It's must be April Fool's Day

It must be April's Fool's day because the joke is clearly on me! As expected, work was crazy busy today because it was the first day of school and the last thing I wanted to do when I got home was cook dinner. Thankfully I conveniently remembered around 4:55P that Gaslight Bar and Grille has their $5 burger special on Monday. Obviously I was all over that and easily convinced these folks to join me.

L and Chris

Chris and B

As expected, my meal was delicious! The turkey burger from Gaslight never fails. I left feeling "Chipotle full" and asked myself if I really needed to try some of the dessert L got for free. I mean... could you resist this free chocolate goodness?

This picture doesn't do it justice

The food obviously got to my head because I was not thinking straight when I came up with the best worst idea of the day. I thought it would be a "great" idea to step on the scale and see what my weight at the beginning of the academic school year looked like. It was all fun and games until I stepped on the scale and saw my horrible number. It was so bad that I re-weighed myself because I was convinced someone had secretly jumped on my back and that's why the number was so high.

Obviously I did not need the burger, or cookie, or everything else I have put into my body lately. Something has got to change because these two images illustrate my habits lately...

here

here

So I am just going to pretend that today is April Fool's day and my roomies are playing a joke on me by setting the scale at 500 pounds and that's why my lbs were obscene tonight. In the meantime, I am going to get off the computer and do some crunches/write a healthy grocery list--just incase the scale is not lying and this is my reality. Lesson learned at the end of the day... we all have to prioritize incorporating healthy habits and living a better lifestyle! Don't agree? I'll leave you with a little food for thought:

here

My kind of a weekend

I finally succeeded at my goal to have a fun and relaxing weekend. I have to work tomorrow so today is technically my Sunday. Last night I explored a new neighborhood, Ravenswood, with Brooke, Greg, and co. We went to Fountainhead for dinner and drinks. I really enjoyed their kraft beer selection but I am not going to write home about their food. However, take my review with a grain of salt because everyone else enjoyed their food. Nevertheless, it was just the night that I needed- low key, good convo, and great company.

Brooker

Greg 

New friends

Greg's phone has an antenna- we thought this was too funny

The best part of my evening is that I woke up this morning feeling like a rock star. I guess that happens when you sleep 9+ hours!

Thankfully, I wasn't exhausted this morning because I made plans with my colleague Joe to check out the Threadless 6th Annual Family Reunion. It was pretty cool. I got a swag bag, Potbelly sandwich, and t-shirt for FREE. It was a hipster's dream come true.

Joe hates smiling for the camera

I'll take a free concert

Love this- make great together!

For me info, click here 

I am glad that I got to experience something new. There's so much to do in this city! In my attempt to continue to have a fun and relaxing weekend, I've invited some girlfrans for a dinner and movie night.

Alright friends, get off the computer/your smart phone and soak up the rest of your weekend. Happy Saturday!

A Tribe Called Catch

Did I tell y'all that I am on an intramural dodgeball team? Our name is A Tribe called Catch and we are as serious as the people on the movie Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. We play every Thursday night at North Avenue Beach and it's awesome because we play at an outdoor ring with a great view of the lake. This week was especially fun because we ended up winning and getting a $60 gift card to Duffy's bar. As you can imagine, we definitely celebrated that night! However, don't worry... I didn't stay out too late because this week is all about relaxing.

Team photo

My game face

Paige is in town!

Celebrating our big win

Joelle and me

Working and lovin it

I've wanted to update you on my weekend the past few days but my internet has been acting up. I contacted RCN last night to have a technician come and fix the problem. They informed me that they couldn't come until tomorrow evening and of course it decides to miraculously work today.

So, long story short...my weekend was not relaxing but it was a great time! The weather was so nice and I couldn't resist being outside. Plus it was the Air and Water Show. I didn't have the patience to go to North Avenue Beach to watch it because it was so crowded so I was pretty thankful when SM decided to have a last minute gathering at her place. 

Greg, L, Matt, and me

Matt, Rach, and Greg

The gathering was a blast but on Sunday morning I had my "ah-ha" moment and realized that I have to be SERIOUS about slowing down because school starts on August 27. Therefore, I implemented my early bedtime rule and have tried to remain at peace during this crazy time at work. Thank goodness I really enjoy my colleagues and job because it would be easy for a girlfran to snap over my current to-do list. Plus it's an added bonus that I get to work by the lake.

View from our office

Always dreaming about wanting to be on a boat

Helping out with transfer orientation

Kiki and I (and co) took some time to unwind after work at Waterfront Cafe

Although the work never ends, we always find a reason to smile at work!

What I'm Doing These Days

Once again, I must apologize for being inconsistent with my blog entries. As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I had friends in town last weekend and I am still trying to catch up on sleep and my day-to-day responsibilities. I swear once you graduate from college you automatically get invited to the "just can't handle it club." Despite my many attempts to go, go, go and my desire to embrace the "work hard, play hard" philosophy, my body always slaps me with reality (exhaustion) and reminds me that I am no longer 18... or 21. However, allow me to summarize the past few days for you.

Late nights

It's best to describe last weekend as "late nights and good conversations." I swear I didn't get to bed before 1:00A each night and unfortunately my internal alarm clock still woke me up around 7:30A-8:00 the next morning later that day. I wish I could go back to the good ol' days when I could sleep until 1:00P if my parents didn't force me out of bed around 11:30A-noon. Although these late nights were a bit draining because my preferred bedtime is 8:30P, it was worth catching up with old friends,  going to a BBQ, celebrating many birthdays, and embracing the city like a tourist.

The Cloud Gate aka the Bean- it never gets old!

Outside Lou Malnati, Chicago-style deep dish pizza

View from the John Hancock Observatory women's bathroom

My two visitors/roomies for the weekend, Pete and Donald

Chris and me at Thai Classic restaurant

Happy birthday, Jerem!

The girls celebrating Pete M's bday

Lauren and me at Northalsted Market Days

Book clubs

I dedicated all my free time to read for my work and personal book club. On Monday afternoon I gathered with colleagues for lunch to discuss The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything in Life: A Spirituality for Real Life by James Martin, SJ. and on Wednesday night I gathered with some girlfrans to discuss Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. I thoroughly enjoyed both books because it was the perfect combination to promote work-life balance in my life. Also, I believe that every Chicagoan needs to get their hands on Devil in the White City because the non-fiction book is set in our very own city.

Homemade meals

I ended up spending way too much money on meals last week because of my visitors. Although I always enjoy the opportunity to catch up with a friend at a restaurant, I prefer to cook and eat at home. In order to be mindful of my wallet and waistline, I decided that I'd ban dinner dates for the week. I am 4/4 on eating homemade meals. The best part is that my roomies and I even made Pinterest-inspired dishes. I should have taken pictures but of course I remembered that after I took my last bite.

Dreaming

I've been dreaming about the fun yet very relaxing upcoming weekend I want and desperately need since last Sunday. My goal is to sleep at least 8 hours a week, workout, and make it to church. Do you think I will succeed? I guess you'll have to read my blog entries closely to see.

Lessons learned from an 80-year-old

My friend Pete and I decided to go to Rose's, a neighborhood dive bar, to grab a drink last night. It's crazy that we've only been friends for almost 7 years because I feel like I've known him all my life. Therefore, it's always good to see him because he is currently juggling dental school, planning a wedding, and your everyday adult responsibilities.

Considering this isn't Pete's first time visiting Chicago, I decided not to take him to a "typical/touristy bar." From the outside, Roses isn't the most attractive bar but it's always worth building the courage to get out of your comfort zone and try something new!

Pete and I were in luck because Rose was working last night. I was impressed by her ability to connect with every single individual who walked through the door. Also, she is a very open person and shared her stories about living in Poland, becoming a widow at 30 and the many lessons she has learned over the years. 

There was one insight that I overheard Rose tell a fellow customer that really struck me. She encouraged this 20-something-year old to make sure she takes the time to listen to others, especially those that are older. Now, this is a saying that I've always heard growing up but for some reason (in this moment) I was really empowered to pause and reflect on how I incorporate this important life lesson to my life.

Am I taking the time to listen to those around me? Have I taken the time to thank my parents for all those times they said "Just listen" or "Trust me?" There is so much truth in the beauty of having the courage to listen to others. I believe that every single person has a story to tell and some knowledge to contribute. However, I also believe that it's becoming more challenging for people to remember this due to our society's status of being very technologically savvy.

For example, I've witnessed people text or respond to email at the dinner table. I've noticed people dismiss others on public transportation and quickly grab a book or their ipod in order to not be "bothered" by others. I've heard people describe looking at people's Facebook statuses as the best way to keep up-to-date with their family and friends. I've observed couples fighting and being so focused on making their point that they fail to listen to the other and recognize that they are on the same page.

We can't afford to lose touch. We have to remember Rose's suggestion and take the time to listen and embrace the people around us. THANK YOU, Rose for this valuable lesson that is easy to take for granted. I hope that when I am 80 years old I am cool enough to work at a bar and share a story or two with others.

Life Lately

I am sorry I've been MIA lately. Between weddings, traveling, moving, and the craziness leading to the upcoming academic year...you can say things have been pretty busy lately! I have friends staying with me this week and weekend but I promise to write soon with my life updates.

In the meantime, enjoy the pictures below that illustrate what life has been like for me lately:

I ended up finding a dress to wear to the wedding that I love!

My undergrad-much love for the Bluejays

Rachel and me. Haven't seen her in way too long!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Miller!

MR and AR 

Some of my favs outside of the Miller's wedding

How beautiful is this bride?

Drew and Grant- they always keep things entertaining.

I had no time to move! Thankfully I barely made it.

I got to meet Wasabi. How cute is he?

Court and Rach on the way to our staff retreat.

I went on a morning jog with some coworkers at our retreat site.

My new roommates and me

Finally caught up with some of my girlfrans. It had been almost a month.

I also got to catch up with two of my favorite Chicago/Creighton men.