White Party

I’m still trying to finish up July’s events.  Following Sunday’s going away party, I went to meet up with my friend and her husband to see La La Land at Millennium Park.  Unfortunately, even though that day fell on a Tuesday, the park was so packed they weren’t allowing any more people in.  We decided to have our picnic at Maggie Daley park instead.  They are practically right next to each other but we couldn’t see the movie at all.  Instead, we met up with more friends and had a nice night out.  My friend is pregnant and wanted to try to enjoy her summer as much as possible before the baby arrives.  She is due later this month. 

The rest of the week was pretty low key.  Saturday, me and my friends were invited to a one year old birthday party.  It was for a friend who lives in the suburbs.  Her son’s big day was being held at a pool that had water slides and a lazy river.  I’m normally not a fan of the suburbs, but this pool was nice.  We spent a majority of the afternoon there.  Afterwards, we rushed to get back to the city for another birthday party.  I had already warned my friends that I bought a ticket to see one of my favorite djs perform at Prysm later on.  I knew that was going to be a late night thing.  I figured I would have time for everything.

The 2^nd party took place at Whiskey Businessat their rooftop.  It’s located in Wicker Park.  Luckily we scored on parking (a rare find in Chicago) and headed upstairs.  It’s a sports bar and they also had a live dj playing 90s music.  I had the most fun there!  We danced around and had a blast.  Our other friends showed up later and I felt bad having to leave soon for the White Party at Prysm but what can you do?  To kill some time we went to a karaoke Mexican restaurant and ate tacos.  My friend decided to come along for the party since I had an extra ticket.  Unfortunately, my favorite dj did not start playing until 2am!!  I’m getting way too old for this!  We waited and waited but it was hard after a long day out and about.  My friend stayed with me for 45 minutes until she decided to go home.  I stayed behind because I really wanted to see him, but I was so exhausted.  In the end, I know in my heart it’s probably one of the last times I’ll ever see him live.  It was bitter sweet for me…

 

Rib fest Cook-off!

My mom’s big move is coming up on the 15^th!  This is going to be interesting seeing her downsize from her home to an apartment.  I am considering doing something like this in the future as well.

My love of traveling has taken over my lackluster love life.  Lol.  It’s funny but it’s true.  Putting myself out there, trying to figure out which direction I turn to—left or right, reading people’s faces, making sacrifices for the sake of learning a new city, all remind me of falling in love.  Unlike men, traveling has not let me down!  I want to explore more and meet new people from all over the world.  I know I’m late in the game, but I’m excited for the upcoming years to come.  I haven’t felt like that in a very long time.

I hope my mom will be able to join me.  One thing I’ve realized is traveling is not for everybody, and I’m not sure if my mom would WANT to do something like this with me.  I want her to embrace life again.  Since I’m currently not in a relationship, and she is a widow herself, I would hope she would get the same feeling I have about seeing new places.  Who knows?

Back to my recaps!  After my work party the following day was Saturday.  For the most part, I wanted to take it easy, until my friend called me up inviting me to a cook off.  Her boyfriend’s family in Frankfurt hosts an annual rib fest cook off every summer.  Participants each cook their secret recipes and then get judged from their neighbors who are in the panel.  After they make their decision, friends and family get to try the ribs themselves and try to guess who the winner is.  There’s even a trophy ceremony!  That Saturday was pretty perfect with good food and friends.  I love summer!

 

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. 

July 4th Weekend Part 1

I’m already lagging behind on my blog and I was doing so well!  What can you do?  Regardless, summer in Chicago can be amazing.  July 4^th weekend was a little hectic for me.  I was glad we had a short work week following up.  Luckily, I got a chance to relax at home before I headed out in the evening.  I had a great weekend over all, but let me recap the holiday…

I love to see my friends and have a good time.  But like the saying goes, too much of a good thing can be bad thing too.  Because of my job, I am at the front and center of clients walking in, hence, I have to be sociable ALL THE TIME.  I don’t have a problem with that, especially since I’ve been working here so long.  Between handling high volume phone calls and addressing clients, by the time Friday rolls around, I want to be left alone (just for a short time).  Whenever I have a party to go to or an event that lasts all day, I get tired.  Tired in the sense of being sociable.  I want to be at home blasting my music and not talking to anyone!  It’s the Gemini in me.  We’re introverted/ sociable people who live inside our heads.  The funny thing about that is if we’re alone “too long” then we go a little crazy because our thoughts are still running 24/7.  We need to express our thoughts through verbal communication, and if we don’t have anyone to talk to, we get depressed.

That weekend in particular I was already feeling frustrated.  I knew I had two back to back parties out in the suburbs.  I usually spend my Saturday afternoons lounging on my balcony, followed by cleaning up the apartment, and then heading to the gym to do an afternoon workout.  It’s been my routine for a while and I love it.  Just me and my little apartment.  All alone.

Because I knew I had a party to go to in the burbs, I decided to do a little window shopping for a black dress I needed to wear for Sunday’s party.  I was told about the details earlier in the week when I saw my friends for drinks, but I wasn’t sure what I had in my closet.  Since it was the holiday weekend, there were sales everywhere.  I figured I would walk down State Street and see if they had anything, but I had no such luck.  I knew I had to make something work from my closet.  Once I got home Friday night, I cleaned up my apartment.  I stayed in knowing I had a full day the next day.

Once Saturday came around, I snuck in my lounging time on my balcony and did a load of laundry.  Sure enough, my friend picked me up earlier than expected, but luckily I was ready and off we went to Skokie.

My friend chose the Skokie Exploratorium to host her son’s 2 year old birthday party.  Since it fell on the holiday weekend, friends from all over managed to make it in for his birthday.  It’s adorable seeing his face look in wonder.  I think it hit him later on that this party was for him.  Regardless, the birthday boy was enjoying every minute of it.

The party finished around 5pm but afterwards, me and a friend had to get some stuff for the following day.  We decided at the last minute to throw a party for a friend of ours who was in town for the weekend.  It was a surprise, but we still needed to get some finishing touches.  By the time we got what we needed, it was getting near 7:30pm.

I came home and went to the gym in the evening and did a light workout.  I got a chance to do everything I needed to do.  I was pooped but knew in the back of my mind, we had to do this all over again tomorrow.  YIKES!

Let's Laugh!

Despite having a somber weekend with my family, the rest of the week I was hoping for something more uplifting.  I do not like being in a sad state of mind for too long, especially since I have to be strong for my mom.  With the recent health scare of a family member, as well as the death of a family friend, my mom has been very sensitive lately.  Depression can sneak up on people, and for now it wouldn't do us any good if we're both suffering.
I got a chance to have dinner with a friend later on that Thursday, but because of the funky mood I had with so much going on with my family, I ruined a good evening out.  I could not get out of my cranky mood and I feel terrible about this.  As we get older, receiving bad news wears down your tolerance.  You have to learn how to understand what's happening, as well as control your emotions.  It's easier said then done, but you don't want someone to be at the receiving end of your wrath because you are going through some hardships.  They are innocent in all of this and no one wants to be the person who snaps off all the time.  It's not a great feeling, trust me.
I did my best to control my issues following the rest of the evening, but the next day I was still bummed about how I acted the night before.  Little did I know my mood was going to change because of  my friend.  She wanted to celebrate her birthday that Friday at a comedy club in Schaumburg.  I couldn't help but think maybe this wasn't a good idea.  Friday traffic could make a 20 minute commute turn into an hour and a half.  Not to mention, none of my friends have heard of this comedian before, hence making us feel suspicious if we should bother coming out there at all.  My friend insisted this comedian was good and has seen his youtube videos.  She was the only one familiar with his work.  We all agreed to make her wishes come true since this is what she wanted to do for her birthday.  Off we went to the Chicago Improv Comedy Club for Jo Koy. 
Me and my friend were the first ones there, followed by her boyfriend.  Things started to get complicated when they told us all of our party had to be present in order for us to be seated.  How was that going to happen on a Friday night during rush hour?  We sent a group text letting everyone know what was up.  Luckily they allowed us to be seated after we had 6 guests.  The people at the door were very helpful with our situation.  They insisted they will let our other party join us once they arrived. 
Jo Koy was HILARIOUS!!!  We couldn't stop laughing!  This was something we all needed.  One of my friends had a baby 6 weeks ago.  This was her first night away from her son.  Another couple had a baby sitter so they were having a date night as well.  My other friends are always in a good spirits, so it was fun to see us all laughing along.  It was the best surprise that we could imagine!  The birthday girl had a blast as well.  If it wasn't up to her, we would never have done this.  I would definitely suggest anyone that is in a funk to go do something you normally would not do, and give it a chance.  You might be surprised what an adventure it could be!  As for that night, it was a perfect evening for us.  Life was good again.

  

With the anticipation of the Cubs possibly winning the World Series, many Chicagoans cannot stop talking about tonight's game.  It's no secret how long we've had a drought obtaining the championship, but what fascinates me is the die-hard fans that have been waiting for this moment their entire lives.  My brothers are HUGE fans of the Cubs.  Even though they love all of our Chicago teams, baseball definitely runs in their blood.  Back when we were kids growing up, my brothers fell in love with the 1984 Chicago Cubs.  There were so many good players in that team, it felt as though they were truly heroes in our city.  We use to live a couple of blocks away from Wrigley Field when we were kids.  I remember clearly looking out the window and seeing all the drunken fans walk by.  I use to think they were having so much fun.  I couldn't wait to grow up and join them.
Unfortunately, that year we didn't make it to the World Series.  My younger brothers were heartbroken about the loss.  My impact on sports changed quickly, and I never grew fond of it ever since.  Yes, I've joined the bandwagon of fans whenever one of our teams are winning.  I'm guilty of this.  Who doesn't love a winning team?  It's an amazing feeling to be a part of, yet the losing part is what scares me.  I see how depressed fans get.  For me, I never understood placing my sense of happiness on the outcome of a game.  I know my reason for this is because I have no love for sports whatsoever, but I cannot pass judgment when I've seen first hand how much it means to my brothers.  I have not followed any games this season, but I will pray for the fans to get the outcome they want so they could witness a World Series team in their lifetime.
The one thing that has made me baffled on the road for the championship is the sense of entitlement fans have when it comes down to their beloved Chicago Cubs.  They  assume we have the right to win because "it's long overdue".  I can understand the loyalty of fans cheering them on every year, but the reality is, EVERYONE wants their team to win.  Just like the fairytale ending we all hope to acquire one day, as time moves on in, we see how not everyone will get what they feel they deserve out of life.  It doesn't make them unworthy of such an ideal circumstance  It just means it's not for everyone.  Maybe something else was meant for our paths, but just like wishing the Cubs win the World Series, we have to grasp the concept that some things are just not meant to be.  For the meantime, let us remember to continue to live harmoniously with one another for a peaceful existence for our well being.  And GO CUBS!   

Hall & Oates!

Since I'm still technically sick (actually I think it's mostly allergies since I'm dealing with my nose now) I've been laying low.  Last week I slowly started my workouts again but I took it easy at the gym.  I'm a fanatic when it comes to my workouts, but this cough was kicking my butt.  Like I mentioned before, it's not easy being sick in the summer!
I wanted to have a relaxing weekend to myself since last weekend was kind of hectic.  But to my surprise, my brother got me Hall & Oates tickets for us as a belated birthday gift.  Unfortunately, the concert was being held in Tinley Park which is almost the same route as heading back to Indiana!  UGH!!  Not again!  I had to make arrangements at work so I could leave before the Friday rush hour traffic hit.
To make matters worse, that day the temperature reached 91 degrees!  I found out at the last minute before heading out that we had lawn tickets too!  I was a little upset, but I figured the concert would start around 7pm.  The sun shouldn't be beating down on us around that time. 
We got to Tinley a little after 6pm.  We decided to fill up our gas tank since gas is known to be cheaper out in the burbs.  Parking and making our way in took us a minute, but then we had some time to kill.  I knew I wanted to lay out our blankets soon since I didn't want to be placed too far out from the stage.  We lucked out, but once we settled in, we took turns going back and forth to the washroom and getting drinks. 
Finally the show began, and with two opening acts, Hall & Oates made their way to the stage in front of a sold out audience!  Me and my brother had a blast since they're one of our favorite bands from the 80s.  People couldn't help but get up and dance!  I realize now what a wonderful time I had!  I loved my birthday gift...    

Good time with the bro!

I'm practicing using my selfie stick for my upcoming trip...

Lawn seats

Hall and Oates were amazing!

Suburban birthday party!

Last Sunday I attended my friend's son's birthday party out in Skokie.  They had him baptized a month earlier.  I know it was pretty stressful for my friend to plan two parties so close together, but what can you do?  It's fun to enjoy some of our summer, and as usual, me and my friends had a good time catching up with one another.  I made sure I brought along my appetite!  They hired a taco stand with cooks preparing our customized tacos!  Yummy!!


Despite yesterday's terrorism attack in Nice France, I've grown to realize the importance of spending quality time with my friends.  I care for them so deeply.  I've always said they are my 2nd family.  My friend in Italy was pretty upset.  I promised her I was going to give her as well as my friends and family here in the States all the information I had on my upcoming trip; from hotel reservations to transportation information.  I will even print out my itinerary.  I refuse to live in fear and have to trust my gut that things will be ok.  Our world is changing around us and we need to adjust to our surroundings. 
What precautions have you taken since our frequent terrorism attacks?  Have you changed the way you do things?  View things?

He seemed to enjoy his personalized birthday cake!

Mickey Mouse themed!



A polaroid photo for keepsake!  Loved the idea...

Housewarming Wine Tasting Party!

Last Friday I attended a wine tasting at a friend's new house in the burbs.  She recently made the transition from the city and was throwing a party to show off her new home to her friends.  Growing up in the city of Chicago, I have grown accustomed to the fast pace lifestyle, (although lately I've been wondering if I'm ever going to slow down).  Although it took a while to drive through rush hour traffic to get there, you can see how happy everyone was see us.  Her kids couldn't wait to show us their brand new bedrooms.  Better school system, everything is conveniently closer, and the low crime rate convinced us this was the best decision our friend made for her family.  They needed more room and the cost of living in Chicago has  skyrocketed.  I'm happy for them.  As for us, we got a chance to enjoy some wine from Italy, Argentina, and Germany!  I missed my friends and it was nice to see everyone again. 

We all got a chance to give warm wishes to the host by writing messages on a wine glass that she gets to keep.

He's too cute!!

Everyone wanted a chance to hold him...

Another selfie in the books!  What a long day!

Let's play GOLF!

Chicago had an unbelievable weekend of gorgeous weather.  And whenever that happens, EVERYONE comes out to play!  Since we usually get a late spring, it was a nice surprise for us to feel the sun for a change.  A friend had a birthday earlier in the week, and she wanted to celebrate it by going to Top Golf.  I've never been, and was hesitant to go at first, mainly because I suck at sports.  I don't have a problem making fun of myself, trust me.  It's just that there ARE people who are competitive by nature, and the last thing you want to do is bring down the team.  They clarified that all we'll be doing is shooting balls, so I said fine.
First of all, what do you wear to play golf???  Automatically you think preppy polo shirts with khakis (which by the way, I DO NOT OWN).  I knew my friends were throwing anything on, and it's not like we were heading to an exclusive country club.  The temperature was in the 70s, so I threw on a graphic tee with jeans and opted to wear sandals for the first time this season.  Throwing on a twill moto jacket might have been too much, but I definitely did not look golfer chic.  lol.  It did get me thinking I should have more basics in my closet in case something like this happens again. 
Off we went to Woodale!  It was funny because it was the first time this particular group of friends and I went to a destination unknown.  Usually we go out on the weekends in downtown Chicago.  We made it there within the hour due to the heavy traffic.  Yet once we got inside we were told it was a two hour wait.  We decided to eat and have some drinks.  Since it was a beautiful day, we made the most of our time together.
Finally it was our turn.  Of course I sucked, but luckily, everyone else wasn't a pro either.  I DO want to get better at it.  I'm glad we got a chance to try something new and be outside.  It's a little out of our way, but I would definitely go back again. 



Strawberry Margarita!

A great day to play golf!

FOUR!

I love them...

Best filter on snap...