Quote of the weekend

"I can still feel the cold. We're not drinking enough."


This was the conversation Cousin Tim and I had all of Saturday night as we bar hopped around Wrigley.
Sarah, Rebecca and Jenny - we had a shout out Scooby Snack to you. Wish you could have joined us! You were there in spirit....especially when we saw the Tiffany "I Think We're Alone Now" video at a bar. Ridiculous.
Evie we're glad you could finally "ditch" the bachelorette party and meet up with us. Getting home at 3:30 in the morning - that's what I call a good night!

Of course there were Birthday celebrations!

It would not be my birthday if I didn't plan multiple celebrations. This year was no exception.

I was a lucky one this year to have my actual birthday fall on a Saturday. The day started with brunch at Vines. It's one of my favorite sports bars and as long as there is not a Cubs game, it is never packed. It was a snowy, snowy morning...but a few friends braved the weather to join me.

The afternoon was spent relaxing with my friend Kris, who was in town from MN. The two of us went out for sushi that night, and then we picked up Janet on our way downtown. The second celebration was held at Fado, an Irish pub downtown, where we could get our drink on.

After having a few Guinness and chatting with all my girls, we then headed out for the final celebration....salsa dancing at Nacional 27. Sweet. I had a couple of dance partners - one of them was actually my height - and could not have been happier with how my birthday played out.

Thanks to all of those that sent me wonderful Birthday wishes.

My wishes to you in 2009

*WARNING*
Sappy post below....but it must be said.

I hope that all of you were able to spend NYE just the way you wanted to.

I know that many people had a lot of struggles in 2008, but many people were also very blessed. My wish to you is that 2009 brings you peace and joy. Should you still find yourself struggling, know that you have friends and family to support you. :-)


Thank you to my family! I miss you all and am so happy we were able to spend Christmas together. Auntie Linda and Uncle Gary, thank you for hosting the Zumwalde Family Christmas this year. I especially enjoyed this year's "program".

Renee and Armand, thank you for always having the alarm code off when I'm in town. You are my second family, even when I disgrace you by showing up with a cherry red Ford Mustang.

I miss working with you...the ladies of Premier Planning Services. But I am so excited to see how the company continues to enjoy success and it's because of all of you. I am hoping that I can help contribute in 2009.

Amy and Nick - I'm so blessed that I've worked with couples like you and am enjoying our continued friendship. You always have a place to stay in Chicago...even after a show at the House of Blues!

To Christine, Joe and Cara. I miss working with you so much. Our brief breakfast meeting felt like old times...are you sure you don't want to relocate?

My Morris alum - thank you for your friendship over the years. I am so happy that we were able to meet up during such a busy time of the year. And I love all of the strengths that you bring to our friendship. You all make me a better woman. (Kerry, we missed you!)

To my New Year's Eve crew - our time this year was too short. But I'm hoping that with the new Southwest fares coming in that we'll see more of each other in 2009.


Now, to all of you that I missed seeing in MN. I sure hope that I can see you the next time I'm in town. Know that I was thinking of you and if I would have had more time, we would have been able to catch up face to face. I'll specifically call out Craig, Leila & Aaron, Ryan, Lorrie H, Shannon, Heather, Colleen, and Linda. Next time.

Best wishes!

A Family Christmas in Photos

I was so blessed to spend a full 5 days with my family this year for Christmas. There was some questionable travel delays, but we all made it home to MN. Here are just a few photos of our time together.

And yes, Colter has an obsession with phones. We still love him anyway.