Kristen & Jay

Jan 2 2009

New Year's

Happy 2009! We had a great time this year! Not too much and not too little--just right! On New Year's Eve, I made reservations to a tapas house in Naperville but cancelled it after Kristen thought it would be romantic if I made her dinner. Now, I can't cook but I love to grill. So, we picked up lobster and filet mignon and I fired up the ceramic altar with a smile (it's open all year around our house). We had some ancient vine Zinfandel with dinner and a little bubbly at the ball drop. It was nice to stay home. I don't know if it's because Iam getting over being sick or if I am getting old but I am all about the relaxation lately.

On New Year's Day, we went over to Kristen's parents house. (Even Kozmo made the trip and loved getting all the attention.) They have a tradition of having the family over on New Year's day. But, they have been in Vegas since just after Christmas and the basement flooded because of the recent snow/ice melt we had. So, I thought it was "iffy" but everything went along just fine - many thanks to Jonathan who was the emergency water remover/restoration expert. Thanks to him, the Klimek bar was back in business with a wide variety of drinks, chips, dips, buffet selections and desserts (I picked a bad day to start a diet - of course I changed the start date to Jan. 2nd after about 5 minutes into the party - so much for will power). We watched the Hawks lose 6-4 to the Red Wings at Wrigley Field. It's too bad they didn't get a "W" but it was still cool to watch as we hosted the annual outdoor game. I wonder where it will be next year? I bet Buffalo and Chicago will get their fair share of hosting opportunities. We ended the night playing some games - Pictionary Man and Catchphrase. It was guys against girls and the ladies won both by a narrow margin. Although I think we will all agree that the guys had the tougher words!!! ;)

1 comments - Posted by Jay at 9:40 AM - Categories:

Dec 27 2008

New family member

This posting is to announce the arrival of our newest family member, Kozmo! He was a gift to me from Jay for Christmas. He is a soon-to-be 12 week old shih tzu puppy with beautiful hazel-green eyes. Jay and I had been looking at puppies forever, but never quite seemed the right time. We heavily looked last Sunday online at different breeds, the rescue society, shih tzu rescue, etc, but never quite found the right one. Monday when I got home from work, there he was, donning an adorable red bow! We have enjoyed the past week with him and "learning" along with him how to care for a new puppy. Actually, he is doing really well with the potty training, and he loves his crate. We sort of feel it is a little too easy! The other good news is that we had our first vet checkup today and all is well, except for a minor case of kennel cough. We couldn't be more excited and can't wait for everyone to meet him!

1 comments - Posted by Kristen at 5:10 PM - Categories: Family

Dec 27 2008

Engaged bridesmaid!!

I was waiting to post the good news until after Christmas, but I wanted to share the exciting news that my good friend, co worker, and bridesmaid, Ara, got engaged last weekend!! I cannot be more happy and excited for her (and her fiance, Justin)!! Turns out that Jay had known about the little secret for several weeks, and was secretly plotting a celebratory night-cap with Justin, but had to keep it a secret from me knowing that we are so close and spend most every day together, and would be hard for me to keep quiet (and he was right). Justin sent Ara on a journey in a limo around the city to some of their most special places shared together, ending with a proposal on one knee on the corner where they re-met in Chicago. They then had dinner at the Signature Room in the John Hancock building, and we met them in the lounge upstairs (also a surprise to Ara). Then all four of us took a carriage ride (with champagne, of course) together through the Gold Coast. It was a chilly, but great time. What a great night - what great friends!