After almost 3 years of living in Chicago I feel like I haven't done much during the winter asides from run a bit and go to the bars. It's just too damn cold most of the time to enjoy being outside for any period of time when the wind chill is negative bazillion. So in lieu of yet another "holiday gift guide" i'm making a list of activities i'd like to experience before old man winter releases his grip on Chicagoland. Because experiences > trinkets for me.
- Run outside in the snow. The path is so peaceful when it's snowing. Tomorrow I should be able to check this one off my list.
- Explore the city more. I had to go to another building for work this week and decided to stop by The Bean on my walk home for some night time skyline photos. Best. Decision. Ever. Few people were around, and it was so magical seeing the reflection of the buildings.
- Walk around the Christkindl Market. I went last year and it was too crowded for me, but it was still a cool experience to see all the different gift vendors from around the world and wide variety of food selections (hello potato pancakes!) I'll have to do this on my lunch break one "slightly warmer" day.
- Sled down "Sledding Hill." I've been wanting to do this ever since I first saw the hill out on one of my runs. After some snow fell, I was super envious of the kids flying down the hill having a blast. (I almost asked a family last year if I could have one trip down with their sled but chickened out) All I need to do is buy one of those cheap plastic sleds.
Michigan Ave. This morning.
The Bean & the Ice Skating Rink
- Build an honest to god snowman. I've never built one. Ever. I'm pretty sure I have built a sand castle for Christmas at some point. I bought a "snowman kit" from a co-worker's kid for a fundraiser 2 years ago. The past 2 winters have been on the "mild" side snow wise, and I never was able to build one because the snow wasn't wet enough, and it wasn't around on the weekends. (I didn't want to build one in the dark after work)
Snowman fail.
I had no idea how to place the pieces...
I googled the kit and tried again on my little patch of snow.
BOOM! Now it looks a little more legit.
-xaar
I haven't built a snowman in ages! But yeah, that's how it's done.
ReplyDeleteI hear there is ice skating on the roof of the Peninsula Hotel. Not sure if you have to be a guest or something to use it though.
Good to hear I'm on the right track with snowman construction!
DeleteThanks for the tip about the roof top skating- that sounds like a blast! :)
If we had a yard, we would completely invite you over to build a snowman.
ReplyDeleteoh you should also add make a snow angel to you list
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me! I totally forgot that one :)
DeleteHave you been to the Walnut Room at Macy's with the X-Mas decor up. I hear it is really nice this year! :)
ReplyDeleteJeeze. I have not heard of this either. Must add it to the list! :)
DeleteI second Pete's recommendation for the Walnut Room! It's a must-do!
ReplyDeleteThe snow that came down today is what we Midwesterners call "good packing snow," meaning that snowballs and snowmen are a piece of cake!
Ah shoot! I shoul have made one Saturday before it got too cold. Must remember this for the next time it snows :)
DeleteLol at the snowman building thing! Yes! If the snow is somewhat powdery you might need to put some pressure on the small snowball at first so it picks up more snow.
ReplyDeleteI'm a total noob at snowman making. Every little tip helps :)
ReplyDeleteI love that you haven't built a snowman before! I can't wait to see yours! My grandma builds a few each year and takes of photo series of the melting. It always cracks me up.
ReplyDeleteI went to the Christkindl Market on Sunday and had fun! Some musicians came out to play German Music and we really enjoyed that! And the pumpkin filled pretzel too!