I think I smell a Barbecue

On Labor Day Monday my aunt and uncle decided to throw a last minute bbq.  By this time it hit me that my upcoming trip was right around the corner, and my anxiety was in full swing.  I had an upset stomach all day.  I wanted to enjoy myself, but my nerves wouldn’t let me.  I hate that anxiety robs me of the present.  I just wish I knew how to turn off my thoughts.  I started reading a book I got from church and it did help me a bit when the week went along.  I even brought it with me on my trip for comfort.  I figured I could re-read it from time to time in case I get nervous out there.  Traveling can be an exciting and new learning experience, but it could also be frightening.  You constantly have to know if you’re well informed of your surroundings, keep track of budgeting as well as looking after a strict schedule.  Everyone has heard of horror stories about cancelled travel accommodations, theft, or other safety concerns.  The key is to cover all bases with your trip.  In my case, it’s usually how I process all of this information that gets the best of me.  I want to be ready for anything.

Regardless, talking to my family about my travels helps because you can brainstorm scenarios with them.  After all, they’re looking after your wellbeing.  In the end, I did enjoy my time at the bbq, nerves and all.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.  Unfortunately, the news is disturbing lately on how we are handling the hurricane crisis in Puerto Rico.  I just pray things will pick up at a much quicker speed in order to help everyone stranded on the island.

Labor Day Madness

I’m recapping Labor Day Weekend before I went on my big trip.

Since I only purchased one day for North Coast Festival that Friday, I figured I would do my chores and usual leg day routine at the gym the next.  One of our friends was in town from Michigan but she wanted to meet at Brookfield Zoo around 1pm.  I wasn’t sure which of my other friends were going so I could bum a ride.  I do not own a car, but lately, it’s become harder to meet up with my friends.  Some of them have kids and have moved out of the city.  I was thinking maybe in the distant future I should consider getting one, but who knows.

I didn’t have any plans until the evening when our other friend invited us to her place in Skokie.  We headed over there and hung out all night.  It was fun catching up.

The next day, our other friend was planning a Labor Day bbq in her new home.  She bought a house not far from where I live in the city, which is nice because I can actually see her from time to time.  Lol

Once at the bbq it was food galore.  I was having a good time until another friend was messaging me.  She wanted to go out.  It was nearing 7pm but she insisted Estate was the place to be right now.  I had to go home and change.  I ordered an uber and off I went.

I messaged my friend that I was on my way once I was dressed.  We got to Estate around 9pm and she was right!  Apparently they had a block party happening along with djs on stage.  People were dancing all over the place.  I was enjoying myself.

Because of the noise ordinance, the crowd came into Estate after 10pm.  I didn’t realize how packed it could get on a Sunday night, but then again, it was Labor Day weekend.  I saw some familiar faces, too!  Once it got close to midnight, we decided to go to another spot.  

A few of us headed to Tunnel in River North.  Again, it was nice seeing more familiar faces and catching up.  I wasn’t paying attention to the time at all.  Next thing you know, Tunnel was announcing last call.  We still didn’t have enough.  We wanted to head to a later spot.  

People started heading to different spots but now me and our new group decided to go to Underground.  It still tops as one of the number one venues in River North.  Luckily we got in but the vibe inside was amazing!  I forgot how much fun I have in this place.

I felt a little guilty the next day on Labor Day on all of the spots I went to that night.  I haven’t gone out like that in a while.  I can’t help but think how much more of this I have left in me.  What can you do when you live in the city?

North Coast Festival

I’m recapping September events!  I’m glad I’m getting to Labor Day Weekend.  I saw the single-day pass off of Groupon.  My older brother got one as well since he wanted to see Gucci Mane.

I was looking forward to Eric Prydz and Deadmau5 performing together on stage.  I absolutely love dance music along with EDM and these two are on the top of their game.  I got there early to checkout the scene before my brother arrived.  Part of the fun is seeing all of the action around you.  I love silly costumes and good vibes!  Everyone is having a good time.  I couldn’t think of a better way to kickoff my weekend.  

Now an update in the Hurricane Maria rescue mission.  It seems that airlines are booking flights on-line only to cancel them or delay flights altogether.  Over the weekend, we’ve gotten word about loved ones through a 3^rdparty since communication is still down.  No running water or electricity throughout the island.  People are donating goods in New York as well as Chicago and Florida.  It’s a rush against time to get these items to those in need.

Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg

I’m back!!!  Actually I’ve been back for a week now.  Landed last week on Monday from London.  My trip was AMAZING and as usual, I had my highs and lows.  I also learned so much from this experience.  As you are aware, this was my 2^nd trip back to Paris as well, and it did not disappoint.  

Once I returned, I had to catch up with work and then Hurricane Maria happened.  At first I thought it was a joke because when I left, the news was all about Hurricane Irma.  I have friends who were very nervous because they have family in Puerto Rico.  It was a tense week.  I cried so much that evening when I got home from work.  The eye of the hurricane showed up Wednesday morning.  At that point, all me and my friends could do was pray for our loved ones.  We watched it all unfold on national tv.  I never felt so helpless.

By now some of us have gotten word that our friends and family are ok.  But there are some that haven’t heard any news at all.  There is no running water or electricity throughout the island.  We are praying that people get the help they need soon.  It’s frustrating not having any communication.  

On the last week of August, me and my friend decided to go to the Takashi Murakami exhibit at the MCA during lunch.  The museum is free on Tuesdays and since I knew my trip was coming up, we figured this was our chance to see it.  It officially ended yesterday, but I highly recommend this exhibit if it shows up in your city.  His work from the 90s until now shows his many talents and how anime art can be provocative as well as being socially conscious.  His audience loves his designs and with collaborations with Kanye West and Louis Vuitton, he shows how music and fashion are intertwined in the art world. 

Eclipse Fever

I can't believe so much has happened since that infamous solar eclipse!  Hurricane Irma is finally moving its way out of Florida, but look at all of the destruction both Harvey and Irma did!  Hurricane Jose is now in the Caribbean but it shows how we can't take a break from unsettling news.  I feel for the people who have nowhere to go.
Back in August our firm held an Eclipse party.  We had sun chips, starbursts candy, and eclipse chewing gum.  We really wanted moon pies but they were sold out everywhere.
It was a pretty surreal moment that we had a chance to encounter together but now I just want the natural disasters to stop.  I will be praying for everyone affected with the west coast fires and flooding.  Until next time!

OUTRAGEOUS!

Trying to finish up August events before I fly out!  I’m SO FREAKING NERVOUS!!!  I was doing good yesterday by finishing up a spiritual book on forgiveness.  I’m mostly a self-help book guru but I got this book from my church and figured I’ll do a quick read before I order my next book.  Believe it or not, it did bring up some interesting insights on forgiveness.  I realized that I needed to forgive myself for getting so anxious.  I am human after all.  I also have to have more faith that everything will be alright.  Easier said than done, but I know once I land safely, my new adventure awaits!

The last weekend of August I had dinner with a friend at Masada.  He has been eating a vegetarian diet lately, so this was the perfect spot for some good food!  He loved everything on his plate, and I enjoyed my “Little Village” cocktail.  We also lucked out on the belly dancer performing that evening.  It was a lovely evening.

Earlier that day, my firm held a raffle for a pair of Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey tickets at the Unite Center.  Once I heard they were going to do this, I envisioned me and my mom dancing along to his music.  I couldn’t believe I won!!  I was so excited I texted my mom right away.  She was in Michigan for a few days but was going to return that Saturday for the concert. 

The thing about my mom, she was rushing me a bit so we wouldn’t miss the show.  I explained that we would be fine, but I could tell she was anxious on getting there “on time”.  I realized she was just as excited as I was.  We got to our skybox lounge pretty early and met the other attendees.  It was then when I finally started to relax.  I had to bring my phone charger because I didn’t have time to fully charge it at home!

Needless to say, the show was amazing.  For those who are curious, Mariah did sing those high notes, but Lionel was the star of this show!  He brought everyone “dancing on the ceiling”.  He even performed songs from the Commodores.  The crowd went crazy for “All night long” as well as “we are the world”.  I just love the 80s!