Thirsty Thursday at Star of Siam

I don’t get a chance to go out very often during the week.  A friend of mine wanted to meet up for dinner and I suggested Star of Siam.  I got there a bit early and left a reservation time for them before I headed out to Sable Kitchen and Bar.  They were across the street from one another.  I ordered a glass of rosé and spoke to a tourist at the bar.  She was visiting from Philadelphia.  I could see the stars in her eyes whenever she talked about how big Chicago was from her city.  She looked very excited to be here.  I sometimes feel bad that I don’t share the same enthusiasm about Chicago like I use to.  Our city has gone through tremendous changes over the years and I miss how things use to be.  We use to have very diverse neighborhoods, but now with gentrification happening everywhere, some places are beginning to look “the same”.  Oh well. 

Once my friend arrived we made our way to Star of Siam.  I wanted to eat a bit healthier, so I ordered the chicken pot stickers.  But that peanut sauce had me craving more and more.  I ended up eating the whole thing!  So much for that…

Choo Choo Themed Birthday Party

The very next day of my work party out in Navy Pier, I had to attend a birthday party for a two year old.  This time I had to go to La Grange.  Again, the weather was playing tricks on us.  The skies looked bad, but depending on where you were located in the Chicagoland area, some places got hit hard while others didn’t.  Unfortunately, this party was originally supposed to take place at a water park, but they closed at the last minute due to the forecast.  My friend decided instead to throw the party at her place.  Yes at times, it was a little cramped with so many kids, but they had a blast anyways. 

The Elite Private Yacht

This year’s work party was held at a private yacht from Elite at Navy Pier.  People were hesitant if it was going to happen at all due to the weather.  Thunderstorms were predicted but luckily it cleared up before the end of the work day.  As usual, we had a trolley service pick us up from the office and transport us there.  I love the trolley rides!  That’s an experience itself!  The trolley went through traffic pretty quickly considering it was Friday during rush hour.  Once we arrived we killed some time by walking over to the Beer Garden to have a cocktail.  There was a band that was playing as well.

We finally boarded, and despite the skies looking questionable, we set out to sea!  I’m usually nervous on boats in general, but this yacht was pretty big.  I never felt a thing.  We had dinner at the downstairs lobby, and again, despite being on a lower level, I still never felt a thing.  The food was delish!  I was very surprised at the quality!  They even had a cutting station for meat.

We went back up to the upper level to enjoy some music from the dj.  Our work parties have been a little wild out on the dance floor over the years, but I think this time it wasn’t so.  I have a feeling if they had dimmed down the lights a bit it would have made people less shy.  Oh well.  Regardless we had a blast!

Def Leppard and Journey concert!

I obtained tickets to see Def Leppard and Journey at Wrigley Field and couldn’t be more excited!  I LOVE 80’s music and knew this was going to be a good show.  What I didn’t expect was the lack of enthusiasm by other people who just weren’t interested in going with me. I asked two people if they would like to come with me and they both laughed and said it wasn’t their thing.  Umm…HELLO??  These rock stars were the prime sound of pop rock music!  How can anyone NOT be interested in seeing them live?  I ended up asking a co-worker if he would come with me and he happily agreed.  Whew!  

I did my usual Saturday routine and cleaned up around the apartment.  A friend who stopped by to talk ended up taking me to the restaurant where I was supposed to meet my co-worker.  We ordered some cocktails before heading out to the show.  Unfortunately, we were under the impression that the Pretenders were going to start a bit later, but they didn’t.  They were the opening headliner and we missed a few songs.  But we caught some songs and they sounded great!

Next up was Journey with their new lead singer.  It was surreal listening to them again.  I remembered so many songs they played.  Once Def Leppard got on, the crowd was super pumped.  Journey had the crowd going and watching everyone sing along was electrifying.  I enjoyed my night out at Wrigely!  I have never been to a concert there before…

Friday the 13th at Taste of Chicago

This summer Friday the 13^th fell during the Taste of Chicago.  I decided to take a walk down to Grant Park after work to check it out.  I knew that I was I was going to be busy the following day.  I obtained tickets for the Def Leppard & Journey concert at Wrigley Field and wanted to be low key that evening, (I never go out on Friday the 13th btw).  It was another hot weekend in Chicago.  I was sweating up a storm once I got there.  I was craving a jibarito sandwich.  I figured I would walk in and walk straight out to enjoy my meal when I heard some house music playing.  I found the Chicago Summerdance stage and people were slowly gathering around.  I stayed for a bit and watched people dance.  I did not want to stick around when it closed because of the rush, so I left early.  Regardless, I’m glad I treated myself to my sandwich.  Quick fact:  the jibarito was invented here in Chicago!

West Fest 2018

This year I went with my friends on a Sunday for West Fest.  Normally this festival runs all weekend, but over the years, we noticed the crowd was usually significantly better on Sundays.  Again, Chicago was battling hot temperatures.  I laid low the rest of the weekend and was ready for my friends to pick me up after church that day.  We luckily found parking and decided to have a late lunch at the infamous Tecalitlan Restaurant right by the corner of Wood street.  Believe it or not we also lucked out getting a table.  Again, we had a great time catching up with everyone as little by little more people joined in our group.  We spent a good amount a time at the restaurant and decided to join in on the fun by finding a spot not too far from the stage.  There we listened to some good old house music before heading home early.  We didn’t want to stay out once the festival was over since it would be hectic to get an uber.

Chicago Summerdance 2018

I am so scared.  I get this incredible rush that goes straight to my stomach.  I’ve been trying to fight off feeling at least once a day.  My anxiety now has been giving me migraines, tension at the shoulders, as well as vivid dreams at night.  I’m pretty much miserable.

I finished a book on “Less is More” and have been going over my notes.  Sometimes, reading soothing passages makes me feel better.  I’m wondering if I should bring a book along this trip.  I am trying my best to be strong about this, but I’m so nervous.  I am also doing my best not to worry my mom about my insecurities.  She is going to be flying out to Mexico once I come back to visit her friends.  She hasn’t flown in over 20 years and I don’t want her to get the way I do.  I know through experience that fear is taught.  I  would feel horrible if I jeopardize this for her.  She is very excited.

Back to recapping my events in July.  My friend out of nowhere texted me that she was going to be downtown.  It was Friday, and I had just gotten out of work.  I wanted to do some window shopping, and decided to go to State street.  Luckily I was still in the neighborhood.  She was attending Chicago Summer Dance at the Spirit of Music Garden stage.  I made my way over there and found her with her family.  It was nice catching up to her.  I miss her a lot and wanted to see how things were going for her.  Jesse de la Pena was mixing too.  Chicagoans love a free house party!

Hump Day July 4th

This year, July 4^th fell on a Wednesday.  It was an odd day for many reasons.  Namely, most workplaces acknowledged the holiday on Wednesday only.  It was a nightmare leaving work on Tuesday with so much traffic.  I normally take the Blue Line to commute home, which also takes you to O’Hare airport.  The trains were packed of travelers heading out of town.  I laid low the rest of the evening since it took so long to get home.  I was invited by my friend who lives not far from me for a barbeque the following day.  I haven’t caught up with her in a while and I wanted to see how she was doing.  I couldn’t eat too much because my mom invited me and my brothers over for dinner.   What a feast!  I did my best to low carb it, but how can you not take advantage of classic July 4^th barbeque?

My mom also gave me a be-lated birthday gift since I did not want to celebrate my birthday this year.  I’m telling you, I was not in the mood for it this year.  I have to say, it was sweet of her to do this.  I need to stop being a grouch about this…