Life lately

I’m so. glad. spring weather is kinda sorta almost here on some days but also absent on others.

Regardless, writing my bi-monthly life overview is like pulling teeth during the winter. I’ll sit here and rack my brain trying to think of something — literally, anything — notable that I’ve done over the past few month, and the only two things that come to mind are “Netflix binge” and “comfy fleece pants.”

So, thank God that spring has arrived and I miraculously have the desire to leave my couch again, thus sparing you from an excruciatingly boring life update comprised entirely of soup recipes and legging reviews.

∙∙∙work∙∙∙

So, the departmental shifting is done and I’ve finally settled into a completely new schedule. Last month I started my new hours: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. I was pretty hesitant to jump to the 6 a.m. shift, but surprisingly, I really like it! There’s no traffic on my a.m. commute, I always get a seat on the bus, I have two quiet hours to really focus before everyone pours into the office, I’m done before the rush hour commute picks back up and — since I’m working 10-hour days — I get a three-day weekend, every weekend! The only downside is the lack of a social life on Saturday nights, but to me, extended weekends more than make up for that.

Also, I had my first byline published in the Wednesday health and family section the other week! It’s so cheesy, but I was ridiculously giddy when I saw my name in print in the Chicago Tribune.

And, finally, I got a new desk! I’ve been told by multiple people that I have the best desk in the newsroom. I think I have to agree. I have a wall on my right and a floor-to-ceiling window behind me, so there’s nobody sitting over my shoulder. I’m no longer in a thoroughfare so it’s quiet, and the window provides lots of natural light. Plus, the view isn’t bad, so all I have to do is turn around when I want a quick mental break.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRqPAPpg_je

∙∙∙friends + family∙∙∙

I feel like I’ve been pretty blessed with a lot of quality family and friend time lately. Thank you, wedding and graduation season!

I just finished up the second weekend of a three-weekend Michigan stint. I stopped by town last weekend to speak in a class at my alma mater. This past weekend, I visited my high school friend a high school friend to go bar hopping in Kalamazoo and — while I had every intention of going to my college roommate Caitlin’s bridal shower Saturday — I ended up breaking my foot and going to the ER. More on that later. I’ll be back in Michigan for yet another weekend Thursday for my little sister’s college graduation.

∙∙∙dining∙∙∙

I know I’m incredibly late on this, but I finally got around to eating at Summer House. Other notable brunches? I had the french toast at Wilde in Lakeview, finally made my way down the entire “sweet” menu at Kanela and had brunch at Big Jones for the first time in a few years. I also tried nana on the South Side. Easily the best chilaquiles I’ve ever had.

I also made it a point to visit a few new bars. Mando held his birthday party at Clark Street Ale House followed by a quick jaunt at SafeHouse, which was easily THE COOLEST themed bar I have ever been to, I kid you not. I also recently checked out Red Lion Pub, which was a gorgeous well-lit reminder of my recent trip to London. Plus, it had British beer on tap! I also tried Punch House down in Pilsen. It was cute, even though I’m not a big fan of cocktails. And — of course — I’m ready for window seats at Hopleaf, outdoor tables at Sheffield’s and patio lounging at Homeslice.

And, a quick shoutout to the establishments visited during the aforementioned Kalamazoo trip: Bell’s, Shakespeare’s, Old Dog, Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, Sweetwaters and Crow’s Nest.

Top row, left-to-right: Big Jones, Punch House, Kanela
Bottom row, left-to-right: SafeHouse, Crow’s Nest, Nana

∙∙∙shopping — aka — affiliate link alert!∙∙∙

Out with the bulky winter staples and in with the light spring layers… and the rain gear. I recently splurged on a new lightweight Patagonia rain jacket to wear with my favorite Kamik boots for those abundant rainy days. When the weather’s nice(r), my Burberry trench, white Keds and Jack Rogers sandals make their way into frequent rotation.

I recently picked up my favorite Sam Edelman heels in a sandy suede color, and I’ve really been frequenting Uniqlo for basics lately, but I’ve been going in-store since the fit/ quality is very hit-or-miss. I picked up this skirt and this skirt — both in navy — and this top in three different colors. And, also, I got a new pair of glasses at the request of my optometrist! At least being blind can be stylish, I suppose.

What’s on my wish list? I’m still drooling over these Jimmy Choo heels. (One day, I’ll own them.) I love this printed skirt, these adorable espadrille wedges and this (surprisingly cheap!) straw tote. I’m also in need of a new straw sun hat — something like this — but I’m struggling to find one I like at a reasonable price. Suggestions?

I’ve been a huge bum about reading lately, so it felt good to finish a few books this past month. I checked off The Defining Decade and The Help, and I’m about halfway through Poynter’s New Ethics of Journalism. In terms of Netflix, I finished New Girl (who else is hoping for another season?) and started on Girlboss.

I’ve also started exploring the city a bit more now that the weather’s nicer! I spent a weekend in Chinatown and absolutely loved it. I’m hoping this broken foot doesn’t hamper too many of my summer plans, since I already had to pull the plug on an upcoming trip to Newark and New York. Boo.

And, what’s coming up? So, so much! I have two bachelorette parties this summer — one in Cincinnati and another in Nashville. My sister and I are really, really hoping to celebrate her graduation with a fun trip somewhere, but we don’t have concrete plans yet. And, I’ll be popping in and out of Michigan thanks to wedding festivities.

I already can’t wait for another amazing summer in Chicago!