Raining AGAIN...

We don't seem to get a break over here.  Everywhere else it's nice and sunny and we continue to get rain.  Not to mention, my hair is super curly and I barely put anything in it.  I don't even fight the humidity anymore.  If we get lucky, we get one or two days of no rain, but then it's back to showers again.  Maybe there's truth to be said when it comes down to the weather.  It DOES affect your mood...
Since I stepped out last Thursday for Cinco de Mayo, I was hesitant about doing it again the next day.  But low and behold, that was one of our nicer days we've encountered here in Chicago.  I couldn't help but get the itch to go out again.  I made my way home after work and took a nap before I started all over again.  This time we met up at The Hidden Shamrock by the DePaul neighborhood.  We didn't do much but goof around, which was fine by me.  We laughed a lot that night.

Goofing around at The Hidden Shamrock

They flew from Charlotte, North Carolina 

The following day the gang had a Cubs game to go to.  I wanted to rest.  I've been having trouble sleeping lately, and wanted to relax.  It was nice cleaning up the apartment and watching the Kentucky Derby.  I was not in the mood to rush anywhere that day.  My friends made plans to have dinner at Sunda after the game and go out afterwards.  I told them I would meet them later on for cocktails.
The weather was very windy that day, but luckily in the evening there was no rain.  My friends were finishing up dinner when I got there.  We had some cocktails there and made our way over to Hampton Social.  There wasn't much action going on so we walked all the way to Sienna Tavern to meet up with more friends.  Luckily the music was good and we decided to stay.  I was surprised that my friends were still up for more action despite having a long day already.  We closed up Sienna and made our way to Joy district, a new spot that opened up on Hubbard Street.  We goofed around some more and then made our way across the street to Celeste.  I was fine till out of no where I grew very tired.  I was done.  I was proud of myself for staying out as late as I could, but I knew I wanted my bed again.  My insomnia is getting the best of me, and I want to sleep as much as I could.  Who knows if tonight's the night I'll be up all night?  I don't want to take any chances.  I went home.
I know my feelings about going out and having fun has changed significantly over the years.  Right now all that matters is my mom and her well being.  Sometimes it's nice to go out and not think about anything serious and goof around with friends, but the nightlife has other factors that can be unsettling.  I am constantly aware of my surroundings and who I'm with at all times.  There's too many scary stories I've seen and heard over the years that put things in perspective.  Sometimes, it's just not worth the trouble.  But when you DO enjoy yourself, it's nice to know you'll remember these times.  I hope our friends from out of town had a blast on their visit to Chicago!  We lived it up!

I passed on this dessert treat from Sunda but my friends absolutely loved it!  

I couldn't resist having a bite of fried ice cream!  

Wore a top that's over 12 years old!  I can't believe it's still fits!  

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!