Bourgeois Pig

I had only been in Chicago a few days when I knew I needed to eat something other than microwavable meals. Being new to the area I relied on the advise of a food critic much wiser than myself...Rachael Ray. Apparently Ms. Ray had visited Chicago for her Food Network show Tasty Travels. One of the places she visited was the Bourgeois Pig.

This cafe is located right near DePaul University, but don't let that fool you. Its not your typical Starbuck's knockoff. The menu offers such sandwich selections as 'The Sun Also Rises' and 'The Secret Garden.' If the selection of sandwiches, salads, deserts, and drinks doesn't impress you then the atmosphere will. Unpretentious, this restaurant feels more like a warm and inviting house.

Ms. Ray was definitely on to something when she visited this cafe in her travels. Check it out at: http://www.bpigcafe.com/

First Day of Classes!

These past few weeks have alternated between being exceptionally busy and being ridiculously low key. I find that my ability to cope with being alone for long periods of time has been quite helpful since moving to Chicago. I have decided to take this time in Chicago to really get to know myself as well as to fall in love with the city. Like any good relationship, getting to know a city takes time and is something that shouldn't be rushed. Needless to say I have already developed a bit of a 'crush' on the city.

Today was my first day of classes. As with every first day of classes I deliberated in front of my closet for a good twenty minutes before deciding exactly what to wear. Butterflies continued to dominate me even as I entered the classroom...luckily the people were all really nice. It helps that other people are in the exact same position - moving to a new city and starting school. Nothing brings people together quite like uncomfortable, new situations.

On a lighter note I was skimming through the Boston Globes online website (can you tell I'm still a bit homesick) and came across this article on Urban foraging. Basically people look for produce anywhere, which can include growing in between sidewalk cracks and by the roadside. There is even a video attached to the article that shows a man foraging for food. People are becoming more economically and ecologically mindful, and while I don't know that I will join in this type of food gathering anytime soon it certainly is interesting. I did notice today that there were stalks of corn growing out of a small patch of earth near the front of a gas station today (no joke!), so it seems that everyone is attempting to do their part!

Check out the article:

A new movement redefines local food - The Boston Globe

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Water for Elephants

Amongst the chaos that surrounded unpacking my new apartment I did manage to finish Sara Gruen's novel "Water for Elephants." The book is told in flashbacks by a man named Jacob Jankowski who remembers his days as part of a traveling circus.

I picked this up after seeing it on so many 'Must Read' lists and always being displayed prominently at just about every local bookstore. I am glad I decided to pick it up as it is one of my favorite books I've read so far this year. I particularly enjoyed the historical aspect of this book. Gruen (as per the ending notes and her website) took particular care in researching traveling circuses, including the language used by those working on such circuses.

I was also impressed by the authors portrayal of Jacob during his elderly years. Very rarely do I pick up a novel now-a-days where the main character is or is portrayed during his golden years. Told with humor and wit, the character of Jacob defies the stereotypes that are commonly associated with those of old age, which I found to be quite refreshing.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. An easy read, that held me captivated from page one - something (I will admit) is not an easy feat. I highly recommend reading it if you get a chance, as I type this right now I have already lent my copy out...

Chicago

Today is one of those miserable days where all you want to do is stay inside wrapped in a blanket and watch chick flicks all day. Luckily I have my Netflix movie, plenty of work to do online for school, more cleaning -- oh my adventurous life.

At least I am here in Chicago on this miserable day. That being said out of all the days to be absent from Massachusetts this one is one I almost wish I were home for.

RIP - Ted Kennedy

Reflections on Boston

I'm sitting here amongst boxes of my former life in Boston. My roommate of three years has just hugged me goodbye. Its one of those moments that I'm trying to gather all these emotions that cannot be adequately expressed in words. Today was our day together - last day as roommates hanging out. Instead of it being this somewhat reflective day of long meaningful talks we ended up going shopping together. Falling into our usual routine, just like any other day. I think its a bit too painful for me to comprehend that tomorrow I am packing my life up in a uhaul to move. This chapter of my life is over. I feel like this is the case for many of my friends. Following college graduation - we are forced to recognize that we are adults. The thing we have been striving toward for the last few years is finally here. Its scary, real, and at the same time exciting. I am reminded of this similar feeling when I left for college. The feeling of anticipation, excitement, and pure nerves. The worry that I would never be able to find anything as good as my life at home...five years later I am finding it hard to leave once again. Knowing this comforts me slightly as I remember that five years ago I felt the same dread/anticipation at the thought of Boston.

I know the exact moment when I will start to feel this for real. Its going to be when I arrive in Chicago and I am face with my first full night/day alone. When the full weight of what I have decided to take on hits me and I realize that for once in my life I have decided to take a risk. As with any risk there is the loom of failure in the back of my mind (I believe a life of hibernation and the word hermit were used...). Leaving Boston is like leaving a comfortable bubble for me. Full of friends, easily found opportunities, areas I know...I feel like if I don't take a risk now I never will. Faced with the possibilities of having either tried and failed, or staying in comfort I choose the former.

I don't know how this new part of my life will turn out, but I do know this... I will never forget the people or the times I've had here in Boston. Boston has my heart. I am sure I will grow to love my newly adopted city, but it will never replace anything I have had here in Boston. So it is with an open mind and heart that I leave this city (my first true love) to embark on another adventure.

Heavy Rotation

Occasionally I find myself listening to the same tunes over and over again - think comfort food but with music. As the packing is winding down and I spend my last few days in Boston, saying goodbye to friends and familiar places I have found music to be quite comforting. Here are a few that are burning up the counter on my iTunes:

• 1901 - Phoenix


• Electric Feel - MGMT


• Life in Technicolor - Coldplay


• Come Together - The Beatles


• Unbound - Robbie Robertson


• Jump Rope - Blue October

Legion

I'm sure that this movie will cause lots of controversy when its finally released in theatres in 2010 - either way the trailer looks amazing, in particular Paul Bettany as a kick ass angel:

Movie List

So there are a number of films that are going to be released later this year that are slowly making their way onto my list of movies to see. While I am still chipping away at my list from this summer, here are a few films that I am hoping to see in theatres this year:


New York, I Love You
I remember when I first heard about Paris je t'aime (Paris, I Love You). The concept was inventive - a movie composed of short films showcasing Paris. I enjoyed watching the film so I was a bit concerned when I heard that they were transferring the concept to a different city...New York. Now I suppose if you were to pick another big city to try to replicate a similar movie, New York would definitely be on that list. Perhaps I am just a little cynical as to the number of big names attached to this film, as opposed to the Paris one. Either way I will most likely check out this film when it comes out in theatres on October 16.

Here's the newest trailer for the film, featuring Phoenix's 1901:



The Lovely Bones
Here is another film based upon a novel that I have been intending to read for quite some time. Alice Sebold's book will be brought to the big screen later on this year. I will admit that what first caught my eye about this film was that it was directed by Peter Jackson (aka the director behind The Lord of the Rings films). That being said after watching the trailer for the film - not only am I hooked, but another book has also been added to my 'Must Read' list.



It's Complicated
I love Meryl Streep - her acting is superb, her choices of movies are usually fantastic, and at the age of 60 she looks amazing. Needless to say her next film "It's Complicated" looks like it'll satisfy both for a good laugh along with an actual plot line.

Here's the trailer:

Flobots - Handlebars

After a six day long stretch of work I am finally ready to relax (aka pack for Chicago), and finally figure out the name of the song I've had stuck in my head all day long...

Betsy Frost Design

While rummaging amongst some of the great pieces at the Massachusetts College of Art sale a few months back I came across a necklace by Betsy Frost. As I was in need of a mother's day gift at the time I felt the "Round Cage" with red stone was the perfect piece. Recently my mother bought me the "Pinched Pearl" necklace of which I am absolutely in love. Going through the website I found I wanted just about every piece, which is a rarity. Unique, yet classy I will definitely be shopping again from Betsy Frost Design. Check it out: http://www.betsyfrostdesign.com/

Shutter Island

In anticipation of a recent trip home (aka tons of free time to myself) I decided to pick up a few books. One was Dennis Lehane's "Shutter Island."

The book centers around U.S. Deputy Marshall Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule who are investigating the disappearance of a patient on Shutter Island - home to Ashecliff, a prison for the criminally insane. As the story continues it becomes obvious that more is going on with both the hospital/prison and the deputies themselves.

I confess that I first became interested in reading this book when I heard that it was going to be made into a movie soon. That combined with the buzz around the MA area (the book takes place in the Boston area) and the amazing trailer that just came out convinced me to pick it up. While the beginning was a bit slow to start with, the plot soon picked up pace and was quite easy to read. I literally couldn't put this book down. The book takes what could have simply been a traditional mystery book and added elements of a psychology to create a book that left me speechless upon finishing it. I cannot wait to see the movie!

In case you haven't seen the trailer: