Happy 31st Birthday to Me

I am officially 31. No, I didn’t do 31 things on my 31^st birthday, but I still had a great day.

It started off with my favorite activity…writing at Starbucks. Normally, I would just get tea, but since it was my birthday I treated myself to a chai tea latte (“And now I’m a big old chai tea latte, soy milk kind of guy” - Best in Show)

Then, I met Meg at The Bongo Room in South Loop and she treated me to a delightful brunch. Their vegetarian croissant sandwich is amazing.

So, I know you’ve seen these strange bear commercials for the confetti cake blizzard at Dairy Queen. Well, I’ve been trying to eat healthy, so I planned to treat myself to one on my birthday. So, Meg and I walked five miles to the DQ and they didn’t have it. The woman behind the counter said they were supposed to be out for thirty days, but they were only out for fifteen. Apparently, it was not as tasty as it looked on the commercial. Anyway, I got the old stand by, mint oreo.

For dinner, Zach, John, Kirstin, Gunnar, and I went to Jury’s. We hadn’t been there in awhile and they have an awesome patio.

Thanks everyone for the cards, facebook wall posts, phone calls, and texts. Turning 31 was completely pain-free!

“Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” - Jack Benny

Maifest

My favorite festival of the spring never disappoints. Maifest was a little more crowded this year, so I think the joy of flaky pretzels and an abundance of lederhosen has reached a new peak. Despite the long lines and inability to hear anything it was a lovely evening.

I was so happy that so many people were able to join us for this one-of-a-kind celebration. A shout out to: Zach, Whitney, Tim, Mark, Meg, Dave, Cherie, Eirith, Ashley, Chris, and Sarah.

Me, Meg, and Dave Enjoying the Festivus

Also, a shout out to John, Kirstin, and Gunnar, who didn’t make it to the fest, but did brave the square to go to dinner. I was able to see them and hear Gunnar say, “Ker-ry” for the first time. It just near melted my heart.

The Famous "Cold Face"

That's a Better Pic

Such a fun night. Always nice to see Chicagoans out enjoying their city!

“I wake up every morning in a bed that's too small, drive my daughter to a school that's too expensive, and then I go to work to a job for which I get paid too little... but on pretzel day... well, I like pretzel day…” - Stanley Hudson, The Office

Scooter Before and After

Scooter got his hair cut yesterday. I took a picture on our walk to the groomer and a picture on the way home. I think he’s pretty cute either way, but he’ll be more comfortable on this hot day with the cropped 'do.

Before

After

“There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” - Winston Churchill

Happy 1st Birthday Gunnar

Yesterday was Gunnar's 1st birthday. John and Kirstin had us and some of their friends over for cake and fun. Here are some of the pictures of Gunnar and his smash cake. Too cute. 

"How amazing you're already one. What a precious person you've become." - Unknown

Paul McCartney Concert

Last night Meg, Cherie, Ian, Jay, and I listened to the Paul McCartney concert on Jay and Ian’s roof deck in Wrigleyville. Ian and Meg planned a delicious barbecue. It was great because we could here the concert so well, but were also able to sit around and talk.

The set list was well-rounded with the highlight of course being Hey Jude. It was pretty amazing to think about the fact that we were listening to Paul McCartney sing Hey Jude even though we couldn’t see him.

Concert Fireworks

Such a fun night! I just wish I didn’t have to work today, because I was so tired!

“And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain,
Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders.
For well you know that it’s a fool who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder.” - Paul McCartney, Hey Jude