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…

Taste of Chicago with Alessia Cara

Once July 4^th weekend was over it was back to work.  That Wednesday it was pretty slow because of the holiday falling on a Tuesday.  Chicago use to host Taste of Chicago during July 4^th weekend, but they changed over the years to fall on AFTER the holiday.  My brother wanted to come downtown with his girlfriend to check it out, and since I work right down the street from Grant Park, I agreed to join them.

What a nice surprise!  Alessia Cara was the big act of the night and she was amazing!  I truly feel blessed to see her since she’s going to be HUGE.  We had a great time!

July 4th Weekend Part 4

On the day of July 4^th my dad wanted us to stop by for a bbq.  As a product of divorce,  I want to be there for both my parents but during holidays it could be difficult.  I spent the early part of the day reading outside on my balcony.  I love being out there.  It’s my tranquility during my most sociable times.

I wore red, white and distressed blue jeans for the bbq.  The weather was perfect to wear jeans since I knew we would be outside.  Mosquitos love me so I wanted my legs covered up. 

My dad is insisting on going to Puerto Rico this Christmas.  I will have to see this to believe it.  In the meantime, I’m sticking to my budget in case he is really serious. 

July 4th Weekend Part 3

I’m sooooooo behind on my posts.  But I am glad to say I am on the right track with my tight budget.  Around my birthday I treated myself with some Versace earrings (mini Medusa heads to be exact) when I got a promo code at YOOX.  Score!  Then I found a pair of Saint Laurent sunglasses at Amazon that I purchased using some points I had accumulated.  I told myself I would stop with the indulgences since I really want to take another vacay.

But then out of nowhere, I went to two music festivals and then had to contribute to a bridal party for one of our friends.  Everything was last minute, and I was getting frustrated that I wasn’t putting away money for what I REALLY wanted to do.  Lol.  I told myself after July 4^th weekend I was going to take it easy.

Believe it or not, I’m slowly getting back on track.  The good news is, here in Chicago, there are tons of things to do for FREE!  Summer is amazing here and I take every opportunity to try to enjoy it.  Back to my recap!

I managed to run my errands and do a light workout.  The weather had dipped a bit back into the 70s considering the day before it was 15 degrees hotter.  What a difference!  My friends made plans to go to Arlington Race track to watch the fireworks show but I wanted to stay behind.  I got invited at the last minute to join my friend on his boat.  He wasn’t planning on taking it out to the lake and figured I could keep him company while he did some work on it.  I picked up some sushi and grabbed a bottle of wine and made my way down there.

He was recently in Bangkok for work.  It was his first time there and he showed me his pictures.  I absolutely LOVE hearing travel stories!!  They get me even more curious about the world in general.

I’m not sure where my next trip will be but I will be narrowing down my choices soon.  Right now, it’s about budgeting, and making sure the time is right for a quick escape.  ttyl

July 4th Weekend Part 2

Yikes!  I'm super behind on my blog.  Time to catch up!

On my last entry I mentioned being socially exhausted from July 4^th weekend.  I am happy to say last weekend was a lot less stressful.  I’ll tell you why once I finish recapping and catch up.

The next day I got up early and had my black dress ironed.  I jumped in the shower and managed to braid my hair so it could have waves for later on, but it still looked pretty limp to me.  Oh well.

Once church was over me and my friends grabbed our stuff and headed back out to the burbs.  It was now crunch time.  We had to get together so we could do the finishing touches for our surprise party.

As usual, we started to run behind, but once we got to the party we had to go to work.  We had some time to play with but this particular day was close to 90 degrees.  EVERYONE was hot and bothered.  Luckily we did the best we could and our surprise guest pulled up and was definitely shocked by all of the commotion.  After a couple of polaroid shots, we went back to the yard to enjoy the festivities.

I wish I could tell you more about our party, but I have to say, it was a sweet gesture from all of us.  We love our friend dearly and this party was a token of our appreciation for having her in our lives. 

Happy birthday America...

Last weekend was July 4th weekend.  For the most part, I had a nice time off spending it with friends.  I would have never guessed the week we all experienced as an American.  What we have witnessed via internet has caused a tremendous amount of outrage throughout the world.  What was suppose to be a peaceful protest turned into an ambush of blood and death.  I am at a loss for words.
Terrorism and racism has been the subject for hundreds of years.  We've read throughout the horrors of history on how hate has caused genocide, war, and a loss of civilian lives.  What's staggering to me is that it's 2016 and we've come back to a full circle.  There has been no progression whatsoever, and even though we are taught that in our culture, everyone is welcomed and free to express who they are in our country, there has always been backlash that comes along with it.  The roots of racism has been passed down too far along.  There seems to be no means to an end.
I am saddened to hear so much chaos in all parts of the world.  It's an uneasy feeling when others are aware on what's going on, but are not willing to help.  Whether it's countries hiding genocide, or police men standing by murdering police men, no one is stepping in or speaking out about these crimes.  Have we gotten so use to the fact that these incidents are just a part of life?  What has happened to us along the way?
I had remembered Princess Diana soon after the holiday.  Her birthday had passed on July 1st, and she was brought up again on social media.  I cannot name anyone who has touched so many people since her passing.  She was a beautiful woman who truly loved people, regardless of their circumstances.  From her countless charity work, she would give her undivided attention to the hopeless.  Her smile was contagious.  I miss her dearly.
If we could only learn by example how harmless it is being gracious with one another?  To love and cherish every human being!  To learn from one another our differences!  It seems so hopeless with all of the destructiveness going on in the world.  I am fearing our lives on what it has become at this point.  Have we made it to the point of no return?  Are we going to continue living like this until we are all wiped out?  Is this how it ends, people turning against people? 
I cherish the memories I made last weekend.  I made it to Chicago SummerDance on Friday after work.  It was the start of a three day holiday, and the city was crowded with tourists.  I was excited to meet up with my friends because we knew we were going to have a good time.  Mickey Mixin Oliver was headlining the event.  He was at the Hot Mix 5 event I went to a few weeks back.  More house music to dance to.  We had so much fun that day!  I loved watching people walk over to the sound of the music.  Some had no idea what was going on until they started to dance themselves.  What a moment to be carefree!
The next day I met up with some friends to watch the Italy vs Germany soccer game.  This was a big one, with Germany winning by penalty.  My friend in Italy was messaging me at the same time.  I felt bad Italy lost since she mentioned the whole town was watching this game.  There went their Saturday night...
The next day was Sunday, which I assumed even thought technically it was the 3rd that people would be shooting off fireworks.  My friends held a bbq at their place.  We laughed and told stories while the neighbors shot off fireworks.  I had a joyous holiday!
Since the 4th fell on a Monday, I ran my errands then.  I did not expect so many fireworks being shot off that night.  I had to get up early the next day for work, but I know better now.  I ended my night talking to my mom and checking up with her.
Then the rest of the week happened.
Today is Friday, and I am glad this work week is over.  I am going to tune out social media as well as the news for the rest of the weekend.  I just want to see my friends and check up on them.  I want to love the people in my life for now.  Until next post.  Take care and be safe and don't forget to love...


Chicago SummerDance!



It drew a good crowd...

Yes we are proud house heads.  lol



Mickey Mixin Oliver

I wanted to practice my self stick skills before I go on vacation...

Feeling patriotic...

Veggie and fruit salad at the bbq. 

Happy birthday America...

Last weekend was July 4th weekend.  For the most part, I had a nice time off spending it with friends.  I would have never guessed the week we all experienced as an American.  What we have witnessed via internet has caused a tremendous amount of outrage throughout the world.  What was suppose to be a peaceful protest turned into an ambush of blood and death.  I am at a loss for words.
Terrorism and racism has been the subject for hundreds of years.  We've read throughout the horrors of history on how hate has caused genocide, war, and a loss of civilian lives.  What's staggering to me is that it's 2016 and we've come back to a full circle.  There has been no progression whatsoever, and even though we are taught that in our culture, everyone is welcomed and free to express who they are in our country, there has always been backlash that comes along with it.  The roots of racism has been passed down too far along.  There seems to be no means to an end.
I am saddened to hear so much chaos in all parts of the world.  It's an uneasy feeling when others are aware on what's going on, but are not willing to help.  Whether it's countries hiding genocide, or police men standing by murdering police men, no one is stepping in or speaking out about these crimes.  Have we gotten so use to the fact that these incidents are just a part of life?  What has happened to us along the way?
I had remembered Princess Diana soon after the holiday.  Her birthday had passed on July 1st, and she was brought up again on social media.  I cannot name anyone who has touched so many people since her passing.  She was a beautiful woman who truly loved people, regardless of their circumstances.  From her countless charity work, she would give her undivided attention to the hopeless.  Her smile was contagious.  I miss her dearly.
If we could only learn by example how harmless it is being gracious with one another?  To love and cherish every human being!  To learn from one another our differences!  It seems so hopeless with all of the destructiveness going on in the world.  I am fearing our lives on what it has become at this point.  Have we made it to the point of no return?  Are we going to continue living like this until we are all wiped out?  Is this how it ends, people turning against people? 
I cherish the memories I made last weekend.  I made it to Chicago SummerDance on Friday after work.  It was the start of a three day holiday, and the city was crowded with tourists.  I was excited to meet up with my friends because we knew we were going to have a good time.  Mickey Mixin Oliver was headlining the event.  He was at the Hot Mix 5 event I went to a few weeks back.  More house music to dance to.  We had so much fun that day!  I loved watching people walk over to the sound of the music.  Some had no idea what was going on until they started to dance themselves.  What a moment to be carefree!
The next day I met up with some friends to watch the Italy vs Germany soccer game.  This was a big one, with Germany winning by penalty.  My friend in Italy was messaging me at the same time.  I felt bad Italy lost since she mentioned the whole town was watching this game.  There went their Saturday night...
The next day was Sunday, which I assumed even thought technically it was the 3rd that people would be shooting off fireworks.  My friends held a bbq at their place.  We laughed and told stories while the neighbors shot off fireworks.  I had a joyous holiday!
Since the 4th fell on a Monday, I ran my errands then.  I did not expect so many fireworks being shot off that night.  I had to get up early the next day for work, but I know better now.  I ended my night talking to my mom and checking up with her.
Then the rest of the week happened.
Today is Friday, and I am glad this work week is over.  I am going to tune out social media as well as the news for the rest of the weekend.  I just want to see my friends and check up on them.  I want to love the people in my life for now.  Until next post.  Take care and be safe and don't forget to love...


Chicago SummerDance!



It drew a good crowd...

Yes we are proud house heads.  lol



Mickey Mixin Oliver

I wanted to practice my self stick skills before I go on vacation...

Feeling patriotic...

Veggie and fruit salad at the bbq. 

Baby Shower In the Burbs!

I can't believe July 4th weekend is here already!  We had our last softball game for the season this week.  We came close to having some wins this year, but it was a tough situation trying to get people to participate.  Our firm kept a lot of attorneys busy in May which made it difficult getting a solid team going.  Regardless, there's talks it might be our last season.  I made a lot of wonderful memories with my co-workers.  I'm hoping it's not so but it's out of my control.  All good things must come to an end.

That goes to say the same for traveling.  I am growing afraid of the times we live in now.  What happened in Istanbul is unfortunately our new reality and it's occurring too frequently.  It makes me feel uneasy because I will be overseas soon, but part of me knows I have to overcome this fear.  Feeling afraid, or skeptical of people in general is not the way to live your life.  Everyone has differences, but in the end, what we have in common is the same general needs we all want for ourselves:  love, health, the safety of our friends and family.  I feel the world needs to reintroduce themselves to each other again and discover how wonderful we all truly are.  I want to meet new people, make new friends, take the opportunity to discover new places.  It's what brings us closer to one another; to love.  I pray that the violence will stop.  I know we can live peacefully within each other.  We need to do this!

Last Friday my friends wanted to come over to celebrate my birthday.  I told them it was over already and that it wasn't a big deal, but they insisted.  They came by with a ton of wine and sushi and of course, their babies!!  We had a great time catching up with one another.  There are so many changes coming up in the near future.  We are trying our best to make some time for each other.  I'm excited for their plans but it does bring a certain sadness knowing we won't be able to do this all the time.  Hopefully we'll be able to continue our group textes.  Sometimes those are enough to bring a smile to your face.

Birthday sushi!

The next day I had dinner and drinks at Cantina Laredo.  I've always passed up the place, but I must say, I enjoyed my night there.  It was SUPER hot that weekend, and there were a ton of people in the city.  I realized I haven't had the chance to walk around River North in months.  I had a nice time.

The next day I had to get up early for a baby shower out in Morton Grove.  It was at the Arboretum.  These are the kind of occasions I dread because I never have something to wear.  Luckily I found a dress on ebay and everyone loved it.  I know I have to step up on my wardrobe, but I have a big trip coming up and I have to save up for that.  I cannot spend my money foolishly.

It was a great time of fun and games, plus, lots of pictures!  I cannot wait to see how they came out.  They had a photographer walking around and we happily posed.  Since it was 90 degrees that day, we didn't have a chance to walk around and checkout the Arboretum, which is a shame because it did look very pretty out there.  Hopefully one day I can make my way out to Morton Grove again.

I love this picture!  We had so much fun that day!

Hope everyone enjoys their holiday weekend.  Due to the terrorism acts in Istanbul, America is in high alert.  Remember if you see anything fishy, call the police and get help!  We have to stick together and help one another.  The violence in Istanbul could have had more casualties if the police didn't intervene.  Be safe and love one another! 

October Blues

One of the things that drive me CRAZY about seasons changing is the fact that Chicago is never consistent.  It's never a gradual thing, that's why I feel I don't get to enjoy fall altogether because it jumps right into winter.  Not to mention, we are the windy city and it plays a major role in our weather forecast.  Right now it's been pretty gloomy and we've had mist/ rain all weekend.  I'm beginning to miss the sun terribly.  Looking back on July's events isn't helping either, but at least it makes me smile knowing I tried my best to enjoy my summer.
First up, July 4th!  Since this year it fell on a Saturday, Chicago was pretty empty by Thursday.  Lots of people travel back home for the holidays, so for the most part, things seem pretty quiet around here.  I went to a rooftop party to watch the neighborhood fireworks go off.   I LOVED IT!!  Neighborhoods were battling with each other on who threw the best show.  At one point, you didn't know where to look for some firework action!  I had a great time catching up with my friends...
The following weekend I headed out on a boat for a birthday party.  Everybody brought something to munch on.  We headed out to the Playpen on Lake Michigan.  For those who don't know, the "Playpen" is a spot right in front of the Chicago skyline where boats meet up and chain themselves together in order to have a huge party out on the lake.  There's music and dancing plus you get to make new friends.  The water was pretty choppy that day, and we didn't get a chance to stay out there too long due to the weather, but we had a blast regardless.  So far July was alright... 

Watching the fireworks go off on a rooftop party.  Are you excited about the new Star Wars movie?

My friend's baby is wearing her red, white and blue ensemble!

Poor baby looks tired here; but she was a trooper!

Boat party action the following weekend!

Too bad the water was to choppy and it started to rain on us.  It was my only time on the boat this summer...