Back (Again)

Good morning! I'm back in Southern California after a wonderful, albeit quick, visit back home to Chicago. I spent a few days staying at my parents' house in the suburbs, where I drank copious amounts of coffee from their Jura espresso maker and lazed around with my mom and their Wheaten Terriers. We got in some good shopping and nostalgic eating (did you know there are no Noodles & Co or Potbelly's in LA?). I was also thrilled to see my brother, sister-in-law, and my adorable 8-month-old nephew who I hadn't seen since Christmas. He is growing like a weed - such a good eater and overall very happy, good baby. He doesn't even really cry, just dramatically whimpers. For the sake of my future self as a mother, I can only hope that his sweet disposition is hereditary :)

I spent Saturday in the city with one of my best friends, Libby (an acupuncturist and blogger). The drive downtown was insane; no matter what people say, I still think Chicago has worse traffic than LA. But, it was well worth it to wander around my old neighborhood, Wicker Park, and catch up. We hit up some of my favorite spots, including lunch at Jerry's (the salmon and crawfish burger with seafood topping ohmygosh) and Alliance Bakery for a baker's dozen of passion fruit macarons (I also highly recommend their almond croissants).

Now, back at home two days later, I'm still having trouble adjusting to the time change. It's only a two hour difference from Central to Pacific time, but it still throws my body all out of whack. Up two hours early this morning! Oh well, it's back to work again, and I'm crossing my fingers that I don't crash this afternoon. In the meantime, check out some of the Instagram photos from my trip below (and follow me here).

Chicago

I'm leaving for Chicago in just a few hours now, and I'm pumped! I can already tell that the trip will be too short as I straddle my time between work, suburbs, and city. Weather.com tells me that we may see isolated T-storms tonight and tomorrow morning, which I will welcome with open arms and watch with a cup of jura coffee through the french doors of my parents' house. Photos and updates to come...

Side note: I just turned 28, but 30 is looming around the corner. This wonderful article by Olivia Wilde just made me much happier about that.

And I'm back!

I just got home from Lake Tahoe yesterday evening, and man have I been beat. This past week has been filled with lots of learning, sunshine, and wine. My team and I stayed in Tahoe City, and we had a view of the lake from our rooms. I absolutely loved the area. When standing on the beach or dock and looking all around ourselves, the view seemed so expansive that we could have sworn we saw the curvature of the earth. We spent an afternoon biking along the Truckee River in awe: huge, towering evergreens, beach, mountains, crystal clear water... I wish I had my phone or camera at the time.

I felt like we packed a lot into each day while in Tahoe, and now that I'm home, I feel like the days are long and empty. What do we typically even do to fill the time?! I'm feeling motivated to paint and work and get out and explore. Alas. 

Check out some more iPhone travel photos after the break...

Saturday

Lucy facing off against Roomba (instagram)

It's Saturday! What are you up to this weekend? I'm so happy to have a lazy morning at home. I'm looking forward to open-faced egg sandwiches, reading (this and this), and a long walk (before it gets too hot!). Charlie and I also can't wait to see this movie at the ArcLight Hollywood. It seems like a funny new summer classic that all ages could relate to.

Tomorrow, I head to Lake Tahoe for a work conference - the Conference on Implantable Auditory Prostheses. Super nerdy, but I'm excited for a week of learning, bonding with coworkers and friends, and cooler weather. In the meantime, check out a handful of links from around the web:

Can't stop listening to this and the rest of the album on repeat.

Ulric Colette has created a super fascinating set of genetic portraits. I'd love to see one of my mom and I.

Justin LeBlanc, a cochlear implant recipient, is set to appear on this season of Project Runway. Might have to watch!

Revisiting Samantha French's paintings and feeling inspired.

Loving this lazy hammock.

Finally - some packing tips here, here, and here.

Home

In a few weeks, I'm heading back to Chicago. I just booked my flights today, and now I can't wait! Just thinking about the city is making me all nostalgic. I can't believe that we moved almost 10 months ago now, and we've only been back once - at Christmastime, and only to the suburbs.

Some things I miss about Chicago:

- Friends and family close by

- Watching my nieces and nephews grow rapidly into one-year-olds and toddlers and miniature adults

- Cute boutiques and cafes outside my doorstep

- Changing seasons (fall, mostly - not actually winter at all)
- Almond croissants, Intelligentsia coffee, and passion fruit macarons from Alliance Bakery
- Starfruit smoothies
- Rain

My visit will unfortunately be a short one, as I'm actually traveling for work. I'll have two and a half days open to visit with friends and family, a day and a half of work, and travel days. How much do you think I can pack in?

I really love California, its scenery, and its easy access to beach, mountains, wineries, and desert, but after over 27 years in Chicago, I can't help but think I'll always call it home.