew went on to South Africa to begin his program. I joined him yesterday and am getting acclimated quickly. We have so very much to be thankful for!
My days are full with work, much of which involves writing, so I cannot commit to thorough blog updates. What I would like to commit to, however, is keeping a pictoral journal and publishing the photos here as I go. I am no photographer but I think this will be a unique opportunity for me to express our experience here in pictures. So? Thus begins my three month "Daily Photo: Postcards from South Africa" adventure!
Our hosts are beautiful people, our roommate is a blast and our lodgings are "just right." Kentucky Fried Chickens are everywhere, so I know I'm abroad!
xoxo.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Monday, November 1, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Head in the Books
I've spent the last two weeks pumping my brain full of hopefully useful facts. Facts about the brain. My qualifying exam is Monday, and I am thrilled to be *almost there*! If I can just push myself a bit further... 31 hours left to go...
Drew's surgery went well. He is gaining mobility little by little, but it is almost a full time job getting him to rest. He feels like he should be going to school, attending meetings and "getting things done," but that's hard to do while you're on oxycodone! Of course, it can be frustrating to be stuck in a chair -- but he is hopeful that soon, very soon, he will have full mobility of his arm again and will be a better man, once again able to exercise and live life without pain. We are THANKFUL!
Things we are thankful for:
+Friends. The most amazing and supportive friends we could ask for.
+Meals brought to our door throughout the week, lovingly made gluten-free.
+Momma Debbie's loving touch, making sure our home is clean and our needs were tended to earlier this week (needless to say, we were sad to see her leave!).
+Sunrises and sunsets -- a home with a view!
+A dog who forces us outside into the (finally) cold Fall air for joyful romps in the park, encouraging us to interact with our community and take breathers throughout the day.
+That SOUTH AFRICA is JUST AROUND THE CORNER! Good things lay ahead. In fact, I'll leave you with a photo of Pretoria's skyline. We can't wait for January. :)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Cozy Ruski Shoes?
I woke up on time: bright and early to get in a few hours of studying for my Neuroscience PhD qualifying exams, but had an email in my inbox about a potential subletter for the time we're in Africa. She wants to swing by tonight so... I had to whip our "student home" (=books everywhere, dishes in sink, enough to make this clean freak go mad!!) into shape. One hour later and we are dusted, vacuumed, and clean kitchen-ed. PHEWF.
I told a friend yesterday: I think we need a nanny!!
Amidst all this, I need to find time to shop for winter boots. Being a no car family, it's not easy to make it to the mall (the city is full of darling boutiques, but for a decision like this I need options...). We were unsuccessful over the weekend, but this morning as I was scrubbing the stove a faded memory of Russian felt boots that a missionary friend of mine owned came back to life. What were those called again??
Five minutes of google searching and -- victory! Valenki. Totally clunky, but I hear they are the most comfortable boots known to man. You are meant to cut them down to the height you want using a simple pair of scissors. And the galoshes are removable for dry weather or indoors wear. Perfect for another frigid Chicago winter, perhaps?
I told a friend yesterday: I think we need a nanny!!
Amidst all this, I need to find time to shop for winter boots. Being a no car family, it's not easy to make it to the mall (the city is full of darling boutiques, but for a decision like this I need options...). We were unsuccessful over the weekend, but this morning as I was scrubbing the stove a faded memory of Russian felt boots that a missionary friend of mine owned came back to life. What were those called again??
Five minutes of google searching and -- victory! Valenki. Totally clunky, but I hear they are the most comfortable boots known to man. You are meant to cut them down to the height you want using a simple pair of scissors. And the galoshes are removable for dry weather or indoors wear. Perfect for another frigid Chicago winter, perhaps?
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Vague Update
There are weeks when I feel as though I have kept up on this here blog due to the amount of time I have spent absorbing the content of e-friends' blogs... design blogs, mommy blogs, crafty blogs, inspirational blogs written by simply "really cool" individuals... they make me feel like I've been bloggishly prolific. My actual blog tells me a different story. Sorry, you friends who remain.
Truth be told, I've being doing so much writing lately that there I times I feel like I might run out of words. Work has not been easy this year. There are many wonderful things (presentations, publications, grants, invitations, accolades, challenges with ridiculously short deadlines, and -- thank God -- an enjoyable relationship with my advisor). But... I've had to face some unfortunate social stress in my work environment. All together I am a lucky (busy) woman and I will learn from this. Because I am determined to learn from this.
And I will enjoy my last few years at Northwestern. THIS WILL BE FUN. I repeat this mantra daily.
I miss the Northwest. I miss the MOUNTAINS. Salt water. I miss my amazing, inspirational, crafty and absolutely hilarious best friends. I miss spare time. But even in the hardest moments I do not forget that this is a season. A season for hard work, determination, sweat & tears. During this season I am determined to choose joy, to love my husband, to give to my church and community, and to believe--to trust--that peace, quiet, and--I hope!--mountains lay just around the corner.
Specific update in list form:
- I have transferred departments. It took ~3 months from start to finish, but with the support of my two advisers I navigated the very political waters to slip out from the grasp of the School of Music and into the Neuroscience PhD program. This is good news for me on many fronts (particularly when it comes to future hire-ability), but requires that I take A SECOND ROUND of PhD comps. Because I wasn't crazy enough in the first place. Who takes PhD comps twice?? DANA LUCILLE HAMBLET STRAIT. That's who.
- Also on the professional note, I won a grant. A big one. One that makes me very proud. I'll be in school a bit longer because of it, but it's worth every second. Thank you, NIH, for my NRSA. This non-Ivy league educated, mid-level music major definitely didn't see that one coming.
- We spent a good 3 weeks in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. I will post pictures--soon. Drew and I went from Chicago to Seattle to Olympia to Portland to Olympia to Spokane to Priest Lake Idaho to Spokane to Chicago. And, a la Chris Farley, it was AWESOME.
- I held two of my best friends' babies this summer. I already introduced you to Cami, but Maile gave birth to Adah recently and I will post photos soon! She's GORGEOUS.
- We have accomplished another summer of CSA organic veggie box-ing. And little has gone to waste. Also more on that later.
PhD, here I come.
Truth be told, I've being doing so much writing lately that there I times I feel like I might run out of words. Work has not been easy this year. There are many wonderful things (presentations, publications, grants, invitations, accolades, challenges with ridiculously short deadlines, and -- thank God -- an enjoyable relationship with my advisor). But... I've had to face some unfortunate social stress in my work environment. All together I am a lucky (busy) woman and I will learn from this. Because I am determined to learn from this.
And I will enjoy my last few years at Northwestern. THIS WILL BE FUN. I repeat this mantra daily.
I miss the Northwest. I miss the MOUNTAINS. Salt water. I miss my amazing, inspirational, crafty and absolutely hilarious best friends. I miss spare time. But even in the hardest moments I do not forget that this is a season. A season for hard work, determination, sweat & tears. During this season I am determined to choose joy, to love my husband, to give to my church and community, and to believe--to trust--that peace, quiet, and--I hope!--mountains lay just around the corner.
Specific update in list form:
- I have transferred departments. It took ~3 months from start to finish, but with the support of my two advisers I navigated the very political waters to slip out from the grasp of the School of Music and into the Neuroscience PhD program. This is good news for me on many fronts (particularly when it comes to future hire-ability), but requires that I take A SECOND ROUND of PhD comps. Because I wasn't crazy enough in the first place. Who takes PhD comps twice?? DANA LUCILLE HAMBLET STRAIT. That's who.
- Also on the professional note, I won a grant. A big one. One that makes me very proud. I'll be in school a bit longer because of it, but it's worth every second. Thank you, NIH, for my NRSA. This non-Ivy league educated, mid-level music major definitely didn't see that one coming.
- We spent a good 3 weeks in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. I will post pictures--soon. Drew and I went from Chicago to Seattle to Olympia to Portland to Olympia to Spokane to Priest Lake Idaho to Spokane to Chicago. And, a la Chris Farley, it was AWESOME.
- I held two of my best friends' babies this summer. I already introduced you to Cami, but Maile gave birth to Adah recently and I will post photos soon! She's GORGEOUS.
- We have accomplished another summer of CSA organic veggie box-ing. And little has gone to waste. Also more on that later.
PhD, here I come.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.
Pretty much one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time.
Enjoy!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Ode to another Chicago summer
Dear Summer in Chicago, how I love thee!
I appreciate you for...
::Biking to and fro
::Pitchers of Sangria (our favorite, greasy though delicious pub is just a few blocks from us now that we've moved)
::Evening walks with Molly along the lake--and it's still light out!
::Visits from friends
::SYTYCD (if you don't know what that stands for, you're missing out)
::Jogging outdoors
::Lakefront picnics with Drew & Molly (and a bottle of wine)
::Someone's always throwing a party
::Activity on the streets
::Coffee on the patio @ Metropolis
::HEAT!!!
And, my favorite part? YOU HAVE NO SNOW. Winter, you can stay away from these parts for as long as you like.
I appreciate you for...
::Biking to and fro
::Pitchers of Sangria (our favorite, greasy though delicious pub is just a few blocks from us now that we've moved)
::Evening walks with Molly along the lake--and it's still light out!
::Visits from friends
::SYTYCD (if you don't know what that stands for, you're missing out)
::Jogging outdoors
::Lakefront picnics with Drew & Molly (and a bottle of wine)
::Someone's always throwing a party
::Activity on the streets
::Coffee on the patio @ Metropolis
::HEAT!!!
And, my favorite part? YOU HAVE NO SNOW. Winter, you can stay away from these parts for as long as you like.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
a canyon... in Illinois!
Guess what, guess what-- the Straits took a weekend OFF!! (okay, not an entire weekend--but enough for us!)
It's rare that we head out of town without an event to be at and people to see, so Friday morning we packed up and busted out of town for the Northwest corner of Illinois for some communion with God's great outdoors, just the two (well, two+pup) of us. We hiked, swam, napped, trail ran, and ate our way through the weekend.
To Apple River Canyon we went! After hours of driving through cornfields (seriously, can't Illinois grow anything else??) we were floored to find a hilly state park featuring miles of canyons and gorgeous winding rivers. See? A canyon in ILLINOIS!!
We never stop missing the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, but we have loved learning to enjoy the Midwest--it's full of surprises, and this one included miles of hiking trails.
One of my favorite aspects of camping has always been THE FOOD. Thanks, Dad, for teaching me how to camp in style! I loved waking up as a kid to Dad's sizzling stove and now love to wake up before Drew and start a big breakfast. Molly also adores this part of camping... Here? Begging for bacon.
CHECK OUT THIS TONGUE ACTION!!
Saturday morning we quickly got on the trails...
...and even more quickly, this 50% Retriever pup leaped into the water, where she spent most of the rest of the weekend battling sticks.
Molly definitely didn't stop until we got home. We all crashed pretty much right after walking in the door.
Drew: THANK YOU for making this happen, despite this summer's insanity! We will definitely be returning, although not before we make a few more exciting summer trips.
I love summer 2010!
It's rare that we head out of town without an event to be at and people to see, so Friday morning we packed up and busted out of town for the Northwest corner of Illinois for some communion with God's great outdoors, just the two (well, two+pup) of us. We hiked, swam, napped, trail ran, and ate our way through the weekend.
To Apple River Canyon we went! After hours of driving through cornfields (seriously, can't Illinois grow anything else??) we were floored to find a hilly state park featuring miles of canyons and gorgeous winding rivers. See? A canyon in ILLINOIS!!
We never stop missing the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, but we have loved learning to enjoy the Midwest--it's full of surprises, and this one included miles of hiking trails.
One of my favorite aspects of camping has always been THE FOOD. Thanks, Dad, for teaching me how to camp in style! I loved waking up as a kid to Dad's sizzling stove and now love to wake up before Drew and start a big breakfast. Molly also adores this part of camping... Here? Begging for bacon.
CHECK OUT THIS TONGUE ACTION!!
Saturday morning we quickly got on the trails...
...and even more quickly, this 50% Retriever pup leaped into the water, where she spent most of the rest of the weekend battling sticks.
Molly definitely didn't stop until we got home. We all crashed pretty much right after walking in the door.
Drew: THANK YOU for making this happen, despite this summer's insanity! We will definitely be returning, although not before we make a few more exciting summer trips.
I love summer 2010!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Not much is better than a Mainer. Except a family of Mainers!
Maine.
What do you think of when you hear "Maine"? I don't know I would have thought much before my BFF Charity moved there with her hubby Alan. I probably would have thought "it's close to Anne of Green Gables, right" (i.e., Prince Edward Island...). Maine? So maybe I hadn't thought much about it before, but now I'm in love! Gardens! Enviroconscious living! Chill! GREEN! Perhaps... I love it because it reminds me of Washington?? No. Close, but that's not it. I love it because I love the friends of mine who dwell there. Charity, Alan and babies, I miss you already!
I had the lovely opportunity to visit my BFF a few weeks ago and it was nothing short of delight. Charity just had her 4th baby (I've been living vicariously through her since her first) and it was pure joy to get to know baby Cami, play with the 3 other gorgeous kiddos and get quality time with Charity (the infamous BFF) and Alan (a.k.a. my Senior year Homecoming date--it's true!).
Here are some snapshots of my delightful days in Maine...
We had a great, relaxing day playing at a local lake and rocking the "big toys":
Charity, Cami and I were able to sneak away to Portland for a day (FUN city!!):
We got to kiss a moose (Charity had to use a booster to reach him...):
Kiddos, I miss you already!
What do you think of when you hear "Maine"? I don't know I would have thought much before my BFF Charity moved there with her hubby Alan. I probably would have thought "it's close to Anne of Green Gables, right" (i.e., Prince Edward Island...). Maine? So maybe I hadn't thought much about it before, but now I'm in love! Gardens! Enviroconscious living! Chill! GREEN! Perhaps... I love it because it reminds me of Washington?? No. Close, but that's not it. I love it because I love the friends of mine who dwell there. Charity, Alan and babies, I miss you already!
I had the lovely opportunity to visit my BFF a few weeks ago and it was nothing short of delight. Charity just had her 4th baby (I've been living vicariously through her since her first) and it was pure joy to get to know baby Cami, play with the 3 other gorgeous kiddos and get quality time with Charity (the infamous BFF) and Alan (a.k.a. my Senior year Homecoming date--it's true!).
Here are some snapshots of my delightful days in Maine...
We had a great, relaxing day playing at a local lake and rocking the "big toys":
Charity, Cami and I were able to sneak away to Portland for a day (FUN city!!):
We got to kiss a moose (Charity had to use a booster to reach him...):
Kiddos, I miss you already!
Monday, May 24, 2010
New Digs
So far, we're loving the downsize! Going from a large 1 bedroom to a mid-sized studio came with plenty of challenges. We got rid of loads of furniture and accessories and significantly lessened our clothing collection, preparing for single-closet living (that single closet needed to house our vacuum/cleaning supplies, coats, linens and clothing!). There's still a significant amount of room for us to simplify, organize and DECORATE, but so far so good!
Living room (the french doors enclose the referenced "one closet"):
Living room toward the windows (the murphy bed is on the well to the left, barely cut off in the photo):
Dining area, adjacent to galley kitchen:
We have thoroughly enjoyed Berger Park, which lays just beneath our building. There is a small beach that was populated during yesterday's 90 degree weather, as well as a few areas for Molly to play, benches in gardens and a small patio restaurant (with great fries!). Here is a view down to the park, as well as a shot of the restaurant itself.
The building has a workout facility and rooftop deck on the top floor (just 2 floors above us). The workout room looks out over downtown, with this view:
Who wouldn't want to get up for a morning workout with this view?! Followed by abs on the rooftop deck, cooled by the Chicago wind.
We are very happy here. Hosting's a blast in our new space, so don't be shy!
Living room (the french doors enclose the referenced "one closet"):
Living room toward the windows (the murphy bed is on the well to the left, barely cut off in the photo):
Dining area, adjacent to galley kitchen:
We have thoroughly enjoyed Berger Park, which lays just beneath our building. There is a small beach that was populated during yesterday's 90 degree weather, as well as a few areas for Molly to play, benches in gardens and a small patio restaurant (with great fries!). Here is a view down to the park, as well as a shot of the restaurant itself.
The building has a workout facility and rooftop deck on the top floor (just 2 floors above us). The workout room looks out over downtown, with this view:
Who wouldn't want to get up for a morning workout with this view?! Followed by abs on the rooftop deck, cooled by the Chicago wind.
We are very happy here. Hosting's a blast in our new space, so don't be shy!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Things I love...
...about our life!
+ Our murphy bed: we never have to make the bed, and nothing is more satisfying to me than modularity in the city. If I could design my own home, bookcases would pop up out of the floors, dining tables would fold out of the wall, and closets would collapse.
+ Our fluffy puppy: she wakes me up each morning with a tail wagging so fiercely it wiggles her whole body, and nothing is more grounding than her forcing a sunset walk out of me when I would otherwise be consumed with my work. This little one has SO much personality and I love her to pieces!
+ Public transporting every day: there's something about being part of the ebb & flow of city transit that makes me feel at the center of the city. Party of a larger body. We move North together, then back South together -- all stopping to run an errand or two along the way. PLUS... I get to walk by the best coffee in Chicago to and from the train. AND get a ton of non-academic reading in! Book suggestions??
+ Our breathtaking view: being the last building in a series of high rises, there's nothing to impede our view across the lake & out of the city. We might live in tight quarters, but our wall of windows increases our sense of space and keeps us entertained.
+ Weekly Shepherd's Nachos at our pub: just a few miles away we can get the most amazing CORN FREE GLUTEN FREE nachos on the planet. Seriously, the planet. These nachos are unique and DELICIOUS. Made with homemade potato chips and covered with sour cream, beef in gravy (I know, that sounds gross but it's GOOD), peas, chives & tomatoes. You can't beat Tommy Nevin's Shepherd's Nachos!
+ My new yoga studio: small classes, beautiful room, teachers who have become friends. And I can walk there from our place on the beach. Energizing.
Yes, we have much to be thankful for! This is a fun season of life and we're enjoying it thoroughly.
+ Our murphy bed: we never have to make the bed, and nothing is more satisfying to me than modularity in the city. If I could design my own home, bookcases would pop up out of the floors, dining tables would fold out of the wall, and closets would collapse.
+ Our fluffy puppy: she wakes me up each morning with a tail wagging so fiercely it wiggles her whole body, and nothing is more grounding than her forcing a sunset walk out of me when I would otherwise be consumed with my work. This little one has SO much personality and I love her to pieces!
+ Public transporting every day: there's something about being part of the ebb & flow of city transit that makes me feel at the center of the city. Party of a larger body. We move North together, then back South together -- all stopping to run an errand or two along the way. PLUS... I get to walk by the best coffee in Chicago to and from the train. AND get a ton of non-academic reading in! Book suggestions??
+ Our breathtaking view: being the last building in a series of high rises, there's nothing to impede our view across the lake & out of the city. We might live in tight quarters, but our wall of windows increases our sense of space and keeps us entertained.
+ Weekly Shepherd's Nachos at our pub: just a few miles away we can get the most amazing CORN FREE GLUTEN FREE nachos on the planet. Seriously, the planet. These nachos are unique and DELICIOUS. Made with homemade potato chips and covered with sour cream, beef in gravy (I know, that sounds gross but it's GOOD), peas, chives & tomatoes. You can't beat Tommy Nevin's Shepherd's Nachos!
+ My new yoga studio: small classes, beautiful room, teachers who have become friends. And I can walk there from our place on the beach. Energizing.
Yes, we have much to be thankful for! This is a fun season of life and we're enjoying it thoroughly.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Slumber Party
We just came off of an absolutely joyful week, and let me tell you -- it was about TIME to have some joy around here (I'm sure you've picked up from the last few posts that things haven't necessarily been easy around here). Why was life so great, you ask?
1. We were able to host our first guest in our new place, and you know how we love guests.
2. Because our new place is a studio, hosting meant a 4-night slumber party (and who doesn't like a slumber party?).
3. Saving the best for last... this guest was TROY FROM TAJIKISTAN! Fresh off the plane (though without the furry beard we'd hoped for).
It was such an honor to have Troy in our home during his first few days back Stateside since moving abroad. From running errands to hosting dinner parties, he joined us in our daily lives and we savored every second of it.
Walking around Loyola University (just a block North of our new place) with the Molls:
The only downside to Troy's visit? We're now left missing Jenny & Miles even more!
1. We were able to host our first guest in our new place, and you know how we love guests.
2. Because our new place is a studio, hosting meant a 4-night slumber party (and who doesn't like a slumber party?).
3. Saving the best for last... this guest was TROY FROM TAJIKISTAN! Fresh off the plane (though without the furry beard we'd hoped for).
It was such an honor to have Troy in our home during his first few days back Stateside since moving abroad. From running errands to hosting dinner parties, he joined us in our daily lives and we savored every second of it.
Walking around Loyola University (just a block North of our new place) with the Molls:
The only downside to Troy's visit? We're now left missing Jenny & Miles even more!
Thank You Besties!!
My Besties are literally the BEST! Who else can you dress up with to enjoy an afternoon tea?
I came home after a long day to a lovely package, full of belated birthday goodies and a striking photo of Bobble Teenie (left) and Magda (right).
Chocolate, jewelry (handmade, just how I like it!), Justin Timberlake (reminiscent of my last Portland visit), chocolate, nuts and more chocolate. Yum.
These stickies will keep me smiling at work:
Thanks, ladies!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Moving On
BIG DAY! TODAY! YIPPEE!!
Here's to wishing I hadn't just cleaned out iPhoto... apparently I deleted all decent photos of our (soon to be former) building! Regardless, today's the day and we can't wait.
We are speechlessly thankful for all of the friends who have come over here to help us prep for the move. Doing this alone would have been no fun at all!
See you on the other side.
Here's to wishing I hadn't just cleaned out iPhoto... apparently I deleted all decent photos of our (soon to be former) building! Regardless, today's the day and we can't wait.
We are speechlessly thankful for all of the friends who have come over here to help us prep for the move. Doing this alone would have been no fun at all!
See you on the other side.
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