...and her daily commute

30 minute bus ride to work + 40 minute bus ride home = about 70 minutes of time to fill each day.

With what? a book

I would say about 80% of the people who ride the bus are either reading their kindle, a newspaper or a book. I love it.

So i officially joined the unspoken book club, and brought a book along for the first time this past week. 
What you may ask?

If you could be addicted to a book, well call me an addict. I could not put it down. I seriously considered reading and walking - but then I realized my name is Kelsey, I trip walking normal.

So after staying up way too late, and reading every minute I could... the book was finished.

A good book is so bittersweet. You don't want to put it down, but you know that it will eventually end (Harry Potter #7 anyone?).  Luckily this little gem is part of a trilogy...

So of course I immediately ordered the other two. Then i couldn't wait.  So i read them online. I told you, I'm an addict.

These books are definitely the type that as you explain them to someone it sounds horrible, and sad.  But they are undeniably captivating.  Still trying to figure out how they are making them into a movie? I can't wait.

So tomorrow starts my second week as a part of the unofficial book club. 

Next on my list: The Help

After that:  ?

Suggestions?

...listening to her own tunes

I don't listen to music much. I try to find a love for it, but the reality is I would rather sit in silence and think then put my headphones in.  Whenever people ask me what my favorite type of music is I usually respond: "umm well, not really sure, hmm, I really like Cold Play".

However, every once in a while a song strikes my fancy. It never really makes sense why either. Here are a few examples.

1. Florence + The Machine - Cosmic Love

This one is thanks to Water for Elephants (great movie-although I am not too tough a critic when it comes to movies) and their movie trailers. Also, she performed live on SYTYCD and I thought it was amazing.

2. The Civil Wars - Poison and Wine

This one is thanks to my dear friend Sarah. Love truly is a choice, that is what it reminds me.

3. The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

An old one. Don't know why but this has always been one of my favorite songs.


So therefore, I wouldn't really come to me for musical advice. However, I always welcome it! Especially now with a 30+ minute bus ride to work :)

...celebrating with the birthday boy

One of the best things about Chicago is the yummy food. It is everywhere.

And since one of David's favorite things is trying new places, we decided to go a bit fancy for his birthday. We went to this nontraditional place you would see on food network called Graham Elliot. We knew it was a right pick when we heard the intro song on their website - love us some Sufjan.

http://www.grahamelliot.com/ge.php

Unfortunately, we didn't get many pictures but it was delicious! Instead of bread, they start you with this amazing popcorn, and then you can either choose to go the tastings route or pick a la carte. We finished our dinner up this piece of deliciousness below - and they even added a candle for the birthday boy. Classy, oh so classy.

Now that's a chocolate cake. small but packed with flavor.

Happy Birthday David.  Excited to share this stage of life with you in the city of broad shoulders.

...in the city of broad shoulders

We're a perfect match already. Chicago and I that is.

Why, you may ask?

1. Chicago has broad shoulders. 

photo credit - eyesthetically pleasing 

This nickname for Chicago was coined in Carl Sandburg's famous 1916 poem:

 

HOG Butcher for the World, 

Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, 

Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler; 

Stormy, husky, brawling

City of the Big Shoulders:

Even Paul Elie from the NY Times admires the city of broad shoulders. check it out.

2. I have broad shoulders.

told ya

My closest friends/family have probably heard me refer to myself as the female version of Michael Phelps (minus the gold medals).  Debated among many, but i still hold strong to this conviction.  I mean i do have a 6 foot arm span & broad shoulders.

I plan on replicating this picture myself. Really. Well once I find a pool, and a swim cap.

No articles have been written about the admiration of my broad shoulders.

So, like I said, we are a perfect match.

I look forward to sharing our adventures in the city of broad shoulders.

Disclaimer: I choose Business and not English as my major for a reason if you catch my drift