Monday, February 7, 2011

My First Visitor!!!!

I heart my friend Cathy.  She is one of my dearest friends- we were roomies for many years, starting all the way back in (gulp) 2000!  So you can imagine how excited I was when I found out that she would be spending five whole days with me in Chicago.  She even came during the winter (seriously a trooper, especially since she was coming from some fab weather in Cali), but I have to say... the weather didn't stop us from enjoying all the city has to offer.



Lunch at the Signature Room (95th floor of the John Hancock Building)- the best view of the city AND an amazing, affordable meal.


And this dish gets an honorable mention. Wagyu pastrami sandwich with french fries. Just a little plate of heaven...


Inside the Art Institute of Chicago.  What an amazing museum-- probably one of the best I have ever been to in my life (it was incredible to see Sunday Afternoon and Nighthawk in person, which are two of my all-time favorite paintings).


                                             Humongous ball of mistletoe.


                       Pretty view of Pritzker Pavillion from inside the museum.


                                Snowy bean (Cloud Gate) in Millenium Park.


Cathy and I love pictures that showcase pretty rows of trees. 



THANK YOU CATHY FOR A FABULOUS FUN FILLED WEEK!!!! 






Sunday, February 6, 2011

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Today while I was walking home from work, I couldn't help but think of how beautiful it is when it snows.  It really does make the winter so much more tolerable, and dare I say... enjoyable.  I really don't mind bundling up and walking when the snow is falling.  As much as I miss warm weather, Chicago is an amazing city to be in the winter.  When you learn to embrace the cold, it makes all the difference in the world. To have a White Christmas and Winter Wonderland for the holidays are things that I will take with me wherever I go.















Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Home is Wherever I'm With You

If you've been paying any attention to the news, there is a blizzard that has hit Chicago so hard that people are up to their ears in snow (literally).  Although a very small part of me feels a bit left out- insert fun pics of all my friends playing in mountains of fresh snow- I am grateful to have spent two extra days in beautiful, sunny, WARM, California. 

My flight back was smooth and easy, and I took in the cool comfortable breeze that welcomed me home.  By request, my dad picked me up in his brand new car with my favorite In N Out burger (animal style), fries, and vanilla shake.  Waiting for me at home was my mom, a half dozen Sprinkles cupcakes, and a fresh batch of caramel popcorn/chex mix.  It was my actual birthday that night, and the little girl in me who still loves to open presents was excited to unwrap my gift.

The rest of the week was spent catching up with friends, and of course it went by all too fast.  I also got in some shopping at South Coast Plaza (a girl can have serious withdrawals being away for too long), had a lot of good Japanese food, and most importantly quality time with my family. 

Sometimes it's really hard being so far away from home, but truly it makes you appreciate what you have so much more.   This vacation was just what I needed in so many ways.  I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle February in The Windy City!  Special thanks to my brother, who funded my trip back home and even flew down from Nor Cal just to celebrate my birthday- you rock.