An Error Message I Could Deal With

Why yes, yes I would.  

On The Same Subject

 So True.

Tais Til 4 is My Friend

So, as a good amount of my readers know, I am the kind of gal who enjoys a night on the town with a couple libations.  However, all good things, at times, possess some negative qualities.

One of my main complaints about alcohol is the fact that it makes me have to pee quite often.  I know this is not an uncommon complaint about liquor.  I guess, moreso, my issue is that, often times when I've had a couple and have to pee, I don't realize it until there's an extreme sense of urgency in the matter.  I don't know if it has something to do with alcohol impairing one's judgment, or alcohol slowing one's reactions, or something else entirely, but I do think it's worthwhile that scientists might but some time and money into researching this pressing matter.

Anyhow.  I can think of one particular instance this got me into a little bit of trouble.  I ended up going out for byob sushi with three other ladies.  I love byobs because, unlike in the aforementioned post, I know I'm not getting ripped off on alcohol.  It's easy to coordinate with friends to rotate bringing a bottle to share.  On this particular night, we four girls ended up bringing four bottles.

So, we sat and drank four bottles over a period of a couple hours whilst consuming some delicious sushi.  I remember making one rest stop whilst at the restaurant (as the Monday morning quarterback, I keep going over this in my head).

After we finished our food and wine, we decided to meet up with a friend who is a bartender at a local pub.  This is dangerous because we got free drinks.  Again, it wasn't the liquor content that ultimately ended up being the problem, but rather, the liquid content over the beverage.  Who knew?

Anyhow, after a short period of time, we all decided it was time to call it a night and go our separate ways.  I jumped in to a cab.  Approximately right after I sat down in said taxi, I realized the little problem I had at hand.  I had to pee.  I was in Wicker Park, on my way back to Lakeview.  Ok, it's all right, I'm on my way back home - I'll be there shortly.

Well, upon being in said taxi for about two minutes, I realized the issue was a little more, err, pressing than I realized.  I tried to distract myself by texting with my phone, but it soon became uncomfortable to sit in any position because my oversized bladder was now the size of a small child inside me.

Somewhere along Ashland Avenue, I came to the realization that I wasn't going to make it.   I was in too much physical pain.  I had only been in the cab around 7 min, but I realized it would be at least another 3 min before I got home, and that was too much.  I wasn't sure what to do.

Apparently, the cab driver was on to the fact that there was a problem as well - most likely because I was unconsciously whimpering.  "Are you ok, ma'am?"  It was so sweet of him to be concerned - I let the 'ma'am' go.  I frantically looked around.  Nearby, there was a bar called 'Tais Til 4'.  Prior to this night, I was not very familiar with Tais Til 4.  However, upon initial viewing, it looked like the kind of bar that might let a girl fly in, use the bathroom, and fly out.

"Uh, actually, can you stop right here?"  I paid the cabbie.  I don't remember if they checked my ID at the door.  I made a beeline for the ladies room.  Thank goodness there was no line.  This might have been because, I believe at the time, I was the only female in said place.

The bathroom was shockingly clean.  I instantly felt so much better - that was, for a second, until I realized I had to do 'the walk of shame'.  Based on the layout of the bar, my straight shot from the door to the washroom was witnessed by the four 'truck driver-esque' gentlemen at the bar, plus the bartender (my real concern - perhaps this kind of patronage is frowned upon by employees).  I emerged slowly.  Sure enough, they were all staring at me.

"Uhh."  I was trying to debate my strategy.  Do I bolt?  Do I pretend I'm looking for a friend in the back room?  Do I stand there and text and look busy?   At this point, the individuals at the bar were cracking up.

"It's ok, you can come in here and use our washroom."  I wasn't sure if the bartender was joking or being serious, but he was laughing, so I took it he wasn't too mad.  I took out a couple singles, plunked it down on the bar, proclaimed "I'm sure you're a great bartender.  Thank you." (which was met with more laughter from the peanut gallery) and high-tailed it out of there.  I have never spent a considerable amount of time in Tais Til 4, but after this pleasant experience, I am tempted to go back.  And not just for a rest stop.

Thank you, Tais and the kind cab driver, for being there for me.

Half Full or Half Empty?

So the other night, on one of my most recent dating excursions, I was at an upscale sushi restaurant downtown.  I went to order a glass of wine - a $10 glass of wine, if you will.

They brought it to me in a very large wine glass.  It looked as though there was 1 inch deep of liquid in said glass.  This did not seem adequate to me for a 'glass of wine' (please don't try to send me to AA).  

I commented on this to my date.  He agreed that the height of it didn't seem that great, but to consider the width.  I worried that this line came too easily to him.

Now, at the end of the day, I'm going to give said restaurant the benefit of the doubt that they gave me a full glass of wine and that this was just an optical illusion (my date treated so I'm not gonna lose sleep over this).  However, is this a good idea on restaurant's parts?  Shouldn't they be buying small wine glasses, where it actually might look like the patrons are getting a full glass?  Maybe the small glasses would create a better optical illusion?  Or, is there something hoity-toity about large wine glasses and that's why expensive restaurants choose them?   Which kind of wine glasses do you prefer?  Which kind should I buy for my apartment?  Your thoughts?

Simple, Direct Branding

I like it.  It's clutter free.  We need more of that in daily life. 

Getting Christmasy Around the Apartment

The wine glasses prove I'm over the age of 12, contrary to the other pieces of evidence.

Tonight's Dinner

Tuna Steak & Rice.

Yes, I did pair seafood with red wine.

Yes, that's steam rising off the rice.

Yes, that's a caramel apple candle.  And nail polish.

Forget Coach....

....the newest design from the aforementioned wine store.

Wine and Deep Thoughts

So there's a lovely little wine store in Lakeview that I frequent.  It has nice quality products, a good selection, cute tchotchkes, and decent prices. 

However, I have a certain gripe about them.  The staff.  They are TOO nice.  Too much.  Too over the top.  They try TOO hard.

Really?  You ask.  How so?  They repeatedly excessively use your name when talking to you.

Now, don't get me wrong - I know this is a 'how to win friends and influence people' technique.   Literally, I believe it's from that book.  And sure, it makes me feel special and important that someone noted my name.  However, there's a fine line between nice and 'too much'.

How do I know said line was crossed?

Well, I'll tell you.  One time, when I was there, approximately halfway through my visit - the person waiting on me switched to "Julie".  I decided against correcting him because a) who cares? I'd be out of there in 5-10 minutes and 2) I figured it would only evoke an equally over the top apology which I didn't have the energy to listen to.

However, I decided to take count - he then proceeded to call me Julie 8 times!  It reached a point where I was thinking of changing horses and correcting him, but, well, cue for the Friends reference of Chandler Bing getting called 'Toby' - why had I let it go on thus far?

Anyhow.  I am curious - from this tidbit alone, does anyone know where I'm talking about?  Can anyone immediately identify 'the lakeview wine store where they overuse your name'?

I Purchased Artwork.

I bought this off Etsy.  It combines several things I love.  I am now looking for a complimentary piece that features a caterpillar and a glass of wine (for balance).

This was a 'pay it forward' piece.  The artist only charged me shipping ($2.50) and only asked for a good deed for someone else in return.  I am not sure the going rate for artwork or what one should expect to pay for certain pieces (considering training, supplies, time put in, etc.), but I am confident this was a steal.

However, I will do a brief 'pay it backward' and feature this artist on my blog.  I really like the piece I purchased, and it looks like she has some other very nice pieces on her website.  Alane Holsteen, please note that, with this blog post, your work is being exposed to an audience of an additional five people (one of whom happens to be my own mother). 

I am still looking for a suggestion for my 'good deed' that I should do for another individual.

Something to Work Toward...

A wine cork chair, courtesy of the Old Town Art Fair.  All righty kiddos - let's grab our Lolita glasses for 'step 1' in this DIY project.

Call Me Martha Freakin' Stewart

I made wine cork coasters.   All the 'ingredients' are pictured above.   It was quite the fun project.  The most fun part of the project is acquiring the wine corks - I recommend doing it the old-fashioned way.

Anyhow. 

Sidenote:  I am not sure how well these coasters WORK.  Like, for their intended purpose.  They are a little wobbly.  Not all wine corks are created equal.  They are not all the same size.  Maybe I did something wrong and could have done something more to balance this out.  I dunno.  Martha would probably yell at me if she were here.  Regardless, I like them.  I might morph them into a wine cork-corkboard instead - time will tell.  Updated to come. 

Calling Martha Stewart....

So, over a course of time, I have collected quite a few wine corks from empty wine bottles (no judgment). At first I was throwing them out, but then I decided to start saving them for some reason. I've now got a bit of them saved up. I seem to remember that a former roommate of mine mentioned something about someone she knew making something out of used wine corks.

Since I'm feeling rather artsy & craftsy and (it pains me to say this) domestic lately - does anyone have any project suggestions on this one? I have quite a few artsy/craftsy/domestic people in my life - I look forward to some feedback.

My Valentine

From Mom.

Of course, being the responsible person I am, I tested it immediately. It works great!

No Soup for You?

So yesterday, for the first time, I made homemade soup (recipe courtesy of Becky, aka Thyme for Wine). Mmm. I did a fantastic job, if I do say so myself. Martha Stewart, move over.

My only complaint about this recipe is that it didn't have any wine in it. I'm all about cooking with wine; sometimes I even use it in the recipe.

My First Christmas Present of the Season!!

That middle gift is the Lolita "Wine Tasting" wine glass!



Welcome home!




I'm gonna need a bigger shelf!

Thanks Emily!!

Christmas Cards

So, I got my first (and probably last :-( ) Christmas card (thanks to non blog reader Laura).

My family never did Christmas cards when I was younger, so, be it a cause of nature or nurture, I haven't either. However, I do love receiving them. Maybe I'm putting out bad card karma by not sending them out. I'm a taker but not a giver.

Anyhow. I particularly enjoy the cards that are family photos. However, what would I do for an X-mas card? (Cue for the old school Encore commercials.) A picture of me with my shoe collection? My nail polishes? Oh, I know - how about my wine glasses and wine bottles! Now THAT screams Christmas spirit!

Actually, upon further review, I have decided the best Christmas card would probably a picture of me and this blog. However, since that's not so exciting, please consider this post my Christmas card to all of you, my friends and blog readers.

It's Christmas in Chicago!!!!

My first EVER real live tree!!!!!


Yes, there are, indeed, already some presents under it!!


I tried to hide his 'Charlie Brown' angle....




It seemed morally wrong (a stuffed animal on a wine bottle), however, I do believe he is of age in reindeer years....