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When I read yesterday that Borders was going out of business, it felt like a blow to the stomach.

I grew up taking frequent trips to the library with my mom, reaping the benefits of school book fairs with my dad and relishing a good story before bed. When I was little (okay, maybe now too) I would have rather spent my time reading a good book than socializing with my neighbor. I can still remember summer nights spent browsing through the bookstore looking for my latest treasure.

Sure, I can still enjoy a good book on an e-reader or iPad, neither of which I have, but there is nothing quite like the feeling you get when walking into a real, live, breathing bookstore.

RIP Borders.

If my future house has a room like this, that would be alright with me.

{All images via pinterest}

Over the weekend I was lucky enough to catch up with two old (relatively speaking) friends from college. [She said as though she’s been out of college for years.] There is nothing like meeting up with someone who you haven’t seen in weeks, months even, and being able to pick up right where you left off. I am lucky to know such lovely and talented ladies. With one about to close on her first condo and the other teaching English in Costa Rica, I am in good company.

I started off my weekend with a midnight showing of the final installment to Harry Potter. While I was initially dreading seeing such a late show since I can barely keep my eyes open past 10:30 during the week, the movie more than made up for itself.

If only the same could be said for a Goose Rita. What is a Goose Rita, you ask? A margarita from Goose Island. While Goose Island has some worthy food (I recommend the vegetable chili) and some decent (I assume) craft beers (gross), their margaritas may need some work. Maybe.

Confession: I consistently order $5+ drinks that I think sound good, and then can’t drink more than 1/4 of them.

A problem my Gram just does not have. With the steamy weather this weekend, she was more than happy to accept a cool treat in the form of a chocolate Frosty from Wendy’s. Her face when she gets an ice cream treat is priceless. But not as amusing as when she falls asleep at the table.

Also priceless, er I mean grossly overpriced: homes in Hyde Park. After taking a tour of the Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods on the South side of the city, I was more than impressed.

Aside from the homes however, I was unsure of what else HP had to offer, and so my quest for the perfect Chicago neighborhood continues.

When you live in Lake Mills, Wis. I suppose there is no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than to cruise Rock Lack by boat. When you’ve never before been on a boat, however, that scenario can be quite daunting.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), I didn’t have much choice in the matter as Josh dragged me onto the boat of a friend. As my initial nerves wore off and I dared to open my eyes, I discovered it wasn’t so bad after all.

COLDDDD.

Invasive zebra mussel. Gross.

Where all the locals go?

Leaving work early on a Friday is great.
It’s even better when it’s already a three-day weekend.
It’s not so great when it’s a cloudy, gray day with threats of scattered thunderstorms.
It’s also not great when you make grand plans in your head and then accidentally take a nap.

However: excited for a return visit to the dog park.
It has been too long since Frasier has seen his pooch friends.
This is a great cause to support, especially this weekend.
But every other weekend too.
If you want to read more happy pup stories, read this.
Dream job=working for the ASPCA.
Dream weekend=laying on the beach and being able to afford all of the awesome 4th of July sales.
Reality=lots of traveling back and forth with a little fun in between.

[images via pinterest]