Make Life One Long "Windy" Weekend
The motto of the weekend: "Make Life one long Weekend."
Memorial Day Weekend was only 3 days long, but I seized the moment and flew to Chicago to explore a different city. If you can navigate New York City, then it is a piece of cake figuring out Chicago. It was meant to be though, because upon arrival were signs that read "Make Life one Long Weekend" and I knew that this was the right decision.
Sometimes in life, you just have to go with the flow and travel where the wind blows-- figuratively speaking. But, because it was my first time in the "Windy City," I had to visit the touristy parts including the Bean and Millennium Park, the Navy Pier and the Willis Tower. However, I didn't make it up to the top of the Willis Tower because of the 2 hour long wait. I honestly hate crowded areas and touristy activities, but it felt like everyone and their mothers were visiting Chicago. Of course that is to be expected when one decides to go Memorial Weekend when everyone else in the country is also off.
The Chicago River
Cloud Gate in Millennium Park
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
By nightfall, the city breeze cooled and I hopped on a boat down the Chicago River that introduced the beautiful architecture that filled the Chicago skyline. And, at the very end of the boat ride was a 15 minute firework show that kicked off the summer season.
The Chicago River
THE VIEW:
This was probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. The boat had the best view of the fireworks blasting off of the Navy Pier and all was tranquil on the river waters.
Fireworks shooting off from the Navy Pier
Smoke from the fireworks show traveling with the wind
THE FOOD:
AND what is Chicago without a little deep dish pizza?? Lou Malnati's Pizzeria does the job.
Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza
My pizza smiling back at me
The WONUT: when waffle wifey meets the donut dough
THE ART:
Walk anywhere from Oak Street Beach to buildings and storefronts, you'll see talented artwork.
Oak Street Beach
Street Art in West Town near Milwaukee Ave
And where there are trains and buses, you must travel away from the populated downtown area. I spent one afternoon going up north where I found West Town. It reminded me of hipster Williamsburg in Brooklyn, filled with coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques and thrift shops...and oh, a RECORD STORE.
Reckless Records in West Town
"Clueless" candles!!! Where would you find these anywhere else in the world??
Chicago was perfect for a weekend getaway. There was a lot more I could have seen and done, but I'm extremely content with all that I was able to see. Staying in the downtown area of Chicago felt like walking around Midtown in Manhattan. It was safe, peaceful, filled with walkers like me and plentiful cabs.
Buckingham Fountain
For more photos, check out the entire gallery under the "PLACES" tab, or peruse through it down below:
NY Psych, CitiBike
It was a Sunday afternoon and one of the warmer days thus far in NYC. The skirts and dresses came out, and the bike riding began.
I really enjoy it. Freedom to pedal, breeze against the hair. It is faster than walking and you can go anywhere-- well not on the sidewalk. CitiBike was not the best overall experience, but it was worth trying. This might be the first and only time I use it, but I guess never say never.
I prefer biking on trails and paths with nature over traffic and cars. My experience wasn't unpleasant because I was wearing a skirt that quite possibly could have blown up Marilyn Monroe style, but it was more because of my surroundings. It took forever just to get the bikes out of the ports.
For those who are not aware, you rent the bikes and are charged per half hour that they are out of the ports. After you shove a credit card into a machine and oblige to safety regulations, warnings, and traffic violations, you are charged and given a 5-digit code to enter and retrieve a bike. Perhaps it was a sign that (insert higher being) didn't want me to bike ride, but my friends and I had to get new codes at least 3 times each. The first half hour is free, but it took 20 minutes just to get three bikes out before we could hit the road...and Brooklyn traffic.
This might have been more worth it if I actually needed to go somewhere, but it wasn't the greatest for a stroll around Brooklyn. All I can say is that at least I tried it, and I gave it a shot. But, at least my blogger gal pals had content to shoot and post about.
Here's my delayed reaction on it...more Brooklyn photos to follow. I did feel pretty Badass riding a bike around in that outfit, but just for the day.
Until next time!
Divide Watches
Check out my promo shots for a new men's watch brand, Divide Watches. They are described as "downtown chic" for the urban crowd, but their pop of colors are exactly what I love to photograph. They launch tomorrow (April 26) at the 2014 Ultimate Sneaker Expo. Here is a preview of what they are all about!
According to Divide Watches, the inspiration came from friends and colleagues who crave versatility for their everyday outfits. These watches come in an array of classic and primary colors-- a good match for your sneakers, ray-bans and fitted caps of your favorite sports team. It's practical and fashionable arm candy for everyday wardrobe.
Website coming soon!
Follow them on Instagram: @dividewatches
Model: Adrian Padarath
Have You Met...Adrian?
Singer-songwriter, Adrian Padarath has been jamming on his guitar since age 15, but the passion really began all for a lucky lady in high school. Forget long walks at the beach or telling us his favorite color (& if you really want to know...his favorite color is so deep it doesn't even have a name, but I dub it "Purple Sunset Blues"). Adrian Padarath skips the dull and tells us all. And if you're wondering, ladies, Adrian said, "She's long gone, and I'm still playing." (HIS GUITAR, OF COURSE!)
Superpower:
I would love to be able to teleport, avoid the whole commuting haha
Favorite Color:
Purple Sunset Blues
Worst Nickname:
I was nicknamed Sméagol from Lord of the Rings. It was given to me during those awkward years in JHS where I was 90 pounds wet. Terrible times!
Favorite Romantic Comedy:
It has to be Wedding Crashers. Back in high school, I could probably recite every funny line in that movie.
Last thing you searched on Google:
“How many grains of sand are in the world?”
Last song you listened to:
“End of the world” - Hunter Hunted. It’s a very catchy song and I had the pleasure of working their show at SxSW.
Guilty pleasure:
I must order scrambled eggs and sausage at a diner, no matter which diner, or what time it is. I love diner breakfast, at night.
Biggest Pet Peeve:
Flaky people, especially if I’ve rearranged my schedule to make time for them.
Word you use too often:
“Yes”, I’ve been known to burn myself out from agreeing to do too much. I’m definitely trying to find balance.
That awkward moment when…
someone addresses you by your name all the time, but you have no idea what their name is. I’m terrible with names.
My Dirty Secret:
I’ve been given an ultimatum on choosing a girl or this stuffed 3 foot tall bear that I’ve had since birth. Let’s just say the bear is still hanging out in the room.
Adrian's 3-foot-tall ultimatum
Follow Adrian Padarath on Instagram and Twitter: @ipadarath
A Feeling of Being Fully Alive
March 9, 2014: a highlight in my life.
You have to seize the moment. You have to take a chance. Is life not short enough? What is there to fear?
So, when life gives you the opportunity to jump out of a plane and skydive...would you do it?
I did.
I truly believe that whatever is meant to be, will always find its way and that there is a reason you meet certain people in your life. This weekend, I saw a friend that I haven't seen in almost 10 years. People move around and life goes on, but I guess with the help of social media & Facebook, they're never entirely off your radar. Never in a million years would I have expected to skydive with this person and our rekindled friendship shows that sometimes good hearts can still find each other...even after all these years.
It was a weekend filled with all five senses: sight, touch, taste, smell and oh...HEARING. Hearing the wind blow as you drop down from the sky and hearing my ears pop continuously as it readjusted to the pressure...hearing laughter and screaming. Skydiving was the feeling of being fully alive.
