Scooters and Silly Sunday's

After my days of riding with friends on the back of their motorcycles, I had to swallow my pride to get on the back of my friend's scooter two weekends ago. But I did it.

Such a beautiful Sunday in Chicago and we drove around taking in the sights around the lake. As we went into Lincoln Park, we decided to stop for a beer.

8 hours later and too many Guinness to count I've had another Silly Sunday! Sorry mom and Lorrie for the drunk call. That definitely was a first for me.

But that is what friends and beautiful Sunday afternoons are for.

Here's to you and your next Silly Sunday!

Oh NO he didn't!!!

50-year-old man wearing a kilt.
On the corner where I live on Friday afternoon.
He's leaning over to make sure all of his packages are on the dolly that he's pulling.

A breeze.

Full shot of the bum.

Too much.
Too much.

Bad Commute

I have had worse commutes, but tonight was up there.

First of all there are no buses in sight on this rainy evening. I decide to take the train.

I get on the train, find a seat, and the horror begins.
The seat smells. Not sure who sat there before me, and maybe it's a mixture of wet fabric, but I am grossed out. Unfortunately, I'm blocked into my seat by a few people and I'm impatiently praying for this train to be the fastest train in Chicago.

Between my gag reflex, I have two people next to me having a debate on physics, mass, matter, theories.

Oh.
My.
Gosh.

To coin a co-worker's phrase, I just wanted to poke my eyes out.
Now, I'm not a superficial person, I am quite serious, and I do enjoy intellectual conversations.
But really? Does this loud debate NEED to happen on my commute home.

At last, a shining moment as the train pulls up to my stop. I get outside and begin to open my umbrella, with happy thoughts of getting home and unwinding, when the entire top of the umbrella pops off.
Seriously.
I try to reattach the top to the pole/handle, but it's an old, cheap umbrella and it is completely busted. Keep in mind it is now pouring outside, and having walked through a downpour earlier this week without an umbrella, I am determined to make this work. So I stuff the pole/handle into my purse, strain my fingers to pry open the umbrella, and briskly walk the 7 blocks home.

Umbrella is now in the garbage, I'm relatively dry, and enjoying a new TV show that my Cousin Jenny found....it's "Three Sheets" on MoJo. Check it out!

And here's to a better commute to all of you!

Recipe: Texas Corn Dip

Here's a light, fun dip for any occasion. This is courtesy of Auntie Linda.

1 can pinto beans
1 can black eyed peas
1 can shoe peg corn
1 large jar pimiento, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
2 tblsp jalapeno pepper, diced

Drain the beans, peas, and corn, and mix all the above.


1 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
salt & pepper

Mix the above and bring to a boil. Cool. Pour over the bean mixture and refrigerate for 24 hours.

To serve, use slotted spoon to take out mixture from brine. Serve with Frito Scoops.

Photos from Christopher's ms Ryndam Adventures

For those that know my brother, Christopher, I hope that you have been checking out his blog too. Unfortunately, he has been unable to post pictures. As he has sent me a CD with photos, I've decided to post them on my blog.

He's having quite an adventure on the ms Ryndam, and I cannot wait to see him for the Alaskan cruise in May!!

65 and Sunny

Well, my goodness, it appears that Spring has arrived. Amen! It was a gorgeous Saturday in Chicago today, and I finally had some energy to get out and around. Since I came back from MN, I've had a cold/illness and finally feel I'm breaking through it. Coupled with CRAZY weeks at work, I am ready to feel better and have some warm weather!!

Work has been keeping me busy, but I'm hoping there will be some slow down in the coming weeks. It's still good and I still enjoy it and my team is very supportive and helpful, so I'm not really complaining. (but honestly, you know how much I just LOVE working). :-)
I'm happy to report that I've had a few bites on the wedding business. A couple from Ohio is having a destination wedding in Chicago (approx. 25 guests) in August, and they hired me to help them find their outdoor ceremony location and dinner venue. And I'm close to finalizing a deal with a sales rep of mine who would like me to coordinate a corporate event for her this Spring. It would be a fun experience!!

I've felt so terrible over the past two weeks, that I haven't been out exploring the city, but that will change now....especially with nice weather rolling in. I'm hoping to have more exciting news for you then.

Hope the birthday folks enjoyed their special day -- Jen, Nora, Kris and Joe G. Wish I could have raised a glass with you.

Happy Easter and 1st Birthday to Colter

I was able to spend a wonderful, long weekend in Long Prairie over Easter. It was a celebration with family, as we were able to have the MT Zenner's join us and celebrate Colter's 1st Birthday!

I'm just going to share a few photos of the weekend, and my adorable little nephew!