Apartment Hunting Hell in Chicago

29 weeks along. There are few things in this life that are so scrutinizingly counted in weeks and pregnancy is one of them. Which is why when most people ask, I tell them my wife is just over 6 months pregnant so they don't have to start doing math on their fingers. There are all sorts of things you do in preparation for a child. For us, that mostly consists of siphoning off all the baby stuff from my older siblings who have come to the end of reproducing. It also means trying to figure out where were are going to put the little munchkin come April. 7 months ago today we signed a lease and moved in to our second apartment here in Chicago, located in the quaint neighborhood of Lincoln Park. That apartment has one bedroom. 1. As in less than 2. We conveniently realized this was going to be a problem 1 month after we moved in when the pee stick came back with two unmistakable lines.

So, here we are, trying to find a new place with 2 bedrooms. This, however, isn't easy nor cheap. It's very stressful and time consuming. Tonight we pulled up a listing for an available apartment in our current building. That listing inspired this post. And here is why. Take a look at the photo I've included. Notice the light fixture in the photo? Now go ahead and look at the description. That's right, "Modern light fixtures." Because we all know there's nothing more desirable in an apartment than "modern light fixtures," especially the ones that are simply a metal rod and a light bulb. But I guess when you are listing an apartment for $1650 that DOES NOT HAVE an elevator, air conditioning, in unit washer/dryer, parking, or adult sized bedrooms, then you're forced to promote its "modern light fixtures." We've got 5 months until our lease is up. Here's to hoping we can survive the "modern light fixture" listings and actually find ourselves a place that is "baby approved."

p.s. The funny thing about the light fixture in the photo is that it's exactly what our kitchen light looks like. Of course, that's because I recently replaced the bulb and couldn't figure out how to get the tacky and completely non-modern glass globe to hang back on.

Moments

Life is made up of trillions of moments, each one affecting the ensuing moment. We control many of these moments in our lives by the choices we make. Others we can't control, either because they were made by another individual or they are merely the consequence of the previous moment. When we look back at time, we can often piece the moments together in a string of events. When we do this we are able to see the interwoven fiber that connects them together.

Sometimes these series of interconnected events are the most beautiful thing in the world and they become the stories that get passed down through the ages. They may start out with "So I took the later train that day and when I climbed aboard, I saw the most beautiful woman sitting there" and end with "that women is your grandmother." We look back and exclaim, "Oh thank heavens your alarm didn't go off that morning" or "So glad the sticky note fell off the door and got picked up by him" or "If he hadn't been promoted, we never would have moved back east." These events are so prominent that it is easy to recognize them and show gratitude for them.

Then there are other events that we never notice, many of them because they never happened. We will never know that if we hadn't stopped to change the radio station before backing out of the driveway that we would have hit the neighbor boy riding his bike down the sidewalk. We'll never know that if the meeting coordinator hadn't pushed for the meeting to be in Austin rather than San Antonio, we may have been on a flight without a doctor so that when we suffered an allergic reaction, we may have died rather than being saved by a complete stranger. We will never know that the the farmer had changed pesticides at the last second and had he not, we would have become seriously ill from the apples we purchased. These events never occurred because a tiny moment forever altered the course of time. They are the ones, that if we even recognize, cause us to exclaim, "I'm so glad that…"

Finally we have the type of events that hurt, the ones we wish we could rewind the clock on. These are the ones that cause us to utter "if only" over and over again. We replay the moment or the moments and events leading up to the moment and agonize over each one, knowing that each was a stepping stone that led up to the accident or tragedy. We, by nature, are inclined to either take the blame or cast the blame, thinking somehow that doing so will help. It won't. As we start to comprehend that these millions of events are all interconnected, blaming someone is simply pardoning another earlier in the chain.

Ultimately, as we realize that we are mere mortals in an eternal situation, we will be more capable of letting go. Letting go of the guilt, the pain, the anger, and the longing. God has mastered the delicate balance of being omnipotent and yet allowing us to have our free agency. He is capable of preventing every accident, every heartache, but would that be somehow better? How would that affect later events? How would we grow if that is how God worked? He knows the end from the beginning and He knows us personally. He is the on who sends angels to the scene of an accident and dictates whether it is heal or to usher one home.

In the wake of Sammy's accident on Thursday, I have reflected on these eternal matters. As I sat in the back of the cab on my way to pick her and Hattie up, I found myself in prayer. When we later learned that Sammy, despite being hit by a car going 35 MPH, had not sustained any broken bones or permanent internal damage, I knew guardian angels had been sent. I wouldn't doubt it if they were the same angels that kept me from falling out of a window at the age of 2 or healing my broken neck at the age of 4. I can't explain why this was a "thank heavens" and not an "if only" moment in our lives. I can't explain why some accidents don't have a positive outcome while others do. I have, however, been involved in too many traumatic injuries in this life to know that it isn't just "luck" or "fate" that dictates the outcome of a situation. I've found that faith and trust in Him are the only ways to obtain peace during moments of tribulation. Indeed, how we respond, not the moments themselves, are the only thing truly within our control.

Month of Concerts

This month has been the month of concerts.

And boy has it been great.

The month started out with Mr. Mat Kearney himself.

I have blogged about Mat Kearney before. Click HERE to enjoy that post.

This was the second time I have seen Mat in concert at In the Venue.

Tragically, he didn't headline this show. Those honors went to Owl City.

Mat killed it. I cried when he played his last song of the night.

He will be back(hopefully) on his Young Love tour later this year or early next year.

I will be there.

Note: Associates in crime: Mr. Ben Barlow, Sarah Fennemore, Sam and Chelsea Lake.

Concert number 2 of the month was The Decemberists who performed at Pioneer Park

as one of the Twilight Series Concerts.

There were 36,000 people there. So not many.

Lots of pot being smoked.

But the music was awesome. And the price was great. FREE!

Partner in Crime: The beautiful Ms. Hattie Nicole Gardner.

Concert Number 3.

KATY PERRY!

I knew that this concert was going to be great. I hoped for amazing.

It was epic.

Blew past every expectation I had and more.

Became the definition of entertainment.

The lights, the music, the dancing, the dresses, the decor.

Unreal.

Katy is sexy and she killed it.

Partner in Crime: Mr. Benjamin Barlow. Or @argentino15

Month of Conerts: A Raging Success!

To buy or Not to Buy: Part 2

Provided by Mint.com

What to Buy!?

I want these three things right now. Which should I get?

1. The Bowers & Wilkins P5 Headphones. HERE.

2. The Smith Broadcast Prescription Eyeglasses. HERE.

3. The Lebron 8 V/2. HERE.

So, what do I choose? Comment below!

STOP!

I worked 13 hours last night. Then I stopped and fixed a friend's alarm system. By that time we we had passed the 11 PM mark. I couldn't go home because of a wood floor fix. So Sam and Chelsea kindly obliged to let me crash on the couch. I was driving up 1300 S, a bit tired, but content, when next thing I knew I had sirens in my rear view mirror. I hadn't been speeding so I was excited; the thrill of finding out what menial law had been violated. Had I ran someone over? Maybe a cat or a raccoon? Had I driven too close to the curb? The middle line? And then panic: Had they finally caught onto my late night prostitution? Oh no! The officer approached. Asked me for the usual: Driver's License, proof of insurance, registration, and a Virginia Slim. I was able to provide 75% of requested items.(Will not disclose which 3) The cop then, seeing the fear in my eyes, informed me that I had been pulled over for not coming to a complete stop.

Oh dear! How could I? Once a law abiding citizen, in mere seconds I had become a hardened criminal, a menace to society, a threat to the population, a danger to the masses. The rape, drug use, theft, domestic violence, drunk driving, indecent exposure, reckless driving can go on. But the failure to fully halt at a 4 way stop on an abandoned street, this must stop. Think of the fatalities, injuries, repercussions, heartache, and loss that most likely occurred from my claimed infraction. Tears welled up in my eyes out of the shame I felt. My pulse sank to a mere 74/23 as depression and guilt overwhelmed my soul.

But wait? I had stopped. I hadn't blitzed that stop sign. There was a car I had pulled up next to. We hung out at that white line together before he went right and I proceeded straight. Hmm... So what if the cop was just upset that my car hadn't been washed in months? Maybe he had just failed for the 20th straight time on the same Angry Birds level. Maybe he was thinking about the recent streak of losses by the Jazz and Utes. Maybe he was imagining what it would have been like to be in Egypt without internet for 5 days? Maybe he had tried to order his Verizon iPhone on his dinner break and realized they were already sold out? So maybe I was the scape goat? The truly innocent citizen, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Like the innocent gazelle who happened to meander down to the river to quench its thirst only to be at the wrong river bend at the wrong time and find itself feet up, head down the alligator's throat.

So I had a decision to make. Did I get out of the car and challenge the officer to a smack-down, a thumb war, or break dance competition? I quickly determined that this was a bad idea. Leaving your vehicle during a moment like this was always frowned upon and interpreted as a sign of hostility and defiance. So i abated my desire for a game of paper-rock-scissors and waited patiently. The officer returned after some delay to proudly hand me a citation. As he handed me the citation, I noticed him quickly wiping what appeared to be ketchup off his fingers and onto his fine pressed navy slacks. Wait a second? He'd been back there eating Wendy's Sea Salted Fries this whole time? My paper had dark spots from where the sodium content had soiled the starch on the ticket. Next thing I knew, he was throwing up the peace sign and parting ways with a simple, "Ten cuidado Justino, tu salvacion esta en juego." Jaw dropped and stunned, like a deer in headlights, I slide the ticket onto the floor, the shifter into drive, and eased my way back onto the road and into society, Heaven alone knowing the who the real violator in the situation was.

To Buy or Not to Buy

Interest rates are low. The housing market is flooded with foreclosures, short sales, and other sales. I'm 24 and working full time (58 hours is full time, right?) so I started thinking about buying a home.

Then I spoke with Spence. He's a very smart, rational human being. We discussed the pros and cons of buying a home.

Here are some of the costs associated with owning a home:

1. Mortgage Payment

2. Home Insurance

3. Property Taxes

4. Water and Sewer

5. Heat/Cooling

6. Internet and TV

7. Furniture and Appliances.

8. Lawn Care

9. Upkeep and Maintenance

10. Other

These are not reasons to NEVER buy a home, but they have definitely caused me to reconsider WHEN I will buy a home.

Leave your opinion in the comments section!

11 Months of 2010

This is the kind of post you would normally save for the end of the year. But no calls are in coming in at work yet, so I think it's a good post for 12/13/10. Today, for starters is Nick Terry's birthday. Happy Birthday old man. Hope this year is your best ever!

Let's review the year 2010 for a minute.

*Note: I'm at work and so the only photos I have are the ones I still have on my iPhone.

I started the year working at Consulmed and taking 5 classes at the U. I was also dating Cristy Ann Bubert, who is now engaged to the charming Scott Smith-Sound.

On May 1st, I embarked on a 2,400 mile journey across the country to Virginia. Accompanying me was Kyle Ray Brown. 4 days later we arrived in Yorktown, Virginia. We took a picture by the Nebraska state sign.

I flew home on June 17th. Two of my husbands were marrie off in two days. Brian to Courtnie on the 17th and Mark to Brooke on the 18th.

On July 19th, I met Lauren St. Mary, the beautiful life guard at the pool at Grafton Station. We spent the next 14 days together before I had to drive away from Virginia.

I drove 8 hours the first day, 8 hours the second day, and 17 straight hours the third day. This is the Nebraska state sign going west. Missing a state sign was one of the most devastating aspects of the drive. Besides the drive itself that is.

Morace, Julie Ann, Ezra, and Sofia moved to Stockholm, Sweden.

I started working at Edwards Lifesciences. I started out setting up iPads, then Windows 7 Deployment, and now I'm working on the Global Help Desk.

Nick and Carrie had their first baby: Natalee!

Spence and Kathy had their fourth baby: Emelia Lou Lake. She is the ninth niece/nephew. I get to hold on her Christmas!

Utah beat BYU on a blocked field goal. It was my last home game in the MUSS. We rushed the field. See video HERE.

I was hired on at the Apple Store at the Gateway!

Mark and Brooke had their first baby: Everett

I had my last undergad class of college on 12/9/10! 1 Final to go.

I'm single.

Summary: A good year and glad to be alive!

The Apple Event Effect

or

There is a phenomenon that occurs, roughly every 3 to 6 months. It is an Apple event. Apple traditionally has a keynote event in January, an iPhone event in June, iPod event in September, and now Apple has hosted a Back to Mac event. Yesterday, Apple announced new iLife 11 software, highlighted future Lion features, and new Macbook Air models. After watching these Apple events, I experience a very similar reaction. "I WANT that!" Yesterday was no exception. After watching the iLife 11 demos, my reaction was, "I WANT iLife 11." No harm in that. The software costs a mere $49. After watching the Macbook Air presentation, I immediately responded, "I WANT a Macbook Air" The problem with this is the cost. I would opt for the 13"with the 128gb storage and then throw down an additional $90 to upgrade to 4GB of RAM. Even with the student discount, that build will set me back a cool $1,339. I spent the rest of the day analyzing, stewing, debating, comparing, reading, and ultimately trying to find a way to justify this computer. I read a great article by Marco.org, (click here) that did a great job at putting a lot of my thoughts down in writing. Since I am 2 months away from graduation, my computer needs/usage may change drastically. Will I need a ultraportable Macbook Air? Would a powerhouse, 15" Macbook Pro be the way to go? How about settling down with the 27" iMac? Or maybe I should just keep on trucking with my nearly 3 year old white Macbook. Ultimately, I have had to step back, relax, and let my initial appetite for new Apple products assuage. I think I'll give it a couple months to settle and come back to this decision in January.

Lauren St. Mary!

In the last blog post, I eluded to the fact that something great came out of the summer. That would be Lauren. We met on the 19th of July and spent everyday together for the next 2 weeks. We went to Busch Gardens for my birthday, hit up the Outer Banks in North Carolina, went to Virginia Beach, saw Salt, stayed up late, had birthday dinner, hung out at the pool at Grafton Station, hung out with the wonderful St. Mary family, and much more. I'm heading out to Virginia next month and she be coming here in October! I love Lauren!

Silverline Security

The typical pattern for bloggers is to be gung ho about the blog, with regular updates, only to wane in the ensuing months. I appear to be falling into that group. To curb the trend, I'm writing a post this morning. I figured I would talk about my experience with summer sales and working in Virginia for 3 months with Silverline Security.

There were six technicians on the team: John Travis Hopkins, Austin Bridge, Nicholas Thomas Terry III, Chad Talbot, Eric Berg(see The Eric Post), and Me. Peter Lowe was our trusty manager who knocked and sold as well.

I didn't mind the actual work of installing security systems. What was hard for me was the lack of consistency. There were days when I'd install 4 systems(my record was 6) and other days where we would sit around all day and not get an install. We had to drive a lot. I put 12,000 miles on my Lexus in 3 months. Some days we would drive 80 miles to Richmond, sit at a McDonalds all afternoon, and then get one job at 8:30 at night. I prefer more structure, so that was a challenge. The main problem was simply not being busy enough. We had 6 amazing techs that could install quickly but not enough installs.

Now for the bad. The owner and co-owner of Silverline came out on July 27th. They told us that they were moving our office to Mississippi. When it was discovered that licensing in Mississippi takes a month, they simply shut down our office. Shutting down our office a month early basically kept all of us from hitting the next level of the pay scale along with rent and experience bonuses. This wasn't very kind of Silverline.

I am yet to be paid for a couple jobs and time will tell if a backend check comes in October and if the backend is accurate. I love the guys I worked with, I loved living in Virginia and had some awesome experiences, and I'm glad I made the decision to go. The next blog post will explain a little more about the great things that came out of living in Virginia!

P.S. One more thing, Chad may look bigger and tougher, especially in that truck of his...but we all know that Chad was scared of me and never wanted to mess.

iPhone 4 Release Day!

I waited all morning. I even saw one Fed Ex van pull into the apartment complex and so I chased him down. He had no iPhone. Then at 12:40 I received word from Nick that the goods had been delivered. I raced to his house.

The unboxing ceremonies began!

Goosebumps and smiles abounded.

I started the syncing process!

And.... 5 hours later it finished! (Picture shown twice to give you a feeling of how long those 5 hours were).

First impressions:

1. Fast! Fast! Fast!

2. Beautiful.

3. The screen is amazing.

4. Multitasking. Welcome to my life Pandora radio!

I am very happy with my new daily companion.

Now the question is: Does my iPhone need protection?

The iPhone 4 Pre-order Mayhem.

Yesterday was the first day to pre-order the iPhone 4. I woke up around 8:20 EST and found that pre ordering had gone live. Unfortunately, I'm on a business plan and was unable to order my phone through Apple. I attempted the AT&T site quickly but gave up and headed to the store. Trouble at the store as well. The servers were overwhelmed and it took 45 minutes to process the order of roughly 4 people ahead of us(Nick went with me to order his as well!). I finally got my phone ordered around 10:30. Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me order one for my mother as well. By afternoon, AT&T had sold out of iPhone 4 and by evening, Apple had as well. Lines, crashed servers, potential security breaches, and lots of anxious and frustrated customers described the day. AT&T reports that it was the busiest day of online sales in company history. Yeah...it seems like the iPhone 4 is going to make a killing just like its predecessors. I can't wait till June 24th! This is what will be arriving in 32 GB fashion!

VIVA LA HUSBANDRY!

Two summers ago, the husbandry (Me, Mark, Jasen, and Brian) went backpacking to White Pine Lake. It was an event for the ages. Tragically we didn't have a repeat last summer. Now, I live in Virginia, Brian lives in Ohio and is getting married in 13 days, Mark is getting married in 14 days, and Jasen, yeah, he's around. Mark was wearing his man thong and we all got in the freezing cold lake. Here's a little video tribute to Mark and the rest of the husbandry!

Razor Blade Cuts, Phone Boxes, and Hoarder Houses

Life as an Installer can get pretty wild. This post will focus on three exciting things from the past 2 weeks.

1. Nick sliced his leg open by a very unfriendly little razor blade protruding out of his bag. I was not there to witness the event but in his words, "blood just gushed out and down my leg." I saw it later. It was a fairly deep slash. Now fast forward 2 days. Opposite leg, same injury. This time I was there. I couldn't help but laugh, then take a picture, and then use my car's first aid kit to bandage him up. Here's the evidence.

2. R.J. Blocks and Phone Boxes. We install two types of systems: Cellular and Two-Way voice. As you would guess, one uses a sim card, like those found in our cell phones(except Verizon and Sprint) and the other goes through the customer's phone line. I'm still getting a handle on the phone line stuff. Here are a few pictures I snapped and sent to Pete and Nick to get assistance.

3. Compulsive hoarding (or pathological hoarding or disposophobia^[1]) is the excessive acquisition of possessions (and failure to use or discard them), even if the items are worthless, hazardous, or unsanitary. This definition is taken from Wikipedia. I have now installed two systems for hoarders. It is both disturbing and a health risk. I have no idea how people live like this. The photos will never do justice for what it is like to step into one of these homes, but here are a few to give you an idea.

Depth of field in this photo is a little challenging. The very bottom of the photo nearly shows the floor. The rest of the picture is of stuff about 3 feet high filling the whole room. "Stuff surfing" would be the only way to enter the room.

I've learned:

1. I don't want to cut my legs like Nick does.

2. I prefer installing cellular systems.

3. I'm grateful I grew up in a clean home(thanks mom) and I want to always live in a clean home.

Iowa Camping!

Marshmallow Roasting Lessons

Wet dandelions don't blow away so well...

Peace to you too, Noah!

BEAUTIFUL BOY!

EASTER!

We went to St. George for Easter weekend and had a blast!

Cristy and Julie Ann's fingers turned black from dying eggs!

But resulted in beautifully colored eggs!

Someone liked the plastic eggs a little better...

And baby food!

And....a little someone discovered the high powered faucet on the back of the house!

I love my family.