Today is officially the first day of the Fall season and that means a big good-bye to summer 2010! And although I am more than happy to leave behind the humidity, the burning seatbelt buckle, and unflattering swimsuit, summers always seem to bring a renewing effect -- projects get done, vacations, down-time (this is mostly from our school years), big movie releases, the infamous summer love that can occasionally (or frequently) come your way. A lot happens in summer.
Movie: INCEPTION
Among the horrible sequels of Iron Man and Sex and the City came a movie whose enticing and original premises of implanting ideas within the human mind drew me in immediately. Inception was everything a summer movie should be -- a visually stunning, intectually stimulating thriller with characters you root for and a storyline complex enough to keep you debating after the credits role.
Book: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO -- This trilogy by the late Stieg Larsson of Sweden has been sweeping the world with millions of books sold, one Swedish movie version, and an English movie currently filming. Who wouldn't be intrigued? And for good reason because I could not put this book down. I don't know if it was the compelling characters of Mikeal Blomvist and Lisbeth Salander (who has been called the new feminist hero of the decade), the edgy and dark subject matter that blows any fluffy romance off its rocker (a warning to sensitive readers -- there is some disturbing content), or the great storyline mystery that keeps you guessing (no skimming pages or skipping boring chapters). Oh, and P.S. -- if you like the book, the Swedish movie version is available which I would highly recommend.
Project Finished: I have caught up on my scrapbooking of newspaper articles and movie ticket stubs from the last 3 years and have successfully created my own recipe book to put the infinate number of recipes I've collected and thrown carelessly into a shoe box. No more!
Fear Conquered: In my ever-evolving quest to conquer my anxiety of driving in populated areas, I have successfully driven almost the whole length of Interstate 355 --even with the constructions that I'm betting will be completed when the Apocalypse occurs.
Makeup Trick Learned: For all the pale faces out there, I learned that putting a bit (bit is the key word here) of blush across the hairline at the top of the forehead does give you a sun-kissed, bright face. Don't knock it til you try it! And don't use a dark blush....lighter is better.
Beverage: Sparkling Water -- I found this treasure by accident when I thought I had bought plain bottled water. Refreshing and without the sugar and heavy syrup of soda.
Go-To Summer T-Shirt for Lazy Days: It was all Blackhawks love since they won the World Cup and a bright red shirt with the mascot in front was this summers perfect tee.
Television Show: GLEE -- Summer television is not my thing as reality television gets dumber and many of the shows worth watching are on hiatus til fall. However, I was pushed to watch Glee by a friend and through my stalling and procrastinating I finally did.....and was hooked from the 1st episode. I'm a Gleek and proud of it!
Music: GLEE SOUNDTRACKS -- See above....they go hand-in-hand. For those of you who are just getting into Glee, I recommend the wonderful mash-up songs of Halo/Sunshine and It's My Life/Confessions and of course the song that started it all Don't Stop Believing.
Place to Go: A Cubs Rooftop game -- Yes, it is a bit pricey but it is an experience that every Cubs fan should have. The one price you pay includes the game, all food (better than any food you will find inside the park), and all drinks, including alcohol. Still not convinced? With 3 floors to choose from (one indoor, one partial indoor, and the rooftop with stadium seating), it fits for everyone's preferences. It is never crowded inside and there's no fighting the 40,000 people trying to squeeze their way out of the exits after the game. The best part? The bathrooms! And if you've been to the bathrooms at Wrigley, you will understand this immediately.
New Drinking Haven: Marina Bars -- the down-to-earth feel, hanging lantern lights (or tiki torches), and great summer night weather make drinking by the lake the comforting place to be. Add some great music and I'm there!
New Guilty Pleasure: Pedicures -- I've been avoiding them as I believed my tickilish feet would result in some poor girl's broken nose. I'm so glad I was wrong.
What I Learned This Summer: To let go -- There are people and things that were only meant to be in our lives for a little while....to help us grow and get us to the next part of our journey. And it wasn't meant to last forever, even if we wanted it to. Keep moving forward and remember those things as great memories. It may not make sense now but looking back later in life, connect the dots and realize that it happened for a reason.
Goodbye Summer 2010. Thanks for the memories. :)
Stephanie
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