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Scared in the Suburbs

I had the opportunity to visit the Dungeon of Doom haunted house in Zion, IL. A few friends of mine agreed to come and get spooked with me. I hadn't gone to a haunted house since probably senior year of high school, so I was very excited. 

Since we are all city dwellers, my friends and I decided no trip to the burbs is complete without a stop for dinner at a chain restaurant. While we loved the idea of going to a TGI Fridays on a Friday, Chili's was closer and my friend, Kelsey really wanted some chicken crispers. I wasn't about to say no to a Southwestern egg roll or the 2-for-1 happy hour margaritas. 

Bellies painfully full, we made our way to Zion, IL...which is far from Chicago proper. Finding the entrance to the haunted house was difficult. Several roads that lead to the entrance were blocked. For a while, we felt like the experience was the hell you are in locating the entrance. After several circles, we made our way down a creepy desolate gravel road to the rusty metal opening to the attraction.  

The experience of Dungeon of Doom is over an hour! Which helps dull the pain of the 40 minute wait we endured to enter. Trust me...it's well worth the wait! Beginning with a disorienting spin on a carousel-like contraption, you maneuver through hallways of total darkness, sensory-twisting fun house rooms, and themed exhibits of eery butcher shops, mental asylum rooms, a filthy bayou house, and other assorted scenes with live actors who cannot touch you, but get pretty damn close! 

After the whole journey, I would say my least favorite part of the attraction experience was the long wait time. I do not want to imagine wait times this weekend, however, the thrill of being scared and giggly are worth the wait! My favorite feature was the Buried Alive experience, which I will not ruin for you...but do it! 

If you enjoy a night of innocent, but seriously spooky fun, head to Dungeon of Doom!

Dungeon of Doom Haunted House

600 29th St, Zion, IL 60099

https://www.facebook.com/DungeonofDoom 

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Starting Over Yet Again

I have two doctors appointments in October. One with my surgeon and one with my primary care physician. And I feel fatter than I've felt in a long time! I just feel heavy. I've had an amazing summer of fun, food, and drinks. But, I feel like I haven't worked out in ages and I'm very tired and lethargic. I despise this feeling. So, this week, I started working out again. Three days in a row so far and debating getting in a work out today. Working out is great, but there's really only one option to get back on track. 

Focus on getting back to basics. That's right, WLS 101. 

Starting Weight (SW): 349 lbs (September 8, 2014) 

Last Year: 234 lbs (September 23, 2016) 

Current Weight (CW): 240 lbs

Goal Weight (GW): 190 lbs 

For comparison purposes, last time I saw my GP in July and I was 232 lbs. Eight lbs may not seem like a lot, but it is to me and only in a few months. So, I need to lose at least 8 lbs by October 2nd... at least. 

The plan: back to WLS dieting: 

Protein shakes for breakfast Monday through Friday 

Using MyFitnessPal to track calories (1000 cals /day, 1100 on days I workout) 

Protein shake + 2 meals + 2-3 small HEALTHY snacks / day 

At least 3 workouts/week 

Low carb

At least 64 ounces of water / day 

Admittedly, my new job keeps us awash in snacks and catered (delicious) lunch. I am going back to Barcelona for my birthday in mid-October. I fully plan to buy my fall/winter wardrobe while I'm there and I need to comfortably try on those European sizes and fits! 

Willpower will need to be strengthen immensely, so keep me in your thoughts and prayers! What has worked to get you back on track after a lapsed diet? 

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Love & WLS - A Balancing Act

It's been forever since I posted a blog about actual weight loss surgery stuff and I apologize for that. The last several months of my life have been a flurry of events and resumes. I GOT A NEW JORB!

And...in the last few months, I've been hopelessly falling for this ridiculously handsome turd-face and his floof nugget kitten, Larry (awwwwww). 

During the last few weeks, I've started to look at what is working for me and what is working against me. In an effort to get back on track, I want to look at what's working in my favor and what isn't in hopes of getting more focused on my WLS journey again. 

What does not work:

1. I eat and drink a lot when I am happy.

Food is delicious. Drinks are fun. For nearly 8 months, I've been dating someone who likes food and drinks as much as, if not more, than I do. I feel that throughout my life, food has been a constant in happy (and sad, and lonely, and depressed, insert infinite emotions here) moments. So, when I found someone I genuinely enjoy spending time with and sharing a fondness for trying new restaurants and new beers, things just kind of naturally progressed with that becoming commonplace. I really don't want that to change, but I've got to pick out some healthier options... sometimes.  

2. I am tired. 

Mainly due to the eating and drinking, I feel really tired lately. Granted I've been going full steam for months, making the most of this summer as Chicagoans tend to do because Chicago winters be like dis.

Even still, I remember having a lot more energy last summer when I wasn't eating quite so much. 

3. I've gained weight. 

There it is, the one thing people that have had WLS are not supposed to admit. Also, the one thing, I've never mentioned on this blog. My weight has fluctuated before, but I once got down to 218. I've been holding steady around 235 for the last several months. I'm not happy about this AT ALL. My goal weight set by my GP is 190. My goal weight that my surgeon suggested is 200. I've never gotten there. And according to my general practitioner, the weight I'm going to lose from WLS is over! It's all on me now. I. AM. TERRIFIED about this. I can eat nearly as much in a sitting as I used to be able to. Nothing seems to trigger my stopping point/vomit button like it used to. And to be honest, I miss that feeling. 

What works:

1. I am motivated to work out when I have a buddy. 

Since we've been dating, he started running. Seeing him finish the first 5K he's participated in, and running it with him, was so exciting! Going to the gym together was inspiration for me to keep going on my weight loss journey...I just need to make those trips to the gym more frequently! It's really easy to get caught up in the feeling that comes from someone you think is a babe finding you equally as babely. But, we can totally just be even bablier babes together! 

2. Sex. 

Sex is awesome. Sex is particularly awesome when it is with someone you can communicate with and who makes you feel comfortable in your own saggy, WLS-wrinkled, droopy skin. By refocusing on my WLS routines, I feel like I can gain back a little of the confidence that has been waning in the last few mouths. 

3. I want to do everything. 

When I am enamored with someone, I want to spend time doing all of the things with them! Focusing on my WLS journey, healthy eating, and exercise gives me the energy that I need to go to shows, and festivals, and road trips. I've felt lethargic and tired lately, and need to get back some energy to keep having a blast! I want to see the world with the person I'm currently dating because he makes everything fun! I need to take care of myself so that I can be the best person I can be for me most importantly, but secondly to keep enjoying life with him. 

I know there is outstanding amounts of evidence of divorce after one partner has WLS. But, I've seen or heard very little about people who met after one person had WLS. So, this is very new to me. As someone who has had unhealthy relationships with both food and partners, I think it's imperative to monitor these relationships now that I'm a healthier, happier person. I've come way too far to go back to 356 lbs or to let someone else take focus in my life. So, like Auntie Maxine, I'm RECLAIMING MY TIME! 

 Photo by Paz Arando on Unsplash

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Show Review: CHARLES BRADLEY & HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES + COOL KIDS

My good friend Jordan Mainzer, Blogger for Since I Left You, goes to a lot of live shows! He can talk about music with anyone for hours, which is exactly what we did one night from midnight until ~ 5 AM one of the first times we hung out. 

Recently, I mentioned to Jordan that me and my significant person wanted to go see Charles Bradley at Vans House Chicago. He suggested writing a review for his blog...and so...

CHARLES BRADLEY & HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES + COOL KIDS - 7/13 House of Vans Chicago

Here some pictures we shot (with our phones, obviously...sorry about the quality) at the show. Charles Bradley was a lot of fun and we're looking forward to doing more reviews! 

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Wanna see me on...the internet???

Open TV Beta, the team behind Brown Girls (now in development with HBO) is helping me realize a dream of getting into screenwriting! We have to fundraise to get our show, Serial Dreamers produced. My own web series would be a spin off of Serial Dreamers! If you can contribute any amount, I would greatly appreciate it! Here’s a little intro into my character and if you wanna see me in a web series, donate here: https://3arts.org/projects/serial-dreamer/

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Time Out! It's Sunset!

Last night, I was on a boat!

*Cue infamous The Lonely Island track*!

Thanks to Time Out Chicago, I got to board a Mystic Blue Cruises ship and sail around Lake Michigan for two hours enjoying the always beautiful Chicago skyline at sunset, as well as, a few delicious Jose Cuervo cocktails or glasses of Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection wines.

The cruise featured upbeat tunes from a DJ ranging from Notorious B.I.G to Justin Bieber's latest ear worm the Despacito remix. There were also games on board including Jenga, foosball, and shuffleboard...all of which are nearly impossible to play on a moving boat. Me and my gorgeously handsome plus 1 spent some time getting beat heavily in shuffleboard.  

Below deck, the dance floor started to fill to at the beginning of Wobble.

If dancing isn't your thing, there was a GIF photobooth and you can pretend to dance like these ridiculous folks! 

As the sun retreated across the city to the west, most of the partiers made their way to the top deck of the ship to take selfies, snap photos, and enjoy their librations with a spectacular view. 

Don't miss your chance to attend one of these amazing Time Out Chicago cruises and get your tickets for one of the next two cruises on July 18 and August 15...or both! 

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Time Out! Mac & Cheese Please!

Because there are so many variations on macaroni and cheese...and because it's delicious, I decided to keep notes on each of the offerings at Time Out Chicago's Mac & Cheese Smackdown held on May 21, 2017 at Bridgeport Art Center. Go, eat, and comment your agreements and disagreements! 

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad - Not a favorite for me, but I am not a fan of A. cold foods B. macaroni salad C. pimento cheese. 

Coco's Famous Fried Lobster

Someone cooking this macaroni and cheese hails from the South. Not the South side. THE SOUTH! This delicious option, my hands down favorite, took my mind to the dinner tables of my mom's side of the family from Mississippi with it's creamy, yet sharp, smokey flavor. This, for me, is mac & cheese! 

Old Town Social

Old Town Social cooked up something a little different. A macaroni and cheese pie! That's right...PIE. I wasn't sure how I'd like the cheesy treat encrusted in flaky dough and drizzled with a caramel bacon sauce, but... IT WAS AMAZING! The sweet and savory blend was delicious. 

New Line Tavern

New Line Tavern scored big points with me for being the only restaurant to present a mac & cheese bar! The choice of toppings including bacon, bread crumbs, more cheeses, and a delicious smoky hot sauce. The mac and cheese on it's own, was tasty, but the toppings lead to this one being a favorite! 

R Public House

This restaurant is in my neighborhood, and while I LOVE going on Tuesday nights for their fried chicken deal, I was not so impressed with the mac & cheese. Points for ham and peas included in the pasta mix, but it was very bland. I'm used to very flavorful offerings from R Public House, and was sadly disappointed this time. But, that won't stop me from going in for a Big Girl and some chicken sometime soon!  

Luella's Southern Kitchen

Do you like pepper? I LOVE pepper! I grew up in a household that used very little salt, so pepper is my basic seasoning of choice. And Luella's BROUGHT the pepper. I was so excited to try the braised short rib mac and cheese they offered (complete with adorable kids serving up the portions), and I was beyond satisfied. SO much flavor in the thick rue! 

The Pasta Bowl Wicker Park

Nothing against The Pasta Bowl, but their pasta was not quite as memorable as the two awesome ladies serving up helpings. I do remember liking the addition of broccoli and that childhood Niki, would have named this the ultimate mac & cheese hands down for it's simple, broccoli hiding flavor. Customer service counts big here! 

Grand Lux Cafe

This pasta was grand. It was lux. It was the cheesiest offering of the bunch. SO creamy. However, my seasoned palate craved a little bit more dimension than just cheese and bacon. I'm not sure if the restaurant offers up topics that would cut through the cheese other than bacon, but that would definitely lend to me enjoying it a bit more. 

In addition to the mac & cheese, the event featured beer from Forbidden Root. The ginger, root beer, and wheat options worked well to cut down on some of the cheese flavor. DJ Windy Timmy kept the party fun with genre-snapping hits. The minimalist wooden fixtures of the Bridgeport Art Center allowed for a nice atmosphere with the open windows of one of Chicago's first perfect temperature days. 

Join Time Out Chicago next for their Sunset Sail Happy Hour available for dates throughout the summer. 

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Time Out! It's Taco Thursday!

On Thursday, May 11, Time Out Chicago held its first Taco Thursday tasting event at Joe's on Weed Street. Among my friends, Joe's is predominantly known as a venue for country music live shows, and somewhere I had not visited since a fateful 2009 night, when my car was towed from outside the bar. However, this evening, vengeance over the troubles of my now-deceased Ford Taurus (RIP), was not the goal. 

I have had an accomplice in my Chicago tasting event circuit. Said Partner in Food...DOES NOT LIKE TACOS! Ok, ok...so he doesn't dislike tacos. He doesn't "understand the hype". My mission at Taco Thursday was to open his mind to the greatness of tacos through the fare offered from participating restaurants: Mercadito, Dos Urban Cantina, Rojo Gusano, Taqueria El Asadero, Cemitas Puebla, Antique Taco, Holy Taco!, and DeColores. 

Upon entering, my distrustful-of-tacos friend and I were greeted by a brightly-uniformed mariachi band preparing to play. And play they did! The band was the Mariachi Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Chicago that works to preserve the heritage of Mexican art traditions. They were phenomenal! Oh! And they were all definitely under 18. So talented AND adorable! Definitely check them out. 

The excitement of the band made us thirsty and we headed to the bar. Much to our disappointment, the pre-mixed margaritas were far too syrupy sweet. But, the bartender kindly allowed us to swap for beers. We appreciated the customer service, thanked her, and headed to on to the tacos! 

The winner of my personal, highly unofficial test taste was a tie between Rojo Gusano and Holy Taco!, both of which had very tender meat and plentiful tacos to serve up. Being a WLS patient, the meat is always my favorite part of the taco seeing as carbs make me extremely full and I tend to eat the middle of tacos and toss the tortillas, or just ask for the stuffings and a fork. Sadly, Mercadito, whose table I was extremely excited to visit, ran out of tacos before we got to try them. I've visited the restaurant before and was craving the yummy treat.

Despite the Mercadito mishap, the lively music and the fun photo booth balloons and blow ups, make for another great Time Out Chicago event. Next, the publication will host a Mac and Cheese Smackdown on May 21! I couldn't win over my taco-avoidant friend with the scrumptiousness of the sandwich alternative, but I still win because that Wisconsin boy is out of town for the next event, and I get to try all the cheesy goodness! 😜

Hope to see you there! 

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Time Out! It's Wingfest!

Last Sunday, I was invited to attend Time Out Chicago's Wingfest. The event was held at Deuces + The Diamond Club in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood. I am admittedly not a frequent visitor to Wrigleyville given my upbringing in St. Louis and dismay for displays of drunkeness by Cubs fans. But...the things we do for chicken wings... 

This event was held at the end of a heavily booked weekend in Milwaukee, so after a proper introduction to that city of sausage, cheese, and beer, my energy and will to gorge myself with wings were minimal. Begrudgingly, my friend and I headed to the bar to continue our weekend of overindulging in food and drink.  

For the price of admission, you get a punch card for two wings from each of eight local restaurants, as well as two beers from BuckleDown Brewing from your choice of an IPA, a double IPA, and a Pilsner, as well as two shots of Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey. The local eateries included: 

Barn & Company

The Fifty/50 

Son of a Butcher by WHISK

KIMSKI

Monti's

Buffalo Wings & Rings

Milt's

and host

Deuce's + The Diamond Club

Having recently gone to another wing fest, I can't help but compare the two events. The Timeout Chicago Wingfest was much more contained...in a good way. Chicago Wing Fest was a convention! Personally, I was overwhelmed being around so many people and so many wing options in such a massive arena...literally, an arena. Chicago Wing Fest was also frustrating at times due to the lack of table space to set up shop, and go to town on some chicken wings. By contrast, Deuce's outdoor patio with larger communal tables provided the perfect space to sit down with people you don't know and strike up a conversation! My friend and I ended up talking to our wing-noshing table mates for hours! 

Another reason I preferred Timeout Chicago's event is that the amount of wings you could try were limited. I know, that may seem like a drawback for some, but for weight loss surgery patient like myself, 16 wings is still way more than enough wings. Timeout Chicago's event was more of a sampling event. No winners were announced for best wings categories. But, when people are eating wings, we're all winners, right? Also, Deuce's provided some amazing Parmesan potato chips and pickle palate cleansers at the event. You can never go wrong with chips and pickles! 

By contrast, I did enjoy the loud music and the wing eating contest at Chicago Wing Fest. The Top 40 pop-sweetness of the music and seeing people participate in eating contests were both nauseatingly exciting, yet unforgettably exhilarating...and that's just about how I like to live my life! So, next year, Time Out Chicago, keep the wings, keep the fun, bar atmosphere, but pump up the jams (inside and outside) and throw in some games/contests! 

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Culinary Fight Club Chicago - PORK: The Aftermath

Walking into the Culinary Fight Club Chicago's pork-themed event,  held at Chop Shop/1st Ward Events, I was instantly greeted by a steaming chafing dish of meatballs in a hearty bubbling red sauce. Next to that table was a small bar serving complementary drinks from sponsors Samuel Adams and Nolet's Gin. 

​Chop Shop's event space had been transformed into a culinary arena of sorts, with chef stations lining the perimeter of the room and an overflowing table of food ingredients at the foot of the stage. On stage, three judges flanked by color commentator "Chefferee" and host, stood beneath a projected timer flashing the 60 minute contest allotment.

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The host and Chefferee hyped the crowd as the chefs dashed to grab ingredients from the table heaping with food items. Sausages fell, garlic spilled, bread bounced. The cooks were only able to use the ingredients they could carry, and prohibited from picking up dropped foods. After the 60-second meat melee, or meatlee if you will, the chefs went to their stations to began prepping their meal. 

​The chefs used various techniques to showcase the pork flavor. Smoking, searing, candied, and frying were all used to fill the event space with an enticing aroma and  at times heavy layer of smoke. 

Chef Tony Balestreri used a makeshift smoker to prepare succulent slices of pork chop, with pork-filled dumplings, and a spicy sauce. 

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Chef Ross Johnson fashioned a crispy pork and veggie egg roll with a zesty guacamole. 

one home cook in the sea of chefs, Matthew Morin, served a seared pork slice on a cornbread waffle with a marinated salad of seasonings and carrot.  

hef George Phelps plated a savory pork belly over a bed of candied bacon-infused smashed sweet potatoes. 

hef Lance Avery prepared an udon noodle dish with pork and mushrooms topped with crumbled bacon. 

fter the smoke had cleared and the last scrumptious morsel of pig was consumed by the judges, Alex Shebar, Yelp Chicago community director,  chef/judge Dylan Lipe, director of culinary operations at The Budlong Hot Chicken, and chef/judge Michael Fiddler, director of culinary and corporate chef at Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations named chef Lance Avery's dish the winner. Fan favorite, Tony Balestreri, claimed the win in the Taster's Choice. 

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Culinary Fight Club Chicago - The Pork was a unique event akin to watching those televised cooking competitions we all love live and in person. The exciting experience of watching someone passionate about their craft coupled with donating to a charitable cause like Fight2Feed, made for an unforgettable affair. While I'm still digesting yummy pork pieces, me and my stomach are looking forward to next month's edition...TACOS! 

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Culinary Fight Club Chicago - PORK

WEDNESDAY!

WEDNESDAY!

WEDNESDAY!

This Wednesday from 6 to 9pm, Culinary Fight Club is hosting a competition at Wicker Park's Chop Shop. The event, benefiting Fight2Feed, will feature five Chicago cooks battling it out to make the most delicious pork dish in 60 minutes with provided ingredients. 

The chefs include Chef Ross Johnson of Carriage Greens Country Club, home cook Matthew Morin, Manager of Cerveceria Cruz Blanca, Chef Tony Balestreri, Sous chef at Kimski, Chef George Phelps of ChiliRocks Chili, and Chef Lance Avery, founder and owner of Big Fork Brands. 

The cooking challenge will be judged by Alex Shebar, Yelp's Chicago community director, Dylan Lipe, director of culinary operations at The Budlong Hot Chicken, and Michael Fiddler, director of culinary and corporate chef at Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations, as well as a taste test winner crowned by the audience! 

20% of proceeds will go to Fight2Feed, so if you're down to get piggy for a good cause, tickets are available now! 

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CHICAGO WINGFEST 2017

Sunday, March 5,  marked the 17th iteration of Chicago WingFest. The event, held at UIC Pavilion, featured 30 chicken wings from 30 Chicago and Chicagoland restaurants. The wings, judged by festival goers and a few selected Chicago celebs are rated by four categories of chicken wings: Mild, Hot, BBQ & Exotic, as well as the additional Best In Fest and Rookie of the Year categories. 

The 2017 Winners Include: 

Best In Fest and Rookie of the Year: Half Day Brewing

Hot: 

Half Day Brewing 

Output Lounge

River Forest Catering & Howells & Hood (tie) 

Mild: 

Paisans Pizzeria

Son of a Butcher

Gators Wing Shack

Exotic: 

Paisans Pizzeria

Estrella Negra

Howells & Hood 

BBQ: 

Whisk

10 Pin Blowing Lounge

Q's Tips & Wings 

Chicago WingFest also includes wing eating competitions. The winner of Lady of the Wings is four-year champion, Katrina Fraley. Her technique of ripping the meat from the bone before gobbling and repeating wowed the crowd. 

Lord of the Wings winner Ben Conboy posed triumphantly after dominating the competition.  

 My 5 Chicago WingFest Takeaways: 

1. Breaded wings fill up your tummy. Give them to me naked and sauced! 

2. Come prepared. 

3. Don't wear white. Unless of course you're going for a saucy look. 

4. Know your heat tolerance. 

5. While chicken wings are amazing, it may be possible to eat too many! 

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Socially Driven: Exploring My Chicago - ALL THINGS 'GO

I’m partnering with Mercedes-Benz to share my version of Chicago. People are always asking me about my favorite spots in the city, and I decided it was high time to share them with you guys. If you had just one day in Chicago, these are my can't-miss spots.

1. Lounge Around The Virgin Hotel

THE VIRGIN HOTEL has great music, stylish decor (like this glass dinosaur), an amazing rooftop, and incredible drinks. Visit The Commons Club and order the Space Boy. You won't regret it! 

 2. Get Touristy 

Walk at NAVY PIER. Yes, it is a bit touristy, but the views from the Ferris wheel are spectacular. This Ferris wheel is no longer. There's a new, bigger better one. Chicago...always improving! 

 3. Embrace the Second City

Yes, New York had Hamilton first. Chicago got to run this lively musical second, but the talent is absolutely first rate! See Hamilton at PRIVATE BANK THEATRE through 2018.    

4. Rock Out 

Head to one of the KUMA'S CORNER locations for truly decadent burgers with a side of metal music! January's Burger of The Month, an ode to Swedish band MESHUGGAH, was välsmakande!

 5. Treat Yo'self

Grab a pastry at EATALY CHICAGO for dessert. We're not a city known for counting calories. But, don't fret. Eataly is just off a Magnificent Mile where you can give your legs (and your credit card) a workout! 

6. Listen

When it comes to live music, Chicago has so options. Whether you want intimate venues or grand stadium shows, there's a concert for you! Be sure to visit THALIA HALL for the music, but grab dinner at adjoining Dusek's before the show and head downstairs to Punch House for drinks to get the afterparty going! 

So, what's YOUR version of Chicago? If you live in or plan on visiting NYC, LA, Chicago, Austin, Miami, or Denver, Mercedes-Benz is inviting you to share your city in a simple and artistic way on Instagram. It's easy—you create a quick (but beautiful) animated album of 5 of your best geotagged photos and upload it to Instagram by going here. Then, you share your album on your feed with the hashtag #MBsociallydriven—and your photos might be featured on the Mercedes-Benz website!  Ready to rediscover your city?

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Socially Driven: Exploring My Chicago - MY KINDA TOWN TIPS

As living with weight loss surgery has become more routine in my life, I feel that I can start sharing other aspects of living in Chicago.

To transition from a blog dedicated to weight loss to a blog focusing on lifestyle, particularly here in Chicago, I’m partnering with Mercedes-Benz to share my version of Chicago. Chicago can feel busy and overwhelming, here are a few tips on how to make it in the city. 

1. Learn Your Neighborhoods 

Get a great view in WEST LOOP. Stylish and sophisticated, the West Loop neighborhood has plenty of places to shop, socialize, and grab a bite to eat or drink. Stay out late for the sky line view! 

2. Get Involved

Chicago is diverse city of different cultures and voices. Whatever you stand for, there's a community behind you here. A list of wards and alderman from the CITY OF CHICAGO is a great starter resource for civic involvement.  3. Keep Your Eyes Open 

Chicago architecture is mind-blowing! Although you should probably focus on the stage while visiting the ORIENTAL THEATRE, be sure to look around before or after the show! 

4. Reach for the Sky

You might say it's in the Willis Tower. We're probably gonna call it Sears Tower. Whatever you call it, get to SKYDECK CHICAGO at dusk for breath-taking city views! 5. Be Art Inspired  

Art is everywhere in Chicago! Let your creative juices flow at one of the many galleries throughout the city by receiving messages like this halogen one from VALE CRAFT GALLERY.

So, what's YOUR version of Chicago? If you live in or plan on visiting NYC, LA, Chicago, Austin, Miami, or Denver, Mercedes-Benz is inviting you to share your city in a simple and artistic way on Instagram. It's easy—you create a quick (but beautiful) animated album of 5 of your best geotagged photos and upload it to Instagram. Then, you share your album on your feed with the hashtag #MBsociallydriven—and your photos might be featured on the Mercedes-Benz website!  Ready to rediscover your city?

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69 Weeks Post Op - Social Media & Such

I was looking through Facebook at some old pictures yestersday. And I stopped in my tracks...or whatever the equivalent is of stopping in your tracks while browsing through a website...stopped in my clicks???

I was mesmerized by a picture of myself and my friend Laura with deliciously talented and FWINNNNNE performer, Jidenna. 

As I was looking at the picture, all these feelings starting rushing back to me. Feelings that I despised. Feelings of self-hatred. I know it's politically correct to be body positive; and if you feel great in your body, whatever it may be, that is amazing. I did not. I HATED being fat. I didn't push that judgement on others, but I just did not feel comfortable in my own skin. 

With the development off apps like TimeHop and Facebook's On This Day feature, I wonder if people are triggered by old photographs of themselves. Admittedly, for me, it's not seeing the pictures that is most traumatizing. Remembering the way I felt about myself, my emotional state, and the way I was coping with those things is what I find most upsetting. 

Basking in these present feelings of self-acceptance, how does one come to forgive yourself for the upsets of the past when they are seemingly plastered all over the Internet? 

I'm not sure what the answer is. I'm not sure that anyone does. But, I know the one place where the answer is not...at least not for me. Weight loss support groups on social media. Now, admittedly, I'm not one to bite my tongue or mince words, but I try to be polite on social media. Every time I go into a WLS support group, particularly on Facebook (YouTube and Instagram seem to be pretty supportive), someone is riding on their high horse trying to tell other people what is right or wrong. No one gets to tell me what is right or wrong for my body other than a surgeon or doctor...or me. 

I can't deal with that kind of in-fighting. It's immature, and I'm just a little too petty to back down when someone says something that can literally be proven incorrect with logical explanation or research. As I'm sure you may have noticed if you've followed my weight loss journey at all, my posts have become less and less frequent. My WLS Instagram is often ignored. And if I had a camera devoted to making YouTube videos, it would be dusty.  

I never had the option of joining a support group as so many WLS patients are required to. For the first year of my journey, I don't think I needed any support. I was KILLING it. But, staying THAT dedicated to the social media of weight loss has started to seem like more of a chore than something I'm excited to do. Maybe it will come back when the seasons change. I am sitting between 20-30 lbs from goal weight, and I just want to GET THERE! Maybe I should just rededicate myself to the soc med posting if it will get these lbs off! I've stalled for months now and I hate it! 

For comparison purposes from the pic above...but mainly because my friends are cute AF!

[outfitduour]

DIGGING DEEPER - 66 WEEKS POST OP

I haven't posted in awhile. I apologize. I've just been out...LIVING MY LIFE! But, seriously though, I've been getting back into the swing of fitness and weight loss, as well as trying to build the life I want to live. That eats up some time. In constructing this world, particularly in the newly founded #TrumpsAmerica, I'm beginning to understand that for many years, I walked around with the weight of the world on me. Literally and figurately. But, the time has come for some serious self work. 

Quick backstory: Boy meets Girl. Boy is awesome. Girl goes batshit crazy. Repeatedly. Girl asks Friend: Why do I go crazy when I meet someone awesome? Friend breaks down some REAL T. Girl: You right! 

Part of this whole weight loss journey (for me) is figuring out what unhealthy habits led to my building a protective wall (of fat) around me. Besides that bad food is delicious, part of my problem has been emotional eating. Breaking down my emotions in a constructive way is not my area of expertise. Drinking my emotions, smoking my emotions, flirting away my emotions, shopping through my emotions, etc. has been a way of life for YEARS. And...they all feel good...momentarily. 

However, at some point, I realize that I'm going to have actually face my problems, leaving the door open to a host of insecurities and vulnerability. But, all good things are worth working for, right? I'm at a very good place with my health and my body. I'm not limiting myself to only the healthiest of food, but allowing room for some of my vices balancing the garbage with the good stuff. I've realized the exercise makes my body feel better and helps with mental clarity, so I've recommitted to going to the gym regularly. I'm saving for my travels abroad, which helps me to budget and avoid unnecessary spending. These are all great things. Now, I've decided that it's time to work on my emotional health. Yes, I see a therapist. But, he can only help so much if I'm not proactive about working through emotional hardships. 

Growing up as in overweight person, it was really easy to bury the emotional issues I had under the food on my plate. But, I literally cannot do it anymore. So, it's time to unearth and unpack the buried baggage. This isn't something I'm taking lightly. I know it's going to be hard. But, it is necessary and I'm happy to have a friend to call me on my bullshit...and who has pillowy boobs for me to rest on when I can't handle my bullshit alone. 

[outfitduour]

It's Time

It's time for a reset. 2016 was an incredible year for me. But, a terrible year for...ummm...society. In the moments following my first trip abroad and the election outcome from hell, I completely fell off having any motivation on my weight loss journey. It's sad. Realizing that I have an appointment with my PCP shortly after New Years, I have dedicated some time to making a plan to get back on track. Think of it as a New Years resolution, even though I don't do those. 

1. Starting January 2, no alcohol on Monday through Thursday. I've done this in the past, and it works out pretty well/saves a ton of money. No, I don't get pissy drunk every day of the week, but I am a come home and relax with one beer type of lady. 

2. GET BACK TO THE GYM. At least 3 days a week. At the very least. I'm starting to stiffen up and have leg pain again. That is enough of a reason to get back to exercise. I loathe being in pain.  I'm currently on 4 of the last 5 days and that's only because the gym was closed on Christmas. 

3. Cut out caffeine and limit carbs. Again something I've done in the past. I don't really drink too much coffee, but sugar free Red Bull is what I imagine the nectar of the Gods tastes like. I love that crap. 

4. Up my water intake. Once upon a time, I was drinking at least 75 ounces of water/day. Did I pee a lot? Yes. But, I also felt amazing! 

5. Cut back/attempt to quit smoking. Ullllggghhh...but I like smoking. This will be difficult. 

6. Start focusing on blogging/making YouTube videos again. It's really easy for me to get off track with these posts and videos. I keep a pretty busy schedule, but I've realized that when I was posting regularly, I was consistently losing weight. 

Sounds daunting, right? Well, yeah, but this time of year always gets me motivated for change!