Good clouds tonight. Fall clouds, I think. I’m not “back to school” ‘ing anything and I am certainly not ready for a Pumpkin Spice Latte but it’s a new season, that’s for sure.

I say this with every season but man…there’s nothing better than fall in Chicago. My kind of town and my kind of clothing- layering, skinny jeans, boots, scarves, jackets that don’t have to be functional, still able to whip out my big sunnies. And don’t get me started on all of the amazing produce the Green City Market is going to have soon (honey crisp apples, wha?!?).

Bring it on, Fall- we’re muy simpatico already.

“If we disagree, let’s do so with kindness and respect. Let’s choose love in our actions and words every chance we get.”

Shauna Niequist

Shauna is one of my favorite writers and someone I have had the pleasure of running into over the years as we both lived in Grand Rapids and then moved to Chicago around the same time. She posted a comment last night on Facebook about a political figure that was simply positive, a nod to someone she thinks is cool.

It was met with a considerable shitstorm.

The person she was noting that she liked is not someone I enjoy, although I think this individual has amazing arms and a great stylist. But it never occurred to me to hate Shauna as a result or bring the whole of Christianity into the fold. I was appalled at the comments hurled Shauna’s way, not just for her but it made me really sad that people react with hate so easily. But it got me thinking about how I react to those whom I don’t know or respect so much. Might I also have unkind words and insults to hurl? Possibly. Probably. Totally not cool.

Kindness and respect. Choosing love in our actions and words. That is my new political mantra until November 6th.

Popples, anyone? The ’80s, “Popples are pockets that turn into toys”? They came up in convo with my best friend tonight…seriously, between Popples, Teddy Ruxpin, Cabbage Patch Kids and My Little Ponies, toys from the ’80s were the best.

A commercial, for your enjoyment.

Let’s file this under “The best seats we will ever have at a Cubs game”.

On Saturday, a business connection treated Ryan and I to a Cubs game via the front row. We actually were closer to the field than the players. Had the pitcher gone down, I could have been at the mound, ready to rock in less than 6 seconds.

Nothing says summer like Cubs games and there’s nothing I love more than cheering on my hometown team. Add in a few hotdogs, beers and a camera that pans in on us every time a right handed batter was up, thus letting my family at home in on the fun and it was the best Cubs game ever (my Dad seriously called to ask what was for lunch because he could see we were eating…hooray for stuffing your face on national tv, right?). All in all, it was the perfect send-off to summer.

I LOVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL. I love the Spartans. I love that another season of cheering, high-fiving and football Saturdays are upon us.

In 2 weeks, I will be making my triumphant return to East Lansing when I attend the Michigan State/Notre Dame game for the first time in 4 years.

Tonight, however, is all about proving how freaking old I am.

In lieu of going to a bar to watch the start of the season, we opted to make a Whole Foods run and grill out while watching the game at home. During said trip to Whole Foods, we procured a bottle of gin, the first to ever grace our bar. I know- things got crazy tonight.

Inspired by Smitten Kitchen’s Blackberry Gin Fizz recipe, I crafted this bad boy:

For 1 drink:

6 blackberries
1/2 packet Splenda
1 shot of gin
1 lime, squeezed
Basil leaves for garnish

Muddle the blackberries and add in Splenda. Pour into shaker and add lime and gin. Shake, pour over ice and top with soda water. Toss in a basil leaf and cheers!

I can’t wait to get back to EL but grilling with a view of the city and my tv while wearing a MSU jersey and sipping a gin cocktail wasn’t a bad way to kick off the season.

Go Green!

Chicago Jazz Fest kicked off tonight with an Ella Fitzgerald tribute concert and goes through Sunday. While I got there late and sans picnic, I absolutely suggest grabbing a bottle of wine and a blanket and making a night of it. Summer in the city at its best.

I received this picture in a text this morning with the caption “Sup, Ma”.

I think it’s more of a “Luna Bell is not impressed” sort of look she is giving but regardless, being in Columbus and waking up to that face was a good day starter.

That cat just kills me.

1. Yesterday was the most traffic my blog has ever seen. My initial reaction was “Wow, there really must be an extraordinary amount of Tweens googling Justin Bieber cards” and vowed to write about Justin Bieber at least once a week. But then I was chatting with Antonia at Flywheel before class today (I know, I know- obsessed) and she said Flywheel shared my post with their social media channels and website. So, maybe just maybe, Just A Chi Town Girl was flooded yesterday with adults addicted to sweaty, cardio glory and not just the under 13, I Heart JB set. Just in case, I’ll probably still do a Justin Bieber post occasionally…just to keep my numbers up.

2. Speaking of Flywheel, what else do people do at 7am on a Monday morning? Sleep? Shower? I am flying to Columbus today and while on that bike, all I could think about was how awesome it felt to be kicking this week’s ass before even having a cup of coffee.

3. Speaking of flying to Columbus, this is week 7 of work travel. It’s been a necessary travel bender but I am so relieved it’s almost over and I will be able to manage my travel better/have some more time at home. The end of this week also marks the end of Ryan’s training for his new(ish) job. And the end of summer. The symbolism of a new season starting is certainly not lost on me. I feel good about the hard work we put into this last season but I will also probably bear hug the new one as it rolls in.

4. Midway Airport smells amazing this morning. The El, the walk-way, the security line…like cleaning and disinfecting fairies went to town. Once I got over my shock, the germophobe in me said a silent thank you to the travel gods…and an out-loud one to the guy manning the floor mopper machine.

Happy Monday!

I couldn’t find a thank-you card to save my life at the massive Walgreen’s on State and Randolph but an entire wall of themed Justin Bieber cards? Oh, you better belieber it.

The last Saturday before college football starts should absolutely be spent poolside.

The trees are a nice touch. Who says there’s no nature in the city???