So...What Else, What Else, What Else?

Two Weeks

2009-09-25T08:46:00.003-05:00

Just eight more work days until I depart for Paris! Mom arrives here in Chicago on the 7th and we take the red-eye to Paris on Friday night the 9th. I'm getting really excited, but realized in a panic last night that I really haven't done the preparation I need to.

First, I called about my iPhone and activating the $25 international service. I'm not so worried about the phone, but the Internet, the apps and the GPS will be a great feature. Until I found out that it's $25 for 20 MBs of data and I use on average over 700 MBs per month. Ouch! Looks like I'm gonna pass on that.

Mom really wants to do some wine tasting and I looked into going down to Burgundy for a wine trip, but instead have decided to do an over night trip to the Loire Valley. We'll stay the night in the town of Blois at this hotel. Then we'll hit the Château de Chenonceau, the Château de Chambord and the Château de Blois. I'd also like to visit some wineries, probably in Vovray. Eek, so excited!

I also booked us a wine class at O Chateau in Paris. I found it myself, but then saw that David Lebovitz recommended it, too. I love him and plan to take several of his recommendations.

On Sunday we'll be visiting the Place des Vosges and probably the Picasso Museum. Plans are to attend an organ concert at Notre Dame and eat dinner in the Marais.

We'll be visiting the Louvre at some point, too. We've both been, but you can spend a lifetime and not see everything. I also just found a private museum that I wasn't familiar with, the Musee Jacquemarte-Andree and it's just a block from our hotel, so we'll be hitting that for sure.

Between houseguests, traveling and being sick, I haven't been to the gym in three weeks! Yikes! So, today is my first day back and I plan to hit it everyday (except the four days I'm out of town next weekend). And, I've made the decision to bring workout clothes and shoes with me on vacation. The hotel we're staying at has a great gym and I really need to take advantage of it. Sure, we'll be walking plenty, but I really need to work up a good sweat at least every other day while I'm there.

Now, I haven't started planning the Dublin leg of the trip at all.

Do you have any suggestions for Paris or Dublin? I'm open to everything!!!

Take the Time

2009-08-20T11:31:00.002-05:00

Regardless of what your opinions are, I hope that you'll take the time today to join in the President's National Health Care Forum. It's at 2:30 Eastern. Just visit here to RSVP and you'll get a link to watch online. You can even submit your question to be answered.

I, for one, support some serious health care reform. In fact, I'd support complete socialized medicine. But, my opinion is neither here nor there. The point is that I hope you'll get involved and spend some time learning more about the proposed plans.

Can't We Just Be Polite?

2009-08-19T11:41:00.003-05:00

I'm not going to say that Mr. Frank was polite, or that his actions were appropriate. In fact, he's a little harsh and down right rude. But, really? Comparing President Obama to Hitler? That's a little extreme. I think that both parties in this exchange were going for shock value and trying to get our attention.

However, I do think that "Trying to have a discussion with you is like arguing with a dining room table, I have no interest in doing it" will be my new response to all things ridiculous.

60 Days

2009-08-10T09:24:00.002-05:00

It's officially less than two months until my big vacation for my Mom's 60th Birthday. I am just so ready for an escape, and nothing says escape like leaving the country for two weeks!

As I mentioned before, I'm using points for our hotel in Paris so it's FREE! This isn't exactly where I wanted to stay, but the price is right. Don't get me wrong, there's something to be said for American accomodations, but we're not going to be in America. The location isn't ideal either, but again...Nothing beats free, right? I shouldn't be complaining, I'm not complaining. In fact, I decided to use my "clout" as a Hilton Diamond member and shoot off an email to the Hilton Arc de Triomphe to request an upgraded room and an Executive Level guarantee (both of which I'm entitlted to as a "Diamond Member", but that are granted on an availability basis.)

Really, I'm not trying to be bossy or needy, I'm just trying to give my mom a kick ass birthday. I figured if I don't ask someone else will and I don't want that someone else sitting in our hotel suite with a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower.

I sent off a nice, short note explaining that I am bringing my mom to Paris for her 60th birthday and would very much like a nice view and an upgraded room. Withing hours I'd received an email return offering a VIP arrival with a bottle of Champagne and a birthday cake upon our arrival, a room with a view, and an upgraded room on the Executive Level. How nice is that?! I love great service!

I was kinda feeling like I might be over Hilton properties, but might give them another chance. We'll see how this trip pans out.

Today I Am...

2009-08-03T20:04:00.002-05:00

Shamlessly swiped from Blackbird.

... reading "The Sweet Life in Paris" by David Lebovitz

... listening to the new Regina Spektor album, "Far"

... watching the maple tree outside of my window

... drinking water

... making progress on reorganizing my new dresser drawers

... waiting for vacay in only 64 days!

... wondering how much it will cost to send all of my laundry out

... wanting this damn new rug in my office to stop shedding!

Poor Neglected Blog

2009-07-27T13:04:00.002-05:00

I don't know why I can't seem to blog more lately. Just lots going on. Work has been crazy and whenever I can walk away from the computer I do. Blogging just hasn't held much allure for me of late.

This weekend was fabulous! Friday we went to the Lawrence Fish Market and picked up enough fresh sushi grade fish to feed a huge family. Friends came over and The Boy and I made sushi, nigiri, sashimi and maki. It wasn't pretty, but it was delicious. Seriously, the best fist I've had in Chicago, if you're here...go. The place is a total dive of a fish monger, but worth it. And cheap, too! Lots of fish, new friends, four bottles of wine and a pineapple make for a fun night.

Saturday was sleeping late, breakfast, a neighborhood walk then off to miniature golf and then a viewing of Arsenic & Old Lace in the park.

Yesterday was more sleeping late then a trip to the gym and errands. The afternoon was completed with a few hours at the beach and then Raiders of the Lost Ark at a park in Bucktown. Dang, that's still a great movie.

I have GOT to get black out blinds in my bedroom. It's a south facing window and it's SO bright, it's light here by 5:15 or so.

I'm also starting to get excited about my trip to Paris with my Mom in October. It's now just about two months away. Still a surprise for her. I have two ideas on how to break the news to her. One is a list of "60 Things to do on Your 60th Birthday" with #1 being "Go to Paris with Geg!" Or, I'm thinking of just sending her a copy of this book with the itinerary in it. Mom doesn't really love surprises, so I need to tell her. Is two weeks enough notice? What do y'all think.

The other exciting thing is that I'm signed back up for classes at Second City. I was halfway through Level C when I had to drop out due to sickness early this Spring. I'm going back to retake Level C and classes start next Wednesday. I'm really looking forward to it. It will be with a new ensemble, so I hope that I like them and that they like me!

Work is work. After super crazy travel for a month, I'm home for a while and looking forward to getting back into a routine with classes, the gym, work and sleeping well!

Biggest fish

2009-07-20T23:03:00.001-05:00

We did a little impromptu fishing last night with The Boy and his dad.
I caught the first fish. The Boy caught the biggest...This 1.9 lb
bass. All together about 15 fish in just under three hours with two
bathroom breaks, 4 cigars, 10 beers and no injuries.

2009-07-20T20:57:00.003-05:00

I've written about this before, but I love the great ethnic markets here in Chicago. The two in my new 'hood are Andy's Fruit Ranch and Cermak Produce. Cermak is certainly Hispanic focused and Andy's is a little Middle Eastern, Eastern European and Hispanic mixed.

Tonight I went to Andy's to pick up a few things and I'm always shocked at how low the bill is. Here's what I got for $23.74 tonight:

1 gallon skim milk
1 head romaine lettuce
1 head of red leaf lettuce
1 bunch of celery
2 lbs of baking soda
1 1.80 lb cataloupe
1.45 lb green grapes
1.10 lb necatires
1.27 Fuji apples
3 limes
1 huge red onion
1 bulb of garlic
1 large hand of bananas
1 big red pepper
1 lb plum tomatoes
1 jar of Dijon mustard
1 jar of mayo
1 pint of sour cream
1 Milka chocolate bar

That's alot of stuff!!!

It's such a great $$$ saving option compared to going to Dominick's or Jewel everytime I need groceries.

Are you a contridiction?

2009-07-17T12:51:00.000-05:00

Chicago skyline before opening night of the Chicago Outdoor Film Festval

2009-07-14T20:37:00.000-05:00

Yep, you're reading that right. Beef lips.

2009-06-26T14:54:00.001-05:00

Fridge Friday

2009-06-26T08:51:00.001-05:00

Fridge Friday 6-26-09
Originally uploaded by geg5150

Click through to read the notes and see the freezer!

Let me see your fridge!

Picnic Dinner

2009-06-25T11:12:00.004-05:00

Wednesday night we went to watch The Producers at a beach park on Lake Michigan. It was great fun. We're doing picnics in the park before the movie. I love it.

I didn't want to do traditional picnic food or sandwiches, I wanted a real meal. Something that was easy enough to eat and that would be tasty at room temp.

I kinda invented Lemon & Olive Chicken with Couscous

6 chix thighs, no skin on the bone

In a large skillet that has a lid heat 2-3 tbsp of oil. Salt and pepper your chicken and brown on both sides for a total of 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and add chopped onion to saute for about 3 minutes. Add 1 clove of mined garlic and cook for another minute. Add 1 cup of chix stock to deglaze the pan. Add the chicken back to the skillet along with 1 cup of chopped green Spanish olives and Kalamata olive (or whatever you like), six lemon quarters (that's 1 1/2 lemons) and a tsp or so of dried marjoram. Bring to a low simmer, cover and cook for about 45 minutes...the chicken will be almost falling off the bone.

This is very lemony. The chix broth & olive have plenty of salt, so don't add extra. I did add extra pepper and a slash of Tobasco sauce in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Serve atop couscous with plenty of the yummy sauce.

I served it with grilled veggies, pickled radishes and fresh pineapple for dessert.

Saturday night it's The Goonies at Chase Park. The Boy is responsible for the picnic, I think it'll be pot roast.

This must end

2009-06-23T14:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T15:12:00.001-05:00

G's first Christmas
Originally uploaded by geg5150

This was my dad's first Christmas as a dad. This year will be his 37th. He's pretty great. It's amazing to me that he's 26 in this picture. Yikes! That's so young to have so much responsibility.

I'm so lucky to have great parents. My dad has always be a terrific provider, has put his family first and afforded us so many adventures throughout my childhood (and adult life)!

I love you, Dad.

(And yes, that baby is me.)

Hot Town, Summer in the City

2009-06-18T21:57:00.003-05:00

Not exactly dirty and gritty, but it is getting humid here in Chicago. I'm fighting the urge to turn on the air conditioning. It's hovered at 78 in the house all day, now that it's 10 p.m., I'm hoping that it will cool down. The windows are wide open and the fans are on full blast. After a slow start, it appears that summer is here.

Last night was a great summer night! The Boy and I started with dinner at Moody's Pub, an institution since 1959. A damn fine burger and a lovely beer garden. It's always summer at Moody's.

Our dinner choice was strategically located just three blocks from Berger Park, the location for our Movie in the Park! Last night's film was Rear Window with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. Grace Kelly was exquisite, such a beauty. Her outfits were just stunning! I'd seen parts of the movie, but not all of it. 1954 was so very different from anything I know in my life! So formal and reserved.

The park had a great sound system and the screen was huge. The grassy area was littered with couples and small groups of three and four on blankets with bottles of wine, picnics and snacks. It did get a little cool and by the last 15 minutes of the movie, I had on my sweatshirt and was more under the blanket than on top of it.

The next movie on our list is The Producers in Lincoln Park next week.

Tomorrow night is Happy Hour with two guys that I met at a work function a few weeks ago. They're friends with each other and I met each of them independently. I nice surprise to find that they know each other. An instant circle of friends, I'd say. Hmmm, which one of them will I choose for my gay husband. Can I have two?

The rest of the weekend will be spent working around the house, organizing and such.

Oh, and tomorrow morning, I'm going to get my new 32G iPhone 3G(s). Excited!

Right, About that To Do List

2009-06-15T10:17:00.002-05:00

The progress:

Final trip to the old condo to pick up random crappe, including: telephone, lamp, box of books, hanging picture, dead Christmas cactus, vacuum, etc. DONE!
Go to Petsmart to pick up a scratching post for Buttercup, she's scratching my brand new bedroom rug. DONE!
Change the cat litter. DONE!
Meet a lady from Craigslist to give her some boxes and packing paper. DONE!
Shower! Zoiks, I'm a lil' stinky. DONE!
Unload the diswasher. DONE!
Throw a down comforter in the washer. Fail.
Bring 2 boxes down to the basement. DONE!
Take the trash out. DONE!
Find a home for the ironing board. Not done, but I like Anna's idea!
Ask the downstairs neighbor who is moving out if she'd like some empty boxes. Not yet. I think I'm saving them for The Boy.
Mentally prep for work tomorrow. BOO! Well, it's Monday and I'm working, semi-prepared mentally.
Meet the old landlord to give her the keys and get the security deposit back. Whoo hoo, free money to pay the mortgage! (Actually, I think I'll use it to buy my new 32G iPhone 3G(s) phone and put the remainder towards my bedroom furniture that I'm getting next month.) DONE! I met her in the courtyard and can you believe that she didn't even go in to look at the condo? Crazy! She gave me a check for the security deposit without looking at the place. I can't get over it.

I actually didn't do too bad on my list. Of course, it's a never ending cycle of to do lists. Today's list includes:

Going to the bank.
Working...yes, that. After being off on Thursday and Friday, I'm playing alot of catch up.
Prepare for tomorrow's meeting. I have a pretty important meeting tomorrow to prepare for. Lots of documentation to gather and organize. Fortunately, it's not until 3:30 tomorrow, so I can prepare today and then look at everything with fresh eyes in the morning.
Take a walk! Always a constant battle to get exercise in. The bonus is that I'll enjoy my new neighborhood walks.
UNPACKING. I'd like to finish up the office and get a little more accomplished in the living room which still continues to be the dumping ground.

Today's To Dos

2009-06-14T13:03:00.002-05:00

It is a ridiculously glorious day here in Chicago. I think it may finally be heading towards summer here. High of 75 with blue skies, breezes and big fluffy clouds. Perfect for spending the afternoon at Ribfest with The Boy.

Before I meet him, though, here's my to do list:

Final trip to the old condo to pick up random crappe, including: telephone, lamp, box of books, hanging picture, dead Christmas cactus, vacuum, etc.
Go to Petsmart to pick up a scratching post for Buttercup, she's scratching my brand new bedroom rug.
Change the cat litter.
Meet a lady from Craigslist to give her some boxes and packing paper.
Shower! Zoiks, I'm a lil' stinky.
Unload the diswasher.
Throw a down comforter in the washer.
Bring 2 boxes down to the basement.
Take the trash out.
Find a home for the ironing board.
Ask the downstairs neighbor who is moving out if she'd like some empty boxes.
Mentally prep for work tomorrow. BOO!
Meet the old landlord to give her the keys and get the security deposit back. Whoo hoo, free money to pay the mortgage! (Actually, I think I'll use it to buy my new 32G iPhone 3G(s) phone and put the remainder towards my bedroom furniture that I'm getting next month.)

What are you doing today?

The Mess

2009-06-13T01:05:00.001-05:00

Mess
Originally uploaded by geg5150

I think I'm past the "getting worse before it gets better stage". It should be only getting better at this point.

The Metro Rack has been assembled in the basement. I did that by myself, it was hairy for a second or two. Seriously, I have so much room in the basement, I'll be able to free up a lot of space in my closets. Holla!

The office is coming along nicely and so is the kitchen.

The living room and bedroom continue to be the dumping ground for everything that doesn't have a home yet.

A HUGE shout out to The Boy for helping me like crazy for 24 hours! From packing, cleaning, talking off the ledge, to organizing, assembling and making me laugh, he's been awesome. I don't think I'll be able to properly repay him.

I'm hoping to have most everything done by Sunday night. Still have the Serve-a-thon tomorrow and RibFest on Sunday, so I have bunches to do!

Moving and Shaking

2009-06-11T11:31:00.002-05:00

Didn't I just do this? Yes, less than a year ago I moved from VA to Chicago, now I'm moving again. This is my fourth move in 27 months. I'm over it.

Today is moving day. The movers should be here in about a half an hour. I'm feeling pretty good about the move. Everything is packed. I've been trying to clean as I go along so that the final cleaning won't be so bad.

I know that I'll have to made a trip back for the final contents of the fridge and any last minute things that are sure to be left behind. Oh, and to pick up the cats. Sadly, they'll be trapped in the master bathroom for most of the day as they are escape artists.

It's raining here in Chicago today, so that adds a nice twist to the moving experience. On a good note, I picked up the U-Haul and parallel parked it like a rock star! The things that you do out of necessity when you're a single gal in the city! The movers will load the truck, I'll drive it to the new place and they'll unload.

I'm really not looking forward to the move, but it's here and I can't stop it. This is a super busy weekend with the move, the Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon on Saturday, Ribfest & Midsommarfest on Sunday. Unfortunately, I have a happy hour planned with two new friends tomorrow night that I think I'm going to have to cancel in order to get everything done.

Check you later!

The Kitchen Table and Chairs...

2009-06-10T21:20:00.001-05:00

Kitchen Table
Originally uploaded by geg5150

they have arrived.

Supposed to be Monday, then yesterday, finally delivered today at 6 p.m. I'd really rather be hanging out eating a meal on the new table. I think it looks really great against the bright green.

Click through to see other new pics.

Pick Your Seat

2009-06-09T23:39:00.004-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I love The Chicago lately? Well, I do. Thiiiiiiis much!

The weather has been a little slow to realize it's June, but I really don't mind. I quite like having to wear a sweater out to dinner and on my evening walks. I like the chill in the air. (Dear Phoenix: I don't miss you one bit! Just my people there, but I think they should all relocate to here.)

My latest love affair with Chicago is surrounding the Chicago Park District's Movies in the Park program. From June to September over 170 current and classic movies will be shown in parks around the city for free!

Rear Window? Check. Next Wednesday.
The Goonies? Check. Blue Brothers? Check.
Breakfast at Tiffany's? Sunset Blvd.? The Philadelphia Story? Check. Check. Check.

What fun will be had. Movies are showing at different parks all over the city, so I'll have even more reason to explore different neighborhoods.

In other news, last night's walk only garnered three kittens and three grown cats. Not much for the wild life last night.

Oh, yeah, and the movers come tomorrow! Holy Sh!#!!! I think I'm ready. I have tomorrow and Friday off work, so that helps alot. I just hate this whole process and I'm so tired. Six hours of sleep a night isn't enough for me. I cannot wait until Friday morning when I can sleep in late and begin the unpacking process.

Chicago is a Zoo

2009-06-09T14:05:00.002-05:00

And I don't mean because of the crazy traffic, the crazy people or the crazy public transportation. I mean because of the animals.

The boy and I have been taking walking late in the evenings pretty regularly. It's fun. Get a little exercise, visit and explore the neighborhood. We usually go pretty late, so there aren't many people out, but the animals abound.

Just last night we saw:
6 bunnies
5 baby raccoons
1 baby possum
2 kittens
1 big tomcat

I'm happy to report that I still haven't seen a rat in my year living in Chicago. I've seen them in DC, NYC and even in Phoenix, but not here. The boy reports that just last night before he came to my place that he saw two rats and two skunks. Stinkaroo, no thank you.

I think that maybe I need to start taking my camera out on my walks to document the animals. Although, what else could there be? I think that we may have seen all of the variety we're going to see, right? There are deer in the city in the parks, but we're not really walking near there. There was a cougar found in Roscoe Village last April. I hope to not encounter a deadly "big cat".

In the jungle,

2009-06-08T17:02:00.000-05:00

The mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight.

Saw these two babies napping in the neighbors yard on Friday.

A Good Evening Indeed

2009-06-06T17:18:00.003-05:00

Do you remember when I went to Bonsoiree with Leanne back in February? I couldn't stop thinking about it. I mean really, check out all that we had to enjoy on our visit. I was so excited that my work bestie, Kelly, was in town from Philadelphia and wanted to try it. I secured our reservations several weeks ago and last night was the big night.

We chose the seven course menu:

The amuse was Kona Kampachi Sashimi with yuzu and fresh wasabi. The perfect bite. It was served on a tiny shark skin grater used to grate the wasabi.

Our salad course was so fresh and green. Shaved cucumber, pea tendrils with Verjus dressing. Accompanied by bacon cubes, house pickled Japanese eggplant and a bruleed kumquat. Wow! That kumquat was something else!

Our third course wasn't off menu and was the Scallop Motoyaki that was had last time, too. I actually think that I enjoyed it better this time!

The next course was really interesting, a green tea smoked, oil poached baby octopus with rhubarb gravlax and a beet chip. I don't usually love octopus, but this was very good. Octopus is usually chewy and this wasn't all all. It was nice. Probably my least favorite of the dishes, but darn good!

Our soup course was next with a delightful roasted yellow tomato soup paired with butter poached shrimp with shiso. The soup was great and so was the shrimp, the shiso really made it. I have to say that I was really missing something crunchy hear for a textural balance. I, of course, would have loved some kind of interesting twist on a grilled cheese. Maybe that's too pedestrian for Shin.

Moving on to our fish course of a pan-seared grouper served over an almond farro risotto with maple syrup and braised Globe artichokes. Yum! Wow! I love grouper and this preparation was divine. The maple syrup sounded odd, but gave a great underlying sweetness to the dish. And the artichoke, well it was just stupendous!

Finally, a meat course, a duo of lamb -- lamb loin served very rare and a deep fried, housemade lamb sausage. This was served with a "death mustard" (it wasn't that hot!), haricot verts and a saffron cauliflower mousse. Seriously, that lamb loin was super, duper rare...I mean, it didn't even look like it had been cooked at all. Fine for me, but not what I was expecting. It was tender and flavorful! The sausage was gamey and salty and just right!

Oy, are you getting full yet?

All the while, we're enjoying our wines. We stopped into In Fine Spirits right down the street from my place to get some guidance from the great staff there. Our Champagne in fact wasn't Champagne, but it was a 2005 Sainte-Hillaire Extra Dry, which is reported to be the oldest sparkling wine maker in all of France. Even older than any Champagne. It was dry, dry, dry. I loved it.

For our white, we chose Errazuriz 2007 “Wild Ferment” Chardonnay from Chile. It came very highly recommended from the staff at In Fine Spirits and they didn't lead us astray, I'm not usually a huge Chardonnay fan, but this was so nice. It wasn't too oaky or buttery. It was just mineraly enough and powerful enough to stand up to the food.

Our red was a 2002 Madonna Estate Reserve Pinot Noir from Napa. I actually bought this bottle back in 2003 on a trip to Napa. It's been carted around the country so I wasn't sure if maybe it had turned as it hadn't always been stored in the best conditions. It turned out to be a winner. We opened it right away and decanted it. It was a winner for sure.

Finally, the end was nearing and our intermezzo arrived. A delightfully refreshing and tart yuzu and raspberry sorbet. It made me pucker! Loved it.

Dessert was a grilled banana bread pudding with hard sauce and a ras el hanout whipped cream and granulated honey. The bread pudding was crunchy and creamy and not too sweet, the cream was the perfect compliment.

What do you think?

I really love the service at Bonsoiree. It's pretty much just Ryan, he's the maitre d'. It's either him or the Chef/owner Shin serving and explaining every course to you. The service is very relaxed and comfortable. It's not stuffy at all. Make not mistake, it's not lax or sloppy, but it's not the least bit pretentious! We were there in blue jeans and felt perfectly comfortable.

Now, I can't wait to go back when Laura and Andre are in town next month.