A few weeks ago, we decided to start exploring what condos might be on the market and if we might want to think about buying. I say “might” because we love our current apartment and would live here forever if we could. But it’s always good to see what’s out there and I’ve learned a ton in the last few weeks.

For example, I’ve learned about financing and exactly how banks give you money which is cool and kinda scary. I’ve learned that when something goes on the market with a killer price and 4 day deadline to make an offer, everyone and their mother in Chicago will be touring the place with you. Also, there’s something about “here is the 4 block radius I will live in” that realtors don’t understand. And that the entitlement issue about commission when we’re doing all the work finding the listings and all we need is for you to let us in to see them.

But I think my favorite part of this is seeing Ryan and I with our business hats on at the same time. Looking at units, shooting out questions, making assessments, trotting out our critical eyes to make sure we know everything necessary in order to make an informed decision. I thought this process was going to be more about me holding tight to my poker face so I didn’t blurt out “we’ll take it!” the second I see the perfect spot where my Christmas tree will go. But it’s been fun spending time on this little project together and kind of crazy to realize that I am an adult capable of buying something expensive that I can’t carry around with me.

May the adventures continue!

21. On time flights.

22. Unmarked doorways that lead to a great date…and equally great cocktails.

23. Kate Gives Thanks is back!

24. Fresh flowers.

24. Snail mail.

25. Pink running shoes.

26. 8 hours of sleep/night

27. A room with a view.

(Image via)

Today, I traded emails with someone that basically went “You’re the best, no, you’re the best!”. I ran into a group of girls I love while working out and they were so giggly and fun. I was told that what I made for dinner was one of the best things to ever come out of our kitchen. My Mom told me how proud she is of me.

I feel this is worth mentioning because I think it’s important to recognize that sometimes, it feels really good to hear nice things. All too often, we go through our days hearing the criticisms, the periphery chatter of the rude and unkind, the reports that our world is basically going to hell in a hand basket. But the nice…the nice has power too. It can make us hold our heads up higher, make some of the tough stuff roll off our backs. If we’re especially aware, it can be something we pay forward.

Today, the nice meant the world to me and I really, really appreciate it. Cheers to a very nice weekend for you all and sharing the nice with all we come in contact with.

We have this conversation often and I will go to my grave swearing that I stay on my side of the bed. I do. I swear. But according to Ryan, my sleeping style is a bit more like these pillow cases. Maybe I should order them and make it official- this is my massive side, glorious side.

I think it’s Luna Bell sleeping on his pillow every night that makes him feel cramped; god love that cat but I appreciate my sleep being kitty-free.

After a particularly difficult, sweaty class and subsequently delicious savasana, this sign pretty much summed it up. This. So this.

(Via Session Yoga, Tucson, AZ)

Instead of a regular old business meeting at a coffee shop, the women I was meeting with today suggested we go hiking and dig into things while on the trail. After being in such frigid Chicago temperatures lately, I am obsessed with every second outside in warm Arizona heat so this was basically the best idea I had ever heard.

8am and we were at the canyon. By 9am, I was up to speed on what our work will be. By 10am, we had 5.5 miles of desert under our belts, I had seen a million cacti and these little Pumba-like wild piglets and our strategy for the project was locked and loaded. Oh and the temperate had risen about 20 degrees.

Productivity and enjoyment. Not mutually exclusive.

Related: hiking is walking but on dirt and with some hills.

I booked this work trip before “feels like -10” was even in the Chicago forecast and I. Am. Thrilled. I don’t even care what Tucson is like- the words “75 and sunny” pretty much trump any flaws it could have.

Happy (jackpot!) Monday!

14. Warm coats/hats/scarves- this freeze is not kidding.

15. Yoga- building heat from within help with aforementioned freeze this week.

16. Friends who never stop creating because they know the universe needs their contribution. Seeing people believe so deeply in themselves is nothing short of amazing.

17. Musical theatre

18. Neil Patrick Harris- I love me some NPH (The Tony’s! How I Met Your Mother! Doogie Hauser MD!) but watching him on Top Chef last night sealed the deal. And he and his partner are adorbs and do great family Halloween costumes with their 2 really cute kids. Awesome.

19. Red wine

20. Warm chocolate chip cookies with cookie dough ice cream

Gratitude Week 1; Week 2.

(Top image via)

After a great lunch at Local Root, we eschewed walking Michigan Avenue and took the “back way”, something we apparently haven’t done in months because we came across this installation in the MCA plaza and thought it was new. Nope, it’s been there since August. The Martin Creed piece is striking in this space and I really love my Mothers. So there’s that.

In related news, is there anything better than museum gift shops? I always find the most unique gifts and jewelry. Our stop in the MCA’s shop today procured some cool host gifts to accompany a bottle of wine and fun bracelets to brighten up these winter days. Wish-listed was this cool, curve wireless phone thing. Sleek and functional for Ryan, artsy-farsty for me.

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

1) Everything about this amazing. Obviously.

2) I do not look like this when I go outside. Hashtag making an effort tomorrow….

(Image streetsmarts; middlechildcomplex)