Currently..

Listening to: a lot of Blink 182. Dude Ranch, their second studio album came out the summer of 1997. I was 16 and it changed my life. I listened to that cd on non-stop for about a year.  And then I never really listened to any of their other albums. #Whatupwiththat? Maybe I was too busy listening to Alkaline Trio, Face to Face, Less Thank Jake and a million trillion other punk bands to realize what I was missing, but now almost 17 years later I'm discovering the rest of Blink 182's collection. It's awesome. They are one of the headliners at Riot Fest Chicago September 13-15 and I can't wait to see them. Totally stoked.  

 

Thinking about: It doesn't look like we will be able to get to Dublin this November as we had hoped. It's bittersweet.  Bryan's job is so new that he can't get the time off just yet. So that's great he is working, we have a second income, he's happy and getting his career going. It's bummer that he won't be able to go back and see his friends and family that he misses OH- SO- MUCH! And I'm super bummer I have to wait even longer to meet his parents. Our hope is that Bryan will be able to get some time off in February so that we can go then. I know it's a lot to ask for Dublin to come to us, but if any of Dublin reads this blog please know HUGE WELCOME ANYTIME.... really. truly.  

Feeling thankful: for Bryan. As we near our 1 year anniversary of marriage, I am feeling so blessed and thankful for him. Our road to get to where we are today has been long and rough. A journey with endless rewards. He is without a doubt my best friend first and foremost and vice versa.  Yellowbirds forever and ever and ever.... so corny!!

Exciting for:  Riot Fest. We haven't been to a gig since June 1 and we are achin'.  I am expecting so much punk rock goodness and I hope my expectation don't fall short.  

Watching:  A lot of movies lately.

• Jobs - meh, was only OK.
• We're the Millers - SO FUNNY! A modern day National Lampoon kind of movie. Raunchy though so beware.
• The Iceman - Fantastic!
• Pain & Gain - to my surprise a really good movie.
• The World's End - Pure Brilliance!
• Elysium - Meh.

 
Creating:  I did a painting for my friend Adam. I am currently working on a painting for my friend Kate. Well, it's actually a painting I did for her a couple of years ago, but I was recently looking at it and thought "I could add more to that." For myself, I made a jewelry holder.

Words To Live By

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." ~MLK

 

 

On the 50^th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, I decided to listen to it again. I haven’t heard it in years. Actually, since I graduated from college. I was given a book on the greatest speeches as a graduation gift and  it prompted me to listen to MLK Dream speech. I love this speech for a number of reasons, but number one being the power of conviction in his voice.  I love that: passion - to have passion is to be alive otherwise in my opinion, you are just mindlessly existing.  The written word can be just as powerful as the spoken, but the difference is with sound emotions are evoked through every word and sentence.  

 

Here watch/listen... 

 

 

Another thought I want to share..

 

NEVER should it be about color, race, sexuality, religion... it should ALWAYS be about the person and who they are to the core. Love truly and honestly, people. Be kind and gracious. Be humble and open minded.

 

We are all fighting some kind of battle. Let's not separate ourselves.  

 

xoxo

 

Music Mondays

Here are a few upcoming releases  that I'm looking forward to checking out..
 

• Direct Hit! - Brainless God coming out on September 3rd - Here is a link to a track from the upcoming album LISTEN

• Sundowner - Neon Fiction coming out on September 3rd. He has a gig at the Beat Kitchen on September 21st - the Mr. and I want to go, but we have a family party that day on the South Side and really don't think we will make it back in time.

• Rise Against - Long Forgotten Songs: B- Sides and Covers coming out on September 10th I am a huge fan of this local punk band! I am hoping they come around for a show.. possibly at the Metro!?! Check out the teaser

• The Swellers - The Light Under Closed Doors coming out on October 29. Check out a track from the upcoming album LISTEN 

• Arctic Monkeys - AM coming out September 10th I haven't loved everything these guys have produced, but I sure do love a lot of it so I'm looking forward to the new album. Side note - Bryan bought me Alex Turner's Submarine on vinyl and I absolutely love it. This is great on a lazy Sunday morning while enjoying coffee and taking in the day.

SHOES!

Let's talk about shoes and never stop!!

I am a firm believer that it all starts with happy feet.. no, REALLY! If your feet aren't happy the rest of you won't be. When I moved to the city a gazillion years ago 5 years ago my approach on footwear completely changed. I had to be able to go the distance in my shoes.  From running for the el/bus, keeping up with the hustle and bustle or just walk several blocks, my feet had to be comfortable and of course, in style.  So, here are some of my top shoes!

Toms - Not only is this an incredibly giving company, but their shoes are SO COMFTY!  I have this pair and ready to buy more in additional colors. And, let me tell you, they go with almost every outfit. love. love. love.

 

Minnetonka Moccasins - Best fall shoes! love them so much. Stylish and comfortable.

 

 

Chuck Taylor's - I like a good runner, but can't get on board with wearing athletic shoes if I am not being sporty or working out. These babies are perfect for the days you need a runner, by want some style. Plus my inner punk will never not wear chucks.

 

 

 



Merona Madge Flat- These are such a great flat!  I have them in black. Now, I will say, Target has failed me a few times with shoes, so I was skeptical about these, but really needed a  new summer flat that wasn't going to cost a lot. I struck gold with these. I absolutely love them.

 

 

Bait Boots - I actually have yet to purchase these, but have read several amazing reviews on how comfortable they are and totally cute! Come on, Fall, get here already.

 

 

 

I also love socks... but I'll save that for another post. xoxo

 

Currently....

Reading: The Devil in the Kitchen by: Marco Pierre White

Listening to: Lorde - I posted about her yesterday. In my opinion, she is insanely talented. I can't believe she doesn't have a full length album out. Also, digging on  Sundowner  - new album comes out September 3rd.

 

Thinking about: Our 1 year anniversary! What do I get Bryan?!? I can't believe it's almost been a year. We have come oh so far! We are planning an overnight trip to Galena.

Feeling thankful: Being lucky in love with friends and family! I was looking through pictures yesterday and I was full of smiles and happy tears. I sure do have one heck of a wonderful family with all of our flaws and dysfunction :-)

Eating:  GRAPES.. I think I might turn into a purple grape soon!

Watching: Welp, we finished up Orange is the New Black. We can't wait for season 2 to come out. In the meantime, we started the first episode of Newsroom. We enjoyed the first episode, but not in love. This one might not stick.. dunno! Any show suggestions?

Loving: Life.. cheesy, I know.. but true! Things are good and I hoping they stay this way!!

 

xoxo

Music Mondays - New Songs

Soooooo in love with this song. I first heard it in my friend's car and instantly was swooning.

I had to see what else this lovely lady has done and found this gem.. again *swoon, swoon*

 

 

Enjoy, loves! And, remember dance everyday even it's a 5 minute party dance party in your family room.. I tend to love those the most! haha. xoxox 

 



Music Mondays

Riot Fest is 5 weeks away I'm already starting to plan out the list of essentials...


Rain Gear - There seems to always be rain during festivals and being unprepared is the worst. Ponchos are a must.

 Lolla 2011 

Comfy clothes - Outdoors, walking and dancing all day and night you will surely want to wear  loose, breathable clothes that will have you feeling comfy. Also, layers! It might be hot during the day, but it could cool off at night. I usually bring a light weight cardigan and scarf.

Footwear - For me, it all starts with happy feet! I've made the mistake of wearing sandals and have ended up completely regretting that decision. I'm thinking comfortable ankle boots - stylish and practical!

mud feet - not happy feet! I ended up having to throw these away

 

 

Hand sanitizer - I don't think I need to even explain why this is essential.
 

Baby wipes - These are great for just a freshen up or to wipe seating areas if they look a little questionable.
 



Toilet paper - Bathrooms can get nasty fast and being in one without toilet paper is the worst! I usually put a bunch in a plastic zip lock baggie, but I have seen travel size to-go rolls of toilet paper.

Water - Camelbacks are great for festivals. Check the FAQs section to verify what is allowed. Some don't. It's important to stay hydrated.

Blanket - It will be a long day and there may be a gap in between bands so having a blanket to chill out on will be sweet relief.

Sun protection - Bryan and I both burn so easily that sun screen is a must!

Schedule of acts - What bummer it would be to miss a band because you got the time wrong.

A few other points to keep in mind -make sure you are with good people, have a good attitude and if possible connect to social media for up- to -the minute updates/freebies and most importantly dance like no one is watching!!

Getting IT Done!

 

Lately I’ve been addressing some realities about myself such as; people in my life, habits, goals, wants, ect. Change may be daunting or feel like a chore, but in the end the payoff is worth it.  Life is too unpredictable to..

 live unhappily
include toxic people in my life
not save money to do fun things
jeopardize my health
lose my emotions over someone/something that isn't worth it
dwell on how my parents screwed me up
...the list can go long

At the end of the day, I want to be able to say "yes", I did I live as my authentic self - making choices that are for my well-being.

 

Winnemac Park

Yesterday was busy.. I mean.. really busy- the kind of busy that when you stand up your body feels like a rock and you have to tell your legs to move. The kind of busy that you skip lunch. Ah, well, I rather be busy than bored. So, I missed "Music Mondays".


Anyhoo - let's talk about THIS PARK... **swoon**

It's a block from our apartment.

It is where we....

• play kickball every Wednesday night. 
• exercise (however, the track is closed on the weekends, what up with that!?) 
• leisurely stroll through the prairie path 

It is where I stake out a shady spot under a weeping willow and read while Bryan kicks the soccer ball around

or...

• lays with me and does the crossword

It is where we....

• go to have a picnic on a nice day.
• take our nieces/ nephew to the park to play (when they visit and weather permits)
• watch the doggies play and day dream of being doggie parents

I love this park!

xoxo

Currently....

Reading: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking - by Malcolm Gladwell.  My first introduction to Gladwell was while in college studying Journalism. I was assigned to read The Tipping Point for, I believe, Investigate Reporting, and I instantly fell in love with his ability to grab your attention and keep it all while explaining social dynamics and human behavior, both of which I find fascinating. I am a couple chapters in...    

Listening to: Lana Del Ray, Elway and all bands on the Riot Fest line-up that I am not familiar with. 

 

Thinking about: the future - getting taken away with planning, visions and dreams. It's important to live in the moment, but you hope the future comes and when it arrives it's good to be prepared. 

Feeling thankful: Bryan got a job!! This is wonderful fro a number of reasons. First and foremost for his well being. After he graduated from college a couple years ago Bryan's focus went to figuring out "us." So, not only was he trying to get a professional job post-college in a foreign country he was trying to get his first job EVER post -college. He had been job hunting since late February and was offered a position a couple weeks ago doing entry level data/IT work at a pretty large company. It's not his dream job, but it's a step in the right direction. He never gave up and worked so hard. He's great like that.  Also, the extra income allows us to start planning for travels including a much needed visit back to Dublin and saving... possibly to have a proper wedding one day!?! who knows. It's just nice to feel a bit of financial security.  Yeah, feeling very thankful.

Eating: Peaches! mmmm nom nom nom, I find they go soft quickly so I've been gobbling up one each morning with my breakfast.

Watching: Orange is the New Black - I am a little bummed that I didn't realize this was a book prior to watching, as I think based off how fantastic the show is the book is probably stellar. Anyhoo - highly recommend checking out this show if you haven't. I absolutely love all the sub characters and their stores.

Loving:  Kickball. We have great people on our team!!