Before I even knew I'd need to get out of dodge, Jon convinced me to go camping Saturday. We drove out to Mohawk Trail State Reservation, about 2 1/2 west of Boston and set up camp at a sweet site. Reminded me Staircase in WA. We set the tent up as close to the river as possible. World's best lullaby.




We took the Mohawk trail up.. which was only 1.25 miles, but was straight up. Brutal brutal.




Here is me looking like an a-hole Bret Michaels




Everthing is ridiculously green


After we got back to camp, we read for a while on some big rock in the river and then starting putting together some dinner


Lots of fire staring. Then I rolled into my new sleeping bag.

We didn't hang around too long in the morning, but we did stop here on the way back:



It was a quick trip, but good to get some fresh air and walk in a river and smell like a campfire.

No brain clearance though. Wonder how to make that happen.

Annnnd I'm home again (boo.)

The last two days were decidedly calmer than the first few.. Mel and I were both beat from waking up early, walking for hours, going to bed late etc. Sunday we went to Vella for breakfast and then headed downtown with the hope of taking the architecture boat tour, but they were sold out for the day. Instead we went to the Sears tower and rode the elevator to the 99th floor observation deck. It was a little hazy, but you could still see for miles.






After wandering around in the city for a while, we took the bus back to Wicker Park, where Sean picked us up and took us to Kuma's Corner, which apparently has the best burgers around. I do not eat burgers, but I did enjoy the veggie burger.

Not my pic, but you can see the extremeness.


I want to find out where I can get pretzel buns, cause they were awesome.

After we stuffed ourselves, we went home and literally crashed on the couch.. halfway watching tv.. at like 9:30. It was much needed. We were all exhausted (ok Sean stayed up later, it was just Mel and I who were old ladies.)

This morning we woke up early and headed to the amazing waterfront dog park, where Jackson ran around in the sand and the water. The space was huge.. sooo many dogs.





We walked around Andersonville after that but most stores were closed because of the holiday. Decided to get some deep dish and call it a day.

Now I am hommme to a new washer (finally) and not looking forward to playing catch up the next few days. Luckily the trip to Toronto got canceled, we're doing the QBR over the phone. Big launch coming up in the next couple of weeks so who knows what will my life will be like. Probably will be good if I can't spend any money. Not looking forward to my credit card bill..

Yesterday was almost solely devoted to shopping. Real girly all day shopping. Spending too much monies, buying pretty things.

First was the Randolph Street Market Festival, a pretty giant outdoor/indoor antique and indie design market.. Aka heaven.

Sooo many jewels


Totally creepy


Did not buy, but did photograph


We were there for a few hours - luckily the weather held out.

Purchases: flowery dress shell (will need something under it), bright yellow swing coat with blue trim & adorable bow, scarf, several rings, handcarved owl necklace, Green and cream cropped lace jacket, the most wonderful find ever - a tiny spectacles necklace (you can see the jacket and necklace in this lovely pic of Jackson and I)



Check out my crazy eye in this pic. I think I need glasses??


Then we headed downtown and hit up forever 21, H&M etc.




We headed home to give our feet a rest and do some karaoke


Saves the Day karaoke natch


Dinner was at Maiz, a mexican place in Puerto Rico town. Soo delicious. Handmade tortillas, giant goblets of margaritas.




We shared the quesos fundido with poblano and I got huarache with spinach and cactus.

Finally we hopped around to a couple of bars - played Connect Four at California Clipper, sat outside at Happy Vilage and finished the night at Inner Town. Ran into one of my former MDs Ryan there. I know about 2 people in Chicago. What are the odds.

Today is my last full day here. Thinking about taking the architecture boat tour and eating mad burgers at Kuma's Corner.

Also, my dear Brooke got married in Vegas on Thursday! I am sad I couldn't be there, but Emma took some pics.




She is now Brooke Black Just-Olesen. I have no idea how to pronounce that.

Meet the creature parade:

Andrew Jackson:


Bird Noir


Friday morning, after having the best cinnamon donut ever at Milk & Honey, we went to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Many animal pics.







Mel was most excited about the birds


I think I liked the lemurs best. We missed the lion sexing, which Sean saw.. twice.




Next it was Lake Michigan appreciation time.




I put my feet in. I took a taste of the water to confirm that it was fresh. Miles and miles of sandy beaches on a giant lake? Too good to be truee.

Dinner was Lula Cafe in Logan Square. Sean had to run home to do work, so it was just Melissa and I ordering delicious foods...

shiitake quesadilla: with spinach, queso fresco, and chevre. (shared)
pasta yiayia: bucatini with moroccan cinnamon, feta, garlic, and browned butter. (me)
caesar salad: pickled red onions, croutons, and tellicherry caesar dressing. (me)
klug farm asparagus soup with jonah crab and hazelnut (mel)
hand cut pasta with ramp pesto, black kale, toasted pinenuts, and sheep's milk cheese (mel)

Everything was so delicious - I'm going to recreate the pasta I had when I return.

We hailed a cab to Big Joe's Pub for the turtle races next.. They drew tickets, and if yours was called, you were assigned a turtle. If yours won, you got a tshirt, if it came in last, you got a free drink. Our turtle was not fast or slow enough, but it was still entertaining to watch...


Defiant turtle Jollana.



After tiring of the turtles, we stopped by Sidekicks to throw down on some karaoke.

Mel sang I Want to Know What Love Is


I butchered Fernando after the dj screwed up, put on Dancing Queen and my song got highjacked by a birthday girl in a sequined shirt.


It's morning now - we're headed to a flea market (shopping shopping shoppingggg.) Precious Omar is in town today! So excited!