Nights in White Satin

Dîner en Blanc was everything and so much more than we imagined. After meeting at the Belmont stop with about 20 others, we took the train and headed to Monroe…which was when the guessing game began. Standing on State Street, we learn we’re heading to…..the Art Institute! Upon crossing Michigan Ave., we see we’re in the South Gardens, a place I often overlook when walking by the building.

It.Was.Amazing. We quickly set up our table, popped open wine and began our 2.5-hour dinner. Everyone got along swimmingly and Rich even found ways to sneak his French in to conversation, though he often got a “I literally have no idea what you’re saying” response.

When we finished our wine, Rich went to get another bottle (the site said they weren’t selling onsite, but they were). And what does he come back with? Hanna wine. Cue my glee.

Once we stuffed ourselves full of cheese, hummus, crackers and fruit, we made our way to the dance floor. And had ourselves quite the interpretative dance party until the wee hours of the night.

I must say, for something that was just so “sudden,” this event was fantastic. You were responsible for yourself and party and there wasn’t a “schedule” to the night. You went at your own pace. At first, I wasn’t a fan. I think Rich looked at me and said “Just calm down” at least 7 times in the first hour. But that was the beauty of this. Hundreds of people could come together and enjoy a civilized night without any barriers and rules.

We’re definitely hitting up the party again next year.

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The King’s Tweet

Jessica and I finally went and saw The King’s Speech and it was just as fantastic as everyone says it is. Colin Firth is unreal and the Harry Potter-cast reunion going on in the film was a nice surprise. After leaving the film, we immediately began talking about Mr. Eden, our high school journalism teacher. And I’m completely sure it’s because Lionel Logue in the film (played by Geoffrey Rush) is to King George VI (Firth) as Mr. Eden is to Jessica and I and any other soul who has ever had him for a teacher.

I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Mr. Eden. I’m a 100% sure of that. He’s the reason I began my journalism major, which led to my journalism career. He’s the reason I didn’t waste thousands of my parents’ dollars figuring out what my major would be, seeing as every morning when I woke up in high school I wanted to be a zoologist, a nurse, a history teacher, a safari guide, a movie star, a Broadway Producer, a food critic or a lifetime sleeper. He’s the reason I’m a follower of John Wooden philosophy. He’s the reason I developed a passion for college basketball (though we’re rivals these days). He’s the reason I know how to do PhotoShop, Illustrator and InDesign (skills which have proven to make be a cut above the rest). He’s the reason I know you can enjoy your life, your work and still have a fantastic family. He’s the reason I know somewhere out there, someone will let you name your child after a sports facility (If I have kids, I’m totally naming one Oliver after my dorm in college. And then Quinton after our favorite spot on the town).

Reminiscing about good ole Chad “Mitch” Eden with Jessica outside on Michigan Ave. while we waited for a bus, made me extremely thankful for the man. I mean, we knew how kick ass he truly was in school and how lucky and fortunate we were to be in his graces, but today, getting in Twitter wars with him over college basketball and the Navajo sweater we bought from “Eden-Bay” for a ridiculous amount of money is so nice and reassuring. Even after nearly 7 years, he’s still in our lives watching and guiding us on our quest for greatness. Even if it is in just 140-characters.