Labor Day Weekend Monday

I did not go out in the end.  I went home after my mom’s dinner.  My friend went out and had fun with her new friend.  I’m glad.  I bummed out in the morning until I received a text from my other friend who lives down the street from me.  She wanted to throw a mini BBQ at her place.  Nothing big.  I loved that idea!  Grilling on Labor Day!

I got ready since she mentioned to get to her place by 12:30pm.  But once I was ready, I heard something outside.  Yup.  You guessed it.  It started storming again.  These sneaky scattered storms have been playing tricks on us all weekend.  I texted her to let her know I will be over once the storm passes through.  Once it did, I walked over to 7-11 to grab some prosecco for the BBQ. 

She had a friend over who also has kids.  Her twins were playing with my friend’s daughter.  It was fun watching them interact with one another.  My friend would run outside to check on the grill, but at one point she came back drenched.  It was pouring again, and this time it was heavy.  Unfortunately her husband came home from work and found flooding in the basement.  We felt bad because we had no idea something was happening downstairs.  Once the rain passed by me and her friend decided to leave.  We knew they had more important issues to deal with and we didn’t want to be in the way.  This rain was something else!  Regardless, I loved my chicken sandwich!  Lol

Labor Day Weekend Sunday

That Labor Day Sunday my mom wanted me and my brothers to come over for dinner.   A friend of mine seemed a bit down, so we decided to catch up for afternoon cocktails.  We had talked on the phone the day before but since I was meeting my friend from Rhode Island, we couldn’t find time to hangout with one another.  I figured I could squeeze in some fun before my mom’s dinner since she usually serves around 6:30pm.  I wanted to show my friend the rooftop at London House since she was staying nearby.  Luckily, Chicago was beautiful that day.  Not a cloud in the sky!

I made my way downtown and was surprised how packed it was for a Sunday afternoon.  Over the years, downtown could be a ghost town especially during holiday weekends.  There are a lot of transplants here in the city, and a majority of them fly out back home during the holidays.  But it seems a ton of tourists decided to be in town for Labor Day, and they were all hanging around the Chicago River.

Our wait wasn’t too bad to get inside.  We ordered some wine at the bar before heading up to the rooftop.  She loved it!  We wanted to grab a table so we walked up to the host.  She was super sweet!  We were having a good time discussing Chicago’s nightlife.  We eventually got a table, and our host would come up to check up on us.  In the end, my friend and her hit it off and exchanged numbers.  They wanted to go out after her shift, but I had to head back home for my mom’s dinner.  I was up in the air about meeting up with them later.  My mom had just came back from Mexico and I wanted to hear about her trip.

My brother picked me up at my train stop and we headed over to my mom’s place.  She absolutely LOVED her trip!  I felt bad because she confessed that she started to cry at the airport when her friends dropped her off.  I realized that she had spent 7 whole days with her friends and she must have gotten attached to being around them.  She’s still lonely being by herself at the apartment, even though she has her dog with her.  I need to be around more…  

 friend of mine seemed a bit down, so we decided to catch up for afternoon cocktails.  We had talked on the phone the day before but since I was meeting my other friend from Rhode Island, we couldn’t find time to hangout with one another.  I figured I could squeeze in some fun before my mom’s dinner since she usually serves around 6:30pm.  I wanted to show my friend the rooftop at London House since she was staying nearby.  Luckily, Chicago was beautiful that day.  Not a cloud in the sky!

I made my way downtown and was surprised at how packed it was for a Sunday afternoon.  Over the years, downtown Chicago could be a ghost town especially during holiday weekends.  There are a lot of transplants here in the city, and a majority of them fly out back home during the holidays.  But it seems a ton of tourists decided to fly in for Labor Day, and they were all hanging around the Chicago River.

Our wait wasn’t too bad to get inside.  We ordered some wine at the bar before heading up to the rooftop.  She loved it!  We wanted to grab a table so we walked up to the host.  She was super sweet!  We were having a good time discussing Chicago’s nightlife.  We eventually got a table, and our host would come up to check up on us.  In the end, my friend and her hit it off and exchanged numbers.  They wanted to go out after her shift, but I had to head back home for my mom’s dinner.  I was up in the air about meeting up with them later.  My mom had just came back from Mexico and I wanted to hear about her trip.

My brother picked me up at my train stop and we headed over to my mom’s place.  She absolutely LOVED Mexico!  I felt bad because she confessed that she started to cry at the airport when her friends dropped her off.  I realized that she had spent 7 whole days with her friends and she must have gotten attached to being around them.  She’s still lonely being by herself at the apartment, even though she has her dog with her.  I need to be around more…  

Labor Day Weekend Saturday

Not only were our friends from North Carolina in town.  My good friend from Rhode Island showed up as well.  She let me know a few days beforehand that she was flying in.  She wanted to catch up with some friends in Chicago and was hoping a rooftop would be included.  But the clouds looked a bit funny, and since it rained the night before, we weren’t sure what was going to happen.  We waited patiently until we decided to risk it.  She came by and picked me up and we headed over to Wicker Park.  I insisted for us to uber it over there but she wanted to drive.  Regardless, that set off my nerves and my anxiety took over.  I wanted to get over it, but my guard was up the rest of the night.  

She had looked up Tricycle Chicago and wanted to eat there before heading to The Robey Hotel.  Luckily her friends showed up the same time we did.  It was an adorable pub and everyone ordered some appetizers.  It was nice catching up with her.  I miss her a lot.

We walked over to The Robey Hotel but the rooftop was at capacity.  They suggested we have a drink at the Cabana Club while we waited.  It was also a rooftop lounge (but not the penthouse) so we were outside regardless.  We were having a good time.  At one point we checked on the status of the penthouse lounge but they were still at capacity.  What can you do?  Better luck next time…

Labor Day Weekend Friday

I can’t believe I’m recapping Labor Day Weekend when Halloween weekend is approaching.  I’ve been a little swamped with work and just plain overtired.  Not to mention, I’ve been very anxious with what’s been going on with the news lately.  To top it off, these past few weeks have been weighing heavy on me with the anniversaries of two people I knew that passed away a year ago.  It was honestly one of the worst times I’ve experienced and it still affects me now.

As a result, I did something spontaneous.  Yes, I booked another trip.  This time I’m heading to the Big Apple and I can’t wait.  I have not been in New York in over 10 years and I’m excited to see what’s new.  I won’t be there that long, but long enough to clear my head and take myself out of my comfort zone.  Sometimes a great challenge is what you need to push yourself out of a funk.

Back to recapping Labor Day Weekend!  That Friday after work I remembered how excited I was to see my friends who flew in from out of town.  We started messaging each other to see where we could meet up.  Our friend was going to watch the AVP pro volleyball tournament at Oak Street Beach, and since it was a beautiful day, we decided to meet there.  Although I am not into sports, it was exciting to watch Olympians play and compete in the tournament.  We had the opportunity to watch a couple of sets before it ended.

We wanted to grab some grub since we were starving.  It was early in the evening, but the streets of Chicago had bumper to bumper traffic.  We walked over to Rush Street and were surprised to see how busy it was.  We settled on Velvet Taco,despite the long lines.  It was delish!

Afterwards, we wanted to have some cocktails.  Our group has never been to Devereaux’s rooftop before and there was no line to get in.  What a sweet surprise!  This cozy rooftop even had a mini swimming pool outside.  We were enjoying our short time there until a gush of water fell on top of us!  No one saw this coming.  I was convinced someone was pulling a prank by throwing water balloons outside their hotel room, but that was not the case.  A HUGE storm literally came out of nowhere and it was pouring heavily.  Everyone outside ran into the interior area.  Some of the women were dressed to the nines and we’re now soaking wet.  It was pretty funny actually.

I was suffering a migraine on and off that day, so I wasn’t quite myself.  But it was fun dancing with everyone to old school 90s music.  What a fun night!

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.

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.