OK, so, not that we remember but other stuff happened last weekend besides an amazing Packers win.
I knew it would be a crazy weekend (Sunday) so I made the choice to lay low on Friday night. Had a couple glasses of wine and, I'm sorry to admit to you, I caught up on "Jersey Shore." That's one of the best ways to remind myself that my life is not nearly as dysfunctional as it could be.
Saturday, however, was a different story. After a few hours scouring the sales racks trying to find "the perfect outfit," enjoying a latte from Alterra and, as usual frantically trying to get ready by the time I promised I would be, I was finally out the door. As a side note, boys will never understand what women go through trying to look perfect, and for who? The same guys barking at us to "hurry up!" Give us a break guys, even Kim Kardashian doesn't wake up with her hair done.
So it was off to Chicago to the Winter Wonder Bash benefit supporting Cystic Fibrosis research for a cure. We (my best friend, her husband and their pooch, Max, and I) passed up an opportunity to hit up the Mars Cheese Castle, a favorite spot, with great bloodies and arguably the best bar munchies for miles around. We were in a hurry so the Castle will have to wait till next trip. We made it to "The Windy City" just in time to meet up with another of my favorite couples at their apartment on the North Side, have a glass of wine and head out again, this time to the South Side.
The Bash took place at St. Laurence High School, with cold beer, good Chicago food, a raffle and live entertainment, and all for the price of an admission ticket. The guest of honor, an adorable girl with never ending energy, reminded us all that there are more important things in life than football.
I was surrounded by Bears fans, but the teasing and game talk was all in good fun. We all agreed, "may the best team win," and what do ya know, they did! The band was excellent (I'm biased. My boyfriend is a guitarist in the band and I've always loved cover bands), and the night was a great way to support a very essential cause.
I won a pair of Blackhawks tickets and a Toews jersey! I'm not a huge hockey fan, but I haven't experienced enough games to really appreciate it yet. So I might just have to make the trip to use those tickets. I think the jersey was meant to be worn by someone three feet taller than I and about 100 or more pounds heavier. It goes past my knees so if I decide to go to the game I think I'll belt it at the waist and wear it as a dress. With some leggings and heels it wouldn't be half bad.
We went out to a karaoke bar afterward, but I knew better than to punish the crowd with my slightly off key singing voice.
The night ended with me chowing on enough carbs to ward off a hangover the next day. When I woke up, it was a little like Christmas morning ... I was so nervous and excited. My boyfriend bought tickets to the game that morning so he and his dad could go (he grew up in Chitown and is a huge Bears fan). He kissed me like he was going off to war, and I was left to decide who I most wanted to be around when kick off took place. Since I was in Chicago, I could either, head out to the neighborhood bar and face the throngs of Bears fans and their trash talking or I could come back to the homeland and celebrate among 'my people.' I chose the latter.
What a game. What a team.
Here's to a Packers win at the Superbowl and an expedient cure for Cystic Fibrosis!
Cystic Fibrosis is a very serious disease, but the good news is advancements in treatment have greatly extended life expectancy and quality of life, for those who suffer from it. Visit www.cff.org for more information.
Alissa grew up on the near west side of Madison and had childhood dreams of being a veterinarian. Instead she moved to Milwaukee to attend college and attained a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from UW-Milwaukee. Previously an advertising copywriter and a marketing specialist, Alissa always preferred the writing aspect of her career.
An animal lover, a shoe lover and a white wine lover, she now resides on the much beloved East Side of Milwaukee in what she describes as an ancient apartment building full of character, but lacking sufficient electrical outlets and the convenience of an elevator.
To some she comes across as a shy wall flower, to those that know her much better she is a social butterfly, usually overdressed and wearing inappropriately uncomfortable shoes for nearly every occasion. Either way you choose to see her, Alissa has a strong desire to bring awareness to the social issues in our city while maintaining a sense of humor about herself and surroundings.
