Mamby Memories

The holiday weekend is right around the corner!  I hope you have some fun stuff in store this weekend.  I have two parties to go to and I’m looking forward to seeing my friends.  I got a chance to see some of them last night over cocktails and it was a good time.  Sometimes catching up with everyone gets your mind off things. 

Last weekend I went to Mamby on the Beach music festival.  My friend encouraged me to get a ticket at the last minute and I’m glad I went.  Music festivals can be a crazy atmosphere but as long as you’re with the right people it could be tons of fun.  I have friends that question why I still go to them but for me, music is everything!  Especially when it’s dance music…

Let’s face it.  Seeing the crowd react to the dj and people jumping up and down can put a smile on anyone’s face!  You can see the expression of joy everywhere.  For a moment, everyone is riding one harmonious wave.

Although I was unfamiliar with some of the acts that performed, I did get introduced to new djs and recently started following some on social media.  They even finished off the festival with fireworks.  I loved every minute of it!

Rolling Stones Exhibitionism

Last week on my birthday I took my mom to see the Rolling Stones exhibition at Navy Pier.  The weather was calling for passing storms so we made sure to bring our umbrellas just in case.

 

She was SUPER EXCITED we were doing this.  The Rolling Stones were her band during the 60s and she’s followed their career ever since.  I am familiar with their music although I was never a true fan.  But since word around town is that this was a good exhibit, I figured I’ll go with someone who will truly enjoy their impact in music history.

 

We have not been back to Navy Pier ever since it went through a renovation, so it was nice to go with a new set of eyes.  Once we arrived inside the exhibit, my mom started taking as many pictures as she could!  Lol.  I could tell this was a big deal for her and I let her take her time with each display.  I was very impressed with the history of the Rolling Stones from their startup back in London to their contributions to stage design from their world tours.  They put a lot of thought into the “art of entertaining”.  I also enjoyed the portraits from the Andy Warhol collection.  We had a great time!

 

Afterwards we sat and grabbed lunch from the Billy Goat tavern at the Pier.  A mini shower came and went and we patiently waited for it to pass.  Looking back on my birthday weekend, I realized I got a chance to do everything I wanted to do on my list.  I felt very privileged being able to celebrate with my family and friends.  I am truly humbled.

 

Father's Day Sunday

A recent devastating car accident is circulating in Chicago.  Word on Facebook has spread concerning the actions of the driver.  Although I do not personally know the parties involved, people have been chiming in on their opinions.  As I post this Father's Day recap, I can't help but understand the pain inflicted when someone's actions are indescribable.  I have felt animosity towards my dad for over 20 years.  It took some time for me to forgive him being absent but here I am.  I pray that people will forgive those who make horrible decisions and move towards peace in their lives.  It is truly the only way to live in the present.  

Now back to recapping last weekend's events:

After an eventful day before, I took it easy on Sunday because I knew I was going to see my dad.  I don’t get a chance to see him as much since he still works two jobs.  He is a busy guy, but then again, he has always been this way.

My brother picked me up around 4:30pm and we headed to our uncle’s place.  This was the first time seeing him since I was a kid.  Obviously, the divorce between my mom and dad affected us seeing his side of the family, but it was nice to know we were welcomed.  Our uncle proudly showed us his house and then we settled outside on his deck. 

Although my dad has been absent in my younger years, I’m glad I got a chance to spend Father’s Day with him.

Like a Ninja!

I’m still recapping my birthday weekend shenanigans.  I didn’t realize I did so much.  Here goes:

Saturday I did my usual routine.  Caught up on some reading; cleaned up the apartment; and did Leg Day at the gym.  My friend invited me to join him at the Taste of Randolph Fest around 5pm which was perfect timing.  I know I need to schedule my chores during the week and not let everything slide on the weekends.  I absolutely HATE leaving my apartment a hot mess.

The weather was acting up again.  Out of nowhere a storm passed through.  I patiently waited before I headed out.  Lately our storms have lasted no more than 30 minutes, but they come in STRONG.

I made my way down there but made sure I had my umbrella with me just in case.  The weather forecast mentioned showers later on but I was secretly hopping it turned out false.  By this time the sun came out and it felt wonderful!  I met my friend and we grabbed a bite to eat and had a cocktail in between.  He was looking for a friend who was going to meet him there at the fest.  They wanted to check out a band that was going to perform around 7pm.

I had mentioned to my friend earlier that I really wanted to see Taylor Dayne at Pride Fest.  I’m an 80s kid and LOVE 80s music.  She was definitely one of my favorite artists.  She was scheduled to perform at 8:30pm so I calculated my time to stay no longer than 7:30pm at the Randolph Fest.  I figured I would give myself an hour to go across town.

Luckily we found his friend and I made my quick getaway.  I really wanted to see her and didn’t want to miss this opportunity!

The night before my brother told me he had plans with his girlfriend to go the Randolph Fest but while I was getting ready, he called me up and told me they were going to be at the Pride Fest instead.  Apparently his girlfriend is a fan as well!

I texted him to let him know I was on my way over there to meet him.  I couldn’t believe I got there in time.  I was worried I wasn’t going to find them at that crowd, but they walked up to me right before she got on!

Next thing you know, we started to feel rain drops.  NOOOOOOO!  It started to rain, but I was praying it wouldn’t be heavy.  She came out and started singing.  The crowd was going crazy for her!

It DID start to pour, but she never stopped.  What a trooper!!  She kept engaging with the audience and dancing around.  I felt like a kid again.  She still has that AMAZING voice!  I was impressed.

She got drenched up there but never stopped performing.  I am forever grateful I got a chance to see my childhood idol!!  It was soooooooooooooo worth it!!

Martin Solveig at Prysm!

Well my birthday came and went.  I’m glad it did too.  I started stressing about it ever since it became Gemini season.  I felt this sudden overwhelming feeling that I was sinking and sure enough, just depressed about it pretty quickly.

Usually, I try my best to get into better spirits because I know how terrible my mind can be.  It’s all in your thoughts and how you feel about yourself.  Unfortunately, like anyone, I can get down about my current life situation and how I am not anywhere NEAR where I want to be.  But I am working on it.

It’s pretty obvious that things have shifted for me over the years.  I wanted stability more than anything, and the more I searched for it, the more things became unstable for me.  Now all I crave is peace and serenity.  I feel pretty good about that.

My search has landed me in different parts of the world I never knew existed.  Only through pictures and stories I tried to comprehend different cultures.  It’s true what they say, “there is no other way to explain it than to experience it yourself.”

I am currently choosing between two places to book my next adventure.  I’m still not sure where I’ll head to next but I can’t wait regardless!  Now, time to recap my birthday weekend…

On Friday I had plans with my brother to see a dj I’ve been wanting to see for a while, Martin Solveig.  This French dj is usually traveling all over Europe, but he was making his way to Chicago at Prysm Nightclub.  It was my first time there and me and my brother liked it a lot.  Once Martin came on the crowd was going crazy for him and he even sang a song of his on the mic.  I was pretty impressed.

Me and my brother left after his performance.  I had scheduled a full weekend of activities to forget my birthday.  Lol.  I am a lucky girl to have a birthday fall at the beginning of summer when everything comes alive in Chicago.  It definitely has its perks! 

Spring Awakening Sunday!

On Sunday I went to church and headed home right afterwards.  It was going to be another scorching day in the 90s.  I didn’t have any plans to do anything except continue reading my new book of the month.  Currently I’m reading Timothy Ferriss’ “The 4 Hour Work Week”.  So far I’m enjoying this different perspective!  Lol.

Out of nowhere a friend of mine called me up and asked if I wanted to join him and his friend at Spring Awakening.  I almost bought tickets with another friend of mine two weeks prior but they backed out.  Now here I am again, wondering if I should go or not.  This year they moved the venue to Addams/ Medill park.  I wasn’t sure where that was, so I took the cta train and then hopped in an uber for the rest of the route.  There were so many people there!  I made my way to will call and purchased my ticket.  Luckily it wasn't sold out.  I went to find my first dj of choice Duke Dumont and enjoyed his set before my friends got there later on. 

I love music festivals!  There is so much going on and for an introvert like me, I find the people watching very amusing.  The music was awesome and we all had a blast the rest of the night.  I saw Gorgon City, Alesso and Martin Garrix.  I don’t think I’ll be doing any other festivals this summer but you never know!  lol

Up on a roof!

The summer is barely here and I’m already getting bombarded by events.  Unfortunately, Chicago in the summertime is a very busy place to be.  With  concerts, neighborhood food fests and baseball games, the city can get overwhelming.  On top of that, there’s personal milestones such as birthdays, graduation parties, weddings and baby showers to attend!  Oh my!

I was invited to a birthday party on a rooftop during the Bad Axe Throwing Party the week before.  I accepted the invitation, but as the weekend got closer, I can clearly see that it was going to be a very active weekend.  Other invitations came out of nowhere and I had to turn them down due to me getting my chores done.  Lol.  I had to do a ton of laundry, and there was no way around it.  Usually, this is a reminder for me to get some chores in by the weekend, so I don’t spend all of my Saturday cleaning up the apartment.

I did my usual Saturday leg day and then showered up and got ready for the party.  They had suggested to get there by 8:30pm so I took my time.  Out of nowhere, there was another invitation, this one too, a birthday party.  I was already on my way to the first party, I had to turn it down.  What can you do?

I made my way there, but quickly called my mom.  I don’t want to get caught up on my social life that I forget to call her.  FOMO is real here in Chi-town, but at the end of the day, you can only be at one place at a time.  I do not want to burn myself out.

Once inside I found my friends.  It was a nice party, and we got a chance to enjoy the rooftop for a bit.  Afterwards, his friends had the itch to go to Federales, so we walked down Randolph over to Morgan Street.  Luckily, we had some time to get some cocktails before it closed.  At 3am it was all over for us, but then, as usual, you have the one friend that mentions we can still go to a late night spot.  I jumped in a cab and made my escape.  That was enough action for me!