Chicago Fire

This past weekend several film crews were around the city shooting. I happened to be walking around downtown on Saturday when I ran into my friend JC who was working as a production assistant for the TV show Chicago Fire.

They were shooting a scene along the Chicago river for the upcoming season. JC told me it was basically going to be a minute long shot of all of the trucks driving down the street, for one of the episodes. It was pretty cool to watch. I even spotted most of the cast of the show including, Taylor Kinney, Charlie Barnett, Monica Raymund, and Eamonn Walker.

Another production being filmed here in Chicago this week is Michael Bay's Transformers 4, with Mark Wahlberg. Helicopters have been all over the city shooting aerial shots for the movie. I am hoping to see them actually filming later on this week in Uptown.

Chicago Fire Filming Downtown

Chicago Fire Filming Downtown

Don Jon and Joe

So my school is pretty cool because every once in a while they will give their students the opportunity to see movies, concerts, or shows for free. Well this past week they sent out a link for free passes to see the pre-screening of Joseph Gordon-Levitt's new movie Don Jon. This movie does not come out until September 27th and it was free and starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt so I was definitely in. 

So I texted my friend Malissa and we saw the movie together with her cousin on Tuesday night. It was a really great movie. When I first saw the trailer for it I was a bit skeptical because it is basically about Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character giving up porn for love. However, despite this fact it was very well done and also it was based in New Jersey so it reminded me of home a bit. 

Well, on Thursday Columbia posted about seeing this movie for free again. Only this time Joseph Gordon-Levitt was going to be there for a Q&A. So I jumped right on it and got the passes. For those that know me I have a big crush on Joseph Gordon-Levitt so this was going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience that I just could not pass up. I invited my friend Allie who I had not seen in months and she was just as excited. We left around 6 for the 7:30 showing and this was a mistake because it turns out everyone and their mother heard about this pre-screening. 

In the end we did not make it into the movie, but we tried. My friends JC and Wesley did make it into the movie and Q&A though making me and Allie both very jealous. But Allie and I made the best of our time and we caught up and chatted about our lives and boys, you know girl talk. We also checked out the spectacular view of Chicago from my apartment's rooftop, which made it all better.

Maybe one day I will get to meet my man crush, Joseph Gordon-Levitt!

Rooftop view looking South

Rooftop view looking East

Rooftop view looking North

Allie and I on the roof

#TOMSvagabonds

This summer TOMS Shoes is going on a tour across the United States called the Vagabond Tour where they are promoting the brand and spreading awareness of how they are helping out people especially here in the United States. I was lucky enough to be in Chicago when they came to town.

They were stationed at the Lincoln Park Zoo and I headed over there with my friend Shamis. I wanted to see what it was all about and also enter for a chance to win a trip to LA to be interviewed for an internship at TOMS Shoes next summer. 

When we finally found the van the TOMS employees were extremely friendly and fun. I eventually mustered enough courage to do my 30 second video for the internship interview contest and they said I did very well. So I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get to be interviewed because it really would be a once in a lifetime opportunity that I would take full advantage of. 

I also scored some cool stickers and I bought a Vagabond t-shirt which gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. 

#TOMSvagabonds Trailer @ShamisUltra

#TOMSvagabonds Story @ShamisUltra

Chicago Bound Part 2

Driving to Chicago

So I finally made it back to Chicago and I could not be happier! It didn't even take that long to get here, at least not as long as it has in the past, which was quite the relief. 

Before Photo

When we did finally get into the city I signed my lease and headed up to my new place. Although small I still knew it would turn out great! The first thing we found was the fan though because it was way too hot. 

My Mom and Brother at the Bean

The first night that we were at my place we decided to head out into the suburbs to go to Benihana. This trip to Benihana has sort of become a tradition with my mom and I ever since my orientation for school last July. We had stayed in a hotel near there and found Benihana and had the greatest meal. Now it is a must and I always have leftovers to enjoy later on!

The rest of the weekend was great. I took my family on an adventure through downtown Chicago where we probably walked about 12 miles in total. We went to Navy Pier, the Bean, the Rainforest Cafe, the Magnificent Mile, and all along the river and lakefront. It was such a beautiful day and I was so excited to show them my home.

Eventually it was time for them to go and this was sad, but they left me in good shape for this upcoming year. My place finally has some character and I feel very comfortable in it. It is me to the tee. 

After Photo

Chicago Bound Part 1

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Lao-tzu (Chinese Philosopher 604 BC - 531 BC)

Friday morning I am leaving to go back to Chicago, IL for my sophomore year of college at Columbia College Chicago. My mom, brother and I are heading out from New Jersey at 3am so that we can get to the city in time to sign my new lease. The journey will be long, but we are up for the challenge and I am so excited to finally move in to my very own apartment. 

I am also so happy to finally get back to city life. Chicago may be known as the "Second City" to many, but to me it is second to none. Not only is it extremely clean, there is always something to do and everyone is very friendly. Coming from the east coast it was nice to get that midwest attitude as opposed to what you get in the New Jersey/New York area on occasion.

Mostly though I am excited to get back with all of my incredible friends and back to the best school! Columbia College Chicago can't be compared to any other school in the nation. It has a little under 12,000 students, all of whom are exploding with creativity and talent. Never in my life have I been surrounded by so many individuals. And by individuals I mean people who don't care what the mainstream is, people who are not afraid to live what they love and follow their passions, and people who pursue their dreams by any means necessary.

Wanderlust