Finishing up the month of June!

So far 2015 has been a difficult year but it didn't stop me from doing the things I wanted to do.  I struggled with days wondering if I would ever experience joy again, but then, out of nowhere, something wonderful would happen.  It's easy to disregard good thoughts when you feel you should be mourning, especially when there is a death in the family.  But Life can be beautiful, and you shouldn't ignore those precious moments.  Friends are your second family, and it was great whenever I got a chance to see them.  You wonder about the people who come in and out of your life.   Whether it's by choice or not, sometimes you get lost in the shuffle. 
Following up my birthday, was Father's Day, which fell on that Sunday.  On Friday for my actual birthday it was a brisk 68 degrees.  Hence me wearing my birthday-gift to myself.  On Saturday it warmed up to 77, but the rain wouldn't stop, putting a damper on the Taste of Randolph Fest.  But on Sunday it was beautiful!  A perfect summer's day with temps hitting 82 degrees!  I was excited that my friends wanted to get together and try the fest again.  I made my way down before I met up with my family later on.  It was nice walking around and soaking up the sun.  I didn't want to head out so soon, but my dad's wife wanted to have a Father's Day dinner.  My dad appreciated us showing up.
The following weekend, a friend was relocating to another city, so we decided to celebrate his new transition.  I often thought about relocating myself, but for the time being, I want to make sure my mom is ok.  We painted the town red!  Started off at Siena Tavern (my first time there) and then danced the night away at Underground.  I saw so many familiar faces that night.  People I haven't seen in 10 years!  It's funny how some things never change.  People chasing something they can't put their finger on.  I wish someone would catch me.  I'm right here.

Perfect Sunday for the Taste Of Randolph Fest!

Good luck on your move!

First round of drinks at Siena Tavern!

Underground with new friends!

This place is always packed!

One last goodbye...

Towards the end of April our friend decided to throw one last house party before she transitioned to California.  It has been years in the making for her, and I'm glad everything was working out.  She had a couple of interviews earlier in the month, and an offer came through.  She also managed to find a great apartment by the beach!  How wonderful!
I've been thinking about relocating myself.  It's just something that pops in mind from time to time.  I've lived in Chicago all of my life.  But with recent changes in my life, I no longer find it my home.  Sometimes I feel so unfamiliar with my surroundings.  People are getting married, having families.  It gets harder and harder for me and my friends to get together.  And even then, I don't feel I have much in common with them anymore. 
My friend has had the same feelings as well, but with her, the weather is a HUGE factor in moving to Cali.  I can totally understand.  I hate the cold too.  But she needs to be near water, and with Cali, I feel she will find her joy once more.  I'm so happy she decided to have this party.  She also had a section of free giveaways for anyone who was interested in grabbing some goods.  I managed to walk away with some cookbooks and a cute picture I hung in my bathroom wall.  It was great seeing everyone again.  Our friend even showed up with her new baby!  SHE IS SO FREAKING CUTE!!  I think she had fun with us, too!  lol

Free giveaways in the kitchen!

Love these two! 

A frigid bbq but we managed...

Trying to stay warm under the covers...

My crew!



Admiring someone's Givenchy Antigona bag.  LOVE the color!


The following week our friend wanted to have one last night out before she departed on her new journey.  We had headed down to Wicker Park to Big Star for some margaritas and then across the street to Violet Hour.  I wore white to get out of the funk of it being frigid still.  I remember how I couldn't wait for summer.  Can't believe it's halfway over.