Over the last month, I started a new internship, took on an extra class, and continue to work on campus and contribute my extra-curricular activities. But none of that means that I haven't had a great time shopping, going to events and concerts, and hanging out with friends! As a result, April seems like it flew by, even though the weather has remained consistently awful. This article is going to look back and reflect on a few of my favorite things from this month.

Entertainment

1. Book: "The Windfall" by Diksha Basu

This book has a subtle satirical charm that will make the reader laugh out loud. Following the story of the Jha family, from the father of the family getting a promotion and moving to a richer suburb of Delhi, to the 23 year-old son doing his Master's degree in Ithaca - but not in Cornell. The issue of social status truly gets evaluated in Basu's light read

2. Music: "My Dear Melancholy" by The Weeknd

Even though this EP was technically released on March 30th, I've still been listening to it all month. While this album has been my go-to on Spotify this month, the Top 40's currently aren't disappointing me. As for live music, I was able to attend Bon Jovi at the United Center - my first concert of 2018 - and booked tickets to both Lollapalooza in August, and Kygo in less than three weeks!

3. Movie: So...Many...

This month killed it! Between "A Quiet Place" and "Truth or Dare," horror movie fans have quite a packed weekend. Comedy fans can rejoice in both "I Feel Pretty," Amy Schumer's newest comedy, along with "Blockers," as a funny teen/coming-of-age movie.

Lastly, how can I not include part one of Infinity Wars?! The first part to this highly anticipated culmination - after 10 years in the making, has my approval - which is saying a lot, because I have only given two other movies of Marvel's Phase Three my approval so far.

Chicago-related

4. Restaurants: From Bar Food to $5 Dim Sum

This month - okay, every month - I've been eating in lots of different places. While I don't think I've ventured out and tried any new restaurants, I've been back to old favorites such as Yard House, which if you've been there, you know has amazing selection of drinks and a little bit from pretty much every cuisine. Another favorite food of mine, xiao long bao, has a resturant downtown exclusively dedicated to this delicacy. While this Imperial Lamien is not the cheapest option for chinese food, or even dim sum specifically, they do have a happy hour from 3-6 everyday, where dim sum only costs $5!

5. Nightlife: Theory Bar and Grille

Even though the Cubs are back in full swing, I'm not ready to rejoice in my home neighborhood of Wrigleyville quite yet. As for new places, I recently checked out Theory, right opposite the street from Imperial Lamien, and only a short walk away from the House of Blues, and DePaul. With some Instagram worthy drinks, this bar won't run your tab up too high!

6. Event: C2E2

Nerds rejoice! The start of spring always means C2E2, and I was able to keep this 4 year strong tradition alive this year as well. Going on the last day, as I did, usually means the cheapest tickets, best bargains, as well (usually) the lightest crowd. I was able to purchase a lot of custom and topical art, which has now turned to wall decor at my apartment.