Where was I going with that?

Happy Friday!!!

Guess what I did last night?

I went to happy hour. In the middle of the week.

I KNOW- rare occurence, right?

Well, there was reason for celebration. Tiffany from Simply Shaka is in town!She seems to be doing a road trip across America these days. So when she contacted me about her plans to wander through the midwest, I was more than excited.

After a few good recommendations and a viewing of online menus, we decided to do a little meetup at Coast Sushi Bar in Bucktown. I’m a sucker for a good BYOB restaurant. Mostly because I don’t really feel the need to pay $6 or 7 for a glass of wine when I can bring an entire bottle that costs that much (ssshhh… don’t tell Tiff I’m a cheap date!). I was the boring one with the Philly roll. Mostly because of a craving for something simple. And I heart avocado (duh).

However, to make up for my blandness, I did go crazy with the wasabi. If you don’t remember- we’re still looking into if my stomach is, in fact, made of steel.

All signs point to “yes”.

Overall, I really liked this place. A wee bit dark (I’m getting old and I can’t see!), but still a relaxing place if you’re just going for relaxation and conversation. Because let’s face it- bars/restaurants where you can’t hear a thing are just silly.

The food was fantastic. The wine was lovely. The conversation was unedited.

What? After reading about each other for months, it’s not hard to jump right into the good stuff.  I really need to wear flip flops more often. Hence the reason I’m awkwardly leaning/hunching.

But it was a fun group of girls- me (obviously), Tiffany, Joanna and Stacie.

After dinner, I got to play hostess for the night:Excuse the boxes everywhere- I’m moving. And I suck at it

We then proceeded to chat past our bedtime. And finally decided to call it a night when every story started ending in “I’m not quite sure where I was going with that…”

Tiffany left this morning to meet up with more girlies and to head home. But I’m glad I got to meet her and know she’ll be visiting again soon. Because seriously… who doesn’t love Chicago? 

*And those of you who asked about my guy friend who is running with me during lunch on occasion…

He’s cute (I don’t have ugly friends- duh) and has a girlfriend. But that’s beside the point- we’ve known each other since freshman year of college and instead of the two of us getting together, we prefer to make fun of each other for hookups of college past.

It’s terrifying how much that kid knows about me…

Enjoy the weekend, kids!

Socialization

I’ve spent a lot of weekends resting and staying in as of late.  I have no problems with that.  I actually enjoy it.  But not this weekend… this weekend I remembered what the concept of socialization was all about (although I may be a little rusty… ).

After the three of us (my cousin, her friend, and I) getting our workouts in yesterday, we cleaned up as to look publicly acceptable, and headed down to the city to meet up with cousin #2 in Bucktown for a late brunch.  Really it was well past any hour that breakfast should be served in, but if there’s any cinnamon rolls involved, I still call it brunch.We ate at Blue Line Lounge and Grill- right under the Blue Line stop.  They had a little outside patio area that would have been so cute to sit in- had it not been SO COLD!  (Thank you Chicago weather and your mind games… I’m THIS CLOSE to needing therapy because of you.)  Niki got there right after we did, so as soon as she sat down, the family gossip came out again!  Don’t think we’re rude- there’s 35 cousins on that side of the family- there is a LOT of catching up to do on a regular basis.  Jeanna (my cousin Joanne’s friend) was very awesome about listening to all the tales of our childhood/family musings/where are they nows. 

The food came out and I had the California Stone Flat with sweet potato fries.  After that sandwich, I decided no sandwich is complete without avocado.  Mark my words…Such a sassy group of ladies we are…

After lunch, we all parted ways.  My coming home involved a nap in my favorite spot of my new couch (that would be the corner so I pretty much lay there in fetal position and bask in the glow of the sun shining through my sliding door- I’m a little baby like that.  Or a cat.).

I did, however, wake up and get moving again.  I had some energy stored up at that point and went down to hammer out another mile and a half on the treadmill.  Yes- I used the treadmill yesterday.  The dreaded thing.  The rain made me do it!

Later that night, I met up with my bestie Annie and we went to Rocks in Lincoln Park to celebrate her husband Steve’s birthday.  I really like that place because it’s a casual neighborhood bar.  I’m not so much a fan of the club scene and feel much more at home in a place like this.  Joanne was staying downtown this night and was cool enough to meet up with me again!  We decided this was probably the most bonding time we have had in years!I really want to make a trip to Ann Arbor to see her.  I’ve heard it’s a fun little town to run around in.  Plans must be made…

Anyhoo, because it was Steve’s birthday and Annie didn’t have time to bake anything, we brought a few of the cake bites I made to the bar to celebrate his birthday properly.  I like that Annie called them “cake bites”.  I have decided I’m not a huge fan of the word “balls” unless using it in a more negative tone.  Like, “he’s going to be late and we are gonna be so screwed!”  “Oh balls….”.  So yeah, we’re calling them cake bites now. Happy Birthday Steve!!!

People loved my cake bites.  And can we point out- this is where it sounds better.  Because you can’t say “people loved my balls”.  You just can’t use a phrase like that any more without thinking of Alec Baldwin’s schweddy balls skit.  Which is hilarious and all, but still somewhat awkward.  Nothing like a schweddy ball…

I’m running on little sleep today.  I blame myself.  Didn’t turn the heat up enough.  So I woke up freezing.  But too tired to actually get up and turn up the heat more or grab a cover.  So I laid there.  Frozen.  Looking back, that was a poor choice.

I have got to run.  Time to call my mom (Happy Mother’s Day, ya’ll).  And I have to clean before the peeps show up for a special suburb edition of Lunch Club. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Rewind!

Ok, so for those of you who care to know (which should be everyone), this is a summary of almost everything I’ve done in the last couple of months.  That’s a lie.  But here are a few fun things…

1. Left my credit card in St. Louis at a bar we frequented two nights during my trip.  I went an entire month without the card.  First because I was trying to convince my friend who had gotten kicked out of the bar that fateful night to go back and get it for me, second because I took a few days to call for a new one, and thirdly because it took a while for me to receive the new one in the mail.  I was proud of myself and the semi-frugal lifestyle I had adopted.  The effects of this exercise did not last long.

2. Bottle-fed a calf.  I know what you’re thinking.  “She lived on a farm, why the hell is this such a big deal?”  Well, just because I lived on a farm does not mean that I actually knew how to really live on a farm.  This happening has only occured a few other times.  And it had been YEARS.  So yeah, I got a little excited about it.  Check out my sweet boots!

3.  I’ve been running my little heart out.  I did the Chicago Lung Run 5k in Lincoln Park with my cousin Niki.  She was sick for that one, so I ran the last mile alone- but I applauded her effort.  Serious headcolds and running do not mix well.  Of course we did breakfast afterwards- at Orange.  My fav part was the hashbrowns that came with the meal… yum! 

We also did the Bucktown 5k.  It was kind of a spur of the moment decision.  Our moms were planning a trip and I looked at Niki after the last run and said, “let’s sign up and make them come watch and buy us breakfast!”  She liked the idea.  I really wanted some fans on the sidelines.  And she really wanted free breakfast (ok, I wanted that, too…).  And it worked.  Even our Aunt Carolyn decided to make the trip.  I can only imagine what a Volmert Sister roadtrip consisted of…  The Bucktown 5k was by far my favorite race yet.  It was huge.  Which is a big boost for my competitive spirit.  I improved my time yet again and my new personal best is officially 26:34.  I feel very content with that time considering I was terrified of not even being able to run an entire 5k back in April.  Of course, I won’t leave out breakfast at Feast.  Holy cow it was good.  Their entire menu looked delish.  I’ll be back to sample lunch at a later time…

Currently, I’ve been really stepping it up and added an entire 20 minutes to my regular treadmill routine.  I just signed up for the Chilly Chili 5k in Schaumburg in December.  This race is alot smaller than the others I’ve done (I’m sure the fact it’s in the ‘burbs in the middle of winter is the reason behind that).  But I was having a panic attack after the Bucktown 5k because I realized the next race my cousin and I were going to do wasn’t until March!  (We’re stepping up our game a little and doing the Shamrock Shuffle 8k- that’s right, we’re doing big things…)  My panic spurred from the thought that I might slowly lose gym motivation if I didn’t have something to work towards.  My strategy for this race, other than NOT freezing to death, is to kick ass so that I can better position myself for the Shamrock Shuffle.  Apparently you have to send in previous race times so they know what wave of runners you’re going to be in.  See?  It’s become quite the obsession.  At least it’s a healthy one.  Until my hip gives out.

4. A few of us have formed Lunch Club.  This was basically just created to give us a reason to go out and find really really good food to eat.  Our first place was at Kuma’s Corner.  Which I had heard of a while back- they’re famous for their burgers (so of COURSE I was interested in going).  Cathryn organized the trip and it was totally worth the overstuffed food coma afterwards.  Our trip that we planned for last Saturday was to Sarks in the Park in Lincoln Park.  There’s a Sarki’s in Evanston that Scott and Jaime raved about, so we thought we’d check it out to see if it was up to their standards.  It was.  Although I was not so much a fan of their Garbage Sausage, I loved the omelette… spinach and feta (a departure from the usual bacon and mushroom).

5. I’ve been baking.  Alot.  I love it.  Even though it’s a guaranteed tummy ache each time.  Since my last blog, I’ve made S’more cupcakes, a triple-layer cookie cake with peppermint bark for Jaime and Cathryn’s birthday, peanut butter and chocolate chip blondies, and cookies n’ creme cupcakes.  I’m pretty sure the cookies ‘n creme cupcakes were my favorite.  I love me some cuppycakes!    I’ve been playing with the idea of catering a little on the side for showers/birthdays- but it’s an idea I still haven’t looked too far into.  I would love it, I’m just a little lost on where I’d want to start. 

6.  Halloween came and went in a blur.  I was a Chicago Bulls Luvabull.  I made the costume myself.  Damn right, I was proud.  It only took a little bloodshed, patience, and way too much time for me to realize why I usually buy my costumes when I decide to celebrate the holiday.  Next year I’ll remember.  Most of the night was spent wandering up and down Clark Street looking for a bar that didn’t have a line or was obnoxiously crowded.  This proved to be difficult.  Somehow we managed to end up at Big City Tap in the end.  I met a boy there.  He was dressed like Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.  Yes, I went on a date with Buzz.  Yes, it went ok.  But as nice as he was, I could tell he wasn’t my type.  I guess I was impressed with the space suit.  And when it’s not worn on a daily basis, I get a little disappointed…  ha ha.

Yep yep… those are the highlights for now.  I’m sure there’s more worth mentioning, but I’d rather start talking about what’s actually going on right now.  If you object, feel free to say something.  Most likely I still won’t do anything about it. 

Rooftop Seats Are an Amazing Idea

So this was the big weekend!  I got to go to my first Cubs game!  Sort of.  Christy had raced up to me one morning at work and frantically explained that Groupon was selling Rooftop tickets again and asked if I wanted to join.  Of course I said yes.  It’s not my first “in the park” experience, but I’m getting closer!  We were at 3639 Sheffield.  Overall impression?  We would SO go back!!!

But I did do one thing wrong before the day of the game (Cubs vs. Dodgers, by the way…).  I went out the night before with my friend Nicole who had come up for an interview and to start her summer job at a day camp in the area.  And we went out hard… 

I had actually already had a pretty long day.  I had been apartment hunting since 9:00 that morning.  And I had gotten up pretty early for it because I wanted to actually look like someone they would want to rent to.  Eight apartments later I was running out the door again to meet up with Annie for dinner at Sushi Ai- the favorite spot we’ve found so far in the ‘burbs for sushi.  Not that we’ve tried overly hard to find another one- but it’s close for me since it’s in Palatine and it is sort of on Annie’s way home from working at the jewelry store.  Unfortunately, the don’t open nearly as early as we had hoped (we made it an early dinner because we both had plans after).  So we went to Walgreens across the street.  Annie needed some makeup and we couldn’t figure out a better place to kill some time.  We played in the toy aisle until we realized the one guy working was staring at us like we were idiots.  Whatever.  A huge squishy ball that lights up AND has glitter in it is an amazing find.  After we had enough, we went back to be seated at the restaurant.  Neither of us had been there for quite some time, so we made sure to take our time picking some fantastic rolls.  And, we had literally not seen  each other since her bachelorette party- so we took our time and caught up before we parted ways for the night.

Nicole got to my house that evening and was asking if I had planned on doing anything.  A.k.a. she wanted to go out.  I was really tired, but figured I might as well.  I needed a couple drinks to celebrate my finding a place and also to destress from the week.  I texted a few people and soon enough Nicole and I were sitting at Gatsby’s waiting for the boys to arrive.  They’re always so late at finally getting it together to go out somewhere.  It’s kind of ridiculous.  We showered, sat around, stopped by the ATM, drove further, AND sat for 30 minutes before I got a text saying they were on their way.  Way to blow our fashionably late entrance…  And yes, Gatsby’s again.  The place that I’ll be living at in a month is that much closer.  Scary.  I should probably introduce myself to the staff. 

Three or four jaeger bombs later (thanks boys!), we were all having a good time.  I wasn’t tired anymore- probably had to have something to do with the fact I never consume Red Bull.  (Which I heard has cocaine in it- can we say “duh”?  Red Bull banned after testing positive for cocaine)  Anyways, I think Nicole got a pretty good idea of how ridiculous we get in the suburbs from time to time… and I also think she’s more ok with the idea of crashing at my place often after working in Lake Forest all day vs. driving back to Lincoln Park everyday.  We made the cab driver go through McDonald’s again.  And yet again, it wasn’t my idea.  But I did enjoy myself a small order of fries… with ranch.  Yum…  Nicole took down an entire #8.  Which would freak you out too if you saw how small she is.  And I don’t know what her deal is with orange soda after a night of drinking.  Gross.  I also need to find a new taxi service.  This driver (after Justin had a “serious” talk with him about taking care of us girls through the window of the cab- ha ha) was even creepier than the last.  And it was me and another girl- instead of four other boys like it had been previously.  This guy spent half the ride talking about how excited  he was that bikini weather was almost here.  Do what you want with that information.  And imagine it coming from the mouth of a guy with a mullet.  Putting my life in this guys hands was just a bad idea.  Again- finding a new cab service has become a top priority.

Sunday morning came and it sucked.  We didn’t go to bed until at least 3:30 and my natural alarm clock gets me up by 8:00.  Lame.  I took a walk.  There were already alot of people out on the trail running.  I considered it.  But then I realized vomiting would be a likely consequence.  No thanks, I think I’ll walk.  I jumped on the 3:30ish metra and took it down to Clybourn to meet up with Christy and her friend that afternoon.  Didn’t have to deal with nearly the crowds as I had a couple Sundays earlier before a Cubs game.  The train schedule was at a bad time for this night game.  It worked out well for me.  I got to tour Christy and her sister’s new place in Bucktown and we hit the Rooftop early.  The clubhouse we had access to was really nice.  I guess I was kind of expecting a shitty and run-down place?  And instead of bleachers, we had actual seats on the rooftop.  That was nice.  And there was food everywhere.  And beer everywhere.  And even wine!  Everywhere…  Just imagine the possibilities!  If only I didn’t have to worry about those damn Monday mornings! 

The game was not the best- I mean, the Cubs kind of sucked it up all night.  But I still had alot of fun.  We met some characters.  We got a decent buzz.  And we snuck out halfway through the 9th inning to catch a cab before everyone left the ballpark.  What?  It’s not like the Cubs were going to win anyways- otherwise we would have stayed.

Wearing our Cubbie Blue!

Because the train schedule was off, the first train I could reasonably catch was the 11:30.  THAT is what did me in.  The entire ride home was me forcing myself to stay awake.  Unfortunately, not many people were up to text me at that time.  Which I also figured would mean they wouldn’t enjoy a call to chat, either…  I was terrified of missing my stop and then what would I have done?  I think it was one of the last trains of the night… I would have been screwed.  I strolled into the apartment at 12:45 and was easily asleep by 1:00. 

Monday morning still came way too fast.  And I have been issues sleeping.  So this morning came way too fast as well.  I think it’s the move- all night I sit and think about what I need to get for the new place and where I’m going to put it all and what it’s going to look like.  And then I force myself to stop thinking about that.  Which leads to me thinking about what all will need an address change and how much I can spend on certain things and when I’m going to get it all done by.  Lame.  I hate being grown up.  Why can’t I just lay there and think about boys all night?  I’d almost prefer stressing out over that instead of stupid grown-up things.  Blah…