July goes by!

Our summer continues to fly, but everyday has been filled with some fun or exciting event!

We started the month with a trip from our buddy Alejos. While he was here we went to the Taste of Chicago, & saw a play at the Goodman. He also worked with Ruben and a summer orchestra camp!

Here is he is at a neighborhood coffee shop.

It was great having him stay with us!


On July 3, Ruben and I celebrated our 1st Anniversary!!

We both had to work that day, so the celebration was small. Ruben worked the morning shift at the restaurant, and I worked a wedding event with Fivegrain events.

This is the event company I have worked on and off for the past 6 months. I am a day-of assistant coordinator. I absolutely love working weddings, and really enjoy working with Joan and the ladies at Fivegrain. So much that I'm working 4 weddings for them in August!

The next weekend Ruben and I went to Ravinia Festival to hear the CSO play with pianist Lang Lang.

We were glad that Ruben's friend, Max was able to join us for the lovely evening. I absolutely love the process of going to Ravinia, packing a picnic and having a nice night out on the lawn, listening to live music.

Ravinia also brings back a lot of memories. It is where Ruben proposed to me in July, 2009! I was also a production intern there for the summer of 2006. I really think my experience working for this company, elevated me to the work I am doing today.

A really special place!

This month I also got the chance to hang out with my good friend, Jessica! We hadn't seen each other in months, and it was so great to catch up!!

On July 14, I was invited to go on an awesome boat tour of Lake Michigan! My friend, Maureen won the opportunity to bring a group of friends along for the 3 hour tour, and I was so excited to go!!

Here we are boarding the boat. It's a private boat owned by a really nice couple!

Here's me with my good buddy, Charlie!!

We had an awesome view of Chicago from the lake, and enjoyed the fact that the weather wasn't terribly hot!

Here's a pic of the group, sitting on the bow. So fun!

We rode until sunset, giving us a chance to see the city light up! Beautiful!

Last week, my friend Sarah's parents were in town. Sarah has just moved into a new apartment, and they were here helping her settle. They also were sweet and cooked us dinner!

Here's Sarah, her super cute apartment, and Ruben chatting with her dad, Mike.

Meanwhile, Sarah's mom, Debbie, was finishing up a wonderful dinner!

Last week, I had the awesome opportunity to go back to Ravina Festival and work as a stage manager for an event they had in their small theater, The Martin Theatre.

I was asked to work on a theater piece about pianist and composer Franz Liszt's life and music. Actor Michael York read the narrative and pianist Andre' Watts played Liszt's music! It was a great performance, and I was so glad to be going back to Ravina, not as a patron, but as an employee!!

Here I am with Mr. York and Mr. Watts! Such an honor to work with such amazing artists!

Amid all this busyness this month, I have had some quiet time with my guys. I love them so much!!

Now that July is coming to a close, it's time for this little girl to celebrate her 30th birthday!!

I've got some big plans this week to celebrate my fabulous milestone! More to post on later!