Stay Tuned

Life is a little overwhelming right now.

Write It Down

I feel that this picture says so much about me.

The situation: At a bar in Wicker Park, enjoying good company, good conversation and an all-around good evening. A new acquaitance tells me about something that I feel is noteworthy. I write it down.

Yes, I'm in the middle of a beer. Yes, it's 2:00am in a bar. But apparently, I have the urge to add to my lists. I told you it was an obsession. Most of you who know me realize this, hence Dave's reaction to take a picture of me in action.

I have to laugh at myself. Feel free to do the same.

This is for the fast boat, right?

I just had one of the greatest weekends in Chicago. Thanks, Dave, for being my cohort in the fun shenanigans.

Dave visited from Philadelphia this past weekend with a friend. We had a chance to hang out on Saturday and Sunday, and I enjoyed a fun weekend that was much needed.

The highlight of Saturday was definitely the boat ride we took along Lake Michigan. We walked down to Navy Pier at dusk and got tickets for the Seadog boat ride. While purchasing the tickets, Dave asked the guy, "This is for the fast boat, right?" The guy laughed at us and agreed.

Since it was late, we were just in time for the evening boat ride for the Navy Pier fireworks. (They happen every Saturday during the summer, and I highly recommend checking them out besides the Fourth of July.) I should explain that the Seadog boats are huge speadboats that go over 45mph...and we rode it at night.

It started lightning before we boarded the boat, but that didn't stop the ride. We made our way out onto Lake Michigan amongst other evening boats enjoying the clear night. As soon as we passed the barrier, the boat took off and we started racing the other Seadog. Awesome. I was a little skeptic about a boat ride at night on Lake Michigan, but it was perfect. We were flying along the dark lake (farther out than the other boats) with lightning flashing to the east and the Chicago skyline illuminated on the west. The boat started blaring music from Eddie Money, Rihanna and various other artists, but it wasn't until Kanye started playing that the mood was set. The boat kicked into high gear and "Welcome to Chicago" by Kanye started playing. Perfect. (Gotta love the Chi-town artists.) We eventually stopped to idle for the fireworks, which were spectacular. Nothing like fireworks just because.

We revved up again for more speeding around and jumping over the other Seadog wakes. The boat ride was so smooth and so fast - a perfect combo. Dave and I got a little wet from the water splashing on us (Dave took the brunt of it.) Good thing we didn't sit in the back like the guy suggested...the splash is a bit bigger in the back.

Either way the wind from the speed got the best of us.

This boat ride is definitely a top moment in Chicago for me. We rode along the lake for an hour and half and I would've done it all day if I had the chance. Guess I'll start saving up now.

Any of you boys seen an aircraft-carrier around here?

Sorry about my long absence with updates. I will explain that reasoning later.

A couple weekeds ago I went to the Chicago Air and Water Show. I didn't wake up early enough to see the water show portion, but the air show was plenty of excitement for me. I've only been to the Kansas City Air Show, and Chicago's show definitely trumps KC's. You just had to be there to experience the wonders of our airplane/jet technology. I think I'm a bit more fanatical from dating Chris. May I remind you that the man is obsessed with all things involved with an air show.

I went to the show on Friday afternoon and all day on Saturday. Laying out on North Avenue beach while the Blue Angels stormed overhead was amazing. I just kept staring in wonder. The Oracle was entertaining, and did tricks that I thought were impossible for a plane to do. I could go on and on about each performer, but it's an event that you just have to see in person. Indescribable.

I left a little early on Saturday, since I had already seen the Blue Angels perform the day before and the heat was taking its toll on me. As I was walking through the city to catch the bus, I watched the Blue Angels above the buildings surrounding me in order to regroup for their next formation. It was then when I noticed a homeless man gripping the life out of a stop sign with his eyes bugged out staring at the sky. The poor man was scared to death from the "unknown" jets flying overhead. I'm sure flashbacks from 'Nam were popping up...along with a case of the crazies. He looked like the stop sign was going to save him from the attack that was about to happen in his head. I laughed, but I did have afterthoughts of sympathy. It was quite the sight though.

Here's a few photos and a video that I attempted to capture of the weekend. Really wish I had a "quick capture" camera for that weekend.

Question: Who knows what movie my title is from?

Workin' Girl

I'm still at work.

It's 8pm.

I'm NOT a fan.

(Long exhale followed by a grown...and tummy grumbling from no dinner)

House Guest

Christina and I had another house guest after Rachel, Chris and Chris left last weekend. Christina's house guest, Jordan, was here all week. Jordan is 12 years old, so I thought it would be crazy to have yet another house guest especially a younger girl, but it wasn't. She was quiet, very nice and happily kept Cali company. She watched Cali while Christina and I went to work during the day. I'd come home and we'd hang out watching TV. The only issue was all the hair I had to clean up after her.

One night Christina was taking Cali out for a potty break and Jordan tagged along. As some of you may know, our front steps to the second floor are steep and hardwood. Little Jordan started walking down the steps and only made it down a couple before tripping and stumbling all the way down. She ended in a somersault before hitting the bottom of the staircase. Jordan luckily was okay and Christina got through the heartbreak of watching the fall. Jordan, like any 12-year-old walked along with Cali avoiding eye contact with Christina. She was over the incident soon enough though, and seemed to enjoy the rest of her stay here (accident-free.)

I was sad to say 'bye' since Jordan was such a sweetheart. It was a fun week with the girls.

Meet 12-year-old Jordan.

Surprised?

One thing I learned from a week with the girls...two golden retreivers shed twice as much as one. You'd think this would be obvious, but looking at the blond hair-covered rug after Jordan left made me realize just how much these dogs shed. Watching the dog-hair tumbleweeds across our wooden floors increased my awareness of their shed factor even more. Not quite out of the wild wild west of goldens, but still able to enjoy Cali while I'm here. (Ha! Did you enjoy that little play-on words?)

Here's a couple more of the girls at play during our night alone.

Happy Belated Birthday to Me

Last Friday was the first birthday I celebrated as a Chicago resident, and I have to say it was a funfilled day. My KC friends, Rachel and Chris, came up to visit. They were here for Lollapalooza, but that's beside the point. I'm sure they were thrilled to have a birthday girl in their presence as they headed off to the festival. Of course my Chris drove up to celebrate with me. Did I mention that Rachel gave me a birthday present as soon as she walked in my door? Pure joy. Rachel, you know how to make someone feel special. =)

I woke up that morning to find many birthday cards at my doorstep. Yay for the mailman coming early! Thank you to everyone who has amazing timing with birthday wishes and the post office! I love snail mail.

Chris and I walked Rachel and Chris to their first day at Lolla. It was a beautiful day despite the heat beating down on us. We window shopped along Michigan Avenue and State Street. Then, we began the best part of my birthday, the architecture boat tour.

We boarded The First Lady and boated along the Chicago River for an hour and a half. The docent guided us through all of Chicago's historic buildings and taught us the architecture all along the way. I got the tourist bug and took way too many pictures, which probably earned me the title of "most annoying passenger." I did lose some of my favorite photos from that day after a computer issue when I was uploading them. Guess I will have to go on another boat tour soon to get those back. Here are a few photos that didn't get lost in my Gateway's neurotic behavior.

Merchandise Mart-larget public building in the world

You should know this one. The building to the right is the largest concrete building in the world. Don't let the photo deceive you, the Sears Tower is still the towering skyscraper in Chicago.

The birthday girl as happy as can be.

After the boat tour, Chris and I walked to Old Town for dinner. We went to Adobo Grill, a new favorite restuarant in Chicago. They make the guacamole right at your table (by far the best guac I've ever had) and shake the margaritas cold right before your eyes (delicious margaritas also.) The couple arguing next to us really added to the atmosphere and gave us something to make fun of through dinner. I'm sure they didn't appreciate Chris and I's laughter and snickering. Of course I had a chocalatey dessert to top off my birthday dinner.

There was another birthday celebration going on at a nearby table. The waiters sang "Happy Birthday" to her and I sat there watching and wishing.

Chris was mad he didn't think of saying something first.

I told him it was ok...although, I did make him sing "Happy Birthday" to me when we got home.

We made due with leftover cupcakes that Christina had baked for a coworker's birthday earlier that week. It's just not a true birthday celebration without candles to wish on. I'm still young and can still blow them all out in one breath. Did you know that most candles come in packs of 24? This was the last year I only had to buy one pack. Next year I will buy two. Is it weird that I'm kind of sad about that?

Cheers to year #24! Let's hope it's a good one!

(I probably won't be cheersing my age ten years from now. I'll hope you lose track of time, and it will be my little secret then.)