A cold, busy weekend

You're probably beginning to think that I've forgotten that this is supposed to be an "outdoor" blog. But I haven’t!

Yes, I stray from the designated subject matter quite a bit. Especially lately. But you don't mind, right?

I have to say, though - had I done anything outdoors this weekend, I'd probably be in the hospital right now instead of here writing this.

After a record-breaking 57 days in a row of 30+ degree weather, temperatures dipped to 15 below around here this weekend. And it was miserable!

The weekend was a busy one…

A very dear family friend died last week, so I had the wake and funeral, and besides that, I spent a very large portion of my weekend curled up with Memoirs of a Geisha. I had book club last night (more in a minute) and we were to be discussing the book. As of Friday night, I was only on page 188 of the 430-page book. And I was determined to finish it in time!

Dave and I did go to dinner on Saturday night – the night the temps were at their very lowest. We parked a block from Cempazuchi on Brady St., and the two-minute walk to the restaurant was excruciating. I definitely understand why people simply don’t leave their house during such weather – but we had our hearts set on Mexican food.

The restaurant was quite charming with its little tables and booths, and the Mexican-inspired décor, including a huge map of the country on the wall by the bar, and all kinds of colorful rugs hanging from the ceiling. We sat at the bar while we waited for our table and checked out the drink list. I had one of their many margaritas and Dave drank Pacifico, one of their Mexican beers. There was also an entire menu full of tequilas, available by the shot. It was impressive.

Once seated, we ordered guacamole, which we ate with their wonderful tortilla chips, and then Dave got a pork burrito and I got perch tacos. The food, while quite tasty, didn’t exactly wow us, but the overall experience, between the atmosphere and the service and of course, the margaritas, was a fun one.

Then last night I had book club. Even though we formed the club back in October and had our first meeting back in November, this was only our second meeting. It’s really hard to coordinate schedules and start something out like this, but I’m determined to keep it going and watch it grow. There’s nothing like getting together to eat some food, drink some wine, listen to some chill music, and chat and discuss good books. It’s great!



We put this meeting together quite abruptly so it only ended up being Jennon, Christi, and me, but we still had a lot of fun. We discussed Wicked, which I thought was awful, and then Memoirs of a Geisha, which I’m happy to say I finished in time for our meeting – and it was one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was completely mesmerizing, and I feel like I learned so much about geisha and Japanese culture – even after 430 pages, I didn’t want it to end!

We’re going to try really hard to get book club off the ground and meet every single month. I’m also going to start a book club blog that will let us all keep in touch and share our thoughts between meetings, and also let others weigh in on the books we’re reading. Once I get it up and running, I’ll link to it on here! The next book we’ll be reading is Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs.

Lauren and I are thinking about going skiing this weekend out at Grand Geneva. As of right now, the forecast for Sunday is saying 17 degrees – which might be a bit cold for a day on the slopes. But we’ll see!

I’ll be back soon to update on dance class numero tres!

Comments

[Amanda]

Book club can be really fun, but remember to keep it fun. Sometimes the pressure to read a book for the club every month is a lot to handle! One suggestion I've heard is to meet every month, but only to discuss half of the book. That way, you can read other books you like as well, but you're still getting together with the group on a regular basis. And great idea to keep a book club blog - that way you don't totally forget your point before you even get to make it!

[Mark]

A one block walk through the cold we've been having is outdoor activity enough! It'll be warmer soon... I hope.

[Christi]

Okay, can we discuss how I failed yet AGAIN to receive the book club memo about dressing?

Our very first meeting I was sadly the odd ball out as I noticed in our group picture I was the only one who had failed to wear her turtle neck sweater. Brush it off to poor judgement =) But then this month as I look through our second meeting's group photo I notice that I AGAIN am missing something. This time the scarf around my neck!!!!!

You guys really need to keep me informed on these things =)

[tray]

hey there. i randomly found your blog. (the internet.. it's a wonderful and vast place :-) ) i work at harry w. schwartz bookshops and we are bringing Augusten Burroughs to milwaukee on may 18th. (he will be speaking at the Oriental Theatre. the ticket price ($28) includes a copy of Augusten's newest book, Possible Side Effects. (visit www.schwartzbooks.com for more info) bring a whole group to the event if you wish. it's gonna be a blast! :-)