New Beginnings

Chicago River at Night

I know it has been a while, but not much has been going on - well, okay, a LOT has been going on which may be why I haven't forced myself to take a break, sit down and record life's happenings.

February - freezing cold, survived a crazy blizzard and managed to secure a lot of runners for Bright Pink's marathon team. Took the Illinois Bar.

View under L tracks on Lake + Desplaines

March - still freezing cold.

April - I passed the Illinois bar! Pete met the family in Napa: Cory, Katie, Ashley and Ron put on an awesome BBQ with my closest Napa buds so he could meet them all in one place. Cory and Katie also pulled out all the stops with a beautiful Sunday spent up valley at some amazing wineries. Oh yeah, and I GOT A JOB in Chicago at Kirkland & Ellis - interviewed on a Friday and received the offer on the spot! I start TOMORROW and I could not be more thrilled. So yes, I am staying in Chicago for at least a while longer - who would've thought??

Pete & I at Viader Winery in Angwin, CA

May - Trip back to Napa after my last day with Bright Pink (such a great experience) where I was able to see friends, family, munchkins and beautiful weather (horrific allergies though). I also made it to Nic + Flynn's wedding which was wonderful! I was able to chit chat with my favorite missionary on Mother's Day (shout out to Elder Z Wag). Did some "grown up" clothes shopping (since tomorrow I will be forced to grow up), ordered my Blackberry and attempted to beef up my legal writing skills. Oh yeah, and last night I watched the Giants beat the Cubs in the rain (awesome).

The ladies at my table for F+N wedding

So, here I am, not a year out of law school - I have given up a great job in San Francisco to take another fantastic position as a litigator in Chicago. Ask me a year ago and I would have NEVER thought I would be where I am now, but I have never been happier, more in love and more content with my decision to be exactly where I am. Of course I wish I could be close to family but the good thing is, now that I'll be a fancy pants lawyer, I'll be able to afford to take more trips out there (or bring them to me = more likely scenario).

Katie, Jason, Devyn, me, Cory & DEAN

A life is full of surprises, changes, bumps and bruises, but when you fill that life with LOVE (a little hard work) and make it your OWN, amazing can happen.

Frozen Chocolate

Since I cannot do anything productive because I am busy hacking out a lung, why not update the blog? I can't really say I have much to update, except that it's still cold in Chicago, I'm still working, still paying too much for my apartment, yet surprisingly, I'm still a happy camper.

It's about that time in the winter where I start to get real annoyed at the pesky cold. The weather is fine in December; in fact, it's kind of pretty. The first snow, the less bitter cold spells, the beautiful lights lining the streets, the hot cocoa warming up your insides and the Ugg boots still looking fairly clean. You leave for a few weeks on a nice jaunt back to the best coast to celebrate the season with family and dear friends. Unsuspectingly and quite naively, you step out of Midway Airport to hail your cab and immediately run back inside, typically screaming expletives. Inevitably you failed to bring your warm down coat to California because why bother with that thing when you'll never wear it?

I'll tell you why bother! That bitter chill only to be experienced right around New Years is not habitable in some fleece or silly sweatshirt. It's like bathing in the kitchen sink. Just doesn't cut it. Sure it was raining the entire time I was in California, but 55 and raining is nothing compared to 10 before windchill is factored in. I wonder when I will ever learn. Suffice to say, I survived (barely) - I managed to shutter myself into a cab and back to my nook on Dearborn St. Only, of course, to repeat the same mistake again next year (well, if I am still here...which warrants a whole different post (that I will likely never write) altogether).

Chicago in late January may just be the most horrible time to visit - EVER. It's frigid; I am talking -30 with windchill last weekend. YEAH, NEGATIVE 30. Sure I only have a 1/2 mile walk to work, but do you know what a half mile feels like in -30 degrees? I didn't think so. And that hot chocolate I mentioned earlier - how it warms the insides in December. Well, in late January you have one of two choices: (a) chug it immediately once you step outside of the Starbucks, successfully scalding your insides, or (b) wait to let it "cool down" and it's a frozen chocolate brick in 3 1/2 minutes, literally (ok, maybe 5). Last week, I got the brilliant idea to leave my water bottle half full in the car, so the next day I wouldn't have to go purchase another one. You know, go upstairs and drink from the Brita, saving the bottled stuff for the car rides. Yup, frozen solid the next day. And no, I don't park outside. 3 1/2 years out here and I still haven't learned!

From all that, it may sound like I am not a fan of this place. But here's the kicker - I AM! I love it here! I live 3 blocks away from a Nordstrom Rack, Anthropologie, Lululemon (2 of them, actually); there's a McDonald's across the street and a rock 'n roll McDonald's only 4 blocks away! Can you say McGriddles?? When it's not bitter frigid, I jog 1/2 a mile and I am on the lake shore. Chicago has this amazing 16 mile long paved path along the lake shore. It is like nothing else I've ever seen. And get this, I live less than 2 miles away from my boyfriend! For any of you who know me know that is a HUGE accomplishment. Let's just say, in the past, I have kept the men I've dated at a distance (anywhere from 150-2000 miles). Who knew how fun living in the same city as the person you are dating could be?

And, my job! I love my job. I work with 4 awesome, under 30 women who rock my socks. In addition, I work on saving lives every day. We educate and empower young women who are at high-risk for breast and ovarian cancer to be advocates for their health. We provide education, support and a sense of community to young women so they can catch breast or ovarian cancer at an early, non-life threatening stage, or help them to take the steps to avoid developing the cancers altogether. The women I deal with are amazing. Talk about a cause worth waking up for everyday with a little pep in your step.

There are, of course, the obvious negatives: people from out here always screen your calls (who in their right mind knows where 707 is from), the whole CA salad movement has yet to catch on out here, Boba is practically non-existent, and it's a lot harder to pull off the blonde hair when your skin is see-through from your unhealthy Vitamin D deficiency. There were five other reasons...but I can't seem to put my finger on them...ah well, must be the cough meds.

Sending my love to you all. When you get it, don't be alarmed if you get the shivers.

First Snow

In the midst of the city awakening from the cocoon of night, filled with horns and chilled pedestrians, there exists an incredible stillness during a snowfall. It is something I never had the opportunity to experience until I moved here. The world around you may be moving a mile a minute, but as you walk down State St, the stillness of the snowfall engulfs your being. It sounds so oxymoronic. Flakes are fluttering, cars are roaring, cabs are swerving, music playing in your ears, and yet you can feel completely calm, serene and at peace. It is the moment where your eyes focus utterly and completely on the flakes fluttering that your rush to get to work on time or the to-do list you are going over in your head absolutely vanish. It is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world.

This city ain't all bad. Although I am not a fan of the cold and my family is far far away, there are so many things I love about this place. Since moving downtown and as the temperature drops, I have been compiling a running list of what I love:

1. The Hancock tower (which can be seen from my balcony) is lit up with red and green lights during all of December. Many other office and condo buildings follow suit. It is a constant reminder of my absolute favorite time of the year
2. The trees lining Michigan Avenue (home of some of the best shopping & people watching you will ever find) are decorated from trunk to top with beautiful white lights
3. Work holiday parties (I know, they happen everywhere)
4. A paycheck (yeah, yeah, same as above)
5. Snow falls - just the falling part, well, and the piling part (but only on places I don't have to walk or drive through)
6. Pete
7. Down coats, scarves, warm boots and a good pair of gloves
8. Indoor exercising options - I took my first "bar method" class last night and OH BOY am I sore. But apparently I can get a Kim Kardashian butt, so I'm going to keep at it
9. Knowing I get to return home to Napa for 11 days in a very short while where I will see my munchkins, parents, friends and siblings (fingers crossed for a skype date with Mr. Z Waggles)

Oh, and I might have a little extra pep in my step, since I did pass the California bar :)

Miss you Zach. Keep up the good work my boy.

Oh, why, hello there.

I have been severely sucking at posting, but I have decided to make sure I do it at least once a month from here on out to make sure Zach has some idea of what is going on in my life during his absence. I have actually composed a post or two, but didn't publish them because they were a little weepy--missing Zach, the munchkins and my family. You're welcome for sparing you the sob sobs. What a wuss.

Addie girl

Since I moved into my place in September, I began a nanny position in Chicago. I knew I needed to do something to help pass the time until my November 1 start date at work. I pick up two (not-so-young) kiddos from school every day and help the 13 year old with her homework. It has been so much fun. I had to re-learn algebra. Every time she opens up that homework folder, I hold my breath because it's not every day that I find myself smarter than an 8th grader. Seriously. It's a bit humbling/humiliating for a girl who can't remember life before school. Topographical plotting on a map? The capital of where??

I made it home for Katie's 30th birthday celebration. It was SO much fun. I was missing those munchkins big time and I ALMOST made up for lost time with Dean. I was a bit of a hog (or as the siblings call me--the baby stealer). I got to play with Addie, went to Ethan's jog-a-thon and put my hair teasing skills to good use for Katie's 80s themed party at Flora Springs winery. I have an unbelievably fantastic family and have so much fun every time I go home. I was even able to squeeze some friend time in. Going home is never very relaxing. I am not complaining but it is always a whirlwind of babies, friends, family, mom's awesome cooking and alergies. I always sleep on the plane ride home; I feel like a puckered out toddler out cold after a long day of playing in the park.

The 80s fits (blurry. Someone needs a new camera. So sad)

The little Dean munchkin was a care bear. Devy was an 80s prom queen. I think.

The birthday girl and her hubby.

Lindsay and I got to visit Kendyll at her new job for Whitehall Lane Winery

November is a very exciting month. I start working, receive my bar results (eeekk), the next Harry Potter comes out, I am getting a visit from a dear friend AND the GIANTS are in the World Series. Plus, I am going to put together a CD for Zach of the newest dance-songs that have come out since he has left.

Coco is coming to visit ME! AGAIN!! McDonnald's proposal night.

I am starting my new job tomorrow, and I know I will have exciting things to post about that once I get rolling. I will be working for Bright Pink (Check it out at bebrightpink.org). It is a non-profit organization that works on outreach, counseling and generally educating young women who are or may be at-high-risk for developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. It is an amazing organization; it really fills a niche that hadn't been addressed before. The Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization is a huge supporter of us. The focus is about taking control of your health and well-being as a younger woman--being proactive and knowing you don't have to take scary tests or undergo uncomfortable procedures alone. I am SO excited to start helping Bright Pink with their legal needs. Finally!!

Only 55 days until I get to talk to Zach. I hope his mish president lets us skype. Also, I hope Cory gets to see him while he is in Dallas for the WORLD SERIES (words cannot explain the extent of my jealousy).

Until then, god bless, GO GIANTS and vote!

Yes, we are related.

Summer Fun

I know it has been a while, but I have a pretty decent excuse this time around (again). After a quick week in Napa following the bar exam, I left for a European adventure. I must say, I had a fabulous time. It made taking that horrible test almost worth it. I have so many photos and stories, but I will try and stick to the highlights.

I started and ended in London. Big Ben

Headed out to Athens. Parthenon.

My travel companion, Tessa, on the right. Christina, her Greek/Mexican friend who was the best tour guide, ever. After this photo, we ate amazing Greek food, with a killer lit-up view of the Parthenon.

Then, Tessa and I boarded a high-speed ferry for Santorini, which is perhaps the most beautiful place in the world.

A view from breakfast one morning.

We took a boat cruise one day to a volcano and ended up at this tiny piece of land, where we ate lunch and swam around a bit. I was completely mesmorized by the fact that the little piece of land I was on existed on no maps of the world I had ever seen. It is an unreal feeling.

A snapshot of the gorgeous Mediterranean water

After Santorini, I left Tessa and headed over to Spain. After taking 5 years of Spanish throughout high school and college, Spain was my ideal destination. Barcelona was absolutely amazing.

Atop of Park Guell, looking over the city. After Barcelona, we headed to Marbella, a gorgeous beach town at the Southern tip of Spain, close to Gibraltar.

View from the hotel pool. You could actually see Morocco from here!

The trip was unreal. I am so happy I was able to take the time to do this. After all the law school hooplah, it was an awesome treat.

I did return from Europe over 10 days ago, but then, even before the jet lag subsided, I headed back to Chicago to move from one apartment to another. I am now officially a grown up, with my very own apartment! It is so much fun! Imagine that mess on the counter being from you and only you. Or opening the fridge door to reveal food that is mine and only mine! Clearly, I am excited.

Now that I have my own place, I am taking visitors. You can come to this place.

And hang out with this girl.

What more could you ask for?

xoxo

DONE. SON.

I feel like a million bucks.

I finished the bar exam yesterday and I couldn't be more excited, happy, relieved...you name it! I really hope it went well, but with those things it's tough to tell. It was a beast that consumed my life for far too long, and I am thrilled to let it go (let's hope I don't ever have to take it again).

I unfortunately missed a lot of fun and wonderful things this summer while I was slaving away studying. The Wagner family reunion in Idaho has to be what I am most bummed about having to miss. All those awesome people in one place at one time and I had to study. Ugh. It sounds like they all had a great time though. And I did receive a shirt, which made my day (yes, it was that boring and pathetic studying that the receipt of a shirt made my day). I also missed Dean's first 2 months of life, meeting Oliver, Jenna, James, playing with Ansley and Addie's first steps.

I even missed a WHOLE week with Cara and Ryann hanging out in Napa. Stupid test!

Anyway, it is the first time in forever that my to do list is filled with fun, stree-free things. Who knew law school would fly by so fast and I would actually be a real, legit lawyer? (well, almost).

Here's a brief glimpse of my to do list:

(1) Finish planning Europe;

(2) Play soccer with Ethan;

(3) Bribe Katie so I can babysit Dean next week;

(3) Go buy myself a cool finishing the bar present;

(4) Schedule movers for the move into my very own place in Chicago;

(that's the view from my new balcony!)

(5) Kiss on Addie;

(4) Pick out what I am going to wear to dinner tonight;

(5) paint my toes

Where's the hard stuff on there?! That's right, there's NOTHING.

Fortunately (it's a good thing, I think!), I still feel like a kid. A happy, giddy, kid who just got asked to prom by the older dream boat boy she'd had a huge crush on. If you want this feeling, just go to three years of law school, study your butt off for 2 solid months and take a grueling 3-day exam. I promise, you will then feel euphoria.

Buuut, I don't recommend it. Just go to disneyland or something.

xoxo

Quite the Delay

Over the past month I have pondered whether or not I would keep the blog going during my partner-in-crime's time away from all things modern. As I contemplated the hefty decision, I thought to myself, well, what would Zach do? He most certainly would carry on. And so, here I being an attempt to keep the legacy moving forward. I want Zach to have something to scan through on a bored night at home post-mish.

But really, I have been swamped--big time! I am officially a graduate of the University of Chicago law school and am the proud owner of a J.D. degree. Weird, I know. It wasn't until our Dean (more on that in a minute) of Students sent out the finalized graduation list today that I knew for certain that I would be crossing the stage. Of course, I strongly thought I would be up there on that list, but you never know until you see that ink on the page.

Nevermind graduating, I have a brand new baby boy nephew named

D E A N M I C H A E L W A G N E R.

I was able (by a stroke of good karma I've been saving up over the years) to be in Napa when my lovely sister-in-law Katie went into labor; meaning, I was in the waiting room when Cory rolled out the little munchkin, letting us know we were the proud family members of a healthy little bouncing baby boy! And what a sight. Even at minutes old he was staring at us all through his beautiful eyes. I heard some of his first cries just a few minutes later, with tears welling up in my eyes, as I watched my big brother (some would refer to him a my hero) help the nurse weigh and measure the little beauty.

It was a very emotional time (duh, I am a Wagner) for me, to see my brother reach such a monumental time in his life and to realize that the little boy there was loved so very deeply and perfectly by my big brother. Well, me too, of course, but I can hardly compare the love of an Auntie to that of a father (even though I like to think my heart just expands like crazy every time a new one of these beautiful blessings join my life).

Katie did fantastic throughout the long labor and was seemingly undaunted when things did not go exactly as planned. She had to be the most beautiful pregnant woman I have ever seen (sorry Britti and Ash, but she seriously looked like a million bucks every time I saw her). I am so grateful she found her forever in my brother and am so pleased they have decided to start a little family. I know Emma and LouLou will be fantastic big sisters, no doubt.

Unfortunately, I will be having to watch Dean grow and develop over photographs in text messages and emails for the next while. However, I know I will be back to California often and will take full advantage of holding and cuddling the newest love of my life. And Dean, Auntie loves you more than you know. You have been born into a very fantastic family and we cannot wait to watch you grow into the wonderful young man you are destined to be.

I love you little guy; more than you know!