Lately, I’ve spent a bunch of time reviewing and promoting some terrific shows around town. But there’s one very important show opening in previews tonight… ‘Cause it’s mine. Girlfriend is the story of Anna and Caro, two twentysomething gals who have been friends forever and ever, Amen. As they attempt to navigate the ups and downs of functional adulthood and the Chicago theatre scene, they also redefine friendship- and just how heavily you can lean on those pals before you {Read More}
Snow, Enya, and Confusing Friends & Family Since 2008.
March 7, 2013 By 4 Comments
So, Midwest: This snow thing. Come on. There’s been a slight disconnect lately between anticipated snow and the subsequently unwarranted freak-outs. Having been a resident of Chicago for over a decade now(!) and being in the [poorly plowed] trenches for the majority of those winters, I’d like to remind my neighbors of what snowfall is. And four inches of ground cover within the city proper wouldn’t even have been a blip three years ago. You call this snow? For example, during {Read More}
Why I Should Never Travel Alone; Ghost Story Edition.
March 6, 2013 By 6 Comments
And now, filed under Things Which Make Me Question/Hate Myself: The other morning, as I made my way to the train- laden with bags and more than a little guilt at leaving my children for the weekend- I thought about my parents, whom I was excited to see. My kids, whom I already missed. The amount of work which might never see the light of day. My imminent flight sans children or [non-psychological] baggage, and the pressure I was putting {Read More}
February Date: Bowling Night (Sans Bowling).
February 28, 2013 By 2 Comments
Because my husband is so incredibly crazy about me- And because he was rapidly running out of time for a so-called February date (for the newcomers to this date thing, catch up on the whole bizness here)- You can tell I’m on a date.I am wearing a tie. He asked me out this past Tuesday for a wild evening of bowling and deep conversation in a dive bar-like atmosphere. I accepted, even though I’m not a “bowler,” overmuch. Except. Our {Read More}
Winter Games. (For An Hour.)
February 4, 2013 By 10 Comments
On Saturday, we took the girls sledding. In case you’re curious, here’s what sledding in Chicago looks like. Careful, it’s pretty extreme. First, you bundle your offspring within an inch oftheir lives. It’s cool, they love this part. There are zero chair lifts. But that’s fine, it’s goodfor them to learn how to walk at a 10 degree angle uphill. There will be snowflake eating. (A
January Date: Ice Skating (And Nary A Trip To The E.R!)
January 21, 2013 By 10 Comments
If I had to choose something I loved more than my husband, I’d have to say Re-enacting Scenes From My Favorite Movies. (If I HAD to.) Even the Russian judges liked us. This past Saturday, I didn’t even to pick between them. Because P.J.’s Christmas present to me was twelve months of Chicago dates. You know, the place where we live and of which we continuously extol the virtues but rarely have time to a) date in b) Chicago? He {Read More}
Public Drinking And Abject Coveting. (Christmas!)
December 10, 2012 By 3 Comments
I hear you’re the guy what haz the toy access. Pay no mind to the baby,she’s just a baby. She’s not In The Know. This past Saturday was the annual event that pretty much tops all other Chicago events for me: The Christkindlmarket in the Daley Plaza. That’s right, the kitsch fest that contains every German ever to carve an ornament (and some of their Mexican and/or Ecuadorian compatriots with
Sweet Home Chicago.
August 30, 2012 By 8 Comments
Goodness, she’s young. Also, a little cold. Tomorrow marks my 10th anniversary with Chicago. That’s a long time, especially with my track record. (Don’t be alarmed, Peej. I’m different now.) What should’ve been a one-season stand with a city (I had my eye on you, Los Angeles, and you sure turned my head, NYC- but we weren’t the ones for each other) turned into a full on crushfest of epic
