CRB Holiday Party and the Radio City Rockettes

When I was in college, all of my first-semester finals and finals-preparation took place during December.  During those years, I never got into the holiday spirit since I was so busy studying and stressing out about my exams.  Sadly, even after graduating college, I never really found that holiday spirit ever again.  (To make matters worse, I graduated college much longer ago than I care to admit.)

Fast forward to this year.  One of my goals this holiday season was to reclaim that holiday spirit.  And this past Saturday really helped get me my holiday groove back!

First off, I attended the Chicago Running Bloggers Holiday Party.  The plan: dress up in our best holiday-themed attire, go for an easy 3-mile fun run, then come back afterwards for a potluck and a Yankee swap gift exchange at Erin's.

I actually do not own any ugly Christmas sweaters or any true holiday-themed attire, but this is what I came up with.  (Yes, I attracted some stares in the lobby as this picture was being taken.)

Here is a picture of all of us right before we left for our run:



Back (from L to R): Anne, Erica, Maggie, Kim, Cary, Bobbi, Riyanti, Christina, Charlyn
Front (from L to R): Lauren, me, Erin, Katie, Lindsay, Marcia, Kelly

Despite being cold and rainy, the run was fun and the 3 miles went by in a flash.  Afterwards, we went back for food and fun.  Here are a few more pictures:

Kelly, the winner of our holiday costume contest.

The Yankee Gift Swap

A sampling of the mass quantities of food that we collectively brought.

From L to R, starting in the back:
Back Row: Anne, Katie, me, Cary, Lauren, Maggie, Bobbi, Charlyn
Second Row: Amanda, Katie, Kelly, Amy, Marcia, Kim
Front Row: Riyanti, Emily, Lindsay, Sara, Erica, Erin
By herself: Kelsey
Not pictured: Christina

There were some great runner-themed gifts at the swap - handheld water bottles, gloves, Clif Shot gels, and headbands, just to name a few.  My gift was a collection of nail polish and some mint chocolates, courtesy of Xaarlin!

All in all, I had a blast at the get-together.  It was so much fun to catch up with old friends and to meet new friends!  Can we do a running blogger party every month!?!?

Then on Saturday night, Adam and I went to see the Radio City Rockettes, who are in town over the holiday season.  I have always wanted to see the Rockettes in New York!  So I was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to see them locally in Chicagoland.

The Rockettes show was SPECTACULAR.  I literally could not believe the precision of the dancing.  The unison was so flawless that there were times that I forgot that they are actually live humans and not robots.  Beyond the amazing dancing, there was absolutely incredible use of lighting, video, special effects, and backdrop, not to mention great music and singing.  I love love LOVED it.

The Nutcracker, with some lovable dancing characters

Multiplying Santas

A virtual tour of Manhattan

These may look like wooden figurines, but these are actually Rockette dancers dressed in toy soldier costumes.

I give the Rockettes show my very highest recommendation.  If the tickets were more affordable, I'd go see it again in a heartbeat.  If you have the opportunity to go see the Rockettes, whether in New York or elsewhere, DO IT.  They are awesome!!!!!

(And now I may or may not be considering forgoing my current career to move to New York and try becoming a Rockette dancer.  It doesn't matter that I have almost zero dance training, does it?  =D )