windy city

Phew!  I recently had the unique opportunity to spend a week in Chicago (with the help of my gracious friend, Chris) to experience the annual representative assembly of the National Education Association - and boy was it an experience: grueling days of conferences, voting, guest speakers (we were surprised with a visit from the Vice President!) and lots of sitting and waiting.  I have never witnessed anything like it: thousands of people gathered to voice their concerns on the state of public education in the United States... truly an inspiration for anyone who is really interested in democracy.
      
This was my second trip Chicago, a beautiful city replete with awe-inspiring architecture (this trip we checked out the gorgeous ceilings of the Chicago Cultural Center), culinary gems (I tried bone marrow!) and a booming music scene (I had the privilege to experience the EE Marching Band as part of the Summer Lunchbreak Concert Series).  It was a rewarding albeit exhausting visit. 

Just a few shots from a trip very sparing of free time...

can you guess part two?

So, yes, maybe you guessed it... I officially have my own place!  Well, technically not my own - I do have a roommate - but I am no longer living at my dad's house.  I moved to Hoboken last weekend and I could not be happier.  I am surrounded by quaint little restaurants and boutiques, have only a fifteen minute walk to the Path into the city and am lucky enough to be getting a ride to work every day, so no long commute!  The end of this school year is working out quite nicely for this little lady.  Now, if only you'd come visit!

key west

So, I know you (all ten or so of you) have been wondering where I've been hiding. Really, my excuse is twofold, a combination of two exciting mini-adventures that have kept me on my toes with lots of planning and preparations over the past few months.

Here is Part One:

This past weekend I had the amazing privilege of participating in the wedding of one of my very best friends, Kimberley. Thursday afternoon I hopped a plane to the Florida Keys for a few days of tropical fun, food and friends. I could not have enjoyed myself more: the eating was good, the drinking was plenty, the sunshine was nourishing and the smiles unending. The hot Floridian sun was a nice treat after several weeks of rain here in New York; Key West was gorgeous. I am itching to get back after only twenty-four hours in the cold and damp. Friday and Saturday were spent making new friends, celebrating love, and dancing the night away. What a beautiful time with beautiful souls. I couldn't be happier for Kim and her wonderful husband, Aaron.

I left Key West with a happy heart, a full belly and a very, very tired body. This is one sleepy bridesmaid. Now, back to reality.

Stay tuned for Part Two.

red lips and saturday nights.

tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,

To the last syllable of recorded time;

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound a fury,

Signifying nothing.

- Macbeth

longing.

I miss the summer. I miss lazy mornings and carefree afternoons. I miss weekends at the lake and impromptu photo shoots. I miss trips to Paris and wild laughter. I miss sun-kissed skin and waves crashing on the beach. Oh, sunshine, won't you come back?