The Siberian American: Life Update: Eleven Months in Chicago

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Life Update: Eleven Months in Chicago

We are officially just one month away from a full year in Chicago. It’s hard to believe that this time next month, we will be surrounded by boxes. April wasn’t as eventful as most of our months here since most of the month was dominated by my health, but we still managed to do a few fun things.

I had a blast modeling for Lex Nelson Photography, so she could practice on her new film camera. In exchange for modeling for her, she did a mini session with Chris and me. I am planning a full post on our session for next week, but I thought I would share another favorite photo from the shoot today:


After the session, Chris and I decided to try out Smoque, a barbecue restaurant that has been recommended to us by about a million people since we moved here. I judge a barbecue place based on its brisket, and Smoque’s brisket was tender, flavorful, and extremely delicious. Plus, it was piled so high in my sandwich that I ended up moving over half of it to my plate to eat separately, which is a win in my book. I also really enjoyed the brisket chili side, and Chris was a big fan of his mac and cheese.

Last weekend, Chris and I decided to check out the NFL Draft festivities. I wrote a full post about Draft Town on Monday, but we ended up liking it way more than we both expected.


I have no idea what May will bring. Hopefully, I will get some answers on Thursday. Even so, I hope we can enjoy our last full month in the city and check off a few more restaurants and activities from my Chicago to-do list.

Linking up with Kristen and Gretchen

30 comments:

  1. What a beautiful picture of you and your husband. Love your necklace.

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  2. Hope you get some more answers girl, you're in my thoughts! Crazy how time flies, hope May treats you well!

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  3. We are planning our next year Chicago trip right now, I can't wait to go there!

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  4. Love that picture! And now I have a huge craving for barbecue!

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  5. Love you photo shoot, and I can't wait to see what the rest of your pictures look like! It's so crazy to think that this is your last month in Chicago!

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  6. Hoping for some good news for you! My mouth is watering with the talk of brisket!! Yum!

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  7. I hope you get some good news. If anyone is going to make the most of one more month in Chicago- it's you!

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  8. I can't wait to see all the photos - that one you posted is so pretty! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  9. It is amazing how quickly a year will pass! How do you feel about leaving sad happy? Nostalgic?

    Also this photo needs to be framed :)

    liz @ j for joiner

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  10. Happy 1 year in Chicago. I'm dreading the box part for you lol! That's so neat how they spelled NFL Draft in the windows. Can't wait to see more from your photoshoot.

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  11. Woohoo, I think Chicago sounds like a cool place to live. Congrats on almost being there a year! I've wanted to visit for a while because they also have lots of vegan food :).

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  12. How exciting that you got to play model, and yay for pro pics of you and the hubs! Can't believe your year in Chicago is almost over, enjoy every last second in that beautiful city <3
    Green Fashionista

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  13. By the few pictures you have shown from the shoot I can only imagine how wonderful all the shots are! They look amazing. You will be so glad you have these from your time in the city!

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  14. Wow. I can't believe it's been a year. It seems like you just found out (and were a little sad) about moving to Chicago. Bravo for you for making the most of it and seemingly having a great year!

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  15. I love the shot of those buildings. The light somehow makes me nostalgic.
    And nice shot of yourself too. I will take note of that place for some bbq treat when I visit.

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  16. hoping for some good news for you today lovely. i can't believe it has been a year already.. time really does fly.

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  17. fingers crossed for you Olya. And good luck with the move!

    Sarah
    The Midwest Darling

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    1. Thank you so much for the sweet support, Sarah! :)

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  18. I just want you to know you have given me SO much hope for intern year. I know it's going to such, but I have felt so happy reading your blog this year and knowing that you were still able to make the most of it.

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  19. Stopping by from the linkup! What a fantastic picture, I love how you can see the city blurred in the background!

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  20. I can't believe your time in Chicago is coming to an end. It went by so quickly. Hope you enjoyed what we have to offer here in the Midwest!

    Ashley
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

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  21. What a beautiful picture - and a great way to remember Chicago. I judge a BBQ place by its pulled pork. And yes, it is always a good sign when they pile the meat so high that you have to remove some. Now I'm really hungry for good BBQ, which to be honest, is hard to find in SoCal.

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    1. Thank you! We loved taking the photos! My husband is the pulled pork lover in our family. :)

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  22. What a beautiful photo of you two! I'm a big believer in having wonderful photos of yourself wherever you live, just to remember. (even better if the stay is temporary!) You will always cherish them, and I love that you can see the city behind you. It's crazy that you've almost been there a year! Seems like almost yesterday, right?

    I hope you've been doing better health-wise and that things are going well in regards to the tests you had.

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  23. That photo is beautiful! Such a great memento. My house is stuffed with framed photos, I feel like such an old granny but they make me so happy! And prayers for your health issues, I hope you get to a positive outcome.

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  24. I absolutely love that picture of you two ... So pretty! :-) It seems like you've had an opportunity to do and see a lot in the last 11 months, but I'm sure the time flew by.

    I'm wishing you luck with your health issues as well.

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  25. Gorgeous photos! Can't wait to see the full shoot!

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  26. Loving the pic from the photo shoot!! And ooh, moving... I can't say the process is something I enjoy, so good luck!! And hope all is well with you... Fingers crossed! xx

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