Engaged
Phew! What a full weekend! The weather was constantly threatening rain (if not downright pouring), but we somehow managed to stay engaged with most of our plans. Some of my favorite moments…
A neighborhood not far from where I used to live hosts an Art Stroll on the second Friday of every month throughout the year. There are probably 30-40 artist studios that open their doors to the general public. Some serve food and drinks. Others play loud music. All of them allow visitors to check out their creations. We’ve done this art walk in the past and joined some friends over the weekend for the 2010 version. Some artists from a few years ago are still around; others are brand new. It was a fabulously casual way to spend a Friday night with dear friends.
Brunch with Sweets’ folks and family friends. People who have known Sweets since he was a kid. Lifetime friends. It’s always nice to get together with this group. During this brunch, I was told by a 2-year old, “You go home now.” Not long after that, a 4-year old popped up over the back of the couch and told me and a few others, “Be quiet.” Clearly, it was the adults who were misbehaving.
Phone calls with my brother and both of my aunts. My brother and I tend to play phone tag for days before we actually catch each other (and even then, it’s sometimes on the go). So, it was a minor miracle we had time to talk over the weekend. He’s coming to Chicago with boyfriend and dog for a week in July (and the boys are returning in August for another week), so it’s been fun making plans for their stay. One aunt and uncle live in Maine and Sweets and we have plans to visit them this summer. More planning on that phone call. And my local aunt and I had a good chat about some more serious, personal stuff. Nevertheless, it’s good to connect with her during the times I don’t see her. All this family chat made up for the fact my parents are gallivanting in Spain and I haven’t spoken with them in a week or so.
World Cup action. It began this weekend. While walking SoMi during the early morning hours, I saw bars setting up for action (since the games are being played in South Africa, many bars opened early to show the games live) and saw some bars full of people before I had even had breakfast. While Sweets went out to watch the games on Saturday (and I stayed at home), we both met up with friends on Sunday to watch the Germany-Australia match. Next to the Olympics, the World Cup is one of the few athletic events that bring nations together. It’s such an exciting time.
And here we are. It’s Monday again. And I’ve got a busy week ahead. We’re closing on our condo tomorrow – finally it will be refinanced! We have plans to see the baby and her mamas. I may spend part of a day in the hospital – not for me, but supporting someone close to me who will be having major surgery. Though, I do also have my very own doctor’s appointment. And it’s a short week, because we’re going camping this weekend. Great to work one less day, but we’ve got plenty to do: food shopping and getting our gear together! Busy times, friends, busy times.
What made your weekend superb and what awaits you this week?
June 14th, 2010 at 7:00 am
You tricked me with that title. I thought it was going to be about an engagement. LOL. My weekend was nice and calm. I couldn’t watch the world cup for more than a few minutes. Those vuvuzelas were just so annoying -- they gave me a headache! I’ve got a busy week too, but I don’t have a fun trip to look forward to!
June 14th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Your weekend sounds lovely on all counts. I am glad that you were able to do some planning with your brother and aunt! Up coming plans are always so much fun to look forward too. My own weekend left me exhausted and sore from many fun new memories with friends and family members.
June 14th, 2010 at 8:11 am
I love watching the World Cup games knowing we’re part of a diaspora of people doing the same thing across the world. Like, there we are in a pub screaming for Germany, and simultaneously the entire country of Germany is doing the exact same thing. I love that.
June 14th, 2010 at 8:28 am
What a fun weekend! And how cool that you got to connect with people you normally have to play phone tag with. That is always the best!
Good luck to your friend with the major surgery!
June 14th, 2010 at 8:29 am
sounds like a jam packed weekend again lady! camping sounds like some nice down time! what did i miss about you closing on your condo? i didn’t realize you were selling or buying?
busy weekend here too… with christenings and birthday parties for 3 year olds and just the usual around the house stuff. it was good though!
June 14th, 2010 at 8:42 am
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the World Cup games over the weekend. I am not into Soccer and have never paid attention before but since this year kicked off with my two home countries (US and England) playing each other, I am suddenly and strangely, totally into it.
June 14th, 2010 at 9:10 am
love art strolls!
the first friday of every month in tremont (a neighborhood by me) hosts an art walk and it is such a fun time, especially in the summer.
it sounds like you had a great weekend per usual, for me my weekend was suburb for many reasons.. you’ll just have to read my blog tomorrow morning when i get around to writing it tonight :)
June 14th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Watching Harry Connick Jr dance, sing and croon to the audience at the Fabulous Fox on Friday night; it helped that he did some New Orleans style dancing, complete with butt shaking at the end. SWOON.
Joining forces with 70,000 other men and women on Saturday morning in the fight against breast cancer; so inspiring, amazing, beautiful.
And, lastly, enjoying a local circus (Circus Flora) on Sunday afternoon, old school cherry sno cone in my hand, fourth row seats, completely in awe of the acrobatic ability, the animals ability to take direction so well and just loving being a kid again for awhile!
June 14th, 2010 at 9:51 am
I GOT TO SEE THE BABY! That made every moment worth it.
June 14th, 2010 at 10:04 am
An art walk sounds amazing! What made my weekend divine was a lazy Saturday and then getting the garden in on Sunday. It’s such a relief to know it’s finished!!
June 14th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Sounds like a great weekend!
Mine was good too- river rafting, beach picnic, lots of sunshine (finally!). This week feels full and I wish it was a short one.
June 14th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Sounds like a fun/full weekend. :) I hope your friend’s surgery goes well.
My weekend was made full by dinner with family on Friday night at a restaurant I’ve been wanting to try for a long time. It was delish.
This week I am looking forward to a happy hour w/ some former co-workers on Thursday & then heading out of town to my parents’ cabin on Friday. I have a friends’ 30th birthday celebration on Saturday night which should be a blast!
June 14th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I cannot tell you how often the kids tell the adults at our parties that we’re all being too loud. I think it’s the only time they know they can get away with it because we’re all having too much fun to deal with disrespectful brattery.
June 14th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
i had a Spa Day on saturday for a very good friend’s 30th bday! that was definitely extremely awesome :-)
June 14th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
That sounds like one busy, but fun weekend!
I thought I wasn’t really THAT excited about the World Cup, until I saw the match GER:AUS on Sunday… OMG! What a great start for the German team :)
June 14th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Well you know how I feel about the World Cup. ;) LOVE. Although I missed it (I was out bike riding), Germany really gave Australia an embarrassing beating didn’t they?
Wishing your friend who is going to have surgery the very best and hope all goes well!
June 14th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Sounds like a great weekend! Congrats on the refinancing! I need to find a bar that is playing the World Cup, I love seeing people get so excited about it.
June 17th, 2010 at 8:19 am
I always have trouble finding time during the weekends to talk on the phone with family and friends, weeknights are better for me, but then people are making dinner wining down… it’s just not easy to find an hour or so to catch up on the phone these days.
My parents are in Spain too! :)