Chicago in White

Last night Jamie and Natalie invited me to join them at the Chicago in White dinner.  This is the second annual event; last year it was called Chicago en Blanc, which is now a separate event.  Basically it is "flash mob" dining.  Everyone arrives at meeting points throughout the city, dressed in all white.  People bring along their own white tables, white chairs, white napkins, white table clothes and 3 course dinner.  No alcohol is aloud.

At your meeting point the central location is revealed and you have an hour to get there and set up your table before the event begins.  Last year the location was Daley Plaza.   This year it was in front of Merchandise Mart along the Chicago River.  Once dusk hit, the city lights and candle light made the atmosphere spectacular.  

We enjoyed sparkling lemonade and water, arugula salad made by Natalie, fried chicken I brought from Harolds chicken, Jamie brought Coast sushi.  We had macaroons from Violet and sea salt and dark chocolate covered caramels for dessert.  

This was such a unique experience and very well done with live music and easy access to restrooms.  People watching was at an al time high!  After dinner the crowd packs up all their belongings and leaves the space as if nothing had ever happened there.  I was surprised how orderly 1,500 people on a city street in Chicago could be.

We learned a lot for next year.  But most of all, in a very hectic time in each of our lives, it was so nice to sit outside, take a deep breath and enjoy the company of two of my favorites.

Damonland- The Bachelorette Edition

Far away from civilization, down a long windy "road", just when I started to panic that I was lost......Damonland.  

This was my first trip to the infamous cabin in the woods and it did not disappoint.  We were here to honor the single days of my dear friend Carrie.  True to bachelorette code, I will not disclose many details except to say that this girl's bachelorette party probably rivaled many of the other parties held here in the past.  

Carrie's college friends flew in for the festivities.  High school friends drove hours.  Sister-in-laws  came from a far.  I figured I would know some of Carrie's high school by name, but never really KNEW them.   I didn't really know what to expect.  

They say your friends are a reflection of yourself.  This couldn't be more true for Carrie.  Her friends were warm and welcoming, easy-going and adventurous.  They are smart and funny people who I'm excited to party with again!   It was also really fun to catch up my good high school friend's little sister and step-sister.

Damonland was a blast and it is very clear that this Bachelorette has a lot of women who love her very much.  

But.......perhaps not the kind of pre-race carb loading that I should have been doing prior to Steelhead 70.3.  Yikes.

Steelhead 70.3 Race Report

After Friday night at Damonland for a late bachelorette night, I drove to Benton Harbor on Saturday to pick up my Ironman Steelhead 70.3 race packet.  Don't let this smile fool you.  I was terribly nervous. 

My prerace goals- to race faster and stronger than the previous two years.  I know I'm not in the shape of 2009 Ironman, but have been working out more consistently than the past two years.  I was hoping it would translate to better endurance.

Jason helped me with my prerace set up and calmed my nerves on the 1.5 mile walk down the beach in the morning.  It was cool and the water was calm, but since the course was one straight line, it was intimidating looking 1.2 miles down the beach to see where you would be swimming.  I was running late, so I literally ran to the start.  Dad was there and caught some great photos.

The start was an on-shore start and we ran into the water.  I remembered the tips I'd learned at WellFit and after the gun went off I immediately soared in the lead.  The rest of the swim didn't go as well.

I can't seem to swim in a straight line and kept finding myself way off course.  Overall the swim was calm, not too crowded.  I finished 14th out of 75 in my age group with a time of 39 minutes.  I know I'm capable of much faster, but overall I'm happy with it. 

At the start of the bike I thought I might be in trouble.  My front derailer is broken and the new part didn't come in time, so I had to race the entire race in my big ring.  Luckily the hills were mostly rolling and only a few were tough to make it up with out being able to shift down.  But my legs were so sore and tight.  I was having trouble going over 12 mph.  About 10 miles in things started to get moving and I was flying (for me).  I ended up riding 16.2 mph average- a hell of a lot faster than when I rode the course in June.  Overall I finished in 3:26 and only 4 minutes slower than Racine in 2009!

Since I am a much better swimmer than anything else, I spent most of the day getting passed.  People are always cheering you on when passing, but the best surprises were riding with a girl from my sorority name Renee whom I hadn't seen in years and of course seeing Ryan fly by at about mile 45.

All along I knew that making a difference in my time would come down to the run.  The last few years after biking 56 miles I had nothing left and the 90+ degree heat had me walking most of the run.   This year temps were more bearable and I felt great the first 6-7 miles.  I ran with a smile, making new friends along the way with the run/walkers (because even my best run pace is the same as some run/walkers- making it a cat and mouse game).  Around mile 8, I started walking a little more than I'd hoped but was still happy with the way things were going.  My legs and breathing felt fine, but my stomach did not.  I was afraid I'd start throwing up.  I walked about a half mile with an old high school friend Brad, whom found me along the way.  Some WellFit friends cheered me along as well, which really made a difference.  I need to find a training group in Milwaukee.

And then.  Nothing will make you smile, laugh, cry more than seeing the finish line after 7 hours and 7 minutes being cheered in by crowds lining the path.  Over an hour faster than Vineman in 2010 and 50 minutes faster than Door County last year.  I'd say that was an improvement and I'm thrilled.
And I did, for the first time ever, have post-race-emesis.  I made it a mile back to the car before I lost it and hear some guy saying "someone is going in reverse."   I guess there is a first for everything.

Flashbacks!

Last week we had a double dose of flashbacks!  

We started off the week with David Chappelle at the House of Blues.  Tickets went on sale on Friday and we quickly bought them.  Well.....as it turns out, we ended up with tickets to the late show.  Doors opened at midnight.  The opening comedian was good and then Chappelle went on stage around 1am.  He was as hilarious as I remembered from nearly a decade ago.  As the morning moved on to 3 and then almost 4 in the morning, he was still quick-witted and funny, but crowd interaction was getting annoying and then a random harmonica player on stage seemed a little unnecessary.  Still, totally worth it and we are still quoting some of his jokes.

We wrapped up our summer Ravina concert series with the much anticipated Huey Lewis and the News concert.  We may have been the youngest people there, but both of us were loving it.  Because really, Huey's still got it.  I hope he comes back again next year.

Grand Rapids Bridal Shower

This Sunday was my bridal shower in E.G.R.  You'd think after attending 1 million of these I would have been prepared.  Somehow sitting in a room of women who've known me since I was 8 and opening kitchen utensils intimidated me.  But once I arrived, I felt at ease.

The shower was hosted by long-time friends of my mom Betsy R., Jan M. and Linda C.  All of whom had children I swam with and were close friends in high school.

And it was lovely.  We had time to socialize, delicious lunch and then the gift opening began.

My soon to be sister-in-law, two of my soon-to-be nieces and soon-to-be mother-in-law (not pictured here) made the drive from Chicago.

One of the biggest and best surprises was my dear friend Rachel came from Cincinnati.  I had no idea and was overwhelmed when I saw her!!!  She, Jacquie and I had so much to catch up on.

My great high school friends came too, along with loads and loads of family and friends of my mom.   I've missed hearing Kelly and Sarah's laugh and it was so great to see them!

The final surprise of the day was a gift from my Aunt Joan and family.  I unwrapped a box with a fur wrap which once belonged to my grandmother.  It's in near perfect condition and the inside is embroidered "Lois T".  Perfect for a winter wedding.

The look on my face below is not a fake smile.  This is a "I'm trying not to cry in front of all these people" smile.

We are so grateful for all the wonderful gifts, but most of all for the time everyone spent celebrating with me!

RM Champagne Salon and Nellcote

Last week the much anticipated RM Champagne Salon opened.  My friend Beth and I jumped at the opportunity to check it out.  We started there for a glass of bubbly.  It lived up to my huge expectations.

This is a place not to be missed when you are in Chicago.

Tucked down a cobblestone pathway with ample outdoor seating in a hidden courtyard shared with Nellcote and G.E.B; we decided to sit inside since it was 95 that day.  We were greeted by antique furniture, chandeliers, tall candles lit on each table, a large white marble fireplace surrounded by exposed brick.  The atmosphere is perfect.  So was the service.  Very friendly and knowledgeable staff with a non-pretentious vibe.  

RM Champagne serves boutique, single estate Champagne (hence the RM) which you might not find elsewhere.  Beth and I enjoyed a glass of champagne and I had prosecco.  I couldn't have been more impressed by this place.  It's perfect for a cozy date night or a great girls night. 

While food is available (cheese, oysters, small sized deserts) we had decided to try Nellcote (of the same owners) for larger portioned dinner!  After hearing mixed reviews from friends, I wanted to see for myself.  I've been inside for cocktails before and loved the atmosphere with chandeliers, orange bar backsplash and modern furniture.  Now that it had cooled off a bit we decided to dine al fresco.  The patio is beautiful and despite what I'd heard some of the food was spectacular.  The chilled corn soup should not be overlooked, it was outstanding.  We even recommended it to the couple next to us who ordered and agreed!  Unfortunately, the service was far less-than-spectacular.  

I'm no restaurant critic, but there are just some basic courtesy one expects.  Should I list examples?  Honestly the list might be to long.  Maybe it was just the night, but talking to others I've heard similar experiences.

All in all, we had a great time, enjoyed unique settings and amazing food/drink.  

I highly recommend RM Champagne, but might skip Nellcote next time and try another restaurant on Randolph or eat at RM Champagne Salon itself.

S'meeps or S'mores Gone Wild

This last week was almost too good to be true.  I have so many stories to share, but this one could not wait.  

This weekend my aunt introduced me to a delicious treat.  As soon as it crossed my lips, I couldn't wait to share this idea with everyone I know (ie. everyone who reads this blog).  I can't remember what my Aunt P. named them, so I'll call them S'meeps.

Follow these simple steps to make S'meeps.

You won't regret it.

Step 1: Make a bonfire and allow some red hot coals to form.

Step 2: Prepare your Peep for roasting.  Word on the street is not to use bunny peeps, because the ears melt off.  Stick with chick peeps!

Step 3:  Roast peep to desired tenderness

Step 4: Place roasted Peep between two Fudge Stripes cookies.

Enjoy! 

A Tale of Two Cities

 As of today, we will be residing in two very different places.  Each one has something wonderful to offer which the other does not.  One an urban loft in Chicago, walkable to just about anything.  Another an actual house in Milwaukee, with a yard, a garage and real doors which separate rooms.  

For the time being, we will be spending a few days a week in each location.  I'm getting ready for plenty of amtrak time and traffic jams in my future.

Let the adventure begin.

Terrapin 5K and Music Festival

 Yesterday evening I finally had the chance to experience Terrapin.  I've been excited about this race/festival for years but this is the first time I actually made it there.  Starting at 4:30 I relaxed in the grass and listened to live jam bands.  Racers started to arrive.  Many drinking Magic Hat before the run even started.

With starting temp of 91 degrees, we went out for a good (and sweaty) time.  And that is what we had.

 After the race we hung out drinking some cold beers (thanks Lore A. working the beer tent- SCORE!)

And then I said goodnight to a wonderful friend, running-partner, confidante, travel-partner.

And Goodnight to Chicago, my home for 11 years,  for the last time before moving day.