What is one to do when the airline you are booked on GOES OUT OF BUSINESS???? Huh? Last week Aloha Airlines went bankrupt, but we didn't worry because that has already happened to so many other airlines and they are ok. But then this morning, we found out today is their last day of flights, and tomorrow they will be no more! My parents are also booked on Aloha for July, so my dad called me numerous times this morning leaving me messages on what to do. Scott re-booked us on United, and honeymoon is saved! We still leave the day after the wedding, but we switched our return date to a few days earlier as to save some money.
I will sorely miss Aloha Airlines complimentary mai-tai's and chocolate chip cookies....
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
More Chicago
I've been home 2 weeks already, and I still haven't finished posting my Chicago trip. So here's the rest of it (I started so organized going day by day, but now you get it all at once!)
Saturday was the wedding, I already posted about that a few weeks ago. It was a success, and everyone loved it and had fun (some people had a little too much fun!) The next morning we all met up for brunch with the newlyweds at Bin 36 near the hotel. I had corned beef hash, as a nod to St. Patty's Day. It was DELICIOUS! After brunch, a group of us trudged on to sightsee in the 31 degree weather. Katherine, Lara, Leslie, Jamie, Dave, Tara, Scott & I went to see the "bean", which is really a public art sculpture called "cloud gate", but looks exactly like a kidney bean. It reflects the Chicago skyline, and you can stand under it to get a trippy-dizzy view. Here's Leslie, Scott, and Lara at the bean.
Then we braved the wind off the lake to walk towards the Buckingham Fountain (the one in the beginning of Married-With-Children), which was conveniently turned off for winter. Our tour group at the fountain.
After our disappointing fountain tour, we returned to Michigan Ave. and hit up Garrett's Popcorn. If anyone is going to Chicago, you HAVE to stop here. It's the only popcorn store with a line out the door, and you have to get the "mix", fresh-popped warm cheese and caramel popcorn mixed in the same bag. Heavenly! You get the sweet & salty in the same bite...ingenious!
Later that night, Scott and I met up with Lara and Katherine and dined at Tango Sur, a BYOB Argentinien steakhouse. Lara and I ordered some meat grill and I kid you not they served us 3 pounds of meat (shortribs, steak, sweatbreads, sausages). I'm sure Katherine enjoyed the remainder of the week with our leftovers =)
By the way, we stopped by Katherine's house before dinner and LOVED it, especially the Scripps green walls and fancy kitchen appliances!
So that pretty much ends our trip. The next morning we ate brunch at Yolk and grabbed a drink for St. Patty's day before we caught our flight home! Here we are by the green river!
Saturday was the wedding, I already posted about that a few weeks ago. It was a success, and everyone loved it and had fun (some people had a little too much fun!) The next morning we all met up for brunch with the newlyweds at Bin 36 near the hotel. I had corned beef hash, as a nod to St. Patty's Day. It was DELICIOUS! After brunch, a group of us trudged on to sightsee in the 31 degree weather. Katherine, Lara, Leslie, Jamie, Dave, Tara, Scott & I went to see the "bean", which is really a public art sculpture called "cloud gate", but looks exactly like a kidney bean. It reflects the Chicago skyline, and you can stand under it to get a trippy-dizzy view. Here's Leslie, Scott, and Lara at the bean.
Then we braved the wind off the lake to walk towards the Buckingham Fountain (the one in the beginning of Married-With-Children), which was conveniently turned off for winter. Our tour group at the fountain.
After our disappointing fountain tour, we returned to Michigan Ave. and hit up Garrett's Popcorn. If anyone is going to Chicago, you HAVE to stop here. It's the only popcorn store with a line out the door, and you have to get the "mix", fresh-popped warm cheese and caramel popcorn mixed in the same bag. Heavenly! You get the sweet & salty in the same bite...ingenious!Later that night, Scott and I met up with Lara and Katherine and dined at Tango Sur, a BYOB Argentinien steakhouse. Lara and I ordered some meat grill and I kid you not they served us 3 pounds of meat (shortribs, steak, sweatbreads, sausages). I'm sure Katherine enjoyed the remainder of the week with our leftovers =)
By the way, we stopped by Katherine's house before dinner and LOVED it, especially the Scripps green walls and fancy kitchen appliances! So that pretty much ends our trip. The next morning we ate brunch at Yolk and grabbed a drink for St. Patty's day before we caught our flight home! Here we are by the green river!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Wedding Nightmare!!
I had a wedding nightmare last night! I dreamt that it was the day before the wedding and I had forgotton to make the favors (which involve cooking and take about 2 weeks to prep). And then I never confirmed with the florist, and my centerpieces ended up being these huge heads of butter lettuce floating in giant clear vases, with roots protruding from the bottom and tube-like growths from the top. It looked like a 4th grade science experiment. I woke up at 2am, and thank goodness it was only a dream! Now I have to be sure to call my florist today....
Friday, March 21, 2008
Day 2...rehearsal dinner and night on the town!
On Friday, Scott and I started the day with a stroll down Michigan Ave., ending up infront of the Hancock Building (2nd tallest building in Chicago). Our choices were to pay $12 to go to the observation deck on the 94th floor, or go up for free to the bar/lounge on the 96th floor and buy a $12 drink. Now I think everyone who reads this blog would pick option 2, so thinking of my loyal blog readers, Scott and I took the express elevator up 96 floors and enjoyed $12 mimosas with our view of the Chicago skyline.
Post mimosas, I got whisked away by Leslie (maid of honor) and Jo (coordinator) to Devon's house to make programs. Scott spent the rest of the day solo at the aquarium. We met up again at the rehearsal in Dev's lobby, and then headed off to Club Lucky for the rehearsal dinner. No, it's not a Chinese dance club, but a family style Italian restaurant that looks like a diner (not too sure about the history of the name). The dinner was a great opportunity to meet the 3rd bridesmaid, Christine and her fiancee Nikoli (they are getting married the Saturday before me, and Devon is in both our weddings!).
After dinner, we made a quick stop at Northside Bar with other wedding attendees, and then took off to English, another bar, to meet up with Lara, Katherine, and Sarah (all Scrippsies). Chad, Devon's friend from Sacramento, also joined us on our night out. As you can see, Scott really enjoyed the night (how can you not with 80s music playing???)
Post mimosas, I got whisked away by Leslie (maid of honor) and Jo (coordinator) to Devon's house to make programs. Scott spent the rest of the day solo at the aquarium. We met up again at the rehearsal in Dev's lobby, and then headed off to Club Lucky for the rehearsal dinner. No, it's not a Chinese dance club, but a family style Italian restaurant that looks like a diner (not too sure about the history of the name). The dinner was a great opportunity to meet the 3rd bridesmaid, Christine and her fiancee Nikoli (they are getting married the Saturday before me, and Devon is in both our weddings!).
After dinner, we made a quick stop at Northside Bar with other wedding attendees, and then took off to English, another bar, to meet up with Lara, Katherine, and Sarah (all Scrippsies). Chad, Devon's friend from Sacramento, also joined us on our night out. As you can see, Scott really enjoyed the night (how can you not with 80s music playing???)
Chicago...day 1
It's Friday night and Scott is sick sick sick, so I am stuck here at 8pm by myself while my patient is sleeping. To my luck, Sound of Music is on TV tonight, so with my favorite background movie on, it's time to update my blog!
We arrived in Chicago last Thursday afternoon, and decided to forgo last minute wedding crafts with Devon. Instead, we opted for a dinner for two out on the town (we figured it would be the only night for just the two of us, and we were right!) After a little research in the hotel-supplied city guides, we found a mexican restaurant within walking distance from our hotel (Hotel 71). Now Chicago is not synonomous with Mexican food, but this was Rick Bayless's place, so we had to try it. Rick Bayless is a well-known chef who does real mexican food, like mole and grilled pork, not your standard bean and cheese enchiladas. We walked across the river, past the Trump building, and arrived at Frontera Grill. The wait was 2 hours! However, attatched to Frontera Grill is it's sister fine dining restaurant called Topolobampo, which had no wait. Now you really have to convince Scott and I to go to a fine dining restaurant =) Of course we jumped with joy and snagged a table at the upscale place. Here's a few photos from the meal...we started with a trio of ceviches, I had pork cooked 2 ways with habanero salsa (super HOT, but addicting!). Scott had goat cheese enchiladas. I think my favorite part of the meal was my blood orange magaritas...By the way, Topolobampo is the name of a small fishing town in Baja...
We arrived in Chicago last Thursday afternoon, and decided to forgo last minute wedding crafts with Devon. Instead, we opted for a dinner for two out on the town (we figured it would be the only night for just the two of us, and we were right!) After a little research in the hotel-supplied city guides, we found a mexican restaurant within walking distance from our hotel (Hotel 71). Now Chicago is not synonomous with Mexican food, but this was Rick Bayless's place, so we had to try it. Rick Bayless is a well-known chef who does real mexican food, like mole and grilled pork, not your standard bean and cheese enchiladas. We walked across the river, past the Trump building, and arrived at Frontera Grill. The wait was 2 hours! However, attatched to Frontera Grill is it's sister fine dining restaurant called Topolobampo, which had no wait. Now you really have to convince Scott and I to go to a fine dining restaurant =) Of course we jumped with joy and snagged a table at the upscale place. Here's a few photos from the meal...we started with a trio of ceviches, I had pork cooked 2 ways with habanero salsa (super HOT, but addicting!). Scott had goat cheese enchiladas. I think my favorite part of the meal was my blood orange magaritas...By the way, Topolobampo is the name of a small fishing town in Baja...
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Devon & Patrick Wedding
The wedding was absolutely beautiful, and the bride looked amazing. The "secret" location was A New Leaf in Chicago, which is a florist shop with a lovely venue attatched to it. The venue was actually 2 floors, with the second floor opening onto the first floor. The ceremony was on the first floor, with only family seated, while the rest of the guests stood on the balcony on the 2nd floor and watched from above. The bar, buffet, and some dinner tables were downstairs, while the dance floor and the remaining dining tables were upstairs. Everyone had a ball, and no one was ready to leave when the music ended at midnight.
As a bridesmaid, I had to take pictures outside in 30 degree windy Chicago weather. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera handy for the wedding party pictures, but we traveled all around Chicago. First, we took some photos on the median of Michigan Ave, with cars honking and people waving, then we went to an El station, where our photographer got kicked out due to lack of a permit, and somehow we ended up at an Irish bar with green shots. Then we had to hurry back to the venue so Dev and Patrick could get married! Take a look at the wedding pictures, and I'll post again soon with the rest of the weekend!
As a bridesmaid, I had to take pictures outside in 30 degree windy Chicago weather. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera handy for the wedding party pictures, but we traveled all around Chicago. First, we took some photos on the median of Michigan Ave, with cars honking and people waving, then we went to an El station, where our photographer got kicked out due to lack of a permit, and somehow we ended up at an Irish bar with green shots. Then we had to hurry back to the venue so Dev and Patrick could get married! Take a look at the wedding pictures, and I'll post again soon with the rest of the weekend!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
It's Official!
I'll post more about the Chicago weddding, it was a FUN trip! If you can't stand it and want to see pictures now, check out Leslie's blog (link on the right).
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Ocean view office
OK, so it is not really my office, but I get to work in it for 3 months. My new speech therapy clinical site is at an elementary school in Laguna Beach. The school is right on Pacific Coast Highway, directly across the school is the beach. Seriously, this school is on some prime property. The speech room looks out over the ocean. I am there 3 days a week, and so far have found myself staring at the view more often than watching therapy (I can't help it, observing is so boring, but hopefully next week I can start conducting therapy on my own).
I'll post a picture soon...
I'll post a picture soon...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Weekend in Livermore
Last weekend Scott and I made a quick trip to Northern CA to attend to wedding details. Our first stop was San Francisco, where we met up with friends Brian & Irina and Scott's sister Kelly and her boyfriend Levi. We had dinner in the Presido at a wonderful restaurant called Pres-a-Vi. We started with "duck balls" (steamed dumplings filled with duck) and some of the best ahi tartar I have had. I had the scallops with baby bok choy and spicy red thai curry sauce and Scott ate a steak atop eel sushi rolls and topped with kimchi. After dinner we headed to a bar in the Marina, and then Scott and I made our way to Walnut Creek.
Bright and early the next morning, we headed out to Wente Vineyards in Livermore with my parents for our 10am cake tasting. Let me tell you, there is nothing better than eating 5 cakes so early in the morning! We tasted all the flavors on my poll, and an extra german chocolate flavor. They were all delicious, but our favorite was the chiffon cake with creme brulee filling and fresh strawberries. Once we chose the flavor, we picked a design and were finished! Now we had lunch reservations at the winery restaurant at noon, and it was only 11am, so of course we had to take advantage of the tasting room and our free tasting passes. An hour later, we had chosen our wines for the wedding and were ready for lunch. At lunch we had another coupon for a free wine flight, which somehow translated into a free flight for each of us. Our lunch highlight was the fritto misto we shared, which consisted of fried calamari, octopus, fennel, fresno peppers, and meyer lemons. After lunch we returned to the tasting room for our dessert of champagne.
After Wente, we rushed back to Walnut Creek to meet with the florist, then back to my parents house for dinner with my grandma (paired with the Wente wines we tasted earlier). The next morning we were up early again to journey again to Wente to meet with our coordinator to decide important details such as which appitiezers to serve and when we want to toast. After our meeting, Scott and I ate lunch at our rehearsal restaurant, and then hit the road for hte 6 hour drive back to Orange County. Whew, fast weekend, but we got a lot accomplished!
Bright and early the next morning, we headed out to Wente Vineyards in Livermore with my parents for our 10am cake tasting. Let me tell you, there is nothing better than eating 5 cakes so early in the morning! We tasted all the flavors on my poll, and an extra german chocolate flavor. They were all delicious, but our favorite was the chiffon cake with creme brulee filling and fresh strawberries. Once we chose the flavor, we picked a design and were finished! Now we had lunch reservations at the winery restaurant at noon, and it was only 11am, so of course we had to take advantage of the tasting room and our free tasting passes. An hour later, we had chosen our wines for the wedding and were ready for lunch. At lunch we had another coupon for a free wine flight, which somehow translated into a free flight for each of us. Our lunch highlight was the fritto misto we shared, which consisted of fried calamari, octopus, fennel, fresno peppers, and meyer lemons. After lunch we returned to the tasting room for our dessert of champagne.
After Wente, we rushed back to Walnut Creek to meet with the florist, then back to my parents house for dinner with my grandma (paired with the Wente wines we tasted earlier). The next morning we were up early again to journey again to Wente to meet with our coordinator to decide important details such as which appitiezers to serve and when we want to toast. After our meeting, Scott and I ate lunch at our rehearsal restaurant, and then hit the road for hte 6 hour drive back to Orange County. Whew, fast weekend, but we got a lot accomplished!
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