A Decadent Weekend of Decadence

This was maybe the most decadent weekend I've ever let myself have. 

Lets run it down:

Friday

When my friends Jim and Lorie got me a ticket to see La Boheme for Christmas, I don't think I knew what I was in for. We got to see the amazing soprano Anna Netrebko who will break your heart into a thousand pieces with her voice. She and tenor Joseph Calleja had amazing chemistry on stage, which is something that was definitely lacking in some of the other operas I've seen. Its a game changer when your performers are great actors as well as great vocalists. 

Aside from all the excitement on stage, we had private box seats which is the WAY TO GO. Honestly, since I only get to see about 1 opera per year, I would definitely spring for this. It is the most amazing way to see a show. You have a clear view of the stage. You have space for your legs and arms. You have a private cloak room!? You know, for your cloaks. Do it, you guys. Don't think about the money. Just do it. 

After the show, we dried our tears and headed over to Chicago Q to toast poor, doomed Mimi. 

Exciting things about Chicago Q:

1. Its in the neighborhood where I lived during my Chicago Semester back in 2005!

2. Unlimited House Made Chips and Pickles. They will never let you get to the bottom of the bowl before replacing it with a new one. 

(Sorry its blurry. Clearly I was quivering with excitement!)

3. Kobe. Beef. Brisket. You guys, this meat is so tender you don't even have to chew it. It just melts away on your tongue. Plus, brioche rolls. Gah! And don't even get me started on the sauces. Their spicy mustard rocked my world. 

4. I was able to score an Avery Brew! I got to tour the Avery Brewery when I was in Boulder to visit my friend Jenna last summer! It was the perfect meal. 

Saturday

Saturday Roommate Jen and I went shopping with Ex-Roommate and Bride-to-Be Megs down in South Bend. Megs is on pre-wedding Paleo Diet AND she gave up booze for Lent (she's a good person) and Roommate Jen is also booze free right now so it was up to me to be extra indulgent to make up for it. 

Since I wasn't shopping for anything in particular, I hit the shopping JACKPOT! I got shoes. I got a headband. I got a few tops on clearance (that never happens for me). I also broke down and bought one of these Clinique Chubby Sticks because even though I loathe the word "chubby", even I can't resist lip gloss that looks like a giant crayon. Plus, its an awesome color. 

We had dinner at Granite City where I got a nice glass of Malbec to go with my absolutely gigantic Bruchetta Chicken Salad. 

I will endorse any salad that comes with an entire loaf of bread. And olives. And blue cheese...oh man. I'm drooling all over again. 

For desert I got a mini Key Lime Shooter and it was perfect. 

And now its back to work and back to the gym, which is sad, but necessary. Everyone should have weekends like this where you take the opportunities you're given and enjoy them to the fullest! 

Happy Wednesday!