Goodbye 2011 and Hello 2012

Hello everyone!

First and foremost, my apologies for my serious lack of blogging since Shannon and I arrived in Chicago and began the settling in process. I must admit, it has been a rough start in The Windy City! Highlights would include, a small infection, sever sinus infection/upper respiratory infection, getting used to the interesting public transportation and the most laborious/tedious hunt for an apartment in recent history! The only thing I can say is Shannon has been my rock and I would probably be reverted to the fetal position if it were not for him!! I love him more today than I thought was possible, each day we discover something new about each other (things we love and things we don’t) and yet fall a little more in love … what more could I ask for.

Sue, Shannon’s mom is here in America! The Czajka’s and Crawford’s have met, finally!!!! Right now, we are home in Williamsburg for Christmas and New Year’s holiday. We had a wonderful Christmas, a very nice little family Christmas and then it was off to Washington DC. We did a Capitol tour, visited a lot of major landmarks, had some amazing food and successfully drove through the city … all you can ask for! I also got to see my wonderful friend Ashley and got to finally meet her lovely fiancé Aaron! All in all, a successful trip!

2011 has been an interesting year filled with ups and downs. I can’t lie, I am looking forward to 2012 (I always love the idea of starting anew) but 2011 finally brought me and Shannon together, we are in the same place at the same time, and for that I am more thankful than words could ever express! I would do 2011 again if it meant that I could be with him. He has seen me at my best and definitely at my worst (anyone that knows me, knows that I am terrible at change and 2011 could be synonymous with THE YEAR OF CHANGE FOR KATIE CZAJKA HAHA)!!!!!!!!!! But, we are doing it TOGETHER and that is what it is all about. As I write this, he is sleeping next to me and it fills my heart in a way I have never known. I am excited to see what 2012 holds and I wish a wonder New Year to you and yours!!!

Best Always,

 Kate

PS-New Year’s Resolution 1, I promise to actively blog!!

PPS- Since we are still in a corporate apartment and could not go all out for Christmas, Shannon still knew I need some things and got me THE CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS TREE ... along with some other Christmas decorations ... PERFECTION!!

And WithThat, Our London Chapter Has Come To A Close.

So it is here, our farewell to London! Shannon and I have been planning our lives around the idea of Chicago for the past 4 months and now the time has come to seize it with everything we have. The past 6 weeks have been an amazing start to starting our lives together, a chapter that will not be soon forgotten and looked upon with fondness and nostalgia.

I have always liked the UK (and not just because I look tan compared to some here) but have found an even greater love for this land I have called home for a brief moment in time. This has been a brilliant few weeks filled with good food, drinks, friends, culture and a glimpse of history 4 times as old as my country but it is now time to begin the next part of our story in The Windy City. Since Shannon and I began our love story, we have travelled to some amazing places around the globe in a rather short period of time. I love saying that we have lived in London together. Quite frankly after spending as much time apart as we have I was willing to call anywhere home with him, London just got to be a wonderful bonus for us. And for that, I have to thank my phenomenal other half, Shannon Joseph Crawford! He has spoiled me in ways, big and small.  From moving me to London while we waited for his visa to opening the door or doing a little laundry, he is my renaissance man! Without him none of this would have been possible nor would it have mattered without him by my side.

Of all the wonderful things London has had to offer, his amazing friends are at the top. They welcomed this American with open arms and I have felt at home here ever since. There is no question why they have become Shannon’s extended family. They will be truly missed but we live in the day and age of email, Skype and best of all non-stop flights from London to Chicago and vice versa!

London, you are the place where Shannon and I first told each other we loved one another when our story first began and now you are the land of our first home!  We thank you so very much for your impeccable hospitality. We love you and will be back soon, we promise you that!

Cheers,
Kate

Sitting Here Thinking ...

So, I am in bed, just thinking about the past few days and it has occurred to me how good people can be when you give them a shot, have a smile on your face, a kind disposition and an open ear.

The last few days I have been out and about in London doing some last minute shopping. In doing so I met some very interesting people with some amazing stories. For example, a man I met yesterday, his father was a prisoner of war for 5 years during WWII and was one of the first ever people to work for the UN as it was becoming being established into what we now know as the modern day UN. Another kind gentlemen went way out of his way to find me an American compatible DVD and we chatted and chatted about this and that. As little as the time was spent talking with this gentlemen, it gave me a little tingle of hope and happiness. There are people that are just plain mean BUT there are far more people out there with good intentions if we are willing to open ourselves up to it.

That is it. A small insight into my past few days.

On another note, Shannon and I had an AMAZING dinner at our favorite restaurant Cote Brasserie, located right on the Thames. It is our last wine & dine night before we depart for the Windy City on Monday! Shannon has made wonderful friends here and he is so lucky to have them and I feel equally as lucky to have met them as they now get to be apart of my life! I think we are both getting nostalgic as this chapter of our lives is coming to an end. But, all good things must come to an end and search for the next big thing! We have a weekend planned for some last minute London must sees, so with that I am off to bed! Goodnight!


Cheers,
Kate

THANKFUL, A THOUSAND TIMES THANKFUL!

I love the notion that is Thanksgiving. Now I say that with the acknowledgement that we as Americans, like to believe Thanksgiving was the breaking of bread and the creation of friendship between Puritans and Native Americans. Unfortunately, that never came to pass. However, it is the idea behind Thanksgiving that I cherish. Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays for two reasons! First, it marks the official start to the holiday season, or at least it does in mind (I do not understand Christmas bonanza in September … no thank you!)  Secondly, it gives us a time to reflect on all the amazing things that are in our lives, be it whatever you as an individual deem important! My parents raised me to always be appreciative and thankful for the things that we had in our lives, both big and small. And that is truly what I try to do, although there are days that I am as far removed from that ideal as possible. As I reflect on just that, the big and small, of this year as well as my entire life, all I can do is be thankful from the bottom of my heart. I am blessed with finding a career that I love and inspires me, finishing school and above all, I have the most magnificent, superb, remarkable, astounding, beautiful, intelligent (the list could go on and on) people in my life that anyone could ask for.

I have a boyfriend that I love to a degree for which mere words could never truly express what it is we share. He is loving, kind, caring, funny (to name just a few) and he makes me happier than anyone or thing ever could, I never dreamed that what we have really existed and for that I am thankful.

I have a family without whom I don't know where I would be without their constant love and support. We have seen each other through the good and the bad and no matter what, we are there for one another. An undeniable bond made from love, humour and even some craziness, make us who we are, family, and for that I am thankful.

My friends, tried and true!  You have stood the test of time and you are still there. Like family there have been ups and downs but we have a love that outsiders don’t understand but can’t deny and for that I am thankful.

As I reflect on the past year, there are a variety of emotions. The good with the bad. However, I am thankful for it all. Without a little bad here and there, how would we ever know that we were truly grateful for. A prime example would be the fact that Shannon and I spent so much time apart this year but now every second together is that much more invaluable. In the end, I am thankful for all the people in my life that make my life what it is! Here is to another year filled with health, happiness and above all love!

 PS-Food  For Thought (Thanksgiving pun intended!) John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

 PPS-Next year will be Shannon’s first TRUE, BLUE AMERICAN THANKSGIVING and I am already prepping in my head! It will also be my first Turkey Day in the states since 2009! YEAH for Thanksgiving 2012!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!

Cheers,
Kate

Timing Is Everything!

Timing is key and thankfully we had it last night! Shannon took me to the London Eye last night and it was breath taking! However, our fabulous trip almost didn’t happen! Shannon reserved tickets for the last tour at 830. But, before we could go we met up with a few friends for a few drinks. A lovely time at this quaint pub called The Castle, what is not to love haha. Well between the 2 of us, we agreed that there would be plenty of time between one more drink and the tube ride/walk/tickets and boarding of the eye … how nearly wrong we were. We hop on the tube, arrive in the general vicinity at 819 yes that is right, 819!!! We run across Westminster Bridge (in heels thank you very much), pop into the loo (our children are doomed to have the tiniest bladders in history) and one final run to pick up our tickets. As we arrive at the doors, slightly out of breath they begin closing the doors. Luckily, they were so wonderful and allowed us to pop in and grab out tickets. We were the last people to board for the night and the last people to get off … TIMING IS KEY!! We had an amazing ride and overlooked London at night … there is nothing like the city at night! It charmed me as a child and years later I am just as smitten! A perfect night , with the perfect man! What more could this girl ask for?! (Well, other than a better mile time for the future dash to the ticket line!) Happy (Early) Thanksgiving … so much to be thankful for this year!

Cheers,
Kate

PS-Here are 2 pics we took last night!

One week Left!

Hello all.

I just had a wonderful afternoon at The British Museum. As I walked in what could be considered a preverbal London day, cool and overcast, I couldn’t help but think how much I will miss London. I have been so lucky (THANK YOU SHANNON, I CAN’T SAY  THAT ENOUGH) for the amazing opportunity to stay here and play lady of the house, spending my days at museums and nights making dinner and being with the love of my life. We have waited so long for this and it is just splendid. I can’t help but think about how blessed I am, being Thanksgiving week and all.

It is official, I am on museum overload. No one loves a museum more than I do, but I have literally spent hours upon hours in any given museum. You can literally get lost … partly fun & partly scary haha. It strikes me just how much this world has to offer and how little I know and or have seen of it. I inevitably leave with a little more knowledge than when I entered (I hope) and more in love with the world and all that it offers. There have been the few experiences where I find myself doubting humankind, i.e. my experience at The Clink Prison Museum … what one human can do to another leaves even me speechless! But, nonetheless, a little more informed!

Here are just a few of the museums I have been fortunate enough to tour …

The National Gallery, The Portrait Gallery, Churchill’s War Rooms, The Film Museum, The Tower Of London, The V & A, The Natural History Museum, The Globe,  The Clink Prison Museum, The Tate Modern, The British Museum and Britain At War. (Just this round not to mention previous visits!)

Cheers,
Kate

Blessed.

Blessed. That is the only word I can use to describe my life. From the love of my life, to our amazing families, awesome friends and the opportunities that are ahead of us, we are truly blessed. 

This is our final week in London and the start of Thanksgiving week and I am reflecting on all I have to be thankful for and it is far more than any words could say.

It is my sincerest wish that everyone think about all the things that they are thankful for and simply acknowledge it. This time of year people become enveloped in a sense of over zealous regurgitation of holiday mantras which happens to everyone (I am hands down, one of the sappiest people come the holiday season). However, to me, if we can just reflect on the good we have in our own lives and be grateful for the things that we have on a daily basis, it positively affects who we are and how we act and thus having a positive impact on the world at large. It may not bring us world peace BUT having appreciative people in the world would definitely better it!

Cheers,
Kate

Reality Is Here & Life Is Better Than Ever!

Hello all!

First my apologies. Life has been super hectic here and I have not had a chance to update everyone. There is a lot, so buckle up!

First, Shannon's visa has been approved, he has been to the consulate and now we wait to get his visa back and if everything goes according to plan, we will be in Chicago 2 weeks from today, November 28!!! I am still in a bit of shock but could not be any more ready to start of life in the states. Secondly, I got a job! I am joining an amazing preschool as a Lead Teacher for their 3-5 year olds and they want me to incorporate theater into the curriculum! A DREAM COME TRUE ... a place that not only values the arts but wants to use them in the classroom! I could not ask for anything more ... my heart is so full, it may burst.  Back with little humans, right where I belong!

London has been wonderful to call home the past month! Because of  all of this, Shannon and I have been trying to do things. There is so much to do but little by little they add up! He said whatever we don't see or do now, we can always come back and do at another time ... DONE!

As for the daily lives of C & C of The Novella's Of C & C, we are settling into a routine (just in time to leave for Chicago haha). I once heard someone say something to the effect of ... Life is better than any story, you can never write what happens in reality. TRUTH!!! I like this for a multitude of reasons and I feel this concept may sum up life as of now.

I have been told (more than once) that my life reads like a fairy tale, especially with regard to me and Shannon. The reality is that we have been living this dream but we were apart. When we were lucky enough to be together (in the same place, at the same time) it was always for a finite amount of time. We had to make each second count and I knew that I never wanted to show anything but my best self, if at all possible. However, now we live together. There is no clock ticking away to the moment when we would have to say goodbye and it has brought us to an entirely new, very real but most amazing stage of our relationship yet. Let me explain ...

I have been very emotional the past few days. I woke up yesterday, reaching my max and was simply not in a good mood. I have no poker face and Shannon saw right through any attempt at hiding my feelings. He asked me what was wrong and all I could do was burst into tears and say nothing ... PERFECT lol! Shannon has seen me cry and not be in the best of moods but for some reason I felt extra exposed and crazy. But there he was, holding me, no judgement, just loving and caring for me in in spite of being anything but my best self.  We talked and all was better in no time. By the end of our talk, we said what everyone knows but want to hear, I LOVE YOU. We all have our days and that doesn't change anything!!!!!! Being there in the good times as well as the bad (sorry for  the cliche) is what is truly important. Being apart from each other for so long was a testament to the love that we share and now we can continue to grow it through this next chapter, together. I don't know what each day will bring but I know that Shannon loves me and I love him, and with that, anything is possible!

No one loves fairy tales more than I do but in the end there is no substance. Sometimes I wonder if Cinderella yelled at her prince to pick up his socks or if Snow White got the flu? But, I suppose if we knew that, the fairy tale would be shattered and the jarring light of reality would be exposed (and who wants that). I may not live in the fairy tales of dragons, castles and spells but the story I am living, The Novella's of C & C, are more real and more romantic than I could have ever imagined, stark reality included.

Cheers,
Kate

Charmed Life.

Hello all!!

Well, life here has been wonderful. Since getting the news that Chicago is on the horizon, I have been trying to optimize the sightseeing. This week has been ... The Monument of the Great Fire of 1666 (311 stairs one way, I don't know what I was thinking), The Globe, The Bankside Gallery and The British Film Museum ... not to mention seeing The London Eye, Big Ben,Parliament etc. along the walk ... not too bad in an average days walk. I got to see Charlie Chaplin's original hat & cane ... I nerded out like never before and went back (twice) to just look on longingly. To anyone that doesn't know, I LOVE CHARLIE CHAPLIN and his inspiration work, nothing short of genius.

Walking around the last few weeks, all I can think about isjust how fortunate I am to have such an opportunity (BECAUSE OF SHANNON) and it makes me so excited to teach and inform my students about the world in which we live! I am in talks with a Preschool in Chicago, finger & toes crossed. I miss working with children so much that words cannot properly convey it!Shannon has been such a support and cheerleader for my teaching career. I do however, thinks he fears the test art activities I will most likly put him through. Although, he always seems to have fun ... we are blessed by being excited and tickled by whatever we do together! Shannon and I have been lucky enough to go to lunch very often, since he works 10 minutes from the flat, and I am making sure to optimize this because reality will hit soon enough and we probably won't get regular lunch dates during the week.

We really have been so fortunate and we are trying to really take advantage of it. Although, there are nights where we just stay in, make dinner, cuddle and watch tv or a movie. We have not had this luxury and we are seizing it at every opportunity. Other than that, life here is sublime. Love, good food, drinks, company and culture ... what more can one ask for?

One last thing, I have the holiday bug! Mom and I always watch Home For The Holidays the night before Thanksgiving and it will have to happen even if we aren't home this year.I want to watch it early because I didn't get to last year but I will try to withhold ... I love a good tradition! Ontop of that, CHRISTMAS FEVER IS STRIKING!!!!!!! The stores have started decorating and I am getting in the spirit! Sue, Shannon's mom is coming to the states and we couldn't be more excited!! This will be her first time to the states and meeting the Czajka family! Mom and dad have already started the preperations!! Furthermore, Bobbie & Peter are coming for brunch on Christmas Eve... AHHH just too much awesomeness for one holiday. All I know is I have so much tobe THANKFUL for, above all, the love (in all its forms) I have in my life.

Cheers,
Kate

CHICAGO HERE WE COME!!!!!!

They say good things come to those who wait! I guess they (whomever they may be) were right because Shannon got his visa approval today! I literally don't know what to do or say other than THANK GOD!!!!!

We are so excited to be starting this next chapter together and we all the delays, Chicago seemed more like a pipe dream than anything. But, here we are.

All I know, we have a few precious weeks here in London, so I want to make sure that we make it count. I walked to the top of the Great Fire Monument & went to the Globe Theater ... all in all, a pretty terrific London Monday. I made a celebratory dinner, including homemade Alfredo sauce! I was pretty proud. Dinner was followed by It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Shannon's first time watching it).

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Cheers,
Kate

Love The Covers & This Is For Autumn!!!!!!

                                     

♥, A Thousand Times ♥!

Hello beautiful people!

I am writing this after a perfect London day. Lunch with my love, afternoon at a gallery followed by drinks & dinner on the Thames. I don't think Shannon or I could ask for anything more. As we walked home, hand in hand, we stopped to admire the beauty and just how very fortunate we are!

Now, I do not pretend that the destinations that we have been so fortunate to travel/live are amazing BUT, we get to do things that we were merely dreaming of just a few short weeks ago ... a nightly stroll, drinks, dinner, bad television and even better ... good television lol! I am just so happy, I think my heart may be at max capacity because I finally get to be with my love. Best of all, there is no dreaded date upon which one of us has to get on a plane and hope that we see one another soon. Knowing that we just get to be together .... uh ... no words can ever express the pure joy ... and yes you read that correctly NO WORDS HAHAHA. 

On a tangent, I was reminded today why I love children and the arts. At the gallery I was at, a few children (probably 12) were filling out a questionnaire from the education department. The three of them were arguing back and forth over whose interpretation was correct. I politely asked what they were doing and they excitedly told me about the questionnaire. Quickly, they began to argue over who was right and I told them that either could be correct. Each viewer sees for themselves what is there and showed them how I could see both of their perspectives. They got so excited, giggled and ran about to finish. The pure excitement on their faces and the interaction with the art made me long for when I can be doing that, for real! Makes me smile as I write this hehehe! I hope this entry finds you all well!!!
One last thing, laughing. We have laughed so hard and so much now. I love how he can make me laugh so effortlessly and I know that I can always get him to giggle. I usually don't mean to either, it just happens ahahaha! That is all!
I am signing off and heading to bed, happy as I could ever hope for!!

Cheers,
Kate

C &C HAHA!

Cheers,
Kate

Apparently, we are not leaving the apartment!

Hello all!

I apologize for the hiatus but Shannon and I did NOTHING all weekend long and it was amazing haha. One of Shannon's best mate's, Doug, came over and we went out for drinks on Friday night! We had a fun night of laughing, stories, dancing and drinking. And in true Katie form met people and chatted for a bit. Have pictures of the nameless few but fun nevertheless. It was a crazy little night but put us out of commission for the rest of the weekend.

Shannon and I literally left the apartment once to get food. We watched movies, read, slept and watched more movies haha. Shannon got to see The Little Mermaid for the first time, I think that his life is pretty much changed for forever lol! What I think I loved most about this weekend is the fact that we could be together that much and be so blissfully happy. For anyone that knows me, I like to see people for a few hours then I need my alone time again. But, not with Shannon. I love him and he loves me and we love spending time together ... and that is all I need to know.

I am planning my week of museums and walking... I love just walking around the city and seeing what it has to offer. I miss you all!!

Cheers,
Kate

Bliss.

Hello out there.  So, life is here with Shannon is feeling so real and I could not be happier. I have done nothing crazy or out of the ordinary and that is just what I was hoping for. Shannon and I have been so blessed with travelling to amazing places but have not had the down time of making dinner and snuggling up for a movie and now we can do just that.
As crazy as it sounds, it is everything  I have wanted and everything I hoped for. Shannon came home, we went for a few drinks at the pub next to us and made dinner (chicken pot pie, mashed potatoes and veggies ... hello London lol!)

All I know is my heart is as full and happy as I could ever imagined! I am signing off with a handsome Aussie sound asleep next to me, perfection!

Cheers,
Kate
PS-Here is a pic of the pub, The Chamberlain.

L.o.v.e.l.y.

Hello all.
Today was the epitome of bliss. Slept in, lunch with Shannon, walk to the Tate followed by 2 hrs of art exposure and a beef dinner with veggies with my love, pretty darn happy.

I have a new obsession that is very evident all over London and Europe really ... the melding of old and new.I am slightly obsessed and a lot of my pics reflect just that. Wish we would blend the 2 in the states rather than tearing our history down. Just a thought ...

Cheers,
Kate

Life In London Town.

Hello all. Well, we are really settling into life together very quickly, thank goodness. I got my UK number, had a good grocery and have been doing a ton of walking!

Shannon's office is only about a 10 minute walk from our flat so we have met for lunch the last 2 days which has been wonderful. We went for drinks and Thai food in Kilburne. It was one of Shannon's best friends last night in London before he returned to Australia to be with his fiance! I know how happy that makes them and I couldn't be more excited that they get to be together! We know how hard it is to be apart! We had a great night and the Thai at Banana Tree is unbelievable!!!!!! I have missed it.

I also did a food shop and forget how lucky we are in the states and the convenience that comes with having a card and a store around the corner. Carrying all your food supplies is a hefty task ahaha. Although, it is good because it is my hopes that it will counteract all the creams, cheeses and alcohol that London is known for. But, I have made myself a promise, no freaking out about it. Good food is good food and in moderation with added exercise ... well it is worth it. The cranberry stuffed cheese we had as a starter tonight was enough of a reason haha.

I am off to bed soon, I am really trying to get on UK time STAT! Miss you guys but loving it here with my love!!

Cheers,
Kate

And just like that, I was whole again.

Hello ladies & gentlemen. Welcome to my first attempt at a blog ... fingers and toes crossed! So, I am in England right now (Shannon calls me The Real Housewife of London ahahahaha). We are waiting on Shannon to get his visa so we can move to Chicago, we have renamed it Ourcago.  This process has taken a bit longer than we anticipated, so I am here with my love until that comes through! I thought a blog would be a fun way to come our friends and family connected since we are so far away.

For those of you that don't know our story, here is the short version haha. May 2010. I had just finished a very long semester and had not had any fun in quite a while. I had been invited out of town for Memorial Day Weekend but per the advice of my mom I decided to stay in the city and go out. The couple I was out with, got in a fight and we decided to come back home to 1257 Park Ave. As fate would have it, a handsome Aussie was on the fire escape and called down to me. "Hey, do you live here?!" I do, I quickly replied and it was then he asked me to come up for a drink at the housewarming party he was at. We spent the whole night together, talking, flirting and above all, laughing. He was leaving in 24 hours but told me that he would like to take me to dinner. We did just that and we knew that this was something special. He asked me to come to England that summer and as luck would have it, I had been accepted to a Study Abroad Program in Ireland. I came to England a few days before I began studying and that was single handedly the best decision I made. We fell in love and the rest is history ...

I hope that you enjoy the little stories I share from our lives together! So here is to the start of the rest of our lives!

Cheers,
Kate

(This is a picture of our London residence.)