Day 3...no snow, but there are martinis!

So today it was back downtown to the Museum of Science and Industry with a drive by of Soldier Field, US Cellular Field (Comisky) and the Navy Pier. Good times had by all - we omni-maxed the Grand Canyon too which of course the kids loved.

2008 is ending for us in the warmth of Pink Pants Manor with the aforementioned martinis, lobster claws, and the kids on various electronic machines 'watching' Shrek 2. It is a calm way to ring in the new year to saw the least, and yet oddly comforting. No fighting crowds, just games and martinis.

People have the habit of making resolutions going into the new year - I don't make resolutions, I make promises to myself which I sometimes don't keep. This year, I have to admit, I did not keep all my promises but we had a fun year and both of us are alive, happy and healthy to tell about it. We have the love of family and friends, a steady job, and our health. In this day and age, I am not sure you can ask for more.

Welcome 2009 - we are happy to have a fresh year to continue what we started and start new chapters that only add to the fun.

Cheers!

IT'S SNOWING!!!

An amazing day spent in the city...we did Sears, we did Giordano's, we did the EL, we did WRIGLEY!!!! Of course, Wrigley is currently under major construction due to the Winter Classic but we still got take pictures all around and then, through one of the drive in doors, saw the ice rink!!! The most amazing part was showing my kiddo Wrigley and seeing the joy in his face. I don't think anyone can actually understand the majesty of the old parks until they see them first hand.

It's a known fact that I am a city girl when it comes to the hustle and the atmosphere. Sears Tower shows you the whole city, and yes it was foggy but still beautiful. Seeing the 'tourists' (yes, I know we are tourists as well) and their bright eyes, knowing that the hour long lines we waited in to get to the top of the US are a distant and forgotten memory - it only adds to the drama that you feel from being so high above the world. It wasn't my first trip up, and won't be my last, but wow - each trip is better and better.

One of the best parts of the day, despite all the wonderful sites we saw, was walking arm in arm with my son from EL stop to EL stop, block to block. We passed shops, people, Daley Plaza, houses, the city. Surrounded by people, yet we were on the journey alone - there are no words.

Flurries did start tonight, there is a light dusting on the ground, but now have stopped. Time to curl up with the fresh apple pie my wonderful friends are making and the boys to enjoy this glass of Maker's Mark.

Good night Chicago, thank you for hosting us and making us feel at home.

It's not snowing in Chicago....

It has been a GREAT holiday! We saw lots of family (some even a 'surprise') and got to spend quality time with those we love. Anyone who has ever known me knows that I love being surrounded by family and friends - the holidays are no different! I even met new people - it's been amazing.

Then we came to Chicago and if you have been watching the news at all you know that it has snowed A LOT in Chicago this winter.

WHERE THE IS THE SNOW?!?!?!!?

I keep hearing that it has melted in the something something river - apparently I am no where near that. Yes, there is crappy grey left over snow but no REAL SNOW.

Riddle me this...I fly from sunny locations to get SNOW (yes, I love SNOW and have even been called by that nickname) and yet NO SNOW.

I am just sayin'.

PS: On our second bottle of wine and we just ran out. Pink Pants and I are having fun despite the missing snow and multiple visits from various plumbers (why do they all smoke? is it to hide the smell of poop?). And apparently I am supposed to be on Facebook.

Just a reminder to sing loudly

"Life is Life and sometimes you just have to eat the Bear

while it is trying to eat you!!!.

Spray on some perfume and sing loudly,

everyone will think you really lost it BUT

at least you will feel better and will smile to yourself."

- from a very smart lady who is wise beyond her years (even if she is older than me:-)

Legal?

I am an addict. Immediately you know that your mind went to horrible things, drugs, alcohol, etc. You are wrong. I am not addicted to any of those things. I am addicted to people and dreams. OK - and caffeine.

I have always had a GREAT fantasy life. Had imaginary friends and needed no one to play with to be happy - I had a world around me and that is all I needed. As I grow older, I find the same to be true. My dreams are usually full of fantasy and my life is around what the amazing future holds. Oh sure, I get as low as the next person (and per prior posts, being passionate in life means high and low) but for the most part I have to believe life is good...even when it is bad.

People are the best path to dreams coming true. I love being surrounded by people - helping them, laughing with them, being their shoulder/bar tender/friend you name it. My dreams, even when they are so far fetched they will never come true, are full of people.

I know everyone doesn't have the same addictions I do, and that an addiction to dreams does bring heartbreak sometimes, but I do hope that everyone knows just how much people can bring. We are humans - and need each other, even if we don't think so.

Happy Friday!

December

I love December.

I am one of those odd people who actually enjoy snow, winter is my favorite season. I now live where snow is a four letter word and something that, if even only 20% in the forecast, completely and totally shuts down the city.

This December has started off rough, but, I have to believe it will only get better as it is DECEMBER! Christmas is coming, the kids will be out of school soon, adults will be off of work, and the New Year will be here before we know it.

The New Year brings us all the chance to learn from the past and run into the future. It isn't a time to say you are going to change this, that and the other, it is a time to be thankful for all you have and jump into the next year with two feet as everyday is a chance to shine again.

No - everyday isn't easy, isn't fun and isn't full of peace, but everyday isn't miserable and lonely either. Everyday is what we want to make it.

Here's to all the great days coming in December and the days that have passed, great or not, that have helped form who we are.

So

It's been a while and no doubt a lot of things have happened, but no matter. Right now, more life spinning out of control is in full swing and I have no control over it. It doesn't directly affect me - no, I am one of the lucky ones, but that doesn't seem to make my stomach feel any better or my mind stop it's constant thoughts of "what now".

I have been there, where some are now, and while every situation is different, it isn't fun and it isn't comforting and darn it all, it is the Christmas season and this just isn't right.

Life isn't fair - I totally get that - but seriously.

That's all.

It just is

There is a situation in my life right now that has people surprised at the reaction, or lack there of, coming from me. I am very passionate person, some call that dramatic, who tends to lead with emotion whenever the situation leads.

This time around, I don't have emotion. No tears, no anger, no peace, no thankfulness. Nothing.

It is, quite literally, the end of a pretty major part of my life and yet. Nothing.

I would say the void of emotion bothers me, but that would be a lie. What's the point?

Are you kidding?!?!?

My hiking vest from my Expedition disappeared from my cube last night.

Who does that?

I didn't blog on election day

I got up early and took the kiddo to the poll with me and we voted and it was great. We spent the evening eating dinner in front of election coverage and although it didn't turn out at all how I would have wanted, it shows the freedom we have to elect our officials. I have lived in countries were that is not the case and we are so very lucky here regardless.

Enough being lucky - the next four years are going to be awful. And then the years following that will be rough as we will pay for those four years. And where I am, where I work, things are rough anyway and throw this on top of it - people are not happy. Okay, I am very not happy.

I was on the phone with the aforementioned amazing friend and it was sunny and nice there, here is it cloudy and yucky. Funny how the weather reflects our emotions, or is it our emotions that reflect the weather? I think it is both.

I know - I am super dramatic and think about it too much. But this is my blog, not yours so :-P.

It's Almost Election Day!!

I am a political junkie. I love it - and Election Day is big for me. I wanted to share my excitement on Election Day, but then read that Obama lost his Grandmother today.

Whether you like the man or not (and I a will not say which way I swing on it), please keep him and his family in your prayers on this very hard day. I still remember with crystal clear clarity the day I lost my Grandmother and it was one of the worst days of my life.

God Bless - and call your Grandmother, hug her, if you still can.

Hm.

Nothing really to write about - just kind of sitting here thinking about the fact that while I have work to do, I don't actually feel like doing it. All the while, I will end up doing it because that is who I am (even though it isn't really my work).

It is great weather - cold in the morning and night, warm during the day. I still have work to do...which is good since a lot don't right now. I have friends and family.

So really - it's all good today and can only get better.

Parenting

It is an honor to be a parent- something that not everyone is awarded or, and this is worse, not everyone who is awarded it appreciates.

Just a random thought that I needed to state for the cosmos.

It's finally here!!! FOOTBALL WEATHER!

Yes, football season started months ago, and you can watch football in shorts and t-shirts - some people actually prefer that - I am not those people! This morning I got to get up, put on a sweater AND a scarf and knew that I would be comfortable.

All I can hope is that this weather stays for the weekend so I can see my boys play in proper football weather...

BRING ON THE FROST!!!!

Sunday update - it was over 80 degrees and we all got way too much sun at the game. What the hell.

Is it really finally fall?

This morning it was a rainbow, and now it is chilly enough to warrant the old tried and true college sweatshirt.

Seriously awesome day!!!!!!!

I saw a rainbow today!

On my way into work - a beautiful rainbow over the car riding with me to the office. Funny how it disappeared when I got here but that is a whole other story.

When I see a rainbow, it is going to be a wonderful day!!!!

She just knows me!!!

I got an email this morning from my best friend...

For some reason this made me think of you... :)

Powerful Women's Motto:
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says... "Oh shit....she's awake!!!"?

How can I not have a great day now?!?!?!

It's good to be

I had a great weekend - the family was in town, the games were all great - my player rocked his place on that field, and I announced from the stands which is more fun for a couple reasons. The first is my Daddy was right behind me making color commentary which make me laugh (he is still the only one who can make me laugh no matter what and I am no longer a young girl!!!) and the second is everyone now sees that absolute insanity that is announcing!!! It is a blast though...even if we did lose...again.

The weather here (somewhere on planet earth) is beautiful, I am employed and well, that is a lot in today's world.

It's another predetermined happy day and good luck to those that try to destroy it for me!

It's going to be a GREAT day!!!

Not because the family is coming in town, or it is Friday and I am 7ish hours from the weekend (give or take a few) - just because I am happy today!

I woke up at 4:30am (nasty clock - telling me things like that, who wants to really know the time when they wake up in the middle of the night?!?!) and decided, no matter what happens today, how many people rant, how many things don't go as 'planned' I am going to have a great day.

I threw on jeans, a white t and The Scarf, and headed to work, and you know what? I am right - 'cuz another awesome lady at work said it was a great day and we are happy today.

Bring on Friday - the day of the returning smile!

Shoes - yes, I said Shoes

But not just shoes, red snake skin mary janes with 2 diagonal straps and a killer 4ish inch (you know they have a platform, right???) heel. I love these shoes.

They were a surprise arrival on my doorstep (thanks MOM!!!!) and they rock the world. I had multiple reasons for these shoes today - one, was a lunch, the other, and much more important, was the need to rock today. I have meetings, work stuff that I need to remember that I am good at today and these shoes, well they are my rope tying me to sanity for the day.

It's funny, while I often write about little things that make me happy, these shoes are one of the little things.

Did I mention the matching clutch?!?!?!

Fairy Tales

In my earlier life, you know, when I was young, I was the one that wrote about the dreams coming true for all. I had a vivid imaginary life, Figment (might I add I am so sorry if you don't know who Figment is - find out immediately) would have been proud. Growing up, learning and maturing, did stifle it somewhat but I still live under the feeling that everything happens for a reason and things will work out and all will be well. And I still use my inner Figment, often.

Right now, life is crazy and while some might say it is a crazy bad, I see it as a crazy opportunity...life is not a fairy tale, the good guy doesn't always win, the princess doesn't always get her prince, and the cream does not always rise to the top. No, life is not a fairy tale, but it is mine, and I will take advantage of it and be me...this princess will have her prince, whatever, who or what 'prince' might be!

How well do people know you?

Do you ever have one of those moments, one of those odd times that it clicks in your head that another person really has no idea who you are. No, not one of those awkward "I know I met someone but I don't know who they are" moments, one of those "Wow - I have known these people for years and they still just don't get it". These people might not know they are so off but you do.

And then, there are those opposite moments, where it occurs to you that someone knows you even better than you know yourself. And WOW - those are the moments that stop you in your tracks.

Anywhere USA - really, the economy is bad?

I was sitting in the gym last night, talking to another parent about 401ks, college funds and how the stock market is tanking (because isn't that what we all talk about right now? The election is even boring compared to the money everyone is losing on a short term basis). Three of us talked about the eminent, or already occurred, lay offs that we are each seeing at our companies, or spouses companies. Stress doesn't even begin to describe the mood we all felt, yet each of us have our way of dealing with it (basketball, the bar, cooking, etc).

Then another parent comes in and starts talking about the new car almost purchased in their family and how this new car could be kept for 7 years and their son could drive it then.

I will leave it to your imagination, but it was not a KIA they were talking about, it was something that costs more than my house.

My poor kid, he's going to learn the joy of saving and buy one himself!

OTA

I have a wonderful friend - whom I met with the question "You do know we won the war, right?" another long story, I seriously should write a book about all the truly awesome people I have met and how I met them - who just called and told me today was going to be a gooder day.

And you know what? Because of that call - it is!!!!!

How's that for the kick off to a new summit?

All that said

I am not me right now, and my wonderful team - my wonderful friend, would say I am not smiling.

They'd be right, and I am sorry for that.

School for Innovators

I was sent to the School for Innovators for work - a team building exercise with new members of the extended team. It wasn't only us though, there were guides and 'stretchers'. Regardless of the number, we became a team. We went though a singular journey, together.

Now, clearly I like to share my thoughts and have no trouble speaking (or at least writing) but even I have walls and limits. What I thought was going to be a week of business team building and integration of climbing into business turned out to be a completely personal journey.

I am not going to go into extensive detail on this, but I will say that anyone who has a chance to go to Rolf Smith's School for Innovators needs to go AND needs to be prepared to learn things about themselves that may or may not be surprising.

We, as a team, climbed up Old Man Mountain and scaled 45+ degree rock faces tied to each other literally and figuratively. We trusted each other that we wouldn't judge, laugh or make fun when we stated a deep fact about ourselves or simply needed a break while climbing because it was all too much.

I made friends - globally - that I know if I was in town I could call, or if I wasn't I could call, and this was after only spending 5 days together. I figured out that I am not happy where I am...one wonderful person who was on this journey with me asked me (once we were back at our very long week long meeting) why I wasn't smiling. The thing is, I was smiling but it wasn't my true smile, or laugh, it was the show I put on here to others who don't know any better. I was happier without electricity in every room, without 100% running water, heels, make-up and regular meals. I was getting to see the whole picture, how what seems like the end of the world back here was tiny compared to what was in the world for us.

I came back loving my family more, knowing I needed to prioritize life. And not in the listing sort of way, but in what worked for me and my family; for me and my friends. I miss me and being the happy me I know I really am deep down.

The fact is - sometimes we all get too hung up in the next paycheck or meeting, and while that is very important because it is how we function and keep our families safe and fed, it is not our life, it might not be our career, it might just be a job. No one can force you to be unhappy - you are in control of yourself. They might be able to beat you down, but find that mountain, that rock face, that team that makes you laugh again and hold onto it.

Me? I have my family, my friends, my journal. And next year - more mountains.

Suitcases open doors - mountains open eyes. Now let's see if I remember to keep mine open.

The solution to the puzzle is Variety.

What is the key to a successful life? I would say at least one, if not the first, is variety.

As I look at friends, family and co-workers (who may fall into one of the other co-workers as well), I realize we all sing a different duet, trio, quartet, etc.

What I notice about the few very close friends I have are more like family to me than friends. We fight, love, laugh, cry, drift apart but always come back together. We all have a different dance, and yet I love them all.

While I have a very few 'close' friends, I have a bunch of pals that each are unique in their own way. These might be time pals - only during a certain time in life and then we drift apart; situational pals, the ones we have because of work or kids throwing us together; work pals, we are friends during work but don't have a clue what goes on outside of the confines of the building; the list goes on.

Family is a whole other category, and to talk about the variety there would takes days, if not years. I love my family, even the ones I don't really know, it is what family does.

Key thought - rambling though it may be - variety really is the spice of life and each person we have in our life (the ones that really play a role and aren't just extras) bring us different pieces to our whole puzzle. Variety gives us the solution.

Communication

"In the good old days" we used to pick up the phone and talk to people, or, in the case of the huge corporation I work for, walk over to each other's offices/cubes and talk face to face. These days, we use internal messengers, email and even the dreaded text messages. We use these tools to our advantage and they make life a lot easier. How many times would you rather just shoot a quick note than start a long conversation with most people? And we are all guilty of using the path of least resistance in dealing with those who aggravate or annoy us...

Now, I am as 'guilty' as the next guy, I would rather IM most people than have to deal with long drawn out conversations about nothing. And I love IMing to get my frustrations out to those few people who need a laugh or have the ability to make me laugh. However, I don't abbreviate or use the 'text' language - do we not still have keyboards right in front of us? Stop being so lazy people!

I am still very much a phone person too - but prefer phone calls in the call when I don't have to worry about who is listening over cube walls and it gives me something to do other than entertaining the masses by singing and dancing on the road. And right now, I am dealing with something at work where it is safer for all parties that I don't answer this person's call until they chill out. Just ask the aforementioned IM friend who can make me laugh.

Here's the rub - how funny is it that people still find silly reasons, and maybe no reason at all, to come talk to each other face to face. Be it, some minor thing at work that could be handled via the phone or even yelling over a cube wall that is used as the excuse to plop yourself down in their cube, or the need for a cup of coffee just to get away from the computer and see another human? I am a people person - I love people, the interactions, the different opinions, the various places in life each individual is in with regards to their life. It doesn't surprise me that I like to deal with most situations face-to-face, I seem to learn better that way. Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that more and more people are using the face-to-face randomly during the day, just to prove we all still work with other people?

Funny thing about this - an old and dear friend who I have worked with at 3 different career points - just stopped by and we talked, face to face for an hour. And it was great.

It's all about the comfort

As a short person with curves (thanks Grandma, "If ya got it, flaunt it") it is next to impossible to find jeans that fit right. Either they are too low (I choose not to dance for a living) or too high (I also choose not to button anything above my belly button). And don't even get me started on what the dryer does to denim.

Moral? I LOVE THE NEW JEANS I FOUND.

Okay, I didn't find them, my met through life sister (okay, so she is blonde, petite and from Texas and we aren't related but whatever) told me about these great jeans she got at Nordstrom - it is sale time. For her to find jeans she liked, I knew I had to drop all lunch plans and find out for myself.

NYDJ's ROCK MY DENIM WORLD.

Not Your Daughter's Jeans are soft, don't show the world all that jazz, hug in all the right areas, have conservative bling and work with the red heels. Anyone who knows me - which are the only people who read this blog so really all of you - know that if it doesn't work with my shoes, it won't work. These work. Go get some now. They have long, short, tight, boot cut, skinny, baggy, white, black, tan, denim, etc. etc. etc. Go now. Or, in the spirit of a blog, stop reading and click here.

Creativity?

I have never thought of myself as a creative person. Sure I like to write, I sing and love theater, but to look at me the last thing I would think is creative.

Last night I finished painting what will soon be my office red. Not candy apple red, but 'red red wine' red. Being as my name is on all the bills, I didn't have to get permission, worry about resale, or think twice. I wanted red, and I got red. I have black and white curtains already hanging (because I just HAD to see the instant effect) and shelves ready to be spray painted black. I know what desk - which is more of a table - I want, and won't stop until I find it. Ikea currently has the perfect throw rug, additional book shelves and the white boxes I am going to use.

My dear friends walked in last night and the husband instantly commented on how the room looks like me - "You are so creative and this room just shows that more!". It begs the question - do we really know ourselves or do our friends know us better?

As I looked around my living room I see all my yarn, card making 'stuff', blank canvas for black and white art and realized...I am creative. And all these years I thought I was just a 'buy it from Pier One' girl.

Damn. I need to get that stuff back in the office, it is scaring me in the living room.

Another Door...Another Bear

I have lived life with the motto "Sometimes you eat the bear, Sometimes the bear eats you.". Through many changes in life, various bears have tried to catch me, but with 'suitcase' packed and location changed, another door opened and I ate another bear.

Bring on the next 'suitcase', the next door, the next bear.