...Dating B

We've never been too fancy, B and I.  We started "hanging out" and officially dating when I was 18 and he was 19.  We dated through college, when both of us were at the peak of our broke college kid phases.  We once spent an entire week's worth (or more) of B's salary he made at the Kenosha Youth Foundation on a super, extremely fancy dinner at The Melting Pot.  After I promptly threw up said hard earned salary dinner upon arriving at home, our "fancy" date nights came to an end.  I think I was 20.

Now, with B's crazy rotating schedule, date nights are usually us hanging out with a couple of friends - either eating out or hanging at one of our houses - only 3-4 times every 3-4 months.  Kids do that to you.  Our time for just us is far less than it once was.  So, we take advantage of opportunities when they arise to go on dates.

Last night presented just such an opportunity.  Well, I found out about it, and B knew better than to tell me no thought it was a great idea.  So we hired a sitter and hit the city -- something unheard of on a school night!

A little background:  Since the late nineties, I've been borderline obsessed with Wilco.  From the time we were married, every gift-giving occasion, B did his best to try to get me tickets to see my favorite band.  And every gift-giving occasion, to no fault of his own, B was unsuccessful.  It's the thought that counts, right?  Well, in the last year or so, we've more than made up for our lack of live Wilco shows.

In December 2011, we saw Wilco live at the Civic Opera House in Chicago.  Not only did I fall in love with this band all over again, but we were also introduced to Mavis Staples.  Then, in July 2012, we went with Anne and her then-fiance to see them with Andrew Bird at the Kane County Cougars Stadium.  Open air.  Good beer.  Hot sun.  Went to Sonic.  Then, in September, Wilco headlined the two day Hideout Block Party, and I'm so hooked that B, Anne and her man, and I stood listening to my favorite songs.  Last night, Jeff Tweedy was playing a solo show as a fundraiser for his kids' school.  Wait.  What?  Jeff?  Solo?  For a good cause?  Count me in.  And so, our date night was born.

Upon recommendation from my co-workers, we first hit up Kuma's Too - a heavy metal burger joint.  We'll be back.

B's burger - The Led Zepplin
10 oz burger topped with bbq pulled pork, bacon, cheddar and pickles on a pretzel roll. 

Mine - The Lair of the Minotaur
Prepare yourself.  It's freaking amazing.
10 oz burger topped with carmelized onions, bacon, brie, and bourbon soaked pears.
That's right.  Fruit on a burger.  Soaked in bourbon.

And now for the really terrible pictures of the really incredible show - via my phone.  Darn you iPhone4s and your lack of flash when taking selfies

B and Me.  In the dark.  Obvi.

Jeff Tweedy
Solo
I chose not to use a flash based on the super annoying use of a flash by the woman in front of me. 

Jeff Tweedy does Bob Dylan
With Harmonica
LOVE

 The setlist, created by the first 30 people in line, was incredible with every album but A.M. represented - and even some Mavis, Dylan and Beatles.  Next year I'm getting us tickets to both shows.  And you will read all about it - all under the guise of a post about dating my husband.  He gets it.  You will, too.

Casual day at work today for curriculum writing.
The perfect opportunity to sport my concert t-shirt (and a cardigan, of course) .
Paper Doll Style

...A Bonus Day

I hate Daylight Savings.  There.  I said it.  I'm never more tired or confused than on the day we spring forward.  That was yesterday.

H - springing forward

L and her pigtails loving Daylight Savings

This year, we sprang(?) forward on the heels of a girls' night with 3 of my favorites.  The tired was completely worth it.  (These photos blatantly stolen from Anne, as the ones I took with my phone and no flash were pretty crummy.)

If Amee had a blog, I would link it here.  But that's another story. 

With Ashli

We're this adorable all the time.  See?

Last night, after not eating dinner, H threw up for the first time in his life.  I'm not kidding.  Other than as a tiny baby, he's never so much as spit up.  So he made up for it by completely covering the inside of my car, my coat, and my hair.  Thanks, buddy.  Needless to say, I kept him home today.  And thus my bonus day was born.

I've accomplished more today than most days -- the 4th load of laundry is in, dinner is simmering on the stove, and I'm catching up on the dvr while the kids nap.  Around noon, H asked to eat the pasta and meatballs he didn't eat last night, and he polished it all off.  I'd say he's on the mend.  Another bonus.  Life handed me some lemons.  Lemonade?  Check.

...Finding Comfort in Style

It's hard getting dressed each day.  Whine.  As an elementary teacher, I think I spend about an hour of my day on the floor, and probably am crouched down next to a child's desk for almost as much time.  At least in 3rd grade, the chairs are almost big enough.  When I get dressed each morning, I look for something professional-ish looking that's comfortable and at least a little bit cute, while trying to be somewhat on trend.  The on-trend thing is a struggle for me.  I spent 3 of my 4 years in high school in some combination of khaki/cargo pants, long sleeve t-shirts, polo shirts, and hoodies - with the occasional pair of overalls thrown into the mix.  To be fair, I lived in rural Indiana, so it goes without saying that trendiness isn't really something that comes naturally to me.

Yesterday, Anne wrote about jumping on the Chambray wagon.  It's a wagon I've been riding for awhile.  There's something so "me" about a button-up shirt.  It fits most of my criteria right now:  professional-ish, comfortable (with a cami underneath to keep the girls under wraps in case a button pops), usually cute, and somewhat on trend.  I think?  I'm also obsessed with a cardigan. My co-workers bring this to my attention on a regular basis.  Do they think I don't know?

Here's what I wore to work yesterday and today (uber-casual Fridays, YAY!).  A whole lot of pattern clashing mixing going on here.  Is that something?  Like something people do?  Or am I just a complete disaster?  Note:I still am not proficient in the whole outfit post-style selfie.  I did get permission from H to take down his "scary bones monster picture" halfway, and obviously didn't clean the mirror before snapping this shot.  Baby steps.

Polka-dot chambray shirt - Old Navy last fall
Striped cardi - LOFT last spring
Gray pants - Limited last fall
Leopard flats - Target last fall
Necklace (can you even see it?) - gift from Anne

I took this shot and sent it to a complete stranger this morning, with no intention of blogging it.  Obviously, as my eyes appear closed.  I intended to ask Ashli if it was too  many stripes, but accidentally sent it to her really old cell number that has no business being in my phone.  I hope whoever has this number enjoyed it, but I'm a little disappointed that they didn't respond.  

Long sleeve stripes - Target forever ago
Short-sleeve striped sweater - LOFT last spring
Jeans - Express
Necklace - Tiffany (it's my favorite)
I wore shoes.  They were gray Chucks.  Barefoot and work don't go well together. 

Do you have a go-to look? 

...Spring?!

We leave for Spring Break in 3 weeks, and it snowed 6ish inches today.

Where was all this snow in December and January when I wanted it so badly?  I'm not complaining.  I love snow regardless of when it happens.  I love snow days even more, but apparently my district prefers keeping the ISAT testing schedule on track rather than allowing me to keep my ass at home on my couch with my kiddos. 

So instead of letting the snow get us down, we decided to take advantage of those few extra minutes of daylight today and get outside and play.  Try not to be overwhelmed by the cuteness (of the kids, of course).

Go stand by the bushes and smile with your sister. 

This was not a posed shot.
He leaned in and told her "It's time for me to go throw snowballs with Daddy."
She just leaned in for the kiss.
This is SO them - most of the time.

Silly Selfie.  I don't know where he gets his love of a good self portrait. 

Me and B

In other news, training for my first half marathon is coming along.  Sort of.  I've been battling some IT Band issues in my hip.  Stretching and foam rolling helps, but running is a bit painful - and even more so after a run.  Anyone have any advice to offer on this?  To make up for it, I've been getting major miles/hours in on the elliptical for less impact.  I know this is no replacement for running, but at least it's something.  And some pounds are starting to come off, too, which I certainly don't hate.  I'm down 12.something ell-bees since early January.  While I feel like I have a long way to go, 12 pounds in 8 weeks is nothing to sneeze at, so I'll take it.

I wore this to work yesterday.  I didn't hate me in it.  I do realize it needs a belt.  In fact, halfway through the day, I discovered it has belt loops.  Darn you, Target and your encouraging me to just grab stuff off the racks without even trying them on so I wouldn't notice this!  You owe me a belt!

For someone who has taken a few selfies in my day,
I never know what to do with my face and hands in these outfit shots. 

The tights are purple.  The boots are old.  The t-shirt kept rolling up under the dress all day because it was baggy.  But I still didn't hate it.  And I need to find a new place to take these shots.  A new house would be nice.  But that's another post.