#18 Do-Rite Donuts

Last, last December before my gluten-free days I wanted to partake in the small batch doughnut fad which was sweeping Chicago. I thought the best place to try it was Do-Rite Donuts, because they were having lines out the door. We went in December hoping that would not be the case and we were lucky to walk right up to the counter and grab an amazing doughnut creation. 

They do serve gluten-free and vegan donuts (maybe not at the same time like I need), so I may have another visit in my future. 

"Donuts. Is there anything they can't do?" - Matt Groening 

#10 Irish Jam Session at The Grafton

As if we didn't hear enough Irish music when we were in Ireland I wanted to go to the Irish Jam Session that happens every Sunday at The Grafton Pub in Lincoln Square. We went on 9/1/2013. 

It amazes me when musicians are able to "jam" and it sounds like it is perfectly planned. I definitely want to go back and experience another session soon. 

The Grafton also has special meaning now that we've been to Dublin and walked on the famous Grafton Street. 

"Music is the voice of the soul." - Unknown

#23 Get a Tattoo

I've always wanted a tattoo, so I put it on my bucket list. 

What I really wanted to get was a four leaf clover, because it has always been my lucky symbol. However, when we got to Ireland we learned clover is a weed. 

I still want to get a four leaf clover someday, but not in Ireland. Instead I got my name in Irish. A tattoo of the name Kerry in County Kerry. 

I wish I'd put multiple tattoos on my bucket list, but I will just get them anyway. 

"It's always a good day for a new tattoo." - Unknown

#27 Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

Ireland is famous for their Bed & Breakfasts and after staying at Algret House in Killarney I know why. We stayed from August 21st to 24th, 2013.  

The room was comfy and cozy and the hospitality was more than we could ask for. Greta made us feel for the 3 nights we stayed there like this was our second home. The breakfast was fantastic and served with love. It made me open to many more Bed & Breakfast experiences in the future and hope that one day we will make it back to Killarney.   

"May all who enter as guests, leave as friends." - Unknown

#101 Visit County Kerry in Ireland

My lifelong dream of visiting County Kerry in Ireland finally came true in August of 2013. Zach and I decided to throw caution to the wind and travel to Europe. We agreed on Ireland, because it is an English speaking country and we'd heard wonderful things about traveling there. Most importantly we'd heard County Kerry is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The itinerary I planned took us to Dublin, Galway City, Limerick, and finally to Killarney in County Kerry. 

We crossed the border into County Kerry on August 21st, 2013. We started of the day in Tralee, the county town (similar to capital), and went to the County Kerry Museum. Then, we drove out along the Dingle Peninsula stopping in Dingle and Inch Beach. We eventually made it to Killarney. 

The next day, August 22nd, we drove the Ring of Kerry. I am so grateful on the one day we had to take this magnificent drive the weather was perfect.

August 23rd we took a jaunting car tour of the Gap of Dunloe. 

Without this beautiful county being my namesake I may never have been drawn to it. I can honestly say it is the most beautiful place on Earth that I have seen so far. How kind of my parents to name me after such a place.  

"May the dreams you hold dearest be the ones that come true. And the kindness you spread keep returning to you." - Irish Saying

#25 Noon 'O' Kabab

For out anniversary dinner Zach and I went to Noon 'O' Kabab on Kedzie. The food was beyond words. I had the vegetarian mix curry and Zach had the rib eye and sirloin skewers. We both had the dill rice, which was the best basmati rice I've ever eaten. The atmosphere was perfect for a date night, especially when you get a nice table by the window. I've been dreaming about that curry ever since and can't wait to go back. 

"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery 

#24 Moher Public House

Before our trip to Ireland I wanted to go to Moher Public House in Edgebrook. Last Saturday we went with John, Kirstin, and Gunnar. The place has a cute Irish feel and free parking in the evenings. We will definitely be back, maybe for a little piece of Ireland after our trip. 

"May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship and never in want." - Irish Saying 

#28 Trattoria Trullo

After living in Lincoln Square for six years Zach and I finally ate at Trattoria Trullo. I've had my eye on this classy little Italian joint for as long as I can remember, but never had an occasion to visit. After missing the Groupon for a pizza making class here, we decided to use the coupon for a nice quiet Thursday night meal before heading over to the Thursday night concert in the square. 

"Italy will always have the best food." - Diane von Furstenburg 

#18 Go to an Auction

On our recent road trip to North Dakota, Zach's Uncle Peter took us to a real live auction. The auctioneer was so good, we could barely understand what he was saying. I was nervous when it was time for me to bid, but I did it! For $7.50 I won an Irish porcelain cup and a book entitled A Child's Guide to Freud (I couldn't resist). It was pretty much the best thing ever and now I'm going to have to find some auctions in Chicago. 

"It is not attention the child seeks, but love." - Sigmund Freud 

#27 Southport Grocery and Cafe

Today I did the first thing on my 33 Before 33 list. I went to Southport Grocery and Cafe. I've been hearing about this place for a long time, but just never gone. It's a cute little cafe right on Southport and Addison, with a bakery and a few groceries. Highly recommended. I had the spinach omelet. The artichoke dip inside it made it different than any omelet I've had before. Can't wait to go back.

"If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place." - Eckhart Tolle  

33 Before 33

The new list is here. Last year I only completed 16 Before 32, so some of these have been carried over. This year, no exucses

33 Before 33

Writing

1. Finish draft of novel (with two revisions)

Books to Read/Listen To

2. Finding Your Way in a Wild New World by Martha Beck
3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
4. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
5. Bright Side Up: 100 Way to Be Happier Right Now by Amy Spencer 

Things to Do

6. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
7. Alta Vista Terrace
8. Arlington Park Race Track
9. The Bunny Hutch in Lincolnwood
10. Irish Jam Session at The Grafton
11. "The Interview Show" at The Hideout
12. The Museum of Broadcast Communications
13. The Music Box Theater
14. Pickwick Theater
15. Ravinia
16. Six Flags Great America

Food

17. The Art of Pizza
18. Do Rite Donuts 
19. The Chicago Diner
20. Choo Choo Restaurant in Des Plaines
21. Flat Top Grill
22. Little Goat for brunch
23. Margie's Candies 
24. Moher Public House
25. Noon 'O' Kabab 
26. Pret-A-Manger
27. Southport Grocery and Cafe
28. Trattoria Trullo 

To Do List

29. Informational meeting at Adoption Center for Family Building
30. Wisdom teeth pulled (the appointment has been made, no backing out now)

Other

31. Contact an elected official about an issue
32. Memorize a poem
33. Plant an indoor herb garden

"Believe that you have it, and you have it." - Latin Proverb

#51 Go on the Summit Brewery Tour

I love anything from Minnesota, so the Summit Brewery Tour was a must for my life list. In June my parents and I visited the brewery and took the highly recommended free tour. 

Fun fact: My dad directed the news clip that they use during the tour. 

"A more meaningful brew." - Summit Brewing Company 

#24 La Fournette, #17 The Roof Deck at Gene's Sausage Shop, and #26 Eat Garrett's Popcorn

Technically I'd already turned 32, but I'm going to count these three things done on my birthday. I love French bakeries and La Fournette came highly recommended by Yelp. It's an adorable little bakery/cafe on Wells Street in Old Town. My only complaint is that they didn't have a brie baguette sandwich, which is what I really wanted on my birthday. My panini was delicious though.  

Me and Kirstin

Gunnar Enjoying his Croissant

Inside the Cafe

John suggested we go to the Roof Deck at Gene's Sausage Shop, which is also on my list. It is such a great addition to Lincoln Square and now that I've been there I'm going to go all the time. 

John and I on the Roof Deck 

Last by not least was eating Garrett's Popcorn. I've lived in Chicago for almost 10 years and never had it. Of course I had to get the Chicago Mix. It was amazing. 

Meg, Scooter and I with Garrett's

"Aging is the chance to make what is good, great and what was never so great, better." - Amy Bloom 

#12 See the Rookery Building and #7 City Target

Two days before my birthday I made one final push to complete some of the things on my 32 Before 32 List. One thing I'd been meaning to do for a long time was see The Rookery Building. Fun Facts: Designed by Burnham and Root, lobby remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright.  

Below is the Burnham Library where the World's Colombian Exposition of 1893 was planned. Very exciting if you've read The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. 

Also, on my list was to go to City Target on State Street. The building it's housed in is the former Carson Pirie Scott & Co. building designed by architect Louis Sullivan.  

"The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes." - Frank Lloyd Wright

#30 Buy a Pair of Toms Shoes

My Toms came in the mail today. I've always wanted red shoes. 

"Reflect each day on all that you have to be grateful for and you will receive more to be grateful for." - Chuck Danes

#28 Change My Name on My Passport

It's in the mail. Now to plan the trip!

"May the road rise to meet you,

may the wind be ever at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of his hand."

- Irish Blessing 

#1 Join a Writer's Group

On April 16th I had my first "Novel in a Year" class at Story Studio Chicago. Until January 2014 this will be my writer's group. Together we will finish a draft of our novels and get through at least one major revision. I am looking forward to the camaraderie and support. 

"Have the courage to follow your heard and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." - Steve Jobs 

#16 Knitting Class at Loopy Yarns

On April Fools Day I took "Introduction to Lace" at Loopy Yarns in Printer's Row. I was hesitant to go because I haven't been knitting much lately. The class ended up being the perfect speed for a beginning knitter like myself. I learned two new skills: decreases, yarn overs, and how to use stitch markers. There will be many more Loopy Yarn classes in my future. 

Current Project

Denise and Me at Loopy, Summer 2012

"Knitting is very conducive to thought. It is nice to knit awhile, put down the needles, write awhile, then take up the sock again." - Dorothy Day 

#19 Heartland Cafe

Today I went to Heartland Cafe with Kirstin and Bethany to cross another item off my "32 Before 32" List. The cafe was as cute as can be and the food was fresh and delicious. I had the Mushroom Philly Sandwich with fries. I'm going to have to go back again and try one of their breakfast dishes. Love a place that has more vegetarian options than not! 

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song over hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." - J.R.R. Tolkien 

#23 Hero's Submarine Sandwich Shop

Another thing crossed off my list this spring break. Today after yoga I went to Hero's Submarine Sandwich Shop on Western and Addison. 

The best sandwich I've had in awhile. Can you believe this huge sandwich only cost me $4.28? Will never go back to Subway again. 

"Sandwiches are wonderful. You don't need a spoon or a plate." - Paul Lynde