Weekend recap: True Blood and No Doubt

Happy Sunday! First, I cannot believe BlogHer is two weeks away, um where did summer go? I'm so excited about it and spending time with some of my awesome bloggy friends.

Well let's get started with the weekend recap!

Red Wine and Vampires

Because I don't have HBO (stupid cable companies), I don't get to watch and enjoy the "cool" shows, like True Blood, so Friday I met up with Sarah and Liz to indulge in this guilty pleasure with pizza and red wine (or beer for me). To be fair, I was pretty beat after a long day at work, so my mood may have been off but the show was...meh okay. Sookie kind of got on my nerves.

I may be tarred and feathered for these comments, but from what I've seen of the show, I give it a C. Maybe it has to just grow on me more.

NO DOUBT!!!!

I don't talk a lot about music here because well, I'm not very "cool" when it comes to music. I like my iPod classic rock mixes and mostly mainstream hits. I don't know a lot of indie/alt rock bands and I would be awful to have on your musical trivia team. Honest.

But like everyone else, I have 2-3 bands that I go ape-sh*t crazy for, and one of them is No Doubt.

No, not Gwen Stefani via Hollaback Girl, I'm talking about No Doubt, her group before she came a solo star.

I have fond high school memories of Tragic Kingdom, dancing along to "Just a Girl" and screaming (privately) "F*CK YES I AM" along with those lyrics. Yes, there is a little punk/ska girl buried behind my preppy/clean cut exterior. I still daydream about dying my hair pink or wearing a crapload of heavy make up for no reason than to show I'm pissed off and rebelling against "the man."

So when I heard No Doubt was going on tour this summer, for the first time in almost seven years, I nearly lost my mind with excitement. But my indecisive nature kept me from doing anything because the venue was in the suburbs...and I have no car. FAIL. But after some very good blog karma, I got a ride thanks to Rachel and her friends and a ticket off of Craigslist for a very good price. I even got to see Molly there too! Hey, hey Chicago bloggers represent.

As you can see, everyone was excited to be there (I'll be wearing that next time)

And with the help of a 22 oz. beer (which I could legally buy, as opposed to last time I saw No Doubt), I was a screaming, dancing, hip-shaking, arms waiving, jumping up and down fool. For real. You would have been SHOCKED by my actions, given that I'm a pretty reserved, laid back person. My hips were shakin' like Shakira on a good day.

I love you Gwen!!

Oh and the girl I bought the ticket from, yeah we got upgraded VIP seats from a drawing we entered at the venue on a whim. I completely had a holy-shit-I-think-I-might-pass-out moment. And I got to see Gwen really close, and scream my love for her. GREAT NIGHT.

Fall into the Gap

Oh and my final piece of good news for this weekend, I found out I was selected to be a Gap brand enthusiast from Brand About Town. My super awesome "Born to Blog" shirt that the other ladies have been posting pictures of isn't here yet :( but my inner event planner is out in full force getting logistics set up for the party. I'll keep everyone posted on the details!

How was everyone else's weekend? Anything fun or exciting happen? Or what performer/band would you LOVE to go see if you had the chance?

I am SO excited that 500 Days of Summer comes out next weekend. I have already texted TC to discuss getting tickets.

Note: Thank you everyone for your sweet comments about my second date with JohnBoy. Really you guys are so sweet and I'll definitely keep you posted about date #3!! We've been texting while he is on vacation so we're staying in touch :)

Musical trip down memory lane

Music has played a big part in my life and it triggers a lot of memories for me.

Fleetwood Mac reminds me of my college graduation, the Beatles always reminds me of summer and Soulja Boy song reminds me of my brother's wedding. Yeah, the last one is a little random. My dad even remembers the song he heard after learning his mom died. And now, 20 plus years later, he still turns off the radio when it comes on.

But the music I have the most memories with (and don't laugh) is Sarah McLachlan.

When I was in high school, Sarah McLachlan was like my personal goddess. Oh Sarah, you spoke to me. Her album, "Surfacing" was on a permanent loop in my house. I listened to it night and day.

At this time, Lilith Fair was in full swing and "moody girl rock" was peaking in popularity. 

Her songs, Building a Mystery and Adia, were always accompanied by my passionate, yet tone-deaf voice voice.

I bring this up because the wedding I recently went to had a heavy Sarah McLachlan playlist during dinner and my female tablemates and I spoke about our Sarah memories, swooning over teenage angst and how her soulful lyrics got us through a tough adolescence. 

I think I even sang along to one of her songs on a date. And yes, he did ask me out again after hearing that. 

There's something about the power of music and the emotions it brings up. You feel like the songs sing directly to you and know exactly how you feel. Um, yeah I think I once said that about a 98 Degrees song too. Fail.

Even now, I have playlists for certain moods, including: 

• Gym 
• Post work relaxation
• College/Frat party
• Germany memories (lots of techno and Tom Jones music)
• Let's go take on the world!
• Drunk (lots of Journey and Britney Spears)
  

So my question tonight is: what music or artist brings up the most memories for you, even from those difficult teenage years? Or what is your go-to song or artist when you need a pick-me-up?

Key Learnings and hot man bus fail

Since I'm one of the few people I know without HBO, I couldn't watch the Obama We are One concert today (sniff sniff) so I'm relaxing after a nice dinner with friends and preparing for work tomorrow (even though our office is closed.) Oh and I need to bring out my Obama buttons for Tuesday too!

So to help delay me from doing something productive, let's bask in some key learnings together.

Key Learnings:

• Friday fish fries are the perfect way to close a long week

• Tequila served out of a plastic test tube will make you feel like throwing up

• Beer tastes good but can give you a wicked headache the next day (not good)

• When smuggling in candy to a movie theater, avoid food that makes too much noise when opening it so you don't draw attention to yourself

• There are some ugly fur coats on Michigan Avenue

• Grocery shopping when hungry is a bad idea

• Don't sit next to the man rocking back and forth in his seat on the bus, you never know what he'll do next

• Even if a guy says, "This may not come out right but I mean it as a compliment," whatever he says next will be mean

• Telling a woman she's wearing a "grandma sweater" is not a good conversation starter, same with telling her friend that she looks like a lesbian cartoon character

• Beer + good 80s music = dance party in public. I love 80s music

• On bitter cold days, CTA bus tracker (which calculates when bus routes will be at your stop) is a godsend

• Friday Night Lights on NBC is one of the best shows on TV. Everyone should watch it and bask in the hotness of Coach Taylor. Meow

Hot man/bus fail

It has been a long time since I saw a guy who was so attractive that I literally couldn't look away. Sure, there are celebs that I think are very attractive, but not in a sense that when you see them, you can't help but stare at them (in a non-creepy way.) The last time I had that feeling was with a guy in Minnesota...which was....several years ago.

I found myself in a "non-creepy stare" situation on Saturday while I was on my way to see Slumdog Millionaire (great movie). I was sitting on the bus, listening to my iPod, when I looked over and saw a guy, maybe around my age, standing near the back exit. And I have to say, he was the most attractive man I've seen in a while. Like, I could not take my eyes off of him because seeing him sparked a little flutter in my chest. Now I wasn't staring at him like a piece of raw meat, but I dare to say, he was semi-tall, dark and handsome.

And in true me fashion, I didn't take a picture (don't have a camera on my work BB) and while trying to tweet/stare at him, he suddenly jumped off the bus near Tiffany's (is that a sign?) and disappeared in the crowd. I actually thought for a moment that I made him up.

So while it was disappointing and a half-fail that I didn't get to wave or say something to him, I have to say that the reminder that a guy can cause the long-thought-dead flutter in my chest to reappear, is a start. And right now, I'll take what I can get.

Photo Sunday:

En route to the movie, I saw the biggest icicle that I've ever seen and, of course, was compelled to take a picture of it. Enjoy!

How was everyone else's weekend. See any good movies or did everyone hibernate because it's "warmer" but not actually warm?

Key Learnings and thank god for weekends

Last week was absolutely crazy and because it was my first week back from vacation, let's just say getting back in the groove was tougher than I imagined.

But it's Sunday now and we have about seven inches of snow on the ground so while I'm watching the Golden Globes, let's recap with some key learnings.

Key Learnings:

• Beer makes any bad day better. And two beers make any bad day not exist anymore

• Hearing your neighbor have loud sex can be a distraction while reading

• People who don't shovel their sidewalk should be kicked in the nuts

• Walking through a snowstorm can be soothing and exhausting when you finally stop

• There is no ladylike way to stop yourself from falling in the snow

• Snowblowing and setting off a car alarm outside my bedroom window at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings makes you a d-bag

• Putting away holiday decorations is not as much fun as putting them up

• Wearing a T-shirt that says "I love hot moms" in your dating profile automatically eliminates you. Also guys who say they like "easy women" will also get you eliminated

• Sometimes, Saturday night dance parties in your apartment are necessary

• Gelato in a snowstorm is always a good idea

• Replaying old mix CDs is a great way to relive awkward and poignant times as a teenager

• Men who leer at women at the gym with their mouths open are creepy

Vote for me!

Also, if you're a member of the 20sb community, go vote for me for the Last Chance Award. Voting closes on January 19, you can vote every 24 hours. Help me bring home some bacon for this blog! Click here to vote!

More f*cking snow

I love snow, hi, I've lived in the Midwest my entire life. But after being pounded with snow in Wisconsin over Christmas, I was ready for a dry remainder of winter. WRONG. Friday night we got more snow, around six to seven inches. And while it was light and pretty and actually kind of fun to walk in, here are some pictures of what it's left behind. Oh yeah and the rumor is we're getting more snow Monday night. Woo!

Thursday post clarification:

Finally, I did forget to include in Thursday's post what I said to my stepbrother about his girlfriend. After reflecting on my more inappropriate comments, I told him that if she made him happy, then I was happy for him. And to clarify, the things I said in Thursday's post, I didn't say those things to him, it was a list of comments I've said to other friends, etc. over the years. 

How was everyone else's weekend?

More things I'm (not) loving

Last weekend, I did a little window shopping, because I had to get out of my house to have some "alone time." 

In Chicago, going to Target is a luxury for those us without a car, so I basked in the beauty of the red bulls-eye at home and decided it was time to post another edition of...things I'm loving and not loving right now.

Plus, I need some reader help on mascara and hair dryers so help a girl out. I would greatly appreciate it :)

Things I'm loving:

• Scarves - Now that it's cool out, I am bringing out my insane scarf collection, which covers nearly the entire rainbow (with a focus in blue, no shock). Last weekend, I picked up this scarf in blue karma from Target and it's perfect. I'm sure a few more will join my collection this winter too

• Bad a** belts - Yet another Target find. I know, it's for teens, but it fits and gives me a sense of danger. It's a nice little statement under your clothes

• Uggs - My friends tease me about them, but they're perfect for fall and standing outside in the cold for the bus. Plus it's a nice little pop of color. I have them in pink and purple and you can spot me coming in a snow storm. Lead on Uggs!

• Down vests - Normally I'm not a "vest" girl, but they work with a nice sweater on a non-bone chilling day. Pair this with a cute scarf (see first bullet), the Uggs (previous bullet), jeans and sweater and you're ready to go!

• Tights - I hate feeling like a smoldering sausage the first time I wear them, but in winter, I love dressing up a skirt with fun tights. The DKNY ink blue ones I got last year are my favorites. I bought some in opaque black and charcoal gray herringbone too

• Cotton leggings - I know I said on Fabulously Broke in the City that they make me look stumpy, but they're comfortable to wear around the house. And the Hue D'Luxe ones make my butt look ridiculous in them. Junk in the trunk!

• Mario Badescu Kera moisturizer - My skin in the winter gets crazy dry so I put this on as an overnight moisturizer and it does the trick

• Arm warmers - It's like leg warmers for your hands and arms! I've seen them on a few blogs but every store in Madison had them. And I have to admit. I want some. Soooo, I dropped more hints to Santa and we'll see if some pop up in my Christmas stocking

• "Trouble is a Friend" by Lenka - I heard this on Grey's last week and literally dove for the computer to download it. Now it's on the iPod and I am diggin' it bigtime. It's not making me "superstar dance" like Rihanna, but I'm groovin'. I can't embed the video (YouTube won't let me!) but the link takes you to it

Things I'm not loving:

• Hair dryers - Mine fell apart last Friday (literally) and for the first time in three years, I had to go buy a new one. But because it's been so long, I don't remember what kind I like. I got a Conair ionic dryer, but I'm not sure if I like it. Any tips?

• Mascara - Oh I do love mascara (it's a must-have), but I'm looking to change up the brand I buy. Normally, I get Maybelline Lash Expansion and now I'm trying Sky-High Curves but I'm still not happy. I'm looking for something that will make my lashes look fuller without getting too clumpy. I'm throwing it out there again, any recommendations?

• Wool - I'm allergic, so lambswool is totally out. I can tolerate merino wool most of the time but in winter, I'm forced to layer up on cotton or my favorite, cashmere (when I can)

• Boots - I want to get a pair of riding boots for fall/winter but I can't find any in my price range. Apparently my legs weren't made for boots because I seem to always look like I have cankles. The hunt is on though

Well that's a pretty good list. And fortunately, the things I love outweigh I don't love.

Next week is a short one (yay!) because of the holiday so I need to be super productive this weekend. This includes the bloggy meet up tomorrow night, Sunday brunch, returning a shower head to Home Depot (which I've been meaning to do for a week) and my ultimate favorite, the Michigan Avenue Lights Festival. I'll have pictures Sunday, along with a full recap. 

Oh yeah and there is this movie coming out...I can't remember but I think it's Twilight. Yeah that's it, I guess I'll make time for that too ;)

Anyone else have big weekend plans?

Superstar dancer

No I'm not actually a superstar dancer. I've even commented on here before that I'm more of a "she looks like she's having a seizure" dancer, but in my head, I'm the lady of the dance!

So it's hard sometimes to keep the need to dance hidden inside. I practically have my iPod attached to me so I'm always listening to music, in fact, I prefer to think of it as living my life to an awesome soundtrack of the Beatles, Paul McCartney, mix music and classic rock. Yeah that's a good way to think about it.

This means that I've been "moved" to dance in public at times, especially when a good song comes on. I can't help but shake my hips a little bit. Normally, I reserve this to happen when I'm alone in an elevator or at home. My parents house is pretty big so when they're gone, the music is on and I'm Flashdancin' or Risky Businessin' it around the living room.

But the need to dance or sing out loud to music also comes at inopportune times, like at work at my desk (it's so hard to keep quiet in a cubicle) or when I'm walking down the street. You'll regularly see me mouthing the lyrics to songs or busting out into a Mariah moment in an elevator (sometimes when I forget people are standing behind me). Oh, I also am totally tone deaf (thanks Rock Band for reminding me!) so imagine the sound of my voice with no music and some 1980s dance moves and you would think I've gone totally insane.

But in my head, I am bustin' a move and droppin' it like it's hot. And it is. It's even more fun when friends get in on it too. Ryan, Sarah and I started dancing at a restaurant once and some people were more than horrified but sometimes, when it's pouring rain and you're soaked, why not? I'm even more proud to say that at a San Francisco bar (with no dancing) several of us sectioned off an area just to dance. It was very clear we were a) confused as to where we were drinking and b) tourists.

I even feel like dancin' now, so it's time to turn on my latest song addiction, "Disturbia" and bust a few moves.

Am I the only one who does this? Or does anyone else have a song that triggers the need to dance? Plans for the weekend are also welcome!

My lots of love list

It's way past by bedtime (yes, it's only 10:30 p.m. - sad) so I'm shamelessly copying this idea from some great bloggers I know because at the end of a long week, as I get ready to kick-start the weekend, I want to take a step back and focus on things that I love. Some things on this list might be cheesy, but I'm having a sincere moment here.

Yes, there is a lot of love on this blog tonight.

So without further ado, here is my inaugural love list.

Smell of fresh laundry - leaves falling - breaking the spine on a new book - opening up new lip balm - watching a thunderstorm - going for walks - getting a good song on my iPod shuffle setting - smell of home cooked food - someone giving me a honest compliment - laughter - hugs  - someone brushing my hair - drinks with good friends - chocolate cake - watching movies - reading a good magazine - cashmere - wrapping a soft scarf around my neck - knitting - dancing to loud music - prancing around my apartment in high heels - playing dress up - kissing a baby's soft cheeks - quiet Friday nights - snow crunching beneath my feet - playing in puddles - taking pictures - a good steak - champagne - watching the Badgers - the sound of a perfectly hit golf ball - sound of a tennis ball hitting the sweet spot - fresh cut flowers - air conditioning on a hot, humid day - guys in a nice, tailored suit - smell of leather shoes - feel of newly dyed hair - ice cream - breeze blowing through the trees - kisses on the cheek - The Colbert Report - sweatpants - having a "lay down" - watching a movie, wrapped in a blanket - Dancing/pretending that I know how to - the "smell of fall" - jumping into a warm bed at night - curling up with a warm bowl of soup - fires in the fireplace - ironing - sound of rain - spending time with my good girlfriends

Oh yeah, I have one more to add on here too. Relaxing on a Friday night with a movie, People magazine and a Pepsi. That's my plan for tomorrow night. I cannot wait! Plus I have a friend's birthday party this weekend so a "night in" would be nice, considering there will be shenanigan's galore on Saturday.

Next week I'll also recap the bloggy event that I went to tonight that was hosted by the 3-A-Day of Dairy program. (To disclose, 3-A-Day is one of my company's clients). Not only was it a good time with cheese, but also I got to meet some awesome Chicago bloggers, like Erin and Laura!

Almost TGIF time! Does anyone else have fun plans this weekend? At some point this weekend I need to transition out my summery clothes to fall ones. It's bittersweet.

The Swell Season & Blogger event!

Big post tonight, my randomness from last night is g-o-n-e, for now.

Tuesday night Anne and I went to the lovely Chicago Theater for the second of three sold-out concerts with the Swell Season a.k.a. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova from the indie movie "Once." Oh they also won the Oscar last year from Best Original Song.

Glen is already a star with the band the Frames (which I had not heard of before the concert) but after watching the movie and hearing the Oscar-winning song "Falling Softly" (video below), it moved me to tears so I had to see them live. And last night at their final show, Barack Obama was in the audience, how cool is that? 

The opening act was a super cute, super nervous guy from Kentucky (whose name I didn't catch) who commented that the Chicago Theater crowd was easily "36x larger" than any audience he has ever played before. Random guys were handing out samples of his upcoming CD (from Jewel plastic bags) after he finished playing, but I couldn't grab one in time. Shoot. But I can download the entire concert from a Web site for only $5.95! They gave us cards about it as we were leaving so I'm totally going back to save it to my computer.

It's been a long time since I've been to the lovely Chicago Theater and the sound inside was insanely awesome, the acoustics were amazing. So while we were regulated to the rafter seats, it was still a fun time with beautiful music. I highly recommend checking out the movie and the Swell Season tour if you can. I would definitely see them again.

Taking off for Air One!

I love many things, one of which is shoes made in Italy. Another thing I love is meeting bloggers, especially local ones so tonight, I was invited to nearly combine these loves by attending a blogger event for Air One airlines at Gioco's in the South Loop. And joining me were three lovely Chicago bloggers, Jenn, Joy and Angela. Great company.

Air One is an Italian airline who is starting US routes to Milan this month, but only from Chicago and Boston, so to celebrate the new flights, they hosted a blogger event to mingle and learn more about Italian culture. I do have to disclose that Air One is a client at my company, but I was officially "off the clock" when I attended and I don't work in the department that organized the event.

Marco from Air One talked for a bit about airline and then shared with us some differences in English and Italian cultures. How do Italians spot tourists? Drinking espresso after 10:30 a.m. and/or wearing shorts. I did hear about the "shorts red flag" from friends overseas so I trust him on that one. And they said chef Phil Stefani is creating the flight's menu. Sounds good to me. Air One was even doing a drawing for a free round-trip flight from Chicago to Milan. Fingers crossed that this girl gets chosen (please, please, momma needs a new pair of Italian leather shoes or a Prada bag). Plus it's a partner with Lufthansa and speaking from experience, that is a good airline. German!

We enjoyed some lovely wine (which we couldn't remember the names of so Jenn and I ordered them by numbers 1, 2 and 3) and the food was great too, or as Joy would say as the waiter's approached, "kay." It's tough to pick a favorite from all the nummy options but I would have to say that the fried meatballs and the pesto/mushroom and margarita pizza were the big winners. Plus we got some free SWAG before leaving, which included a new flash drive. Score. That will make a lovely addition for my Lulu. Check out some pictures below.

Four lovely Chicago bloggers

Marco introducing us to Air One (above)

Q&A about how to spot American tourists (below)

The songs that you hear in your head

First off, those are not bad things to hear. I have my iPod in my ears most of the time that I'm outside and I feel like I'm living my life to a great soundtrack. With the occasion of breaking out into song and bad dancing.

Because many of my high school and college friends have emerged from the woodwork on Facebook, I am reminded of a topic that was often a popular one amongst my friends in college - theme songs. And not television theme songs, but your own personal theme song that you feel best describes you and your personality. Ideally, it would play whenever you walked into a room to announce your presence (much like on WWE wrestling but smoke and fireworks with that music is optional.)

So what is your personal theme song? Please share the artist's name and song title, but if you're embarrassed, feel free to just put a music genre.

I rotate between two theme songs, "Big Pimpin'" and "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," both by Jay-Z. Maybe it's because I was a gangster rapper in my previous life, pimped out with bling, Cristal and 22's on my car. (Further evidence why I was a gangster rapper in a past life will come another time - sorry KMo.) In fact, one of my secret shames is that whenever I debut the Uggs for the upcoming fall/winter season, I also play a theme song for them, which is "These Boots are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra. Can't mess with a classic. Anyhow, I'm anxious to hear your responses.

Talking to yourself is healthy - unless it's in public
I talk to myself - I openly admit it, except I don't do it in public because that makes me look crazy. But in the comfort of my apartment, I will have rhetorical dialogues with myself about anything and everything. Fortunately me and inner monologue me get along, which is important to note! Maybe this is a sign that I need a pet to so that those dialogues are out in the open.

Anyhow, last night on the 146, which I nearly froze waiting for, there was a woman in a monster fur coat and more monsterous fur hat that was apparently arguing with herself on the bus. She was frantically shaking her head and looking angrily at the woman next to her (who she didn't know) and giving her the "stink eye." After doing this for a few minutes, she would give her a half-smile and shake her head, looking still pissed. Part of me wondered what she was arguing with herself about, but if I learned anything from waiting with Emily at the Miami airport security line, don't ask. Just don't.

Final note
Oh yeah! I'm going to see The Police with Elvis Costello in Milwaukee in July. While I don't remember The Police as a full band (in my memory Sting has always been a solo artist) but I do love the song Message in a Bottle and I cannot wait to rock out to that song with my wine cooler along the Lake. Hey it's Wisconsin, a little Bartels & James full of ice and crop tops it totally acceptable there.