Mannequin Challenge Accomplished

I can't believe I'm reliving our mannequin challenge back in early November.  lol.  By now we've seen it all on social media.  I think I like the doggy challenges the best.  Too cute!
Tomorrow is my work holiday party.  They decided to throw it on a Thursday instead to see if it will be well attended.  I'll let you know how that turned out.
Anyways, back on World Series Wednesday, everyone at work struggled to come in the following day.  We weren't sure if they were going to hold the Cubs rally that Friday or the upcoming Monday.  Everyone had Cubs fever and we were patiently waiting to hear from the mayor.  Luckily he made the announcement early afternoon.  With little time to spare, we decided to throw a rally viewing party here at the firm.  We've done it before with the Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup.  It's fun because we order food and bring in a flat screen tv so we could watch all the action during lunchtime.  I love that we do this here at work!!  We're proud of our Chicago teams!
The day of the rally we had someone pick up specially made Cubs cookies which were a hit!  We also held a raffle for new Cubs merchandise.  It was amazing to see our team head down to Grant Park.  I had friends that were at the rally and they said it was insane.  So many people showed up to see them.  Our city was glowing with pride.
That evening my friends were still celebrating from being out all day at the rally.  I went home to freshen up and made my way back to Wrigley Field.  The city had blocked off the roads because people wouldn't get off Clark Street.  It turned out to be a big block party with everyone bar hopping from one place to another.  We had a great time.

Friday night after the rally.  Too many people were stopping by to check out the sign.

Bar hopping at Barcelona.

The following day I met up with my friends again in the evening at London House.  They were entertaining a friend who was in town for the rally.  By now everyone was pooped out with all of the Cubs hoopla, but we managed to do our mannequin challenge there at our table.  I loved that we got ours out of the way, although I have to admit, it was pretty fun to do.  If only we had done this at Wrigley Field when the Cubs won the Series...that would have been EPIC!



Decided to play it safe with all black.



I almost forgot about my leopard wedge boots. 

Luckily they let us outside on the rooftop because the weather wasn't too bad.

My friends are too silly.  Gearing up for the mannequin challenge.

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

Halloween with The Cubs

As we're entering the last month of the year, I think about how tough the holidays are for some people.  I've noticed my mom has been in a funky mood lately, and it dawned on me that she might be going through something.  She was busy getting some bags of clothes together for the Salvation Army to be picked up.  They are mostly her husband's clothes, but she figured it was time to put them away for good.  I know she's hurting, but for me it's important that I monitor her well being since I do not want her to go through a depression again.  I know she's been technically retired for a month and a half, but I want her to stay active and not get stuck all day at home.  It's hard because there's so much coming up the next few weeks with birthdays and holiday parties that I need my brothers to make sure they reach out to her too.
Since we were out in Michigan when the Cubs clenched the National League Championship that Saturday night, we weren't sure who we were playing against.  It wasn't until the Cleveland Indians won the American Division that we knew who we were facing.  Game 1 was played out in Ohio, but I had to attend an event that night at the Loews Hotel.  It got me out of watching the series even though I had promised my brothers.  Our deal was I would start watching the games when the Cubs would made it to the World Series.  The POSSIBILITY that we reached this far and might not win this thing took over me and I happily went to my event.  I enjoyed my night out with other like-minded women.  We take care of ourselves but want to look and feel better.  I try my best to have a well balanced diet and exercise regularly, but sometimes that's not enough.  Regardless, we terribly lost Game 1 so I didn't feel so guilty missing out.
The following day, I rushed home from work to watch Game 2 and surprisingly we won and beat them pretty bad.  Who knew we were so good?  It reassured me that we DID win the National League Championship after all so I had to give them some credit.  lol  As you can tell, I'm terrible following sports, but I enjoyed getting that sense of Chicago pride. Now we are even 1-1.
Game 3 was a nail biter because no one was scoring and it was intense.  At this point, you could see how bad BOTH teams wanted this, and to make matters worse, the game was being played in our turf at Wrigley Field.  I had friends meeting up at bars to watch the game, but I hurried home because I was tired.  And yes, I have to admit, I was still skeptical about the Cubs making it this far.  We lost by one run but it made everyone in Chicago nervous.  WE HAVE TO WIN here in our own city!!
For Game 4 it fell that Halloween weekend on Saturday.  For the most part, I would say a number of participants wore dare to dress in costume usually do it that Saturday, but no one was talking about it.  Everywhere on social media were promoting to watch the Cubs game at their venue.  My brother was taking me up on his promise that I was watching the series and wanted to come pick me up so we could watch the game with our dad, but that didn't work out the way we wanted.  There was a miscommunication between my family and our dad was not available that night.  My younger brother went to a neighborhood bar alone to watch the game.  It seemed the pressure of the series was starting to get to people, and no one predicted the Cubs to lose here at Wrigley their first night back.  My older brother suggested meeting up with him and we did.  We ended up at MCM bar by six corners and watched the Cubs get slaughtered again.  This time, it was an embarrassment and NO ONE was in the mood to celebrate Halloween that night.  I stayed out with my brothers the whole evening, and also looked over my younger brother who was taking this loss personal.  EVERYONE in that bar was in such a horrible mood afterwards. 

Me and Freddy at MCM bar.

Game 5 was still taken place in Chicago.  I was getting frustrated that this series was interfering with Halloween.  I love dressing up, but everyone was focused on the Cubs.  I could see how much this was affecting my brothers.  We all got together again, but this time went over my Dad's place and watched the game with him.



At my Dad's.  I DO NOT OWN A CUBS SHIRT  so I kept wearing the colors instead.

And out of nowhere.  We won.  Here, in our turf.  It surprised me, and it woke up Chicago.  The feelings of "what if?" came back.  Do we have what it takes to win this thing?  My younger brother was back feeling hopeful than ever.  To make matters worse, he was on vacation.  He was under the impression he would be out celebrating every night with a Cubs win.  It didn't quite turn out that way, but he was excited again.  I wasn't aware of his schedule but told him I wanted to go out for Halloween at least.  I had a costume and everything.  Game 6 was going to resume back at Cleveland the following Tuesday, so at least I had one day when it wasn't about the Cubs.  The intensity of the series was exhausting and I wanted to go out and be silly.  My younger brother agreed to be my date and off we went to the Mid.      
I knew once I got back from my summer trip that I wanted to wear something in reference to my vacation, so I found this costume off of Amazon.  I got the leaf headband at Claire's and wore my own Greek lace up sandals to finish the look. 

Mondays at The Mid is a hot spot in Chicago.  Since Halloween fell on a Monday, the club was at full capacity early on.



Me and my toga!

My younger brother escaped prison to attend this party.  lol

It was fun watching everyone in costume.  We had a blast but I can't help but think the Cubs almost ruined my Halloween.  lol

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!

Bridal Shower Brunch

I can't believe it's officially November!!  I swear time flies quickly than I remember.  I'm still trying to catch up on September events.  My bad!  The Cubs being in the World Series has got our attention like you won't believe.  Tonight's the night!  Chicago is excited for Game 7.  I'm so proud of our team.  A sweet elderly man gave me a huge smile this morning on my way to work.  After last night's win, we're walking on cloud 9.  Regardless, let me recap the last Sunday in September.
I had a bridal shower to attend.  I had went out the night before for the 312 block party.  I knew I had to be at the brunch by 11am so I stayed out til the fest closed and for tacos afterwards.  I wasn't out too long.  None of us imagined the temperature reaching up to 90 degrees that day!  I thought it was a glitch at first on my phone.  I wore a maxi dress I bought from Greece along with a denim jacket.  lol.  Needless to say, I ditched the jacket once it started to really warm up.  Considering I woke up to temperatures in the 60s, it was a surprise for everyone.  The brunch took place at Fennel & Iris Café.  It's a party café which hosts private events.  Everyone loved the cozy décor inside.  It was a perfect intimate brunch with good friends.  Instead of the usual party games for bridal showers such as how-well-do-you-know-the-bride, they opted for games solely on the couple to play.  It gave us the opportunity to get to know them better plus people seem to enjoy watching their interactions with one another.  I loved every minute of it and can't wait for their wedding coming up soon!

The 312 block party the night before the brunch...

Unfortunately not my type of fest considering it was a beer fest.  Regardless I was glad I was out and about...



Ready for brunch!  We all had our own customized bottle of rose. 

Cute photos of the couple were part of the décor.

Their proposal in Germany! 

The salmon burgers were da bomb! 

Let the games begin!

Along with our bottle we received churros! 

We finally got it right!  lol