Ever since Treasure Island Music Festival in 2011, I have been in love with Silent Discos. They’re a dance party, where only a select few know what’s going on. To participate, you throw on the headphones and then you can hear the music and DJ. You start movin’ and groovin’ and singin’ along. For those walking by, you look completely ridiculous. All they see are you rockin’ out, shuffling your feet on the ground and humming off key. Needless to say, I was hooked from the get go.
And to be honest, Amanda and I silent disco bomb Celia in her cube at least once a month to brighten up her day (and let’s be honest, it brightens ours too). Celia joins right in with the dancing and tries to guess the song we’re listening to (shockingly, she’s often guessed the jam. She gets us.).
And finally, a brand has taken the silent disco party and used it as a stunt. I’m sold.
A few months ago, Mom bought me a LivingSocial deal for Flip Crêpes and seeing as she was unavailable to attend, Durda and Amanda got the invites. Being someone who spends maybe 10 minutes in the kitchen every week, I was more than just a little intimidated. But I figured, how hard could this really be?
Making the batter was easy. Pouring the batter correctly on the pan was easy. But the flip? I stood no chance, though I kept trying. Eventually, I decided I’m more suited for decorating crêpes and eating them than making them. Flip Crêpes was a fantastic place with stellar Chef Ian rooting you on. The class began as a group, but then Chef Ian let you make and eat at your own pace. I don’t see myself making crêpes any time soon, but eating them? I’m there.
The silence is over, sort of. My apologies for not writing nearly as much as I should have been…the month of July just got lost beyond me. And I’ve returned from my coastal adventure to the East where my friend and I attended a few concerts and slept on a pirate ship. It was to say the least, amazing.
But instead of rehashing a vacation, I want to talk about something else, friendship. Amanda and I affirmed a friendship a year ago when we went on vacation to Colorado. Since that last summer, we’ve logged four other trips and most recently, this eastern adventure. I could not imagine a better travel companion to navigate a city alongside.
My true aha! moment of man, life is good, came while we were in New York. We made our way down to NYC to catch The Lumineers and Old Crow Medicine Show in Central Park and decided to hit up our New York friends for couches to crash on. Most of the “closer” friends were traveling, so we were coming up empty-handed. Then I reached out to Christin, a girl I studied abroad with in Ireland and hadn’t seen since we left the Emerald Isle. And to be fair, we hadn’t really talked much. But she insisted we come and crash with her.
The minute we walked in to Christin’s place, it was like we were back in Ireland. As we readied ourselves and wandered the city, we managed to find a bar with a vacant rooftop where we spent the afternoon catching up on life. It was just perfection and as if this was an everyday thing we did. When we got to the show, I was so overcome with joy that I nearly started crying. It was just so moving to know that there are people in this world that vouch for you and want to spend time with you, no matter how much time has passed.
I have many friends like this in Chicago, but I’ve certainly taken them for granted over the years…just assuming they’re always there. But upon our return to Sweet Home Chicago, I realized how truly lucky I am to live in a city I love, surrounded by water and people that I cannot help but have on fantastic time.
It might have taken all of July for me to realize this, as well as a northeastern adventure, but I’m going in to my 27th year with a much better grasp on life. And I for one, I am eager to see what awaits next.
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And here’s the lastest Mumford & Son’s song (saw them in Maine last week), which I think is so very fitting:
February is honestly the worst month to be in Chicago. Despite only lasting 28 days, it goes on forever and ever. And then ever again. Which is why I’m retreating to the mountains to spend some gal pal time with Lisa and Amanda, actually start editing that book, start and finish reading two other novels and breathe in some fresh air while looking at stars.
Breckenridge and the Allen Cabin-sion, you look simply stunning. Adventures await upon my return!
After a long hiatus (but not nearly as long as Mad Men‘s), 30 Rock graced the screen again. Amanda and I ordered takeout, uncorked some wine and enjoyed seeing Liz, Jack, Tracy, Jenna and Kenneth all together again. There’s just something about a comedy that you can comfortably watch with your parents, friends, partners, bosses, etc. The writing is just fantastic and it’s a show I’ve never been disappointed with, especially with all of the guest stars that just happen to swing by.
While watching, my friend LeBaron texted me saying “Um. The day is almost coming when I may think about comparing you to Liz Lemon…” It’s an honor many people have told me. Mainly because we both wear glasses, are funny, witty, completely comfortable with ourselves, have just bizarre dating stories and dance to our own beats. But as LeBaron pointed out, these aren’t the things that sealed the deal for him. “The dancing and spraining the ankle did something to contribute. And the joint pain medication.”
Could this be the season Liz finds love while dealing with arthritic joints?
Hanna (Non)Tana 