Where did June go?

How the bleep is it already July?

Summers used to be long and lazy, and full of adventures. This summer is busy, a bit hectic, but still full of adventures. I'm not saying I would trade a minute of it, but sheesh! I wish it would slow down. I spent all winter ancipating the summer and here it goes, flying by whenever I blink my eyes. Not to mention, every time I start to get a hint of a tan line, I can't get outside again and it goes away. There is no hope...

I spend a lot of time at work thinking of things to do outside of work. I google events, look up flights and train schedules, and send messages with my friends until my calendar looks like a kindergartener's coloring book. (See earlier post from April...) Thank goodness I have flexible people in my life.

Even though my pale Irish skin doesn't show signs of summer, my bank account sure does! I've decided that it is impossible to save money during the summer, there are simply too many good things to spend money on... Don't worry, I'll resume saving come September. But really, this time is precious, and at my age (23), no one really knows where they'll be in 6-12 months. This is the age where people re-locate for jobs, get married, move to big cities. I need to clock as much "friend time" as possible. Gosh, I really am an adult.

Also, Nikki the Nikon needs to make an appearance because I have practically zero summer photos! I checked my iPhone stash and this was the most recent. Don't ask me for an explainatin because I don't have one, but just so you know, the licesnse plate reads "ZEBRA," in case you needed a label...

Big City

Today I want to blog about the big city where I work and eventually want to live, Chicago. There are so many people here, yet I manage to run into people from my own sphere.

The other day I was heading outside to eat lunch with my co-workers when who do I see, but a friend from college! We both stopped dead in our tracks, did a double take to make sure, and then ran and hugged each other smack dab in the middle of the pedestrian walkway. How do these things happen? It's not like I was searching for this red headed bombshell, in fact I thought she was currently living on the East Coat, but boy am I glad I found her among the bustling mass of people. This turned my average day into a great day.

One thing I LOVE to do is spontaneously meet up with friends who work and/or live in Chicago as well. One day this winter I got a text from a friend asking what I was doing that night, a few texts later we were meeting at a bar and planning an awesome night. It's amazing what a few texts and an Friday night can produce. This night was fantastic and I hope we can make it happen again.

And then there are the lunch outings. I usually bring my own brown bag lunch from home, but whenever I get the chance to meet up with one of the girls I jump at the idea. I mean, who could turn down a fresh sandwich and great conversation with the best company I could ask for? So worth the extra pennies. Not to mention, these dates give me something to look forward to in the morning, and leave me smiling for the rest of the day - especially when we find a spot to eat outside in the warm spring sun. Wow, this post is full of warm fuzzies.

To what do I owe these wonderful little meetings? Maybe I am indebted to my Saint Mary's roots and the connections developed through college. Maybe I owe this to Chicago, for being the best city in the world and the Midwest's largest transportation hub. Maybe I owe this to my friendly personality and urge to be around good people. To whatever factor I owe, I thank it! And please continue bringing me these wonderful Chicago moments with people I love.

Summer Friend

Happy June!

I'm so excited to have a new paper cut to share with you. He's been in the making for quite some time now... I love his nonchalant attitude - he's ready for lazy summer days swimming in the lake, and so am I!  

Viva!

Another great weekend to add to my collection of post-grad adventures.

This is all I will share because we all know the rule: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

There is nothing better than a window seat.

Loosing pennies... and sitting by a creepy old man.

We'll be back...

Drumroll Please!

The office finally decided on the shirt that we are going to wear in the race, and I won!!! Although the majority vote on this site was for the cityscape, that design was eliminated in the first round of judging. This design made it through with revisions, and then won the office vote! Hip, hip, hooray!!!

Word Homie

Words, when used properly, can make such a difference. I am always scrambling for the best way to communicate my thoughts, but nothing ever seems to come out right! Thanks to this curse, I have a great appreciation for people who use their words well.

One of my friends pointed out that my use of "cool" was no longer acceptable. According to her, whenever I said "cool," it came across as sarcastic, although it was often complimentary! And then, the whole room of my friends agreed with her. Not cool guys...

I'm just saying, I appreciate a good word every now and again. I love to hear "take care" instead of the "see ya later" that I so casually throw out. Or "lavatory" to replace the typical "bathroom." And also, "certainly" instead of "sure." Oh the little things in life...

Other words I enjoy and use frequently, in no particular order: naughty, dainty, precious, and clever.
The word that I do not like: meal - and I don't know why, I just don't like it.

I hope that everyone says a new, good word today! :)

Meet you at the Finish Line!

These are designs for a race that my company will be participating in. Ultimately, my boss will choose which design will represent us, and it may not even be one of mine, but I want to know which design is the "crowd favorite!" Last time I tried this, the crowd voted for the one that I least preferred, let's see if we will agree this time ;)

check funny for the first, cool for the second, and interesting for undecided