Monthly Archives: April 2011

To Milwaukee and back

I spent my day in Milwaukee, and despite the abysmal weather, I enjoyed traveling back to the Land of Cheeseheads. I took the Amtrak from Union Station in Chicago and just 90 minutes later I was in Milwaukee. This was my first time on an Amtrak train and I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the experience was. The roundtrip ticket was cheaper than a tank of gas, the seats were comfy enough with plenty of leg room and I didn’t have to worry about traffic or parking. #winning.

Amazingly, the seats really were almost this nice.

Once I arrived, Josh and I checked out a new restaurant (new for us)–AJ Bombers–which unfortunately I wasn’t too impressed with. Going to a place known for its burgers on Good Friday, however, may have had something to do with it. Still, Josh did order a burger and rated it only “decent.” My grilled cheese fared about the same. Better luck next time.

From lunch we headed out to the Mayfair Mall to catch an afternoon showing of Water for Elephants. I had been looking forward to seeing this movie and while I have plenty of praise for Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson (!!), there was just too much circus-themed animal cruelty for me to give this film a raving review. Fortunately, I was able to use my AMC free movie passes so we didn’t waste any money. Plus, the gigantic Cinnabon we shared afterward more than made up for our iffy take on the movie.

Why must you be so unhealthy?

And just like that, an hour and a half later I was back in IL. ‘Til Monday.

[images via getty images]

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On my mind…

If you own a cat, you must learn to pick up the litter. Pretty basic.
When will the weather be warm enough to take late night walks with Frasier? This whole 40 degree thing has got to go.
I hate it when your hands feel so sticky even though you just washed them.
Sometimes I feel very OCD when it comes to cleaning. I just vacuumed and mopped, but I feel like I need to do MORE.
How many carbs in one day is too much?
Two bagels, one peanut butter sandwich and a few bites of pound cake … too much?
So bummed when you think you found a great deal, but then discover that $22 is one way, not round trip.
$44 is not a lot, but still.
If gas weren’t so expensive, this would not be an issue.
$4.19? Seriously? Seriously? Insane.
You know you’re annoying when Frasier avoids you like the plague. TAKE.A.HINT.
Craving an Easter Reese’s egg. SO.GOOD.
Stop coddling the cats. They don’t like it.
Wishing this book was as good as The Help. It’s just weird.
Looking forward to a day off and catching up on some reading, maybe seeing Water for Elephants.
Saying a prayer for those who are still out of work and/or laid off. WE.NEED.JOBS.
Wishing good luck to this girl. HELP.DONATE.

[image via we heart it]

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The Help

I recently finished one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Technically, I listened to it via an audio CD every time I was in the car, but still. This book was IRRESISTIBLE. Every time I wasn’t in the car I was wishing I was so that I could find out what was happening next. The book? The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Set in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s, The Help is a story about black maids and the white families they serve. Obviously this is a book about civil rights and race relations, but the writing is so real and you just feel like you’re there with the characters, rooting for the good ones.

Seriously, if you haven’t read this book yet, which is the first from Stockett and published in 2009, you should go buy it, check it out at the library or find an audio version. Like, yesterday. Plus, as an added bonus, it’s being made into a movie this summer! Seriously, I’m so pumped. Check out the trailer here.

[image via reviewsbylola]

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Before and after

“Happiness is a warm puppy.” -Charles Schulz

Frasier finally went to the dog groomer over the weekend, and man did he need it. It had been several months since he had gotten his hair cut, and even though I gave him a bath a few weeks ago, he was just a plain ol’ smelly dog. Fortunately he gets the best care at his salon, Absolutely Pawfect.

It’s never fun dropping Frasier off because he’s usually so tentative and I always worry he’ll think I won’t return for him. This time though it was completely worth it. Frasier got the full spa treatment with a bath, grooming, facial, ear cleaning and Frontline application. There’s nothing better than a clean, warm, pup. Check out the before and after shots:

Before: He looks pretty cute here, but he smelled like dirty dog.

After: Clean pooch! Check out those ears!

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Street cred

This past Saturday I attended an art benefit. The event was hosted by the Southwest Youth Collaborative, as a part of the Recurrent Dreams Project, which is a collaboration between artist Granite Amit and 10 youth participants of the SWYC.

[The SWYC is a community-based network of youth and community development organizations serving African Americans, Arab Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Native American and Latino children, youth and families living in the West Englewood, Chicago Lawn, Gage Park, West Lawn and West Elsdon neighborhoods.]

The event was held at the Arc Gallery and Educational Foundation in the West Loop, which ended up being relatively easy for my mom and I to find. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when we arrived, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised.

In addition to a panel discussion about art as resistance, audience members were treated to a small jazz band–which was incredible–as well as some of the most awesome free styling and break dancing that I’ve ever seen in person. Sometimes kids can be pretty amazing. Check it out:

I’m pretty sure in my next life I want to be one of those dancers.

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