Part 2: My First Trip to Chicago, IL

One night, my coworker and I decided to venture into downtown Chicago for some sightseeing.

We took the train, which seemed most convenient. While it was convenient, it was not what I bargained for. It was hot out. The train was hot, smelly, crammed, and made me extremely motion sick. I was convinced I might explode internally. I couldn't even talk for fear that I'd vomit. So, I was very relieved 45 minutes later when we arrived in downtown Chi-town.

Next stop was Millennium Park to see the Bean. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I think, I imagined it would be in the middle of a large open area. Instead it was within Millennium Park and so very crowded. Not what I expected, but very cool to see.

While I wish I got good pics of me with the Bean, I was still a little green-looking from the train.

Movie #10: 12 Strong

I'd seen previews, but finally rented 12 Strong from the library. My parents and I enjoy war and history movies. 12 Strong is about the U.S.'s response to the attacks of 9-11. It centers around one captain who recently switched roles and is no longer over his team. As the attacks happen, Captain Mitch Nelson, played by Chris Hemsworth rallies to get his team back together. It isn't easy, but eventually he gets reassigned to his team. Once that happens, he positions his team to lead the charge to take on the Taliban.

Interestingly enough, his wife in the movie is played by his real-life wife, Elsa Pataky.

The movie shows their role as they worked with an Afghan warlord to take on the Taliban. It was really remarkable and a must-see!




Have you seen it? What did you think? If you haven't seen it yet, are you going to see it now? :)

Bobby Bones Dances to Song: A Million Dreams on Dancing with the Stars

I will admit, I've never been a Bobby Bones fan. On the radio, he talks too much for my taste. On the first several episodes of Dancing with the Stars, he was so eccentric that he seemed high. He just didn't seem real.

On this last week's episode, the theme was Most Memorable Year. Bobby opened up and shared how he was raised and it was shocking. After watching the video below: I was really touched by how he grew up and succeeded in life despite the hand that life dealt him. The dance was filled with emotion and was so touching. I had goosebumps.

Movie #9: Life of the Party

This last weekend, I got the movie, Life of the Party. My mom likes Melissa McCarthy, so we decided to give it a try.

The movie was HILARIOUS! We laughed for much of the hour and a half. Unfortunately, we could've done without the sex scenes. I wouldn't watch it with kids. In the movie, it's portrayed as cool that the mom and daughter talk about their walk of shames and that the mom has sex with the daughter's classmate. Mom's need to be role models and show good, healthy behavior, especially to their kids.

Part 1: My First Trip to Chicago, IL

For work, I had a conference in Chicago. I'd never been there before, so I was hoping to squeeze in some sights, despite the conference being at a hotel near the airport. I also wanted to try Chicago-style pizza for the first time ever.

We arrived later than anticipated and were hungry. After quickly checking in, we ventured out to find Chicago-style pizza. Right next to our hotel was Giordano's. The pizza was so good. The cheese was stretchy. The slices were thick and rich! I could go for a slice right about now!

The conference was at the Westin O'Hare We also stayed there. I was so impressed with the whole place. The rooms were so comfortable, I slept like a dream. The conference areas were nice and clean. I was also very impressed with the quality of meals at the conference. From my previous experiences, conference food was normally awful, but was excited to see quality food at every meal. I would definitely recommend Westin O'Hare!

I went for drinks at Ram Brewery with conference friends. It was your average brewery. Time catching up with friends is always priceless.

Part 3: My Mini Vacation in Kansas City

We also checked out the Ocean's 8 movie that I reviewed on here at Cinemark Palace at the Plaza. The matinee was fairly priced and for mere cents more, we were able to watch it in the VIP room. That I recommend. The VIP room offers food and alcoholic beverages in the evenings. It also offered super comfy chairs. With 20ish seats in the VIP room, it almost felt like we were watching the movie in a mansion's movie room...I can dream. ;) I should mention that they also had special bathrooms for this room too (it's the small things).

Everyone knows I love chocolate, so we stopped at Panache Chocolatier. The chocolate was pricey, but good. Truffles (my fav) were $2.50 each. They had popular/trendy flavors and I enjoyed their fleeting goodness.

We got our nails done at Plaza Nails. Loved that place. There's nothing like getting your nails done on vacation. :) It's fun and special; I hadn't gotten my nails done in I don't know how long. They even had my favorite colors too! :)

Not the same day, but near the end of the trip, we found Cupcake A La Mode. While the staff were unfriendly and left something to be desired, the cupcakes were so good. I even got an amaretto flavored one and I LOVE amaretto!

All in all, it was a fun trip and I loved each place we explored! Until next time KC!

Music: Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne

In high school and college, I loved Avril Lavigne's music. I knew Avril Lavigne had gone through health issues and was essentially out of the music business, but I didn't know the whole story. This article was eye-opening, click here to read it.

This song, written through a trying time in her life, really spoke to me. I've been struggling lately and was in tears while watching it. What a beautiful prayer to God.



"God keep my head above water.
Don't let me drown, it gets harder.
I'll meet you there at the alter
as I fall down to my knees."

I'm just going to say it...Being Single Sucks

Being single sucks. I thought by this point in life that I'd be married with kids. I say this as my biological clock ticks to explosion.

I want a partner in life

I want someone who shares my faith and can encourage me in it. Going to church alone is HARD!

Also, the older I get, the more set in my ways I get and that scares me

Maybe this person doesn't exist for me

Yes, I know I'm, whining, but I don't care.

SNL Amazon Echo Silver Skit

A coworker recently told me about a hilarious SNL skit about Amazon Echo Silver Alexa. It sounded like something I'd enjoy, so I found it. As promised, it was hilarious!

Enjoy!

Part 2: My Mini Vacay in Kansas City

For some reason, KC was pretty rainy for mid-June.

After getting restaurant suggestions from a friend, we checked out Char Bar. Totally loved that place! Had the weather of been nicer, I would've played their yard games. They're also pet-friendly, my friend's dog got a fresh bowl of water brought out for him. They're in the Westport area. Now the food...we shared their Charred Grits & Bits app with burnt ends and obviously, grits. So good with a little kick of spice.

My friend ordered and loved the CBGB Burger. I ordered Burnt Heaven. It was perfection with cole slaw and jalapeno straws. I thankfully had enough for leftovers the next day and it was just as good the second time.

Their rosemary lemonade was really refreshing and tart.

We were definitely in BBQ Heaven at Char Bar and I'd recommend that place again and again.

We checked out the nearby Sephora and dropped a lot if cash there. Found some cute shirts at H&M.

What adventures!