Wed (2/25): watched Dark Knight at IMAX at Navy Pier! Seeing it on such a huge screen effectively cured me of the desire to watch the Batman sequel over and over and over and over again, but it was pretty cool I have to admit - I can't remember seeing any movie on the IMAX screen before, besides those nature documentaries you go to as a child with your parents (though I think that was actually on the huge Omnimax screen). and Chicago looks gorgeous on such a big screen.

Since it was the middle of the day and in the middle of the week, I was surprised that there were actually other people in the theater! sure, the total of us middle-of-the-day-week-IMAX-goers was, like, 8, but still.. I've never really understood the attraction of Navy Pier (though I have memories of my high school prom being held there), but I will say they have a very delicious if overpriced tuna sandwich. mm, tuna... (did you know I really love tuna now? mm....)

Sat (2/28): more walking around downtown Chicago - I haven't been downtown so much in probably all of my childhood! However, despite being there so often and finally having a car - I am a terrible driver. (just the other day 3/27 some college friends came to visit me and I was so thankful I didn't get in an accident swerving to avoid a bicyclist and into the other lane, nearly missing that car, etc. Also! now I parallel-park. not well, but still..)

Ate at Epic Burger (very yummy) and a second visit to the Art Institute - twice in one month! I don't know what it is about the Art Institute, but odds are if you've been around me long enough, I have tried to bring you there.

Fri (3/6): Watchmen at IMAX (what can I say, in for a penny, in for a pound) - have you seen it / read the graphic novel? Catherine loved the new ending, whereas I, of course, preferred the more absurd psychic alien explosion.

Thur (3/12): my friend came to visit for her spring break, took her downtown, went to the Museum of Science and Industry (which btw is not free on any days, but was still really fun. While we were there 4 baby chicks hatched! Since that is my all-time favorite exhibit, I spent most of my time gravitating towards it. For the one hatching we witnessed, the scene was me pressed up to the glass and then a lot of other little kids also vying for a good viewing position… Oh! the museum also has this exhibit on the “future” which hinted that some day we may be able to print our food .. ! I stood in front of that one for quite awhile trying to process the possibilities. I think that’s only a short step away from the Willy Wonka commercial candy, do you know what I mean? and Yay). drove around the city lost for a little bit, well, let’s admit it, a lot …

Fri (3/13): went back downtown, shopped on the Magnificent Mile - thankfully didn't have to drive because the beau took over for the weekend, which meant I was able to concentrate on the delights of eating and shopping and admiring the city while he had to pour over maps and avoid potholes; ate at Urban Belly, though I think I have a knack for catching on to restaurants that are name-dropped and missing whatever it is they are known for.. also found a nice ice-cream place (icreamcafe.com) where you can custom make your own ice cream/sorbet/pudding - really delicious!! Basically, you design it yourself; choose the flavor(s), mix-ins, even the color; then they freeze it and “make” it right in front of you.

Also that night went to see “The Cherry Orchard” by Chekhov, which was surprisingly good.

Mon (3/16): So, I replied to an nbcchicago.com commercial and won a free ticket to an early screening of “Duplicity” with Julia Roberts and Clive Owens !! It was .. good. not my favorite movie ever, but it has a few memorable lines. and definitely a twist of an ending. Still, I’ve never been to an early screening before, so it was super fun! Added to that was the pleasant surprise of having dinner with old friends and getting fresh soy milk in Chinatown - delicious.

Tues (3/17): Weather that day was absolutely gorgeous, so I took the train downtown and walked along the lake shore with another friend back for spring break. On the train home, ran into an old high school classmate, and possibly passed by another girl from my high school also? (We did the awkward eye contact thing where you stare, keep walking, turn around and notice the other person has also turned around to look at you…) All in all, a great day - I'm definitely taking advantage of having wide open days.

Between trips into the city, I've also been trying to cook a little tiny bit more: I made gnocchi from scratch! but unfortunately I neglected to plan for a sauce for the pasta (it makes it that much harder when I haven't decided whether I am lactose intolerant or not). Also, it was my mom's birthday last week, so I made her birthday scones as I promised to do. Went to see "Monsters vs. Aliens" in IMAX - 3D! enjoyable. and I've been reading like crazy, too.