When spring break LITERALLY is "Singing in the Rain.

When we booked tickets to see the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra play along to one of our all-time favorite classical movies, "Singing in the Rain," we didn't realize it would actually be the theme of the entire weekend...and week of spring break.

Still, as the song says, Come on with the rain, I've a smile on my face.

And that, my friends, is a true story. All smiles, even in the rain.

And what, you may ask, did we do to bring about those smiles? 

I'm so glad you asked...

*Took a short drive over to the Domes (Milwaukee Conservatory) and saw the seasonal train exhibit (and the plants, of course):

*Made sure our hotel was literally right next door to the symphony center where the concert was happening:

*Enjoyed an indoor market (and caught the end of the UNC-Baylor game, which I actually picked the correct upset for in my bracket):

*Dined at a wonderful Italian restaurant recommended (and frequently visited) by friends who are Milwaukee locals:

*And, when the sun came peeking out, strolled down the Riverwalk:

*We were also sure to check out the local church...next time we just need to be sure it's not the church of the same name in the same city whose website you visited for the morning Mass times (oops):

And, apparently, you can't visit Milwaukee without going to Kopp's...so we did just that on our way out of town - delicious! It did not disappoint with food (burgers and custard) or company (grad school friend from PLC 1):

While it was a soggy start to spring break, it certainly was a memorable one. And this week, the overcast, rainy weather has stayed put over Chicago. So, naturally it's been a good excuse to curl up with some books (Rhapsody, The Girl Who Drank the Moon, & The Assignment) and TV shows. (Why aren't they streaming the whole season of Sanditon to PBS Passport subscribers?!?) I also managed to do some spring cleaning and organizing of my closet, laundry, grocery shopping, and cooking. Plus, I even worked ahead on some PD classwork.

Only a few more days left till we return to school - can you believe it's already the end of March??? What a year it's been and my, oh my, how it's flown by.

A Promise Worth Keeping

In my (nearly) 30 years of life on this beautiful earth, I have come to the realization that I like to spend my time (and money) on events/outings rather than on things/goods. That's not revolutionary, I know, but, even more so, I really appreciate good theater and music, so I naturally try to channel what little extra money I have (after food, rent, & Church- and school-related stuff) toward this.

Therefore, I want to make a promise to myself - and it's one that I think I'll be pretty good at keeping (especially since I live in Chicago): My goal is to attend at least one show/concert a month. In September Marisa and I are already lined up to see the "Q Gents" and "Side Show." In October we'll get a chance to see "Ride the Cyclone." After that, I better start looking at my options.

It may sound extravagant, but we have our ways of finding cheap tickets. (And it's also a good excuse to spend an evening with friends and/or family.) Plus, it supports the arts - these people are INCREDIBLE, and they need to be celebrated!

So yes, it's my little secret. It's a promise I'm looking forward to keeping. I'll keep you posted on how the shows go...