Born and Read in Chicago: Friday Random

Showing posts with label Friday Random. Show all posts

11.28.2014

A Post Thanksgiving Friday Things

I thought it would be fun to resurrect my old 'Friday Things' post with cool stuff I've found around the internet. Lots of good food for thought here, if you're still full like I am from real food.

This speech given by Monica Lewinsky is just phenomenal. Truly. It's long as far as videos go. But I urge everyone to watch it in it's entirety. SHE IS AN INSPIRATION. Yes. The FAQ below the video is a good primer, I love #7.

THIS: Why I want to delete half my Facebook friends during a national crisis. I'm really trying to be informed on both sides of the Ferguson crisis (and it IS a crisis), but man, everyone makes that hard to do.

But I suppose we can thank Facebook for Benjamin Watson's words that seem to be the most true and heartfelt I've seen since the indictment.

This video on common core math quickly sums up why it's not a bad thing. It's a wonderful thing! I'm still on the fence with my feelings towards common core, having some reservations about our kids being the guinea pigs while it's being implemented and tested. But, on the whole, it seems like a good thing.

This video on things that kids do that adults can't do made my week. I can very much relate to the "I wanted the BLUE cup" and "Just look, looooook at it!"

Catching Kayla has probably been viewed by most every runner I know. So, if you aren't a runner (or haven't seen it yet), this story about a super fast high school track runner with MS is a such an inspiration.

What food banks need most. A friend shared this on Facebook and it's a handy list for the many ways to donate this time of year. I also love how our local Safeway has prepared bags for $10 you can just throw on the register when you checkout.

photo via abcnews.com

I leave you with this, a dog dressed as a bear on a treadmill. You're welcome.

12.20.2013

Last Friday Things of 2013 and Running Playlist

Since Thanksgiving fell later on the calendar this year, the weeks between the holidays have gone by way too fast. I guess everyone's feeling the crunch of the shortened holiday time, as our holiday cards are running late (I ordered the damn things on November 30th, and have yet to receive them - pro tip: don't use InvitationBox.com EVER) here's a preview/favorite outtake from our annual picture.

ah, poor dog, we torture him so...

I finally checked every last item off my to-do list, so after next week's eats, I'm gonna take a bloggy vacation to soak up as much zoned out couch-potato-ing in front of the tree as I can. Speaking of sitting, I had a lovely day doing just that yesterday. I ended up doing a double outing to the movies! My husband and I decided to see The Hobbit during the day while he burned some vacation time, on the same day I had plans with a friend to see Catching Fire. Both excellent! Plus I got to have my first Cinebarre experience - totally awesome.

I was boring and just got popcorn this go round, but even that tasted homemade and had REAL butter on it - highly addictive.

And today is a snow day! The kids have been playing in the backyard off and on for hours this morning while I write and read. Perfect way to kick off Christmas break.

Fun things I found while looking around the internet:

I always thought it was so magical that my stocking from Santa appeared in my bedroom, now I know what my parents were up to - and we carry on the tradition. My mom kept it up every Christmas I slept at home - basically until I got married, and I never caught her!
This story of how NORAD started tracking Santa is so wonderful and sweet that I nearly started crying after reading.
Oh man, this Coke Ad depicting those early days of parenthood: priceless.
Lies told to children had me cracking up!
Yes, I spent the 80s worshipping Duran Duran
Man, I love these guys. Or should I say, 'I Love You, Man'.

OK, last song for this year's playlist - I'm sure you've heard enough of this song already, but it's just too fun not to put on my list: Timber by Pitbull featuring Ke$ha

Happy weekend!

2013 Playlist
Can't Stop Me by Afrojack
Strangers by Seven Lions

#Thatpower by Will.I.Am

September by Earth Wind and Fire

Move Your Feet by Junior Senior
Black Sheep by Metric

Still Into You by Paramore

Stay the Night by Zedd, featuring Hayley Williams

This is What it Feels Like by Armin vanBuuren

Pompeii by Bastille

Out of the Blue by System F

The Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi (Remixed by Steve Aoki)

Lose My Mind by Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso

Better Off Alone by Alice Deejay

Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes

Mirrors by Justin Timberlake

Wake Me Up by Avicii and Aloe Blacc

Hey Now by Martin Solveig

We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke

Take You Higher by Goodwill and Hook N Sling

Justice and Independence by John Mellencamp

Glowing by Nikki Williams

Easy by Porter Robinson (and Matt Zo).

I Could be the One by Avicii featuring Nicky Romero

Pair of Dice by Tiesto

Ain't No Stoppin' by Ferry Corsten (featuring Ben Hague)

Come and Get It by Selena Gomez
Apollo by Hardwell featuring Amba Shepherd

This Head I Hold by Electric Guest

Castles in the Sky by Ian Van Dahl

Feel this Moment by Pitbull, featuring Christina Aguilera

Into Your Arms by the Lemonheads

Just Give me a Reason by Pink

I Love It by Icona Pop

Little Secrets Passion Pit

Sovereign Light Cafe by Keane, remixed by Afrojack

Clarity by Zedd

Years by Alesso

Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club
She Wolf by David Guetta, featuring Sia
Alive by Krewella
Illmerica by Wolfgang Garnter
Drowning by Armin van Buren
Give Me Your Hand by The Ready Set
Language by Porter Robinson
Cry for You by September
You Are My Diamond by Tiesto - featuring Kianna
Arguru - Deadmau5
We Are by Jus Jack & Oza, featuring Aeone

12.13.2013

Friday Things and Running Playlist

It was a pretty big bummer having to say goodbye to grandma this week. Although, the kids have been distracted by all the holiday fun at this time of year. Both have been practicing for their respective holiday sing-a-longs and, miraculously, have sung together in the car on the way to school without bickering lately. Baby girl's Christmas program was today, and, er-ma-gherd. This performance was much more orchestrated than the preschools that my son went to, and the kids were all so freaking adorable and well behaved as they went through all these little choreographed moved to the songs. Seeing as how this was her first little school performance, we were over the moon.

yes, I flooded my Istagram feed already today, but I have to share this one for posterity.

Speaking of the holidays, if you follow me on Twitter, you might have noticed I'm hosting an online Stella and Dot party! I've wanted to host one of these for awhile, but the stylists I know personally don't live here in Seattle and I'd just rather support them to buy the jewelry (and all sorts of other awesome stuff). I also kind of dread the idea of dealing with my kids during a party; so when a friend from high school was looking for some peeps to host an online party, it was a no-brainer, given how much I do online. Plus, I'm a big fan of no pressure situations and shopping in my jammies! Here are some awesome deals going right now/things I've shared via Twitter and Facebook:

Now through the end of December, if you spend $50, you get 50% off on some very cool items! A great way to spend $50 or more is with the 3 for $60 poufs (along with these cute beaded bracelets). You could fill them with all sorts of little things that would appeal to your giftee, maybe small school supplies for a teacher or a Starbucks gift card for... anyone. Plus you could get two poufs for gifts and a bracelet for yourself, or vice versa! Or, if you're not looking to spend $50, there are lots of cute things to choose from, including these bird earring are on sale for less than $16! WANT.

So, click on this link and get shopping - they have guaranteed Christmas delivery with their regular flat rate shipping (they're eating the cost of expedited delivery) if you order by 9AM on the 18th!

OK, A few fun things from the internet this week:

Funny notes written by kids, mine are TOTALLY freeloaders...
Gotta love the irony
Behind the scenes photos from Obama's visit to South Africa
And, juuuust in case you didn't see this WestJet Christmas surprise - check out this awesome video from a very smart marketing team. I even wanna try flying WestJet next year - it's like Oprah's favorite things!
Also good holiday fun: man walks all day to create giant snow patterns. Unreal.

I'm adding Can't Stop Me by Afrojack to the playlist, because that's always a good lyric for a running tune.

Happy weekend!

2013 Playlist
Strangers by Seven Lions

#Thatpower by Will.I.Am

September by Earth Wind and Fire

Move Your Feet by Junior Senior
Black Sheep by Metric

Still Into You by Paramore

Stay the Night by Zedd, featuring Hayley Williams

This is What it Feels Like by Armin vanBuuren

Pompeii by Bastille

Out of the Blue by System F

The Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi (Remixed by Steve Aoki)

Lose My Mind by Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso

Better Off Alone by Alice Deejay

Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes

Mirrors by Justin Timberlake

Wake Me Up by Avicii and Aloe Blacc

Hey Now by Martin Solveig

We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke

Take You Higher by Goodwill and Hook N Sling

Justice and Independence by John Mellencamp

Glowing by Nikki Williams

Easy by Porter Robinson (and Matt Zo).

I Could be the One by Avicii featuring Nicky Romero

Pair of Dice by Tiesto

Ain't No Stoppin' by Ferry Corsten (featuring Ben Hague)

Come and Get It by Selena Gomez
Apollo by Hardwell featuring Amba Shepherd

This Head I Hold by Electric Guest

Castles in the Sky by Ian Van Dahl

Feel this Moment by Pitbull, featuring Christina Aguilera

Into Your Arms by the Lemonheads

Just Give me a Reason by Pink

I Love It by Icona Pop

Little Secrets Passion Pit

Sovereign Light Cafe by Keane, remixed by Afrojack

Clarity by Zedd

Years by Alesso

12.06.2013

Friday Things and Running Playlist

It's that time of year again: time for grandma (my husband's mom) to visit!

Garden D'Light's at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. I love that we have traditions that involve Grandma, which for most families is a given...

Yep, my kids see her once a year. One day we'll hopefully all be able to afford more visits, but it's hard. And my mom hasn't seen the kids in over a year and a half. Mostly due to dealing with effing cancer, she's had to cancel her last few visits. Moving to Seattle was one of the best things that has ever happened to us. If given the opportunity to do it all again, we wouldn't hesitate. As much as I talk about Chicago, and it will always be the city of my heart, we will most likely stay here for a long, long time. When it comes to family, it's hard. My brother lives in Minnesota and I haven't seen him in over three years. Thinking that through and writing that down, man, that just made me feel queasy. During the holiday season, if you're immersed in any local family drama, maybe take a moment to be thankful that they are near and hug them close. OK, I'm off to enjoy some more quality time with grandma and the kids!

Worthwhile internet finds this week:

I think I need to start watching, and commenting on The Brain Scoop
This Dad's response to his daughter's Christmas list is hilarious
Amazing story, a memorial to a plane crash built in a remote African desert
Famous brands updated with honest taglines, I could use a CD frisbee..
Speaking of brands, these Twitter brand feuds are awesome

For your listening enjoyment: Strangers by Seven Lions is goin' on the playlist.

Happy weekend!

2013 Playlist

#Thatpower by Will.I.Am

September by Earth Wind and Fire

Move Your Feet by Junior Senior
Black Sheep by Metric

Still Into You by Paramore

Stay the Night by Zedd, featuring Hayley Williams

This is What it Feels Like by Armin vanBuuren

Pompeii by Bastille

Out of the Blue by System F

The Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi (Remixed by Steve Aoki)

Lose My Mind by Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso

Better Off Alone by Alice Deejay

Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes

Mirrors by Justin Timberlake

Wake Me Up by Avicii and Aloe Blacc

Hey Now by Martin Solveig

We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke

Take You Higher by Goodwill and Hook N Sling

Justice and Independence by John Mellencamp

Glowing by Nikki Williams

Easy by Porter Robinson (and Matt Zo).

I Could be the One by Avicii featuring Nicky Romero

Pair of Dice by Tiesto

Ain't No Stoppin' by Ferry Corsten (featuring Ben Hague)

Come and Get It by Selena Gomez
Apollo by Hardwell featuring Amba Shepherd

This Head I Hold by Electric Guest

Castles in the Sky by Ian Van Dahl

Feel this Moment by Pitbull, featuring Christina Aguilera

Into Your Arms by the Lemonheads

Just Give me a Reason by Pink

I Love It by Icona Pop

Little Secrets Passion Pit

Sovereign Light Cafe by Keane, remixed by Afrojack

Clarity by Zedd

Years by Alesso

11.29.2013

My First Run with My Six Year Old, a Thankful Friday Things and Running Playlist

I hadn't really planned on being able to get a run in on Thanksgiving, much less have this first outing with my son. But, the stars aligned and I had some time in the morning to sneak out for my own personal 5K turkey trot. The weather could not have been more glorious in Seattle, sunny and in the low 40s. My son asked if he could come with, which he does on occasion. This time I came back to get him to turn right back around and go for another mile. It was the most HILARIOUS mile of my life.

After I took him through a few dynamic stretches, we talked about the rules of the trail: staying to the right, letting bikers go past, saying 'on your left' if we were passing, etc. So, as we passed people, he would say "Hi! I'm going for a run with my mom! My dad and my sister are at the park over there! Stay on the right! Watch out for bikes!" Basically, trying to have a full-on conversation with every person out there. It was like running with Buddy the Elf, and it was awesome. I might have mentioned before that my boy is rather outspoken, and this doesn't change while he's running, apparently. We came across three different dogs, and stopped to pet each one while he regaled the owners with the tale of our day and wished them all a Happy Thanksgiving. As we'd start back up again, he'd do a few leaping jumps almost exactly like Phoebe Buffay. No joke. A husband and wife doing a ten miler caught up to us and we had a chatty little foursome for about a quarter of a mile. I think he was the highlight of their run and I couldn't have been more proud. The smile on my face must have been ridiculously huge. He did a half mile out and back (one mile total at about a 10-11min/mile pace) with time to spare at the playground, never losing steam. I was prepared for whining, 'are we done,yet?' and the like. Needless to say, I'm already scheming our first 5K together and so thankful for being able to share these experiences with him.

I hope everyone had a wonderful a Thanksgiving Day. Thank you all for the positive thoughts put out into the universe last week. My friend's little boy is out of the woods at Children's and I'm so, so thankful. The cancer my mom is facing now is treatable, and not in her brain. For that, I am thankful, and for all of life's blessings.

Thanksgiving internet fun:

Thanksgiving As a Kid vs. Thanksgiving as an Adult via Buzzfeed
Even funnier, The Oatmeal's version
America's Thanksgiving food preferences by Region
Really cool piece from Thought Catalog: 16 People On Things They Couldn't Believe About America Until They Lived Here
British folks trying to label all our states!
Lastly, I really hope that everyone takes this article to heart: How to Get Enough Food at Holiday Parties. Because really, I do not care to read any article on how to save calories over the holidays. That. Is. Not. The. Point.

Okay, it's got Bieber in it, but I really do love #Thatpower by Will.I.Am. It came on during my run yesterday and I couldn't help just being thankful to be outside on a beautiful day, being healthy, just being alive.

"And oh, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive
And oh, I can fly, I can fly, I can fly"