Halloween Weekend 2018

On Halloween Saturday, (even though Halloween was technically on Wednesday this year), our friend had a house party at her boyfriend’s place.  I luckily had a costume on time.  I had ordered it two weeks earlier and was relieved when it was delivered.  Talk about cutting it close!

Our friend from California was in town that weekend as well.  She wanted to meet up with us beforehand and we decided brunch was the way to go.  I made my way to Café con Leche and the girls already had a table waiting.  It was fun catching up with everyone.  We laughed a lot.  Our other friend brought her two kids and it was fun seeing them play around.  They’re growing up so fast!

Afterwards, one of the girls still needed some accessories for her costume.  We went to Party City to see what they had.  It was crazy packed in there!  Everyone was doing the same thing!  We waited a bit in line but that’s a reminder to everyone who procrastinates about things like this.

We all hung out at our friend’s place for a bit.  I went home and decided at the last minute that I had time to get my leg workout in.  I rushed to the gym and did my thing.  What I didn’t realize was how much time and preparation took place to get my costume ready.  Since it was in the package I had to iron it out but it was in bad shape.  My friends picked up me at a later time and we made our way over there.  They had on face paint and were also rushing to get their costumes ready.

Once inside, it was a hoot seeing everyone!  I love Halloween for that reason only!  

Memorial Weekend! Part One

So far I’ve been enjoying my summer.  For the most part I got pretty down after I came back from Italy, and my birthday creeping up on me in June did not help my mood.  But I started to feel more myself once I focused my attention on other things.  I’ve been reading “Less is More” by Goldian VandenBroeck and got into the World Cup tournament.  Now that it’s over, I’m looking forward to planning my next trip out of Chicago, and to finish catching up on the blog.  Time to recap Memorial Weekend!  Lol.

Like I mentioned earlier, I was in a funky mood once I returned from Italy.  The annual house party at Millennium Park was taking place the Saturday following up to Memorial Day.  I’ve enjoyed this festival in the past and knew I didn’t want to miss this.  Plus, dancing to good music ALWAYS puts me in a good mood.  I needed to do this!

Luckily my little brother was available to accompany me.  We made our way down there late afternoon and caught a few sets before heading home.  I was not up for clubbing whatsoever, but I did get my dancing fix in.  I love watching people enjoy themselves.  It automatically lifts my spirits and I found myself smiling at everyone.  My brother loved it as well.  This was his first time being there and he thought it was amazing.  For putting on a free festival, Chicago knows how to do it right!

My souvenir t-shirt from Rome 

West Fest Weekend Part 1

Since I kind of jumped into summer, I never got a chance to go through my summer wardrobe.  I have a full bag of clothes as well as shoes to donate.  Over the years, I might have glanced at them and said to myself I’ll eventually wear them, but let’s be honest.  My style has changed as I’ve gotten older.  Mini-skirts and short dresses were the first ones to go.  I am much comfortable wearing midi length.  Platform wedges that hurt back then have switched over to boots or sneakers.  It was time to do this!

I feel better downsizing my wardrobe.  Fall season is slowly creeping up and I’m praying I find practical sales for end-of-summer-fashion.  I  now think of shopping for vacation pieces since that’s when I really get excited.  It’s all about living out of a suitcase for a few days as far as I’m concerned!

Back to recapping July events!  I finished up an eventful July 4^th weekend, and work was short but sweet.  Not a lot of people came in the remaining of that week.  I got a chance to do some chores, workout and catch up on my reading at home.  I wasn’t hearing from anyone and it was nice---for a while.  That’s when the Gemini in me comes out.  I knew I didn’t want to spend much money, but some friends out of nowhere invited me to a neighborhood fest.  I haven’t seen this couple in a while and wanted to catch up.  I made my way over to West Fest and found them right away.  We all got there pretty late but at least we got a chance to see Mark Farina’s set.  Afterwards, my friends knew of a house party right around the corner.  We headed there for some drinks and were getting the itch to head somewhere else.  We decided to go to Bar Deville and danced away to some 90s hip hop.  I was having such a good time I didn’t realize we made a night of it!  All last minute!  Afterwards, we ate late night tacos and headed home.  I love surprises like this…   

Day 10 Gallipoli

We messed up.  Because we had a long day we ended up oversleeping.  That was definitely not the plan.  I packed up my suitcase because we were not sure how long we would be out on the road.  I had a train ticket to leave Foggia on Saturday for Rome, but we weren't sure if we were going to head up north.  If we were, she was going to drop me off in Rome herself.  I was excited for our road trip.  I didn't know what to expect.  We quickly had our coffee and made our way to the auto shop.  We crossed our fingers when we walked in.  The problem with not being able to get a car to rent was the fact that most Europeans were still on vacation.  They were not returning them in time, and kept holding on to their vehicles.  Low and behold they had a car for us, but they still had to run a maintenance check on it.  We were told to come back after 3pm and we should be all set to go.
What did we do in the meantime?  We went for gelato of course!  I was craving it real bad.  We went to our usual parlor in town and treated ourselves to our delight.  I ordered a double scooped fig gelato!  It was delish!!

THE BEST!

So many flavors!

When we  went back again to the auto shop, we  FINALLY got our car!  By now it was close to 4pm.  My friend decided to go south again.  We felt it was late in the day and figured we would enjoy more of the night life in the south.  After a 4 hour drive we made it.  Of course, we were pulling into Gallipoli when everyone was getting off from work.  The traffic was coming from everywhere.  It took us about an hour to find parking.  Back at the auto shop we made reservations at a hotel.  Looking for that took us another 40 minutes.  We were frustrated, hungry, hot because of the humidity, and nervous lugging our suitcases around in such a massive crowd.  There were so many people around us!  We had trouble trying to get through.  We were going in circles.  Eventually, we asked someone who gave us the right directions and sure enough, walked right into it!  We were so relieved.  The bad news was we might have parked in an area that might give us a ticket.  The concierge told us to make sure we give her the plate number of the rental.  She was going to find a way to take care of it for us if we did get one.
We made our way to our room.  It was beautiful!  We had the patio to ourselves.  I was curious to see who else was staying with us at our hotel.  The bad news was our room had no air conditioner.  We both took turns taking a shower to cool off.  I got my second wind and was feeling pretty excited to checkout Gallipoli at night.



Changed into a tunic dress with my converse.  I wanted to be comfortable, and since we were in a new town, wore my fanny pack as well.

We were starving at this time.  We walked down to the fish market.  There was so much going on.  It was overwhelming.  A lot of people knew right away that we were tourists and were trying to get us to come to their restaurant.  We settled on a place and my friend went over to see what they had.  She was in charge of the menu, so I trusted her selection. 

We finally got our meal and we devoured it.  As usual, we ordered la fruta di mare (fruits of the sea).  I do enjoy fresh seafood, and the scampi were huge!  We were very satisfied with our meal.  Afterwards, we went for a stroll around il centro.  By now a lot of the shops were closing up.  We heard music up ahead and found a dj playing house music outside of a restaurant.  Everyone was sitting outside at the patio listening.  Again, I was surprised no one was dancing because he was very good.  I still feel Italians are pretty reserved, but at least a group of little kids were dancing for him.  It was too cute!

So many restaurants to choose from!  I was surprised how many people were out on a Thursday night...

We ordered a glass of spumante and then afterwards walked around some more.  We were tired after a long day of driving.  We figured we'll get up in the morning for check out and then experience Gallipoli in the daytime.  After that who knows?  Anything was possible!

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. 

Hot Mix 5 house party!

With softball during the week, I've noticed how time flies so quickly!  My birthday is coming up this weekend and I don't have any plans!  It falls on Father's Day Sunday, so I wasn't planning on doing anything special but spending it with family.  The past couple of years, my birthday was surrounded by so much sadness.  It wasn't by choice, trust me!  Sometimes I felt guilty to celebrate because of the things that were happening around me. 
But that's life.  You can't help what goes on.  Now more than ever, with the incidents involving Orlando in general (shooting of The Voice's singer Christina Grimmie; the mass shooting of Pulse Nightclub; 2 year old toddler at Walt Disney Resort), it's difficult to celebrate again.  I rather be with my friends and family who I love dearly and reflect on the fact I made it to another year of life.
If there's anything that these incidents have proven to me is tomorrow is never guaranteed.
With that in mind, I would like to reflect on last weekend.  I was going to celebrate a friend's birthday at the Hot Mix 5 house party at Mc Cormick Place.  I knew it was an all day event, so I figured I'll get some chores done first.  It was a very HOT Saturday, which is why I chose to preserve my energy for the evening.  I snuck in a workout, showered up, when one of my friends suggested to meet up at the Wells Street Art Festival in Old Town.  She initially said to meet around 4pm.  Seemed doable to me.  Off I went to Old Town!



My kind of cats!  lol

The Wells Street Art Festival is located on Wells between North Avenue and Division.  It's one of the most popular neighborhood festivals Chicago has to offer.  With over 200 artists displaying their work of eclectic art, you'll be sure to find some eye-catching handiwork.  I always have a good time, so I didn't want to miss this opportunity to go with my friends.  But once I arrived, the time changed to meeting up around 5pm.  I still had some time to kill before heading to the birthday celebration, so I was fine with the time change.  But then it changed again.  I knew this was too good to be true.  I walked around and checked out the band at O'Brien's while sipping on white wine.  BIG MISTAKE.
It was brutally HOT, and the sun would not give.  The temperature reached 95 degrees that day.  I had another glass of wine and that's when it hit me.  I felt dizzy.  I knew I had to eat something before I headed to the birthday party.  The first food vendor I could find had a big hot pretzel.  I quickly bought it and found a spot to eat when I noticed a woman drop her drink.  She fainted while sitting down against a wall.  Her boyfriend yelled out, "Someone call 911!"  It was terrifying.  Lucky she came too right away and didn't know what had happened to her.  It scared a lot of people around us, but it also reminded us how not to take the heat unlikely.  Once my friends arrived I had to go.  Go figure.  I took the time to talk to them for a bit before I saw how late it was getting.  I couldn't stay any longer.
I cabbed it to Mc Cormick Place and found my friends.  This was a massive event.  Over 60 different djs/ singers on 6 stages.  It had started from 12pm and was going to end at midnight!  I'm glad I arrived late because I was worn out with the heat already.  Me and my friends danced the rest of the night non stop!  Chicago's history with house music stems back to the late 70s.  In the early 1980s, Chicago radio jocks The Hot Mix 5, and club DJs Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles played various styles of dance music, including older disco records.  I've always loved dance music growing up so it was refreshing to be around a crowd that appreciated this influential sound.  It brought back so many memories for me and my friends.  

Me and the birthday girl!  She's a Gemini too...

Julian Jumpin Perez of B96

Imagine my horror the next day when I woke up to the news of the Orlando shootings of Pulse nightclub.  These people were doing the same thing as me and my friends the night before, just enjoying themselves.  I cannot understand the darkness that surrounds a person like this.  My heart breaks for so many senseless terrorism acts surrounding our daily lives.  It's not a world I recognize anymore.  Peace within each other; as well as other nations should be enforced constantly.  We have only one planet to care for.  We need to take care of everyone in it.