It’s not glamorous by any means, but that’s the best way to sum up the last few days spent with my friends.
Or, if we’re being lady-like, we’ve been sporting a nice “glow”.
Like at Old St. Pat’s Block Party.
It’s one of the biggest street festivals I’ve ever been to! And the ticket we bought not only got us into the fest, but also gave us 5 drink tickets and access to the stage where The Barenaked Ladies were playing.
By the time they played “One Week”, I was having fits of excitement. You can’t deny they don’t bring you back in time…
Good stuff.
After that, I also introduced them to the Mexican restaurant that stays open until 4 in the morning.
When I show friends the city, I REALLY show them everything.
Although, the late night did not go without consequence. Three hours later I was back out of bed to be picked up to cheer on this sassy lady as she “glowed” through the finish line:
Annie came down to run the Fleet Feet Women’s 5k in Montrose Harbor yesterday!
I also decided to insert my shadow into the picture. Heeeeeyyyy-o!
I didn’t run (obviously a smart decision given my late night shenanigans the night before), but instead got my nails done for free at one of the tents at the race (best idea EVER, by the way).
And totally took advantage of the tradition of post-race breakfast.
Because who really turns down breakfast?
After that, and an hour nap, we headed over to Lincoln Park to enjoy the sights and sounds.
Even Bailey joined. Which is awesome. Because nature hates her. And she was really pushing her limits- birds have pooped on her twice since we moved in together so I feel like her willingness to go was really just asking for it.
There was no incident. Thankfully.
I tend to go to the zoo often, but this was the first time the hippo really hammed it up for the camera.
Hilarious.
This morning, after getting a full night of sleep (for once) and a night of deep dish pizza (tradition- obviously) and movies, I snuck out early for a neighborhood run. It was refreshing, but after consuming a pound of cheese deep dish and the sticky heat, 2.8 miles were about all I could handle before walking my way back home.
Besides… there was breakfast to make:
We have another day of exploring downtown in front of us. So we had to make sure and start the day out right…
Oh yeah… those muffins are still making their rounds…
But anyhoo, I know this post is random and scattered but it’s only because we’re rushing out the door to beat the rain and hit those city streets.
So glad my friends love Chicago. And me. And come to visit me as much as possible.
Even if it means we’ll be sportin’ a sweaty glow in about 30 seconds after leaving my apartment.
Filed under: Things to Do Tagged: | Chicago, House Guests, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, Old St. Pat's Block Party, street fest, Weekend


Mexican food at 4 AM? That could really come in handy…
I’ve only been to Chicago once, and it was for a business meeting so I didn’t get to see much. Did go to a Sox game though, which was awesome.
I’m yet to go to a Sox game. Want to so bad!!!
While it’s hot and sweaty everywhere else, I’m wearing jeans and a long sleeved shirt. Again. So enjoy an actual summer even if it’s that hot.
That’s so wrong on so many levels. Ew! Guess I’ll enjoy the feeling of sweat running down my back? Um…
One of the best things about living in AZ was the 24 hour Mexican joints. Who can’t use three lbs of nachos at 3am?
I know I sure would!
Sure… it’s not top notch, but it gets it DONE.
I’ve had my fair share of late night Mexican, that’s for sure! And Old St. Pats Block Party – you know Oprah called it “the place to meet your match?”.
That was the rumor. However, I was not so lucky. Unless my match is deep dish pizza from Connies…
Yah, the Barenaked Ladies totally take me back. Oooohhh the good old days.
I thought Mexican restaurants that stayed open til 4am only existed in heaven… obviously I need to come visit sooner than I had originally thought.
Chicago IS heaven. Enough said.
I love the zoo! And Mexican food! Sounds like you are showing your friends a great time.
5 drink tickets? That’s my kind of street festival.
Your hair looks really good in that first pic too!
Thanks, lady! And 5 drink tickets definitely did the trick! Perfect!
Looks like such a great time. Girlfriends weekends are the best – especially somewhere fun as Chicago!! Hope you enjoyed the rest of it
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- Beth @ http://www.DiningAndDishing.com
Not gonna lie. I reaaaaally want scrambled eggs right now. ahah
You and all your block parties are seriously making me jealous. Looks like so much fun!
Right? I can’t believe i didn’t take full advantage of them until this year!
The festival sounds like fun. I’m a big BNL fan. I think everyone in the country is sporting “a glow”. Have fun!
If you ever make it to the south side- check out Lalo’s Mexican. My fav.
Noted! I love that you’re an expert!
They have several locations- go to this one- the bomb- 3011 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402
I think EVERY mexican restaurant should stay open till 4…sounds like the best idea ever.
I love Chicago. Sounds like such a fun weekend!! I’m impressed you managed to do 2.8 miles after a night of deep dish. Rock on!
It wasn’t easy. That I promise you. lol
OMG hippo! I love him! hehe. SO glad you had a fun weekend – makes Monday a little more bearable. And maybe even Tuesday?
We’re definitely sporting the “glow” in Cleveland right now, too. It’s supposed to be 98 degrees on Thursday!
That hippo is awesome. Pucker up!
I wish I “glowed” but no, no, I SWEAT.
5 drink tickets is a serious deal!
I have those boxer shorts!
Aren’t they awesome! They were a bday present from a friend forever ago. VS does quality work!
You sure know how to show your friends a good time!! Sounds like a great weekend:) Barenaked Ladies?! Heck yeah!! Takes me back to .. ohhh… 1998?1999?
I don’t even want to think about how long ago it was! ha ha…
I have been living with the sweaty glow since I moved to TN! I have become so freakin’ hippie lately. I’ve had to start showering at night before bed to feel clean! I’m glad you had a great weekend Amy!
Oh trust me… I’ve been doing the quick rinse off before bed, too. Cools me down and makes me not feel so gross.
I know allll about that glow recently. The weather forecast for the week is enough to make me want to climb inside my fridge and never leave.
I was at Old St. Pat’s too! I wish I had run into you! We still need to get that Wishbone breakfast–glad you enjoyed BNL too!
Crap! However, I totally understand how I didn’t run into you… it was MASSIVE! There were a few others that I knew were there but never actually saw.
Seriously, this weather is gross. I heard it’s supposed to be 99 for my volleyball game on Thursday…sooo, that’ll be funny. We don’t look too sweaty in that first picture, though!
Yeah… won’t be coming to watch that one… lol
Getting your nails done for free! Score! And I got the sweaty “glow” this weekend while out in Boston…so gross but what can you do!?
It’s true. Just gotta suck it up and stay hydrated I guess.
Bahaha – that hippo cracks me up. Love it. Glad to hear you’ve been having a good time!
I want to go back to chicago! SO lucky u live there!
My bff HATES the song “One Week” and I don’t get it! Best song from a long time ago!!
Free nails at a race? Awesome…!
I was about to get ALL excited that you saw a manatee… until I read that is was a hippo. Boo haha. Manatees have been my favorite animal since I did my animal report on them in 3rd grade. Who does that?!
[...] Posted on July 20, 2011 by Amy @ Second City Randomness After 4 days of visiting and traipsing around the city with my high school friends, it’s down to just me [...]