Cup Chasing!!

As you know, the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup again this year.  For any Chicagoan, we go CRAZY whenever one of our teams wins a championship.  One of the winning traditions the Hawks do for their fans is taking the Cup to various places in the city and show up unannounced.  With the help of social media, such as twitter, people get to follow the cup and see where it shows up next.  I love how excited the fans get by just word of mouth.
One Wednesday evening my friend texted me to say that a tweet was sent out on where Old Stanley might be.  It listed various places such as The Scout and Underground as well as Paris nightclub.  We decided to go cup chasing and head downtown.  I had to get up in the morning but decided not to drink at all.  It was the safest way to get up in time for work.  lol. 
I got by the Hubbard neighborhood and quickly texted my friend.  There was a huge line outside of Paris nightclub, along with cops blocking off the streets.  I was guessing they were in there already and quickly ran to Underground.  My initial plan was to get inside a venue before they showed up, but since they were at Paris already, Underground was the place to be.  My friend joined up soon after and we walked around and found some more friends to hangout with.  Well it turned out to be a pretty late night!  It was 1am and STILL NO CUP.  We all kept checking Instagram as well as Twitter constantly for any updates.  Looks like they ended up at Paris around midnight and were still partying it up with the fans.  I did not expect to be out so late, but at this point we were so close to seeing the players, I knew I couldn't leave.  The anticipation was growing and Underground was getting packed.  It was hard not to drink and join in the celebration.  It was finally around 2am when the players walked in.  I was so exhausted by then, but with all of the excitement the crowd was giving them, I got my second wind!  Unfortunately, they DID NOT have the cup with them because apparently the cup has a curfew (go figure).  But it was still a blast we got a chance to party with the players.  I got home by 4am.  Just in time for a nap before I got up for work at 6am.  It was a rough morning but totally worth it!  I would do it all over again... 

Not the actual Stanley Cup.  There were various imitations on the night of the Championship.

Waiting around at Underground...

Still waiting...

STILL WAITING!  lol

They're finally here!!!  The Chicago Blackhawks!!

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A long summer's day...

TGIF peeps!  I don't know about you, but this week in particular felt super long.  To make matters worse, it's getting dark pretty early.  Yet another reminder that fall is officially here.  Luckily the weather has been sweet so far, so it hasn't hit me yet that it's time to dust off the sweaters.  I'm hoping we'll have a warm Halloween for a change.  Last year the weather was cold and rainy!  YIKES!
Back in June, one of the most anticipated neighborhood festivals fell on a warm Saturday.  The Old Town Art Fest started off cloudy with the chance of showers, and if you know Chicago weather, it usually means storms.  Luckily it seemed the clouds were passing, (as so you thought).  I made my way down to join my friends for some afternoon action.  Artists showcase their work in a trendy locale ready for anyone whose interested in finding unique pieces.  There's even live music for entertainment.  I wore a white linen button down and my rag & bone jeggings with flat sandals.  Since I'm transitioning to summer weather, wearing breathable fabrics is a must.  Me and my friends had a good time before we all headed to other places we needed to be.  I had to head out to a family bbq while my other friends had a graduation dinner to attend.  We all agreed to meet up later on.
I hurried to my uncle's place to for the bbq.  A family friend had hired a Brazilian band for some music, but guess what came creeping up on us??  That's right, a storm.  It started to get very dark.  I think we were all hoping they were some passing clouds, but no such luck.  It started to pour on us.  We all scrambled to move the food inside and the poor band quickly covered up their equipment.  My uncle had a tarp so he grabbed a couple of guys to help him put it up.  I guess he could have done this beforehand, but these rain clouds came out of nowhere!  Once he got the tarp on, the party continued.  We danced the night away until the storm passed us by.  I loved the fact that we made the most of the night, despite our weather malfunction.  What else can you do?
We left around 11pm, where I quickly went home and changed to go back out.  Looks like the graduation party was heading out on the town and I wanted to catch up to them.  We met at Hubbard Inn for some drinks and then decided to go to another spot when we got a rude awakening.  Yup, you guessed it.  It was storming again.  We took refuge at Epic restaurant next door and stayed there the whole night.  The rain would not go away this time.  It did not stop raining hard til the next day.  I was pretty much done with the weather and headed home while my friends cabbed it to another spot.  They were determined to have some fun.  I on the other hand knew better.  No matter where they ended up, the weather was going to put a damper on attendance.  I knew I wasn't going to miss much.  lol.  Lesson learned from all the years I've lived here.  Sometimes it's better to quit while you're ahead...

Old Town Art Fest fun!

Look the sun's out!

Family bbq fun

Enjoying the music despite the weather..

My mom is still a little quiet around the family.  I think she's really missing her husband here.

Later on at Hubbard Inn for the graduation party.  We had a blast as usual...

Spoil yourself BUT take care of business FIRST!

Following up my June events, was a quick birthday party for my co-worker friend at Irazu restaurant in Wicker Park.  Irazu is a Costa Rican restaurant and has been in the neighborhood since 1990.  I LOVE their empanadas!  It's BYOB as well, so I rushed over to a liquor store nearby and brought over a bottle of wine.  We had a good time with her friends and family.  AGAIN, it was pretty nippy out so they had the heat lamps on full blast while we dined outside.  I got a chance to wear my birthday-present-to-myself gift which this year is a leopard print Alexander McQueen scarf!  I was a happy camper knowing I could rock a scarf in June!  lol
As I've gotten older, gifts in general have been a touchy subject for me.  First of all, if people ask what I would like to do for my birthday, I go in a panic.  I NEVER have an idea on what I would like to do, much less, what I would like to receive on my birthday in general.  Boyfriends in the past have gotten me things they THINK I would appreciate, and I do.  I think for me as long as I'm with my friends and loved ones, that's all that really matters to me.  Not some table service bonanza with a few of my "closest" friends.  It's definitely not my style as well as asking for elaborate gifts.
But on the subject of "elaborate", I've had loved ones get me things that I know I could have lived without, but deep down know it cost them a pretty penny.  I started to feel bad because I felt responsible for them spending so much on me especially if I didn't appreciate the thought of their gesture.  To me, I was more mortified they spent so much on me, and always felt guilty about it.  Feeling guilty is NOT something you should feel on your birthday, so I decided a long time ago not to accept any gifts (if they ask what I would like) and get the things I DO secretly wish for on my own.  If friends want to take me out to dinner that's fine, since we will be catching up which I enjoy very much so.  A bottle of wine?  Sure!  Who doesn't love vino?  But costly gifts are not for me unless I get it myself. 
Since I started this I've very much enjoyed my gifts-to-myself.  I treat myself to Valentine's Day and Christmas too.  They are my treasures and I take pride in my taste!  lol!  I know what value my gifts add to my closet as well as my self esteem.  Yes it's true.  Studies have suggested that wearing certain items can boost your self confidence.  But it's important to add not to let material things run your life.  The last thing you want to do is get yourself in debt because you felt you NEEDED a pair of Christian Louboutins in your wardrobe. 
Let's talk about "lifestyle".  It amazes me when people get celebrity obsessed because we clearly know that most of the time, fashion designers give away most of their goods for FREE.  They just want the exposure celebrities will bring to their brand.  For the average citizen, walking around in $1500 pair of heels are not practical.  But people LOVE the luxury of these items so there goes the sound of a credit card swipe. 
I'm no different as anyone else.  WE ALL WANT NICE THINGS.  But you HAVE to be practical and not get into debt.  Since I knew my birthday was coming up and I had my eye on my scarf, I didn't shop for weeks so I could secretly save up in the meantime.  Yes I did pay by credit card, but I made sure I was good to go for the next couple of months on payments.  My credit cards are purposely on a low credit limit so I don't get out of control with my spending.  For some, having a high credit limit makes them believe they have all of this credit to spend, when in actuality it simply means credit card companies recognize how responsible you've been in the past, (and hope you will get irresponsible in the future).  
I've had my share of credit card problems, and I've learned to manage my debt over the years.  Wearing my scarf is proof that I buy practical items that fit into my lifestyle and not one of a celebrity.

Let's get this party started!!

The birthday girl and me with a friend...

B.Y.O.B at Irazu

Stepped out for a bit at a nightclub.  I felt a litte underdressed wearing jeans but we made it a short night anyway.

 

Happy Hump Day! I'm back!!

Well as you can guess, I've been on hiatus blogging since I went away on vacation.  It's been two weeks of adjusting back to my normal life, but believe me, it has not been easy.  I usually get pretty bummed out once I come home.  It's a selfish reminder that I would rather be somewhere else.  I'm not sure if anyone else goes through this, but I usually burst into tears once I walk into my apartment.  I need to figure out what I'm going to do with my life since living here on my own has been troublesome for me.  Maybe I'm more lonely than I thought. 
Regardless, blogging HAS helped me appreciate my life more and the friends I DO have here.  There are lots of changes going on in my social circle, and I've been having a hard time fitting in.  People are having babies, planning weddings, and I'm still here trying to relate to the new person my friends are becoming.  No more singletons for them!  It's time for their new roles as mother or wife.
Although I've never been "officially" married, I was in a long relationship that lasted 7 years.  It was a huge part of my 30s.  It's been over now for 3 years, but I still have a hard time adjusting that I'm back in the market.  Do I want to get married and have a family?  Of course I do.  But as the years go by, I find that maybe not everyone gets that opportunity in life.  Is that a bad thing?  I've been questioning that myself lately.
As you can see by my train of thought, something came light of my vacation, and I'll explain that later.  I am still trying to catch up to my June events.  The funny thing is today is the 1st day of Fall.  lol.  It's going to be interesting recapping my summer activities entering a new season.  But if I've learned anything by catching up, is that sometimes you never realize how much has happened to be where you are NOW.  It gives us a chance to slow down a bit and smell the roses. 
Back in the beginning of June I was invited to a concert in Portage Theater.  My neighborhood is changing and this theater has been renovated to host new venues that come into the city.  The Portage Theater has been around since 1920 and is one of the oldest movie houses in Chicago.  I was excited that I did not have to travel far from home to have a night out.  I wore my jeans and a striped top since I wasn't heading downtown for a change.  Regardless I met my friends and we ended up at a private reception where they had the band come out.  Los Amigos Invisibles are from Venezuela and have been gaining popularity since they performed at Lollapalooza a few years back.  I had a great time!  What a nice surprise to the neighborhood for some great entertainment!     

Private reception area for the band!  They did a meet-and-greet as well...

Los Amigos Invisibles!

Me and my friends having some fun with the photo props..

Feeling like a movie star!  lol