Tone Deaf? No Problem!

When some people see "Karaoke Night" outside of an establishment they groan, I, on the other hand, get secretly excited. What is not to love about people having fun tearing apart classics while making fools of themselves? I thoroughly enjoy observing, cat calling and clapping along, and even more so, I am that girl that likes to get up on stage and belt out some off key version of some 90's hit.

I blame my new found love of this Asian social activity on my time in North Carolina. Honestly, there wasn't much to do there so we joined the crowd and dove head first right into the embarrassing but oh, so fun Karaoke scene. I've quickly learned that there are a few different types of people/songs that you will always see during your night... some good, some bad and some ugly...

70's/80's Rock: The cherished ones that people know. Jon Bon is always a hit and every wants some sugar poured on them!
Silly, Fun, Pop:  Stuff that people have forgotten about but still recognize. One Spice Girls pops up on the screen you can see people smile, Hanson on the other hand, makes everyone cringe. I love doing George Michael's "Faith".
Duets: Work it out together! "Love Shack", "Summer Nights"
Journey: You can bet money that you will hear "Don't Stop Believing" at one point in the night, but it never fails on getting crowd participation.
Crowd Pleasers: The right song will get even the anti-karaoke patrons tapping their foot and singing along (at least in their head). Even though they are usually overdone, they still work. "Sweet Caroline" "Margaritaville".
Oldies but Goodies: Elvis, Sinatra...
Country: Choose wisely because depending on where you are in the country you may get some dirty looks. Personally, I love it but still choose something that is more mainstream and known.  "I've got Friends in Low Places" is a safe choice.
Girl Power: The stuff made popular in the 80's always works. Pat Benetar, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett...
Gender Benders: When a man does a chick song and visa versa... but make it funny!!! "Like a Virgin" or " F--- Her Gently".
Left Field Wonders: "Devil Went Down To Georgia" gets people out of their seat and doing some sort of jig.
Rap: If you can't rap, don't try it! If you can, do something we will recognize. "Baby Got Back" and "Ice, Ice Baby" are the go tos.
The Really Good Singer: Great if you have a good voice, the rest of us probably don't so don't get all showoff-y on us. We are there to have fun and would love for you to do so too.
Depressing Songs: If you're drowning your sorrows at the bar, do us all a favor, don't pick up the microphone and tell us all how broken your heart is. We are here to have fun, not see you cry into your beer. Sorry.
The Never Ending Songs: There should definitely be a time limit. No more "Freebird" and "Hotel California" !!!
Overdone: Sometimes go hand in hand with songs that are crowd pleasers. Hey, people do them a lot because they work. So be the best at it, add some charisma and make your performance of the song the best we've seen!
Overly Sexual Songs: Just plain awkward. I listened to a woman timidly sing about her pussy cat. No thank you.
Songs with minimal (or repetitive) lyrics: What is the point? Yawn.

Now get out there and try it, have fun and make some new karaoke buds!

Play Like a Champion Today

The one thing that makes the weather bearable during this time of the year is knowing that it’s football season. Football is a lifestyle in the US, whether they are fantasy fanatics, college fans or professional die hards, this; time of year football is everything. Everyone has loyalties to “their” teams and then we have teams that we love to hate.

Every Saturday during my childhood I witnessed my family turn into crazed College football fans. Our team: Notre Dame. Sure, watching the instant replays in the comfort of your own home, in your fuzzy slippers is one thing; but actually making the journey to the University Campus and being in that indescribable atmosphere is another thing. And it’s something that should be done at least once a season.

Every school has it’s traditions that other non-fans don’t know about. Notre Dame is full of them. From the “Play like a Champion Today” sign to the leprechaun that leads the cheer squad, here are a few of the other things that bring ND and their fans great joy.

The Band of the Fighting Irish: From the time they play on the steps and march to the stadium pre- game until they play the alma mater “Notre Dame, Our Mother” the famous band keeps the fan’s spirits high throughout.

Touchdown Jesus, Golden Dome, Sacred Heart Basilica and The Grotto are all places on campus that are important to ND and it’s football team that are must see’s if you ever attend.

 “WE. ARE. N.D”, push ups after each ND touchdown, “Go Irish” kickoff cheer, linking arms and swaying at the end of the game as the band plays. These are just a few of the things that Notre Dame fans know and love when they come to root for the Gold and Blue!  

California Dreamin'

Sand between my toes, the warm sun shining on my bare shoulders, the sound of seagulls squawking around me and smell of salt water in the air. Without a doubt, these things will always put a smile on my face. There is something about being on the West Coast calms my inner self and I cant help but feel like I belong in that atmosphere. Give me a hippie bus, surfboard and a bottle of sunscreen, I'll be a happy camper! 

My favorite part about this region is the constant excitement, there is literally never a dull moment, no matter what time of year. During my short visit I was able to do so much. I was able to....drive along the coast to Santa Barbara, live it up in the Gaslamp Quarter, watch dolphins surf the waves, enjoy a German beer at Oktoberfest, watch the famous Blue Angels preform at an Air Show, horseback ride, attend worship service at my favorite church and walk the beach at night. What a life! Not to mention the types of food SD has to offer, fish tacos AND in-and-out burger. And for those of you that haven't experienced a double double from the famous burger joint: "Go West!"


Aside from the nearly perfect atmosphere, another wonderful part about the Western state is that my Dad resides there. As much as they embarrass us as teenagers or lecture us on how to live our life, we wouldn't be who we are without our parents. Unfortunately, I don't get that daily interaction with my Pops, so our time together is precious. We try to catch up on our lives during our short visits, giving each other unwanted advice or " I told you so's".  But it always ends the same way, with a big strong bear hug, kiss and an "I love you, hope to see you again soon!" 

Wherever the Wind Blows...

For those of you that know me, you know I love visiting new places. My own mother even has trouble keeping track of my whereabouts now a days :) I'll fill you in on my recent adventures...

North Carolina, outside of Asheville. Spent a week there in the mountains surrounded by nature. It sure was peaceful, but not so quiet. Have you ever listened to all of the critters in the woods? They're loud! Visiting Looking Glass Waterfall was definitely the best part of the trip though. Amazing. 

Pensacola, Florida. I visited my old school, University of West Florida. It was kind of a wake up call to realize it’s been seven years since I’ve been out of high school. Where does the time go? I guess it flies when you’re having fun! It warms my heart to reconnect with old friends who care genuinely about me and I’m so blessed to have so many in my life. My crew in FL definitely has a good time together, they almost make it tempting to pack my bags and go live in that beach town. During my stay here Tropical Storm Lee decided to come hang out also; raining on my beach and boat days. BUT that didn’t stop me from trying to catch a wave on a board. Even though most people would say I was crazy, I found it exhilarating to be out there with those crashing waves of fury.

Road trip to Lousiana and Texas. I’m a Northerner, so the south interests me. Their customs, food and the people are so different from the city/suburban life in Chicago. It’s a more laid back atmosphere. There is definitely something special about cruising down gravel roads listening to country music without a care in the world. And of course when in a new area I want to try the traditional food, the Cajun cuisine has some interesting, and mighty delicious things such as crawfish estufee, pistolettes, boudin, cracklins, gumbo with okra. And of course while in Texas I absolutely had to get sopailpillas. They are not even close to what they claim to have up here in the North, they best sopaipillas are at places with honey already on the table right next to the hot sauce. If you are ever in TX or NM, do yourself a favor and try them!

Wisconsin.  Lake Houses are probably the most tranquil relaxing place to be. There is something about the way the moon dances on that glassy water at night that is so calming. But man, did we have a blast! The weekend was short but full of activities such as boating, yard games, hiking, knee boarding, live music on the lake, bonfires, midnight swims and of course s’mores. Good company is the real key to having a good time and some pretty spectacular folks, whom I am lucky to have in my life, surrounded me. 

GOD BLESS AMERICA

ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM. 

9/11 ALWAYS REMEMBER. 

Chicago, Chicago...

Since moving back to Illinois, I had the pleasure of experiencing downtown Chicago a little bit more than I have in the past. I am amazed and impressed by the free events that the Windy City has to offer during the humid summer months. For those of you that have the opportunity to spend some time here these are suggestions of what to experience. 1. Chicago sporting event (clearly, I'm speaking of Bears or Cubs game) 2. Anything at Millennium Park- free concerts, "The Bean", fountains  3. Navy Pier. You must ride the Ferris wheel, if nothing else. 4. North Avenue Beach. It's a happening place with always a ton to do. 5. Walk the Magnificent Mile. At any time of the year it is magical.  6. Fit in a Museum or two. 7. Pizza and Hot Dogs. Need I say more?  On another note, a few things to remember.  -  The "El" will get you where you need to go, use it!  -  Ditka is God. We take our sports seriously and are the best fans in the world. -  Pick a side (North or South) -  No ketchup on hot dogs (although a lot of us secretly disobey this rule) There is always something exciting about coming home to your home city after traveling a lot. I actually get butterflies when my plane flies into O'Hare and I get to see the Second City from the sky. As a Chicagoan, I proudly wear my sports apparel in other parts of the country (no matter how many years since we've won a World Series) and I enjoy having to eat my over cheesy pizza with a fork and knife.  On State Street, that great street, I'd just want to say - They do things they don't do on Broadway. They have the time, the time of their life. I saw a man, he danced with his wife. In Chicago, Chicago, my home town.           - Frank Sinatra

Blessings

Life goes by too quickly.

We tend to get lost in the hustle and bussle of scheduling and checking things off our to do lists. We often forget to take a break to enjoy and be thankful for the little things in life, which are really the most important things.

I've been reconnected with a high school friend who unfortunately is battling cancer at twenty five years old. Despite everything he's dealing with, he has a more positive attitude about life than the majority of people I know. He actually said to me the other day, "Lo, you walk too fast. Take the time to enjoy what God has given us." Wow, he has a very valid point. Enjoy life and everything it has to offer!

It's funny how people come and go in our lives and we sometimes reconnect with them just when we need them the most. I feel so blessed to have the family and friends that are in my life. Since my return to "Sweet Home Chicago" my relationships with my mom, brother, cousin and long lost friends have become increasing stronger and definitely more mature. Sometimes we take for granted the people in our lives. We assume they will always be there for us. Don't. Spend time with them, stand by their side when times get rough and most importantly, tell them what they mean to you.

With that being said, to those of you who are my family and friends: "Thank you for your unconditional love and support. I love you all very much and am so grateful to have each and everyone one of you in my life."