I Met Mike Wolfe

It was meant to be. So, Zach and I DVR American Pickers every week and we just happened to be watching it on Friday night. Even though we fast forward though the commercials Zach saw an ad that caught his eye and went back to it. It was an ad for a Mike Wolfe appearance at the Arlington Heights Goodwill the next day. Fate.

So we decided to go and got there around ten (when it was supposed to start) and the line was already curving around the building. We had to wait an hour and a half, but it was worth it.

He was so nice, gracious, and handsome! And he gave me a hug! He looks exactly like he does on the show and was willing to sign two things for us (one of which is a surprise for my mom, hehe).

Post Hug Glow

Signing the Autograph

The American Pickers van was even there. So cool. Best day ever.

Zach the Good Sport

Me as a Picker

“Think it will fit in the van?” - American Pickers

Reel Big Fish Concert

Last Tuesday Zach and I went to House of Blues to see Reel Big Fish. It was a great concert and I even liked the opening bands.

We missed the first opener (The Maxies) because we were too busy eating at the HOB restaurant and I was too busy spilling pesto all over my skirt. Oh well it's dark at HOB.

The second band was called Rodeo Ruby Love and it was about the cutest band I’ve ever seen. They looked like they were in high school, but their songs were really good. I can’t wait for Zach to download the CD for me. 

Rodeo Ruby Love

Streetlight Manifesto was next and the other headliner. They have a good sound, but they're not really my style of music. I didn’t hate it though.

Streetlight Manifesto

Reel Big Fish played an awesome set. I was worried because I don’t really know any of their new stuff, but I knew pretty much every song. I was very excited because they played my three favorite songs:  "Good Thing," "The Set Up," and "Where Have You Been?"

Reel Big Fish 

We had a great spot to stand the whole concert, in the balcony front and center. I haven't been to a concert in so long and this reminded me how fun they are. Can't wait to go to another one soon. The Voice Live anyone. Just kidding, but not really.

“Are these the good days that I’ve heard so much about - there goes the heartbreak that I can live without.” - Reel Big Fish, Good Thing 

4th of July Weekend

Here’s what I did with a beautiful long weekend in Chicago:

On Friday I met Kirstin and Gunnar in the square at Paciugo for some gelato. After work John joined us and we went to Opart Thai House for dinner. It reminded me of Hilary, because I went there with her once and she is in Thailand.

On Saturday I read a lot in the afternoon. Totally hooked on our current book club selection The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. In the evening Zach and I went out to dinner at Pitchfork with Mark. Apparently, I didn’t like it before because they only had one veggie option on the menu, but this time I had the most amazing portabella mushroom sandwich ever. Pretzel bun, portabella mushroom, arugula, grape tomatoes, and feta cheese. I can’t wait to go back.

On Sunday Zach and I went to see Larry Crowne, because I couldn’t resist. Whatever critics, I thought it was magical. Then, we met John, Kirstin, and Gunnar at the park for some swinging.

We also went over to their apartment later to grill out.

On Monday we all went to Lake Bluff to Kirstin’s cousins Jessica and David’s place. We got to see a fun parade and play with baby Gunnar and Jessica and David‘s baby daughter, Ela. So much fun.

At the Parade

Zach is now known as the baby whisperer, because while everyone was getting lunch ready the babies were crawling all over him.

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Happy 4^th of July everyone. 

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” - Bill Clinton