Day 35 (Sunday, July 16)

There's a country song that says something about Sunny days hurt the most. Or something like that. Or is it, Sundays hurt the most.

Well, whatever the song lyrics say, Today I hurt a little because I feel so far away from home. I was able to find some comfort in my dad as we had a phone conversation that lasted more than two hours. It was healing. That man really knows what to say whenever I am feeling at the lowest. I might not agree w/ some of his words, but he's always right. If it wasn't because of the conversation w/ my father today, I wouldn't have had such a great day.

The day was spent just hanging out and trying to get away from the heat. Again, the weather reached the triple digits. So, I just hung out a home and had a pretty long conversation w/ Diego as well. I found extra respect for my roommate as I was able to open up to him some of my life concerns and he seemed to really care about what was going on in my life. I think I've made a genuine friend around here. Finally!

Diego's buddy Carlos celebrated his birthday today at Xippo Lounge in Roscoe Village. I was invited and I couldn't say no to hanging out w/ Diego and his brother's social group. They all seem to be very independent and goal-orientated. I like that.

Carlos, who is seen above spinning some tunes at the lounge, turns 25 this week. So, today was a great day to hang out. Xippo is kinda lay back. At least on Sundays it is. It's a small lounge w/ nice decorations. All kinds of cool red lights. Carlos and Jorge (Diego's brother) gave patrons something nice to listen to as they spin their house beats.

Being that it was his birthday celebration, Carlos had to step away from the turn table to enjoy the evening. Above he is seen having an intimate conversation w/ Mirka. I love that photo of them because it's so personal. They seem to be having a lot of fun and the red light that casts on Arturo and Anna in the back makes everything come together.

I played around w/ my camera and made some cool light moving photos. Above Nataley and Milena posed for a photo as I worked on some camera twisting techniques.

I also shot some of those photos of Anna, Mirka and Adriana (seen above). I was having fun w/ my camera tonight.

Everyone seems to be very cool. I caught Nataley blowing some smoke onto Milena since she's trying to quit smoking. It was rather funny.

Of course, there was a few alcoholic beverages involved. After all, you can't celebrate a bday w/o the obligatory drinks.

Diego and I went home and I had to thank him yet again for allowing me to be part of his social group. I am beginning to feel right at home around here and having a cool group of friends to hang out w/ definitely helps. Maybe I might stop feeling so homesick once I become part of the crew.

As we got home, the kitty was happy to see us. She ran through the kitchen and I saw a cool photo to be shot. So, of course, being that I had spent all night playing w/ my camera, I wasn't going to let a photo opportunity slip away. I love it. It's so artistic. At least I think so. It's sort of fine arts style. Either way, I love the photo.

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