Hot, Sweaty and All Stretched Out

#5. Finally use that Groupon for hot yoga that I bought 8 months ago.

Back to Bikram. Back to sweating out 1/2 my body weight and wondering if that person in front of me removed their ribs or some other bone to enable their un-human-like flexibility. Back to admiring the Greek men in the class (why are there always Greek men in Bikram?!) in their small brief shorts and convincing myself that if I keep this up, I, too, can achieve 1% body fat. Back to wondering why the instructor always uses metaphors involving flowers.

Saturday I packed up my gym bag with my not-cold-enough Nalgene, towel and yoga mat and headed down to Bikram City Chicago in River North. Not the most creative name, but straight-forward and a solid studio.

The 90-minute class reminded me why I like yoga. For a girl who is constantly planning, running (late) and overbooked, yoga forces me to stop; to focus on breathing, stretching and building strength for the duration of the class.

Of course, in that 1.5 hours, I also mentally planned the rest of my weekend, tried to figure out how I was going to use 20 classes before the expiration and made a promise to myself to wear a headband next time (as my bangs constantly fell in my face). I'm not quite a pro at achieving true zen through yoga, but I am a little sore today - so I'll count that as a win. And I checked off #5 on my 30 Before 30 list.

What to do next?

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My 30 before 30. Bring it, adulthood.

Thirty Before 30.

 We've heard the phrase before. We've seen the books. Each of them reads like the motivational posters with the pretty landscape photos. OR, better yet, looks like a resume that few people can or will achieve before 60, let alone 30.

Like many, I have loved my 20s. While often beer-infused and boy-confused, in these 10 years, I also survived and graduated college, got a job - that pays, and ended up in a fabulous city with friends that I love.

 Lately, though, as my typically over-drived work schedule has let up briefly due to the perfect trilogy of project ending, Olympics beginning and European holidays, I've had a chance to reflect on life.

And damn, that was scary.

Time to take on some more projects and return to my best friends Jimmy Johns and That-Cab-Outside-the-Aon?? Hmm...

To prevent myself from over-working or in a dark bar, holding onto an Old Style, pathetically sobbing away my 20s, I decide to kick the 20s can with as much gusto as my out-of-shape 29-year-old body can kick it.

So, while I don't know where my life will take me in the next 30 years, I do know where I want to take IT in the next 5 months. And I'm going to be okay with that... until 35.

As inspired by my mom's "60 before 60" list... here's my take at my 30 before 30. Follow me as I say "goodbye" to the good, the bad and the hangovers.

30. Revive "A Sip of the Second City" blog after 2 years of typelessness (Accomplished after Googling how to log-in)
29. Post a blog for every accomplishment (this will get better, i promise)
28. Overcome my commitment issues to book trilogies and finish "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and "50 Shades" series
27. Visit a college and buy a round of drinks for under $10
26. Do a kayak tour of Chicago - even if I fear that falling into the Chicago River will make me either a) infertile or b) cause extra limbs to grow
25. Rent a wave runner on Lake Michigan
24. Witness Aline's mastery twin-raising skills in D.C. Bring her lots of wine and diapers
23. Go to a Kentucky horse race and wear a big, floppy hat even if it's too late in the year for Derby
22. Take the Jim Beam brewery tour, because if I'm already in Kentucky...
21. Buy a table... because I need one. And responsible people have kitchen tables
20. Host Friendsgiving because I will have a table. And because I have friends
19. Attend a wedding in a barn
18. Get together with the BBs - argue about what "BB" stood for in high school. Listen to Dee and Keehner fight about being president. Talk too loud.
17. Run at least 30 miles a month. Because I'm turning 30
16. Make a pie, from scratch. Even the crust
15. Have a Merkles at Midnight dance reunion
14. Join Zipcar, because having wheels in the city is "so 30"
13. Eat a hot dog with Old Style at Wrigley; sing "Go Cubs Go" - even if/when they lose
12. Make tea sandwiches on a Sunday. With tea. Because that just sounds adult. And because cucumber sandwiches are delish. And because a little part of me wishes I was British
11. Eat a Roast Beef sandwich from Arby's... because I've never done it
10. Make conversation with a stranger on a plane.
9. Go to a movie. In a movie theatre. And maybe sneak into a second feature because I have never been that rebellious. Or maybe never had that much time? A little of both.
8. Eat a real, Chicago-style hot dog. Without the ketchup - and all the other stuff. Never have I ever.
7. Ask someone who is older than me what they want to do "when they grow up"... because I will always be younger than that phrase.
6. Go to an OU alumni event. Revel in the fact that we can "still hang." Drink a lot of water, take an Advil and eat a banana before going to bed.
5. Finally use that Groupon for hot yoga that I bought 8 months ago.
4. Take a cooking class. Or a wine tasting class. Just take a class. Become smarter.
3. Listen to Tim McGraw's "My Next 30 Years" on repeat for an hour on December 29, 2012.
2. Go to Duffy's Sundays brunch, take a shot before noon because they are yelling the specials so loud that you can't hear yourself say "no more pancakes!" and thank God that I can blame being 30 for never doing it again.
1. Ring in 30 with my birthday twin, Cristy, and friends somewhere fabulous, and if it were up to me and an unlimited budget, warm and tropical. With umbrellas and fruity drinks.

Thanks for following! Any other suggestions? Always open to replacing a few of the lamer ones.

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A Year In Review

December always brings moments of reflection. Because I try not to sugar coat my year-in-reviews, I confess that my yuletide greetings haven’t always started with cheer. In the same way, I will commend a year that has achieved a nearly perfect 10, earned a grade A and sent me into a state of elation at least once a month. I’ve coined 2010 as that year: THE BEST YEAR EVER. To honor this gold medal-worthy 365 days, I compiled a Top 10 of Colleen’s 2010 list (in no particular order)… Drum roll, please…

1. Started the year off by singing karaoke in Korea Town for New Years Eve. Leaving the Korea-inspired, frat-style establishment at 1 a.m. on January 1st, I thought… “If this is any indication of 2010, it’s going to be a memorable one.” And it was.
2. Left the can for the ‘sticks. Mid-March I step down from my throne as SPAM Queen at Burson-Marsteller to go to Edelman, a more consumer-focused PR agency. Now I get to indulge with those who live for the suburban pleasure of Olive Garden and never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks. I love every bit(e) of it.
3. Took on the serious self-titled role of dance floor coordinator at Marlene (my cousin) and Todd’s wedding. I think the pictures speak for themselves. ☺
4. Landed a book deal without actually having written a book -- which is insane and keeps me up at night with the fear it will be lamer than or as much of a mockery as Bristol Palin’s moves on Dancing with the Stars. Cross your fingers and mark your calendars – “Sweat, Tears and Jazz Hands”… coming to a bookstore near you, September 2011.
5. Fell in “like” with a Peruvian boy named Eduardo. Although, it ended unexpectedly via an email and drive through-style breakup, I was left with three bottles of excellent Lake Michigan Shore wine, a better understanding and appreciation for Chicago’s fancy restaurants, five months of mostly-fun memories and a reaffirmation that normal is nearly impossible to find. I’m accepting applications.
6. Double Swenson’s Day. It happened. It was amazing. I ran 6 miles the next day.
7. Committed dating suicide and got Moxie (my 16-pound cat/tiger) a trainer to help her shed half her body weight in fat. The trainer took the form of a 3-month-old kitten named Smidget…. Or Little Mox, Little One, Get the $%# off the curtains!, etc. Cue the cat lady joke. If I even start talking about getting a third cat, I completely expect a full-on intervention.
8. Summer. It actually arrived in Chicago this year. Joined a new beach volleyball team, hosted 4th of July party, watched the air show, rode a wine-o-wagon, attended fabulous weddings, went to my first Lollapalooza. Loved life.
9. Completed the Chicago Super Mini Triathlon (emphasis on Super and Mini) in August with my friend Joanna under the training of Coach Jake.
10. Discovered the Chicago VFW Post #7579. Sang karaoke until way past my bedtime, ate pizza supplied by the 100-year-old receptionist and obtained the official door code. Made unforgettable memories and a handful of retired military friends.

Happy Holidays! May 2011 try to top 2010 – or at least put up a good fight to match its madness.

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O! Yes Please.

Sometimes it takes a mention of my blog or a comment from a friend to get me back on the blogger bandwagon... but this time it was a little nudge from my friends at OverStock.com. I'm a huge fan of the big O! In fact most of my almost-put-together furniture is from Overstock. I felt it was a momental moment in my single-woman life when I seriously put together an entire bed with just my two hands, my insane cat and several numbered blocks of wood. Three years later, the bed is still standing... and has survived two cross-city moves. Nice work, O.com.

I do have to admit... the tops of my side tables and coffee table are not connected to the bottoms... and my bedside table's drawer for some reason will not shut. While most would see these as small, some-what hidden imperfections... I like to think of them as projects... that will be finished by my future, handy boyfriend. He's going to be one lucky guy... #1 qualification... must own an electric screw driver.

Anywho... onto the fun stuff... until the end of October... they are having a OcSTOCKober (excellent play on words marketing department) clearance event as they celebrate 11 years of sending Americans quality furniture and fun. Given my budding writing career (clearly, check out these mad literary skills), I decided to indulge myself in this STOCKacular sale and purchase the corner desk pictured above... thinking it might work perfectly (given my serious tape-measure measurements) in my living room... taking advantage of my small, corner lake view! 5-10 days for shipping... who wants to come over and help me?!?

What do you need to STOCK up on?? Check out Overstock.com... and use the discount code 121728 for an extra 10% off. You can thank me during the holidays. My birthday is Dec. 30th.. :)

Happy shopping!!

All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code.

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My Friend: The Microwave Meal

I have to admit... I love the microwave and the magic dishes that appear in 5 minutes or less when I come home from work. I'm pretty sure if I didn't own a microwave I might starve. I'm a huge fan of trying out different foods... love to eat out... love leftovers... but really haven't gotten the bug to really try and make these items myself. Really, I haven't found many reasons why it would benefit my current life - financially or socially. So I continue to hail the micro of waves.



This is why I was pumped to find out Healthy Choice is getting more creative with their meal offerings. Today, I tried their new Pumpkin Squash Ravioli, and it was surprisingly amazing. For once, it tasted as good as the picture on the cover promised - and let's be honest, that never happens. Of course, it didn't come out on a white plate with garnishes... but it also didn't appear like a gravy mess when I unveiled the magic plastic wrap.

Healthy Choice, bravo... well, done. And bring on the funky flavors. I. love. them.

Any other new microwave meals that you've tasted recently? Please share. My lunchtime taste buds will appreciate it.

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Polish and Planes

Today begins my summer... aka my reunion with airports across the country in an effort to not miss everyone's big life moments. I'm excited and overwhelmed by this summer's schedule... but as my calendar fills up, I do take extra notice at the downtime that I have... and think about how that time could be more efficiently spent.

Case-and-point. Right now... I'm hanging out in Houston, Texas airport on the nicest Sunday of 2010... and I can't help but notice and slightly obsess over my chipping nail polish on both my fingers and toes. This was one to-do i didn't quite cross off my list before the work trip... and so, now I'm mentally planning out how/when I can fix this situation prior to the media event tomorrow afternoon.

Why... oh why... don't airports have nail salons?! They have bars and food everywhere you look... but just imagine how much money a salon would make if they set up shop in an airport terminal? 1/2 an hour delayed?? Time for a quick polish change... 2 hours delayed? Mani/Pedi combo... plus a massage! This is a lost opportunity if you ask me... looks like it's going to be a CVS run for me and self-manicure in the hotel.

Am I alone? Ladies of the airports... I think we need to do something about this... maybe I'll talk to someone important during my next delay... until then... cheers to chipped and unattractive nails.

Sipping in a different city...

C

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Leftovers from Vivo

Although I've worked on food marketing my entire 5+ year career, I have had a hard time defining myself as a "foodie;" My recent weekend food adventures, however, have made me reconsider... or wishfully think... that I could become a foodie or at least a foodiot, either way... I like food.


Last weekend I got to check out Vivo, which is located in the West Loop/Warehouse district on Randolph. After work, the bf and I headed there, Groupon in hand, ready to indulge in some trendy Italian Fare. The last Italian restaurant we went to rhymed with Colive Tarden... so, as the urbanites that we are, we were ready to be impressed by this city-tastic location.

The decor did not disappoint. We walked in through a velvet curtain to find a number of white-linen-lined tables with votives, exposed brick wall covered in wine bottles ready to be drank and a shiny/fancy bar. The waiter was attentive and friendly. The wine was AMAZING. I have no idea what brand of Cab my hot date picked out... short-term memory...but I do know that it was A LOT better than the Funky Llama that I had been sipping on throughout the week.

One complaint I had was the amount of salt and oil used in the dishes. I could even taste the salt in the salad. I know restaurants tend to splash a bit on salads for taste, but this reached miso-soup levels of sodium. Next time I go... which there will be a next time... we didn't read the fine print of "limit one coupon per table," I might just have to request the chef keep his/her hands off the salt shaker for my entrees.

Anyone else have a chance to indulge at Vivo post-Groupon?

Pass on the advice...

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Invasion of the Midges

So it's no secret that I've been slacking on blog posts... I like to blame the fact that I quit a job, started a job and started dating someone all in the span of a month... not to mention the promise of summer and increased social obligations... but the truth is... I got a little lazy. And without bad dating stories, what is a girl to talk about?!

When one falls off the blogging horse... you need to find something particularly blog-worthy that might bring back maybe one or two of your readers... and I think I found it.

Picture this... Sunday night... relaxing in my newly cleaned (spotless) living room with my +1... when I look to the corner of the room only to notice a swarm of what-appears-to-be mosquitoes. (Cue music from Hitchcock's 'The Birds')

Within minutes both of us realize that the mosquitoes not only are in the living room but in the bedroom AND entry way. The apartment had been invaded by these tiny nat-thingys and the commissary downstairs which sells Raid closed approximately 30 seconds before this realization.

We spent about 20 minutes killing each and every one of them... by hand... and with the "help" of my oversized cat. Isn't bug-killing supposed to be feline instict?

So the interesting part of this story (as if it weren't captivating enough), is that they aren't mosquitoes at all!

After a call into management yesterday morning, I learned that every year, apartment buildings by the lake and in the loop get infested with these little nats called "midges." They have a 48-hour life span... and don't bite... but they do fly around your apartment and create nests in the corners, creating a lovely, "i-don't clean-my-apartment-for-months" look to the place.

They come in through the vents... through the screens.... through the walls. There's no rhyme or reason for how or why they come inside... but they do. Luckily, they should be gone by the end of the week. And if they aren't, the exterminator will make sure of it. In the meantime, management just suggested to "sweep the dead ones up." Sick. For real?

Given all the news coverage when the city thought they were going to be invaded by cicadas... I'm surprised to have no previous knowledge of this annual home invasion.

Anyone out there also sharing your apartment with these unwelcomed guests?

Do tell...

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Why are all the comments to my blog in Chinese letters?!

Ahhhhhh.... wtf. Jimmy Walsh, cousin and tech dork, I will be emailing you soon.

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Bobcats, a Boot, Some Beer, a Brauhaus and My Bro

The Hart siblings took to Chicago this weekend - and left it a little more happy - with a little more heart, if you will. My brother, P(Pat)-hart (pronounced Fart), visited this weekend, and we certainly made the most out of our two days in the Windy City.

Friday night, after he arrived with the typical mid-March arctic chill, we had a few 312s before heading over to Second City's "The Taming of the Flu." Laughs were had... more drinks were drank... memories were made.

Saturday may rank up there as one of the most random, yet spontaneous, days we've ever spent together. Together, we braved Chicago Snowstorm 2010 to make it to Crossroads by noon to grab tables before the OU Bobcats took on the Tennesee Volunteers. After waiting two hours for cold chili and grilled cheese, drinking stale beer and watching a sad and disappointing loss, we decided we needed to step up the evening.

We took a solid three hour break that consisted of burgers at The Counter and board games at my friend Mike's... and then headed up to Lincoln Square to experience the Chicago Brauhaus.

The best way to describe the Chicago Brauhaus is an authentic German bar (steins, traditional beers, etc) mixed with almost-suburban Chicago (family-friendly), mixed with your last family wedding (old couples dancing to polka music). Picture that... and then throw in a two-foot glass boot that is passed around the table and drank by all. Holy H1N1... apparently no one is that concerned anymore.



Anyone else experienced the Brauhaus? Watch out May Fest... I'm spreading the word!

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Oh my, OU...

I'm not going to claim that I'm a huge basketball fan. Or baseball. Or football. But, if I am loyal to any of my alma maters... it is Ohio University. Those four years shaped me into the person I am today... and I met some of my best friends within those college greens. So, tonight, as more than 200 people gathered in Crossroads at Wrightwood and Clark to cheer for the school that they also love to call their own... I couldn't help but jump into the madness.

And to our surprise and delight... they KILLED Georgetown. Check it out!

I have to say... when you mix the best city with the best college... you get one of the best nights ever.

Way to go, Bobcats. Thanks for a great night!

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'Tis the luck of the Irish

So as it turns out, March just might be a lucky month for this Irish lady.

But because I've neglected you again, let's step back for a second. 2010 so far has vastly out-performed my expectations. A short recap.

February could be summed up in one word: Florida. The time I was in Florida... and the time I was not in Florida. I don't recall much about the Chicago days... but I had two solid weeks in Sanibel. And I remember every second. The weather wasn't ideal, but I did get a chance to hang out with my parents for an extended weekend - and my long-time girlfriends for another.

To sum up the girls' weekend... I had just put my two weeks in, Christina announced she was moving to Wal-Mart, Arkansas, Helen dropped the news that she was preggo and Katie was in the midst of job drama. Needless to say, the break was welcomed by all. Next year, we're all coming in Tuesday night. Fo to the sho.

So ya, I have a new job!!! Woohooo! And now that I'm moving forward from the guilt of leaving my old job (and all the drama that came with that the last two weeks)... I'm enjoying the new gig more and more every day. I started at Edelman on Monday working on two restaurant accounts... famous for cheesy biscuits and breadsticks (attempting not to get picked up by too many blog monitorers!) Any guesses?

And throughout all of this craziness... I thought it'd be a great idea to start seeing someone. And so far he hasn't done anything insane or red-flag-like. He's met all my low-standards of 1) Paying for first/second dates, 2) Not afraid of social media or modern technology, 3) Not afraid of (attending) weddings 4) Blinking during conversations and 5) Not making crude, racial or anti-sematic comments. So far it appears as if he might be normal... definitely no complaints. Timing (starting a relationship and a job in the same month!?)... not ideal. But I suppose you can't plan these things... so will just have to see where all of this pans out. I'll try and not be the screwed up one in this situation. :)

And if things couldn't be any better, I'm back to my old commute... no more 6-block treks to the 156. 151, I missed you! Somebody burst my bubble... no... actually... let's just let that bubble fly for a bit.

Thank you, March and 2010. I heart you.

Anyone else feel the luck of the Irish today or this month?

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Need a few Irish tunes to get you in the spirit? Here ya go.

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Notable Quotables

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."

-Jane Howard,British actress, model and novelist

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Make Room for 'The Room'

Last year on Valentine's Day weekend, my girl friends and I drank several bottles of wine, had an exclusive apartment dance party among five of us, plucked a dozen red roses looking for a creepy hidden camera (there's a bad poem behind that) and took shots every time we heard "Single Ladies." Last weekend, to celebrate the weekend of love, I joined 1800 other Chicagoans (and a group of about 15 friends) at the Music Box Theatre for a showing of "The Room."

To describe what I experienced will probably sound very cult-like... maybe slightly trek-y. But it was freaking hilarious. With spiked sodas and popcorn, plastic spoons and footballs, 10 of us lined up in a row, high school-style to enjoy America's Worst Movie Ever.

To make the event even more memorable, the 40 1/2 year old director AND leading character - Tommy Wiseau - made an appearance at this historical Southport theatre... his long mane still in-tact, and odd Arnold Swartzenegger accent echoing off the walls during the intro Q&A.

If you look "The Room" up on Wikipedia you'll learn that it contains no famous actors. That the plot is shallow ("Johnny's my best friend") ... the decor, ridiculous (spoons, spoons, spoons)... and the lines, amazing (i.e. "Oh hi, Johnny... I didn't see you there") and the acting, ground-breaking (tossing the football to each other three feet apart).

The 2003 film definitely earned every "bad movie" award that it was awarded. And getting a copy of the DVD for an extra $5 was also worth every penny. You can place yourself on the waiting list by posting a comment on this blog. Don't rush to type yet... there will be enough time to show to everyone. Although my boss has already reserved the first showing...

All in all... another Valentine's Day weekend to remember.... all while watching an off-color movie about the worst love-triangle ever invented and filmed. Not too shabby.

Any fun, non-traditional Vday stories from you readers?

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Notable Quotables

"A heart well prepared for adversity in bad times hopes, and in good times fears for a change in fortune." -Horace, Roman Poet

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Notable Quotables

"The opposite of love is not hate. It's selfishness."

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Toto...

Don't think we're in Florida anymore... this is the point in the year where I forget what summer looks like... and start to look at Craigslist.org for California apartments. (Pictures from the Chicago Tribune)

Any reminders about why we love Chicago are welcomed. Thanks.

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Sipping in Another City...

Only 15 more hours... two media exclusives (long story)... one 20 minute bus ride, 40 minute train ride, five hour plane ride and 40 minute car trip way from sunny (or not-so-sunny-right-now) Sanibel, Florida. Here. I. come.

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Notable Quotables

"All life is just a progression toward, and then a recession from, one phrase-'I love you.'" F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Notable Quotables

"I never said change would be easy. When you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy - that's just how it is."

-President Barack Obama

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