Just random adorableness. - Buffy

343 Days to go: 331 Things to Do: Day 16 in Chicago


35. Ohio Street Beach
36. Having a Ball Ballroom Dance Championship

So, today we have to do brunch near our place because Allison is the one who has to catch a plane. And it's gorgeous out. Correction. Hot. It's hot out. Outdoor seating a must. We don't plan ahead at all (last night Mary Grace did have to kick us out after all...we were distracted celebrating my dominance in the trivia game) so the best we can come up with is returning to Old Oak Tap and its vast amount of outdoor seating.

Brunch is, honestly, a little disappointing. Excellent mimosa. Good potatoes. But the brunch menu is limited and not that great. Note to self: Old Oak Tap for dinner only. No worries.

After, Emily and I meet up with LuCinda and head to the beach. Yet another shocking confession - I've never really gone to any of Chicago's beaches. But as I planned on heading to Navy Pier around 5 for the ballroom dancing, we decide on Ohio Street Beach which is a tiny little strip just around the corner. It was perfect. I think because it's smaller it doesn't get as crowded as some of the other beaches. Another claim to fame? It faces north! (instead of east like most of chicago's beaches) Be a rebel Ohio Street, do your own thing. The only downside would be the fact that coming from brunch and going out after meant I wasn't really beach wear appropriate and didn't have all the accessories you would want. I did manage to bring a towel which was a step ahead of Emily. Luckily LuCinda had an extra. Crises averted. We were only there for an hour or two; we made it work. And decided we were all going to take a vacation day to come back and really do it up right while still avoiding the weekend crowd.

Strictly Ballroom is an excellent movie. And So You Think You Can Dance is an excellent show. I say these things, first because they are true and second because it helps you understand why, upon learning of the 5th grade ballroom dancing competition taking place at Navy Pier I become determined to attend. Despite the fact that I know no fifth graders in the Chicagoland area. So, so, so adorable. Having a Ball is a 20-week ballroom dancing course for students in Chicago Public Schools. They learn the Cha-Cha, the Waltz, the Tango, the Paso Doble and the Jive. Normally, I'm a huge fan of the Paso Doble (at least on SYTYCD) but here the Jive stole the show. Delightful.

Delightful.

oh. the other bummer about the beach? i got sand in one of my cameras and it's acting a bit funky. sad.



342 Days to go: 329 Things to Do: 16 Days in Chicago = 24 new experiences