Sunday was pretty much a hungover bust (at least on my part), but I pulled myself together by 6pm, ordered tasty pizzas from Georgios Pizza on Irving Park and Western (order the Georgios on Fire, thin crust, with Giardeniera peppers, it is heavenly) and made a antipasto salad. Which we thoroughly enjoyed and watched about 8 episodes of house, commercial free (DVR is a godsend).
Monday, I of course had work, so left them to fend for themselves for the day. Which I believe involved a lot of relaxing, and then working out. I stopped off at the corner store on my way home and picked up some appetizers (hard salami, and some chili pepper spreadable cheese which went perfectly with my rosemary olive oil triscuits I had at home) and of course a bottle of wine. The sis, does not like Red wine, differing completely from my mother's and my own palate, so I stopped and got a bottle of Prosecco (both bubbly and not too sweet). I got home and made chicken cutlets (see previous blog entry for the how too) along with oven roasted broccoli, with parmesan, and farfalle pesto (it truly hit the spot and did not take long at all).
Tuesday, after work, Andy, Allyce, myself, Dan (from work), Joe, Danielle, Adam, and quite a few other characters headed to Odonovans for Trivia and 30 cent wings. Although we didn't win, its always a good time when you have trivia, wings, and beer.
Wednesday was of course St. Patrick's Day. I send the siblings off to the market to pick up a cornbeef, because needless to say my local Supermercado did not carry such a cut of meat. We then prepared a traditional meal of cornbeef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes (see below for recipe). Granted we didn't end up eating until 9:30 at night since I couldn't start the meal until I got home, but it was worth it.
Thursday Allyce came to work with me, and shadowed me for the day (YEAH SCIENCE!). I don't know exactly how incredibly interesting this way, but she had never been in a lab environment before so at least that was something. Afterward, we headed to play volleyball with my Meet Up Group, and played for a solid 2 hours. My sis of course kicked arse, eventhough she hasn't played in god knows how long. Adrian (friend I met through this group) was kind enough to drive allyce and I over to my friend Noel's place, where Joe and Andrew were playing a heated game of Texas Holdem. Before heading in, icecream at Oberweiss sounded awesome, since of course we were starving, so we headed in and enjoyed a double dipped cone....mmm mmm good. We arrived at Noel's just in time to see Andrew and Joe lose, so sad, but they seemed lighthearted about it, so am guessing it was a good time to be had over all. Afterwards it was straight to bed for my sibs and I, as we had a big day downtown at the Shedd Aquarium!
I decided to take a personal day on Friday, cause really how often do I get to spend this kind of quality time with my brother and sister, and I bought us all tickets to Shedd Aquarium, since I had yet to go there myself, and we all know how much I LOVE animals, especially sea animals. If I had a dollar for everytime I get caught singing the soundtrack to Little Mermaid, well let's just say I'd be much better off, lol. We had an awesome time, and was quite eventful. Especially since I nearly maimed a child, because I thought that a animatronic Tarantula was the real thing, and it was being shoved right in my face. So I flailed, and knocked this kid backwards right into the chameleon tank (we never did spot that darn chameleon). The child was fine, I however was traumatized lol. After we were done, headed through Grant Park, and showed them Buckingham Fountain (aka the fountain at the beginning of Married With Children). Then to Millenium Park where we took photos at the 'Bean'. After our adventures downtown (didn't even get to take Allyce to Michigan Ave for some shopping, but she will totally be back this summer), we headed back home and picked up everything to make tasty fish tacos. We were to head over to Joe's place to watch the MSU NCAA first round bball game. Allyce helped me in the kitchen, and we were done in a jiffy, just in time to start the second half. Of course we won (it was a nailbiter at the end), and were stuffed from salsa, guac, fish tacos, and of course queso dip (its not a fiesta without queso...OLE').
Saturday, Joe took my bro out for brunch with Danielle, while Allyce and I headed off to a full THREE hours of intensely competitive volleyball at Margate gym with my friend Adrian. We were totally exhausted afterwards, and headed home to relax and clean up before having sushi at Tank in Lincoln Square that night. I absolutely love TANK they undoubtedly have some of the best sushi I've ever had (get the Lava Maki rolls, delish). This was going to be Allyce's first experience with sushi, so I definitely wanted it to be phenomenal. Unfortunately, she does not like sushi, at all...lol. However she did enjoy Saki. Danielle, whom abhors anything seafood, commiserated with her at the table, while all the boys (joe, andy, and adam) chowed down. Andy and Allyce were leaving early sunday morning, so that was it for our fun that night, and I was actually traveling to Maryland at the NIH for a symposium Sunday afternoon, so I had lots to get ready before hitting the hay.
Sunday morning, sad to see them go (for sigh*). Joe and I dropped them off at the Megabus station downtown, and then grabbed a coffee from Dunkin Donuts (who in my opinion has the best coffee, ever). Spent some time together, and then he drove me to Midway to catch my flight. Thankfully I got through security in just enough time to see Michigan State's Korie Lucious hit a three point shot for the win over Maryland....where ironically enough I would be traveling to in less than an hour and was decked out in MSU gear, and definitely got the business from some people, including some New Mexico State alums who happened to be on my plane, total randomness (we took them out in the first round). GO GREEN!
It was a totally amazing week with my siblings. I can't wait for them to come visit again soon, when the weather here in Chi-town is good and warm. We will definitely be hitting up the beach and BBQing the days away at that point.....
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