Alumni!

Getting ready to book my flight for alumni weekend. SO EXCITED! Not only am I getting to visit my alma mater, I am visiting dear KP in DC! I haven't been back to noke since the summer after I graduated....I cannot wait. Not only am I seeing some of my faves, I get to see the pool people!

I am indulging in my guilty pleasure of country music as I prepare :) 

Ah technology...

So my wonderful brother taught me how to send pics I take on my phone to my email...yes a little behind the times but still neat! I took this on the way home from work the other night. I was ridiculously proud of myself for figuring it out. 

Merchandise Mart decorated for....Easter?

Springtime!

Spring has finally come to Chicago! Even though I know there will be one or two more snowstorms, the past few days have been WONDERFUL. While walking through LV and LP this weekend, I found many others had the same idea: enjoy it while it lasts. Beer Gardens are starting to open, more people are on the streets, and it's getting darker later. 

Pretty sunset in the alley behind my place

I hear the drums echoing tonight

I love Chi after dark. Sad to say, I sometimes feel safer after dark than I do during rush hour. Maybe my nocturnal tendencies are coming out, but something about this place in the night appeals to me. I feel the true character of a city reveals itself after night falls. I was at my friend cf's house and we were discussing how some cities feel safe at night and others are sketch. For some reason, I feel the same sense of comfort here as I did in Sunny Salem. Yes, I am aware of the dangers and I do my best to avoid them, but at the same time I feel comforted (not sure if that is the right word?) when I am wandering at night here. 

After the frat boys and trixies have retired to a drunken stupor, only the nocturnal creatures are left. I'm not sure what drive the others, but to me, the smell of the changing seasons and the sounds (like the el and ambulances) give me a sense of home and comfort. 

After the great convo/drinks at cf's, I took my neighbor's dog for a walk and we ended up in a local park. As she sniffed around, I retired to the swings. As I swung higher and higher, I realized I hadn't felt this free since high school. Spring is def here, and not a moment too late! 

Red Red Wine

No more red wine for this girl! The conversation and company was good, the headache..not so much.

As much as I love Chicago

I love this city, don't get me wrong. It has so much to offer between the music, sights, sounds, and politics...but there is one thing I miss about the south. Tonight as I was walking home from my friend kp's house I looked up at the beautiful night sky. The full(ish) moon was wonderful but there were no stars! One of my favorite memories from dear old RC was looking up at the starry night sky. Some of the best nights were spent on my porch, or at the pool, looking at the stars and just thinking. Even in the burbs, where the visibility is not great, I had a glimpse of the few constellations I knew. I have this amaze courtyard and roof but I just don't get the same feeling (maybe closeness with nature?...) as I did when I was in the Blue Ridge mountains. Sometimes I miss that more than anything...but most times I think of how lucky I am to be in this great city living the life I do!

hoookah!

No, not that kind. I'm talking ekoostik hookah! I went to their show at Martyrs' about a month ago and finally have the chance to post some pictures I took. I've been a HUGE hookah fan since I heard 'loner' at 16. This is the second time I've seen them live, and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. While I enjoyed their most recent album, they aren't much of a studio band and I was afraid I wouldn't like the show. The line-up has changed as well, lead vocalist Ed McGee is out with Dave Mullins taking his place. Anyway, when we got there, they were about a quarter way through the first set and it was AMAZE. There is nothing like seeing Sweeny (tall lead guitarist) go off on a jam. When you watch him, you can tell he is holding back just waiting for his moment and when it comes, he steals the show. I've heard stories, but seeing it live was one of my top 5 music moments. 

Best part of the show? Seeing Cliff yodel (yes, he yodels) and chatting with the band. Cliff is by far my favorite, he's so cute! Most disappointing part? Not hearing 'loner.' Still, it was well worth the money.

Katz at his best

Cliff yodeling, check out the grin on Katz!

Sweeny during one of his many jam sessions 

I love how the pic turned out even if they are a little blurry. It makes me think of the grainy pictures from the 60s and 70s. 

A race to the finish

Tonight is the night before the election for the 5th Congressional District's special primary and you can feel the urgency in the air. The seat was formerly held by Rahm Emanuel, now the Chief of Staff to President Obama. Those vying for the spot include 12 Dems, 6 Republicans, and 4 Green Party candidates. Yep, there are 22 in all fighting for the coveted spot and it has gotten ugly. I can't wait to see how this primary turns out - some of my best friends are working on various campaigns and I can't wait to have them back! One thing is for sure, politics in this city are never boring. 

For those who live in the 5th be sure to vote tomorrow! The Chicago Tribune has a good run-down of the candidates and their positions. Check it out here.

And so it begins...

So I've been playing around with this idea for a while, and thanks to some inspirational friends (hat tip MG) I am joining the blogging revolution. I am a twenty-something who lives, works, and plays in the great city of Chicago.  Here you will find my musings and observations on life and living. Enjoy!