Four-Way Intersection

Why does Bob Dylan always seem to be right?  These times, are in fact, a changing.  Yesterday seemed to bring an unexpected end to a time known as "childhood."  My youngest sister, Jamie, went off to college.  It's been a few years now since I first flew the coop, and even longer since I was referred to as a child (well, perhaps not too long thinking back on particular situations, but nevertheless).  Perhaps though I always thought of the four of us as an intersection though.  Four individual lives waiting for the next to cross.  Yet always on the same map.  So it seems that at the intersection of childhood, the last one has crossed.  As luck always has it though, the one approaching ain't so bad itself.

Succo Whutto?

When you're from St. Louis, it's often hard to offer up kind words to Missouri's second city.  Fortunately for the Show-Me state's north side, I have some lovely friends who reside there.  Not only is it always great fun to visit them, but they usually open my eyes to the city's more colorful side.   Ever the Sunday brunchers, we paid a first visit to Succotash.  I loved everything about the originality of this eatery, from deeming itself a "bruncheonette" to my crab, cream cheese, and fennel omelette meal that bore no chance of survival.  The only problem with it?  It found itself on the wrong side of the state.

The Search Is On

Lost much of my energy somewhere on I-70.  Has anyone seen it?

Adult Swim

Dad and his "girls" cooling off on Fathers Day.

Is there anything more fun than pool hopping in the summer?  When you don't have a pool of your own that is.  Besides the Lake, this weekend marked my third and fourth poolsides of the season.  Very few things say "fun in the sun" besides piling in a car with a bunch of your friends, loading up on various fuels at the local convenience store, and parking it on a lounge chair where ever you can get a guest pass.  Of course it's always an added bonus when you can find a pool that has a full-time adult swim session.

Vacation Games

Surprise!

Last night one my near and dear friends Julie became engaged.  It was a complete and wonderful surprise to everyone, most importantly the bride, who had us all believing she'd get asked the question some time during her four month stay in California.  After a day chalk full of surprises planned by Julie's new fiance, Ross, the day concluded with an impromptu engagement announcement and celebration with friends at the Cardinals game.  The day could not have been more perfect for the pair.  It was a great reminder how important it is to RSVP in life.  You never know what little surprises will come your way when you do.

So This Is Weird...

Last weekend we had one of our first cousin weddings.  Being that it was one of the first, and compounded by the fact that at present we are otherwise a brood of singles, it was somewhat strange.  In the best of ways, of course.  While we are still young grasshoppers on the road to life (Exhibit A: all of us at the post-reception party), seems we're becoming able to teach a few lessons ourselves.  Watching [through tears] Nick and Julie exchange vows, I learned how necessary it really is to take a plunge.  After all, the depth is often more shallow than thought, the bottom not so hard, and the fear only lasts a second.

Weekend Review-5.16.10

Only a lucky few can say their college graduation was the worst day of their life.  Sure you're proud of completing 130 hours of higher education courses, and somewhat relieved to never have to pull an all-nighter again.  Somewhere amongst the hours of delirium spent in the library, and saving that row of seats in the back of the classroom there were those tinges of enjoyment.  That is if you were fortunate enough to realize it.  This past weekend my sister Emily graduated from Mizzou.  While still in mourning over my own graduation one year ago, the pang in my heart ached greater for her.  Leaving such a place you enjoyed so much that also happened to also be home to the people you loved so much, is one of the hardest treks to take.  Especially when you always realized it.

• After a minor snafu with my new tailor, it was on the road to Columbia with Riley, Zeiter, and Jules where we would meet up with the little Houts girls, and Claire, who made a great last minute decision to make the trip down.
• Throwback Friday night at The Penguin and Willie's.
• My heart was set on late night El Rancho.  I got Pickleman's.  Not the same.
• Marathon graduation Saturday kicked off with lunch at the Heidelberg complete with a pork scare.
• The rain, the rain, ugh....the rain.  I just don't do well with rain.  Especially in a strapless dress, thin cardigan, and heels.  It gave me such disdain that I even found myself in a tiff with a traffic cop.
• One of the great things about the business school, is that they're short on words, making for a short (enough) and sweet ceremony.
• Dinner...let's just say we ate.  The run-around to get there needs no mention.
• Just when you think you've found all the little gems in Columbia, you stumble upon The Wine Cellar.
• Bottle service at Harpo's?  Why not, Matt.
• Bound and determined to get El Rancho at some point during the weekend, I was their first customer Sunday morning.  A delicious meal of chips, queso, and rice for the drive home.  The good stuff always remains.

Weekend Review-5.9.10

Even though the temperatures dropped, and the winds were a'blowing the weekend was still welcomed with open arms.  After all just a short month or so ago we were pulling out our flip flops doing the happy dance in honor of the same weather.  So on with the tanks and off with the cares...

• Clayton is to "The Strip" as the Central West End is to "The Circuit."
• Starting out The Circuit at Llywelyn's and moving on...at a later date.
• I'm not even going to state where I found myself at the end of the night.  Too obvious.  
• It's Saturday morning!  Wake up and smell the roses!  Or some other beautiful flowers, while planting for Urban Roots in Downtown.
• Nothing beats returning to the previous night's scene waiting for AAA to show up and unlock your friend's car.
• Saturday luncheon standard fare:  El Paisano.
• After catching up on my Bravo shows, I figured I could use some physical activity.  Thanks to Zeiter's motivation, my bike made its maiden voyage in south city.  It was a simply beautiful ride to Carondelet Park.
• It was a day to be a good friend I realized, after finding myself at the same dining establishment as I did for lunch.  Talk about a confused and somewhat irritated (after my very meager order) staff.  You're welcome, Erin.
• My Saturday night was cleared to watch the one and only Betty White on Saturday Night Live.
• A full Mother's Day starting with a service for little Lincoln, and a full day with Peg.  By full I mean, numerous helpings of the egg casserole.  Oops.  

Weekend Review-5.2.10

It had been a couple weekends since I was last out of town, so clearly I was due.  Especially since the call was to support a good cause.  Our dear friend Claire was throwing a fundraiser party for her colleague to support Leukemia and Lymphoma.  So we jumped in ours cars.  One nomad currently residing in Breckenridge, and three bonafide St. Louisans.  As expected the crew and weekend did not disappoint.

• It was a bit scary, but Zeiter safely drove Julie and I through the severe storms into Kansas City.  We may not be able to say the same if I were the driver.
• The uniform romper may have started as a joke, but I decided to bring a long-legged one with me anyway.  Made complete with my new Jill Stuart wayfarer-style glasses.  
• Lots of dancing at O'Dowd's and lots of nachos at Granfalloon.  Standard activities.
• Since Claire had work to do at the party site, we were trusted to roam free around her city.
• After lunch at Ingredient our immaturities got the best of us...
• We coined a gorilla call...butchered Shakespeare's Old English...lounged around Restoration Hardware...and let's end there.
• Open bar, delicious food (and lots of it), an awesome band, and my favorite form of gambling-the auction-made for one absolutely terrific party!  Well done (a few times over), Claire!
• Remember the stilettos?  I do, and am trying to forget them.  Oy...
• Thanks to those gosh darn heels, my "hot legs" could not show themselves off in the "Boom Boom Room" of The Brooksider.
• I'm both amazed and thankful that after a weekend spent on stilts and sleeping on the floor I have neither permanent nor temporary soreness to report.
• Off course no weekend is complete without a Sunday Brunch cap, which was well done at Re:Verse.
• Once home I thought of all the rest I was going to take this week.  Early bed times, naps after work.... Then I remembered Cinco de Mayo was Wednesday.  Well there's always next week....

Weekend Review-4.25.10

It seemed for the first time in awhile two consistencies existed in my weekend.  Unfortunately they were rain and a migraine.  As Barbra Streisand once sang though, "Nobody, no nobody is gonna rain on my parade!"  With it being one Lauren Zeiter's Birthday and homecoming, how could it not be a parade?

• It seems Chavas is not your typical seat-yourself Mexican restaurant.  Due to a line out the door while the rain was coming down, the much anticipated margaritas and queso will have to wait until a later date.  On to the ol' reliable Llywelyn's.
• It may have been Civil War, a new cup game, that was to blame for my complete lack of productivity Saturday.
• The layout of The Social House remains questionable in my book.  One thing is for sure though:  Zeiter is their Friday night band's biggest fan.
• Is there a better way to make friends than sharing a cab to get to an ATM, only to find out is broken and have to be taken right back where you started?  I doubt it.
• In the end my ride home would essentially be a sardine can.
• My Saturday morning was one long panic attack of not being able to get to a caffeinated beverage quick enough.
• I've never been so scared and relieved in my life as I was at El Paisano.  It felt as complicated as it sounds.
• Looks like I'm 23 and still afraid of severe thunderstorms.  Perfect.
• Few things are more fun to me than disrupting Brooke during her studies.
• Sunday Funday:  St. Louis Hills Home Tour with the cousins and aunts.  Umbrellas a must.

Weekend Review-4.11.10

It's always important to build your resume.  Your highlights and successes show who you are and what you've become capable of handling.  Possibly the more important resume you have is your life resume.  The one that lays out everything you did outside of a professional or academic environment.  For all the spaces in between your software proficiency and academic recognitions, the life resume can fill in quite nicely.  It spells out your character.  The very ability and essence of a person.  However, it should very much be noted that a person's life resume can only be be enhanced by a solid professional one.

• A low-key night at Bar Louie with Erin, Lauren, and Anna.  As the weekend progressed I became more thankful for the evening's mellow tone.
• I'm so proud of and excited for my friend Regina and her organization, Makeover for Life!  The 1st Annual Tea Gala fundraiser was a great success on a lovely afternoon.
• Very few people or places provide better Saturday evening conversation than the Boyle residence.  
• It was 10:30 when I left the Boyle's, and I debated whether or not I should continue my evening.  Of course Lauren Riley would convince me into a quick wardrobe change and hitting the road.  
• Side pony and the same outfit from the previous night (EEK!) and I was out the door.
• 11:15 [To McCalla and Riley while stuck in traffic on Washington Ave.]:  Hmmm, look at that group.  What are they the Ramones or something?
• 11:19 [To McCalla and Riley while walking up Washington Ave. to Lucas Park]:  Oooooh, they have accents!
• 11:38 [Riley to McCalla and I, and random male passerbys]:  They're animals!  (Please note this was in fact in reference to height.  Promise.  Well okay, allegedly.)
• 12:03 [To Riley and McCalla]:  Oh oh oh there's The Ramones again!  
• 12:09:  Riley takes fate into her own hands.
• 12:11 [McCalla to me]:  Those guys just told Riley they were the Arctic Monkeys.  Like, obviously they're not.  We need to go grab her.  
• Just to be positive they weren't, iPhone Googling ensued.  Forehead scratching remained.
• 12:16:  McCalla and I head over to the table.
• 12:33:  We're officially invited as special guests of The Arctic Monkeys at their concert the next night.
• I never go out on Sunday nights, but...
• Clearly we were going to need a drink or two before the show.  Since it was Sunday we kept it classy at the Rooftop Terrace Bar at Moonrise Hotel.
• It should be under "Suzanne Iovaldi +2..."
• We're in.  We're invited to the after show.
• Turns out we LOVE their music.
• The "After Show" included the three of us hanging out with the Monkeys at Rooftop Bar, followed by bowling at Pin-Up Bowl.
• Opening Day at Busch Stadiums is one of my most energetic days of the year.  Unfortunately 2010 did hold that for me.  Neither did Tuesday April 13th.  I'm hoping Wednesday will bring an end to my aspirin needs.

Weekend Review-4.4.10

I coud not imagine why my Mother wanted to put me in this Easter dress.  Until I found out it was all my idea.  Evidently it was the puffy sleeves I insisted upon.  My how things change.  The necklace was a nice touch though.

Most people mark their years by something.  A sort of personal New Years.  Mine are by Christmases.  It's a time I miss even in such glorious weather as what we've had.  As a result I tend to forget the purpose of other holidays, such as Easter.  You see, unlike Christmas the Easter traditions fade away.  Saturday afternoon, while thinking of schedule events for the following day I asked myself that question.  What do you do with Easter?  [By the way, like Christmas, I do fully recognize the significance of this holiday.  The societal celebration is what is in question.]  Just as I asked myself that question, the image of a bold colored floral, pre-adult leather, mini-bowler purse popped in my mind.  It was my Easter basket that year (at what age, I couldn't tell you).  My sisters and I each received a floral purse, but mine was a little different because I was the oldest.  For that very reason I adored it.  Easter may not be a time for giving and receiving like Christmas.  It doesn't seem to hold that significance.  However, it's still a way we mark our years.  Without it, we may find less to appreciate.

• While for very understandable reasons I know she's reluctant, I'm so happy that my Midgie is moving back to St. Louis in the coming months.
• Midge, we're going to have some very productive venting sessions to come, such as our early Friday evening one at J.P. Fields.
• We thought we found such a clutch parking spot on Tucker for prancing over to Washington Ave.
• After a long night that compounded with a late evening downpour that spot wasn't as great as initially thought.  Good thing I could make a run for it while Midge camped out under any available awning.
• Rise and shine everyone.  You gotta get out.
• The best way to spend a beautiful spring Saturday is at the Boathouse in Forest Park.  Especially for a wedding shower.
• I cannot even describe the pure bliss that was my visit to Jipsi and Skif.  Both are too wonderful for a just a mere mention in a "Review," so much more on that later.
• My yoke-blown eggs always wind up open to appreciation.  As in, they started out as one idea, wound up as another, and really lie confused somewhere in between.
• I could never before imagine living with someone as long as a year, and then go without seeing them for a year.  Yet that is how long my former roommate Grace and I have seen each other.  Could not have been more excited to see her Saturday night!
• Stick to drinking those beverages you know.  Leave the rest for the other patrons.
• Who could eat a calzone before a day of feasting?  I'm looking at that person in the mirror.
• At what point do security and judgmental overlap?
• Pietro's for brunch, Aunt Wendy's for dinner, and still I could manage delving into my Mom's leftover Chinese food later on.                                                                                                                        

Weekend Review-3.28.10

Two types of weekends exist in the postgrad world. The ones you can keep up with, and the ones you can't. After spending three of my last four weeks out of town I decided it was time to give, what I had deemed "the doldrums," another shot. It is spring after all, a time for new beginnings. As luck would have it my weekend was filled with old school late nights, plenty of activity, and a restored faith in the city of St. Louis.

• From guests stopping by to visiting spring breakers, Friday night was filled with old friends.
• Tightless skirt weather is the best weather.
• Is American Honey the new tequila? I hope not.
• Can two bars constitute as a pub crawl? Not when it's Side Bar and The Dubliner. It's then just considered "typical." Typical is always the route to go though when good friends are involved.
• My proud moment of the weekend involved being able to have the self-discipline to not demand the Taco Bell drive thru.
• Even I can admit St. Louis has its upsides to Columbia, which include no cover charges, 3 a.m. closing time, and no incurred interest when leaving your tab overnight.
• While it seemed I should have deserved the pleasure of an authentic Mexican lunch, going with the flow wound up suiting just fine. However, next time when lunching at Adriana's on the Hill on a Saturday afternoon, I'm bringing a magazine.
• That baked cod sandwich didn't stand a chance of survival.
• Is it possible that South City can become St. Louis' version of East Campus? Here's hoping.
• I love gaining more members in the "23" club. Happy Birthday, Anna!
• Anna is not into celebrating her Birthday. However, she will reserve a table for seven at 9:30 at JP Fields, accept Girl Scout cookie gifts, sip on a mini-umbrella dressed martini, and take hold of the stage at The Dubliner. Hey, go big or go home.
• In case you were wondering you will sit at the Jack in the Box drive thru window for 10 minutes if you order 22 tacos.
• It's been decided that Sunday is my day for inhaling any and all food that comes my way. This is why I head over to my Mom's.
• Sundays do begin at the strike of midnight. Hence the 22 tacos at 3:15 A.M.
• How about that full moon out these past few days?

Weekend Review-3.14.10

Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, don't you know? As much as the Italian and German in me hates to admit it, the Northern Isle people had the right idea. Create a holiday celebrating your heritage (the story of St. Patrick) that incorporates your culture (pubs and ale). One has to admit, they had some public relations prodigies running rampant in their lineage. It is a great thanks to them that almost every major city in the United States has some sort of celebration in honor of the Irish hero. Quite possibly the most notorious is Chicago's. Being that it is one of my most beloved places on Earth, it had to be done that I attempt to endure the festivus, and it me. I'd venture to say that we got along quite nicely.

• It's no secret that my driving skills are subpar. Traveling 267 miles at night in a rain that never ceased posed quite a challenge.
• Challenges are just tiny short hurdles you'll find though. It's problems you have to worry about. Such as when your contact falls out in the afore mentioned conditions. Well, it wasn't the first time the I-55 northbound shoulder has seen my car.
• My parking spot on Kenmore was just the first of many "clutch" moments of the weekend.
• Nothing's better than sitting down with a familiar favorite after a long drive. How I've missed the Duck Walk's crab rangoon.
• It was an early rise, but absolutely worth it to make the Tap O' the Day special at McGee's.
• "Clutch."--Emilie Morris
• Another nickname (I believe the count's at 123 at this point) was originated for one Margaret Rose Boyle: Reggie.
  
• Those who attended higher education institutions in Chicago don't quite grasp the concept of a marathon. While Julie and I are seasoned veterans, we had to succumb to the pressures of the dreaded mid-day nap.
• Even nap time had to have an intermission. I'm proud to say my taste palate has broadened to delight in Lebanese food. I now love me a good falafel such as the #17 from Sultan's Market.
• Only Mizzou alums like Julie and I could overcome such lethargic conditions. With the help of some small canisters, we found our way to the El and carried on the holiday festivities at The Kerryman.
• So many characters so little time. A big "thank you" to the lovely green-haired James for extending such kindnesses as not removing us from the bar for loitering.
• Since we didn't see the Chicago River getting dyed green we had to make our nerdy tourist behavior up elsewhere. Enter the Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's.
• What do a third shift cab driver and Emilie Morris have in common? More than you would think. Just test either in their expertise of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. I dare you.
• Where there's a will there's a way. While one little soldier went down, Julie and I managed to make it through a scrumptious Sunday brunch at Ann Sather on Belmont.
• My heart always aches just a little when I can no longer see that gorgeous Chicago skyline in my rearview mirror, but alas I had to go back to reality. Here's hoping that someday I can make Chicago my reality.

"May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go."--Irish Saying

Weekend Review-3.7.10

The Oscars wasn't the only best dressed competition going on this weekend. This decade has seen a lot of memorable people and events, and they all came out to claim their worthiness for my Dad's 50th Birthday extravaganza. Floor length gowns? Unnecessary. A roll of foil? Bring out your finest.

• Spring is finally starting to make its presence known. Francis Park late afternoon walks are back!
• It's not often I say it, but...I'm so glad Brooke is back in town on her spring break! Standard fare of raiding her house for Friday night dinner and heading to The Dubliner were had.
• Nothing beats taking in a Saturday afternoon college basketball game. Especially when it's with good friends at a great atmosphere, as it was with fellow Kappas at The Post in Maplewood.
• I wasn't sure my rubber ducky costume from this past Halloween could ever be personally matched. Then the nerd in me came shining through. The hanging chad idea was a stellar foil prop incorporated idea for my Dad's 50th Birthday decade costume party.
• Matt Iovaldi's 50th Birthday. So much to say, so few appropriate places to retell the tales. It should be enough to say that an equation consisting of great live music, a fun venue, costumes, and a large Italian family results in an epic night.
• What do you do after such a night of fanfare? Recap it the next day with everyone that was there. Sunday dinner and the Oscars at Aunt Mar and Uncle John's was just what we all needed.
• Alright, I have to admit I was not blown away by this year's dresses. Between Charlize's organic floral disaster, and Miley's downright horrendous posture it was a slow year for the Academy's Red Carpet. Therefore my vote is going to the adorable, charming and perfect pair that was Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. Of course I wouldn't feel right though if I didn't give a shout out to SJP.

"Measure your life in love."--Seasons of Love; Rent

Weekend Review-2.28.10

a secret catastrophe, originally uploaded by elizabeth sarah.

Even to say it is fun. Spontaneity. To come or result from a natural impulse or tendency; without effort or premeditation. More often than not we're bound by rules and expectations. Impulses have the unfortunate fate of being completely ignored. Once in awhile though, when good spirits are in need, the best place to look is to your natural wayside. Otherwise known as spontaneity.

• My favorite semi-annual event is the $1 sale at Avalon Exchange. It's one of the few times I believe in sprinting, be it over to the store from work or through the orange tagged racks. And no, it's not their bottom of the barrel. They stash away three days worth of their best variety. A great six piece start to my summer wardrobe for $6.52 ain't bad.
• Due to a complete lack of preparation for the Lenten season, I missed out on two fish fries in Week 1. I made gosh darn sure that wouldn't be the case this week. Seems everyone else in the St. Gabriel parish had the same idea, as the line was wrapped around the school. It was completely worth it for an $8 plate full of fried cod, mac 'n cheese, and green beans. Oh, and thanks to Erin having the "ins," the free beer too.
• As the weather begins to slowly warm up, people are reluctantly leaving their houses again. After a brief stay at McGurk's in Soulard though, Erin, Mary Ellen and I found everyone's been hiding at Library Annex. Claustrophobia much?
• A last minute trip to Kansas City riding co-captain with Corby proved a great alternative to sitting and pondering what else to do in the St. Louis winter.
• A huge thanks to Claire for not only being flexible with our spontaneity, but taking time away from her busy work projects to entertain us.
• Deviled eggs have never been prepared better than at The Westside Local.
• Shopping on The Plaza consisted of just one sale item purchase. For that I am quite proud of myself.
• I'm a huge fan of neighborhood bars such as Brookside's Charlie Hooper's. They're more fun when Mizzou actually beats Kansas State though.
• Surely a place could not ever be as crowded as Library Annex was on Friday night? At least that's what I thought until I experienced O'Dowd's on Friday night.
• Even a mild claustrophobic like me can handle a dark and crowded nightlife when such trench coat-wearing gentlemen as Nigel provide champagne service.
• How excited was I that a salmon and goat cheese frittata was the daily special at Eggtc? Wouldn't you like to know?
• It seems mini-day trips create the illusion of an extended weekend. It takes just a tad bit of the edge away from that Monday morning wake up.

"You can eat life or let life eat you."--Tahitian Proverb

Weekend Review-2.21.10

It took almost a week, but sure enough I found it. My Olympic spirit that is. It was located sometime Sunday in the latter part of the afternoon after taking a curious interest in both slalom and downhill skiing. To be quite specific that interest was Bode Miller. I found it's not hard to look at him in any event or climbing the podiums. He's fun to watch on the slopes as well. Of course there were other events that took place at the Olympics and around these parts this weekend as well.

• Nothing is better than having a full rest to make for a productive Saturday afternoon.
• While more often than not I like to support the local establishments, I couldn't deny the great traffic view that the Chippewa Starbucks offers to catch up on my electronic tasks, and enjoy an iced coffee.
• Sometimes life hands out some hard choices. Fortunately the most difficult one I had at hand Saturday was whether to get my daily exercise at the gym or Francis Park. The gym won.
• Seeing so many people enjoying the spring preview on my drive actually made me feel bad for my neglect on Mother Nature. Four guesses as to where I wound up? Seems sometimes you can have it both ways.
• A big thanks to my friend Anna for inviting me to trivia night in O'Fallon. It was a great experiment in the effects of alcohol on the brain's synapses.
• Next time I'm told there's always room for Jell-O, my response will most assuredly be "Jell-NO."
• Even through chaos, Mom's house is the perfect place for recuperation. Big comfy couches, loaded refrigerator, and premium channels. Why go anywhere else?
• Between the hopes of a modern day "Miracle on Ice" and Bode Miller...well Bode Miller, I'm completely hooked on the Olympics. I even downloaded the comprehensive NBC 2010 Winter Olympics app.
• Unfortunately my new hobby has pushed my traditional February pastime to the wayside. Ten best picture nominees for 2010? Too ambitious for my lack of preparation. Sigh...

Weekend Review-2.14.10

It was the hip-hop artist Outkast who once sang, "Got to shake it. Shake it like a Polaroid picture." He's right, sometimes you just have to shake it all out. The work week, winter blues, the mistakes you purchased last week, and yes, even Polaroid pictures. They all need a good flick of the wrist once in awhile. Enter: Mardi Gras weekend in St. Louis. Not quite on the grand scale of New Orleans, but it still gets the job done of discounting impaired judgments and questionable daytime behavior.

• Another Olympics, another opening ceremony. Pageantry has never been my thing, but then again it never came in Ralph Lauren style before.
• Nothing guarantees a good weekend like visitors. Guests from Chicago to Columbia graced St. Louis with their presence this weekend to partake in the festivities.
• Just like all soccer moms, every Mardi Gras goer knows to use the restroom before you leave. Inevitably you'll still have to duck and dive once you stroll into Soulard.
• Down Russell St., through the food and drink tents, around the bend to Ann and 9th Streets, winding back to 12th and Russell we went. Ultimately it was the Great Grizzly, for a second year in a row that won over the majority of our stay. If you ain't got good beats, you ain't got nothin'.
• While a couple close of separations took place throughout the day, it was our plastic whistle and personal Polaroid name tags that kept our group in tact. [The masking tape hooks were fashioned by the ever clever Allie Corby.]
• Bound and determined we were to make it out past Soulard and into the night. We lasted through dinner at The Dubliner. Eh, what can you do?
• Mornings can be rough after a day and night like Mardi Gras. They can be even more so when you're a few single gals on Valentine's Day. A breakfast of champions is often needed to get through this kind of day. Good thing the South City nook, Murdoch Perk could handle this task.
• Valentine's Day is meant to be spent with the ones you love. So I spent mine with my Mom. We discovered Avatar really is as spectacular as everyone said, and mourned MJ all over again watching This Is It.
• While unfortunately my industry doesn't recognize President's Day as a holiday, I could still pretend some remnants of my weekend were spared on Monday. A lunch outing with Margaret at Adriana's on the Hill was so much fun that we decided to get drinks at Bar Louie that evening. Of course it's always better though when you have a crowd, so we dragged Anna out with us.
• As an update, heels are slowly but surely becoming a staple for my outfits (less Mardi Gras). With a few more go's, I may be ready for stilettos in time for spring.

Weekend Review-2.7.10

One of the most real sayings in this world comes from ABC's Wide World of Sports. "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." While we may accept a lot of quotations/sayings/expressions as true, not very many are ever fully realized. However, regardless of sport, who cannot attest to ever having felt the disappointment of moments slipped by? Then again, it's the missed shots that make the ones made all the more sweeter...

• Sometimes you just need to get out even if you have nowhere to go. That's why it's good to have old favorites like McGurk's as a go-to for grabbing drinks with Erin.
• While the weekend is supposed to imply two full personal days, we all know it usually doesn't go that way. Fortunately I was able to snag one on Saturday, shopping the Delmar Loop that even included a coffee break with my iPod.
• Evidently no matter where you go, a piano bar is always the same. Make sure you go early to one to grab a table. It makes a difference, as I found out at the Jive and Wail in Maplewood.
• Another thing to make sure of when you go out is having an escape route. Even if you plan on a no-fail night. Enter: The Post.
• Three years ago I hopped along with a little glee in every step from January into spring when Peyton Manning and the Colts won the Super Bowl XLI. The glee left too early this year. If had to go to someone else though...well congratulations, New Orleans.
• It was somewhat of an eventful weekend, and Peyton Manning must wait another year for his second ring. Oh, the agony.
• Mardi Gras comes this weekend. A sure thrill.