Chocolatefest!

What's a better way to celebrate the Memorial Weekend than going to Chocolatefest? For me...there isn't. Last Saturday my roommate and I went to Burlington, Wisconsin to celebrate Chocolatefest. Anyone who knows me realizes this is a diabetic coma waiting to happen. Luckily, I had my great roommie with me to "supervise" my intake of chocolate.

The festival took place on the small town's carnival grounds. The only part that was "chocolatefest" was the large tent in between the corn dog stand and the funnel cake cart. Don't think I'm knocking the fest, but I suppose my imagination got the best of me when I heard the word "chocolatefest." Christina and I roamed the tent grabbing samples at almost every table, making fun of the obnoxious children with their WT parents and buying way too many chocolate goodies. My favorite purchase of all time is in the photo below. I literally couldn't stop laughing at the idea of giving this to someone as a present. Watch your Christmas stockings this year...

If you can't tell, I'm holding a chocolate lollipop with a picture of me on it. Is it any surprise I would do that? Only $3 too!

After eating my first Gyro and making our rounds in the chocolate tent, Christina and I went to the beer tent. We enjoyed two pitchers of beer while sitting on the grassy hill. You would think it being the beer tent that children would be prohibited, but no. Of course, we had all the WT children running around while their parents balanced a beer and cigarette in one hand. Another added bonus to the afternoon was Harley Day. That Saturday was Harley Day - full of leather vests, bandanas, biker boots, tight jeans and not much of a surprise...camel toes. Ugh. The photo of the man below pretty much sums up the crowd in the drinking area.

My Saturday was funfilled and a great little day trip out of the city. I left the festival wishing I had worn elastic pants after all the food we ate. Let me recap everything I consumed at the carnival: a Gyro, a pitcher of Miller Lite, deep-fried cheese curds, a funnel cake, frozen custard cone, half a bag of taffy, and lots 'o chocolate (chocolate chip cookies, chocolate water, chocolate-covered strawberry, mini candy bars, etc.) My stomach was pissed at me on the way home, but it was worth the tummy ache. The deep-fried cheese curds were amazing, and I agree that Wisconsin has the best cheese. Anything deep fried is delicious though. Looks like I will have a reason to go back to Wisconsin.

Happy Chocolatefest!

Congratulations, Graduate!

Congratulations, Chris!

Chris graduated this past Sunday from the University of Kansas. I'm a few days late for this announcement, but better late than never. I flew back to Kansas City last weekend to celebrate with my man, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect (minus getting a sunburn.)

Chris graduated with degrees in aerospace engineering and military history. He was highest distinction in his engineering class (aka: A Big Deal) and received the opportunity to meet (and have breakfast with) Chief Justice Roberts before the engineering graduation ceremony. The Chief Justice was the speaker for their ceremony, but Chris didn't actually get to hear him speak. Why? Chris didn't attend his graduation ceremony because he had an interview that same Sunday morning. Long story short - the interview was a great opportunity for Chris, and he had to choose one or the other. In the end I think he made the right decision. I suppose whether or not he gets the job will decide that though. =) (just kidding)

Of course, as a true Jayhawk, Chris did walk down the Campanile Hill and enjoyed the most well-known KU tradition. Awww memories...what a great feeling that was.

Baby, I'm SO proud of everything you've accomplished!!!

Best Supporting Actor Is...

I just found out that Christian Bale will be filming with Depp as well!!! How did I completely forget about that beautiful beautiful man?! He's higher on my list than Hugh Jackman (despite what Bale did to him in The Prestige.) Who could blame my love for this actor...it's Batman! He had me at "hello" in Little Women though.

Bale and Depp won't be filming until Thursday. Looks like this Thursday I will be going into work late and leaving early. Cross your fingers that I will have photos to share of me with these beautiful actors.

Best Male Actor in a Leading Role Is...

JOHNNY DEPP!

Johnny Depp is the actor who will be waiting on my doorstep! Well, not literally on my doorstep, but just outside my home on Francisco Avenue. Christina and I found out last night through the grapevine that the academy award nominee will be filming his newest movie on our street in front of our apartment for the next three days.

I thought they would be filming around our block at first, but they are definitely doing something directly in front of our building. There were orange cones aligning our sidewalk, and they had security loitering on the street this morning. No trailers or famous actors known as Johnny Depp yet.

Christina and I have gone into operation stalker today - if you can't tell. Although I had to go to work, Christina is working from home to stay on alert and give me any updates. I may go home for a long lunch if any good news arises. It's not everyday you get Edward Scissorhands on your block. I will keep you posted if I have any sitings or actually get to meet the notarious Jack Sparrow.

Stay tuned...

Quiet On The Set!

I came home on Sunday night to find flyers posted on all the trees along my block. These flyers notified us to move our cars off the marked streets for the next three days. For what - street cleaning? No. Apparently, my neighborhood (and my street in particular) has moving-making qualities. Universal Studios will be using the streets/neighborhood as a set for the next several days, and apparently my stylish '98 Civic is cramping the set's style.

It is exciting to know they will be filming a movie in front and around my home despite the inconvenience of moving my car. Christina and I are on a mission to find out what the movie will be and when it will be released. I'll keep you posted, but tell me if you hear anything about a movie being made in the Logan Square area of Chicago. Crossing my fingers that Clive Owen will be waiting for me on my doorstep after work...although if it's Hugh Jackman, I won't object. I consider myself a pretty friendly person. =)


UPDATE: The movie is Public Enemies which is being directed by Michael Mann. It is based on the early 1930s crime wave of gangsters such as John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd and the government's attempt to stop them with J. Edgar Hoover's FBI. The line up for roles are: Johnny Depp as John Dillinger, Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis an FBI agent and Billy Crudup as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Public Enemies will hit theatres in 2009.

Summer Reading

After meeting Jen Lancaster, it perked up my reading interest after having a month off from books. I blame the Chicago excitement from keeping me settled in one spot to enjoy a good book. On one of my four hour walks around the city (a typical weekend occurrence,) I stopped at Barnes & Noble to treat myself (no, not the tasty goodies at the coffee shop.) Usually, I check out from the library, but I still haven't been to the Chicago Public Library. After convincing myself that I deserve a little purchase, I choose Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I've heard great reviews from friends, many who said it's a book to buy. I'll let you know my thoughts on the book once I'm finished, but so far so good.

Since I'm an indecisive shopper, I appreciate word-of-mouth advertising for anything and everything. Books are no exception. If you're the same way as me, then hopefully I can suggest a few of my favorite books. I understand we all have different tastes - mine being "chick lit." Please don't shun the books I recommend based on this, because they aren't all that genre. I've already shouted the praises on Jen Lancaster's books so I'll give a short list of other favorites. Some new, some old...but they're all worth reading and rereading.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Brilliant. This is my all-time favorite book. The plot is like "Memento" meets "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." A love story that's twisted and enjoyable for either gender. I found myself rereading the chapters throughout the book or flipping back pages to make complete sense of all the timeframes and discussions. I wanted to engulf myself in the book and not skim a single sentence. After I completed the book, I thought, "I bet that will be even better the second time around so I can catch all the little hints and happenings along the way." It's like when I watched "The Sixth Sense" for the first time. At the end of the movie, all you wanted to do was rewind to see Bruce Willis interact with the boy and pick up any little hints that he was a ghost (or find the red in each scene.) With The Time Traveler's Wife, all I wanted to do was rewind to understand everything because the book just sucked me into this other world. A world that supports my favorite quote, "Everything happens for a reason."

The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown

Everyone has heard of this book and most likely has read it. I would like to note that when I first read this book, Oprah didn't have it in her book club and Tom Hanks wasn't practicing for his leading role. I decided to read this book early on despite my lack of interest in mysteries. I enjoyed the read from beginning to end, and even bought another book that discussed the truths and details of the "real" code. The DaVinci Code made me ask questions and research the truth of the story's history. Nothing is better than a book that you can't put down and staying up two hours past bedtime because you just have to read the next chapter and the next chapter and the next... And for those of you who have read it, you know that this is that kind of book.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom has a way to tug at anyone's heartstrings through his storytelling. I love a book that makes me emotional. Sounds odd, but it's wonderful to get so in a moment with words and the story that it touches you personally. This book makes you reflect on your own life and the people who are closest to you - what I consider Albom's signature on all his books. What makes this book different from his others is the story of afterlife. I'm mildly obsessed with death in the sense of what will come after I die. I love this book's take on it, and it made me feel serene instead of scared. It's not a preachy religious book, just a story of an older man meeting five people in the afterlife who had a significant toll during his actual life whether it be for years or only a moment. This beautiful story also follows the belief that "everything happens for a reason."

I'll save you the hassle of reading my opinion repeatedly on all my favorites, so see below for just a list of books you can research on your own.

• Pug Hill
• Little Women
• Stupid and Contagious
• 1984
• Confessions of a Shopaholic
• Catcher in the Rye
• Brain Droppings

Read and enjoy!

Indulgence

I love sweets. I mean LOOOVE sweets. That's no surprise to my friends and family who always warn me about cavities and diabetes. Despite their warnings I don't think I will ever be able to control my sweet tooth. As long as my metabolism stays high, I'm ok with eating pints of Ben & Jerry's, rolls of cookie dough and pans of brownies. Speaking of brownies...my friend, Rachel, recently posted some newfound recipes on her blog. (http://www.whoopsiarted.blogspot.com/)
She introduced me to this.



Doesn't it look magnificent?!

Looks like I have a date with someone special on Saturday night...someone called s'mores brownie. I'll make a trip to the store this weekend for graham cracker crumbs and marshmallows. I already have brownie mix...let's just say I'm prepared for a situation like this.

Is it sad that the highlight of my weekend involves a movie (most likely a chick flick), my comfy bed and that delicious dessert seen above? To be on the safe side, someone please call me on Sunday to make sure I didn't slip into a diabetic coma.

The One, The Only...

Tuesday night I met the one, the only...Jen Lancaster! Who? If you know me well, you've heard me rant and rave about her books. Jen Lancaster is my favorite author, who I met at her book reading/signing for Such a Pretty Fat. I have read her first two books, Bitter is the New Black and Bright Lights, Big Ass. I suggest you read her books if you are a woman who has an affinity for sarcasm, shopping and hilarious strong-minded women (which I do). Jen's books make me laugh out loud everytime I read them. Her blog is also just as excellent. If you're a dog-lover, you'll enjoy the posts on her two dogs. I'm won't try to explain more because I can't do her writing justice. Obviously, I'm a fan.

I had quite the experience meeting Jen. Here's a recap of my eventful night.

Tuesday night I rushed out of work later than usual since I was pretty busy all day. (I actually enjoyed being busy at work...something I probably won't say years from now.) Of course, I rode the slowest blue line train home. Why is it when you're in the biggest hurry, you come across the woman who stutters her steps at the bottom of the escalator, the homeless man wearing 10 coats blocking the door and the tourist trying to figure out how to put in his CTA ticket? Agh! I raced home and hopped into my green machine to find my way to the Barnes & Noble on Webster Avenue. On the way there, I realized that the "Elston" Target that Jen always mentions in her books and blog is MY neighborhood Target! Jen Lancaster goes to MY Target! (It's the little things that get me excited, so let me have my enjoyment on this little fact.) If you're curious about why this Target stands out, then you'll have to read her books and blog. I haven't experienced the place enough to explain it the way she does. One word though - weirdos.

The book signing was the first one I've ever been to, and I hope to attend many more. The experience was well worth seeing Jen Lancaster in person AND talk to her as she signed my book and book plate (aka: a piece of paper to stick on her new book since they ran out of Such a Pretty Fat.) After waiting in the back of the line for hours, I finally reached Jen to sign my copy of Bitter. This is the point when I began to ramble and make jokes, probably thinking she will fall in love with my personality and we become BFFs. What did I say to entice Jen to be my new BFF? I told her how I should've ate before coming here, since I was starving from waiting so long. Realizing how that sounded I backpedalled saying it was well worth the wait (which it was!) Then trying to be more memorable I spout that I just moved to Chicago from Kansas City and live near the Target she's always talked about. She asks exactly where in the area, I tell her and she points out that we're in the same area (although she's Bucktown and I'm more Logan Square.) She inquires about being able to stalk her now and I joke back with her. (Still not sure how much you can joke with a semi-celebrity about stalking, but she seemed to think it was funny.) I begin to walk away when a Barnes & Noble employee asks if I'd like to have a book plate signed as well. I must have given my usual deer-in-headlights look since I'm a very indecisive person. Jen laughs and jokes that it must be a big decision for me. I tell her she has no idea, but to go ahead and sign another despite her hand cramping. Although I was not at the top of my game, I think I amused her in those few minutes.

For all those interested in this Jen Lancaster I speak about visit: http://www.jennsylvania.com/ and buy her books...she won't disappoint.

Jen and I from Tuesday night.

Shop 'Til I Drop

Sunday was an absolutely beautiful day in Chicago. The warm sunny day was well-deserved after a cold, dreary Saturday. I enjoyed the great weather with a day of shopping on Michigan Avenue. Nothing gets your spirits higher or lower than shopping, and luckily I had a successful spree.

All women can relate to the highs and lows of shopping, especially if you're looking for those perfect pair of jeans. Good jeans are as rare as the Vancouver Island Marmot (only about 29 left in the world...you learn something new everyday.) Anyway, my point is that shopping can be disastrous and a huge hit on your self-esteem or the highlight of your week as you strut with your new purchases. Men will never understand this. Probably because the men's fitting rooms don't have bright lights that accentuate every dimple on your rhino-sized thighs. I blame my magnified thighs on the carnival-esque mirrors which make my average body look oddly misshapened. With the combination of bright lights and big ass, I sorely regret wearing a purple thong. You would think that more stores would have the ideal fitting room like Banana Republic. BR has rooms with a choice of lighting and mirrors that accentuates curves not dimples. Although I didn't buy anything, my confidence did rise a few notches with the "evening" lighting view.

The stores that made me the happiest girl ever on my shopping Sunday - H&M and Forever 21. I have always dismissed these stores due to the mass of clothes and shoppers. I easily get overwhelmed in stores like these - clothes packed in tightly, arranged by color and multiple levels of items I'd usually second guess. Eventually, I have to eliminate certain areas of the store before I hyperventilate. I assumed these stores were for tweens or for women who should know better, but I was wrong. You call a store Forever 21, and I'm going to avoid it. I don't want to be "forever 21" - it wasn't the greatest year and I'd rather be forever mid to late-20s. Although it's a hunt and find mentality there, H&M and Forever 21 have stylish clothes that are cheap. Maybe it's city living that's calming me to the idea of these uber cheap shops...or maybe it's because I found three pairs of stylish jeans that fit perfect! Three! I was only going to buy one, but this was like finding the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. By the end of the day, I walked away with filled shopping bags without breaking the bank.

Cheap clothes may not last as long, but when fashions change as much as they do, what's the point in having a top that will last for several seasons. I have a hard enough time conforming to skinny jeans now, let alone two years from now (they better be out of fashion by then.) Thankfully, all the walking I did along the Magnificent Mile will help me squeeze into my new jeans...but my feet are still sore.

My next shopping mission: Shoes