June 6, 2011 · 10:38 pm

Official start of summer

I wish I had some crazy good excuse about why I took a weeklong break, but sadly, I don’t. Sometimes life just gets a little messy. To anyone who actually reads what I write on here, however, I hope you will excuse my absence and still continue to read!

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Although last weekend was Memorial Day–the unofficial start to summer just about everywhere–and I was able to enjoy some truly summeresque festivities, including a wedding, baseball game (plus obligatory hot dog) and a bike ride around Rock Lake, it wasn’t until yesterday that I received the mandatory first sunburn of the season.

Skin should not be that red.

Yesterday afternoon was perfect beach weather, so Kate, Seebs and I embarked on a downtown adventure complete with a train ride, a walk from Ogilvie to Oak Street Beach, some VERY ANNOYING tween girls that could be considered the downfall of society, and a sunburn like no other. No matter how much (or how little) sunscreen we put on, we never learn.

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May 24, 2011 · 9:34 pm

The best kind of park

A few weeks back, Oak Lawn opened its very first dog park. Obviously, Frasier and I attended, and despite some questionable policies, I think I can safely say there will be many visits in the future. There’s plenty of open grass space to roam around in, a water fountain for both the dogs and the humans, plenty of seating, free poop bags, and of course it’s all completely fenced in.

There are plenty of these statues situated around the park (notice Frasier creeping in the back)

But the best part? Watching all of the dogs interact with one another. So far, each time we’ve gone, every dog (and most of the people too) have been friendly and polite. And even though Frasier chooses to ignore the other dogs in favor of exploring on his own, while peeing over every square inch of the place, it’s still a good time for all.

Yes, those hydrants are purely decorative. Yes, Frasier peed on all of them.

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May 23, 2011 · 9:49 pm

A not so secret garden

Last week, a co-worker asked if I wanted to share a garden plot with her at Marquette Park, on Chicago’s Southwest side. While I kind of hate dirt and have no experience whatsoever in gardening, it sounded like a fun idea.

So on Saturday, in return for helping her weed her own yard, my mom carefully picked out some plants for me to grow. Armed with a cantaloupe plant, several jalapeño peppers, some zucchini, and a few marigolds to help ward off pesky bunnies and squirrels, (and my dad – it is the South side after all) I started my very first garden. I still don’t like the dirt, but I’m excited for my crops to grow!

[top image via wikipedia]

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May 20, 2011 · 11:18 pm

On my mind…

So full.
Another Friday night dinner in the Chi.
That took me an hour to get to.
That involved Italian food.
That I did not have to pay for.
I’ll take it.
This time I have leftovers.
Winning.
Seriously so tired.
I need to google: how to have more energy.
Maybe Frasier will give me some of his.
No dog should bound around as much as he does.
But every old dog should be as young as he is.
Another weekend.
Another day.

Rosebud on Rush. Check it out.

[image via virtualtourist.com]

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May 19, 2011 · 10:12 pm

A friend for Frasier

Yesterday afternoon as I was pulling out of the parking lot at work, I spotted two tiny gray pit bull puppies, and couldn’t help myself from ogling their tiny, wiggling bodies bounding down the sidewalk. When I decided to roll down my window and admire them some more, which in retrospect could have been slightly dangerous given the decidedly thug-ish men who seemed to be the puppies’ owners (sorry I’m not sorry for stereotyping), I couldn’t help but think they would make the perfect friends for Frasier.

And then one of the owners offered the pups to me for $100 a piece.

For a split second I considered it, knowing that the aforementioned thug-like men were probably going to sell the little pooches anyways, effectively making them doggie slaves in the evil world of dog fighting. Again, sorry I’m not sorry for stereotyping; it’s your fault, Michael Vick. Either way, I hope the little guys end up in a good home.

[image courtesy of getty images]

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