Mini coffee maker

I love starting my workday with a cup of Columbia Street Roastery coffee in my L mug. Today's flavor: Rainforest Crunch. Yumm-o!

I hit the jackpot for Christmas with this Cuisinart mini coffee maker from husband. Now I get to make my own personal cup of coffee every morning right in my office. And, Craig gave me the L mug, which is perfect. It's all about the little things, right? :)

And, in regard to big things, I finally submitted my application for grad school yesterday. It felt so good to hit that "submit" button! I've applied for the Masters of Advertising program in the College of Media at the U of I. I should hear sometime in April whether I'll be a student again this fall.

As my friend Sara pointed out, this will likely be the least excruciating wait possible. Y'know, 'cause there's going to be a new baby and all in a few weeks. That will be probably take my mind off this for awhile. :) Anyway, fingers crossed!

Happy Wednesday!

Memory #10: "You're Not Living Here"

One of my favorite memories is when my parents moved me out to NYC after I graduated college.  They were so supportive of me even though I was moving to Brooklyn into an apartment that I'd signed a lease for via fax after never having seen it.  Oh, and the fact that I didn't have a job to support myself.  Mom and Craig took me on a trip to IKEA to get some furnishings and then hauled me and all of my stuff across the country in our van to Brooklyn.  When we pulled off of the BQE and headed off the exit toward my new diggs, we passed building after building covered in graffiti, overturned trash cans and an overall seedy looking area.  When we pulled up to my apartment I went to open the van door to check things out and I heard a click.  The van door was locked and I was stuck inside.  Looking forward I see dread on my mother's face as she said calmly, "you're not living here."  To be honest, I was nearly scared to death myself, but knew showing fear was out of the question at this point.  We had arrived and there was no turning back.  It took some coaxing, and a week of hanging around, to convince my parents that I would be fine.  It was pretty funny, but it came as no surprise to either one of us that I was going to be just fine.

Check out this graffiti bike tour.

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Memory #13: Water Slide Birthday

One birthday when I was a kid I was so excited to have my birthday party at the water slide.  About 12 girls and I piled into the back of Craig's blue truck (which I've since learned is frowned upon by the law) and cruised across town, wind blowing through our hair, ready for the fun that awaited.  I think we all went down the water slides no fewer than 30 times.  We'd splash into the water and get right out and run back into line.  That was such a carefree time and such a fun way to celebrate my birthday.

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Memory #21: Fun Nights with Craig

My mom used to be in bowling leagues on night a week and I spent that evening out on the town with Craig.  Some of my favorite times were going to Spaceport (this super cool arcade on campus that looked like a spaceship from outside) and playing hours of air hockey, eating pizza at Garcia's (which used to have the best thick slices around) and a seeing a movie at the Coed theatre. I got to stay up late and play for hours.  It was so much fun!

Memory #29: 40 Under 40

40 Under 40 Award

Work is always something I've taken pretty seriously (hopefully not too seriously) and coming into my current role as Marketing & Sales Director for the Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau was a great step for me.  Who knew after hopping between NYC and Champaign-Urbana that I would end up selling my hometown as a visitor destination?  I certainly wouldn't have guessed it, but now I couldn't be more thrilled.  Along with that came an award from Central Illinois Business Magazine in 2010 for the top "40 Under 40" in business.  This was an incredibly proud moment for me and it was such an honor to be recognized for a lot of hard work.  Craig and Bob came to celebrate the day with me and it was such a fun time!  What a great memory...

Happy Birthday, Craig

Today I'm sending lots of love and very heartfelt wishes to my dad, Craig, for a happy day as he celebrates his 50th birthday.  Craig is one of the most caring and thoughtful people that I've ever had in my life.  We have a special relationship that only continues to grow stronger.  No matter where life takes us, Craig and I will always have a special bond.  From teaching me not to fear jumping off of the diving board to a shoulder to cry on to cheering me on through every adventure I embark on, Craig is a stellar parent and friend.  I couldn't be more fortunate to have him as my dad.  Craig, thanks for everything, and today let us celebrate you and this wonderful milestone.  You deserve it!

Love you!