Shan-nanigans Begins

So, I was inspired by my friend Tina Louise's blog and decided I wanted to create one for myself. I like the idea of having a virtual scrapbook. I also hope that this will allow my Texan family to check in on me and see how I'm doing.














So here it goes....;)

The Start of Christmas 2008

We started the Holiday season the day after Thanksgiving. Season of Concern, a non-for-profit org. that provides aide for professional actors who have become terminally ill, was having a fundraiser at the Goodman Theatre downtown. For a donation, you could have your dogs' picture taken with Scrooge from the play A Christmas Carol. It's sounded like a lot of fun, so Ruben and I took Canon and Nikon. It was their first trip downtown, and they did very well. During the photo shoot, Canon decided he didn't like Scrooge, while Nikon, as usual, was chill. I love the pic! It made for a fun morning, hangin out with other dogs and owners.

Like many people this year, Ruben and I have been feeling the pinch in our wallets. To my surprise, Ruben learned of an organization called The Benton House that was giving away free Christmas Trees!!! It was the perfect opportunity for us to still be festive. The doors were to open at 4 and trees to be given out at 5:30. This opportunity turned out to be more than picking up a tree. While we waited for a tree, as we mingled with the people in line, Ruben and I realized just how very blessed we are. In the end we ended up being the last ones to pick out our tree. Ruben picked a tall one, but I thought it was too skinny. With the help of the Director we picked a fat tree and learned about the House. Turns out that the organization provides lunch for the elderly of the neighborhood, as well as teaching kids about sound recording and engineering. At the mention of a performance space, Ruben expressed his interest in playing, and that lead to a tour of the space. We left with a free beautiful tree and our heads swarming with volunteering possibilities. It turned out to be a really great evening; not only did we have an ENORMOUS tree, but a more positive outlook on the neighborhood that we live in, Bridgeport.

Below is a pic of the final tree. I love the way it turned out!

The stockings at the bottom are hand knit for 2 spoiled dogs! Santa visits them too! :)

A close up of some ornaments

I also put out the Snow Village pieces that were given to me by my Grandmother.

December 20, 2008

3 Year Anniversary

Yep, it's been 3 years since Ruben and I have been living in Chicago together. It was actually the first year we've been together on our anniversary since I moved in. I was looking forward to celebrating together! We both had a lot to do in the morning, but made appointments to both get an hour massage downtown in the afternoon. We rode the train, had our massage, then walked around a bit downtown after the massage. We debated ice skating, but decided it was way too cold! We headed home and cooked a pizza and made ceaser salads and enjoyed our anniversary feast!

Here we are, all together! We're glad to still be putting up with each other! HA!