Given enough coffee, I could rule the world...

And the birthday today goes to.....

2008-01-13T18:17:15Z

Back in the saddle again.

2008-01-08T02:21:24Z

It was announced today that Starbucks chairman Howard Shultz will be returning as CEO of Starbucks for the long term. This is actually good news. Shultz helped to get Starbucks started back in 1982. He wrote a wonderful biography a few years back that I keep reading over and over. Starbucks needed this happen now;especially after McDonald's announced the implementation of automated espresso machines AND baristas into their stores this year. What, will they be called McBaristas?? SIGH

But I am hoping with Shultz back the helm, Starbucks will focus more on the customer and the "customer experience". Look what happened with Apple once Steven Jobs came back to run things. Stay tuned.

Here's a link to the article in case anyone is interested.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22544023/

Here is an open letter to the employees he sent out today too:
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=814

Bear Hug...Awwhhhh

2007-12-10T18:26:57Z

How many others feel this way before their morning coffee.

2007-11-27T17:51:04Z

This is TOO funny! I had to share with my other java junkies. Enjoy!

Defying Gravity

2007-11-15T06:11:10Z

That is what I felt like when I finally got my chance to see Wicked tonight. Yes, it has taken me over 2 years to finally see the Chicago production. But it was definitely worth the wait!

didiseven was fortunate enough to score main floor tickets for their 1000th performance here in Chicago! Along with djzack67 and my man nullslashvoid we were off to see Wicked. I was just simply blown away by the production. I had listened to the original Broadway soundtrack many times, and to finally see the show was just amazing! It will definitely be a night I will not forget.

Thanks again to didiseven for this wonderful opportunity to see this production. It was a very memorable night.

The trails....revisited.

2007-11-13T04:40:38Z

This past Saturday nullslashvoid and I finally finished one of the major trails in Thatcher Woods. What an accomplishment for the both of us. We were sorry that it ended. But we ventured to another part of the Thatcher Woods area and found another trail we are now in the pursuit of. But with the weather looking to get colder, we may not be able to finish this particular trail. But what an accomplishment to finish the major trail. And I could have not asked for a better person to do it with. We both seem to enjoy the outdoors together. And it is a perfect way to spend quality time together. Here’s to many more trails ahead babe. Looking forward to them.
And now for some pictures from last week and the week before.

This is from the parking lot of the beginning of the trail.

A broken off oak branch. And look...an acorn!

ooh....autumn colors!

Yes, I will admit I did set up this shot.
But looks pretty good, right?

I thought this was an interesting shot at the end of a tree.

A very interesting tree along the way.

Just a picture along the pathway.

More amazing autumn colors.

What? A bear in the woods?? Who what have known!

Interesting tree roots.

Just another brick on the trail.

A trail shot going upwards.

We found the Whomping Willow!

Brian doing a balancing act on a tree.

I believe this would be the evil looking squirrel.

We believe this was part of a possible beaver dam.

And Look! A 'beaver' busy at work!

Hmm...cannot explain this one.

A very creepy, yet interesting tree.

This picture for some reason, reminds me of Stephen King's IT.
I was waiting for Pennywise to release some balloons! Awwwhhhh!!

Some interesting 'artwork' under one of the bridges along the trail.

I saved the best picture for last!

Introduction

2007-11-12T06:44:09Z

Hello. Just joined the group recently and wanted to share a few of my pictures. Enjoy just being outside. I am so glad I finally have someone to share the outdoors with.

*EDIT: This entry was suppose to be a post in a new group I belong to on LJ. But for some reason it showed up on my regular LJ. Of course I am not new this THIS group. :) Oh well...Enjoy!

Sweeney Todd - A Preview FINALLY!

2007-10-05T13:04:31Z

bearistab67 @ 2007-10-02T09:31:00

2007-10-02T14:33:30Z

Happy Birthday to......

denminn

Birthday Wishes to....

2007-09-29T16:11:35Z

louiewashere

Battlestar Galactica vs Star Wars

2007-09-20T17:03:08Z

For all my BSG and Star Wars fans!

BSG:Razor

2007-08-30T02:14:31Z

Coming in November.......

Flavor for Free...well almost.

2007-08-27T21:18:56Z

My good friend James who works at Whole Foods had told me about this FlavorFest this past weekend in Jonquil Park.

A couple of highlights were two 80s bands that were playing there. Naked Eyes, famous for ‘Promises, Promises’ and ‘Always Something There to Remind Me’. And Flock of Seagulls, which most of us know of their ‘I Ran’ song. And also there were all the FREE samples. So I could have not picked a better person to accompany me for FREE samples other than nullslashvoid. We had thought it would all be free. But we each had to give a $5 dollar donation first. James, you SO owe me $10!

It was an enjoyable afternoon. The weather was perfect. It was a bit crowded, since Jonquil Park is not really that big at all. Mostly it was a baseball field. Then you throw in a thousand or two people on that field and it gets to be a little too close for comfort.

It was great to sample all the healthy alternatives out there. Juices, cereals, power bars, power drinks, chocolate (of course, it’s healthy!) and yogurts. We had so many different yogurts that day. Drinkable, in a tube and of course in a cup. I think we both met our yogurt quota for the week!

We walked around with James for awhile. He was there to actually work one of the Whole Foods booths. nullslashvoidand I ventured around the different booths to check things out. Listen to part of a Naked Eyes song and then we were out of there. It was getting very crowded and very warm. But it was a very enjoyable afternoon and evening together.

Happy Birthday to.......

2007-08-17T11:24:49Z

didiseven

BIG HUGS!!!

Kites, Trails and Gardens....Oh my!

2007-08-12T05:38:46Z

Today was one of those days that I felt I needed to get outside. It was a little warm, but still very nice out. nullslashvoid and I decided to head to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the afternoon. I had told him there was a kite festival going on this weekend also. We arrived late in the afternoon to see the kite festival. We were able to see an hour or so of the amazing kite performances. To be able to see kites perform different maneuvers was overwhelming. I took a small video of one of the performances that I may have to post later on. But of course I have plenty of pictures. Which I will post at the end.

After the kite festival we decided to take a walk around the different gardens. There are SO many of them. A couple we wanted to see had closed earlier, but the majority of them were still open. I have to say and I know Brian would also agree, the Japanese Garden was one of the best. Very serene and very breathtaking.

Evening Island was also very enjoyable. The Carillon tower is located on this island. The Carillon was handcrafted in Holland. It is one of the few hand-played carillons in the United States. It features 48 bronze bells fixed to a metal frame that are struck by clappers controlled by a playing device. Besides church bells, the carillon has the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard. In the summer, they actually have concerts at the carillon. Something definitely worth check out.

After walking around for a few hours and through all these amazing gardens, it was time to head home. What a day of walking, enjoying the beautiful gardens and the wonderful company. It was one of the best days I have had in a long time. I will always remember this day.

Edit: Had issues with LJ cut. It duplicated. Just click on the first one. They are both the same.

How Ya Doin?

2007-07-18T23:32:44Z

Has been awhile since I have posted. This past month has been very crazy for me! Dealt with an auto accident earlier this month. I am completely fine. Igot the car back last Thursday. All I will say is ...DAMN cabbies!

I was laid off a couple of weeks ago, BUT then was offered another position that same day. Which is taking my career in a whole new direction. At this point, I had no choice. But I should be thankful I have a job, right? Stay tuned.

I am currently wrapping up a business trip in Somerset, NJ. One of Philips' corporate offices is here, their lighting division. I have been here since Monday. Nothing too exciting I guess. But I was able to connect with an uncle that lives in Trenton last night. Ate at a wonderful little Italian place in New Brinswick. It was fantastic! HUGE meatballs that melted in your mouth. I believe Grand Mama was actually making those meatballs last night. Then my uncle took me on a brief tour of Manhattan. Was able to get pretty close to Ground Zero. I got chills and felt such sadness being in the area, but was glad I was able to see it. Of course stupid me forgot my camera! DOH! Oh well, at least I can say "Been there, done that." This was first trip out east. I had a fantastic time. But I am so ready to get home.

Need to head to bed early. Have to be up at 4 am...UGH! But excited to get back. Time to start packing! Miss you guys! HUGS

Show your true colors...Pride 07

2007-06-25T14:39:27Z

Not your mother's coffee.

2007-06-17T21:37:31Z

I took these a couple of weeks ago when I was back home for a few days. This drive- thru coffee place is near my hometown in central Illinois. It is acutally two semi trailers stacked on each other to creative this amazing little drive-thru. And I must say, the coffee was great! They use Portland Roasting Company coffee. I was impressed. But it was fun to experience this cute little drive-thru. Anything for coffee!

We are Family.

2007-06-17T02:55:19Z

Today was a pretty busy day for me. I started out my morning having beakfast with my friend James. We usually connect on Saturday or Sunday when it comes to breakfast. We are both usually are up early on the weekends and LOVE our breakfast. We decided today to head to Le Peep's on the near west side. Right across from another place we frequent for breakfast, Wishbone.  Le Peep's of my farvorite places for breakfast. And service here is pretty fast too. We enjoyed out breakfast and coffee, then parted ways. I had family coming into town late morning.

Later in the morning my sister Shannon, brother-in-law Craig and nephew Matt decided to come and visit me. They were here also to see a Cubs game this afternoon. I was not able to go, since I had a work project to deal with. So I drove them to Wrigley Field to the game. It was easier than paying for parking. I went home and completed my work project. Hurray! I headed back into the city to pick up the family. It was my brother-in-law's birthday yesterday. So he chose where we were eating for dinner. He wanted to go to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. So we headed to Navy Pier for dinner. This place was great! And I really enjoyed the homemade hush pups! It was a great time. And Craig really enjoyed the visit.

After dinner we walked around Navy Pier for awhile. I could tell they were all getting tired. So it was time to take me back to Oak Park., We said our good byes and sent them home. It was such a nice day. Of course, always nice to spend time with family. It was such a great day. And now I am sleepy after being outside in the oh so warm and humid weather. Welcome to summertime in Chicago. I also took a few photos of today's adventure. Hope everyone else is enjoying their weekend!

Weekend Update

2007-06-11T03:35:53Z

It has been awhile since I have posted. So I decided to to bore everyone with my weekend excursions. Most of Saturday was spent with my friend James and his partner Fabrizio. We decided to meet early for breakfast at Over Easy Cafe. I reccomend this place for a fantastic breakfast. My usual there is the omlet that has basil pesto and sundried tomatoes. Excellent! Plus they serve Julius Meinl coffee, which is one of my favorites. One the things I like best is when waiting for seating (it can get crowded later in the AM), they have coffee set up outside to enjoy while you wait. I LOVE this place!

After breakfast we headed to a Farmer's market off of Clark, which I believe was in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Since it is still early in the season, there was not much of a selection. Flowers, herbs, tomatoes and baked goods. But it was nice to walk around and enjoy the morning.

Then it was off to Andersonville for the Midsommarfest. We arrived just when it was getting started. So it was nice to walk around while it was not crowded.
One of my first stops was retrocool 's booth. He had some amazing pictures on display and for sale. I ended up buying one of them. I was his first sale of the day! It was nice to see him again. Coffee soon, right??

For the most part it was an enjoyable afternoon at the fest. Made a stop at Sweet Occasions for a red velvet cupcake. YUM! I was suprised that I did not eat more festival food. Like the usual hotdogs, corndogs and homemade lemonade. But I figured that yummy red velvet cupcake made up for all the other food. Plus when it is warm out, I tend not to eat as much. A good thing!

After the fest I headed home. Met up later in the evening with reset_smith to watch a movie and order pizza. We watched Kill Bill Vol.1 I had not seen it yet. Yeah Yeah, I know. I must be one of the last to never see it. But on tap later this week with
reset_smith is the new season of Top Chef and Kill Bill Vol. 2

Sunday was spent with my good friends John and Steve. They used to live in Oak Park, but moved to the Gold Coast about a month ago. So they invited over to their new condo. We ended up going out on a picnic to a local park in their area. Was a nice day to be out and people watch. And it was GOOD people watching today too. We then walked back, headed to Starbucks ( they live one block from one). Got our iced lattes walked back and parted way.

All in all, it was a GREAT weekend. But missing my friends who are currently on a cruise in Italy. Miss you guys! *sigh*

All good things must come to an end.

2007-06-01T15:08:04Z

It's true. Battlestar Galactica will be ending its run after the upcoming season 4 next year. Here's a link to the article I read this morning.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/01/television.battlestar.reut/index.html

It's Late and a here's a silly picture post.

2007-05-30T05:40:53Z

Starbucks vs Starbuck
Who will win???

FREE Ice Cream!

2007-05-20T05:23:34Z

Look who finally got to enjoy his FREE scoop of ice cream from Bobtail Ice Cream.

nullslashvoid

He enjoyed the Merlot Wine with Chocolate Chips flavor. Which was actually pretty damn good!

Then of course, he took a pic of me enjoying my ice cream. And what flavor would that be? Espresso of course!

Rufus Release!

2007-05-15T13:31:38Z

This seems to be a great year for upcoming music releases. And Rufus Wainwright's Release the Stars is a highly anticipated release for me. This album was also co-produced by Neil Tennant (of Pet Shop Boys). I just finished downloading the album (yes, I am one of THOSE that still uses this word) and I am pretty impressed with what I have heard so far.

Here is the video for the first single out, Going To a Town. Very well done. I dedicate this video to my good friend AND Rufus fan wesleytodd

Looptopia

2007-05-13T16:48:40Z

So I decided to head down Friday to Looptopia with my friend James. First we headed to Millennuim Park to walk around. As for Looptopia I have to say I was not overly impressed with it. Some of the visual art I enjoyed. They turned the Sullivan Dock on Monroe into a huge dance floor. Great music and great visual effects. It was definitely a great people watching evening. We did not stay the entire night, since we were heading to Milwaukee the next morning. But it was nice to get out and enjoy the evening. Weather was GREAT. A little cool, but just the way I like it. And I finally got the chance to meet fellow LJer Jay aka fenrirthewolf