An ACU weekend reunion

The weekend gang
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

Heather & Charles flew in from NYC, Kristen flew in from Houston, and we all hung out for a few days!

It's been almost three years since we were all together, and it was even easier now that I live in Chicago. We hit Pizzeria Due (Uno's #2 spot) for some deep dish. Then it was Saturday brunch at my place before we took the train out the to burbs to see Royal and have some Portillo's hot dogs. Good stuff. Too bad RJ was on the upward slope of a cold - but he still had a good attitude about it.

It's great when friends come in to town and visit (hint hint).

Hilarious video just posted by Scot... The "Shapes Song" as interpreted by Tyson

To Spain, and coastal Portugal!

Lagos beach, Portugal
Originally uploaded by science girl

So Althoff & I just found an incredible deal on airfare--- and we pulled the trigger on the trip abroad. We'll fly to Madrid on July 6 where we'll either train/fly/drive to Lagos, Portugal... for 10 days of sun, salt and sea air. Oh - and maybe a quick day trip to Seville. Woo hoo!

Tato Skins Chips Commercial from 1986

And who could forget this one---- I remember when Tato Skins came out, I was amazed at how a chip could actually bake the "potato skin" into one side. Little did I know, that this miracle of science was actually marketing trickery. Oh those crafty Keebler elves... Keep me guessing for another 40 years!!

40 years ago today...

...Leo Burnett and Kellogg's created its relationship for the Keebler line of products. With the help of Ernie the Elf, Leo and Keebler have launched hundreds of ads for many many cookies, crackers and other yummy items. What better way to celebrate the day than with a commercial for one of my favorite Keebler products from back in the day (1985)--- Soft Batch cookies. Cheers.

Looking forward to a Sunny Spring Chicago day...

Chicago Skyline at Sunset from New Buffalo Beach Michigan - 45 miles
Originally uploaded by kyterryls shots

I knew when I moved to Chicago that I'd probably be in for a harsher winter; that I'd likely see some snow and possibly even a white Christmas. Midwesterners are hearty people.


But aside from the bitter cold of a -20 degree February day, there's also the issue of general warmth. The kind that you REALLY take for granted in Texas. The kind of warmth that one feels walking down the street on a bright spring day, without a care in the world. Well, it's April 15 and I can recall only 1 day this year that came close to that day. Why? It’s been 178 days since the temperature in Chicago has reached 70 degrees. Really think about that. That's roughly 5 MONTHS. 5 months of jacket weather. 5 months of sweaters. 5 months of pants. 5 months of having the heater on at home. Only 3 other times in recorded weather history has it ever been this cool, this long.


Granted, you might say I should quit my cryin'. That I'll get to have a crazy-awesome mild summer where everyday will feel like a holiday. And that's true. But it's about time it stopped snowing. (even if it did snow last Saturday)

Dorothy

Dorothy
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

Part of my Lazy Sunday

GOLD N ANGEL

GOLD N ANGEL
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

Part of my Lazy Sunday

Building block

Building block
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

Part of my Lazy Sunday

Lazy Sunday with a new camera

So, originally it was supposed to snow all day today. But after a few big wet flakes last night, it all cleared up and we ended up having an excellently clear day... it might have been 40 degrees, but it was sunny. And that sun does warm things up. [Memorial Day can't get here soon enough]


I read through the instruction manual for my new Canon EOS Rebel XTi. And Chris suffered through being a guinea pig while I snapped shots from different ISOs and F-stops and shutter speeds and whatnot. I'm learning a few things but it will take a while.


Still - this camera makes anything look incredible. With zero skills and some decent lighting, I think I ended up with a few decent shots. They will suck even less once there's leaves on the trees. What do you think?

crazytown. spring edition.

So - today I witnessed Chicago wake up from its winter slumber, and boy did it. The mercury hit 64 degrees - the warmest it has been in 4 months. And the city came alive. The skies were blue. The grass turned green (seriously - in one day). Sidewalk cafes sprouted up everywhere. So did the tulips out front my apartment. People wore t-shirts without jackets. Some guys even went shirtless for their run on the lakeshore.


Me? I took a 4 hour bike ride along the lake to 47th st south. 22 miles of excellent weather, smooth concrete and occasional stops for water. Some pics from my adventure south are shown above. At 47th street, you can see how far south of town you really get.

I walk, I'm green.

So - checking out the map, it turns out that I live in a pretty 'walkable' part of Chicago. In fact, I have a higher "Walk Score" than the White House does! Haha!


I'd agree; and if you're hunting for a new place in a new neighborhood, this website is a good one to check out so that you can also see what's near you.

Their loss was my gain

Though the Cubs choked in the 10th inning (that's right - it was a 5 hour game), they had pulled themselves out of a rut in the bottom of the Ninth. So it was exciting, right up until the last out.

And despite one rain delay, the weather didn't drive away the opening day crowd. It was chaotic, there were a bunch of boozers, but me and Sarah had a great time and the seats were great.

EAMUS CATULI !