Goal #89--Attend an Opera!

Ever since I've been little and watched movies on television, I've been curious about the Opera.  Once I moved here and saw the Lyric Opera, I've really wanted to attend!  Then after talking to some of my hearing aid patients about how they go to the opera, I decided I was going to go to the Opera and that's what I did this week!!

While celebrating the end of sailboat racing season, we were visiting about the Opera and one of my colleagues had tickets for sale!  I got very lucky that they were the king seats :)  So my friend Sarah and I took on the adventure of attending! 

"Girl of the Golden West" by Puccini was the name of opera!  The Lyric is absolutely amazing and so beautiful!  I could not believe how big it was!  Our seats were really nice with no one in front of us and perfect view of the stage! 

I've decided that operas have such romantic stories and yet so tragic.   It makes you wonder if romanticsm really still exists in this world...The opera was wonderful and I'm so glad I went!  We had a great time.  The set was amazingly done and the music was great. 

So next time you are thinking of something to do in the city, expand your arts and think about attending an opera!!

#469 Go Speed dating!

Yep You see it!  I went speed dating!  I've always wanted to and thank God for my friend's building for hosting it I was able to partake!  We rounded up our friend making abilities, our smiles, and great personalities and set out to try this adventure out! 

I set out for this speed dating even with NO expectations!  I figured open bar and a chance to laugh about this experiment, why not do it!  I would encourage anyone who has a chance, do it!  We haven't gotten our decisions back yet, but we had a great time!  We had fun time and actually met really socially acceptable people. 

So as my journey in Chicago continues, I may have met some new random friends and/or potentials.  Don't worry I'm sure I'll keep you all updated on my love for this windy city!

Cross it off my list to do...

I've vowed this year to myself to make more frequent blog updates especially because I do have a lot to write about and it's fun!  The winter has been quiet here in Chicago.  Sorry to my out of town friends for not blogging about the great Blizzard 2011...but I never even left my apartment to take a picture of the drifts; instead I made chili and we had a girls day in our building!!

A month ago I was in sunny California for the Winter NAMM show!  It's the largest musician tradeshow and always a fun time!  I love going to see old friends, enjoy the sun, and be a nerd talking about hearing loss prevention...

Well I'm signing off--get ready for a post to me each week!!

Cooking Club...Adventures continue 1 1/2 years later!

Over a year ago six friends and I started an adventure of a lifetime--a culinary one that is!  After finding some inspiration we formed a group to begin our cooking adventure and try new things.  Beginning with a theme each month, we cook foods centered around that theme.  Each one of us learn new recipes and really begin to stretch our culinary experience.

People ask me all the time--which one was your favorite?  I have too many to really choose.  I do have to say sushi making made me appreciate eating sushi out and now I'm willing to pay for it prepared :).  Our Mardi Gras theme was fun because a lot of that food I've never had before!  Each of them is so unique that I've really liked all of them. 

The other question I get asked is how did you come up with the theme?  Well we think of them as a group; we usually use a holiday as inspiration or something that someone read about!  We are always looking for new creative ideas and sometimes it's easier to think about than others. 

People also ask me how did you find this idea to join a group of girls together and create a cooking club--well sorry to say it wasn't my original idea.  I actually adopted the idea from  Rebecca, the mom of the two cutest boys I babysit for.  Her and her friends published a recipe book (http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Club-Cookbook-Friends-Broil/dp/0375759689) and I was so inspired by it I decided to try it!  We've changed and tweeked a few things that fit my group.  We've had a few leave and move, which is always sad but such a part of life...

So friends--if you have some close girlfriends and are looking for a meal once a month, think about starting a cooking club--it's such a fun time!!!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Merry Christmas from Chicago!
The snow, hustle bustle on the street, the decorations, and all the Christmas music always gets me in the spirit!  Chicago has so many things to offer in the city to do this time of year:  From the Christkringel market and the Magnificent Mile lights parade, from the 12 bars of Christmas (TBox) to caroling under the bean and ice skating at Millenium Park.  There is no reason not to be excited for Christmas this time of the year!  There's plenty of Christmas parties whether they are work related or a time to gather family and friends.  I had a great time wearing my ugly Christmas sweater a few weeks in a row ;)

There's plenty to do in Chicago so bundle up and enjoy what the city has to offer!

Volunteering...The Greatest feeling in the world

Volunteering and participating--two words my parents definitely taught me all my life!  After graduating from school, I wanted to get involved not just volunteer for random events, but something to really put my blood sweat and tears into.  That's when I found Big Shoulders Fund (bigshouldersfund.org).  Big Shoulders Fund was formed by Cardinal George and some business CEOs as a way to raise scholarships so inner city children could receive a Catholic and good education. 

I have been an auxillary member now for over a year and an active participant for over two years!  I'm on the membership committee now and getting active as a school board member!  The Big Shoulders Auxillary Board hosts great fun opportunities like Happy Hours, Give Back Days, mentoring programs, and the best one of all--the annual Auxillary Fund Ball!  Diana and I have went for the past two years and it was a great time!  I night of drinking, dressing up, and dancing--who could ask for a better time!

So Chicago when you're looking for an organization to become a part of, join the Big Shoulders Fund Auxillary Board--you're in for a Big Give Back time!

I just need a good belly aching laugh!

"I really need a good belly aching laugh!" I was in one of those moods the other night so I had to try to find something to do!  Thank god with the help of google and a little inspiration, I found iO Comedy Club.  We went and got some good laughs.  For an hour and a half of free improv comedy I would definitely go back again!  With a full bar and lots of changes, how can you not have fun!  It was a great date place and a place I'll definitely go back to again :)