Working for the Weekend

I've been neglecting the blog, I know. But it's only because I've been so busy with paid writing gigs, so it's actually a very good thing. I've been blogging like crazy for Cheap Europe, continuing to submit a few articles per week to Europe up Close, writing several times a month for BootsnAll, and trying to find time to pitch to new outlets as well. I recently wrote a piece for Galavanting and have had two pieces published on Matador Nights and two on Matador Trips. On top of that, I've been working my day job and trying to increase my workouts and shed the last 10 pounds of my Chicago "winter weight".

We've also taken a bit of a travel hiatus in the last few weeks, an unfortunate trend that will continue over the next few months (with the exception of a quick jaunt to Detroit next week for a wedding). We're moving into a new apartment in a month or so and saving up up the big South African adventure in December so funds are limited.

So our weekdays are pretty boring, but we're trying to spice up our weekends with a little (cheap) local flavor. We've been shopping for fresh produce, artisanal bread, and locally produced cheese at the Green City Market. We showed our support at the annual Gay Pride Parade last weekend. We're planning a trip to Arlington Park Race Track and hope to hit up the party-atmosphere of North Avenue Beach soon. Luckily, Chicago is packed with fun and exciting things to do on a tight budget so, as long as we can find the time, we'll have plenty of opportunities to play tourist in our own town.