Sympathies to Robert

All my love and good vibes to my dear friend Robert E. whose partner of many, many years passed suddenly last night. Love and light to John and hugs and support to dear Robert.


(Left to right) John, Robert's son Reilly and Robert.

Guesstures at the Shingles

Part of our visits with friends for the holidays, here we are with the Shingles playing "Guesstures." The girls are getting so tall!

Holiday Visits 2009

It's movie time! Here's us last Sunday with a visit to see the Turners. We had a festive time at their home and went to Cracker Barrel for dinner.

'Avatar' Fun at Navy Pier

Bob and I had the greatest time when we went to see Avatar last night at Navy Pier. Of course, the movie was sensational. With the 3-D glasses (as shown here) and six-story IMAX screen, the experience was breathtaking.

While waiting for the movie to start, we bumped around the Pier, taking photos in the main courtyard, Crystal Gardens and near the huge ferris wheel. What a memorable Christmas!

Christmas Day

Bob and I opened our presents and what a wonderful variety. I got two pairs of shoes and a GPS device! Whee! Now I can't get lost going to Omar's Halloween party in Elgin! Then Bob got a Home Depot card, colorful earmuffs and an Amazon Kindle. Santa was good this year.

Dinner with the Zapatas

Bob and I met Ruben, Arlene and Crystal for dinner at Charlie's Ale House in Andersonville this week. Great time to catch up.

'Fro Bros!

My green "elf" afro is making the rounds for this year's set of holiday visits to friends. It only occurred to me later that my friend's son has been sporting the look for a while. The holidays just get happier. More 'fro visits to document.

Holiday Memories

Last week, our company had a "Holiday Memories" tree where we submitted photos or stories about past holidays and this is the photo I submitted. It's a formal photography shot that my family took a few years before my father passed away. My co-worker said he wouldn't have recognized me. Well, I cut my hair shorter now ...

High Rise Holiday Party

Members of "FINC," which stands for "Filipinos in Chicago," held an awards ball atop a high rise on Lake Shore Drive this past weekend. Though it was cloudy, the vibe was still fab and everyone dressed up. The MC "ladies" were a hoot and the DJ really got the dance floor going.

Sugar Town

My work had its traditional cookie exchange and Secret Santa "reveal" yesterday. Of course it becomes a slow death by cookie day, but we survived. I don't bake, so I stopped by an Italian bakery and got cool cookies and these deep-fried rice balls with beef inside (spinanch and cheese in others). They were interesting.

My Secret Santa fooled me by purchasing slightly feminine gifts and putting them on my desk on the days when one of our part-timers comes in. Turns out it was a guy co-worker who's full time. I was totally played.

Oh, the wreath around my head is because I'm the ghost of Christmas Present.






Not sure why this photo is on its side, but enjoy!

Office Holiday Reception

With so many of the company in Oak Brook for a leadership meeting, a large gathering was held at The Lodge last night. I put a montage of photos together for a 20th anniversary themed cake, and here I am with the company president, Santa!

Cat in a Box

Alright, I don't have the cutest cats in the world. But they come close. Here they are getting into the holiday spirit by checking out the boxes I'm using to wrap presents.

Film Premiere

Here we are at Toby Ross' film premiere. What fun on a cold, Chicago night!

Bob and Jussi

Bob and I took a photo for our Christmas card last night and here's a test shot with a stand-in--Jussi, our bengal cat. Sorry, but you won't see the actual photo because its debut is set for the U.S. Post Office to deliver. Until then ...

Rockin' Santa Rocked!

Last Saturday's School Street fundraiser "Rockin' Santa" made $1,000! We were very pleased with everything, from the band to the bake sale to the turnout. Bob played Santa for the kids at the end (note the mullet on "Rockin' Santa.") and after we had packed everything up, a bunch of people dressed as Santas walked into the bar and I got a picture with them. All around a great time. Here's to next year!

Who Was That Masked Man?

An odd group of circumstances left me with this attire. And a romp down Halsted cemented the persona of "Captain Gay." Here without sidekick "Moose" and arch enemy "Fish Taco."

Rockin' Santa Is Here!

It's time for School Street's "Rockin' Santa" event. Tomorrow, Sat., Dec. 5, 2009 from 2-5 p.m. at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western in Chicago. $20 Adults; $35 Couples; $5 Kids 5-18 accompanied by their legal guardian. See you all there!

Vegas Resurfaces

My trip to Vegas last October keeps haunting me. At least when it comes to people just now sending me their pics. This is me during our Karaoke night.

Photos From The Jen and Joe Show

Our first School Street fundraiser of the fall, The Jen and Joe Show, was a bang-up success and here's the photos from Mary O'Kiersey of foxpath2 to prove it.

I hope our upcoming fundraiser at the Empty Bottle with A Random Group of People band is as fun and successful--I'm sure it will be. See everyone Saturday!