Let the Good Times Roll

I love weekends, and this one was no exception. In fact, this weekend was especially great. While my actual birthday is next Friday, I spent this weekend celebrating with my family.

Friday night Matt and I stayed in and watched the Hawks game. Yesterday we woke up bright and early, picked up our car from the shop, then headed to Woodfield. I was on a mission to buy a dress for my birthday party next Friday. I lucked out because Macy's was having a huge sale; I found this awesome dress (usually +$100) for $37:


















We started to get hungry so we left Woodfield and grabbed a snack at Panera before heading to Nordstrom Rack. I was hoping to find a pair of jeans there, but no such luck. Fortunately, I did find this beauty for $30:
















We killed some time at Borders and then met up with Matt's mom and sister for an early dinner. We went to Westwood Tavern to try out the menu, since we'll just be drinking on Friday. I ordered the pulled chicken tacos...delish!

After dinner everyone came back to our house. Matt's mom and sister brought in a cake and some gifts for me. Matt's mom got me craft supplies, snacks for when I go back to work, cute knickknacks, and a gift card to JCPenney's. I definitely need some new pants, so that will come in really handy!

We spent the rest of the evening watching the Hawks game and A Perfect Getaway. We went to bed around midnight. Matt and I slept in today, while his mom and sister went to mass at St. Mary's. This afternoon Matt ran some errands, and I went to the library with Kate. I got a book on meditating and a book on digital photography.

I went to dinner with Matt's mom, sister, and brother (Matt decided to bum around the house, since he had already eaten). We got back home in time to watch the first two quarters of the Superbowl and the half time show. Then everyone left. Matt and I decided to watch a movie instead, since we're not big football fans.

We watched Lakeview Terrace, which was actually really good. I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a cheesy thriller, but instead I got a thought-provoking character drama. Basically, a newly married interracial couple (white man, black woman) moves in next door to a recently widowed black police officer who just happens to be racist. No one handles the situation very well, in my opinion, but that's the beauty of it. The awkwardness makes the scenes very realistic. The movie doesn't force a particular message down your throat; it gives you all the information and invites you to form your own opinions. I enjoyed nuanced subplot centered around the couple's future plans.

So that's my weekend, in a nutshell: a successful shopping trip, good food, quality time with the family, birthday loot, excellent entertainment, and a Blackhawks victory. Hope your weekend was just as good!