So much has happened the past few months! Some good, some not so good. Let's start with the former. 

My entrepreneurial spirit is alive. I've had a lot of thoughts about selling my salsa over the years. YEARS I tell ya!! I worked out a deal with my friend who has graciously agreed to help me create a label. She is awesome to even want to help me out but now I just need to sit with her to talk about designs. The challenge is finding the time to fit it in...blah.

Another thing that is happening is developing my side hustle, i.e. business coaching. I have been working on getting certified through the Coaches Training Institute (CTI) and completed the third course out of five over the weekend that focused on perspective. The training is set up to be collaborative with your client in order to truly transform their lives. Never in a million years would I have said that last statement out loud until this past weekend.

To be honest, every weekend someone cries. You talk about things that are super personal even if you find a topic that seems shallow, you discover things that are deeper that is contributing to the problem at hand. My time finally came this weekend when I discussed a topic really close to my heart. My coach helped me discover that I have the power to come through this dark chapter in my life. It literally was a ten minute conversation that left me with tears. I am not ready to talk about it here but maybe one day. 

At the end of day two, I was hooked on the power of perspectives. I thought I was a guru at being able to look at topics from different lenses but I was wrong. I learned that what you see is how you experience it. And folks, it is so true. I talked about a challenging colleague to not being able to get up to work out in the morning. I honestly didn't think I could make a difference around that colleague but when I saw them this morning, I didn't get my normal sense of uneasiness or anger at how they react during meetings. In fact, I accepted them for who they are. Now listen, I am making this quite simple in this post but honestly, my perspective has truly changed. 

I know for a fact, I am finally on the right track in my career. Although what I discussed may seem trivial to some, it was impactful in so many ways. I started to think about a wide range of things in my life that I want to change. I think need to hire my own coach to help me navigate the next step of starting my own practice. More on that later.

I said that some good and bad things have happened over the past few months but I want to leave on a high note for this post. Personally, I don't want to feel that "bad" things have happened but more of challenges that helped pivot my perspective :)

See what I did there? 

Until next time,
​Sara

I am so tired of men thinking it is okay to catcall me as I go about my life in Chicago. 

The other day, it went too far. I was on my way to work and as I was going up the stairs at the Washington Red Line station, someone grabbed my arm. It felt like my heart jumped out of my chase. I immediately looked put my hand in a fist and looked at the dude. He stared at me waiting to say something. I can't remember he face but he smelled like an ashtray and had dreadlocks. 

This was the first time I was physically touched by a stranger on the street. As small as this was, I felt so violated. I wanted to shower to scrub my skin clean. 

Don't. Touch. Me. 

For my two followers that may still be out there, I am back!!

I have been missing my blog and sharing some of my experiences with y'all. A few things have happened since I have last posted which was a year ago. Yikes.

Last year, I ended up making it back home for the holidays. It was great to see my family and my nieces. What made it special was that my girl, Courtney made it to Amarillo to spend Christmas with us. Little did she know that a major storm was coming in and that she would only be there for less than 24 hours. We were able to escape a blizzard, tornado, and earthquake but we made it to Boulder alive. 

We did the traditional celebration of getting the Capricorns together to wish them a happy birthday. We were joined by Dusty and Jay this year and had waaaaaaaaaay too much fun! The highlight for the trip for me was being able to see the original cast of Hamilton. I can't believe how lucky I was to be able to go. Little did I know how much that musical was going to blow up even more. Trust me. It was well worth it. Chicago will be hosting the genius play most likely for the next two years. Try to get a ticket. Operative word: try.

Other than that, I started a new role at work and I am really liking it. I am putting my people hat back on and really feeling good with my career path. I am also going to focus more in the diversity and inclusivity space. I would love to build some programs to help retain people of color at my organization. More details to come on that. 

I was recently asked to be in my really good friend's wedding which is taking place next year! I obviously said YES! She is an amazing person inside and out. Love that girl. 

There will be more shenanigans in the coming months as it is summertime in Chicago, a trip out to Sonoma (eeeeee!), and I try to get in shape for this wedding. 

More to come!

xo,
​S

I was lucky enough to score tickets to Aretha Franklin's show at Ravinia a couple of weekends ago. Read my review here. I wouldn't be one that would go out of my way to see her but I am really glad I did. She is kicking ass for 73; her voice was flawless and she still has that soul. 

My friend was in town that weekend and she is now into hip hop which is crazy because that was never her thing. She introduced me to Silento's Watch Me; it is the worst best song. All weekend that damn song was in my head and I have been whipping it ever since. 

It had me thinking about my music taste and how it really hasn't evolved much since college. I guess you could say I am into Indie music with a little bit of house/electronic/reggae/hip hop. Honestly, it is 95% Indie Rock. Ugh. I love Beck, Jack White, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Jenny Lewis and the list goes on. I was listening to SZA who is awesome but she needs to release some new music soon, please. 

I need music to pump me up and I just can't do too much of hip hop/rap like I used to. I am not into the use of the "n" word. I just don't get it. With that being said, I am going to get a little into reggae. A really good friend of mine suggested some people: Albarosie, Damian Marley, Fidel Nadal, Gentleman, I Wayne, Richie Spice, Echo Sound System, and J Boog. I only have listened to a couple of the bands, jamming out to J Boog now and I am digging it. It's sexy and full of some good beats.

So this is a weak posting, light and airy. The next entry will probably be longer as I plan on talking about being Black in America from my perspective. I ordered Ta-Nehisi Coates' "Between the World and Me" and I anticipate it being a really, really good read. Be on the lookout as I will dig into my review of the book and my own experiences. 

xo, 
S  

I am excited to say goodbye to June. It was a really tough month for multiple reasons - some of which I will let you in on. 

I have been surprised with the number of issues many of my friends, family, and myself included have had with men lately. I mean, Mercury is not even in retrograde, y'all! We (women) put ourselves on the back burner and allow space and time for our parter. We nourish and care for them and want it to be reciprocated. It is pretty simple. However, I see that the women I am surrounded by are constantly giving and are not in turn taken care of.

Dating is not easy today. We are living in a hook up culture: think Tinder and Grinder. Men are expecting women to quickly have sex and then they move on. This is something I have experienced, mostly in my college days, but I still feel it today here in Chicago and places I travel. Why is it that we are allowing this to happen? Is it a need to fill a void? An expectation? The only way we can find a dude? 

Ladies, we need to know our worth. We don't deserve to be with someone who steps out on their partner, ignores us, or even those who just simply cannot commit. If your partner can't do the simple things of paying attention to us, show us affection, and being there than it is time to move on. We need to start thinking about our needs first. 

I was dating this really awesome dude. He was great: driven, smart, funny, affectionate when we were together, well traveled, and wanted more in life. At first we were just having fun but somewhere along the way we were dating. He didn't live in Chicago and he wanted us to see each other a bit more. Well, he never delivered; something always came up. I finally talked to him about it and he changed but it was short lived. 

He disappeared after a fun weekend together. I tried to get a hold of him and he just kept saying he would call but never did. I had to let him know how he made me feel so I sent an email. It was direct and honest. We chatted briefly after that email but I haven't heard from him since. The strange thing is, I don't hate him. Don't get me wrong, I was hurt, disappointed, and then mad. He seems like the type of person that can't handle when things get tough. He simply doesn't have time to date and I wish he would have just said it. Maybe our paths will cross again. 

I do know this: it is summer time in Chicago and I am ready for some fun!

Later gators!

The past month has been oh so busy; saying farewell to Courtney and moving in to her place. By the way, moving is the worst. Regardless, I got the new place set up and got all my stuff out of the boxes in a day or two with the help of Kit and her daughter Rin :)

I have to say, I am a pretty organized person and almost manic when it comes to my home. Things have to be in a particular place and if someone moves it, I will find out. I am crazy. Pics of the place below!



I started writing for Buzz News this past month! Buzz News is a review site for music and plays throughout the Chicagoland area. This is definitely not something that I have ever done before but I wanted to challenge myself with the writing all while seeing local shows. The two shows I have seen were Jersey Boys and Stick Fly. Not the best reviews but I will work on it. 

Be sure to check out the site to see what you should check out this summer.

Later!

One of my best friends, Courtney, left Chicago on Sunday. I am so, so happy for her new adventures in Boulder. She landed an amazing job, awesome car, and sweet apartment. 

I actually met Courtney shortly after I moved to Chicago about seven years ago at a party we had at our place. What I distinctly remember about her is that she loved to dance by gettin' low. We chatted for a little bit that night but it wasn't until the past year when our friend TJ moved to New York that we got really close. 

What I love about this girl is her carefree attitude and encouragement to follow my dreams. She is not always a guaranteed good time but also a stable friend. She has a heart that is so big. Her laugh (more of a snort) is hilarious. She is just amazing.

The other thing about Courtney that I love are her amazing parents Chuck and Peg. They are the coolest parents which is why Court is so rad. They have welcomed me with opened arms and have been my family in Chicago. We have spent the past two Thanksgivings together and I wouldn't want it any other way. 

Some of my favorite things that Courtney and I did:

• Toronto - need I say more?
  
• Thanksgiving with Tharius, Chuck, and Peg
  
• Thanksgiving with the gang, Marie, Chuck, and Peg
  
• Wisconsin: bowling and that bus
  
• Megan Trainor
  
• Lillie Q's
  
• Beck at Pitchfork 
  
• Jenny Lewis
  
• Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks
• GLAAD Mad Hatter Brunch
• Big Star
  
• Amhir
  
• Hot Chocolate
  
• Book of Mormon
  
• Dinner at Casa de la Rowe
  
• All day
  
• Fashion Show
  
• CLASSY wine tasting (you're welcome)
  

I can't wait to visit and get our hand into some more adventures! She has given me her AMAZING loft which I am moving into Memorial weekend. Photos coming soon.

Later gators!

To my three followers out there, I am sorry for being MIA. I cannot believe it has been over a month since I have posted. Life got in the way, but in a good way. I know you are just dying to know what I have been up to so here are the cliff notes version:

• Dinner at Smoque BBQ (nom, nom, nom)
  
• Some day drinking with some friends in lieu of St. Patty's day (not the same thing, I promise)
  
• Art opening at FLATStudio (finally had some Koval libation)
  
• Headed to a conference for work in Anaheim (no Disneyland, though)
  
• GLAAD Mad Hatter brunch (thank you, Ketel One)
• Easter with my second family (they are the best!)
  
• Birthday celebrations (with an old and new friend)
  
• Filed and paid my taxes (bye-bye nice vacation and fine jewelry)

Pictures below of the crazy, good times over Easter weekend. I love those crazy kids!

Tonight I decided to treat myself for finally filing my taxes by opening up one of my favorite bottles of wine, Justin Cabernet Sauvignon.  It is one of the best Cabs I have had for about $20 a bottle. It is easy to drink, hints of cherry and blackberries, and is not heavy on the tannins. Now, I don't know if this description is correct but it's what I taste. Sommelier in training, over here. 

I wanted something easy to cook for dinner since I was celebrating so I made roasted garlic parmesan shrimp with spinach and cheese stuffed mushrooms (from Trader Joe's) and a simple arugula salad. It was so good and easy to whip up. If you haven't had the chance to roast your shrimp, I highly recommend it. It is delish and fast to make. I have to thank my girl, Ina Garten for the suggestion.

I decided that I am going to start actively pursuing my old passions and goals. With that being said, I am going to start learning how to read music so that I can play the piano. I have always wanted to go to a dinner party where there happens to be a grand piano. I would play some hit songs while people gathered around to sing songs. I know, it is ridiculous but I really want to do it. Be ready, friends!

Later, gators!