Guys – this makes me sad. It certainly isn't that I haven't had anything to write about. 2014 was an amazing year of engagements, weddings, vacations, friends, family, a big move, and a new job! It was fun – and you'll have to trust me, because 6 blogs hardly did the year justice.
This year, I am going to try and document all of the things that happen to me in 2015: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (because sometimes selfies are not my best angle). I can feel the excitement from you readers growing as I type this. "OMG she is back!!" Look out blogger community!
So what will my first blog be about? Such suspense! Well, no need to anticipate the content – you are reading it right now. This is my first blog back. Get with it.
But soon there will be new, wonderful, witty blogs for you to enjoy. In the meantime, I will leave you with a few pics from 2014…enjoy!
This weekend I celebrated by 30th birthday. That's 3-0. And it was amazing. With all the Facebook posts and text messages, I realized how lucky and #blessed I am to have such amazing people in my life. Year after year, I bring in my birthday with some of my favorite people - near and far. Most of us have been friends with for over 10 years, and we somehow made it through our 20's together. This video is dedicated to all of you.
The last few months have taught me that life is an amazing
thing.
As most of you know, my sister gave birth last month to two
beautiful, identical baby girls. Depending on how well you know me, you may
know that identical twins have always disturbed me. Not only is it alarming
that they look exactly the same, but there are always those strange ones that
insist on living identical lives: the way they dress, act, and live…all done in
unison. There were these girls in college that we called “The Frat Row Bus
Twin” that were always alike down to their hair scrunchie (Note: I did not go
to college in the 80’s, which made the hair scrunchie weird enough on its own).
And they didn’t even talk to each other. They just stood there, in silence,
waiting for the bus, and matching.
When Pam told me she was pregnant with twins, she paused and
asked, “Are you going to be ok with this?” genuinely concerned that I would not
love my nieces. Of course I answered, “Yes!” but quickly followed up by saying
that she cannot dress them alike. My gorgeous nieces (Alyssa and Brianna) came
into this world on 12/5/13 and were both just over 4 pounds. I had never held
anything so tiny…except the 3lb dumbbells I lift on occasion. I’m kinda a big
deal around the gym – NBD.
Since the girls were so tiny, they spent two weeks in the
NICU and I got to watch my sister become a mother, spending 15-hour days in the
hospital supporting them. I have seen the change to motherhood before with Kim,
but it is still unbelievable to me how quickly parents can attach to their
children. How they instantly become their whole life.
Look how tiny they are!!
Within weeks, I was able to see six of my friends go through
the same thing, bringing three new babies into the world – enter Desmond,
Nathan and Brody (last names omitted for their protection). These boys would
not only be future husbands to the Armstrong babies (obvi) but also would bring
their parents more joy than they could imagine.
Me and little Brody - my future nephew-in-law
Recently, we have needed that joy as myself and those close
to me have gone through some pretty terrible losses. Death is a strange thing. There
are times that you can see it coming for months, and sometimes it happens
faster than a sunset. Whether a parent, a grandparent, a pet or a friend, it
brings on heartbreak, confusion and questions that rarely have answers.
Losing my aunt this week was absolutely heartbreaking, but seeing
the strength of her family through it all was extraordinary. Somehow, they
found faith in the circle of life that came in the birth of little Brody, and
it magnified the love they are able to pass onto him and each other. We are able
to remember my Aunt Char with a smile, knowing what an unbelievable life she
had lived. Her legacy lives on with the following advice that will surely be
passed onto the beautiful new babies in our lives:
Love your friends and family, find a job you love, treat
yourself and vacation often, don’t sweat the small stuff, and always keep
smiling and laughing.
You have read in my last few posts how much I love the summers
in Chicago. The funny thing is that my favorite thing about summer actually has
nothing to do with this great city. My favorite city during the summer is
actually Rome: A well-known, historic and beautiful city in Italy
Wisconsin.
Doesn't that look relaxing?
Yes – Rome, Wisconsin is truly one of my favorite cities in
the world. Wait, who am I kidding – Rome isn’t a city at all! It is a small
unincorporated town in Central Wisconsin (about 40 miles north of the Dells)
where I have had more experiences and stories than I can even remember. The
town doesn’t have a post-office or a zip code, but it is home to 3 man-made
lakes (Sherwood, Camelot and Arrowhead), one corner store (Pritzel’s) and 4
bars. My family bought a house on Lake Sherwood in 1983, and this summer marked
the 30th anniversary of “The Lake.”
Being about 3 ½ hours from where I grew up, we spent all of
our summers up at the lake. We would pack up “The Beast” (our blue conversion
van – complete with velvet curtains) and leave a few days after school ended,
returning with only enough time to hit up Woodfield before the first day of
school. We would spend all day out on the boat swimming, skiing and tubing, and
nights would consist of ski practice, ski shows, bonfires and pontoon rides.
Ski Practice and Ski Shows? You probably all know this, but
my sisters and I were on a waterski team growing up called Shermalot. People
always think this is really strange (especially people from the South) but
show-skiing is actually huge in the Midwest, and Wisconsin is the Show-Ski
Capital of the World! Yes, Wisconsin, where you can only ski from Memorial Day
to Labor Day is actually home to some of the best show-skiers on this great
planet. Being on the ski team gave us life-long friendships and teenage
romances, taught us that life is not always fair, and mostly gave us an outlet
to be ourselves.
A list of things I love about the lake house/interesting
facts – in no particular order.
I met my best friend in the whole world, Carreen, at the
lake 21 years ago. Though we were very different in size, we were both on the
ski team and both wanting desperately to be cool (let’s be honest, Carreen).
When we found out that we lived within 20 minutes of each other back in
Illinois, we knew that our friendship was meant to be! Another fun fact –
Carreen was the top of the 4-high pyramid growing up. Isn’t awesome?!?!
I was at the lake house for Princess Diana and Michael
Jackson’s funerals and watched both on TV.
The Schmelters would spend every summer with us at the lake,
and fell so in love that they had a house of their own across the lake for a
few years.
In the winters, we (Kellers and Schmelters) would often go
to the lake the week between Christmas and New Years and walk across the frozen
lake when our parents were too busy snowmobiling to drive us to friends’
houses. “Busy snowmobiling” in that sentence could also be replaced with “way
too sauced.”
We were at the lake when the Bulls 3-Peated and painted “Go
Bulls” on our butts and tee-peed our Wisconsin friends’ houses. Because the
lake is classy like that.
I had my first beer, my first cigarette and my first kiss at
the lake.
I broke my nose at the lake after Kim ran over me with a
wave-runner. Those things are dangerous.
Drunk tubing with Carreen is one of my favorite past-times.
The stars at the lake are IN-SANE. Literally, there are
thousands of stars and almost every night you can see constellations, the Milky
Way, and often catch a shooting star (although I have never been able to put it
in my pocket).
For years, our hot water heater would only produce 5-10
minutes worth of hot water each day. In efforts to give everyone at least 1-2
minutes of a hot shower, we would often shave our legs in the lake, shower in
two’s, and always try to get in the shower before Kim (water-hog).
Patriotism is not optional at the lake. The 4th of July is a
3-4 day celebration complete with hot dogs, fireworks, a ski show, and lots of
flair. Exactly how the 4th of July should be.
Bunk Beds are only comfortable until the age of 16…unless
you’re Christy Kremer.
Boozing at the lake is pretty much not optional. Even when
you say you are going to have a relaxing weekend with no partying, somehow you
always have at least a few glasses of wine.
Pizza Fries are ah-maze, and you can only get them at the
lake. You’re just going to have to trust me on this.
At the lake, Bob Keller turns into a musical genius, singing
the words to every song and playing his guitar like a boss. Ok, so he THINKS he
turns into a musical genius – Bud Light and red wine will do it to ya. But he
always keeps the party going, especially when he sings our favorite song from
when we were little. This gem brings back memories of dancing to my dad’s
guitar at the age of 3. “Please don’t burn the shithouse down, we worked so
goddamn hard. Please don’t burn the shithouse down, we’ll have to use the
yard.” It’s practically a classic.
You can go anywhere in town in a bathing suit or pajamas.
It’s amazing.
One thing about the lake house is that it puts a curse on
Keller girl relationships. Every time that we have brought a boyfriend or
husband to the lake, the relationship has ended within 2 months. No one can
really explain why, but my guess is that guys see what the Kellers are really
like, and they just can’t hang. Keith and Chad (so far) have been the only
exceptions to this rule.
Sleeping on a cot on the porch is a privilege – that’s where
all the cool kids hang out.
One of the 4 bars at the lake “Trails End” in the last few
years has gone from our least favorite bar on the lake, to our most favorite.
They went through a huge renovation about 5 years ago and now is a favorite for
a few reasons (yes, this is a list within a list): 1) Huge outside bar with
bags tournaments. 2) Live music who always welcomes me up on stage for
crowd-hyping. 3) Their Bloody Mary has a SLIDER on top. I mean, come on. 4) The
most important thing…they have a bus (“The Drunk Bus”) that will pick you up
and take you home from anywhere in town. While the driver is usually about 15
years old and/or a little buzzed himself, it always makes for a good time.
If you need to find Larry, he is always hanging out in the
garage…or on the drunk bus.
I am sure many of you have that special place where you know
the smells and sounds by heart, and they instantly bring back memories further
back than you can imagine. To me, that is “The Lake.”
Lots of anniversaries at the lake this year! Mike and Jenny celebrating meeting at the lake 10 years ago!
Our 21st anniversary at the lake - watching the ski show where it all began!
Some of the Keller Fam - 30th anniversary of the lake!
Ok, not everyone gets to drink at the lake. Pam and Pants boat-watching (exciting!)
Told you the Lake is very patriotic! The girls on the 4th of July
Papa, Na and Autumn cruising
Patriotism at its finest.
Captain America has patriotism built right into his name.
It’s just that there is so much to do and I want to do it
all. If there are that many cuisines available for takeout, imagine the number
of events: rock concerts, comedy benefits, book launches, TV wrap parties, art
openings, restaurant openings, theatre openings, even the opening of the mail
is a fete if you add champagne. – I Totally Meant to Do That, Jane Borden
When I read the line above, I thought it was the perfect
description of one of my self-diagnosed illnesses. I have mentioned before that
I suffer from FOMO, and this summer was a doozy
for me. If you ask anyone in the Windy City, they will tell you that Summers in
Chicago are the best time of the year. As mentioned in this previous post, there
are limited weeks each year where Chicagoans can put on shorts baring their
white winter legs, and enjoy beer gardens, festivals and baseball games in the
greatest city in the world.
This year, I had 3 weekends from the month of May-September
where I did not have plans. And you what I did those weekends? I made plans.
There was just so much I wanted to do! Outdoor concerts, Entertaining guests,
watching best friends tie the knot, being lazy at the lake, enjoying a street
festival, going on a cruise…the options were endless, and I didn’t want to miss
a beat! Scratch that – I couldn’t miss a beat, because I suffer from FOMO and
it is out of my control. I must do it all.
Let's start by talking about the concerts this summer...
Note: Needed to wear the Ball State tee because the White Old Navy V was too big of a risk in the rain.
Here is a picture of Chad from the Dave concert 14 years ago. The guy you are afraid of in the back? That's him.
I think all of you know that Carreen (my lifelong bestie) is
a huge Dave Matthews Band fan. She receives email alerts about the band, cried
the day one of the members passed, and NEVER misses a summer tour. And this
year all of the ants marching aligned, and the DMB concert fell on Carreen’s
birthday (6/22/13). What could be a better way to ring in 29 than eating,
drinking, and being merry with your best friends? So Carreen, Ed, Chad and I
hopped in the Rouge (Rogue-Trip!) and headed to Indiana for the ultimate
birthday celebration. We drove 3 hours through the sunny Hoosier State, and
just as we pulled in…It. Started. Pouring. We didn’t let that stop us (no way!)
so we cracked open a few cans, and waited for the monsoon to pass – there was still
a celebration to be had, and celebrate we will. In addition to Carreen’s
birthday, we were celebrating Chad’s anniversary of his last DMB show at this
venue, which happened to be exactly 14 years prior to the day. Overall, the show was amazing, but the best part about it
was celebrating the birthday of my best friend in a way that so simply was
“Carreen.” Oh, I forgot to mention we ate at TGIFridays the next morning. Now
THAT is “Carreen.”
Don't Need Money, Don't Need Fame. Do need to go to work the next day.
The next morning, we headed back to Chicago, took a brief nap, and rallied for another great concert. In the car growing up, my parents, always listened to “Oldies 104.3” (it’s more fun if you sing the jingle) and now I listen to it too. Except now the “oldies” is the best of the 70’s and 80’s, but I’ll take it. This year, the station hosted the first ever concert at Montrose Beach, which happens to be a short walk from my house. The show? Huey Lewis and the News…I know. I KNOW! I was just as excited as you are! Beach concert with oldies music? That has FOMO written all over it! So LT, James, Chad and I bought tickets to learn about the power of love. And you know what else we learned? We learned that Vodka Teas go down very smoothly on a walk to Montrose Beach. We learned that you can fit 2 of the skinny cans of Corona Light in each of Chad’s pockets, so buy them 8 at a time. We learned that cutting in line will get you told off by some mean girls. We learned that dancing in the sand is more fun if you are not wearing shoes. We learned that the heart of rock & roll is still beating (from what I see I believe ‘em). But the biggest lesson we learned, is that Sunday night concerts make for a rough Monday morning. That’s why I took off work following my Sunday show – Toby Keith.
Red Solo Koozie is almost as good as a Red Solo Cup. Proceed to Party!
5% of the reason I started dating Chad was for easy access
to Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. Ok, that is not true, but it
certainly is one of the best perks to TP, besides TP only has 6% sales tax at Old Navy and
Target. Looking at my summer, I was getting really nervous about the MWBA concert
schedule – it seemed like I had a conflict every time there was a show I wanted
to see! Plus Chaddy-poo is not that into country music, which limited the shows
he would enjoy. Then it dawned on me…did I want to see Passion Pit? No. Did I
go anyways because Chad wanted to? YES! He owed me one, and it was time for
Chad to get drunk and be somebody at the Toby Keith concert. I mentioned that I’m
not as good as I once was, so I took Monday off work ready to party. In
addition to FOMO, I also suffer from a severe case of patriotism, so a Toby
Keith concert is like a support group for people like me. This was not my first
time seeing Toby, but every time I manage to tear up when he brings the men in
uniform on stage as I belt out American Soldier on the top of my lungs….getting teary just thinking about it now. Even Chad said “the man entertained him for
2 hours.” Sounds like a good review to me, and a great way to kick off the 4th
of July week.
So far I had seen some of my faves – country music and
oldies…but something was missing. What music do I love more than any other? 90s
music, of course!! (If you didn’t know that, how did you stumble across this
blog?) And the BEST band from the 90s is inarguably Matchbox 20, led by the
gorgeous and talented Rob Thomas….ah. This was the first time the band had
toured together in YEARS, and the last time I saw RT perform, MB20 came out and
joined him and I cried. Actual tears (Jen Zei can vouch). So clearly I was
online and ready to be the first to buy tickets when they went on sale…and yet
somehow both of their shows sold out in minutes! For any of you that are
surprised by that, I should tell you that they were touring with the Goo Goo
Dolls. If I die and go to Heaven, I imagine I will be greeted by the Dolls
assuring me they won’t tell no-one my name, and then MB20 will hand me a
raincoat. They’re always worried ‘bout things like that.
This isn't from the show.
It is when I first fell in love with Rob Thomas.
Needless to say, I wasn’t surprised that the tickets sold
out. After a “ticket-liquidator” debacle, I got 3 tickets to the show for the
ultimate sisters night a Ravinia, where you bring your own food and wine, and
(if you are really fancy) table centerpiece. Kim is also a huge fan and turned
me onto MB20, and Pam is a lover of all 90s and anytime she can eat and drink
outside. When RT played Bright Lights (Trivia – my #2 fave song of all time) I
did not know what to do with myself. I belted it out until people were staring
while Sober Pam took a video. Turns out Pam didn’t get to drink outside… That
was “Babys’ First Concert,” and the first time Pam would use the pregnancy card
to skip the shuttle line. I bet Pam will deliver the babies at 3am. Just a
guess.
I tried to make a pizza. I failed.
Wrigley Field is one of my favorite places in Chicago. And
second to drinking a few too many beers in the bleacher seats, one of my fave
things is going to a concert at Wrigley. Being that it is 4 blocks from my
house, I host a little get together before and we all walk over together. This
year’s show combined 2 of my faves – Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean. Kelly
holds a very special place in my heart. The Season 1 American Idol star was the
reason I pierced my nose, she helped Pam and I get through the beautiful disaster
Summer of 2003, and whenever “stronger” comes on during one of my workouts, I
can always run for a few extra minutes (seconds). Her show was incredible and
I’ll tell you what, my life would suck without Kelly Clarkson. Jason Aldean
also put on a great show, from what I recall…things were a tad hazy at this
point. But one of my favorite things about that concert? The attempt to cook a
pizza when I got home, which resulted in a burnt and cheesy potholder (what did
I do?) and then recapping the night with Kim and Schmelter, who were lucky to
be alive based on their tales…per the us.
My last concert of the Summer was a tribute to the city that contributes
to my FOMO – Chicago. As a belated Mother’s Day present, we got my mom tickets
to the Chicago concert at Ravinia. We learned from our past experiences and
brought more food, more wine, and got there early. Just a Saturday in the Park
(it wasn’t the 4th of July) filled with hours of drinking in the sun
with my family – Mom, Kim, Pam, Keith, Autumn, Schmelter and Chad. You probably
don’t think you know many Chicago songs – you are wrong. Just YouTube them and
I think you’ll be surprised. “You’re the meaning in my life, you’re the
inspiration. You bring feeling to my life, you’re the inspiration…” See? You’re
singing along! The horns echoed through the park as Keith got "geese" and we sang and danced,
especially Autumn. It was that nugget’s first concert and I think she liked it
almost as much as the ranch dip.
This little dancer loved the showwwwwwww.
Music, sunshine, and the best company I could ask for…that’s
summer in Chicago.
This post was brought to you courtesy of the red, white and
blue.
After my “baby Love” post, NotInMod readers (ok, reader…singular) pointed out that my nephew, Cameron, was not getting adequate press time. Unrelated sidenote: Rachel, thank you for reading.
Cameron is my 12-year-old nephew who I love very much. I am convinced he loves me too, although his actions make that debatable. Maybe he senses that I know nothing about 12-year-old boys, and if so, he is very right. I didn’t even know about 12-year-old boys when I was a 12-year-old. #singlepreteen
I think this shirt is really funny. Look at him - he's a heartbreaker!
Here are a few things I know about my nephew:
His birthday is May 30, 2000 and he will be 13 next month.
He used to play the clarinet, but he recently traded that in for a miniature tuba. BTW – a miniature tuba is not called a tuba. I don’t remember what it’s called, but I do know that it’s heavy.
He is in wrestling and he is REALLY good. Do not let his size fool you – that kid is a fighter. He obviously takes after his mothers and aunts, who used to practice women’s wrestling on our parents’ king size bed growing up. It wasn’t as weird as it sounds, I swear…
He is hilarious - also takes after his aunts (sorry, Kim)
He is very into Black Opps and gaming, two things I know close to nothing about.
He is one of those super smart kids that gets bored really easily because they are usually a step ahead of everyone. Especially ahead of his family after we've had a few cocktails.
He tries to hide it, but that kid is FULL of love. I have a feeling he is secretly a hugger like me.
He thinks I am incredibly lame.
In an effort to try to be a better aunt to Cameron, I wanted to tap into what it was like when I was his age. My life at Plum Grove Junior High (we called it SCUM Grove – great pun) was really quite pathetic. I was obsessed with Titanic, the Spice Girls and ‘NSync. My weekends consisted of following my sisters around, drinking too much Mountain Dew and making up dances with Carreen. I lived in fear of getting my period at school and often had a sweatshirt tied around my waist. I was caught cheating on the pig dissection exam in 7th grade, and cried more than most people cry in a lifetime.
Carrie Keller - age 12 Yikes.
And like all girls in junior high, I wanted SO desperately to be cool. I remember letting a popular girl see my science project, and when she cheated off of me, I took the blame. I got in trouble for hitting kids with seatbelts on bus because that’s what the cool kids in the back of the bus were doing. And worst of all, I remember making fun of a kid for not having any friends, when I actually sort of wanted to be his friend.
I don’t remember if I was nasty to my parents when I was in junior high, but I suspect that I was. I am sure that I being friends with my aunts and uncles sounded like a lame thing to do when I would rather spend time with the few friends I had. So in retrospect, I don’t think I can blame Cameron for not wanting to open up to me. If I thought I had it hard, kids these days have way more to deal with. I read something the other day that said 6 out of 10 girls stop doing what they love because they are too self-conscious. And when I watch the news and hear the horror stories about bullying, I can understand why. It is a tough world out there, and I am sure that most 12-year-old boys don’t want to turn to their aunt (no matter how insightful she may think she is) and open up.
So I can’t take it too personally when he tells me I am boring. I just need to remember what a great kid he is, and have hope that one day he will turn around and think I am great too.
I am sitting at the airport on my way to go meet one of my best friends’ newest family addition. That’s right, another one of my friends has a baby. You know how there are certain times in your life when your FB feed blows up with people all doing the same thing? Decorating pumpkins…taking the bar exam…spring break….wedding season…well, one thing throughout the year is constant. Everyone is having babies.
NOTE: When I say “friends” in this post, that includes my sister, Kim.
I have to admit that I am a little terrified of babies. They are extremely fragile, usually a little clammy from the swaddling, and at any point they can explode from either end. They are almost as unpredictable as birds…almost.
#shehastwo #imokjustbeinganaunt
But low and behold my friends are moms (and dads – but let’s just focus on the moms, shall we?) and they have little babies that are their whole world. Now, I like visiting with other peoples’ babies. They are really cute from a distance, and it brings me a lot of joy to see my friends so in love with this extension of themselves. It really does break your heart just a little. Not to mention that babies LOVE me. I was once told that I was like a laxative for babies (is that a complement?) and they are one of the only audiences that think I’m hysterical. Ok, I think that someday having a baby will seem like something I would like to try. Well, I guess you don’t “try” to be a mom…I am pretty sure you can’t return a baby online if it doesn’t work out, but don’t quote me on that….
The whole Gildea Gang!! Beautiful even after childbirth - jeal.
I was driving the other day through rush-hour traffic in Chicago after work. I was cutting some people off, dancing to country music, and deep in thought over which drink I should have when I get home – Beer? Wine? Cocktail? So many choices!! But mid-alcoholic debate, I had a weird thought enter my head – what if there was a BABY in the car with me right now? And even more crazy – what if that BABY was MINE?? Then that was too much pressure and suddenly deciding on my beverage for the night didn’t seem so hard. I just wanted them all.
I mean, look at these nuggets!! She looks like a pro!
Now, the reason I freaked out is because being a mom sounds hard. I think of all of the selfless things my mom did for me and my sisters growing up, how she struggled to pay the bills, but could always pull it together for a spring break vacation or an activity that we wanted to. She ran around to get 3 kids where they needed to be, and rarely let us see how worn down she really was. She tells us every chance she can that she is proud of us, even when I know we weren’t always the best daughters. She made friends with our friends and balanced taking an interest in our lives while letting us be as independent as possible. She was Superwoman in every sense of the word (actually – not as a Halloween costume, she was usually a Witch or one a Toy for Tots Center – don’t ask). My mom is amazing, and I definitely don’t tell her that enough.
But see, that is why I can’t believe I have friends that are MOMS. They do that every day! God Bless the Mom’s out there….and God Bless the USA.
Love you girls - but you have tough competition with the best Mom in the world :)
One more note: If you are a mom friend of mine and were not included in this post, please do not be mad. I just didn't realize anyone except my 5 friends actually read this thing. You, too, are amazing :)
