Day 243 has seen it all before

I was trying to take some interesting shots of my day job. It's hard to do since mostly I sit around the usual desk items - post-it's, paperclips, stapler, pencils... - you see where this is going. I settled on this pic. You don't seem one of these very often, right?? Good old CC machines that totally remind me of my Wicked days.

Day 243, we don't need roads

The township is paving the roads in my neighborhood this week and they decided to start with my street. Pain in the ass? Yes. Kinda cool-looking from this angle? Yes. It's like an old timey cobblestone vibe and I like it. Though, I hope they finish this work quickly before I do something stupid to my car. The Fundai does not appreciate less than perfect driving conditions.

Day 242 goes to school

On my way to a morning meeting today, I was walking behind this scene for a few blocks. The backpack to human ration here was just so fascinating and adorable to me, I totally went into creeper mode to take a pic. Let's discuss how this back is nearly half way down her legs. I'm sure there was nothing in the bag besides crayons, a notebook and construction paper (life essentials), so at least it was light. But I've seen a lot of these "first day of school" kids and it immediately brings back memories of my school days back in Hawaii. Aah, youth.

Day 242 is cardigan weather

This is my favorite cozy oversized sweater. It's a Salvation Army find. An old men's Lacoste cardigan. As I started to get chilly this evening, I decided to wear it. Just like your grandpa.

Day 241 is so vintage chic

The warm weather inspired me to go on another neighborhood run this morning. It wasn't a long run, but at least I got up early and got to enjoy the beautiful day! I stopped, however, when I saw this. I couldn't just not take a picture! I would have gone inside if it wasn't closed for the summer. How cute that this store closes for an entire summer. Chicago, you are totes adorable sometimes, you know that?

Day 241's sky is gorgeous!

Following a crazy weather weekend, today was really beautiful and felt like autumn. Plus, the sky was gorgeous! These amazing clouds looked kind of like a sideways tornado in the sky. Cool crisp autumn days are right around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited! It's my favorite season, so consider yourselves warned for lots of festive photos over the next couple months. (Also, can you believe we've almost completed eight months worth of slices!?)

Day 240 learns about the neighborhood

I have a sneaky feeling that we're nearing the end of these warm, sunny Chicago days. Sunny might be here for a while, but warm? Sadly not much longer I think. We got down to a nice and cool 58º tonight - that's Fall weather for sure. I was on a mission to be outside for most of the day, enjoying the sunshine and all that good stuff. In my travels, I came across this building. Which is basically a miniature, rounder, browner Flatiron building, right? Or at least that's what I'm seeing when I look at it. Either way, one of my favorite pictures from the day!

Day 240 survived Irene

Well, we officially survived Hurricane Irene. The worst was actually yesterday. However, early this morning until about an hour ago, we were without power. During that time my mom and I went out for coffee. We decided to drive to the Delaware River to see how high/choppy it looked. Pretty high and choppy, apparently. And super chocolatey-looking. Like Willy Wonka chocolate river-esque. Thankfully it appears the damage in the area was to a minimum. No more hurricanes this season, please!

Day 239 needs to get to Disney

At work today I spotted a group of 3 little kiddies who had set up a lemonade stand across the street. Even if they weren't standing there looking all adorable in their Disney costumes I would have walked over to support these fellow small business owners. No joke, these kids were so freaking adorable it hurt. One little boy, Trevor, insisted I not leave without looking at the sign they made. "We drew it with the crayons of the best colors and we want to see Mickey Mouse." I. died. Hope my little contribution helps these cuties get to Disney World soon!

Day 239 just wants some sunshine

The crappy weather, courtesy of Hurricane Irene, matches my bad mood from the last several days. I just want to nap away this bad day! Can someone wake me up when it's sunny? In all seriousness, I hope everyone stays safe this weekend, with hurricane damage to a minimum.

Day 238 devoured this.

It was a long work day and I needed some food and booze in my belly asap. Roomie to the rescue! We grabbed us some grub, some drinks and all in all had a nice night out in neighborhood. Just my kind of night.

Day 238 loves sunflowers

I thought I'd post a photo of these beautiful sunflowers in our backyard before Hurricane Irene destroys them. Everyone on the east coast is freaking out about this storm, so I'm going to enjoy being outside tonight in case the world ends tomorrow. On that sunny note, happy weekend!

Day 237 is a green monster

I got a little adventurous with my lunch decision today. I've been having a hard time finding a pre-work lunch that isn't heavy (aka. Makes me want a nap), but isn't so light that i'm hungry 45 seconds later. I settled on some pad thai followed by a green tea smoooooooothie. (You have to say it like that, with all the 'o's. It makes the world a better place). Here's an aerial view of my smooooooooothie. Yum!

Day 237 better watch out

Yikes. The sky this evening looks mighty creepy. We're bracing for Hurricane Irene, here on the east coast. I don't get worked up about the weather until I see it firsthand. I'd probably be amongst the first casualties in a 2012-end-of-times-rapture situation. What thousand foot high tidal wave? Anyway, apparently this hurricane is going to be intense. The main thing I'm worried about is it screwing up my weekend plans! Hurricane Irene better watch out for Hurricane Katie.

Day 236, pick a color.

Check out all of these crayons! Remember, I have an art teacher mother. I wonder how long it will take a normal human being to go through all of these crayons. There's only one way to find out...

Day 236, the nightowl

Despite the awkward blurriness of this picture, I wasn't drunk when I took it. Just tired. Like, real tired. I'm still adjusting to my new schedule, mainly re-learning how to plan out my work for the day so I don't end up awake at 3am designing. Which sounds fun, but is much less fun at 9am the next morning when my alarm goes off. H'anyway, this is the alley that runs behind my apartment. It's really not this creepy, it's actually one of my favorite little things. I'll try to take a daytime picture so you can see how cool it really is.

Day 235 gets to work

I had to pick up a day job here in Chicago so that I can continue to do fun adult things like pay rent, eat food, have internet, etc... Yay responsibility! It's actually not so bad though. The people are nice, the work is easy and the commute involves me walking 2 minutes across the street. Awesomesauce. This is my part of my view during my work shifts. It seems someone has an affinity for blue pens here. I'm gonna throw in a black one tomorrow to see if anyone notices. Gotta keep myself entertained somehow!

Day 235 loves a good (old) book

The Bucks County Library, Yardley branch, had a book sale today. I love old things, especially old books. I can't say no to cheap old classics. I'm slightly embarassed to say I've never read Franny and Zooey or 1984. So, they're now added to my ever-growing list. Let's be honest, I'm probably not going to read that Hardy Boys book - but it's going to look good on my book shelf.

Day 234 wants this forever

Another picture-perfect day here in Chicago. Perfect weather for people watching around your neighborhood. This is a shot of Southport looking all pretty under that (almost) clear blue sky. I wasn't the only one out and about enjoying the perfect day, despite how empty this particular street looks.

Also Katie, I think you and I had the same lunch view today! I mean, those clouds look mighty similar if you ask me.

Day 234 goes out to lunch

My mom met me on my lunch break today and we ate outside at Shady Brook Farm. It was a little windy, but so sunny and a perfect temperature. And look at those clouds! Shady Brook is about a two minute drive from my office and offers a nice break from being indoors. More days like today, please.

Also, TODAY FELT LIKE AUTUMN!

Day 233 is sending mixed messages

The weather was so so so divine today that I found myself up early, running out to grab some coffee and go for a walk through my neighborhood just because I could. An especially perfect start to any day. I stumbled upon this sign. I know what they're saying, I'm with them all the way, but I still chucked. Wedding dress rugs anyone? When you're wedding dress rug needs cleaning, I know a great place that will take great care of you. :)

ps. extra points if you spotted me there in the corner! Summer shorts FTW.

Day 233 smells minty

I'm not obsessed with all things mint chocolate chip, I swear! Just this gum, the green shade and these tissues. The tissues themselves don't actually smell minty, but I wish they did.

Day 232 got soaked!

I'm quickly realizing that Chicago weather can change in a second from one extreme to another before you have time to even grab an umbrella. When I woke up - blue skies, sunshine. Not an hour later as I'm outside walking, I start to realize that rain is imminent and my choice of a white dress was perhaps not wise. Thankfully I was shielded for most of the storm, except for a brief 30 seconds running from a car to a restaurant. And in that 30 seconds I got shockingly wet. Eek! I'll be better prepared (and dressed) next time!

Day 232 loves graffiti

Living in the burbs, I don't see graffiti very often. However, while in New Hope this afternoon for lunch I saw this message scrawled on the wall overlooking the water near the Bucks County Playhouse. "Love now while there's still time." Thanks for the free advice graffiti artist! Luckily I wasn't hit by a car while taking this photo, so I do still have time for love.

Day 231 put a ring on it

This ring is my absolute favorite piece of jewelry. I bought it more than ten years ago (yikes) at Fred Segal in California. I wear it all the time and have developed a nervous tick of twirling it around my finger. Cutest nervous tick ever?

Day 231 is satisfied.

I've had the strongest, most intense craving for tacos this past week. Cravings like I just ate a full meal and am so stuffed I can barely walk but I'm literally dreaming of eating a taco. Bizarre how my stomach/brain work sometime. Today I was finally able to do something about it. Turns out there's a pretty stellar Mexican joint just about 4 blocks away from me. So I rolled up there with the biggest smile on my face and ordered me some tacos. And then I experienced bliss. (Friends visiting in a few weeks - are you ready for some tacos?? We'll be going there at least once!)

Day 230 is ready for the game.

Football season is upon us, friends. Mere weeks away. I'm so pumped. I hung out at a bar with some friends to watch a pre-season game. Friends who are, by the way, major Steelers fans. In an impressive, almost terrifying way that makes me love football even more. Because there can be fans who can name all the quarterbacks the team has had for the past 20 years without blinking an eye. I love that so much. Here's to football season!

Day 230 drove through a rainbow!

There were sunshowers on my drive home from work today. It was beautiful! Now, it's very faint, but if you look between my windshield wipers you'll see a rainbow! I had to take a quick snapshot before the traffic light changed. This rainbow (or several rainbows, I'm no meteorologist) practically followed me home. If this mean good luck, I'll take it!

Day 229 is always on time

My luck with trains has been awesome so far in Chicago. Part of why I fell out of love with New York was because the commuting began to feel like a battle everyday. Catching a train became exhausting because the MTA is, well... you know. The MTA could learn a few things from the CTA. We should get the two in a room together to talk things out! Best idea ever, right??

Day 229 tries a new dessert

I met my mom for dinner after work today. We went to the Canal Street Grill in Yardley. When ordering from their "early dining" menu, you get a starter, entree and dessert. My mom and I both had the creme brulee. Despite being a total dessert fiend, this was the first time I've had creme brulee. It was really good! A little rich, but good. And the berries kind of formed a smiley face. It was an all around cheerful meal!

Day 228 isn't permanent

So it seems even in Chicago there are such things as neighborhood taggers. (My favorite in NY was 'neckface' down in Soho. So disturbing). This Lakeview tagger has hit a few building fronts along the main street that I live off of. Here she/he is again, imparting these wise words on us all. You may remember this from back in May when I was visiting Chicago. Same guy, same message. At least he's consistent.

Day 228 is cute as a button

Those of you who know me well know that I love buttons. I bought these a flea market. For $1, I filled a little bag with these precious little buttons. In the past I've sewn them onto sweaters and gloves. No plans for where to add them next - I'll just have to wait until inspiration hits!

Day 227 is simply beautiful

If I had to describe what I think "perfect weather" is like, I'd say today in Chicago. I mean, just so so perfect. Low 80ºs, cool breeze, sunshine but not too brutal, no rain and no clouds. What could be better? I tried to capture the perfection. This is a pic of the yard that's part of my building. It's so cute and summery, right? I can't wait until 4 months from now when I can give you the "winter" version of this view. But for now, I'll just enjoy being spoiled by this amazing summer weather.

Day 227 rules! Cheesesteaks, Bobby Clark, Will Smith, your town sucks!

I recently got a subscription to Philadelphia magazine. My first issue arrived today. How perfect - the best of Philly! After flipping through a few pages, I already see some fun shops and restaurants I'd like to try. Who's in? (Sidenote: Second 30 Rock reference this month.)

Day 226 s'il vous plaît

I go through driving music phases. For a while I stuck with some favorite CDs. Then I moved onto XM. Recently I've been listening to the radio. I usually just scan the stations until I find something I like. On my drive home tonight I stumbled upon this radio station, playing French music. I was pleasantly surprised to hear these tunes, since I'm unfamiliar with this radio station. Maybe it was just a fluke and when I tune in tomorrow it will be Christian rock.

Day 225 is all you have

I'm done with rationalizing late posts. You all forgive me, right? Anyway, I was in Brooklyn for a birthday get together. On our way to the bar, I saw this bumper sticker on a bus and had to capture it. "Now is all you have." Words to live by? Maybe. A good mantra for me for right now? I think so.

Day 226 has a cold one (or two)

The friend visiting continued today! (And this time the weather played nice.) A bunch of us went to the Goose Island Brewery where we enjoyed, what else, many a beer. We got a "sampler" bucket of 5 different beers and two of us split it. OY! That was a lot of beer.... but so so delicious. I'll definitely be back there for more.

A very happy Day 225

Saturday was rainy but perfect because one of my absolutely NY faves was in town for a visit! We spent a fantastic full day together and not even the rain could dampen the good mood. This is a view of downtown from the Westin hotel where he was staying. Chicago, you are so lovely, even in the rain.

Day 224 flew away

Mostly I'm posting this picture because I like how it came out. I learned that standing, looking like a crazy person, waiting for birds to fly out of a window on the street can sometimes pay off when you get a shot like this! The pigeons in Chicago don't seem to be as ballsy and crazy as the ones in New York. The ones that will just walk right up to your feet to get to some old hot dog bun that you happen to be standing by or something. These Chicago pigeons act naturally and fly away if you get too close or look at them the wrong way, etc... Did I really just write an entire post about the behavior of pigeons. Yes... yes I did.

Day 224 was mooned

There's a full moon tonight, which means all the crazies are out. That also means I'm staying in and having a Breaking Bad marathon. Happy weekend friends!

Day 223 calls this home

This is the view from the train right by my apartment. It's so gorgeous and wonderful, right? I simply love it. I thought today would be a good day to share my little piece of Chicago with you all. :)

Day 223 in the moonlight

We have moon flowers, aka weeds, in our garden. I think they look beautiful, especially at dusk. They die shortly after they bloom, so I will enjoy them while I can!

Day 222 is all better now

I was nursing a sore stomach and a bit of a headache for most of this afternoon. Not a good thing, especially since I had dinner plans that I was so looking forward too and wanted to be in tip-top shape for. I decided some Tao green tea would be just what I needed. Not only did it do the trick (felt better in less than an hour, ftw!) but it came with some wisdom as well. I enjoy finding little bits of advice in random places. Keeps life exciting, ya know?

Day 222 is yellow

No, you're not seeing things. This watermelon is indeed yellow! It's kind of bizarre eating non-red watermelon, but it's just as sweet and refreshing as the red variety. I felt an autumn-ish breeze this afternoon so the days of summer fruits are winding down. I'm already getting excited about apples and other autumn treats. In the meantime, I'll enjoy this weird-looking fruit.

Day 221 was so very sweet

I ventured out to the suburbs today to see some good friends and enjoy some delicious breakfast. Both were spectacular. I love having visitors! Which is perfect since the next two months involves a steady stream of friends hopping by this windy city for visits. Yay! Also, if you're wondering - yes, this waffle was incredibly delicious and no, I didn't eat it all. :)

Day 221 celebrates Shark Week

Okay, so Shark Week is technically over. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy these delicious shark-shaped fruit snacks! I believe it was the wise Tracey Jordan who once said, "Live every week like it's Shark Week."

Day 220 dropped the ball

Well, faithful readers, it's taken me until the 200s to consistently slip on posts. In honor of dropping the ball, here's my basketball hoop, which I haven't used in years. Appropriate comparison?

Day 220 caught in the rain

I snapped this on my way home from downtown today. Chicago streets thus far have been quite picturesque photo subjects. Today the city threw in some rain for good measure (FYI I didn't need more rain... my wet clothes from yesterday aren't even dry yet). Even with the rain, I still love this view.

Day 219 survived.

... but just barely. I'm not sure my feet will ever be the same post Lollapalooza. I'm also not sure that I got all the mud off of my body even after 2 showers and a hot bath. I can say that I had more fun than I thought I could trudging through mud and dancing in rainstorms with some very awesome friends. Will I do it again? Absolutely. I'll just need this entire year to recover.

Day 219 is crafty

My mom is a creative lady. With an art background, she's always thinking up fun little projects. This is another one. She's handweaving a basket using fabric and this rope-like material. I can't wait to see the finished product!