Progress report

Roughly a year ago, I made a list of 28 goals to complete before my 28th birthday. Well, with only a week to go until I turn a year older, I'm far from crossing all my goals off the list. I've decided to give myself the rest of the summer, as a sort of grace period, to try and fnish everything. Here is a recap of the goals that have been crossed off so far:

#4 Andrew Bird concert

Christine and I saw Andrew Bird's one man show in December. 

#7 Have a Party

I hosted an Academy Awards party in February.

#8 French Market

Talitha and I enjoyed crepes and checked out the vendors at the Chicago French Market.

#18 Run a race

Christine and I ran in the 2011 Shamrock Shuffle 8k on the only hot and sunny day in April.

#22 Organize sheet music

This is still a work in progress but I have somewhat of a system set up now.

#26 Go to the opera

On a trip to NYC, Elena and I went to the Metropolitan Opera to see La Fanciulla del West. On the same trip, I crossed off #25 to eat pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge at Grimaldi's Pizza.

#27 Go to a CSO concert

Christine and I went to the Chicago Symphony's free concert in Millenium Park in September.

And finally, I had my friend E over for dinner to complete goal #16 to cook a meal from scratch. I have no photographic proof of this one but it was delicious (right, E?).









Back on the horse

I laced up my running shoes today for the first time in over a month. I injured my knee back in March while training to run an 8k, probably by trying to up my mileage too fast, especially after several winter months of laziness. This time, I decided I'm going to train slow and steady, focusing more on minutes over mileage. Today, I ran for 20 minutes and not a minute longer. I felt a tiny bit of pain around minute 15, but overall I felt pretty good!

Sneak Peek

I love getting a glimpse into people's homes to see how they've decorated. I especially love this sneak peek seen over at design sponge. Such a great use of color! And how cool is the platform bed and treehouse! See more pictures here.

Fanny Packs: Do or Don't

Ok, first of all, I really dislike the name "fanny pack." It evokes the image of a bulging, unattractive pouch hanging around the waist of a dorky looking tourist. In Australia they call it a "bum bag" and in France "le banane." But the other day, as I was walking around the city, I found myself wishing I had a hands free way to carry my stuff. With warmer weather and summer festivals around the corner, I'm thinking a fanny pack could be pretty useful and a quick search on the web brought up several surprisingly chic and sophisticated options. What do you all think? Are fanny packs a do or don't?

Gucci

Matt and Nat Fanny

Elliot Lucca Woven Leather Hip Pouch

Michael Kors Leather belt with woven bag





A walk in the neighborhood

As a write this, it's cold and rainy outside but a couple days ago it felt like summer. I still can't go running due to a previous knee injury so I took a long walk around Ravenswood and took some pictures of all the trees and flowers in bloom. It was nice to see kids playing in the square and diners sitting out on restaurant patios. I hope the warm weather returns soon!



The tragedy of first position

I spotted this video over at A Cup of Jo and couldn't stop laughing. We teach this position in violin and I have witnessed several young students struggle with determination not to loose their balance while keeping their heels together. So cute!

Sharon Montrose

Sharon Montrose may have one of the coolest jobs ever. I've been on the lookout for some art to display in my living room on the wall behind the couch. These animal prints have definitely caught my eye. The only problem is deciding which ones to buy...I love them all!

Happy Birthday!

Mark and I at the Magic Kingdom in 1988

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to my big brother!

Lalo's

Note to self,

Next time you are at Lalo's please limit yourself to one giant margarita. Two will make you stupid and will impair your normally good decision making skills (ie.drinking a beer AFTER having two giant margaritas). Not to mention, you will most likely spend the following day (which will be sunny and beautiful) on the couch with a terrible headache. And just to be safe, next time remember to eat something and wear comfortable shoes.

Love,

Heather

*Disclaimer: We were fully prepared for the effects of the giant margaritas and used our feet for transportation. Should you try a Lalo's margarita for yourself, I strongly recommend leaving your car at home or bringing a pillow so you can be nice and confortable sleeping in the back seat.