A little church block party

The weekend before the fourth of July was the 28th annual Old St. Pat's "World's Largest Block Party".  As always, a fun opportunity to volunteer and enjoy the festivities:  serving the church while serving the masses delicious encased meats and burgers. 

The headlining bands always prove to be a significant investment of resources, but we need more than last year's green skin tight suit-wearing men from Clear Wireless to bring people in.  Some 16,000 people showed up Friday and Saturday night as we closed off two full city blocks for 2 stages, countless food vendors, and plenty of beverage providers.  The exciting and [sometimes] well known music of Ben Folds Five (yes, five) and Lifehouse provided the masses with a great show.  

It was a very busy, exhausting weekend.  Sundays seem to be exempt from this busy-ness however because we had a birthday to celebrate.  We got to celebrate with Megan and 30 of her closest friends at the Aberdeen Grill in the River West neighborhood.  What an amazing group; we are all so blessed to have such wonderful friends and Megan is especially important to us.  After being absent two years in a row, it was great to be with her for the birthday festivities. 

 

In other interesting news, ever wondered what the inside of a 50mm f/1.8 lens looks like?  I dropped this into a flower bed and it broke.  So I learned to not buy cheap lenses.  These pictures were taken with my newly acquired 28mm f/1.8.  I'm currently "auditioning" the lens and am pretty pleased with it.  More pictures to follow.  It's definitely not as sharp as it could be at 1.8 but 2.8 and even 2.0 is respectable. 

Old St. Pat’s Cabaret

Well it happened. After 6 weeks of feverish rehearsals (literally at times), we put on an entertaining evening of musical theatre cabaret in the Old St. Pat’s church hall. Nestled in among the painted support poles and huddled at cloth-covered tables, 200 people came to support our creative experiment of cabaret. See more pictures here!

The cabaret was many things: it was an opportunity for Young Adults to host an evening of entertaining music for the members of Old St. Pat’s in a way that was accessible (no one balked at $10); it was a chance for the musicians we hear each Sunday to learn, and in many cases, re-engage in a different style of performing; it was creative outlet for the performers and an opportunity to cement (but first test) the friendship of the artistic team that led it; finally it was a commitment (a relationship of its own perhaps) that everyone took seriously and that everyone came away from with a sense of thankfulness, awe, achievement, and great joy.

But really, what was it? An evening of musical theatre that covered music from 1934 through 2008. It was heartfelt, memorized, and emphatically delivered. We are all thankful for the Old St. Pat’s pastoral, young adult, and special events staff for their enthusiastic support.

You can click on the program below for more information about the songs we performed.

Here are a few quotes from those who came:

• “The program was superb - to see "stars" eagerly taking on the roles of stage hands was humbling.”  -- Peg R
• “Loved the whole show... and can't wait till you all do another one.”  -- Mark B.
• “I keep having the songs from the cabaret go through my head!”  -- Mary Pat S.
• “You nailed that one!” -- Tom H.
• “I didn’t realize I’d end up liking these songs so much.” -- me

And from here there are some more pictures for you to enjoy from our various rehearsals and performance:

We are officially an ANNUAL event and already looking forward to creating this great experience next winter.

In a word: Thanksgiving

It was Thanksgiving time again in Michigan where we found ourselves most grateful for our health, for our rich family bonds and faith traditions, and, it turns out, for candy.  As we gathered around the harvest table at the de Varona home, we thoughtfully verbalized the things we hold dear to our hearts.  In a rare case where I prefer literal translations, it's interesting to note the Spanish name for the day: día de Acción de Gracias.  It connotes a deeper expression of action to give thanks which contrasts somewhat with our notion of simply being "thankful".  So while Justin was thankful for candy, I think we found ourselves really giving thanks to God and to each other for our deeper blessings this Thanksgiving.


Now, Vox Clara and ICEL, don't get too excited.  Your literal translations have descended upon us Advent people like the dewfall and we're all set on adding any additional literal equivalency to our mass.  I hope everyone's Advent season was kicked off well, lexicographically speaking however.  Old St. Pat's has done a fairly good job of introducing the changes and accepting (and expecting) the awkwardness of it.  To be perfectly honest and fair though, our experience of the new Roman Missal could be described as the "lite" version due our omission of a recited Confetior and Gloria, switching to the scarcely-changed Apostles Creed, and not using any of the new Mystery of Faith acclamations.  This is okay but I think there is room here for a deeper expression.  Certainly, the presiders have done a fantastic job of incorporating their revised text into the liturgy of the familiar.  


We are nailing the "And with your spirit" though.  However, I noted yesterday the tendency to put emphasis on "with" (And with your spirit):  a clear linkage of relative emphasis to "And also with you".  With the operative words now being your (or possibly spirit), I tried to more fully embrace the text by saying: "And with your spirit".  That is, when I remembered to say it in the first place.


As always, Stephen Colbert had something to say as well.


Below are a few pictures from the weekend.  The full Thanksgiving album is also available on Picasa for your enjoyment.  First some food, then the first annual omelette cook off!  Aimee led us all in explaining the carefully devised rules and scoring:  four judges will assess omelettes from four chefs on the basis of cooking technique, taste, use of available ingredients, and omelette integrity.  Despite a good showing, my arugula pesto with chèvre and shallots, my creation, did not win.  But Kari's did -- and it was very delicious!

The deliciously moist turkey

Aimee's amazing apple pie

Aimee and I with Crowley (who is much more focused on the kids than the camera)

Dad's Omelette preparations (where's the cottage cheese?)

Aimee and Kari readying their ingredients

I believe I was caught stealing ingredients.

To kick it all off, we had a nice visit with Sarah and Matt at the Blundy residence.  Crowley came over to meet their 8 month old puppy Sparty.  It was quite cute.  Once they sorted out their relative hierarchy, they played pretty well together!

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving holiday was replenishing and enjoyable.  In a few words, literally speaking, we give thanks for:

1. Our family's health, especially my Mom and Kari
2. Our family traditions which we honor by invigorating and passing on each year
3. The generosity, honesty, and hospitality of our friends
4. The passionate embrace of faith by our church and the dedication of those who serve it
5. Crowley

Will Run for Chocolate

On Thursday we got to have our near-annual visit with Jenny, in from DC.  Last time was their wedding!  We went to one of our new favorites, the Davanti Enoteca, in Little Italy.  Nice wine, great company, subtle, yet comfortable ambiance (right Jenny?), and burrata – a cream filled fresh mozzarella cheese:  can’t go wrong!

I was inspired by the delicious baked goods and realized that I’ve not baked bread in a while so in preparation for our post-race brunch on Saturday, I made a loaf of cinnamon swirl and regular bread.  These are just amazing in the new toaster oven by the way.  Nothing fancy in the recipe, just the standard Better Homes and Gardens recipe (although I did craft my own cinnamon filling but you really can’t go wrong with cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar and Mexican vanilla!).

  

Friday was Michael and Keara’s Wedding Reception at Old St. Pat’s.  It was fun to get all dressed up and be in a space of frequent, otherwise casual socializing to celebrate their marriage.  What a great couple, we are blessed to call them friends.

Saturday was race day.

The Hot Chocolate 15k was finally upon us.  We had a beautiful day and gathered with about 15,000 other chocolate-motivated runners in Grant Park for the start (including Fr. Tom, Emily, Megan, Meghan, Michael).  It was in the mid to high 40s all day with bright sun throughout.  In terms of results, Aimee and I were both really happy with our times, considering this was the farthest either of us had ever run.  We ran 10.5 minute miles which was definitely faster than expected, thanks to Aimee’s unflagging determination to power through.  The official ranking aren’t quite as impressive, but hey, there were a lot of people running….

	Overall	Our Age Group	Men/Women
Mark	9,946th	806 / 903	3,745 / 4,348
Aimee	9,953rd		1,173 / 1,758		6,194 / 9,067

Below is a picture of the route we ran (taken from Nike+ on my iPhone) and Aimee enjoying her post-race Ghirardelli chocolate fondue.

                   

Post-fondue was brunch hosted by Michael and Joanna.  Crowley got to tag along for this one but didn’t get to enjoy the French Toast Casserole, Swiss Chard Egg Dish, fresh fruit parfaits, mimosas, Blood Marys, and doughnuts.  Well, she may have gotten a little doughnut.

A lovely weekend to dress up

The 26th annual Old St. Patrick’s Emerald Ball was this past Friday at the Chicago Hilton.  In an elegant evening of dinner and dancing, we honored the families that have enriched our community through dedication of philanthropy and service.  It was also an excellent reason to get all dressed up and enjoy some time with our OSP friends and – this year, our family as well!  Please enjoy some pictures below but, as always, head over to Picasa for the full treat:

The elegant ballroom at the Chicago Hilton

My parents came down from Lansing for the night to celebrate!

And Katie came too (always looking for an excuse to get dressed up!)

My parents

Aimee and I with Fr. Tom

Continuing the “black and white” theme, we also had the pleasure of hosting Miles here for the weekend while Michael and Joanna took a weekend to be with friends and family in Ohio.  Crowley loved having someone to hang out and all in all, I think it was a pretty good first stay for Miles too!

Throw in a great steak (and macaroni and cheese!) dinner and time with friends compliments of Mark B and placing and order for a couple new iPhones, it’s been a great weekend (and that’s even before what’s shaping up to be a “You Are My Rock” Sunday at OSP)!

Trip to Chicago, Part III

More of a third installment I suppose.  Aimee and I took the St. Patrick’s Day weekend as an opportunity to visit our home away from Atlanta to see some friends, family, and participate in a few things that remind us of living in Chicago.

The annual Siamsa nGael concert was on Wednesday at Symphony Center.  I sat proudly in the Gallery with other young adults (see vantage point shot below). The music selection was a refreshing blend of new and familiar and showcased immensely talented soloists from Old St. Pat’s.  Martin Sheen was the guest narrator, guiding us, his captive audience, through the stories and beautiful imagery of inciting music, brash courage, and proud history of the Irish people.  Many media outlets were not welcome at the event because of an expressed desire to ask Martin about his son.  NBC was present on condition that they respect the man and his purpose.  They published some pictures on their site:  pictures link 

With a shortage of Irish pubs here in Atlanta, I was on the hunt for a good corned beef and cabbage.  Unfortunately I had completely forgotten this quest when picking Red Light for dinner.  Their zesty Chinese offerings and refreshing drinks did not disappoint though!  Neither did my stay at Hotel Neary.  Thank you to them for opening their doors to me!

On Friday I had the opportunity to visit with Kristen most of the day at the United Center as we cheered the Notre Dame basketball team to victory against Akron.  Mental note though, to stay away from the United Center on Friday’s in Lent.  I can only hope that their undesirable Connie’s Pizza does not become the Chicago-style pizza archetype for visitors. 

We met at Mark’s place that night for Brinner, featuring eggs, waffles, and donuts.  Special thanks to Mark for his hospitality and willingness to cook for us while we visited with Sara, Adam, Kristen, and Scott – and especially for letting us stay with him over the weekend. 

Webster’s Wine Bar was up next. They state they are Chicago’s “Oldest and Finest Wine Bar”, yet established in 1994.  Did we really not have wine bars before then? Anyway, Aimee was hoping to connect with her soon-to-be colleagues and this place was perfect:  a large couch and wine list that reads like a book.  She counts herself more than fortunate to work with such smart practitioners.

Megan generously came in early (air quotes?) to give us massages on Saturday morning which was followed by lunch with Fr. Tom, my parents, and Frank and Darlene at Ina’s in the West Loop.  I’m saddened to find out that there was a delicious breakfast place in the West Loop that I did not know about.  We got to meet Ina herself (a.k.a. Breakfast Queen, evidently a title that has been taken away from Aimee). 

David and Maryjoy had a couple hours to visit with us that afternoon so we finally got to meet little Theo and catch up with them.  We miss our trips to the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and anticipate those resuming soon.

We really enjoyed the chance to visit with my parents who drove in from Michigan to be with us.  Dinner on Saturday took us to Little Italy to Francesca’s on Taylor Street.  We were joined by Megan, Jim, Ginny, the Mullooly’s, along with my parents and Frank and Darlene.

Sunday started, as so frequently it does, with brunch among friends.  Leaning on the early brunch mandate from MB, we decided it was a good time to experience a smaller crowd at Meli.  It was delicious.  Hopefully Irena liked it because she’s now blacklisted from this location.  We joined the choir for mass at OSP (which also included a welcomed and surprise guest appearance from Mark).  I felt good and comfortable behind the keys of the Steinway Model D – but who wouldn’t.

Perhaps it was an omen, or perhaps just yet another sign of constrained labor operations in the airlines, but our United crew did not show up for the flight and once we had some semblance of one, the pilots had timed out and couldn’t fly.  What followed was some frustrated, yet ambitious playing of the doctor card by Aimee, a short night in a hotel, and a newly issued ticket on Delta that got us home the next morning. 

Oh, and did you guess a white 32 GB Wi-fi iPad 2?  And did it arrive on Monday?  You bet.

Send off at the Castillo's

Just a quick post to mention our send off party hosted by Frank and Courtney Castillo.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mscozz/SendOffAtCastillos#

We are SO incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Castillo's and all of our friends from Chicago. We truly carry that with us in our hearts...