Posts from — February 2009

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

I’m always looking for cool, new, fun things to do… It’s kind of my shtick. So when I heard that on the first Friday of every month, the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) hosts a happy hour party, featuring a hip local artist, I knew I had to peep the scene. And I am so glad I did! I had some great chats, ate some killer brownies and even made a Valentine card for my love… Chicago.

Curtis Mann, is the artist of the month and I just loved that guy. What a cool and interesting dude! He started out as an engineer of some kind (not a details girl) and now… he’s an artist. You gotta hear about how he creates his art (hint: Clorox bleach) and THEN you gotta go check it out for yourself!

MCA has their happy hour First Friday every month, and one of the things I really like about the party, is that it gives people a chance to meet a TON of new people (I mean a TON) and have something “real” to talk about. Art is a beautiful thing. And it works magic on the brain. Kinda puts you in the mood to love… and maybe not always romantic love… but love, just the same.

First Fridays at the Museum of Contemporary Art from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Thursday, February 5th, the ladies of the NBC Chicago Street Team were the featured “divas” at Maven’s Diva Series.  The Diva Series honors strong and confident women making a positive change in Chicago. I got to have some great chats with these ladies, that we have all come to love.

Diva Series: NBC Chicago Street Team from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

Find more videos with pretty girls at JenChicago.com!
Find out about other cool events on Facebook! Search: JenChicago

Thanks, Steve!

Buy a date on February 11th! from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

From the website:

Maven Presents “Share the Love” Date Auction

Sponsored by TheChiGuide.com

Featuring Chicago’s Most Eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes!

VIP cocktail reception and passed appetizers 6:30-7:30pm

Auction starts at 8pm!

Tickets $20 in advance and can be purchased at http://www.mavendateauction.eventbrite.com

Emcees Marcus Riley from NBC 5 Street Team and 24/7 Chicago and Liz Crokin from the RedEye and TheseBootsAreMadeForStalking.com!

Starring:

Bachelorettes:
JenChicago from http://www.JenChicago.com and NBC Chicago Street Team and the new ChiGuide
Jessica Zweig from http://www.CheekyChicago.com
Erica Bethe Levin from http://www.CheekyChicago.com
Jen Dombroski from http://www.evloveintimates.com
Laura Moreno
Itika Oldwine from NBC 5 Street Team and Ford Models
Molly Dapier from Birdsong 3: http://www.birdsong3.com/main/

Bachelors:
John Abels from National Restaurant Association
Jon Ibrahim from NBC Chicago Street Team
Mookie Lee from Survivor: Fiji and Active Chicago
James Rhine from Big Brother
Cameron Croft from http://www.CameronCroft.com
Sadiq Samani from http://www.SadiqSamani.com
Vincent Anzalone http://www.vinceanzalone.com
Lonnie Rodriguez

Auction dates to benefit Keep On Keeping On Foundation! Check out www.keeponkeepingon.org

When I was younger, I used to think my mom was corny. She’d say things that would make everyone laugh but me… I’m sure I resisted at times (since I was so cool and all) because she is a seriously fun lady. And to watch her laugh is one of my favorite things ever. Of course I don’t think she’s corny anymore… More like super brilliant. My dad too. He is really quick-witted and very charming… plus, he can handle anything. It’s fun to think on what I love about my parents. God sent me a lot of blessings through my folks, and I am totally stoked about it.

I was always pretty fun, or had the capability to be… when everything was going my way, at least. But then, long story short, I realized I was creating my own drama when I wasn’t having fun.  And so I decided to “grow” out of it. Mostly. I mean, I’ll never actually “get there” but I feel that I am definitely buckled into the ride. And I think that’s the whole point.  To accept the ride and MAKE it fun. It has been incredibly freeing to realize that it’s not “out there”. And it never was. And it never will be. Similar phrases or cliche’s have been used so often that I find I have to discipline my brain to REALLY think about that truth… and it usually boggles me a little.  

It’s not out there.

Whoa. I’m starting to understand that the brain can’t totally “get it”.  It’s more of a heart thing.  Which was really scary, to me, at first, though now, I find it empowering. Everything is perfect. My “mistakes” are perfect. My situation is perfect. I am perfect.

Well, yee-haw!

I am invincible! And that knowledge makes me feel so alive and vibrant and energized! I am reading and writing, learning and teaching, talking and listening, expanding and shrinking all at the same time. I have no idea what the future holds, but I embrace it because I am having such a blast! Bring it on, Life!

I intend to wring the most fun possible out of every day! I believe in listening to the little voice inside me that wants to be silly, joyful and playful even if no one else will play with me. Yes, I WILL be the first person on the dance floor, AND experience different cultures, AND try new foods, AND ask children the meaning of life… and give thanks for it all.

I am totally pumped to see and experience the world,  while being very well compensated for sharing what I have learned along the way. *Ca-ching!*  Ooo!  That will be fun too!

It is my burning desire to have fun, explore and enjoy myself. And God wants me to be happy.  That’s why he made me this way.  He loves me infinity. And having fun is how I love God right back.

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I am reading a book titled, “This I Believe“.  It is filled with stories of various authors writing about what they believe in 350-500 words.  I felt led to write my own, and at 2:22 am Sunday morning, the following is what poured out. I would like to note that this was a pretty cool exercise for me and encourage you to write your own.  It was fun to write and I can’t help but smile as I reread it to myself.  It makes me happy.  And that’s fun too.

PS: Please feel free to comment or import your own mini-essay on what you believe.

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

The Diva Series: Featuring the ladies of the NBC Chicago Street Team

Thursday, February 5, 2009. 6-9pm. Free

The Diva Series is back and this week will be honoring the divas, er… ladies of the NBC Chicago Street Team! The Diva Series is the brainchild of fellow ChiGuide contributor, Sarah Vargo and seeks to celebrate influential women in Media, PR, Fitness, Fashion, Beauty and much more! Crimson Lounge hosts the weekly series with $3 drink specials (sparking champagne, house wine and draught beer)

I, among many other, NBC Chicago Street Teamers will be in attendance and celebrating! The Diva Series is always a good time for BOTH men and women! The smart guys know that the celebration of women is a very good thing. Come straight from work and enjoy the $3 sparkling wine special, which is always a hit with the ladies!

Crimson Lounge
Hotel Sax Chicago
333 N Dearborn St
River North
(312) 923-2473
www.crimsonchicago.com

RSVP here on Facebook.

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First Fridays at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Friday, February 6. 6-10pm. $7-$15.

Looking for something artsy and happy-hourish all on the same night? The MCA hosts First Fridays monthly and features an up-and-coming Chicago artist. Tickets include free Wolfgang Puck appetizers, live music from local DJs, the world’s only iMac G5 digital dating bar, creation stations and a cash bar. Get cultured and have a great time kicking off the weekend! Order your tickets online for a discount. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.

Though the cash bar closes at 9:30, the party keeps going as you and all of your new artsy friends head out to the MCA’s after-parties at a Chicago hotspot. The museum is a great place to meet new and old friends alike. Being surrounded by art, food, music and drinks can only help conversations and ensure that everyone has a great time! Buy your tickets in advance to get VIP admission. See you there!

Museum of Contemporary Art
220 East Chicago Avenue
Magnificent Mile
312.397.4010

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F1rst Thursdays: Art at Night: Free Art. Free Reception.
Thursday, February 5. 5-7pm. Free.

The Art Dealers Association of Chicago has organized First Thursdays in both the River North Gallery District and the West Loop & Fulton Market Gallery Districts. Galleries will be free and open to the public from 5-7pm. Attendees are invited to come in after work, have a bite, sip a drink and peruse wonderful art in fantastic neighborhoods.

Are you searching for a particular type of art or want a “heads-up” on what kind of art is at each gallery? Check out The Art Dealer’s Website for tons of information about this thriving and growing community. Meet your friends for snacks and the art and have something “deep” to talk about at the water-cooler Friday.

Art Dealers Association of Chicago
730 North Franklin, Suite 004
Various Neighborhoods
312.649.0065

The guys give me a crash course in drumming. Sorry about the color. This is before I discovered white balance.

Playing drums ain’t easy from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

I love brunch. I love mimosas. I love learning.

You put all those things together and you have yourself a good, good time! Saturday, January 31, some super cool peeps got together for fellowship and fun.

First we had a mimosa brunch at Yolk in the South Loop…

Brunch and Discovery: Part 1 from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

Then, we hopped in a cab and giggled all the way to and through the Museum of Science and Industry…

Brunch and Discovery: Part 2 from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

I was fascinated with the beer taps that Bull & Bear has on the table. Now everyone can pour the exact amount of bear that they want without waiting for the waitress to return! You know that they say… “Waste not, wa-wa”…

Well, some things are just hard to say after a long day of brunch and learning…

Waste not, Wa-Wa from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

…and then we all WALKED home.