2/8/2010: Green!

Green!, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

Brrr! It’s cold and we’re gearing up for a lot of snow… that’s February in Chicago for you. I’m so glad to have green in my office and windows to soak in a little sun.

Cat + dad

Cat + dad, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

My parents came in to Chicago today to visit & help repaint my bathroom. After my dad painted 95% of the bathroom by himself, Keiko sat on his lap to watch the Super Bowl together.

It was good to have both parents in visiting!

2/6/2010: Theatre

Play, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

Belated birthday festivities! Homemade creme brulee, dinner at a favorite restaurant, finished off with tons of laughter at the theater. Sara even made her stage debut as an actress appearing as Ophelia’s ego.

Thank you for a wonderful day S!

2/5/2010: Mine

Mine, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

Bubble wrap & cat… a good Friday night.

And yet more birthday well wishes with a cake at work today.

2/4/2010: Vino

Vino, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

Lovely 31st Birthday! A fun, relaxing, perfect day. Ending in dinner at a wonderful small restaurant near my house with Sara & Dan.

I’m a happy girl.

2/3/2010: Grinch

Grinch, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

The last day of 30. Drinks with co-workers & friends in the evening! Enjoyed a grinch (thanks Emile)! 30 has been a roller coaster of a year… plenty of downs, but enough ups.

The highlights of 30:

1. Starting 30 off amazingly with a great party surrounded by so many people who love me.
2. Making at least one new, awesome, worth keeping around friend.
3. Slowly becoming more of an artist.
4. Spending several days with my cousin- remembering why family is so important & defining.
5. Most importantly, learning that I’m a complete person and despite what seemed like insurmountable hurt- joy was still waiting on the other side & I’m surrounded by tons of healing love.

2/2/2010: Dinner

Dinner, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

Dinner at home tonight… full of delicious veggies and goodness. And then some time with scrabble.

February in Chicago… all I want is to be at home & cozy.

2/1/2010: Monday

Monday, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

A bit of a high strung day at work… opted to wind down with tea & a book… and a couple rounds of bananagrams.

Madre

Madre, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

My mom comes to nearly every work event- how cool & supportive is that?! This is her second year coming to our annual Winter Walk. It’s the third year I’ve been in charge of it- and finally felt it ran relatively smoothly. This is my favorite event of the year… my favorite donors always attend. It’s a chance for new friends of Sarah’s to really learn about the women and what we do. And I love having my mom there!

1/30/2010: Nom

Nom, originally uploaded by ellajphillips.

Day of delicious food. Lunch with my favorite girls today at Bad Apple. Burger with truffle, spinach, brie, & fried onions… and truffle fries. Enjoyed with a favorite stout. And currently, waiting for homemade spanakopita to bake… and enjoy it with great company!