Now, the art of saying nope has reappeared in my life in the form of saying no to anyone or anything that isn’t supporting me, uplifting me, and showing up for me in the way I do for them. I match energy. A guy I was dating hit me with this gem: “That’s your problem;…
Category: Chicago
One Second
Location: Cooking up some chicken thighs in Chicago, IL
Take a Seat
Every Sunday, I take my journal out with me to reflect, getting my feelings down on paper—unhinged, dramatic, thoughtful, etc.—because it washes away what has been ruminating all week. Typically, I write pages upon pages of lists, book and food recommendations, dating woes, and worrisome world topics. I suppose it’s my own way of rewiring…
A West Side Story
While I won’t be diving deep into the past cultural misrepresentation of some adaptations of this movie, I will say that I can only speak on my neighborhood, which is predominantly Puerto Rican, soaked in tradition, love, music, community, and vibrant nuances that have continually shaped me as a Chicagoan. Well, let me ask, what…
One Second
The incredible band, Brigitte Calls Me Baby Location: Madame Zuzu’s in Highland Park, IL
A Reintroduction to Romance
Many, many moons ago, a man I was seeing burned me a 311 CD because I hated them. I was loud about not liking them, and he wanted to expose me to the whole vibe. And he did. I had just moved from a very small town in Michigan to a relatively medium-sized college town…
Long days & longer nights
Navigating through a very chaotic month in Chicago has forced me to tap back into resilience mode; saying no more, speaking my truth, asking for more, taking a long (or short) pause, and understanding we are only as good as how we show up for ourselves. My friends are my lifeline, my love life, my…
Mercury in Retrograde
I don’t typically choose my topics or themes ahead of time; I don’t make many set plans when I’m solo. My roommate wrote me a birthday poem once, and in it, she said, “she knows the plans best made, probably made before her,” and that is how I live my life. I let fate guide…
One Second
Location: Fulton Market, Chicago
Nature’s Bounty
With community gardens & farmer’s markets bustling all over the city, my picture roll was flooded with flowers, fruits, and veggies for consumption & discussion. Now, don’t be ridiculous; I didn’t forget the libations. There are so many fizzy margaritas out in Chicago! I’ve never seen so much club soda being mixed with it before,…
