Chicago Coming in Hot and Humid

Last weekend I took a trip to Chicago and guess what my new favorite city is, yes it's Chicago! The people are so great, the food is delicious and the buildings are in abundance. Also maybe I'm an idiot or maybe I'm from the west and no one tells you small aspects of cities further away, but Chicago has a beach! Like wait best all around city in the world.

The first night I got there I took the cta to my hotel and now looking back I realize how unnecessary my fear of finding my hotel was because this is the real world and there are smart phones and people to ask for directions. So I found it (obviously) and it was amazing!

Chicago Harbor

On Friday I went to the Art Institute of Chicago and it was really hot and humid, but absolutely beautiful out. The museum was amazing, filled with masterpieces abound.

Joan Mitchell, City Landscape

Claude Monet, Water Lilies

I had a chicago dog for lunch which was just so dang good. Even though by this time I felt like a local (in other words, not needing my maps very often), I found I was totally not a local because I should have gotten the Italian beef. You live and you learn.
That night I tried Lou Malnati's, a highly recommended pizza restaurant and while I was waiting for my order I chatted with this great group of people also waiting to be seated. Firstly they had some serious rims on their car. Secondly their 4 year old Jason was one hell of a guy. The dad started talking to me about Utah Jazz players and I tried to act like I knew what he was talking about because I wanted to look cool, of course. Anyway this story goes to further exemplify how great the people are there, if you couldn't tell.

Saturday I spent roaming the city with local legend and tour guide Ben Hannon. Its just the best city to walk around in. I looked up and saw the Willis Tower from the ground because the line was 45 hours long to go to the top, but it looked pretty tall. Instead we went to the Hancock building and got the 360 view on top which was super cool. Not only did I see several roof top pools, but also the beach!! Really I am still so shocked and thrilled there's a beach in Chicago.

Tour guide Ben

That is one tall ass building

My girl Natalie Sweeney drove down for Saturday night and we enjoyed the hotel's complementary wine hour that preceded an awesome pizza dinner and more wine. Best friends catching up, how can that not be fun? When we returned from dinner, Ben and his friends met up with us at the hotel for drinks on the roof then going out to the bars. I can't speak for all of them, but I had such a great time.

I have deemed Chicago the greatest city in the U.S. and well if you go there I'm positive you'll feel the same. The culture is live with art, music and food and really who doesn't love all of those things immensely? I dream of living there as soon as possible.

Where to Begin

Mount Olympus hike for Allie's birthday!
This picture hides perfectly that moments ago I was crying out of fear.

Where to begin, or even to begin at all. Pretty much been my thought each time I've sat down to blog it up. But begin I shall!
Life can be immeasurably heartbreaking, but it can also be just as heartwarming. A side note I feel is important to mention. This thought of mine stemmed from reading a book I've started (and read about half of today already). It is just brilliant and has been described as something of a "beach read" should anyone be interested in said things its called Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple.
While not much has happened since the last time I posted (I'm so sorry for the neglect), some things certainly have. This is the real world after all. Surprised? No way. 

Thanks Dad for the coolest tubes ever.

I've done some more writing at work and sat in on some strategic meetings and participated in others. There is also now an espresso machine at work which is super exciting and delicious, but has caused some serious jittering and spazy movements (you might be confused thinking something along the lines of, "Wait, aren't you always like that?" and I would respond with, "Not to this extent."). Now for the general crowd pleasers!

Bullseye!
No Last Call, best bar in Salt Lake

Some friends have gone away, some friends have stayed. While this can be one of the more tragic things in life, friends are forever (if you want it). The other day I became somewhat stressed out and I couldn't identify the origin until a couple days later. With some friends leaving paired with me moving onto different parts in my life, I was so afraid I'd lose contact with people I cared for immeasurably that I panicked. Then I realized that losing contact with people is something I have complete control over. It is all on me (and maybe them a little) and thats a bit overwhelming, but also so wonderful! There are so many things in life that we don't always have control over, so when we do, what a great thing that is.

Sadie the Wonder Dog

Summer is upon us and with it came some serious heat and some even more serious fun. Camping and grilling and dancing and swimming and music and friends, you know the usual. On a partially related note, if you come across any absorbent coasters please be sure to let me know, my cocktails are sweating just as much as I am these summer days and I really can't take them ruining the wood of my table.

Hot springs from a little while ago

Friends!

Sometimes I feel old and some of my friends who are even younger than me have said the same and I know it sounds crazy, but it made me wonder why we do so. Of course I would sit and contemplate something like that, like what? As expected I didn't come up with anything because who could, but I did decided I wouldn't for a second go back. Not because I didn't enjoy portions of it more than I could possibly explain, but because theres so much ahead and so many things left to do and live and say and feel. Even if it were the end, I'm not sure I would feel any differently because the past holds with it certain times that are nothing less than perfect, but if they happened again it just wouldn't be the same. And I love that, how each experience is its own and you have to take it all in because that's all you'll get of it.

"Nona lets take a picture!" "Why?"
Pretty much the gist of things with my mini best friend.