Weekend Update and other goodies

Ah, I'm back from the looong weekend. I realized I haven't blogged in almost a week, and thats just crazy! Of course I was busy all weekend being in Chicago and stuff, but since I got back, work has actually been somewhat busy. Today is the first day all week that I'm sitting at my desk bored out of my mind, it must be a record. Anyway.

Chicago = good times

I flew into Midway at about 12:45 am with Kelly, we had fun on the flight studying for the GRE's (me) and reading Harry Potter 4 and doing real-job work (Kelly). side note: I finally know what Kelly's consulting job actually entails, and what she means when she says she's doing "work." very stimulating. We got a ride from Kelly's fab BF, Ryan, and I got dropped off in the Loyola area into the waiting arms of Cabiiii!! I met Fofo and Cabi's cat, Sigourney - who, I have to say, has found a place in my heart. I'm definitely not usually a cat person, but this cat just cracked me up and was really nice. She's really jumpy and kinda a scaredy-cat, but loves to be be petted while she eats, and flops on her back for belly rubs. so cute!!

So the weekend was filled with seeing friends and their new Chicago-neighborhood apartments and post-college lives. A little surreal, but at the same time awesome to see everyone. Also, I got to see other non-Chicagoans who came back for the weekend, which was fabulous. On Friday, I went down to the financial district just as the parade/rally was ending for the White Sox, and I saw crowds of people leaving in all their White Sox gear, kinda crazy. I had some yummy Potbelly's with Bo for lunch, and then I met up with Caroline, Dena, and Erin on Michigan Avenue where we had an exuberant reunion in the middle of Filene's Basement, I almost got knocked over by Erin and Caroline. I had dinner at some Lincoln Park italian restaurant with Cabiria, Barry, Taylor, and Taylor's roommate, and then we went to some bar/club, where we met up with Dena, Caroline, and fresh-from-D.C. Pam, and were all too tired to do anything more than sit and drink. Ooold, I know, but sitting and talking is cool too.

Saturday was Evanston day, which started out amazingly with some Giordano's pizza (mmmmmmmmmmmmm), and then progressed to some pre-game fun, but the glow slowly died with our dying offense during the game. Ugh, I don't even want to talk about it - what a craptastic game. This fear has been in the back of my head since the post-Michigan State frenzy; Northwestern football + high hopes = disappointment. It's best to go into the game with low expectations - cause no matter the outcome, you don't end up crushed. After the game I had some much-needed Philly's Best cheesesteak, and then abandoned ideas of going to Evanston bars because they were filled with old Michigan fans - not fun.

Sunday I had brunch with a bunch of people in Lincoln Park then went shopping with Pam on Michigan Ave. Ahh, H&M, Marshall Fields' Frango Mints, Garrett's Popcorn - all necessary for a Chicago visit. Then, sadness, it was time to return to the California. Love to everyone I saw in Chicago, and Boston you're next!

Back to life in California - next two weeks are hardcore GRE studying time, so not a lot of fun; a couple of job interviews - we'll see how those go; and I bought my ticket for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Oct 18th!!! 15 days people!!

oh yeah, and Happy Halloween! We actually got a couple of kids at our house this year, not bad considering we live on a dark, border street of our neighborhood. I think the cutest kid I saw was wearing a Bob the Builder costume - adorable.

happy birthday Ma and Pa