Tag Archives: Chicago

I’m Goofy and I Know It

I saw the most incredible thing while traveling last week:

It’s a dude using a pay phone. A DUDE USING A PAY PHONE. I obviously had to take a picture. What I was unable to capture (to my dismay) were the moments before he picked up the phone, when he read the instructions and then looked for change. HE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Well, either he didn’t read the instructions well enough or no one was home because he never did speak to someone. Poor guy. I probably should have offered my assistance; he seemed to have trouble counting his change, too. I was not a good citizen at the moment. Plus, I was too busy giggling about it.

I caved and bought a pair of TOMS:

They’re comfy but let me warn you that I had to exchange my original pair for a half size smaller than my usual size. I’m a dumbass for not listening to my friend Monika when she told me to get a half size smaller. I do like them, but… how do I put this delicately… I have to be careful what outfits I pair them with because with the wrong pants or look, I basically look like an Asian refugee or female prisoner. This has to do with their slipper-like look, the fact that I’m Asian, and the fact that I have tiny feet (my TOMS are a size 5). TOMS gives a free pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair bought; Monika joked that I was one of the free pair recipients. Yes. That’s how they look on me. I’m wearing them anyway, dammit.

I finally finished reading Zeitoun. Wow. It’s so quietly powerful. I admit that I’m fiction’s bitch; it was Dave Eggers’s name that made me pick up Zeitoun more than anything else (yes, yes, ironic since he doesn’t really write fiction). I think it’s a really important story, and I would encourage you to read it. I started my next book, which was recommended to me by my friend Jen:

So far, so good. I may actually finish this one by next year…

This is nearly blasphemous, but I haven’t been keeping up with TV much lately. Mad Men is the only show I faithfully watch, but I did miss last night’s episode. It’s so good and Sunday nights are a perfect TV night for me. Plus, it’s Mad Men, people. If I’m only going to keep up with one show, it had best be Mad Men. Other than that, I’ve been marathoning Doctor Who. After Martha’s last episode, I wanted to pause before getting into the Donna episodes and the end of Tennant’s run. I feel like such a Who nerd for wanting to prolong Tennant’s run for as long as I can even though I’ve seen it all already and I’m a fan of Matt Smith’s doctor. Hahahaa, are you reading this? I can’t believe I’m talking about Doctor Who. Anyway, I still wanted something British, but more stiff and romantic, so I watched (for the first time) the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice miniseries:

Ewwww, Colin Firth! Stop being so sexy with that look and your dark curly hair and acting all snotty but then being all wonderful… I take it back, Colin Firth, please let me have your babies and is it okay if I call you Mister Darcy? Nothing will ever beat this adaptation! Disclaimer: I am not a Jane Austen nerd so take my assessment with a grain of salt. I loved it so much that I almost watched it again immediately, but there are other things to enjoy, such as Audrey Hepburn. I’ve never seen Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I know, I know! How lame of me. However, I did start by watching Sabrina and Audrey Hepburn is so pretty and petite and I hate her guts now.

In non-TV entertainment, I was uber elated to hear that the Art Institute will have a Roy Lichtenstein exhibit from May 16 through September 2. I fell in love with Lichtenstein when I saw a huge print of one of his works hanging in my boss’s office years ago. It’s such great Pop Art and I need to make sure I haul my ass downtown to see this one. Who wants to go with me?

Finally, and also in non-TV entertainment, I attended my niece’s dance recital yesterday.

Isn’t she sweet?!

Nah. She’s a goofball, just like her aunt. Alright, gotta go. I’m eating a mango and it needs my undivided attention!

Let It Snow

This post was originally titled, “Hibernation,” and was going to be a treatise on staying in during winter in order to avoid the cold and snow. I will admit it upfront: I do not like driving in the snow. It’s scary and can be stressful, and my little Honda Civic feels like a deathtrap. I dread having to drive anywhere: work, the grocery store, my condo. Still, we have only had two big snowfalls this winter, and if I wasn’t traumatized enough after witnessing a woman have to drive through a red light because she couldn’t stop, or after almost crashing into a railing over 294 because I was sliding, seeing cars end up in ditches, or having to–this is the worst–clean my car in the middle of a raging blizzard, I think I will be just fine. Here’s the thing: some really amazing things have happened to me during crazy snowstorms.

In 2000, my mom took me shopping on a day so snowy and crazy that the mall closed early, but not before I found the perfect little black dress for a party I was invited to by my crush.

In 1999, I went on a road trip with my sister and two cousins to Indianapolis for a Backstreet Boys concert (yeah, yeah, hilarious). We stayed there two nights. On the second night, the weather was insane, but we still drove to the drive through liquor store to get some beers. That was an awesome trip. It’s one of those things that I can’t believe we did, especially in those conditions. It makes for a great memory, though.

In 2009, my niece Juliana was born. It snowed that night. Having been born in August, I can maybe brag that it was sunny. I think snow makes for a cooler birth story.

In 1999, there was a snowstorm so bad that it forced everyone to stay in. My family and I hung out in the basement, played mahjong, and drank. Then, once the snow stopped and the alley and streets were clear enough so that we could go somewhere (and the piled up snow was taller than I was), we went shopping. We were carefree and simply enjoying each other’s company.

In elementary school, we used to play on the snow mounds made by the snowplows at the end of the parking lot during recess.

In 1994, I have this distinct memory of having walked in snow that was up to my crotch. I was wearing my school uniform: red plaid skirt, white tights, and boots. It was a wild thing for me to do, but a much more efficient way to get into the car versus walking around the snow.

For many years, the Zoo Lights Festival at Lincoln Park Zoo was something I loved to visit. Hanging out at the zoo, in the city, at night. Having hot cocoa and snuggling with someone you like or love. Bundled up in a great jacket, wrapped in a scarf, wearing gloves and earmuffs.

I was tickled to see people sledding and even skiing in a park by my parents’ house the day after the most recent snowfall. What a reward to enjoy the snow with your family and friends after a dreadful commute the day before.

I dread winter, I worry about driving in the snow, but I love winter in Chicago. I love that a little snow doesn’t stop us. I love how my snot freezes up when its below zero. I love sweaters and my puffy jackets and my wool coats. I love the feeling of turning off my car after driving through snowfall. I love snowmen and snowladies and snowpants.

So, let it snow, Chicago. Let it snow. Just try to snow on days or times when I don’t absolutely need to drive. And be kind to Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive.

Mata Traders: I Love My New Top

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I’m totally going to rip off Mindy Kaling right now and talk about something I bought over the weekend that I LOVE. I found the polka-dot printed scoopneck top pictured above at the Mata Traders tent at the Do-Division Street Fest. I tried it on at the festival, but unfortunately there were no mirrors. Thanks to mi prima and my blind faith, I got the size I thought fit best. I just tried it on…I LOVE IT. It fits pretty well and I think it makes me look pretty.

Mata Traders is based in Chicago. All of their products are fairly traded. Everything they sell is just beautiful. I’ve seen them a few times when they have set up shop at Lollapalooza. They also have a store in Andersonville.

Click here to find out more about Mata Traders.

Click here if you don’t get the Mindy Kaling reference. Or just follow Mindy on Twitter. You won’t be sorry – her run fantasies almost make me want to go running. Almost.

Another Note on Harry Potter Exhibit

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Fans of Robert Pattinson will also enjoy the exhibit as it features the Quidditch robes and formal wear (see above) worn by the actor in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Sorry, girls. It’s safe to say that everything’s been dry cleaned, so none of RobPatt’s essence will rub off on you. Plus, you’ll probably get kicked out if you try and touch anything. May Cedric Diggory rest in peace.

Harry Potter Exhibition

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Mi Prima and I were finally able to visit the Harry Potter Exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.

It. Was. Awesome. We got to the museum at about 7:45pm, a little over an hour before closing. There were probably about 5 other people at the exhibit besides us, plus two families with a couple litle kids. I loved the costumes – the Weasley kids really do get a run-down wardrobe, Emma Watson is a size negative 6, and I think it’s safe to say that Voldemort is a crossdresser. My absolute favorite part was Buckbeak. The (fake) English accents that everyone had at the exhibit were a bit goofy, but actually added to the enjoyment of the exhibit.

This is a must-visit for a Harry Potter fan. Those who aren’t familiar with the books and/or movies will also appreciate the detail that went into the costumes and props and sets of the movie. For more information on the exhibit, and to find out when the exhibit will be in your city, visit http://www.harrypotterexhibition.com/. Don’t be embarrassed to wear your Harry Potter costume!

Do-Division & I'm Sick of Sushi

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Yesterday, mi prima and I hit the Do-Division Street Fest. I’m starting to fall in love with this area of the city, but I don’t think I will ever be cool enough to live there. The neighborhood never sleeps! ANYWAY… the fest was great. It was smaller than I expected, but it wasn’t overwhelming. I bought a couple cute tops. Mostly, I was reminded of how summer festivals make you sweat and leaves the pungent odor of skank beer floating in your nostrils.

On another (unrelated) note, I am sick of sushi. Maybe it’s because I had an unpleasant experience two (or three) sushi meals ago. Or maybe it’s the whole soy sauce and white rice thing that’s turning me off. All I know is that when someone mentions sushi, I want to gag. However, I will absolutely not turn down a bowl of unagi don if it is offered to me. YUMMMM.

Al Primo Canto

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I think I just gained about 7 pounds plus grew an extra chin. That’s what happens after you eat at Al Primo Canto in the Edgebrook neighborhood of Chicago. I’m too lazy and buzzy right now to get into a whole summary of what this place is, so click here to see their feature on Check, Please!

The assessment? Good food, good service (until it starts to get super busy), and who can beat all you can eat? Favorites included the bread cheese ball things (see above where I say that I’m buzzed right now), the beef, potatoes, and the mushroom pasta. YES! The mushroom pasta was my personal favorite. But everything was truly tasty. The caipahrina was a little bit too limey and not sweet enough for my taste, but the specialty martinis are supposedly good. They also have plenty of wines to choose from. I can’t believe I didn’t mention the chicken. It is VERY VERY GOOD. Again, we had their endless feast….we three girls didn’t get second helpings of anything. There is PLENTY of food. Wear the fat jeans, for sure.

Anyway, the food is good, but Al Primo Canto also has an a la carte menu that I wouldn’t mind trying sometime. Inevitably, this place ends up getting compared to Fogo de Chao, Sal & Carvao, etc…Al Primo Canto is a slightly different concept (no gauchos) and is much less overwhelming. Plus, it’s in charming Edgebrook.

I would like to go back, but not anytime soon since I don’t want to become a huge cow. Bonus! Al Primo Canto is one of the restaurants on Restaurant.com. Currently you can purchase a $25 gift certificate for $10. Also, if someone is having a b-day, they give a complimentary flan for dessert with a candle. No singing, thank goodness.