Weekend in Review

This weekend was a break from the ordinary, and it was very much appreciated. Friday night after some fish 'n' chips at Cleo's on the patio, Nate and I hooked up with Jacob, Wendy, Dan, VA, some people who's names I forgot, Sean and Kathryn for a skate deck art show in Pilsen. Apparently the first Friday of the month (or maybe second) is gallery night down there so the neighborhood was bustling. I was really surprised at how much life there is in Pilsen! After the skate deck show (which wasn't that great to be honest) we went to the Skylark, a bar owned by the dudes who own the Rainbo. At first I thought "holy shit this place is pretentious" but a few drinks made me forget that. Sean, Kathryn, Nate and I ended up closing out the bar talking about who knows what. So the night was great: different neighborhood, different people, different bars...it was good. It made me want to move to Pilsen too. Every time I go there I want to move there.

Saturday I helped Nate buy nice interview clothes for potential job interviews. We went to Macy's and two really old men helped him try on clothes. It was basically awesome and yet irritating at the same time. The guys were a pretty good help in pointing out the flat front pants, but were also very much commission-oriented. One even admitted to us he desperately wanted us to come back to his section for his commission. After Macy's it was total "Fashion show, fashion show, fashion show at lunch" style where Nate tried everything on. Good times.

Saturday night we went to Kraska's place for Rachel's surprise birthday BBQ. I love sitting outside in the summer, and I especially love cupcakes so good thing I got both of those there. After we went to Resi's, a German beer hall, with Ed and Andy. I had never been there either. Rick and Soup came with and I learned all sorts of new sex moves the dudes know that are impractical, disgusting, and yet awesome all at once.

After a good night's rest, Nate and I hit up the Wicker Park Farmers Market Sunday morning. What a disappointment!!! It wasn't even a block long! There were probably a dozen vendors. Serious waste of time. I won't be going back; however, I got a basil plant and some bread for a bridal shower later. I'm hoping I can keep the basil alive because it will save me a shitload of money in my pesto-making frenzies.

I made Nate stop in the Santeria shop for candles, but the owner made me feel uncomfortable and Nate was on his cellphone, which I thought was "uncouth" so I didn't get the candles I needed. Now I know where they are though, so I can go back soon. I was really happy to see those here, as they remind me of San Francisco. Then we got breakfast burritos at Earwax, and came back to my place where I started watching the White Sox game. I fell asleep in the second inning and woke up four hours later. Whoops.

Sunday night was Amelia's surprise bridal shower. About a dozen gals met up at VA's place for it with food and wine. It was nice to have stupid girl talk, eat good food, and just sit around. And guess what? It was in Pilsen too! Two nights in Pilsen in one week! Weee! I'll probably have a raging headache tomorrow after wine and champagne, but it was worth it. The shower got me even more excited for the wedding, which is in two weeks.

This week I still want to see Knocked Up, and tomorrow I'm determined to find a dress for the wedding. My massive project at work is done, so I'm really relaxed about the office right now. As usual life is pretty much awesome, and I'm repeatedly reminded of how excited I am to live here.