vices

1) Sweets

2) Sleep

3) The Twilight series?

It's no surprise that I'll gladly accept a sweet treat when offered, or that I am not opposed to a little extra sleep here and there, but my addiction to reading the Twilight series is as much of a shock to me as it is to you.  I saw the movie twice mainly because of Robert Pattison (who wouldn't?), but took to reading the books because I knew a better story could be found there; plus I was delayed at Midway long enough to need a new book.  Well, after  I devoured the first book in three days I couldn't stop myself from getting the next one, and the next, and the next.  My addiction has gotten bad considering I spent the last three hours reading the final book but I'd say it was well worth it.  The books are easy reads that still excite your imagination, but more importantly if you're older than 18, then you'll feel your inner high schooler come out and live the narration.  So basically I am a nerd of the highest order up there with all the other sci-fi lovers.  

Aside from my affection for vampire stories, I've been keeping up with the usual routine of school, work, and most likely hanging out with Dan, Kent, or the dogs.  It's been warm enough for my trusty stead to come out along with the new Brooks saddle that Reas gave to me for christmas, so I've been getting used to riding again.  Currently Chicago has too many potholes so major riding will have to wait till summer.  Other than that,  I am obviously in need of a new read (vampire-esq or not) so if you've got something good send it my way.  

It was 70+ degrees the other day so my me, my book, and my shiny new Jack Purcell's found a spot by the lake.  

The somewhat gross looking Lake Michigan.  

Danessa's birthday was a few weeks ago and she had a blow out party that lasted till 6 am, so I made 100+ mini cupcakes for the occasion.  Thankfully they were all gone by the end of the night.

View of downtown KC from my back deck from when i went home for spring break.  

The lovable Murphy dog, half lab half boxer.

Old bedroom.

Who knew!

Today is much better than yesterday.  Got a laugh from a man on the el who used the emergency button to tell the conductor to hurry up because he was late for something.  Man, I wish that actually worked because I would tell the conductor to go express from North and Clyborn to Loyola everyday. If only.  Aside from that I just found out I made the Dean's List for the School of Communication.  I don't think I've ever done that before.  Maybe this whole acting beyond my years is finally working out.  

I also went to Lovely Bakery today to study/snack/drink too much tea.  There is a wild chocolate sculpture that I can't imagine is real but am ready and willing to accept that all my dreams could come true if it is.  Since I don't live near Mercury Cafe anymore and its too cold/rainy to ride my bike I hop on the 56 Milwaukee to my new favorite cafe, Lovely.  It is everything the name implies and I can't wait to pass some serious summer reading time there. Try the tuna salad sandwich with a side salad if you're looking for a tasty treat.  

22 going on 45

It's been raining for forever.  Went to KC last week.  It was warm. Came back to Chicago and went out too much.  I am not 19 anymore, I can't stay out past 12 very easily.  Now I have a cold and need to do a portrait assignment, write a paper on film noir, and study for a midterm.  I am in the home stretch then comes real life. 

Went to this dog store in KC. Oddly enough it was just weird nicknacks that look like dogs, not dog toys or anything for your dog.  There was also a store called "Gatos" of the same vein; I passed that one up. 

It's so cold in the C

Cold, warm, cold, slightly warm, and then too cold.  Chicago is like being in a bad relationship with it's mood swings.  The ice has returned to the streets and sidewalks so my bike has been put away again.  Besides not wanting to leave the house, I've been busy busy busy.  Crossfader King had an event on Valentines day which went well.  It was Emilio's b-day also so cake and champagne were had. You can't beat that can you? Anyhoo, now we're working on a monthly event over at Sonotheque in West Town.  

Since my Saturday was busy, Dan and I did our Valentines stuff on Friday and went to Azucar in Logan Square for the best tapas I've had in Chicago.  The place is pretty small which gave it a personal feeling, the food and drinks were amazing, plus it wasn't that expensive either. Go here to check out their website. If you go there, try the artichoke hearts!

Aside from work and eating well I've been working my butt off at school.  Class every morning at either 8:30AM or 9:30AM sucks if you live an hour away.  Plus isn't your last semester of school supposed to be the easiest? Apparently not.  But I am almost done and I shouldn't complain since I am graduating on time. 

Since I am incapable of finding a scanner here are some more mobile finds to keep you occupied. 

Metropolis Coffee shop bathroom. People write the dumbest stuff in bathrooms and it's not even interesting.

Watching tv.

Ukrainian Village store front.  This place is a travel agency by the way.

Mimosas and reading.  Things that you think go well together but actually don't.  

A year ago I had just gotten to Dublin. Time flies by quickly.

It's Winter. Still.

It's only January and I want to escape. I am currently accepting invitations to exotic places but in case that doesn't pan out, there is an advertisement trying to sell me heated clothes and I am giving it second thoughts right about now. My only fear is that it's basically a heated blanket and that I'll suddenly burst into flames. Despite the cold good things are happening. I've fulfilled, at least temporarily, one of my new year's resolutions. I am currently employed as the PR intern for Crossfader King. It's fun and challenging and hopefully will open doors to more things so all is well in that department. On the other hand I am failing as a photographer. I haven't done a single thing but I have a assignment due next thursday so be on the lookout for that. Besides that you should look at the stuff below. The Cool Kids video that I worked on this summer is finally out so take a look here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b_ty5VuOk0

escape route.

I hate this add campaign. They had to add the Gatorade sign so that people could even know what it is for.

Crepe bake.

Things to do

Its a new month, and a new year, thus time to update the old blog. I had a lovely and relaxing Christmas in Kansas City. Despite the grizzly weather I go there a week prior to Christmas  and then Reas, Diana, and the dogs drove there on Christmas Eve.  The gifts were perfect, the food was amazing, and the company was wonderful. While we had a white Christmas, it has also been really weird but we all seemed to have survived.  60 degree weather during the winter in the midwest is weird and scary.  

New Years was good mainly because Dan came back on the 30th from his european excursions.  We went to a party with a bunch of his friends, ate like fiends because we hadn't eaten all day, and happily enjoyed the open bar.  Later on we went to another party where I played with a dog that looked like Bradley but bigger. So far 2009 is good but that's probably because school doesn't start until the 12th so my worries seem to be a million miles away.  

Since its a new year we're supposed to have resolutions.  I don't actually remember ever making any but a few things that need to get done this year are:

1) Get a job after I graduate (i think my parents would approve of this one) 

2) Work on photo stuff more and more 

3) Be more positive. Apparently the older I get the more negative I am thus since I am only 22 I thought that I should at least slow down the negative progression.  This is the year of me holding my tongue...or at least trying to.  "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all". 

So there you go.  Here's to 2008, you were a grand adventurous fun filled year, and here's to 2009 - may you be better than the last but not as good as the next. 

The birth of 2009.

John and Dan and some inventive lighting.

Obama.

Camouflage Lina.

Lina wears Bradley's hand-me-downs.  A true younger sister.

Mom's Christmas card picture. 

Sarah and Reas circa 1989? 

Murphy.

Don't stare into her eyes.

This made me miss my flight to Kansas City.  So much snow.