This evening, we got to attend a Q&A/lecture with the two amazing defense attorneys, Dean Strang and Jerry Buting, who worked for Steven Avery...in an unbelievable case that came into the spotlight recently via a Netflix documentary.
back to cali, cali
Headed back to Cali this week for some more training and meetings with the San Fran team.
View from my hotel room at the JW Marriott.
I had a great time absorbing some new information from the team - but also had a chance this time to do some exploring on my own. I love the feel of this city - the hills, the diversity, the weather...I love San Francisco.
maman naan daad
Piyum got mom an oven stone recently...and since then, she's been on a delicious bread making rampage.
brunchin'
We joined some friends this morning for an over-the-top brunch - pizza, oysters, sliders, shrimp, mac n cheese, doughnuts, waffles, brussel sprouts coated in bacon...all were on the menu, plus much much more.
Mattie & Mando
They used to live right across the street from us, but a few months ago, Mattie & Mando moved to Skokie - about 20 minutes away. Their house is adorable and they've decorated the interior beautifully with mostly mid-century modern style. We got to catch up with them the other day, sit outside in the backyard and throw some food on the grill to enjoy. I love nights like these.
ice creeeeeeam
Margie's Candies has been a Chicago institution that both young and old have enjoyed since the '20s. We had passed by it so so many times...and this evening, we finally jumped on our motorcycles and popped over for some evening ice cream.
Suburban Sunday
Paul and Skylar ran in their first 5k together today - and they placed 2nd!
After the race, I headed over to Schaumburg to attend Jessy's baby shower - she's due in July!
sunshine...
Finally! The weather is warming up!
Two strangers participate in a friendly game of chess at Montrose Dog Beach.
Father and daughter cool off in the grass at Montrose Dog Beach.
The beautifully detailed ceiling of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Global Glimpse
We attended a launch celebration for the Chicago branch of a non-profit organization called Global Glimpse - a group that makes international travel possible for youth from all types of socioeconomic backgrounds. The global experience aims to open their eyes to people, places and cultures that they otherwise likely may not have been able to see and learn from - at least not while they are young...when travel is so eye-opening and life-changing.
dobe dobe dobe!
We had another successful meetup for the Chicago Doberman Club! Six gorgeous pups showed up to play at Montrose Dog Beach - and our entire list is up to 26!
Camp Rosenthal
Since Paul was little, he's been going to Camp Rosenthal in Dowagiac, Michigan for a few nights each summer - he's probably been at least 10 times now. As he's grown older, he's returned to the camp as an adult - either with guys from his old neighborhood (and their now extended families) or, as a first this year, with scholars that are a part of his programming through work.
While he was there with his group of kids this weekend, my mom and I drove up with Skylar and spent a few hours walking around the camp and getting some fresh air...and delicious tacos from the popular roadside La Perla food stand!
Comedy for a Cause
The Chicago Youth Center's Bridgeport Fellowship House held its annual fundraiser at Reggie's tonight. What a hilarious lineup of comedians! The turnout was great, the raffle prizes were awesome, and the mac 'n cheese was creamy AF. So happy we were able to raise a good chunk of money to support the kids and their programming.
beisbol
Pauly got us tickets to the Cubs vs Padres game tonight. Rita and Sergio were able to join us and we had a great time catching up, having some beers and (duh) enjoying some ballpark dogs!
Dallas!
How convenient that my best friend, Kristen, and my cousin, Sara, live within just a few blocks of each other in Dallas, Texas? My weekend trip there was both fun and relaxing. Kristen and I grabbed a seafood dinner over at a spot called Amberjax in Trinity Groves. We had brunch the next day with Sara at a cute place called Ascension and then checked out her apartment.
The rest of the weekend included lots of quality time with KC on her couch, delicious spreads of meats and cheeses, popsicles, some pool time, and the Beyonce concert!
bliss
Do I even need to write anything here? This boy was in his own little world. Twirling his hand round-and-round in the sand. Completely oblivious to everything around him. Just pure happiness.
Skylar joon!
Our Skylar baby turned 2 today!
Orlando
Another quick 24-hour work trip took me to Orlando this time - and some beautiful, much needed sun and warmth.
Chicago Doberman Club
I've started a Doberman club! We just kept running into other owners of the breed, and since there wasn't an existing meetup group in the city already, I figured why not start it myself? The group had it's most successful meetup so far today - 8 dogs total! We are up to 18 on our distribution list and the group just keeps growing! Click here to check us out!
From left to right: Maya, Moose, Skylar, Athena and Sentry - at Montrose Dog Beach in Chicago.
Yardley
I just love a relaxing day at Yardley - sitting in the back, soaking up some sun and stuffing my face with khoreshteh bademjoon, my absolute favorite.
the hunt continues
Paul and I placed an offer on an adorable house today - but came up short in the end. The 5-bedroom house with sprawling backyard sat on an oversized 45' city lot...it not only had a 2-car garage, but also a 2-spot car port as well! We thought our offer was competitive, but ultimately we were beat out. It's obviously disappointing to lose out on something you had your heart and head set on, but I'm confident that we'll find the right property for our lil family.
