Succulent Fridays

This past Friday was our first Succulent Friday. Aimee and Ella came over and let me tell you, Ella had on the perfect outfit to be succulent. She did however, keep lifting up her dress all evening. I thought maybe she was practicing to take her bow after a dance performance. She would lift both sides of her skirt so that she may curtsy to her adoring fans.
Camel was very curious about Ella. I think she wanted to cuddle with Ella, either that, or steal all of her toys.
Aimee and I drank a bottle of wine, ate a lot of snacks, and talked about everyone that wasn't there. (see, you can't miss a Friday) JK!!
Aimee brought me some Maggiano leftovers, and day-amm, they were good.
I think Aimee and I could have drank another bottle, but Ella was too tired to drive her mom home.
The next Succulent Friday should be July 10. Hope to see you all there.

Father's Day 2009

Today is the first Father's Day without my father.  He passed away on January 2, 2009, exactly 32 years to the day that his father (my grandfather) passed away.  He was 66 and in my mind much to young to leave.

As I was putting on my make-up this morning, I thought, whoa, hold on, don't put the mascara on yet.  On June 6, we had our first Johnnyfest.  A big party in honor of my dad's birthday (June 7).  Over 60 people came.  The party started at 2pm and lasted until 1am.  People came from as far as Florida and Iowa.  It was a success.  For Johnnyfest, I made a slide show of pictures put to music of my dad.  I needed to watch it again today, and in order to watch it, one cannot wear mascara.  So, I just watched it, and I was glad that I didn't apply mascara.  

I have always been a daddy's girl, and the loss of my dad has hit me so hard.  I struggled with the idea of if I should use this summer sisters blog for this entry.  But, then I thought, this is also my blog, and where else would I put these thoughts that I needed to share.  

Yesterday, my brother and his family and me and Ignacio went to my mother's house to celebrate Father's Day.  On the way to my mom's, we both stopped at the cemetery (separately).  There is no headstone yet, so we both went to the area where we thought he was and looked for the fresh grave site.  We talked about it when we got to my mom's and found out that we both went to the wrong grave.  Yup, crying over the wrong person.  You can laugh now.

I love you dad and I miss you more than I ever thought I could miss someone; I hurt more than I ever thought I could hurt.  It is so weird to have been 4 for 40 years, then all of sudden, we are 3.  I want 4 back.

Ahhhhhh.... Al Fresco (who the hell is Al?)

Susan picked Cafe Bolero at 2252 N. Western for June's dinner, and we were able to dine outdoors for the first time in what seems like years! Really, is there anything better in Chicago than when the weather cooperates and allows you to eat outside for the first time that year?





Speaking of Susan, she leaves Saturday for her Mediterrean cruise. Bon Voyage Susan. Have a very juicy trip. I'll be thinking of you...lots.






We welcomed back Diane to dinner after a very long hiatus. Good to see you!





The Sangria and MOE JEE TOES were flowing. Weeeeeee.





Nancy made it to another dinner! As did Jodi. For a long time, our dinners were so small, now all of a sudden, they have sprouted. We have a new found energy.





Speaking of energy, yesterday was so weird for me. I have been on a low 'vibration' lately, but as soon as I got out of my car and saw all the girls, it was like I got a shot of adrenaline. It was wild! I felt intoxicated (in a good way) without a sip of a MOE JEE TOE (yet).





I thought Aimee looked like one hot mama last night. Motherhood has done her good.





Susan and Liz celebrated birthdays within days of each other this month. Liz celebrated the big one. 3-0! (not really, but that is what she looks like).







My meal was de-LISH. I loved it. I think I was finished before anyone, but that ain't nothin' new, now is it? Heather ate her shrimp and wanted more. I believe she had the last piece of bread and butter. The butter was so tasty that I was ready to fight her for it.





Jodee, Nancy, and I had to sit together to discuss our reality shows. And ladies, do yourselves a favor and watch So You Think You Can Dance. (I will shamelessly plug that show until you guys want to beat me with it). It never fails to 'move' me.


This is from last season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_iQMAmPA1k

{light bulb}

I have always been a homebody. Always. And, that's fine, but sometimes it leaves me, well, alone, lonely, whatever you want to call it.

After last night's dinner, Liz came up to me and said some kind words, and I let her know that I just haven't been doing that great. She said something brilliant. She said, "we need to do something to make you happy." Common sense works every time. So, I got to thinking. I'm a homebody, and that is just who I am. So, what can I do to interact with these great women some more? (here comes the light bulb)

The answer: SUMMER SISTERS SUCCULENT FRIDAYS

What is that you ask? That is an open invitation to come to my terrace after work on Fridays and drink wine (or sangria or MOE JEE TOES or whatever). We can eat if we feel like it, knit, give manicures, play WII, play Balderdash, ANYTHING.

So, every Friday, there is an invitation to come by after work and unwind and giggle and drink wine (and eat). Just a couple hours of girl and wine time.

"Times are tough Tina" (someone name that movie!) Instead of going to happy hour, we'll have our own and we'll save money. If it rains, who cares! I have the biggest damn umbrella for the terrace and if it rains sideways, we move inside. You can bring your little ones as long as they don't drink my wine or eat my dog or cats.


THE RULES:

1) no foul language
2) no overindulging
3) no talking about others
4) DON'T BELIEVE THE RULES! :)

Really, the only rule is not to look at my messy home on the way to the terrace. The polish cleaning lady was horrified that I'm polish and such a slob. She only comes every 3 weeks, so 3 out of 4 weeks, hide your eyes.

Good news, I live in the South Loop... close to people's works. The red line "L" has moved the Harrison stop to literally right outside my garage door.



And ladies... I have a gripe. NO ONE POST COMMENTS ON THE BLOG. C'MON, GET POSTING!