Merry Christmas Eve

I love Christmas.. All the joy, dysfunction and yummy treats the holiday brings. I can't wait to spend Christmas day with my family.  I hope you all have a very stellar day with your loved ones. 

My favorite Christmas song... 

This one, because it's just so fun! Maybe you can relate? :-) 

 

Because of all the electricity that is generated...

Oh, how this lovely side project gets away from me more times that I’d like! Usually, it’s due to my pure laziness, but this time the culprit(s) was a honeymoon and an overseas visitor!  More on both of those later, this post is all about the great music we’ve recently experienced!

About 8 weeks ago..
I thought it was going to be a quiet Thursday night in – a bath, a book… mmmm relaxing. While I was waiting for my bath to draw, I browsed Facebook and saw a post from one of our  favorite bands that they were playing a FREE acoustic show at the Ginger man (local bar) at 9:30pm that night. Welp, gladly the quiet evening took a turn. Bryan and I jumped like little kids in excitement. I’ll say we are not proud of such behavior, after all we are in our 30’s –learning to be respectable adults. Meh, we don’t apologize for it either. WE LOVE PUNK ROCK CONCERTS!!   

I don’t have a video from the Menzingers gig at the Ginger man, but I do have a photo of Tom from the Menzingers with Bryan (err, Bryan, next time tilt head down) They were chatting away outside after the gig.

 

I’ll pause here to fill those in who don’t know – Our Honeymoon trip was planned around seeing The Menzingers open for the Taking Back Sunday Tell All Your Friends 10 year Anniversary tour.  We love TBS and when we checked their schedule we saw Menzingers were on the tour for a couple East Coast dates. Of one of the dates landed on my 32nd birthday, in Providence, RI, so, it made sense… road trip, aka Honeymoon (more on that in another post)  Here’s what we captured:

Menzingers up first…. (Rocked out like teenagers!!!)

 

 

Bayside was another opener. Bryan is/was more into them than me, but nonetheless, good stuff here. 

 

 

And, now... Taking Back Sunday – fronted by oh so sexy, southern Adam Lazzara. Who by the way, was standing  in line behind Bryan at the Starbucks located in the hotel we stayed in. Bryan comes back up to our room (this is day of the show) and says “I’m pretty sure Adam Lazzara was behind me in line.” To which I replied, “I knew I shoulda gone down with you, doh!”

 

 

It was such a great night! I have good feelings about being 32 and where life is headed. It was awesome to welcome the new year  with the love of my life by my side while rocking out to music we BOTH are so passionate about!

However, the music didn’t stop there… the day after the TBS gig  as I was relaxing recovering in the hotel room I saw on my facebook feed that another loved band; The Lawrence Arms were going to be playing a show at The Metro the following Saturday. What did we do? We said once our times up in Rhode Island we’d high tailed it back to Chicago, only stopping to sleep vs. a leisure trip back.  We left Rhode Island Thursday around 1pm and by Friday 7pm we were back home.  (Again, more on the trip later…. Rhode Island was the last leg of the honeymoon)

“The Larry Arms” as Bryan likes to call them did not disappoint and Bryan even met Brendan. (I SWEAR we are not weirdo groupies….)

 

 

Concerts already planned for 2013

• Hotwater Music w/ Menzingers opening, January 31 at The Metro

• Allister, March 9 at Reggies

Who’s coming with?? J xoxox

Maybe I'll be the coolest 40 year old?

I often wonder if others go through a period of their life when they ask, “Whoa, how did I get here”? Not to ask in disgust rather ask in surprise. I truly can’t believe I am where I am.  When I was in my 20’s I thought I would always rock a nose ring, adorn a couple-few-many tattoos and work as an artist or music journalist.  

Well, I’m about to turn 32. My nose ring and eyebrow barbell have long been gone. I try to hide the 3 tattoos I have and I am an executive in Public Relations.  I’m not unhappy by any means.  I do very much enjoy the field I’m in and career I’ve built for myself. I’m married to my best friend and love of my life. We live in a cozy apartment on the North side of Chicago.  We collect records and craft beer labels. We are always on the hunt for the next punk rock show and take advantage of all the free/cheap activities this great city offers.  We truly enjoy cooking and live as if we aren’t in a recession or a 1 income household. (He’s from Ireland waiting to get his work card, all of that in another post).  We have great friends and family. We are obsessed with movies and try to watch one daily.  All of that is great, but I can’t help to feel should I be doing more?  Volunteer for a cause I am passionate about?  Invest in one of my hobbies. I use to do open mic poetry and knock on art gallery doors to get my work seen.  I haven’t done either in YEARS!

I use to hear my siblings or other people say how wiped they were at the end of a work day. I never understood until I entered the workforce.  I am grateful for the course my life has taken. I am grateful for the career. However, something deep inside me is trying to come out. It hit me last night that my art supplies has been stuff in a closet. I moved to a smaller apartment 5 months ago.  With limited space, sadly, I thought my art easel and supplies didn’t warrant floor space residency. That changed last night. Bryan and I moved things around to make room.  I feel whole again. I feel inspired. It’s easy to moan, but it’s just as easy to make changes! Life is TOO short to waste on "shoulda, woulda, coulda!" Just as important it is to make a living to pay my bills, rent ect… it's equally important to make a LIVING.  Can you relate?

Canvas with awesome red bow is from Bryan. He gave it to me on our wedding day :)

Happy Election Day

Go vote... many people fought for the right!! That's all.

:-)

Seasons are a changin'

I love Fall for many reasons, it's the season of my birthday; the weather cools down to allowing me to pull out my favorite fashion accessories/items such as; boots, scarves and cozy sweaters also, the landscape is painted with bold, fresh colors! I love walking to the el train to see an assortment of orange, red and golden brown on the trees. For me Fall marks the time for change. The time to shake off the laid back vibe from summer and get some goals in place. In no specific order, here there are:

 

STOP spending money on wasteful items. Yeah, that Starbucks pumpkin latte is DE-LISH, but have it once and be satisfied. Not only will I save money, but also calories!

 

DO more crafts! Pinterest is available for a reason! I paint often, but rarely expand my arts and crafts beyond the canvas. Side note: for a wedding present Bryan bought me a huge canvas. I can’t wait to start painting. However, this holiday season it’s all DIY for me.

 

MOVE … those legs! Living in an city, car-less I walk everywhere so it’s less of an enjoyable act and more of a means of transportation. However, after sitting all day in an office chair I want to get a cardio workout going. And, gym memberships are expensive! So, in keeping with my goal to spend money wisely I’ve deceived I’ll invest in a bike. I’m in the middle of my research .. more to come.

 

RELAX more often. I am so high strung and consistently worried about how others perceive me. Welp, I’m learning I won’t please nearly half of the people I encounter so I should just RELAX. What I have little control of I can shift my focus on and what I can’t then so be it. My energy will be better channeled on what ACTUALLY matters. Plus, I’m a married woman now. Life is about us, our family and friends and what is to come.

 

What does Fall mean for YOU??

Adios, Summer!

Its official – summer is over. Well, in technical terms. Here in Chicago and in most of the US we are still under a bit of a heat wave. However, Labor Day weekend has just passed  marking the end of summer and  a matter of time before the cooler air comes in and tank tops are swapped for cozy sweaters. It’s a bittersweet affair for me personally. I will miss the summer days of rooftop parties and lazy Sundays spent at the park or lake, but I will not miss the scorching temperatures. That is pretty much it… I loathe the heat.  To join the country in celebrating this last summer hurrah and having work off on Monday to honor all who labor… I was sure to make the most of it – just after one sad moment! I bid a farewell to a good friend Friday night. She moved to Denver.  Bryan and I met her and her better half for alfresco “see you later” drinks.  I wasn’t sad (initially) as this is definitely a good move for her and exactly what she wants.  I was excited for her new adventure and happy to have a friend to visit in a place I’ve never been.  THEN- when I hugged her good-bye sadness rushed into me. I cried the few blocks back to my apartment. Bryan’s arms never left my side and he had me laughing through my tears. Cheers to Kate and her doing yoga throughout the Rockies! 

I already miss her!!

Following up our goodbye drinks, Bryan and I had plans to head to a rooftop party at Ashley and Kristen’s. This could mean only one thing… mayhem was in store.  We have had many good times on this rooftop. And, Friday’s celebration did not fail. 

Saturday morning was supposed to be one spent lazing around. As I enjoyed a nice lie-in, sounds of soccer filled the apartment. I’m learning that many soccer matches are to be watched during the weekend. Hey, it’s better than American football. I can’t stand hearing that all day long.  I digress - our morning of leisure turned into us rushing to get ready for a Cubs game. The game was at 3:05pm, but due to broadcasting it was changed to 12:05pm. Thank you, Ashley for randomly checking the website and calling me!!  This game marked Bryan’s first EVER experience to baseball!!  This is a sport played only in America and I believe a bit in Asia other than that, the rest of the world isn’t privy.  The weather was cloudy, over casted and drizzled a bit, but the sweet seats made the weather a moot point.  

 

For those who would like to know Bryan’s thoughts on baseball – “it’s kinda boring”. Cubs lost. Final score Cubs 2, Giants 5.

Saturday night and Sunday were uneventful. We did weekly cleaning and errands.. BUT, OH… Sunday’s dinner DEFINITELY warrants a mention! I cooked my first pot roast.

 

After a nice long night sleep and lazy morning, Monday offered great moods for both of us. We listened to a radio show called This American Life, played cards, listened to punk rock records and made a yummy breakfast in the afternoon. After that we were determined to do something that has been on our Chicago summer list. I like to make lists… of all kinds!  We set out to do the Architectural River and Lake boat tour, romp around Navy Pier and take a ride on the Ferris Wheel. Here are some photos to enjoy J

 

 Adios, Summer!

music.. it's how you communicate

I am always on the hunt for new music. I often find a song or band that is pretty good, but usually it’s rare that I find a band and fall head over heels - madly in love with them. Especially in the genre of Punk Rock, I think most bands sound alike. Maybe it’s the familiar gritty vocals or the same 3 cords, regardless I just don’t stop in my tracks. However, when I do hear a song that does I then must absorb everything about them! Recently, Bryan brought to my attention a band called The Menzingers. OH HOLY GOODNESS! I couldn’t get enough.  Immediately I looked to see if they had any upcoming tour dates in Chicago and BINGO!  They were coming to the Metro to play support for The Bouncing Souls 20^th anniversary show. I bought two tickets and planned to surprise Bryan with them… yeah, never happened! I was so excited that I told him 3 weeks before the gig. We had SUCH a good time. Here are some photos.. and a not so great video.     

If you like punk rock – I highly suggest checking these guys out.  I have plans to see them on my birthday! They are playing in Rhode Island with a couple other favorites of mine: Taking Back Sunday and Bayside. Road trip + punk rock show…. ah, good times should be in store.  What bands are you digging?

Summer Lovin'

Each and every summer I fall back in love with Chicago. The city comes alive!  There is SO much to do!  By way of the Chicago Park Districts, sponsors, non-for-profit groups, ect several activities are held throughout the city from about May to October for FREE and cater to the arts. In addition, street festivals are rampant in the neighborhoods of Chicago. There is usually one on every weekend. from June to early September. I have to say, I haven’t been to many at all because of how hot and humid this summer has been. However, a couple of my friends had a rooftop party during Roscoe Village’s Burger Fest. Their apartment was on the same corner as the main stage. The headliner that night was Rusted Root. Oh, 1999 memories came back! It was good times. B and I did have intentions of getting a burger since I read that some top notch restaurants were vending, but it was SO PACKED! We navigated through the crowd to my friend’s apartment and happily situated ourselves on the rooftop. 

Sidenote: even though a suggested donation is asked at the entry of all festivals, you don’t HAVE to pay. I’ve been to festivals that haven’t been great and I’ve left shortly after arriving. Then, I’ve been to festivals that are great and I’ll stay and fork out cash on the drink and grub. As I see it, they get my money that way!.

On what felt like one of the hottest days of the year, we saw Death Cab for Cutie in Grant Park, located on the southern end of downtown. Yes, you guessed it.. for free. The show was part of a weeklong event called the Taste of Chicago. Seated tickets were sold for 25 buck, but the lawn was free to the public. The lawn wasn’t far from the stage and jumbo screens were set up. The sound was incredible.. Oh and the topper, (in all of the below) it’s OK to pack a picnic and booze.

 

Bryan on his own stumbled upon a concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, located at the Northern end of downtown. I love this park. The view is breath taking (in my opinion) as the city’s skyline makes for a stellar backdrop.  The concert was part of the “Downtown Sounds” series held during the day. It would be a lovely lunch break event during the workday. Since I mention Bryan was on his own he didn’t take a picture.  Here is one I found on the internet. I have seen many concerts here and plan to catch a few more before the cold comes creeping in.

I added in a night time shot to show just how deadly the city looks! (again, in my opinion)

This past weekend we took in a play and movie.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater launched just this summer Shakespeare in the Parks. Bryan, I and few friends took in a production of Taming of the Shrew in Wells Park, located steps from my apartment. We all had a great time… maybe too good of a time! I think some of the people around us would have appreciated less entertainment from our group.

 

The next night Bryan and I headed to a park in Lincoln Park, (hehe), to see North by Northwest by Alfred Hitchcock. Bryan and I adore films - for him, especially anything by Hitchcock. This was my first Hitchcock film and it definitely won’t be the last.  

Even with all the free events, we still forked out cash for food and drink, but hey… overall it is still cheaper than a night on the town and we are still taking in the city!  

Oh, well, Hello!

I’ve been on a blog hiatus. This has not been an intentional absence.  Rather a case of how life gets away. I’ve been meaning to call my friend Shannon for days now… and even in my apologetic text she replies with something to the effect of, “it’s ok.. this is what happens when we get older.” Sad, but I guess true. So many other life priorities tend to take the best of our time, don't they?  And, the free time is usually spend mindlessly tuned out from the world. Welp, Anyhoo – I’m back at it. 

It’s been a little shy of 5 months since my last post. A quick rundown of (un)eventful activity –

·         I moved from Andersonville to North Center. I LOVE my new neighborhood and the lovely park just moments away. I often spend 1 day a week in the park taking in a book, enjoying a cup of coffee or tapping into my inner child and swinging on the swing. (Oh, yes – 31 and still enjoys the child-like moments life can offer)

·         Due to the move from a HUGE apartment (by Chicago city standards for the price I was paying) to a smaller apartment I gave up my home office.  Working in the same space I live was getting the best of me. I am now working in my company’s remote downtown office. I love it. I think what I love the most about this change is being on the “L” (brown line) and coming around the bend headed to the Sedwick stop and seeing the entire Chicago skyline from my seat.  It’s a great way to kick off my day.

·         I learned that I am allergic to almost everything! Well five things. The worst being Benzoic Acid which is a common preservative found in foods and in several health and beauty products. I had to change all of my make-up, hair and beauty products. That was an awesome unexpected cost. (insert sarcastic tone) A few others that are making me THAT kid, Vanilla (bye, bye most sweets), Mace (the shell of nutmeg) – this rules out all perfumes, ugh, Neomycin (found in most anti- biotic) and Nickel which involves following a nickel free diet. The list for that is bananas! (seriously, no, chocolate, beans, lettuce, to name a few)Navigating and processing all of this is getting better each day. I just have to read the labels on everything.

·         A new addition to my family coming this January! My sister Megan is prego!! Can’t wait for this little bundle to arrive. Rory, Megan and Mike’s almost 2 year old son is the coolest kid, ever… well; at least his hair holds the place for the coolest. I think he has had 7 haircuts already to date. His curls are OUT OF CONTROL in the best way possible!

·         Oh, and my yellowbird aka Bryan is BACK!! It feels amazing to be back in the same city with my best friend and boyfriend. Life is funny… it can lead to places you never thought you be and to people you never thought you’d meet.

I believe that recaps the major points of the past 5 months. Of course, many "in-additions" such as,  good times with friends, great music (coming in another post) and summer lovin' in Chicago! For now, I’m just saying, “hey, I’m back”.

*me at the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY!!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy day!
Enjoy some of my favorite photo from my times in Ireland!

go over, go around, but NEVER give up!

Perseverance does not come with quick results. It’s hard to know when to keep pushing through in order to reach a goal, a want or a desire. For me, I tend to follow that guttural feeling that is buried deep inside me. I have been working on changing my lifestyle for some time now. Quitting smoking, clean eating, working out – trying to do things for my mind, body and spirit to ensure my temperament and emotional stability is balanced and positive.  Life is all too short to take YOU for granted. Not taking care of yourself does you and the ones around you absolutely no good. Propelling onward even through the toughest of times with yourself or your loved ones only gives strength to what is already there.  Relationships, good fortune – even happiness isn’t something that just POOF appears. More than not, hard labor is require in making even the simplest of pleasures rewarding.  Giving up, walking away and accepting what is at hand is not only a sign of weakness in my opinion, but also a coward approach. In all efforts to NOT sound cliché, I can’t find another way to express that: WHAT IS WORTH ANYTHING NEVER CAME EFFORTLESSLY.   

Don’t lose yourself. Don’t neglect that voice inside you. Don’t jeopardize meaningful relationships. Don’t compromise your values/morals. Don’t forget who is important. Don’t dismiss the power of integrity.

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.  ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Weekend Freedom is Pure Bliss!

From the demanding work/life/social schedule during the week, doing what YOU want to do can be RARE. Thankfully, the weekends can tend to offer the flexibility to do all the things that help keep us smiling. So here are a few things that have thus far contributed to me having a stellar Saturday.

• 5K training run on the track with a friend.
• A long leisure coffee break from a stellar café in my neighborhood
• This American Life – It’s one of my favorite radio programs on NPR. It airs every Saturday at Noon. It’s an hour long. I love it.   

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/425/slow-to-react

• Enjoyed a couple of records

      Rilo Kiley, Exceution of all Things

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAcHnNd5Mg8

Broken Bells – self titled

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QADKouZ6xE0&feature=fvwrel

• Purchased a birthday present for a friend – I get giddy for birthdays!!

• Painted my nails a new FUN SPRING color I bought last week.  (OPI, from their Holland collection, "Thanks a WindMillion"

 

• Gearing up for a night spent with my baby nephew (his giggles melt my heart!)

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekends. xoxo

Oh, distractions!

Oh! Hello, lovelies. I have been away for quite some time. I must blame a certain Irishman for being the center of all my distractions. Ah, yes, his three month stay in Chicago was stellar in all the right places and typical in regards to how any relationship goes.  He is back in Dublin. I miss him terribly. Thank goodness for SKYPE! Life doesn’t always give you your loves from just around the corner, sometimes you find them in the farthest of places. We have lots of plans in the works and I will see him again, soon. Stay tuned. 

Now, let’s talk music! So far 2012 has blessed me with some amazing shows! It started off right by ringing in the New Year with Alkaline Trio at the Metro. Ahhh... pure blissful LOVE! 

Shortly thereafter Bryan and I found ourselves back at the Metro (one of my FAVORITE venues in Chicago) sidenote: I have yet to step into the Metro and NOT get a flashback of my younger self adorned with crazy colored hair, eye brow ring and doc martin boots. It makes me giggle.. as now at 31 the look has GREATLY changed. Anyhow, back to the tunes… we saw The Lawrence Arms. Ahh.. LOVE.

We sang our hearts out and jumped around like two crazy teenagers. Was. AWESOME.

Now the next band holds a special meaning to him and I. Two Gallants.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AWCRkcCKm8

If so inclined here is another crackin’ tune (just skip the ad)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2NKXQkeDc8&feature=related

This WestCoast duo sends chills down my spine. Simply love them.  I first heard about them from Bryan when I was studying in Dublin a little over six years ago.  Unfortunately, when they came through Dublin to play a show I was too sick with a terrible cold to take Bryan up on his invite. I still kick myself for not going. Although in my defense, this would have been one of our first dates. I couldn’t possibly let him see me a coughing, snot nose -red face mess.  However, the music gods that be gave us Two Gallants at the Empty Bottle during Bryan’s first visit to me in September of 2006.  Then they came again while he was just here. They played at Lincoln Hall.  WOW!!!!!!  Wassuchagoodshow!!

My next show is a couple weeks away. I am going with my super stellar friend, Stovie! To kick of Paddy’s Day weekend the right way we are seeing the Tossers at the Metro!!!  The Tossers hail from the predominantly Irish neighborhoods of South-Side Chicago and have been going strong for 18 years! I was 14 the first time I saw them. Here is my favorite song from them:  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sFypViRt6Q

I’ll tell you it’s VERY hard to have this one come on my ipod while I’m on public transportation and not start tapping my foot.

What shows are you guys going to? Anyone with big plans for Paddy’s Day?

Xoxo.