Angel's Crash Pad

Fun at Green Mill and Beyond

2012-01-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

Friends and I had dinner at a Mexican Fiesta place on North Broadway and then went to the Green Mill last Monday. We saw a great jazz stylist named Patricia Barber, who worked with a guitarist, base and drummer. Then aferwards, it was off to Sofo.

Superhero Sunday

2012-01-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

First Sunday of the new year and time for what was the third annual superhero dress-up and run around the block. I tried to get others in the Asians and Friends group to do it, but alas, I was the only one. Maybe next year!

Green Fairy New Year's Eve!

2012-01-01T07:37:00.001-08:00

Happiest of new year's to all! Had the best time at Bob and my Green Fairy (absinthe) New Year's Eve party at our place last night. The absinthe was flowing and the faces glowing. Love my new camera and its night-time setting. The best to all in 2012!

Holiday Fun in Chicago

2011-12-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

Bob and I had the best time together in our own Windy City over the Christmas weekend. We had a wonderful morning opening gifts (photos taken with my new camera) and had our friends John and John over for Christmas dinner (cornish hens!). Then Monday we got excited about going to Navy Pier to see the IMAX version of "Mission Impossible" and decided to have a great seafood dinner at Riva's. Happy holidays to all!

Holiday Dinner with Kristine

2011-12-19T12:26:00.001-08:00

Dinner with Kristine at John's Place in Lincoln Park last week for the holidays. My get-together with Kristine is typically the first of the season. Happy holidays!

We Built This City!

2011-12-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

Had a great big rock-and-roll weekend, going to see two different friends perform. One was Jon Fell who did a solo gig at the Elbo Room last Friday and then my pal Rob who plays in the Paul Coady Band. They performed Saturday night at Sylvie's. Rock on!Here's a band at the Elbo Room--oops, forgot to take a photo of my friend.

Paul Coady Band with Rob at base, Paul lead and Joe on the drums.

Cathy (center), Tom and a new friend dance.

Go-Cart Holiday Work Party

2011-12-07T09:05:00.001-08:00

I had the best time yesterday at our holiday work party. We did go-cart racing at Chicago Indoor Racing in Addison, Ill. Here's some video and me all suited up!

Office Birthday Lunch

2011-11-29T07:44:00.001-08:00

My co-workers took me to Sweet Tomatoes yesterday for a birthday lunch. They lit a candle and put it on my desert and gave me a card signed by the office. I had a lot of veggies and ice cream. Whee!

Bobby Love's Birthday

2011-11-27T05:48:00.001-08:00

Had the best time at my birthday party. Had dinner at the Kit Kat Club (with a drag queen hostess from Australia) and then sang Karaoke at Bobby Love's. A ton of friends showed up even though it was Thanksgiving Day weekend. And fun with little hats and fake moustaches! Whee!

Thanksgiving Day Parade 2011

2011-11-27T05:39:00.001-08:00

Peruvian dancers to Storm Troopers, Jessie White Tumblers to Jack Sparrow--Chicago's Thanksgiving Day Parade never fails to please. I went last minute when two friends said they'd be going (and I woke up early). A tad chilly, but fun. The warming tent later at Daley Plaza and glogg was fun too.

Tom's Ongoing Birthday

2011-11-16T05:10:00.001-08:00

My friend Tom continues to celebrate his 50th year by having friends over at his place last weekend. Here's some pics of the fun.

Bank On It!

2011-11-11T07:02:00.001-08:00

Co-workers and I went to a new Chicago night spot called The Bedford. It was formerly a bank and they made the walk-in safe their "Vault Lounge." It had all these safe-deposit boxes and of course, the cool vault doors. What fun!

Me in the Halloween Parade 2011

2011-11-02T09:41:00.001-07:00

Chicago Metromix took a photo of me when I was marching in this past Monday's Halloween Parade down Halsted Street. Looks like I was having fun!

Halloween Night Recap

2011-11-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

I found some video of me

in the Halsted Street Halloween Parade from last night. I'm the big headed lizard (Geico Gayko) who never turns to face the camera. Here are some other shots later at a bar called Circuit. It was a great night of dancing and fun.

Happy Halloween 2011!

2011-10-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

A couple of Halloween shots (so far). One is from our Asians and Friends party last Friday (an amazing magazine cover dress from my designer friend, the Green Lantern and an Angry Bird) and the other is today at work. (My co-worker shaved his beard as his costume and my other co-worker is former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich "jogging.") I'm dressed as the Geico gecko ... I'll be doing the Halsted Street parade tonight. See some of you there!

Dwight Okita's Book Signing

2011-10-27T07:50:00.001-07:00

I attended a book reading and signing last night for my friend Dwight Okita and his book, "The Prospect of My Arrival." Wonderful premise--a person being brought into the world to decide if he wants to be born.

My Cousin's Video!

2011-10-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

My L.A. cousin Celia has a great, short video posted on YouTube, just in time for Halloween!

Oktoberfest!

2011-10-21T08:03:00.001-07:00

Me and a bunch of friends went to Oktoberfest at Brauhaust in Lincoln Square. Totally fun. Have you done the Chicken Dance today?

Halloween Fun Begins!

2011-10-17T10:00:00.001-07:00

The hilarity of Halloween began to surface a couple months back when I ran into a pub crawl of folks doing a "Miss Universe" theme. Here's a contestant done up as Princess Beatrice from the Royal Wedding.

Convenience-store Convention

2011-10-05T09:05:00.001-07:00

Here I am at the convenience-store convention in Chicago (I didn't have to travel much this time). I'm at the Field Museum with Sue the T-Rex. Below is a booth with rapper 50 cent blown up.

My Convenience Store Video Segment

2011-10-04T05:12:00.001-07:00

Here's the link if you can't see the embed below: http://www.cspnet.com/csptv/video/nacs11vid3

Angel Does Dallas

2011-09-26T10:43:00.001-07:00

Last week I was in Dallas for a conference and one of the things they arranged for us was a visit to the Dallas Cowboys' Stadium, where we saw the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders rehearsing. They were on the field where we also marveled at the five-story jumbo Jumbotron that spanned two-thirds of the football field. And as if all that weren't spectacular enough, they took us to a luxury box suite and through the locker room where I got a photo holding Tony Romo's jersey! What fun!

ifCON in Houston 2011

2011-09-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

I had the best time over the Labor Day holiday with the annual Asians and Friends conference (ifCON 2011) this time in Houston. In addition to the laughs during the final dinner and pageant (with our host Bob in drag singing "They Don't Eat Dog in Old Taiwan" with his partner dressed up as Scooby Doo), we visited Houston's huge Chinatown (with a Vietnamese buffet, yum!), a Buddhist temple and of course, Nasa. Great time had by all!

More Summer Fun

2011-08-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

We had another mini Joel Hall reunion with dancers this past weekend. Here I am with my friends Nancy, Scott (guitar), Kareem, Pat and Elizabeth. Squeezing every drop out of summer!

Met the Tindall Triplets

2011-08-25T07:30:00.001-07:00

Here's another pic of me and the new boy band called the Tindall Triplets. They were all in Chicago this week. My friend Walter T. is managing them. Best of luck Walter!

Walter Visits with Triplets

2011-08-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

My good dancer friend Walter T. visited Chicago this past weekend with a new boy group he's managing. They're three singers who are triplets. Gorgeous and crazily similar. It was also an opportunity for many of his dance friends to drop by. So it ended up being a little reunion for many of us. Whee!!

Market Days; Friends from Atlanta

2011-08-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a whirlwind with friends visiting from Atlanta and Halsted Street Market Days. Though it rained a bit, everyone's spirits were high and dry. When exploring Chicago my friends from Atlanta and I discovered a magic fountain near the famed Buckingham Fountain. We dubbed it "Golden Showers." I also got Nelson and Sam (my friends) in different parts of downtown. What fun!

Elvis Lives!

2011-08-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Went to a fun Elvis party this weekend where they had a live Elvis impersonator--and fireworks and blue slushy drinks. Couldn't help doing an interpretive dance to "In the Ghetto."

More Pics from Honolulu

2011-08-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

Just a few more fun shots from Honolulu last month that my sister-in-law posted on Facebook. Who's that wacky guy?

Weekend BBQ at Keith and Peter's Place

2011-08-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

My friends Keith and Peter have a great view from their condo. They invited friends over this past weekend for a BBQ. What fun!

Saratoga Springs 2011

2011-07-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

Talk about a horse-racing summer. Two weeks ago Arlington Park and this week, Saratoga Springs! Here's what I caught while our conference group went on an outing to the race track this week.

Bettin' on the Ponies

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

A group from Asians and Friends Chicago went to Arlington Park Racetrack last weekend and had a ball. No big wins (well, I did pick a horse to win that did, but on a $2 bet, it earned $4.20!). It was really a great time--a band, food and lots of people (and horse) watching!

GAM Travels Through California and Hawaii

2011-07-14T11:30:00.001-07:00

As president of Asians and Friends Chicago and for my GAM-TV project, I roamed Orange County, San Diego and Honolulu, networking and meeting new folks. Here's a photo account of my jaunts:

An Outdoor Lunch

2011-06-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days, co-workers and I have been taking advantage of the perfect weather by having our lunches outside. Here I am "pretending" to take a mid-day nap. The other photo is of co-workers in the landscaped area in front of our office building.

Pride 2011

2011-06-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

Pride Day 2011 was a memorable blast. A ton of balloons turned into a dress, gals from Asian Human Services and guys from Indianapolis made our float a hit and what a fun theme: "I'm not a Transformer; I'm a Transvestite!"

Chip's Birthday atop the Center on Halsted

2011-06-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

Chip had his birthday celebration on the top of the Center on Halsted (their Pride kickoff party). Hal Sparks the comedian was there too and after I took his picture, he jumped down off the stage and I told him: "You're much taller in person." He laughed. (He's not tall.) Happy birthday Chip!

Free Burritos

2011-06-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

What do you do when a co-worker wins 10 free burritos? You break for free burritos! Sometimes life can be full of surprises.

Goodbye Vanessa!

2011-06-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

A dear friend from my dance company days is leaving Chicago to start her own business in Houston (and be closer to her brother and sister). We were surprised when she announced her decision last night, but we were thrilled by the new door that's opening for her. All the best Vanessa!

I Win an Award from Harris Bank!

2011-06-17T08:53:00.001-07:00

To my surprise, I won a community service award from Harris Bank this morning. I attended their LGBT affinity group's Pride breakfast, partly because they were honoring inductees of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, but they surprised me with an additional recognition and trophy for the AIDS-awareness work and work with Asians and Friends that I've done over the years.

Andersonville Sommerfest 2011

2011-06-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

Some fun pics from Andersonville Sommerfest 2011. This one is of a wine accessories booth that had some interesting ways to keep leftover wine.

Here's the gang: Jen, John, John, Paul, Robert, Tom and Rob.

Visit from Deano

2011-06-10T08:32:00.001-07:00

Our friend Dean dropped by from Hong Kong to say hi. Bob and I took him to an Italian place on Broadway. Too much fun for a Thrusday!

GAM Elements

2011-06-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Event

2011-06-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Another fun time atop the Dana Hotel in their Vertigo Sky/Rooftop Lounge. It was a Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce event that had a gambling theme. Fun times!

Fuzzies and Leather and Bears, Oh My!

2011-05-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

This was one of the latest fetishes at IML. The fuzzies. You can buy the head and the feet in real animal fur.

And here was a study in contrasts:

Then here I caught the tail end of a big family photo.

Angela's Birthday Party

2011-05-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

The annual Angela and Andrew party was last night and was the toast of Oak Park. Here are a few visuals of the action.

King and I Fun

2011-05-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

After watching my friend Chip in The King and I at Theater 773, the gang and I went out for showtunes at Sidetrack. Here's some of the fun!

Go Bulls! Up on Heat

2011-05-16T05:06:00.001-07:00

Went to The Spot last night to watch the Bulls cool the Heat. First game of the series to the home team, yeah! We even had red cake!

Following Da Bulls!

2011-05-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

My friend Kristine and I went to watch the Bulls play at a bar at Fullerton and Ashland called "Players." The food was actually really good. I had some goulash. Yum!

My Friend in Hairspray

2011-05-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

I saw my friend May perform in Hairspray this past weekend up in Wilmette. She was wonderful and she loves it! Congrats May and here's to more performances!

Graffiti Girl

2011-05-06T08:30:00.001-07:00

I took what I thought was a funny picture a while back. It's from a sandwich restaurant in Uptown. Someone got giddy with the graffiti and marked up this poor model.

A Royal Pain

2011-04-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 4 a.m. and me and the kitties watched the Royal Wedding. Then I wore a crown to work. Life's good!

April Showers Bring April Flowers

2011-04-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Beautiful spring flowers have begun to bloom on the bus-stop island next to my house. It had been a cold and rainy April, so this is our present. Happy spring all!

Latest Event

2011-04-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of the latest event I'm promoting for Asians and Friends Chicago. It's atop the beautiful Dana Hotel and will be a "Green Fairy" blast with absinthe as a theme.

Milwaukee Road Trip

2011-04-25T03:39:00.001-07:00

One of our big highlights this Easter weekend was a trip to Milwaukee to celebrate Bob's big 6-0. We went to the Great Lakes Distillery for their absinthe. What a blast!

Randaroonie at the Spoke

2011-04-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

My bestest college friend Randeee who now lives in London dropped by Chicago to visit his Windy City pals. Here we are after lunch at the Twisted Spoke! Wild!

You Better Hit It Mr. Will

2011-04-20T02:51:00.000-07:00

The most hilarious and artfully timed thing happened in dance class last night. Our instructor, Will, was teaching a Horton modern class and giving us (20 or so dancers) a correction about a right hip thrust. We weren't serving it. He said, "You got to give me that pow." So he demonstrates. And just when his hip and head bam to the side, a flash of lightning and crack of thunder hit at that exact moment.

It was magical. Unthinkable. Like voodoo.

And instead of being phased, he looks at us with a "See? Did you get that?" We all howl! And then we dance around him like tribal worshipers and bow as if he were Zeus the God of Thunder. It was unbelievable. Once in a lifetime.

Rob's Disco Karaoke Birthday

2011-04-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

My friend Rob's birthday was at a Karaoke place where you rent rooms and sing. Then we went to Hamburger Mary's for disco night. That's why I have an afro on. (Did I need a reason to look like Annie? The sun'll come out, tomorrow ...)

Bob's Birthday Dinner Part I

2011-04-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Happiest of birthdays to Bob! We went out with some friends last night to celebrate his big 6-0 at our favorite place, Greek Islands restaurant, but it's just the beginning. We're probably going to have yet another fun meal and then travel with a group to Milwaukee in a couple of weeks to really put the icing on the cake. Happy birthday honey!!

R.I.P.: Cabrini Green Projects

2011-04-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

This is the last high-rise in the notrious projects that Chicago came to be known for through the 60's and 70's (and well into the 1990s). In the last decade, they've been shut down and then torn down one by one. This was last weekend. It's probably a mound of rubble right now.

Weekend with LA-LA Friends

2011-04-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

I hung around with a couple of visiting friends this past weekend. Here I am with my friend Al from L.A. (in the middle who I went to high school with in Honolulu) and Phil who just moved back to the Chicago area from L.A.

Skunk Sprayed Me!

2011-03-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

I caught this video outside my office of a skunk who looked like he wanted to come in. When he lifted his tail, he sprayed (you can see his little butt working). Eek! Thank goodness the door was between us.

GAM-TV Premiere

2011-03-29T02:43:00.000-07:00

The debut of my webisodes went fab this past Saturday. About 35 people showed up and were a great test audience. It was wonderful to hear their reactions to the pieces. I'm hoping I can take this somewhere because it's fun!

My Directorial Debut!

2011-03-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

I know this sounds cheesey but I directed my first series of "webisodes" that I'll be debuting tomorrow (Sat. 3/26) at a club here in Chicago. Everyone's invited. It's free (cash bar). It'll be at 3 p.m. at @mosphere, 5355 N. Clark. If you're not able to come, I'll let you know how it goes.

Angel's Day Off

2011-03-24T10:24:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks back, I got a Friday off and wandered around downtown. Chicago truly is a magnificent city.

There's the gleaming Trump Tower.

The corn-cob buildings of Marina City.

A tour boat on the Chicago river.

Wacker Drive looking to the Wrigley Building.

Rahm Emanuel riding a hot dog.

Inn at Aberdeen

2011-03-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

I was in Valparaiso, Ind., to interview a convenience-store retailer this week and stayed at a really cool bed-and-breakfast called Inn at Aberdeen. It was a quaint place with vintage country style rooms and meeting spaces. Might be a cool place to revisit.

Let the Sun Shine

2011-03-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Friends and I went to see the touring production of Hair downtown. We got a picture outside the Oriental Theater and near the Chicago Theater where the "puppet booth" was garnering some attention (and Charlie Sheen's tour on the Chicago Theater marquee). Here I am inside the Oriental letting the sun shine in.

Dining Club

2011-03-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

Asians and Friends Chicago had its first "Dining Club" outing to a Chinese restaurant called Sun Wah. It was great duck! Yum ...

It's Not Easy ... Being Green!

2011-03-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'm the one on the left with the big hat. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Editors Meet in 'Hedgehog' Retreat

2011-03-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

The editors I work with met last week on a planned "retreat" to discuss our mission or "Hedgehog" statements. We had fun in Riverdale, Ill., for a bonding experience.

Angel A., Linda Z. and Abbey W. (left to right) pose with Herzog the Hedgehog.

"What you looking at?"

Thesbians on Oscar Night

2011-02-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

Oh no, we couldn't let the Hollywood elite be the only ones showing their acting talents. No, during the commercials the party goers at the Oscar soiree that I attended had to act out memorable movie scenes. Here's a peek at the fun!

Science Ship

2011-02-25T10:59:00.000-08:00

When I was in Honolulu a couple of weeks ago, I visited with a friend who works on a science ship. He made the news the other day. Here's what his partner John sent:

Last week Hung's ship helped introduce kids to science, and there was a news article and TV story about it. If you look closely you can see Hung walking in the background.

One of the students was sea-sick and fell, hitting her head and becoming unconscious. Hung assisted her to an emergency room and received thanks via his Public Health Service commander and the ship's captain.

Webisode First Shoot Day

2011-02-21T06:04:00.000-08:00

I'm embarking on a new proposition: That of Web video content creator. It'll be a private, entrepreneurial venture focused on the gay, Asian, male experience here in Chicago. Some friends and I got together this past Saturday for our first shoot day--at two locations, Winston's Cafe on Clark and further up the street at @mosphere bar. Here we are excited about all that we got accomplished. Next shoot day this Saturday!

One Crazy Oompa-Loompa!

2011-02-18T20:27:00.001-08:00

At Bob and my Wonka New Year's Eve party this past January, my friend Jen D. took this shot. Everyone needs a crazy shot like this to look back on and say you lived. Thanks Jen!! oxox

Ewa-side of Oahu

2011-02-17T03:48:00.000-08:00

Just getting around to posting more pics from my trip last week to Honolulu. This is our drive to the west side (Ewa, pronounced "eva") of the island of Oahu, where we saw a fire dancer. They're building more resorts, with Disney's latest creation opening up. My friends from Chicago and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., were also in Honolulu at the same time, so we all piled in a car to spend the day together. We stopped off at a local favorite, the Rainbow Inn, for "loco moco" first. Later that night, I stopped off at a club that featured some local talent.

Chicago Spirit Brigade Fundraiser

2011-02-16T00:39:00.000-08:00

The French-themed "Big Bang" show took place a couple of weeks ago at Circuit in Chicago's Halsted Street area and I'm just now putting up photos. My pal David from the dance studio is very active in the group's dance team. Here are some pics of the show, two friends--Jamila and Laurie, and me with the drag queens later at a bar up the street called Bobby Love's.

Chicago Represents in Honolulu

2011-02-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Met up with some Chicago folks who also happen to be in Honolulu. Here's John and Hung and John and Andrew. We're hanging at Hula's.

Karaoke Fun!

2011-02-09T15:06:00.001-08:00

I met up with some high school chums, Judy and Trudy, and we rented a Karaoke room to sing our hearts out! Then we went to a fun restaurant called Side Street and chowed on some local food. Yum. Then Melissa joined us and afterwards they posed as Charlie's Angels for me (tee hee).

Then Judy and I re-lived a posed from our prom photo from back in the day. Too much fun!

Anniversary of Dad's Passing

2011-02-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the 11th anniversary of my dad's passing. We had his name mentioned at a noon mass, went to the Winward Side of the island for lunch at King Wah and then visited the cemetary. We miss you dad!

HI, Honolulu!

2011-02-08T10:49:00.001-08:00

I'm in Honolulu visiting family and friends. It's been very eventful as you can see. Visits to the beach, the annual Punahou (Obama High) carnival and a University of Hawaii volleyball game. Just a few more days left and it's back to the snow!

Bo Bice!

2011-02-03T02:01:00.000-08:00

I shot this video of Bo Bice at my company's after party in Phoenix. Fun, fun, fun!

Ditka Sighting

2011-01-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

I went to dinner last night with a visiting friend and we walked into Mike Ditka's restaurant because it was close to his hotel. I asked if we'd see Ditka that night and the waiter said he comes in two or three times a week and sits upstairs. I said I'd pretended to go to the bathroom (which is in the upstairs seating area) just to see him and the waiter said people do it all the time.

Well, as our dinner wound down I made a pretend trip to the restroom and lo and behold, Mike Ditka. Live and in person. I stared a little but kept moving. He was talking to a fan. And there you go ...

More of My Friend's India Adventure

2011-01-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

I know I'm not the one making the trip, but my friend Nancy just came back from teaching American Musical Theater dance to kids in India. Here's a photo. Looks like something I'd like to do!

Tom's Sister Cindy Visits Chicago

2011-01-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

My friend Tom's sister Cindy visited from Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. Here we are going to Dim Sum.

Here's me between Tom and Cindy.

And here's Oscar, Rob, Cindy and Tom.

New Orleans Scenes

2011-01-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

Got more shots of New Orleans to share. I'm crossing Canal and checking out the trolley cars, making a new friend (Kim) at a Karaoke bar and finding new angles all around the city.

In New Orleans!

2011-01-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

I'm in the Big Easy for a convenience-store technology conference. Will take more pictures this evening! This is the view from my room above Harrah's.

Big Band Birthday

2011-01-14T11:24:00.000-08:00

I helped celebrate two birthdays last night, one with a dancer friend Kareem who celebrated at Hamburger Mary's. I had a fat, juicy, black and blue cheeseburger and fries (yum). And the other was another dancer friend named Maria who had her birthday later that night at the historic Green Mill Lounge. They had a live big band playing with swing and other 40's tunes on tap. It was the cat's pajamas!

My Friend Teaches Dance in India

2011-01-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

I just got some video from my friend Nancy who's teaching jazz dance in India. Here are her kids doing American musical theater at the Riverside School in Ahmedabad, India.

Snowy Chicago

2011-01-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a shot from my office window. It's a 2-4 inch forecast. That's my car on the far right. I can see it from my window (and Russia too!).

Rahm Says Congrats

2011-01-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

Chicago mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel sent Asians and Friends Chicago a congratulatory letter for our induction into the city's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.

Teaching Dance at Northwestern

2011-01-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

The choreographer of the dance company I was with for years asked me and another dancer to teach his students at Northwestern University some choreography we performed years back. Here I am watching the rehearsal and a pic of the three male dancers we worked with.

New Year's Day at La Crepe

2011-01-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

New Year's Day, me, Bob and our friend Linda from Wisconsin got up and went for brunch at Le Crepe on Irving Park Road. It's interior is made to look like a streetfront in Paris. The crepes were great too. I had a Thai inspired one while Linda and Bob went for traditional ham, eggs and cheese.

Captain Gay

2011-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

An attempt to keep warm by putting on tights last year turned into the invention of "Captain Gay," a bar crawler who appeared after Asians and Friends had their New Year's Day weekend Dim Sum in 2010. He reappeared this year in commemoration of that anniversary. Here he is last Sunday running around the block in 20-degree weather for a free shot.

Wonka New Year's Eve 2010

2011-01-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Bob and I decided to have a Willy Wonka themed New Year's Eve with chocolate martinis and a fondue fountain. It was a blast. I was an oompa-lumpia (a Filipino oompa-loompa). Happiest of New Year's to all!

Christmas Weekend 2010

2010-12-27T12:47:00.001-08:00

Took a few holiday pics with my new camera--a Cannon PowerShot SX130IS. I've yet to get to know all the intricacies, but I'm very excited.

Xmas Eve at Frank's

2010-12-27T12:44:00.001-08:00

Went to a friend Frank's house for an Xmas eve dinner. Had a ball!

Christmas Eve Eve Fun at the Rupps

2010-12-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

A lot of holiday zaniness at the Rupps. Here's just a few pics:

Christmas Horses

2010-12-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

One of Bob's friends from his cat-show circle sent us this photo of his horses as a holiday greeting. While this is on a farm outside the city, it looks like Chicago's also going to have a white Christmas this year.

Cookie Exchange at Work

2010-12-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

Our annual cookie exchange at work gave everyone a sugar rush this morning. And a couple of gift cards inspired a lightning round of bingo--that I didn't win, rats! Tis' the season, ho-ho-ho!

Curses, Foiled Again!

2010-12-16T02:39:00.000-08:00

A funny mixer game at our work Holiday Gathering last Tuesday. We had to create a celebrity or cultural icon out of tin foil. Here's what the winning team put out. Can you guess who she is?

Of course, the Statue of Liberty. Happy holidays to all!

Holiday Fun with the Shingles

2010-12-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

Bob and I met up with the Shingles for our annual holiday gathering at Leona's in Des Plaines. I put together my Wonka look as an homage to Bob and my New Year's Eve Party theme and to make the girls laugh. Sydney is already in the sixth grade and Amelia in third. How they grow so fast. Happy holidays!