Chicago: Day 41 - 42

Today had been a good day. I'd plan to catch a movie on my own and was eager to spend the day out. I walked to Barnes and Nobles (which is about a mile from the apartment) along Webster Avenue, hung out at the Starbucks Cafe for awhile, until it was time for me to catch my show "Madagascar 3" @ Regal Cinemas next door. The good thing about watching movies here is that you don't get assigned a seat. So anyone can get a good seat... as long as you're there first :)

Then I went for dance class. I always look forward to Rey's class because his teaching style is fun. He also makes it point to test if the girl is following by doing moves different from those that he choreographs for the class. This makes dancing with him as a lead more fun, challenging and spontaneous:)

Steph fetched me after class and gave me a lift home, which was sweet of him, as he had to make a trip to the studio later again for rehearsals. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't too good. It started storming when we were at Brother Beef. To make matters worse, the waiter got my order wrong - I wanted a chilli cheese dog without fries. The dude got me an order of chilli cheese fries instead (I bet they can't believe someone wanted a dog without fries). And then Steph didn't want to eat at the place itself, since he'd only paid for a few minutes for parking. He didn't want the meal to turn into a $70 fine. So I went along with him and didn't kick up a fuss about it. However, it did get me in a grouchy mood. I'm hoping the next day will be better :P

Yesterday was Independence Day and the factory outlets were having a sale! So we took a drive out to Chicago's Premium Outlets at Aurora for a day of shopping. There are 120 outlets stores here and a foodcourt in case you get hungry. (For a list of brands and sale periods, check the website.) It was indeed a fruitful trip! Although the designs here are not the latest, you can get really good bargains here for stuff like shoes, accessories, sunglasses, watches etc. I managed to get a dry-fit top from Under Armour and a nice casual razor back top from Guess. Steph found better deals - he got a few polo tees from Perry Ellis (love the material!), a pair of red print bodshorts and grey slippers from Oakleys, as well as a pair of black leather loafers from Hugo Boss.

Foodwise, we just had to get the Mint Chocolate Chip shake from Godiva (which was absolutely divine! Not too sweet, thankfully). I also got a couple of truffles from the chocolate bar, which we ate by the beach subsequently while catching a glimpse of the 4th of July fireworks. It was quite a sight - the beach was still packed with people and the atmosphere was charged up with adults and kids alike still playing in the water, even after dark! (I would have taken a picture of the truffles, but they were kinda mushy by the time we got to the beach :P They still tasted good though!) 

What was even more memorable was the drive back from Aurora to the city. There were fireworks going off randomly to the left and right of us as we drove along the highway! These were set off by the residents from the houses located around us :)

It was really quite a sight!

Chicago: Day 39 - 40

*Monday*


Steph and I went for dinner last night at RJ Grunts. It's one of the places on my hit list. The diner is situated conveniently near Lincoln Park and is just a walking distance away from Steph's place. It's a legend for great burgers and an awesome salad bar. (Think Sizzler's - just better!) We were famished after dance so we decided to check the place out. Here are some of the pics:

Waiting at the bar area for our seats.

Salon-style dining.

Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dip

Quesadillas

The signature Gruntsburger. A juicy beef patty with blue cheese and deep fried onions. Mmmm.

Vanilla Ice Cream with a large, hot cookie smothered in chocolate sauce.

At the end of our meal, we were at a loss about what to order for dessert. Upon our request for a recommendation, our friendly server asked us if we had ever been to Grunts before. We said no and she replied, with a smile, that she knew just the right treat for the both of us. She soon returned a few minutes later with a bowl of vanilla ice cream laid on top of a large piping hot cookie, drizzled generously with chocolate sauce. It was oooo so sinful! But the perfect ending to a scrumptious treat.


*Tuesday*

Today, I decided to do a little exploration on my own. I went to the Museum of Contemporary Art, in the city, near The Magnificent Mile. There was a farmer's market ongoing and I wanted to see what things I could do there. I thought the exhibitions might be a little boring, but they turned out more thought-provoking and visually stimulating than I had expected :) 

I got some crepes from "Sweet B". after that. Coincidentally, it was the stall that Steph and I wanted to try out at the Randolph Street Market, but were too full to. 

Sweet Sensations - banana with chocolate sauce and nutella :)

Dates with God

Prior to my day-out, I had asked God to be my "date". To guide me through my adventure and explore the city with me. I wanted him to be the one in-charge. And it was indeed a fantastic date. I finally got to do some shopping thereafter! I went to Macy's at the Water Tower and I got a pair of black COACH shoes to wear to work when I return to Singapore. I also got a black tube dress (one of those casual, tropical-looking, comfortable ones that I've always wanted) from Soma Intimates - I was glad that it actually complemented and fitted! Then, we headed to Guess further down Michigan Avenue. I had been to these shops previously, when Mum and I last visited, so it felt good walking down familiar territory again. 

God was good. I found some versatile, sleeveless blouses at Guess that I could wear, not just to town for a casual day out, but also for social dancing :) It really felt good. The city, the people, the energy - and the things to do. 

Steph came home later at night. We had dinner before heading out to Alhambra Palace for social. (I needed to go social as I had lost touch and was feeling rusty after my last salsa class). Knowing my nervousness at socials, I uttered a quick prayer, asking God to dance with me or be with me as I danced. I prayed that I would get to enjoy the night and Steph would get to enjoy it too. Thankfully, we both had a great time! God was truly good and faithful:)