Blogs from Evanston, Illinois, United States, North America - page 2

When I am stressed, I am also very distracted. I think this is typical stressed-person behavior but I think my forgetfulness stories are extra funny. This week alone, I've nearly missed my doctor's appointment, almost forgotten to pick the kids up early from camp, and had several mishaps in the kitchen. The other day I put the peanut butter in the freezer. Could not find it! Very confusing, as it is a staple in our house. Turns out--it was in the freezer. I can't blame anyone but myself in such matters, since the kids don't cook much and I'm the only adult in the house. It was me. The good news is, Kirkland organic peanut butter freezes well. It wasn't icy, just more firm than usual and cold. Yum. I tasted it and thought, could this ... read more

We have so much stuff, it's unreal. It's especially daunting when I'm trying to decide what to take (only taking bags on the plan, so that mean 9 bags for the family). I also need to purge the clutter, the junk and the no longer need it stuff. There is just so much of it! We had a neighborhood garage sale this weekend. When the first person came up, I realized why people donate their stuff rather than spread it on the lawn for people to pick through. But, then it got better. There were the regulars--I actually recognized a few of my "customers" as Emily called them. I sold a few things to neighborhood families...passing on Emily and Nathan's favorites to some of our friends was fun. The worst was when I cut my hand ... read more

Mark is leaving for China tomorrow. He'll be there for 3 1/2 weeks (hopefully less, might be more). Tonight we are having a pre-birthday party for Emily and Mark since he'll be gone for both events. I ran around today getting that pulled together. Emily keeps getting annoyed that I'm not wishing her happy birthday every 15 seconds (this morning: Me: it's not your real birthday, we are having a party today for you AND Daddy...Em: I know...ME: ok...Em: then wish me a happy birthday party day...Me: happy birthday party day!...and so it goes! In the Slaven family tradition, we tend to celebrate birthdays the entire birthday month. However, starting the month before one's birthday is unchartered territory. We think we got into the school we applied to, but haven't gotten formal notice from the school. ... read more

June 5th. After returning home, we heard back from the realtor about the 2 apartments she was negotiating. She did get us a reasonable price on the one near Mark's office, but we decided to pass. We really wanted the other one, near the park. There are many units in that building, so we are still hopeful. The 1 apartment we wanted is now off the market. So, we have to keep working on the apartment project from home. Mark is likely returning to Shanghai late next week for 2-3 weeks (!). He has work to do there, and also needs to get his health exam for his work visa. We are hoping his visa can help expedite the family visa we need for the kids to attend school. It feels like months have passed since ... read more

Today is July 4th, my first Independence Day here in the US. My friends and I have barbeque and loads of other grilled stuff by the lake here in Evanston -- my new-found "hometown". (What is it with barbeque here in America? I also remember having picnic here on another holiday called the Memorial Day. Anyway,....) There are so many people by the lake... immigrants and non-immigrants. As I walk by the lakeshore, looking for my friends fanning the coals of their barbeque grill, I hear people speaking in all sorts of languages -- some Indian language, Arab, Spanish, ofcourse English, and finally Tagalog. All afternoon, an orchestra have been playing country and jazz. At past 9 pm, only did the fireworks start because that's only when it's dark enough to appreciate the fireworks display. Since ... read more