it was a lovely day!

This weekend was utter bliss: it was sunny, in the mid to upper 60's and perfect in every way. It's about time! Chicago's winter has been long and brutal and I felt deprived of all sun and warmth. I had to get out and enjoy being alive.

This afternoon - Mike, the mutt, and I walked through Humboldt Park as I snapped the below pictures. This is just a sample of over 75 pictures I took...each which has it's own story. They are a portion of my final research project in Urban Sociology, where we have to research a Chicago neighborhood's social/economic state and observe how residents use public space. Obviously, my neighborhood of interest is Humboldt Park, where I spent large chunks of my childhood. It was a beautiful 2 hours, where I got to meet many interesting people!

it's high time for a pillow fight!

from flicker

Hey, ya'll. I'm so excited! I just read that Saturday is International Pillow fight Day, and much to my amazement (and excitement), there are cities from all over the globe partaking in my favorite childhood past time.

I think I might just head up to the Art Institute downtown on Saturday afternoon to take a few pictures and perhaps get out a little stress with my old pillow. Who's with me??!

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day to everyone! :)

Even though today is just another hallmark holiday, enjoy it by doing something wonderful for YOURSELF.

AND REMEMBER: YOU'RE WORTH MORE THAN WORDS ON A CARD CAN EVER SAY

let it snow...

It's snowing once again in Chicago and despite the added traffic and shoveling times it has caused me, I am loving every second of it.

This morning: It's just me, my green tea, and a smile...

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow - bitches!!!

:)

every once in a while he just blows me away...

Friday, after a 12 hour workday, I come home to find my dog walked and fed, a delectable dinner cooking, a dozen red roses, and a warm bath drawn WITH my favorite bath salts in it!!

Have I said how wonderful my bf Mike is? I feel like a queen. (sigh)

no more waiting to exhale...

This weekend away with the girls was just what I needed. No worries, no responsibilities, and no running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.

I came back home feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and as giddy as a school girl. My favorite moment was the midnight bonfire and beer fest right on Michigan City, Indiana's finest beach.


my first bonfire...yeah, my first! what can I say, I'm a sheltered soul!!!

state street shopping, girls night out style

Hi all. Every once and a while all the women of the family get together for a night on the town. Tonight we went to downtown chicago for hours filled of christmas shopping, giggling, and just enjoying the sights of State Street, including the Windows at /marshall Fields and the tree at Daley Plaza. Below is a pic of a few of us at the foot of Chicago's x-mas tree which is not as big as the one in New york but is big enough to make us look like ants.


from right to left: me, cousin Dee, titi carmen & Titi Jenny

my tongue speaks thankfulness

Today is FRIDAY and the word and mood of the day is definitely that of thankfulness. Within the last month or so I have found more and more reasons to be thankful for my existence. Everything is truly going my way and I am currently basking in the glow of it all like I just got the best sex ever imaginable. Wait, scratch that...its better than sex. Within a week, I will close on my new house and have a new job (i.e. starting a career that I have always dreamed of). Plus, I have a wondrous support system of friends & family to help me out along the way. Even though they can't always be there for me (I mean who can?), they always knows what to say and when to say it. I am on cloud nine, ya'll and I hope and pray that you all are having as great a month as I am. I am sending positive energy out to everyone !

In other news, my love life has been fantastic. :) Just yesterday, my man left a single rose on my windshield as a pleasant reminder of him on my way to work (talk about puting on the charms huh?). Plus, we just celebrated our 2 year anniversary this past Saturday. It's been 2 kick ass years since I asked him to be mine. It's a long story on how and why 'we' happened after being friends for so long, as me & him have a past that spans almost 10 years. I mean, he was my chemistry partner in high school (go figure we had a little chemistry going on outside class as well). Needless to say, our story has many twists and turns full of jealous exes, drama, and bittersweet kisses that undoubtedly could become a book if I ever decided to write it all down. But, again, I digress. That’s another story set for another time and you probably would have to buy me a few drinks to get the whole scoop on that. hee hee.

Well, I must get back to work. I have to interview a few people for my position later and still have to get lunch before it all. Peace & love to everyone.