CHICAGO

"It's my kinda town"

Our close friends Adam & Jen invited us down for a weekend of fun, food and frivolity in the Windy City. Chi-Town. Yes, that's right Chicago. Now, other than L.A., I have never been to a major American City so I was pumped for the experience and to be honest I loved it.

First off, the food. 14, 000 resaurants in the major metropolitan area (gives you an idea of the size of the city) and everything we tried, we loved. Kobe Beef Burgers, Rock Shrimp, Pulled-Pork Sammiches, homemade Guacamole, Deep Dish Pizza, Steak, Big Salads, the list goes on and on and it was all coma-inducing goodness.

Then, the city. Honestly, it was fantastic. Chicago is a history-rich city that's broken up into different neighbourhoods (Lakeview, Uptown, Wrigleville, Roscoe etc.), they each have their pros and cons but they all have a lot of neighbourhood pride which was really cool. We saw the Cubs play at Wrigley Field, we saw comedy at Second City (yes, THAT Second City), we took a boat tour in and around Chicago and we BBQ'ed with friends ending up with booze, comedy shows and some Guitar Hero.

Then the heat. 97 degrees, muggy and humid like a mofo, I had to change twice a day due to the sweat that was pouring off my body. Even the locals were saying "I don't remember it this hot before". Michelle wanted to get into an Environmental discussion but then she found some cheap shoes, and I found some cheap jeans and there was always tons of cheap food and booze. Other than housing, food, entertainment and supplies are all cheap (especially the booze - dear god, are we Canadians getting raked over the coals or what???)!

Finally Adam & Jen. We couldn't ask for more gracious hosts and more hilarious friends. They opened up their kick-ass house to us and made us feel so welcome we didn't wan to leave. They put their lives on hold for four days, to show us their city and a hell of a good time and it's very much appreciated. Thanks for everything guys.



If you ever get the chance... visit Chicago... and try the PULLED PORK SAMMICH!!!

BACK FROM WHITEHORSE

Guess who's back? Yes, after two weeks of on-the-job adventure in the land of the Midnight Sun, Michelle is back home. Luckily she got some pics of life up North as she got to spend some time visiting friends, hiking, taking in some culture and having dinner at the great mexican restaurant of "The Mole Nazi"... think Soup Nazi from Seinfeld but use Mole Sauce instead.

NO EXTRA MOLE FOR YOU!!!

FLICKR FRIDAY

It was early evening, the weather was hot and four Flickr friends all armed with Cameras spent an hour cruising downtown looking for some pics. I took 84 and I posted 20 here. Enjoy...

FLICKR FRIDAY PICS

NEW FRIENDS & BOOZY RECOMMENDATIONS

First off, three more friends have joined our illustrious club of "Sidebar Recognition"... take a look at the birth of Victoria's Blog, Frank's Flickr page and Tork's personal webpage. Welcome to Corsiworld friends!!!

Next, 40 things every drunkard should do before he dies. Read it HERE!

SWEET... MORE PICS!

Another great afternoon for PICS

A SPOT OF BLUE

Sometimes you feel a little BLUE

MICHELLE TAKES ON WHITE HORSE

My lovely wife has been shipped North, to the sprawling metropolis of WHITEHORSE. There she will spend a lovely two weeks, drilling in the dirt, sampling all types of possibly-contaminated waters and sending reports back to the home office.

Me? I'll just miss my wife... and play X-Box, work on my new computer, play outside, snap pics, watch horror movies... oh and ofcourse... Miss my wife.

If you've never been to Whitehorse, here are some fun facts!

1) Whitehorse has had measurable amounts of snowfall in all but one of the twelve months—July.

2) Whitehorse is the driest city in Canada, and also has the highest proportion of its precipitation in the form of snow (54%).

3) On the list of the cities with the most comfortable overall climate in Canada, Whitehorse ties for 12th spot. Go figure! I guess that goes to show just how lousy the weather is north of the 49th parallel.

4) The hottest temperature on record (since 1942) is 34.4C (93.9F) on 14 June 1969; the coldest is -52.2C (-62.0F) on 31 January 1947.

5) 2005 population total: 23, 511

6) Home to "the world's largest weather vane"

Miss you baby! Be home soon and have a safe trip!!!

VIVA ITALIA!!!

It was a good weekend! First I got a new computer (MacBook Pro), then we had a great evening with out Chicago pals Adam & Jen. Then came Sunday... and the World Cup. Instead of a big party, we opted for a small Italian family gathering and had some fun. Italy won the game, then the food and wine came out like mad, it was great to see my dad & uncle act like a couple of fanboys! Check out the PICS

SCORE 1 FOR THE BIG GUY!

Well, as you know, I have been having trouble with my MINI in the last few weeks (remember this POST?). Anyway, after a number of little mishaps with my car, I have fallen "out of love" with my little Mini. I contacted the Dealership and set up a meeting with the manager, wanting to get out of my lease (which still has two years on it). I wasn't going to fold, I wasn't going to take any fancy schmancy offers, I wanted out.

Guess what, I got it.

The team at Yaletown Mini was really cool and basically said that they could buy out the remainder of my lease with no fee to me. Huh? What? I heard from almost everybody that getting out of a lease is harder than getting a divorce. Not so.

All I have to do is pull the trigger. Let me tell you, it's a nice feeling knowing that despite my recent troubles with the car, my memories of it will end with a high note. Overall, it's been a great three years with the MINI, despite its recent issues. It's still a great car and even though it's issues are covered by warrenty, it's time for us to part ways.

Now... when do I get rid of the Mini? And... what am I gonna drive next?

CANADA DAY WEEKEND!

It was a sun-filled weekend celebrating the birth of Canada and the Corsi's had a blast! First off, we hiked Deep Cove, then sat on the patio of THE MILL listening to the DJ-styles of Tork, then we went to see THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (thumbs up). On Sunday, we saw BARD ON THE BEACH (thumbs up), went and enjoyed the patio at LAS MARGARITAS and then saw the Imax 3D version of SUPERMAN RETURNS (big thumbs up). On Monday we hiked Lynn Canyon, then went and enjoyed the patio with my parents at RED LION and ended with a quiet night at home. Great weekend with friends and we have the pics to prove it! GO CANADA GO!!!