Oh Beautiful

Happy Fourth of July everyone! I cannot help but recall this scene from one of my favorite summer movies today. Heading down to the Pier to watch tonight. There’s just something about a sky, city and water lighting up from these things.

A Night With The Sir

This past Sunday and Monday, one Sir Paul McCartney graced Wrigleyville with a concert at Wrigley Field. After a fun-filled birthday weekend, me and a few gals decided to cap off my entry to the 26th year with the Sir.

Emily and I headed up to Wrigley early and were greeted with Sir Paul’s caravan. As soon as he emerged from the car, 60-year-old women were seen jumping up and down, screaming at the top of their lungs and in tears. Most even had signs holding up. Grown men were running down the streets trying to catch a glimpse of the man himself.

Once we got a table, we weren’t sitting inside Wrigley, we ordered some beers and heard Sir Paul’s sound check. We immediately got goosebumps and didn’t talk to one and other as we didn’t want to ruin the moment. It was amazing.

It was also hot. Insanely hot. Thankfully, the sun hid behind a building and Sir Paul hit the stage right before 8:30. He played over 30+ songs, which is just insane. And he played every song you would ever want to hear. I must say, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” brought tears to my eyes. Being with some of the best gal pals a girl could ask for in a city that I absolutely love while singing along to such a carefree song on a hot summer July night was so fantastic.

I learned on this night, that I sincerely hope I’m rounding up a gang of gal pals for a night in Wrigleyville where we just act crazy when we’re over 50. While the throngs of people were quite diverse, I found myself pulled to those groups of 7 or 10 women who clearly, came in from the suburbs and left their husbands and children at home to fulfill this lifelong dream.

We will be them. And if Sir Paul’s performance was any sign of his stamina, he’ll be there too.

Holy.

In With the New

I love how every new year packs so much optimism. It’s a shame it never really continues on throughout the year. Everyone is saying this is their year, their time and sets goals/resolutions to better themselves.

To keep my optimistic viewpoint throughout the year, I always create goals/resolutions on my birthday (July), this way, I make a checkpoint throughout the year to ensure I’m still being/becoming the person I want to be.

My big one for 2011? Join the board at either Cinema:Chicago or become a Team Leader for Chicago Cares. Both organizations are ones that have helped me get acclimated to Chicago while expanding my social circle, so it’s time to give back in a bigger way than just working a 4-hour volunteer shift.

“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” –Bill Vaughn

Let the Celebrations Begin!

Seeing as I enjoy sunshine, I’ve always thought I enjoyed the month of July. It’s hot, there’s baseball going on, BBQs smoking and of course, my blessed day of birth. But after this article on The Gloss, I’m thinking I was made for the month of November.

November is……

……National Novel Writing Month–Maybe I’ll take part in a few years, and then this will be more relevant to me.

……Movember–An ode to some great ‘stache wearers where “men” shave off their facial hair and raise money for men’s health awareness. Totally support it, but sadly, cannot participate seeing as I can’t grow a ‘stache (whew). Thankfully, TOMS has made it possible for lasses to participate this year.

…..National Peanut Butter Lovers Month–Oh hey, I’ve been a peanut butter lover since creation. And I know I have already expressed my passion for this staple. I mean, at work, they offer us staples in the kitchen. Crunchy and Smooth both make the list. Just sayin’…

…..Sweet Potatoes Awareness Month— I’m not sure why the Awareness is needed, but these suckers are tasty! The day Maggie showed me the power of microwaving a sweet potato and eating it was life changing. And sweet potato fries?! Be still my heart. I’d dip you in peanut butter, but I’m not big on mixing and matching.

…..National Pomegranate Month–I still recall the moment Mal pulled one of these foreign alien objects from her lunch box. I thought what in the hell is that. And then I saw her picking at it and I thought, why in the hell would anyone eat seed by seed? Then I tried it. And it was amazing. And I never looked back. POM juice is sick though. Opt for the real deal.

…..National Sleep Comfort Month–I didn’t need another reason to hit the snooze or go to bed at 10 o’clock, but I do!