Cubbies

I’m recapping events that happened since I’ve been back from my trip.  Needless to say, I’ve been thinking about my time there a lot.  Part of it is because that was probably the last time I was truly happy in a long time.  Sometimes life knocks you down a bit and you get lost in your thoughts.  I try my best to keep a positive attitude but these past events have broken my faith.  It is times like these that makes you want to be surrounded by loved ones.  I just want them to be safe. 

Our friend that has moved to California came back for a visit that following weekend.  I have to admit, I was glad to get together with friends.  My friend was constantly telling me news about Puerto Rico and the lack of communication with the towers being down.  She was falling apart and all I could do was try to keep her spirits up.  I had faith that people in Puerto Rico were coming together, even if we couldn’t see it for ourselves.  I was mesmerized by the images of people pulling out survivors in the Mexico earthquake.  I reassured her, too, that the same thing was happening there.  Our coworker had finally left out of Florida on a flight to San Juan but we knew we would probably not hear from her until she got back to work.  All I did was pray that week and tried not to get too anxious.  I had to be strong for my friend.

Our friend from California had an itinerary for us.  Since her only day to socialize with us fell that Friday, she understood how it might be difficult for some to get through rush hour traffic.  I met up with her and her friends after work at her favorite bar in Lakeview called Schubbas.  She wanted to go to Wrigelyville to see the marquee and then make her way over to Andersonville to a brewery.  We walked over to Wrigely Field and took a bunch of pictures before we had a drink at Murphy’s Bleachers.  The Cubs were on fire and Chicago couldn’t be more proud.  Obviously they are not going to the World Series but they did get close.  Some of her other friends had shown up but couldn’t find parking to join us.  We finished up our tab and jumped in their car to head over to the next spot.

At Half Acre Balmoral we grabbed a table and that’s where more people showed up.  We had some laughs and caught up with one another.  Our friend has a bubbly personality.  I forgot how much fun she is to be around.  I miss her a lot.

Once we finished up the tab, our other friend suggested Estero bar in Logan Square for those who wanted to continue the party.  Unfortunately our group got smaller, but other friends of hers met up over there instead.  There the silliness continued and we had a blast.  I realized how blessed I was to be around my girls, mostly Latinas who suffered from the news like I did.  Some had family in Mexico, others were waiting to hear from loved ones in Puerto Rico.  But tonight we were here to see our friend who misses us tremendously in California.  I need to book a trip soon over there…

Holidays are OVER part 4!

It's been almost a month since the holidays are over yet it feels much longer.  One thing that freaks me out as I get older is how fast time flies.  Moments become instant memories in an instant.  You don't have time to process anything.  It's already slipped your fingers.  I've had people come in and out of my life who've affected me deeply yet we only came in contact for a brief time.  I'm saddened by some recent events, and wonder if I can ever truly get use to people being out of my life.  Their imprint has branded a place in my heart deeply...
On Christmas Eve Saturday, I was out at the stores.  A friend of mine had texted me at 1am that Friday night when I had just gotten home from the birthday party.  She wanted to see me at one point so we could exchange gifts.  I panicked.  I was hoping she wouldn't do such a thing, since I normally don't exchange gifts with friends, but we have spent a lot of time together this past year.  I have not known her as long as my close friends, but she's an amazing person and was flattered she got me something.  Since it was late after all, I let her know that my family celebrates Christmas Eve and we would have to touch base sometime this weekend, but I knew I was in a jam.  Since everything would be closed on Sunday for Christmas Day, I had to get her something beforehand.
I was completely tensed up when I got up that day.  My shoulders hurt so much.  I felt too stiff and did not have much sleep because of it.  I got a lucky break when my friend texted me if I wanted to workout.  He was going to head to a department store first to finish up some shopping himself and asked if I wanted to tag along.  I jumped at the opportunity.
We headed down Elston and there was traffic brewing already.  The store was in mayhem, but we managed to find stuff in the hour we were there.  I was pretty satisfied with my gifts, but it didn't stop my shoulders from hurting.  I was on the verge of tears from all of the stress leading up to tonight.  At the gym I used low weights because of how much my body ached.  I figured my body needed to move so I could loosen up.  My friend was great at hearing me out.  I am lucky he was around.  I just needed someone to vent at. 
Once we got back from the gym, I slowly got ready.  My little brother was working that evening and was going to pick me up once he got off from work.  I finished wrapping up my gifts and was ready to get this day over with.  I wasn't enjoy any of this so far.
We arrived to my aunt's place at the same time my other brother and my mom got there.  I could tell my mom seemed sad, but with so much commotion going on in the house, I couldn't check up on her like I wanted to.  I was glad my step brother was already there waiting for us.  He seemed fine to be there, but he ended up leaving after dinner.  He said he wasn't feeling that well when he got there but I couldn't tell if he was telling the truth.  For my mom and him, I knew my step dad was on their mind this day. 
Dinner was the best part of the night.  Me and my brothers always joke around.  We tried to keep the mood light hearted.  Once the conversation headed towards politics and religion, things tensed up again.  I concluded that most families probably can't help but bring up such issues during the holidays.
Finally the moment we've been waiting for all night had arrived and we all hugged and wished each other Merry Christmas.  With the news surrounding the deaths of much loved celebrities, I was grateful that my family was safe and healthy.
How did you spend the holidays?  Was it stressful like mine?  lol.  My moment of clarity was seeing my brothers receive the gifts that I gave them.  I bought them the Chicago Cubs Championship winter hats which were sold out everywhere.  I lucked out finding them but seeing the smiles on my brothers faces was all worth it!

Made it to my aunt's!



My brothers and step brother...

Christmas sweets!

Family pic.  I'm glad we are all safe and healthy.  They mean the world to me.

The Curse Has Been Broken!!!

As we're gearing up for the holidays, it's hard to imagine how much life has changed during my last post from Halloween.  It's scary sometimes because you realize how things can affect you for a lifetime.  Our city was still in the running for a World Series Championship.  At this point, anything goes.  How nerve wrecking!!!
I was glad after that Halloween Monday that we had a break from all of the hoopla.  I got to enjoy dressing up in costume with my brother, but now it's crunch time.  Game 6 resumed back in Cleveland and the stakes were high.  AGAIN I was skeptical because we were in their turf now.  Oh how I wished they had won all 3 games when they were in Chicago!  I couldn't handle it again and watched the game home by myself.  I don't know how sports fan do this!  My anxiety was creeping up on THE THOUGHT of us winning, but we were doing well so far.  You could tell our players were super confident, and we were making the runs to stay ahead.  We managed to stay strong and won the game easily 9-3.  The city was insane!!  We just tied the series!!
All day at work Wednesday you could see the Cubs fever!  People couldn't wait to get off work.  Seeing the anticipation on others was making me anxious, so I did my usual routine of heading to the gym afterwards and then showering up at home.  I was invited by a friend to watch the game at a house party in Wrigleyville, but I told them maybe I'll meet up later.  The thought of us getting this far and not winning this thing would be heartbreaking.  I figured I'll just see how it looks from home.
I called up my mom to check up on her.  She, too was nervous, but mostly because she knew how much this meant to my brothers.  She opted not to watch the game and was watching the Country Music Awards instead.  I kept zoning out of our conversation and then out of nowhere I gasped.  "What's wrong mi nena?", my mom asked.  "Mom, they just scored another run!" I said surprisingly.  "You see??  They're going to win!" my mom replied.
And at that moment, when were were up ahead at 4 runs, is when it hit me.  WE ARE going to win!!  I got off the phone and quickly got ready.  I saw that the Irving bus was going to be at my stop in less than 20 minutes and then no more buses were scheduled after that one.  The city was getting ready for the Cubs to win, so it was slowing down the service.  I knew Wrigleyville was the place to be, so I caught the bus and headed down that way.  People were jumping on board to get there as well.  I could see the action in the bars surrounding the streets.  Everyone was watching the game, even if they were taking a glimpse from the outside.
I got off at Southport and headed to the address.  By now the Indians were catching up and getting the runs in.  I didn't want to think about it since I knew I wanted to be at the party soon.  There were people all over the streets but the crowd was slowly building up.  Luckily I found the house and made it inside to watch the rest of the game.  I felt bad when things turned out for the worse and the Indians were catching up to us quickly.  Did I change the course of the game??  I couldn't help but feel guilty now that I showed up.
Remember, this curse that has followed the Cubs over 100 years has brainwashed us to think we will never get to this place.  Was fate stepping in again??
That last hour of the game was filled with intense emotions.  We were setting ourselves to fail.  2 outs in the 10th inning had lead to us to this moment.  I couldn't take it anymore.  I rushed to the bathroom because it was too hard to watch.  And then I heard the screams.  Lots of them.  We won the world series.
I remember all of us hugging each other and screaming to the top of our lungs.  It was insane to be in the middle of Wrigleyville.  We gathered our things and ran out like the rest of them.  Everyone wanted to be in front of Wrigley Field but they had blocked the streets from us.  With the crowd moving from all directions, we thought to ourselves, if there's a will, there's a way!  The police tried their best to control the crowd by blocking alleys and streets surrounding it.  I do not know how we managed to get through, but there we were.  In front we could see the sign, "Chicago Cubs World Series Champions!"  I still get goose bumps thinking about it.
I didn't get home til 2am.  At work the next day, some people had lost their voices from screaming with excitement.  This whole experience drained me, but it was unbelievable.  My brothers were texting me like crazy during the celebration.  I was happy for them, and for all of my Chicagoans.  We broke the curse!

House party essentials

I NEED this bag in my life!

Getting ahead of ourselves

Aftermath 

WE DID IT!!!

As close as we can get but it was worth it!

Insanity!

Fly the W

The End of An Era

It's back to norm here in Chicago.  A brand new week along with a brand new election that will be officially over today!!  Yay!  With all of the Cubs hoopla taking over the city, it was a nice break from hearing the election propaganda.  I voted in the morning but I think I'll stay off of social media and television for the rest of the day.  Tomorrow I will know who the next president will be.
This election definitely stirred up emotions for me and everyone else I know.  It's brought out the worst in some people.  I get anxious just thinking about since I have friends who support both sides.  I wish we could find a peaceful solution on how to live amongst each other in this day and age.  I am a firm believer of this country's rights of free speech.  But why the hostility?
We're at a time where people are not afraid to express their opinions.  They either have "no filter" or "no chill" when it comes to letting everyone know how they feel about things.  At first it was refreshing to know that people could be admired for not beating around the bush.  If you say what you mean, there's no miscommunication.  Yet with issues being brought to light, and no suggestions to solve them, we then turned on each other.
Spreading love within our communities, our cities, our states, our country, and then so forth, will not only strengthen our love for one another, it will bring joy to everyone we encounter, including countries from beyond.  I still believe we can have world peace!
At this point in my life, my goal is to bring joy to the people that matter to me: my family and friends.  I pray that they in turn pay it forward, so in the end we can have a domino effect.  How cool would that be?  During the 2nd week in October, I met up with some friends for happy hour at Henry's and then Public House and Spin Chicago afterwards.  It was nice catching up with one another, plus I like hearing if my friends are doing ok.  With our busy schedules, I don't want anyone to feel lost in the shuffle.  Sometimes you get so busy earning a living, you forget to live your life.

Henry's on Hubbard have happy hour until 8pm!

 

Public House motto

That same week was a significant moment for me and my family.  My mom's last day of work!!  I couldn't believe this day had finally come!  My mom has been working in the hotel industry for over 40 years!!!  I'm amazed her body endured so much especially in the hospitality department.  She was pretty nervous in general about how she will live her life afterwards.  When she got to work that day, she felt as though no one would notice her gone.  Boy was she wrong!  They held their weekly meeting with all staff members and it turned out to be a surprise retirement party!  She had no idea!  They even gave her a pearl bracelet and flowers.  I think she felt so surreal, she didn't realize someone had recorded the whole experience on their phone.  She was crying the whole time.
I came down from work to meet up with her.  She had some stuff to clear out of her locker and a bag of all of her goodies.  I wanted to take her out to dinner and with some hesitation, she finally agreed.  We went to McCormick and Schmick's restaurant down the street from her hotel.  She was in the mood for their soup, but since I ate a heavy lunch at work, I ordered the tuna tartar along with two glasses of wine so we could celebrate.  It was nice having dinner with her and talking about this next stage of her life.  I know she's nervous about what she will do with herself, but I feel hearing her out first will give me the opportunity to know where her thought process is.  I want her to slow down for a bit so she could enjoy her life a bit more before the weather gets really cold here.  As for now, I am overwhelmed with emotions knowing that she reached this milestone in her life as a healthy, strong woman!

Our celebratory toast to this milestone!!  She did it!!

Luckily her soup came with this huge salad.  I want to make sure she had a full meal.  She deserved it!

She was completely surprised on her thoughtful gifts!  I'm glad they took their time to appreciate her dedication...

What A Week!

It's official.  The Cubs rally is over.  Now what?  I'm not ready to hear about the election just yet.  I know it's right around the corner, but we've been on a natural high these past two weeks.  I don't want to lose this feeling just yet.  The thought of voting is making me anxious again.  I hate it.
My friends that have left Chicago to go to greener pastures have been messaging me all day.  They are all watching the rally live on tv.  They miss being here.  I told them to imagine coming into work this morning.  People have been waiting around since 6am downtown to get a good spot.  As I took my morning commute, I saw floods of people heading towards the city.  It was exciting but also nerve wrecking because I got to work late. 
It dawned on me what my friends might be going through later in the day.  We had a special viewing party here at work so we could watch the rally live.  Seeing the images of all the people rush into Grant Park made me feel proud.  They love this team and want to see them up close.  With all the coverage showcasing Chicago, I then realized how much I love being a Chicagoan.  I've lived here all my life.  So did my friends, too, until recently when they moved away.  My friend from Italy was watching the rally live.  She misses it here.  I know it's mostly because she's still building her life over there.
My friend who moved to Michigan is missing Chicago too.  Back in the first week of October we helped her move.  She lived in the iconic Marina Towers overlooking the river.  The city dyed the river blue just for today.  She wished she could be here to see it.
That move was pretty hectic for us.  She has a 7 month old baby, so we knew she needed help to pack.  Me and my friends had stopped by that Wednesday to help what we could, and also to spend one more time at her apartment.  The view is incredible up there.  We ordered sushi and wine and had a blast.  It was nice.
That Saturday it was back to business.  We arrived early to help load up the truck.  They were going to drive it out to Michigan that same day.  It was non stop action till late afternoon.  Then we said our good byes.  I'm going to miss her baby!!  He's adorable!! 
Regardless it was a memorable day for all of us.  Just like this World Series was memorable for all Chicagoans.  As for now, I'm going to join my friends who attended the rally and soak up this city to make up for my friends who aren't here.

CUBS WIN CUBS WIN!!!

Our Chicago Cubs did it!!  They broke the longest drought in baseball history!  Our city is beyond ecstatic!  It was definitely the most nerve wrecking game I have ever witnessed in my life.  So many highs and lows.  Even if you weren't a fan of both teams, you can't deny the way they played the game.  Commentators were split down the middle on who might win game 7.  Little did they know, their predictions were almost on point.  This series could have went either way.  Both teams were talented and driven.  I'm not a sports analyst but it was obvious these two teams were the best.  They gave everyone a run for their money.
Even though I referred back to my earlier posts on the sense of entitlement, looking back, I could see the ambition on the Cleveland Indians.  They were not going to let us win by no means necessary.  They beat us pretty bad in our own stadium back to back.  Our morale was down all weekend.  The comeback on game 5 gave us an ounce of hope that Cub fans needed to continue our support.  We felt as though our chances of winning the series was slipping through our fingers  .  Very few people were optimistic after our terrible losses, but then there was the love and dedication of some fans who reminded us the series was not over yet.  The infamous Cubs curse would follow us for so many years, we got use to hearing our team would never make it to the World Series.  Funny how words could impact us, but then again, isn't that the case in our everyday lives?  Words can make you or break you depending on your level of confidence.  Experiences can make you or break you as well , but in the end, your level of perseverance is what matters most in life.  The many times you get back up is what counts in the end.
Life will throw you so many out of context situations, sometimes you think the world is working against you.  I've heard so many tragic stories in my lifetime.  Some of them would break your heart.  In no way are they suppose to teach you anything except that sometimes shit happens.  We might look around for answers, especially if it's something that has hurt us for no apparent reason.  Yet the answer is always the same.  Shit happens. 
During the last week in September, I had to attend an event that happened unexpected.  Details were so last minute, I didn't even know what I was attending.  At first, the details were sketchy, but in most private matters, I had to learn not to ask any questions that weren't mine to ask.  All I knew was that I was being asked to attend by someone who I considered to be an outstanding individual.  You can't prepare for things like this.  You can only do what your part in intended to do.  I couldn't pass up my opportunity to do show my loyalty and gratitude.
In the end, I look back at that night and realize how much my friend is loved.  I can't help but compare that to the win of the World Series.  I'm not sure if us Chicagoans were prepared to feel what we felt last night, but we did it.  It's one of the best moments I wish everyone could feel once in their lifetime.  We all deserve this type of happiness!  The same goes for those unexpected moments we will experience in our lifetime.  I wish everyone could be surrounded by the people you love and know, they got your back, no matter what you're going through.  It is truly priceless...




I wore a short one sleeved dress and tights for my unexpected evening.

I don't know about you, but I LOVE this chair!!  It's so divine!



Selfie time...

Good times with friends and family...

Afterwards, I caught up with my friend at La Mez.  90s music is always a good idea!

Let's Laugh!

Despite having a somber weekend with my family, the rest of the week I was hoping for something more uplifting.  I do not like being in a sad state of mind for too long, especially since I have to be strong for my mom.  With the recent health scare of a family member, as well as the death of a family friend, my mom has been very sensitive lately.  Depression can sneak up on people, and for now it wouldn't do us any good if we're both suffering.
I got a chance to have dinner with a friend later on that Thursday, but because of the funky mood I had with so much going on with my family, I ruined a good evening out.  I could not get out of my cranky mood and I feel terrible about this.  As we get older, receiving bad news wears down your tolerance.  You have to learn how to understand what's happening, as well as control your emotions.  It's easier said then done, but you don't want someone to be at the receiving end of your wrath because you are going through some hardships.  They are innocent in all of this and no one wants to be the person who snaps off all the time.  It's not a great feeling, trust me.
I did my best to control my issues following the rest of the evening, but the next day I was still bummed about how I acted the night before.  Little did I know my mood was going to change because of  my friend.  She wanted to celebrate her birthday that Friday at a comedy club in Schaumburg.  I couldn't help but think maybe this wasn't a good idea.  Friday traffic could make a 20 minute commute turn into an hour and a half.  Not to mention, none of my friends have heard of this comedian before, hence making us feel suspicious if we should bother coming out there at all.  My friend insisted this comedian was good and has seen his youtube videos.  She was the only one familiar with his work.  We all agreed to make her wishes come true since this is what she wanted to do for her birthday.  Off we went to the Chicago Improv Comedy Club for Jo Koy. 
Me and my friend were the first ones there, followed by her boyfriend.  Things started to get complicated when they told us all of our party had to be present in order for us to be seated.  How was that going to happen on a Friday night during rush hour?  We sent a group text letting everyone know what was up.  Luckily they allowed us to be seated after we had 6 guests.  The people at the door were very helpful with our situation.  They insisted they will let our other party join us once they arrived. 
Jo Koy was HILARIOUS!!!  We couldn't stop laughing!  This was something we all needed.  One of my friends had a baby 6 weeks ago.  This was her first night away from her son.  Another couple had a baby sitter so they were having a date night as well.  My other friends are always in a good spirits, so it was fun to see us all laughing along.  It was the best surprise that we could imagine!  The birthday girl had a blast as well.  If it wasn't up to her, we would never have done this.  I would definitely suggest anyone that is in a funk to go do something you normally would not do, and give it a chance.  You might be surprised what an adventure it could be!  As for that night, it was a perfect evening for us.  Life was good again.

  

With the anticipation of the Cubs possibly winning the World Series, many Chicagoans cannot stop talking about tonight's game.  It's no secret how long we've had a drought obtaining the championship, but what fascinates me is the die-hard fans that have been waiting for this moment their entire lives.  My brothers are HUGE fans of the Cubs.  Even though they love all of our Chicago teams, baseball definitely runs in their blood.  Back when we were kids growing up, my brothers fell in love with the 1984 Chicago Cubs.  There were so many good players in that team, it felt as though they were truly heroes in our city.  We use to live a couple of blocks away from Wrigley Field when we were kids.  I remember clearly looking out the window and seeing all the drunken fans walk by.  I use to think they were having so much fun.  I couldn't wait to grow up and join them.
Unfortunately, that year we didn't make it to the World Series.  My younger brothers were heartbroken about the loss.  My impact on sports changed quickly, and I never grew fond of it ever since.  Yes, I've joined the bandwagon of fans whenever one of our teams are winning.  I'm guilty of this.  Who doesn't love a winning team?  It's an amazing feeling to be a part of, yet the losing part is what scares me.  I see how depressed fans get.  For me, I never understood placing my sense of happiness on the outcome of a game.  I know my reason for this is because I have no love for sports whatsoever, but I cannot pass judgment when I've seen first hand how much it means to my brothers.  I have not followed any games this season, but I will pray for the fans to get the outcome they want so they could witness a World Series team in their lifetime.
The one thing that has made me baffled on the road for the championship is the sense of entitlement fans have when it comes down to their beloved Chicago Cubs.  They  assume we have the right to win because "it's long overdue".  I can understand the loyalty of fans cheering them on every year, but the reality is, EVERYONE wants their team to win.  Just like the fairytale ending we all hope to acquire one day, as time moves on in, we see how not everyone will get what they feel they deserve out of life.  It doesn't make them unworthy of such an ideal circumstance  It just means it's not for everyone.  Maybe something else was meant for our paths, but just like wishing the Cubs win the World Series, we have to grasp the concept that some things are just not meant to be.  For the meantime, let us remember to continue to live harmoniously with one another for a peaceful existence for our well being.  And GO CUBS!   

The Longest DAY of the year...

Re-capping July is much easier today.  The temperatures reached 77 degrees!!!  Chicago is very happy right now, plus the Cubs won the Wild Card game which entered them into the playoffs.  Yes, the Cubs are in the playoffs to win the World Series.  We're thrilled to see them reach this far.  Let's pray they keep going!!
The firm that I work for has two parties that everyone looks forward to.  One is the summer party where you can bring a guest, and the other is the holiday party which is for employees only.  This year's summer party was held at the Godfrey Hotel, which I LOVE because it's one of my favorite spots in the city.  Usually for work parties, I try to find a dress I can wear since it's something that doesn't happen very often.  I have friends that love to wear dresses, but for me, I have to really love it in order to get it in the first place.  I found this shift dress at H&M on sale, and people kept complementing me all day at work.  Not bad for $10!  I knew by the weather forecast that it was going to be HOT that day, so I had to look for something that would keep me cool.  The dress worked out perfectly for me. 
Our party started after 5pm with a trolley ride down LaSalle street.  Once we got up there, we made our way to the bar since it was scorching already.  The temperature was 95 degrees!!  We tried our best to keep cool, but the sun was beating on us the whole time.  I was pleasantly surprised people stuck around as long as they did.  The Godfrey Hotel is a gorgeous venue, so I know people wanted to enjoy the party as much as they could.  We made the most of our time there and left with the night still young.  It was over by 9pm, which worked out fine for me because I had to make it to another party later on, this time at a nightclub.  Thinking back, I can't believe I stayed out late as I did.  It's exhausting just thinking about it....lol.

Bring out the beer!

Staying cool under the hot sun!

Despite the HOT temperatures, we had a good time...

My paisley print shift dress from H&M!

Trying to find some shade for pics.  lol