Morgan Ashley :: Blog

The 'Burbs Got Me Like

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 23:14:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 13:39:00 +0000

We started collecting things for our future family long before we were really ready to start a family. We're kind of weird compulsive nesters like that, where we'll buy something even if we know it won't get put to use for years (like decades). One of the toys we bought at a thrift shop was a vintage deJAY Playmates record player. It's been tucked away, moved to numerous closets over the years, and I nearly gave up on it. Important tangent, but flashback to when Sean and I were planning our wedding; We bought a 45" of Santo & Johnny's Sleepwalk (to start the ceremony). And, now flash forward to present day.

Every night, after a couple books and small chitchat, Arlo ends her night with side B, Teardrop. Spinning on a candy-striped red and white record player, with a little vinyl from her parents' wedding day. There's a strange sense of clarity and satisfaction when timelines from your life culminate together like this.

'Outside' by TOPS

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 17:07:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:20:00 +0000

On Finding "The One"

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:22:00 +0000

We then are obligated to live up to the lies we told each other about who we are. We are then forced to be better people than we actually are because its expected of us by each other. And you can, in a long term relationship, really make your “lie self” come true. If you’re smart, and if you demand it of them, and you’re willing to give it to them. You have to be willing to not see him chewing with his mouth open if you want to be around for his better qualities, you know, and buy into the “lie” version of him that never does that, right? And they will hopefully do the same for you. That’s the only way you become “the one,” because someone is willing to pretend you are.

On the eve of our 4th wedding anniversary. Call me unromantic, but being married is awesome and full of work and so incredibly important for my own development as a human being. Thank you for making me a better person. From The Price of Admission.

Obligatory House Update

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 20:41:00 +0000

That last post was up way too long to not constitute a follow-up. In a nutt shell, we have a kitchen we love and a very lovely pool.

#DeanLnDream

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 19:43:00 +0000

As of February 1, we are home owners. We tried to buy a house when we lived in KC, and we tried when we left. But we persevered through the hunt and mortgage process until the stars aligned, bestowing upon us... Our Dean Ln. dream. (God, I hope it doesn't turn into a nightmare.)

When we saw pictures online, the house seemed strange, to say the least. It had a cool modern thing going which attracted us initially, but its problem areas (in the most predictable places) had us apprehensive; The galley kitchen was uncomfortably and thoughtlessly narrow, the bathrooms were, like, really outdated, and it was on the edge of being un-livable. We worked closely with our realtor and mortgage broker to find the right loan, and started the process of buying this diamond in the rough.

Meanwhile, I thought to do some research on the architecture style. It seemed incredibly similar to the Revere Homes (built by Don Drummond), designed by David B. Runnells. I dug deeper on KC Modern's site and found a wealth of images, which all pointed me to believe this house, our house, was designed by the same architect! I reached out to KC Modern and a guy that recently renovated his own Don Drummond home (their process here), and the consensus is — though it doesn't appear to be a Revere Home — it's a Runnells design.

We are well on our way to renovating this puppy, and I can't wait to see the end product. When it's all finished, you can come over and sip cocktails around the pool with us, Mad Men style.

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 18:26:00 +0000

Well, here we are. Finally back in the 816, squatting with Grandpa until we can find our dream home. It's cold as shit, and my morning drive into the daily grind is long, but we're happy to have this moment, to live in the country and be near family once again. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I realized I wouldn't have to make that holiday pilgrimage home; Like I said, here we are.

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 14:49:00 +0000

Maternity leave was breeze, save for that whole 'what do I do now that I've left the hospital and all their great nurses' part. The weather was more than agreeable, Arlo is easy to please, and we've been spoiled with love from every direction. We've been spending a lot of time on Logan Blvd, ordering Reno pizza and watching Arlo's rolls multiply (I'm a very proud mother). It's hard to leave when I'm headed to work, but I know Sean's got everything on lock-down. He plays her blues while sipping his morning coffee and folds cloth diapers—everyone's happy about that.

Our pint-sized plus one

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 21:36:00 +0000

Welcome Miss Arlo McKinley Daniel, 8/8, 8lb even. She is perfect.

And now we wait

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 19:53:00 +0000

Let's just enjoy these last few days, live in the moment and remove if and when from our vocab. "Where ever you are, be all there."

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 19:26:00 +0000

I—I just love the cinema. Also, movies in movies. So meta.

Hot town, summer in the city

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 12:11:00 +0000

David Lynch & Lykke Li

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:54:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:58:00 +0000

It's high time I start getting what I want. I'm tired of waiting for my ship to come in, for luck to strike and lend me a hand; I'm going straight for what I've had my eyes set on (for far too long) in the distance. No compromises, and no looking back. Let this stand as record of my giving-up on letting life happen as it comes. I'm taking control from here on, heading in one direction: up.

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:10:00 +0000

Parties abound

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:54:00 +0000

This weekend, Memorial Day. Next, a much anticipated Baby Shower for yours truly.

Warren Dunes, MI

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:08:00 +0000

'To The River' by JWATNL

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:14:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:08:00 +0000

There's this thrift shop that benefits the Jewish community here in Chicago that never ceases to amaze me with their lax prices and abundant treasures. It's a little rough, requires some digging, but worth it when you unearth a one-of-a-kind pastel portrait. I can't quite make up my mind if she looks whole-heartedly forlorn or just giving a slightly jaw-shifted smirk. Altogether perfectly ambiguous.

Expecting greatness

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:51:00 +0000

Gotham, 96th floors up

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:34:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 02:13:00 +0000

In hot pursuit of country western music, Carol's Pub stands alone. So when I need my fix, everyone knows there's only one place to go.

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 02:41:00 +0000

Better late than never: I'm 4 mon. pregnant. Sean and I are gonna be parents.

I'm terrified and overjoyed, simultaneously. Pretty normal reaction, I'd guess. Finally out of that god forsaken thing called the first trimester... That period in my life ranks up there with cystic acne, constipation and migraines—except I was blessed with all that and so much more. Over it. I'm rockin' this sweater weather like a boss, because I definitely look like I've eaten too much in the bare. Interesting enough, I still haven't gained any weight though... I don't know how that balances out, but I'm not complaining. I can wait for the "25 and 35 pounds" recommended gain. Seriously, 35lbs? Eek.

In San Fran

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan Ashley Allen) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:57:00 +0000

Spending some time in the Bay Area for work, walking up and down the Mission District. It's gonna be hard going back to 10° F when you wake up to paradise like this.