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.