Day 77: St. Patrick's Day Pub Field Trip

What a lovely St. Patrick's day.  I had a great time traveling around the city, enjoying the weather, and hanging out.  It is amazing how many people were in Chicago today.  It seemed like a mass of green.


The only part of the day that was not so great was the trip back to the car.  First, there were a crazy amount of people.  Second the L was delayed for about a half hour.  Third, there were some drunk people and people looking for fights.  One woman was being insane and punched a guy a few feet from me.  Two girls also got in a fight and one got off the L crying and bloody.  One woman was so wasted on something that she could barely stand and her eyes were rolling back into her head.  There were some crazy people out there.  So tonight, it is great to be clean and laying in my bed.

Day 42: Food Brings Us Together

Lunch with dad is the best because he loves to try new places just like I do.  Our lunch dates usually include going to restaurants that are not chains and are known for their excellent food.  We will often share dishes so that we can try more. 

 
Today we went to the Half Shell in Chicago.  It is this seafood restaurant mixed with a dive bar.  We shared a fried oyster appetizer and had king crab legs.  The meal was delicious and the company was great.  I can imagine how fun this place would be in the summertime outside.
 
  After we finished our meal we walked down Clark Street to an Austrian Bakery.  It was busy with young people enjoying a warm retreat from the chilly day.  He was pretty excited about all of the baked goods and found some treats to take home.

As we were walking back to the car, he recognized a building from his past.  Although I feel like I know a lot about my dad, it is exciting to see glimpses into his younger years.  He has been through a lot in his life, and I always enjoy learning more about the little details of his experiences.  The more that I learn about him, the more I realize that he is human, and it is okay that I am too.

Also as we were walking back, I saw a banana man that I've seen before in the city.  I think the other one I saw was in Old Town, and this one is in Lincoln Park.  I have no idea what it is all about, but he looks friendly.  If anyone knows his story, I'd be curious to find out.  Perhaps he is a symbol to remind you to eat your fruits.  I've heard that a banana a day is actually better than an apple a day.  Or maybe he is a physical representation of the saying "you are what you eat."  If this is the case, I'd probably be a peanut butter and jelly toast since I have that almost everyday.
 
The afternoon ended with a few bites of tiramisu and an espresso.  Carolyn bought me this awesome espresso set, plates, and place mats.  I feel like I should have an espresso party to show off my sweet dishes.

Day 37: Feel Excited More Often

I remember growing up and being so excited all of the time.  It didn't take a santa-like feat for me to feel the enthusiasm that can take over when little joys arise.  My mom wanted to play checkers; aright, I'm ready to win.  I get to sleep over at a friends house; let the festivities begin!  I get to pick out one item at the dollar store; you can bet I'll make my selection carefully.  There were so many things that made my day extraordinary.

As I was preparing my outfit for Chicago tomorrow, I remember how much I used to love planning my outfits.  In elementary school I often created combos that I was so excited to wear that I decided to sneak them on the night before and sleep in it because I couldn't wait to test out my vision (my mom discovering this habit ruined the fun).  One outfit was designed for the first 60 degree day in the spring.  60 degrees meant shorts weather.  I decided to put together a daring outfit with black nylons and jean shorts over the top.  Remember that style last year?  I was modeling that back in the 90s. 

I used to experiment and find happiness in all of these situations that many people would consider ordinary.  I've lost a little bit of that, and I want to bring it back.  So as I lay in bed writing this blog, I look forward to my little excursion into the city where I have so much to look forward to in the train ride, L ride, and free time after the conference.  There is a line from "Seven Pounds" that I just love: "Live life abundantly."  Oh yes, I think I will.