Fake it Till You Make It

Ha!  So of course I didn't win the Powerball.  BUT that doesn't stop me from wanting to do the same things I would have done if I won.  I still want to pay off my debt and take care of my family and friends.  It may not be with money but there are other ways I can contribute.  My time, my companionship, my winning personality (lol).  Regardless, just because you wished for something so bad doesn't mean it can't come true.  Riches doesn't come in forms of money.  You can live the life you want by believing you have "that life" already.  If you try this little trick, you will notice the difference in the way you see things.  You will be grateful for what you have and will appreciate the people you share your time with.  Remember, tomorrow isn't always a guarantee.  That's a fact.  Make the most of your experiences, the good and the bad, and you will understand their purpose from a different perspective.
Now we continue with December events!  I usually get my "seasonal" haircut 4x a year.  My hairstylist jokes that he would like to see me more often than that, but in reality, my hair is thin enough as it is.  There's not much he can do to it to make it fuller anyway.  I've been blessed with no grays but the occasional strand here and there.  I have my mom's genes to thank for that.  But I also have my Dad's genes too.  He went bald pretty early in life and I fear my hair has been thinning lately too.  I don't have any patches yet but I know it will be a problem for me later on.  I always ask my hair stylist if I've gone bald yet but he says everything looks the same.  Maybe it's my imagination but I can't help it.  I know my hair was much fuller when I was younger. 
Regardless, I felt fabulous after my haircut.  I was his last client and it was a Saturday night.  My friends called me up and invited me out for drinks.  I figured why not since I was already out and about.  We met up in Wicker Park and walked over to Taus restaurant on Division.  I loved the fact that we made our way to the fireplace area.  It was nice and cozy plus we talked up a storm!  It was a perfect spot for us to tell stories about what we've been up to.  We ended up grabbing something to eat afterwards and the next thing you know, we were in River North heading towards Y bar.  lol.  It turned out to be one of those nights but we were having so much fun.  We finished up at Cuvee before I headed home.  I did not expect to be out all night considering I left the house earlier in the day for a haircut!  Luckily I wore a black tunic with my black fleece lined leggings and riding boots on my way out.  I'm going to have to pay more attention to what I put on in case I end up being out the rest of the night. 

Powerball Madness!!

Today the largest winning Powerball drawing will be taking place!  Of course that has everyone I know in a frenzy.  The thought of "what-if" is driving people to negotiate verbal agreements in case they win.  For me of course, I will take care of my family and friends right away.  Then off I go to take a trip around the world!  I might get lonely so I told my friend in Italy to get ready to pack so she can join me.  She's been my travel buddy for years.  A girl can only dream!  Regardless, I can see how people might get carried away when they do come in contact with a large amount of cash.  I guess the important thing to remember is that money DOES NOT buy happiness.  This is a fact.  I know people assume that once their debt is wiped clean their lives will be perfect.  First if you don't have an understanding on why you got into a financial mess in the first place, you will land right back there once more.  Hire a tax attorney to help you maintain your new winnings.  Second, as they say, more money, more problems.  You will get people (mostly acquaintances) who will come out of the woodworks asking for money.  You will get harassed.  And unfortunately, you will also lose some friends.  Some people might feel uncomfortable, or just get plain jealous of your good fortune.  That is something you cannot control.  Maybe you can try to work things out with your friend but this is something that THEY have to come to terms with.  Just giving you some pointers in case you win! 
Back to December events.  The next day after my friend's birthday at Masada, I had another birthday to attend to at the Green Door Tavern.  This one was a surprise birthday party.  I like those!  It always puts people in a awkward position, but I still feel they enjoy it regardless.  The girlfriend of the birthday boy invited everyone and we all helped with decorations before he walked in.  He was truly surprised.  The Green Door is an older bar located on Orleans street.  It was first established in 1921.  I love old Chicago.  It has a neighborhood bar feel to it, but it is surrounded by other modernized establishments.  You can feel the history inside with it's wooden interior.  With all the new and upcoming bars & restaurants that pop up every month, it's nice to go somewhere that you can feel relaxed and yet be close to the downtown scene if you want to hop around.  I had a nice time that night and I think the birthday boy did too!

I got my noise maker!!!