Chicago Blizzard 2011

Some have called it snopocalypse, others, snarmageddon.  It may not have been the snowy end of the world, but it was, in my opinion definitely a  s n u r r i n c a n e !  No catchy phrases needed though...Blizzard pretty much says it all. As my friend from CA said, "I heard you were having a blizzard, and I don't think they meant the kind from Dairy Queen!" 


Crazy. I don't know how else to describe it. We live just off of Lakeshore Drive and the winds coming off Lake Michigan were so incredibly intense. It started snowing about 3:00 Tuesday afternoon and became progressively worse throughout the day and into the night. We took Brizz out before dinner, and the wind had already started whipping up. Justin put on his ski goggles, and I thought he was crazy....until we saw another guy with the same eye gear and a girl wearing swimming goggles! 

brizzie's friend, bear, ready for the blizzard

About 9 p.m. thundersnow started, lightning reflecting off the snow turning everything bright blue. Howling wind continued non-stop all night swirling snow around like a tornado. I talked to one girl who lives on the 56th floor of a building close to ours. The chains to her window shades were moving with the sway of her building. She could hear the elevators shifting. It was all very surreal. I was having flashbacks to 1989 and Hurricane Hugo in Charlotte, remembering being hunkered down in the hallway under a mattress and hearing trees falling around our house. 


Luckily there was no hunkering for us and no trees falling in the blizzard. However, thousands of people in the Chicago area lost power; thankfully we did not. We are fortunate to live very close to downtown, so the plows were cleaning off streets around us before we woke up. People in the other neighborhoods who live on side streets weren't so lucky and their cars were still snowed in three days later. The city has suspended parking meter fees all week because cars were stuck in the piles of snow. There was really no parking anyway with huge piles of snow pushed together from the street and the sidewalk. Most roads were narrowed on both sides by plowed snow. The dump trucks are out now hauling it all away.

The images from the hundreds of cars stuck on Lakeshore Drive are incredible. I can't imagine being hopelessly stuck in my car all night right on Lake Michigan taking the brunt of that intense wind and blinding snow. It took a couple days to get all those cars dug out and then towed off Lakeshore. Justin came home at noon to avoid an accident or overnight stay in his car.....smart move.


We took Brizzie out about 9:00 the morning after and got to see the deep pristine drifts before they were shoveled, jumped in and yellowed. It was beautiful and amazing to see so much snow! Brizz had no fear and went romping right through the deepest drifts. While we were out, the last band of snow came through like icing on the cake. I was able to get a few pictures of the end of the blizzard, but it was nothing like the night before. 

Check out more pics here:

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=330582&id=584913342&l=759f83176f

That afternoon the snow finally stopped and we took a walk on the lake to survey the damage. People and their dogs were out everywhere enjoying the magic of mother nature. Chicago schools were closed for two days and the kids were loving it! 

ice broken up by the storm 

can't tell the difference between land and water

plowing lakeshore drive

snow day in chicago 

let the shoveling begin!

don't eat the purple snow either....it's salt

Now, if this storm had hit Charlotte, the city would have been paralyzed for at least a week and a half, if not two weeks. Not Chicago though. I kept wondering when Chicago was going to get a big snow. With all the storms in the Northeast this winter, I was feeling a little left out. I imagined there would be a foot of snow on the ground all winter. Well, now we might have two feet around until spring. It takes a while for snow to melt around here, and with negative degree temps (without the windchill), I don't think anything will be melting anytime soon. So, I'll bundle up in all my layers and snow boots and go about business as usual, because that what Chicagoans do....think I can call myself a Chicagoan now that I've experienced a Chicago blizzard! And guess what...it's snowing again.

this guy has the right idea!

Poor Bears

One of the biggest games in Bears history definitely didn't live up to the hype for Chicagoans, but it sure was interesting. I was really feeling like I should fork out the cash for the "cheap" seats from Craig's List, just to have the experience of going to the game. Wisely, we decided against that and watched from the comfort of our sofa. 

Before the game, we bundled up, including Brizzie in her boots, and ventured out into the cold for a walk along the lakefront. Four to five inches of new snow had fallen, so it was quite a trek, coupled with the wind off the lake. We walked down the lakefront, through Grant Park and over to Michigan Ave. Bears fans were everywhere making their way to Soldier Field, sporting jerseys over their huge coats and carrying extra blankets. 

frozen, snow covered marina

justin & the brizz

think I could walk on that?....

bears fans walking up the lakefront

That was quite a walk for the Brizz, but she loves playing in the snow, so she was a happy puppy! Her furry chin was caked in snow and people were taking pictures of her in her boots...such a cutie! Dogs in boots are a frequent site at the dog park, but I guess not so much on Michigan Ave!

I had heard about the Lions outside the Art Institute wearing Bears gear, so I had to check it out. Think I may have to get Brizz her own Bears gear for next season!

he must be wearing Peppers' helmet

now, that scarf might keep me warm!

We got back just in time for the opening events and heard the jets fly over as we watched them on TV. It was just like being there, but a tad warmer! I have to say, I loved the Chicago version of the national anthem, where all the fans sing along at the top of their lungs. I tried to imagine that same scene at a Panthers game, and just couldn't do it. I think the "wine and cheese" crowd in Charlotte needs to take a few lessons from Bears fans.

However, I did feel like I was watching the cardiac cats as the game went on. I can't believe the 3rd string quarterback ended up playing in the NFC championship game...and almost pulling the Bears through! Of course all week, everyone in Chicago has been talking about Jay Cutler and the seriousness of his injury....or non-injury. Then of course, there's his general attitude and disinterest from the sideline. I have no idea what his deal is, but from what I can tell on the local news, the city seems pretty split. I'm thinking though, that most people were just disappointed in the game in general. Have to hand it to ex-Panther and Tarheel, Julius Peppers, for putting a huge hit on Aaron Rodgers...he looked pretty shaken up.  I hate to see anyone get hurt though, and Peppers can do some damage for sure! I think, if it wasn't for that, the game could have been much worse. Riding the elevator in our building last Sunday night, a guy got out and didn't say the customary, "good night" or "see ya", but instead, "Poor Bears," shaking his head. That was a really tough way to end the season, but I think there are high hopes for the Bears next year.

I'll be pulling for the Packers in the Super Bowl....you'll never hear me rooting for Pittsburgh.  Guess I'm a Bears fan now....unless they're playing the Panthers. :)

Winter Itch

At dinner the other night, our waiter asked us if we'd like bottled water or Chicago tap. It was funny to me that he made the distinction of Chicago to describe the water, when we are in Chicago...as if to say, "are you sure you want the chlorine flavored, horrible water from Lake Michigan??....come on spend the extra few bucks on purified water." I love Lake Michigan, but hate the water from it...yuck! My taste buds hate it, my hair hates it, my skin hates it. It's the hardest water I've ever had to drink and bathe in. Even the Brizz dog has dry skin. Coming from Charlotte, where I would gladly drink the city water straight from the tap, this has been an adjustment. It was so nice to have a tall glass of Charlotte tap over Christmas!

After moving here in September, before the beginning of the harsh Chicago winter and drying heating systems, I began to develop winter skin after only a week. I think most people must have water softeners. We have not taken that step...yet, but I see a shower head water softener in our future! I have totally rethought our lotions, soap, body wash, face wash, and hair products. Been using some kind of egg-based hair treatment from Lush, which helps, but only for a couple days. Left Target with an entirely new toiletries stock the other day. Eucerin is a lifesaver!

We have purchased a humidifier to combat the excessively dry heat. That should be arriving soon, which I hope will clear up my horribly itchy throat. Every morning I wake up feeling like I'm sick, and I wake up in the middle of the night parched. 

Justin and I went to the Shedd Aquarium yesterday since he had the day off work and they were offering free general admission. Walking around in our puffers, we started to complain about how we were hot and stuffy amidst all the people. My face was actually starting to feel a bit dewy from the humidity of the aquariums. I caught myself mid-thought and decided just to enjoy the extra moisture in the air. We had also stood outside for half an hour in the wintry mix waiting to get in, so there was no room for complaint about heat either!

I never thought I'd long for the 97% humidity of the South, where you step outside and instantly start to sweat, but that sounds like a dream some days. I'm sure there's got to be a happy medium between looking like you just stepped out of a sauna and your skin cracking off. I make living in Chicago sound utterly unbearable, but it's just a matter of adjustment. I was more worried about surviving the weather, and so far, I've got that under control. There's no such thing as cold weather just not the right clothes....so there's no such thing as hard water, just not the right products?? Any suggestions from fellow hard water, cold-climate dwellers would be much appreciated!

A Smart Phone Year

An idea for my end of year blog has been perplexing me, until I came across a blog on art:21 today. The writer shared his top 10 "smart phone" shots from 2010 and asked others to do the same. I, like him, go nowhere without my iPhone smart phone, and I'm constantly snapping random pics. My husband gave me an iPhone 4 as a belated birthday gift right before we moved from Charlotte to Chicago at the end of last summer. This has ranked in probably the top 10 best gifts anyone has ever given me. My previous phone was purchased in 2005, and was definitely on its last leg. It was just a phone....nothing more, had nothing fancy like a camera, or apps. I didn't even text on that thing because it took forever to enter a simple message. So, I finally joined the 21st century of smart phones and got the mac daddy of them all (in my opinion)!

I have shared a lot of pictures on my blog, which could be a visual story of my life over the past 5 months. Not to discount the first half of my year, but I didn't have my iPhone then. I don't always share the random things I take pictures of, so I thought that might be a good way to end the year, along with a few of my favs. We're always so serious with our resolutions and reflections on what was and what might be. My blog has taken on an overall playful tone, so I'd like to stick with that theme and end on a lighter note. I don't have a year's worth of iPhone pics to choose from, but my total for 2010 (per suggestion of the art:21 blog) is 716 pictures over about 5 months. I estimate a year's worth would amount to roughly 1,718. 

#1: cat on box springs - 8.10.10 - charlotte, nc

the gremlin cat, aka molly, awaiting the movers 

#2: wind turbines - 9.3.10 - somewhere in indiana

on the road from charlotte to chicago

#3: picture in picture - 9.11.10 - the bean

a picture of a reflection of me taking a picture, of a reflection of me taking a picture, 

of a reflection of me taking a picture....to infinity

#4: under the L - 9.27.10 - lake st.

this picture has graced one of my previous blogs, but it's one of my favs, so I had to include it...the joys of navigating chicago!

#5: love this fountain! - 10.5.10 - buckingham fountain

as I've mentioned, one of my favorite places downtown chicago

#6: red and gold - 11.5.10 - the art institute of chicago

love this wall covering...or maybe it's painted?....in a hallway at the art institute

#7: ...and carry a big stick - 11.15.10 - riverwalk

my crazy little aussie cracks me up (along with passersby)

#8: drippy monster thing - 11.17.10 - west town

caught a glimpse of this creature one afternoon on my way to my art studio in west chicago

#9: ice crystals - 12.15.10 - chicago river

beginning to freeze along the riverwalk

#10: in a fog - 12.31.10 - chicago apartment

heavy fog ushering in the new year

So, those might not be my absolute favorite pictures I've taken all year, but they are random and kinda fun. It was difficult choosing just 10, so I had to give myself some boundaries. I hope to include more randomness and spontaneity in the new year and continue to make use of the smartness of my phone. I think that was a resolution! :)

Happy 2011!

Christmas Time in the City

I absolutely love being in a city at Christmas time! The lights, decorations, hustle and bustle...it's hard to beat! This year I was so excited to get out and experience all Chicago had to offer for the holidays: shopping on the Mag Mile, Macy's decorations, Christkindlmarket, holiday train, Zoo Lights, ice skating at Millennium Park, caroling at Cloud Gate. These were all on my Christmas to-do list, and I was thrilled when my mom decided to come up for a visit so we could live the Chicago Christmas Extravaganza together!

The night before my mom arrived, was the last night of Caroling at Cloud Gate. Even though Justin and I absolutely froze and could hardly move our lips to sing, it was still wonderful! They were giving out hot apple cider, which definitely helped to warm us a little. The performers would sing a few songs of their own and invite the crowd to join in on the well-known carols. The brisk air, warm cider, buildings lit up in red and green, and sounds of Christmas carols, made for a beautiful evening.

ice and snow on the bean

Mom was here for 4 short, action-packed days, and she was just as excited as me to bundle up in our puffers and see the holiday sights! The day she arrived we layered up and walked to Millennium Park for Ice Skating in the reflection of 'The Bean'. 

We were a little disappointed to discover that since we didn't have our own ice skates, the wait was 1.5 hours. So, we decided to postpone the ice skating, made a quick visit to Cloud Gate - The Bean - Justin's Spaceship (whatever you want to call it) and headed down towards State St. to take in the holiday sights and sounds.

yet another shot of the bean

We stopped at Macy's to show mom the store decorations and Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room. She got a good taste of the insanity that is Christmas shopping in Chicago. 

macy's gorgeous mosaic ceiling and christmas decor

From there we made our way to the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, which I knew mom would love! It's a German market complete with brats, beer, pastries, glass ornaments, wooden toys, and the not-to-be-missed hot spiced wine! The wine warmed us up nicely after walking around in the cold all day, and I think it was mom's favorite part of her visit! 

christkindlmarket

tree at daley plaza

I just loved this market...so many wonderful smells, and beautiful ornaments. We will definitely make the Christkindlmarket part of our new Christmas traditions!

Mom was on a mission, from her husband, Mark, to bring some Gino's East pizza back to South Carolina. There is always a line out the door at Gino's, but we braved the elements in honor of Chicago deep dish, and mom was able to give Mark his Christmas wish. I have to say that Lou Malnotti's may be better, but the verdict is still out on the best Chicago deep dish. I'll keep you posted on that one.

guests have left their mark all over the restaurant

The next day we did some shopping on Michigan Avenue with all the other Christmas crazed people. Quite honestly, there's only so much I can handle of that scene, but it's just not Christmas without it. That night, we had dinner at a cute little French restaurant in Lincoln Park, Mon Ami Gabi....so yummy! Justin's parents had recommended it, and so do I! It was tres magnifique!

christmas tree photo op "apres diner"

After hearing about the decorations, lights, and yes, cinnamon fragrance on the holiday train, I was determined to ride it. Mom and I took the L train back to Lincoln Park for another round of shopping. We ate lunch at a little diner we happened upon, called Nookies Too...yet another great Chicago eatery. 

lincoln park from the L

After a shopping filled afternoon, we made our way to the L stop where the infamous Holiday Train was supposed to come through. I knew we were at the right place, because kids were everywhere....just as excited as me to see Santa and ride the festive train. Sure enough, the Santa Express arrived on schedule. 

The holiday train was quite an experience. Every corner was Christmasified! The ceiling lights were red and green, the poles were candy cane striped, the seats were covered in Christmas fabric, Christmas music was playing, even the ads were Christmas themed, and it actually smelled like cinnamon! I was in amazement like all the kids we were riding with. 

The last day of mom's visit, we took it easy. We made another visit to the Christkindlmarket and finished up some shopping on State St. We never made it back to the ice rink or to the Zoo Lights (at Lincoln Park Zoo), so I'll be towing Justin to those things once we get back in town from our Carolina Christmas. I think mom will be making a yearly pilgrimage to Chicago each December we are here, and we have found some wonderful new holiday traditions!


Merry Christmas to all!