Moving On Up

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Moving on up…literally.  Up to the 41st floor to be more exact.  This is what I wake up to every morning.  Yeah, I’m still not even close to over it–I had about 40 pictures to choose from for this post of the exact same view because I take a picture pretty much every morning, noon and night.  Thank God all those other apartments didn’t work out because apparently 18th time’s a charm.

Luna Bell is thrilled with the move.  She doesn’t know what to do with all the room she has to run and her new favorite past time is watching the lights from cars going by at night.  Her head just whips back and forth.  It’s hilarious.

Ryan feels pretty much the same way.  He has lots of room to run and he likes looking out the window too.

As for me, I’m just livin’ the dream.  When I was young, my family came to Chicago a lot.  I wasn’t allowed to cross the street by myself in my hometown,  but for some reason, when we were in Chicago, my Dad would leave me a $10 on the dresser at the hotel in the morning to get myself a newspaper and Corner Bakery for breakfast and then I would wander around Michigan Avenue and the Gold Coast window shopping for hours.   I remember thinking, “Someday, this is what I’m going to do every day.”  I know that’s super cheesy but if I ever stop squealing on the inside (and let’s be serious, sometimes on the outside) when I cross the river in the morning or see the Navy Pier fireworks happening right outside my window or when my daily run consists of being on the most beautiful lake-shore in the world, well, then it’s time for me to move.  Or stop being such a curmudgeon.

Living with my favorite person and cat in the world in my favorite city in the world…jackpot, baby.  Overwhelmingly grateful for these blessings.

High Five of the Day: I just noticed the reflection in this above picture so the High Five of the Day has got to go to my tank top.  The Scoop Neck Tank is my fav.

Every Body Needs a Home

adminChicago, CTA, Home, Melanee Cooper, Uncategorized, yoga, Yoga House Chicago%s Comments

Yoga mat strapped to my back, I tapped my foot impatiently as the Brown Line train I was riding crept along.  It probably knew that I had a noon class to make it to.  I got off the train 5 minutes before yoga was supposed to begin.  I didn’t want to be that girl who walked late into a zen environment only to ruin the calm vibe with the plopping down of her mat and water bottle.  Sigh. No yoga for me–to Trader Joe’s I go.  While going to put more money on my CTA card, I saw a sign for Yoga House.  I had heard this studio opened only a few weeks before and was looking forward to trying it but wasn’t sure exactly where it was located.  Well, here is was–740 N. Franklin.  And there was even a class starting right that second.  It was too much of a sign to not go in and see what Yoga House was all about.

Yoga House is the rebirth of the Melanee Cooper Gallery.  Melanee was in the art business for over 20 years and started practicing yoga 10 years ago.  Suddenly, she found herself structuring her work around her practice.  She had this beautiful space, felt yoga was art in itself and wanted to share that passion with others.  Yoga House was born.

Their mantra is “Every Body Needs a Home” and that’s exactly what it felt like–home.  I’d been having a hard time quieting down the “busyness” in my head that day–work stuff, to-do lists, more to-do lists, should I be feeding my cat organic cat food, should I be drinking more water, you know–hamster wheel brain.  But going into that studio felt like I had found the most silent space in Chicago.  The quiet rumble of the train. a lone fountain in the studio and some pranayama breathing later and I had lassoed in the stillness and contentment I had so been craving.  I was fortunate  to have Melanee lead my practice.  The class was fantastic–practicing yoga in a former art gallery is now my new favorite thing.  Beautiful hardwood floors, perfect lighting, amazing art still on the walls, a lovely little fountain that convinces you that the hustle and bustle you see outside on the street is nothing but an illusion–Yoga House is on to something.  Probably because it is so evident that Melanee is living her passion and you can’t help but feel good being around that, ya know?

By the time I got home, Melanee had emailed my descriptions of all of her teachers and I cannot wait to try their classes as well.  You should too.  I’ll see you there–I’ll be the girl in the corner who doesn’t want to leave.  740 N. Franklin, Chicago, IL 60654 www.yogahousechicago.com

The Golden Arches

adminChicago, Father-Daughter, fountain Diet Coke, McDonald's, toddler, Uncategorized, weekend%s Comments

Popping in to Mickey D’s to get a fountain Diet Coke and a yogurt parfait this morning, I overheard this gem of a father-daughter conversation:

3-year-old girl with butterfly wings attached to her t-shirt: “I’m excited for my hamburger”.

Dad: “Well, I got pancakes–it’s 8am, they don’t have hamburgers this early.”

3-year-old:  “But this is McDonald’s!”

Dad: (Struggling between the fact that she’s a toddler and explaining the intricacies of McDonald’s dining schedule): “We’ll come back this afternoon.”

Softball Saturday

adminbeer, Chicago, Chicago Rec Sports, Corcoran's, Linda, Married Mike, Saturday Morning, softball, Team Get In The Van We Have Candy, Uncategorized%s Comments

My friends are a very well rounded group.  In addition to their 9-5s, they are actors, volunteers, singers, writers, video gamera and now, every Saturday morning at 10am, recreational softball league players.  Team “Get In The Van, We Have Candy” no longer partakes in consuming (too many) adult beverages on Friday nights because they have to be ready for “the game” the next morning.  They are dedicated.  They are committed.  They go to sleep with their Corcoran’s t-shirts freshly pressed and their mits polished, dreaming of a victory that will put them in the Chicago Recreational Sports Hall of Fame.

Never mind that both teams they have played consisted of middle aged co-workers who have finely tuned their game over the course of the last 20 years.  Never mind that the girls on the team don’t know how to play their positions.  Never mind that my friend Linda was heckled into striking out by her own boyfriend.  This is a team with their eye on the prize because they have already won an award so prestigious, so elusive, so surprising because no one even knew this award was up for grabs.

Team “Get In The Van We Have Candy” was awarded “Best Team Name in All of Chicago Rec League Sports”.  Before the season even started.

I mean, really–it’s all how we measure success.  Those old folk opponents of “Team Get In The Van We Have Candy” might measure it by getting so far ahead that the mercy rule is invoked within 45 minutes.  But “Team Get In The Van We Have Candy” knows the true accolades are those felt in the heart, not seen with the eye.

Besides, Coach Matt came up with a game plan for today, at the request of players looking for more direction: Drink more beer sooner.  The game may be at noon, but drinking starts at 10am.

High five team, high five.

Puppy Power

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I’d love to take credit for this little gem but I have to give credit where credit is due.  Lulu Lindsey was driving down Lakshore Drive when she came across a guy who not only thought it was necessary to drive his vespa on a highway going 50 mph but also found it necessary to bring his poodle along for the ride.  Linds said the dogs ears were whipping all over the place from the wind but it didn’t appear that he was going to jump out so I’m assuming they made it home safely.

Nothing says manly like a man with a vespa.  And a poodle.

Bittersweet

adminBittersweet, celebration, Chicago, Cold Tangerines, Shauna Niequist, Uncategorized, writing%s Comments

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate.  When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” Bittersweet

Chicago author Shauna Niequist is releasing her second book in August and I’m eagerly anticipating it’s arrival at my door–the first book I’ve ever pre-ordered.  Titled “Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace and Learning the Hard Way”, it comes out in August and I can’t wait.  I had the pleasure of meeting Shauna through participating in a book club for her first book “Cold Tangerines” –a book filled with tons of delicious “me too!” moments–and I’ve followed her writing ever since.  It just makes you feel warm and inspired and heard, even though it’s her words you are reading.  It’s one of my favorite books, the kiind you keep going back to and reading a chapter when you need some sustenance or inspiration.  I highly recommend it.

The above quote from Bittersweet really struck me.  The good stuff–promotions, babies, engagements, good news, holidays–is easy to celebrate because you know that’s what you’re supposed to do.  It feels good and you act accordingly (preferably with champagne and chocolate).  But the bitter, the bitter is always so much more difficult and, at least with me, I always struggle with knowing what to do.  And I rarely feel grateful for it.  But what if I went into it like that quote from Bittersweet–going into everything with gratitude and then action.  Amazing day?  Thanks, let’s get tapas!   Scary and bumpy cab ride home with a guy who smells and listens to bad music?  Thanks, I’ll take the train next time.  Gratefulness, learning, AND growth.  What a concept. 

High Five of the Day:  The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. I ate my cereal this morning while delving into it and bought the ingredients for Lobster Pot Pie to make tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

Bucktown

adminBucktown, Buzz: Killer Espresso, Chicago, Coast, coffee, Luna Bell, Olivia's Market, Uncategorized, Wicker Park%s Comments

The neighborhood of Bucktown is growing on me.  I say “growing on me” because the first time I went there, it took me an hour and a half via bus and it’s only 1.5 miles away from my apartment.  I was late for a meeting and cursed Bucktown for not having a good, fast, public transportation way to get there.  This time, I took cabs and I must say, the absence of struggle to get there really improved my opinion of this charming area.

Bucktown is just east of the Kennedy Expressway and apparently, gets its name from the many goats that were raised there in the early 19th century.  While I did not see any goats during my 3 days in Bucktown, I did see lots of high end shopping, eclectic art galleries, gourmet groceries, cool bars and trendy restaurants.  A colleague brought me to Olivia’s Market where I was greeted by this:

These fresh cut flowers were just as fragrant as they were visually beautiful.  Olivia’s Market was wonderful little specialty food store, filled with a great wine selection, made-to-order sandwiches, cheese, an olive bar AND 10 cent candy.  Everyone working in the store knew my co-worker which reminded me of what it was like to go to the market in Italy, where everyone knows each other and it’s just a big social event.  I left with a 7-grain salad, guava Kombucha, 2 Swedish Fish, a peanut butter cup and very, very happy.

Mid-afternoon, I was in dire need of caffeine so I schlepped across the street (which technically brought me into Wicker Park, just so no one tries to beat me up for saying it’s still Bucktown) to Buzz: Killer Espresso.  I don’t claim to be a coffee connoisseur but if I was, Buzz: Killer Espresso would be my regular haunt.  Everything is custom made (i.e. no coffee poured from a vat that has been sitting there for hours) and I had the most lovely chat with owner Stefan about the book “Pour Your Heart Into It” and to be really great in business, you need to figure out what is it you do best in the world.  I can’t wait to come back in the summer when the outside patio is open–I envision lots of lattes and people watching.  1644 N. Damen–check it out.

Finally, I checked out Coast Sushi Bar.

I have been hearing about this place since I moved to Chicago and I must say, it did not disappoint.  BYOB, minimalistic but lively atmosphere, and the quality of the sashimi and make rolls were excellent.  The White Dragon Roll was amazing!  Being there with co-workers I can also call my friends didn’t hurt either.  Did I mention it was BYOB?  Can’t wait to go back.

High Five of the Day: Waking up to Luna Bell asleep on my stomach.  She is such a sweet kitty, I don’t know what people without pets do.  If you don’t have one, I suggest immediately going to PAWS Chicago to get one.  Awesome organization and really, how can you say no to this little face?

Shamrock Shuffle 2010

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This past Sunday, I ran the Shamrock Shuffle, an 8k that starts in Grant Park and weaves its way around the loop.  The Shamrock Shuffle is the kick-off to running reason in Chicago and the annual rite of spring.  The “rite of spring” part I don’t believe because last year, it snowed on the day of the Shuffle and this year, it was 34 degrees.  In any case, Ryan and I dragged our behinds out of bed in time to get to the Blackstone Hotel to meet up with the Imerman Angel folks (the charity we were running for–check them out, it is an amazing organization) before heading to the start line for a brisk 5 mile run.  I snapped this pic a few seconds before the race began.

I was too cold to be nervous for running a distance I haven’t even come close to in nearly 6 months but I was pleasantly surprised to see that I still had it.  We made great time!  Ryan and I made a fun game out of weaving in and out of the crowd of 25,000 + people and before I knew it, I had 5 miles under my belt and a beer in my hand.  Ahhhh, running season in Chicago…

I kind of feel like signing up for the marathon wasn’t a terrible idea now.  I had so much fun on Sunday, despite the frigid temperature, that I think I want to run at least a 5k race every month leading up to the marathon to remind me of how fun it is to have my feet pounding the pavement with several thousand other people.  Plus, I’ll get a bunch of free shirts.

What are your recommendations? Any favorites that I NEED to sign up for?

High Five of the Day: Trader Joe’s Chocolatey Cat Cookies.  I am usually a sucker for the vegan, organic animal crackers but I veered of the path of security and tried the Chocolate Cat Cookies.  They are my favorite thing of the week and I can’t help but smile and feel like I’m 7 when I pull one out and see a little cat smiling back at me…before I chomp its head off.

Do One Thing a Day That Scares You

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I have signed up for the marathon.  The Chicago Marathon, that is.  Sure, I’ve run a half marathon but that was, like, 4 years ago and these legs have not logged any serious mileage since then.  I have been dragging my feet (both figuratively and literally) about signing up for the marathon for a few weeks now but I said it was one of my 2010 goals and I’m lucky enough to have people in my life (ahem, lulu Lindsey) to hold me accountable for such things so…it’s official.  Come 10/10/10, I will be one of these people:

Signing up to schlep through 26.2 miles was something that scared me so if you’re really supposed to do one thing a day that scares you, I totally did mine for the day.

High Five of the Day: The Weather.  It was 55ish degrees and slightly sunny in Chicago today.  For those of us who live in the Midwest, even the slightest break from sub 30 degrees is a huge freaking deal.

You Know You Live in Chicago When…

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I moved to Chicago a year ago this Friday.  In this past year, I have learned lots of things about this fair city of mine.  I’ve learned the difference between Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s and Gino’s and taken a stance in that debate (Lou Malnati’s deep dish, for sure).  It’s come to my attention that distance is best measured in minutes, not miles), that corruption is to be expected in local politics and, despite all bets from my parents, I have also learned that wearing comfortable footwear is a must (I didn’t go down without a fight though–my cute heels went everywhere with me until I realized that being suicidal at the end of a trip to Border’s was just not necessary).

Last Sunday, Ryan and I went for a walk alllll over the city.  For 3 hours, we walked around, grabbed coffee, peeked in cute little boutiques, (Barker and Meowsky: A Paw Firm was a fav) and ran errands.  At the end of the day, we were cold, bogged down with shopping bags and couldn’t figure out why we were so compelled to spend our day outside.  It’s March, for crying outloud–not exactly the time to be outdoorsy (yes, I consider window shopping an outdoorsy activity).  Then it hit us.  The temperature was over 30 degrees–we had to be outside.  That doesn’t happen often, no matter what month it is, we had to enjoy it!  You know you live in Chicago when anything over 30 degrees is considered “good” weather.

Fortunately, when you realize that 30 degrees isn’t warm and you live in Chicago, there are a million cabs that are more than happy to deliver you to your doorstep.  Our cabbie on that particular day had a special trick up his sleeve to make the jolting stop and go’s at stop signs more enjoyable–he could tell us the day of the week we were born on just from our birth dates.  And fix a Rubix cube.  You know you live in Chicago when riding in a cab is an experience in itself.

You know you live in Chicago when…

Shay: …you can name all the different names for the highways.
Adrian:…Sarpino’s is on your speed dial.
Married Mike: …there are 2,024 different bars waving 2,024 different university flags
Corey: …the ‘burbs isn’t just a Tom Hanks comedy.
Katie: …you can complete the phrase “Your attention please. We are standing momentarily waiting for ……”
Jill: …you’ve paid $105 for towing, $30 for more than one “street cleaning” ticket, $58 for a city vehicle sticker, and $70 for a license plate sticker — and chalk it all up to “neighborhood taxes.”
Nina: …taking a week day off to drink at a Cubs game is completely acceptable.
Roscoe: In your head, you correct people who live in the burbs, but when asked, they say they live in “Chicago
Roscoe: 30 Degrees and frost in the morning, 65 and sunny in the afternoon, and snowing by midnight in one day doesn’t faze you.
Molly: When the light turn reds and you’re trying to turn, you know that at least two cars can still make it through the light.
Molly: “pink” is no longer a girly color, but a scary train line.
Any other takers?