28th Feb - the celebrations

And So Emma's birthday (only turning 28!). Wow, I'm surrounded by sweet young things! Ali and I spent an amazing night on the Wednesday at a gorgeous cheese deli just a few blocks away, 'Pastoral', tasting different cheeses and choosing prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, fresh breads etc. ready for the next night's feast!

The party was held at Ali's pad, which was a given really as you could really only squeeze about 2 1/2 people in mine. What an incredible apartment she has - has completely turned about my decision to stay where I am next year (moving though - what a pain!). It all looked fabulous, the table was groaning with delicacies and the chat was flowing (present: the birthday girl herself, Lauren, Sharon, Gillian and Tom). Many bottles of wine later, I got a second wind and demanded that another bottle be opened! Fun Sharon made a guest appearance but I think we were all very much 'not fun' the next day!

Friday night Head Mike treated us to drinks at our school local; I opted for oj/cranberry! A quick power nap later and then headed to Lauren's, who was hosting drinks for Em. Fun John was definitely out and nothing was going to keep him from having his say! We headed over to 'The Holiday Club' bar, which, if I had been on better form, seemed like a great place, full of atmosphere and characters! Alas, I retreated home at midnight, defeated.

The celebrations continued! The girls enjoyed a late lunch on Saturday at John's Place (no relation to previously mentioned Fun John!) and ate the enormous portions with great satisfaction (well, I did!). The food here (Chicago) is amazing, the service is (generally) amazing, the prices aren't bad - what's not to love?! We had chosen this place because it was really near the gorgeous street of Armitage, full of little shops and boutiques for us to explore. I look forward to returning when I have made my fortune!