Thursdays - Millennium Park

Thanks to my friend Jason I have met a group of wonderful people. On Thursdays this city fills the park with music, food, drinks, friends and laughter, and I'm pleased to be a part of it. Here are some pictures of the last two weeks at the park, I have come to understand that its the friends you surround yourself with that make being away from all that is familiar a new kind of wonderful in a new city. So thank you Jason, Carolynn, Angel, Sara, Ricky, Jerry, Erin and many others for welcoming me in!

Quiet Saturday

This is what we had planned since the past couple of weeks we have been enjoying city life. Our plans were to chill out with a movie, pizza and looking through J's grandfathers WWII pictures.

What did we end up doing? We went to The Worlds Largest Block Party - Old St. Patrick's Church! One of J's favorite bands "Spoon" was playing so we chucked our quiet evening plans and took on a night of loud but great music, drinking, dancing and good-old-fashion-good-times! Our night was filled with a downpour of rain, red wine being spilt on my white blouse, a guy with a mullet wig winking at me the whole night, bar hoping, unexpected run-ins, getting lost and being ditched!

As you can see by my pictures as the night wore on my ability to take pictures faded. But who needs a quiet evening when we have all winter to do that?

The VioletHour

A friend took me to a little hidden gem in the city, the only thing marking the door to know that this is the right place is a lightbulb over the door. And what a place it is, wonderful music, fabulous setting and the drinks you can order from the menu or have them specially made for you (which I had done 3 times). You better come early because once all seats are filled the line begins to form outside. This is one lounge I plan to visit again! Thanks Jason for great company, conversation and drinks!

Sarah's Birthday

My Sarah turned 15! Yeah...3 more years till she is OUT-DA-DOOR! jk. We spent the day at the Lincoln Zoo, walking around town, seeing Prince of Persia, then coming home to a nice dinner and cake that her sister Serena made. It was fun spending one-on-one time with my baby girl. She doesn't talk much (unlike her mother) but when she does it keeps you on your toes. She has that subtle quick jabbing humor that your not too sure if she just insulted you or was just being sarcastic. My vegetarian-animal loving-free thinking-daughter adds so much texture to my life.

Love you my honu princess!

Blue Skies

It was a clear beautiful day and there was no reason I was NOT going to be out and about. I didn't have anything in particular that I wanted to do so I packed a small lunch and grabbed a book, off I went to Millennium Park. I sat there for hours reading and people watching. I wandered down to Navy Pier to get some "pennies" for Kevin's collection but ended back at the park...it was a lazy Saturday and it couldn't have been any better!

Kevin

Here are some pictures of my much-needed-getaway. I went to the luxurious and tropical state of Ohio...to visit Kevin. We had such a blast, our time was spent sleeping in, enjoying morning coffee, movies, a zoo (the key to enjoying a zoo that is packed with children is a "gentle shove") and lots of eating out. We went through some ideas as to where to go on vacation in Sept or Oct and he shared about his upcoming move back to California.

Like I said this was way overdue and its just what the doctor ordered! LOL Here are some pictures of our time....enjoy

Bravo!

Today is Mother's Day, I didn't have much planned so I woke up early, exercised, got ready and was off to accomplish the few tasks I had planned. One thing I was very much looking forward to was for the first time experiencing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and what a delight. Lately I feel like I'm hanging on by a thread, with trying to establish ourselves out here, to missing the company of my family and friends and lately I have been feeling artistically...blah. Yes that is how I would describe it, I find myself second guessing my actions and the one thing I loved and prided myself in (being artistically creative) now find myself at a loss of inspiration and confidence.

It was rekindled today while listening to CSO play Debussy's Le Mer. The music moved me, my eyes were open and I felt like writing, taking pictures and diving into all that inspires me once more. My confidence found the surface; my wings opened and stretched out ready to take flight.

The road my life is on is completely uncertain but I feel inspired...and that alone is worth a mighty BRAVO!

Life

These past two weeks I’ve been feeling lonely and blue. The weather has picked up and the city is shedding old man winter. On my way to work tulips greet me so I take my time and enjoy the blue skies with a cup of java in tote. I had to remind myself that when I first moved from the Bay Area to the Central Valley I remember feeling alone and out of place. It was like everyone was friends from grade school and here I was trying to befriend just about anyone. It took me a while to make the valley my home, and with time not on my side maybe I’m feeling a rush here in my new city. Another thing is its really hard meeting people during winter because we’re all in hibernation. Too cold to be outside and meet anyone! But spring has arrived! I’ve been busy with work and our company. I’m excited about taking my girls around town, hopefully Serena and I can show Sarah how this truly is a wonderful city. The month of May is exciting for me; I’ll be seeing Kevin, getting a new tattoo and for Memorial weekend I get to do some business traveling to a resort!

Ciao!

Gift Cards

Thanks to my dear friend Erin I went to the bookstore on Sunday and purchased 3 books! Oh how I love being in a bookstore...any bookstore. I love the smell, all the small places you can cop-a-squat and read the possible books you will take home. I bought myself a coffee and enjoyed hours wondering, picking and choosing all that interest me. I walked out with two poetry and one travel book! I love gift cards!!

Ciao

Films

My life has taken another turn. I'm in search of a new job and busy

with our new company as well. Only the Lord knows how this will end and my faith is strong. So when I'm not busy looking for work or running around getting ready for the Chicago Bridal Expo I have enjoyed renting movies from Netflix. Here are a few honorable mentions:

Bright Star

Moliere

Ghost Town

Bread and Tulips

Definitely, Maybe

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

These movies I have found funny, moving, tear gripping and down right lovely. I watched Bright Star last night and haven't cried that way in a very long time. This is a must buy for my home collection.

Ciao!

Updated Pictures

For my birthday I bought myself a bouquet of flowers. We're all shaking off "old man winter" and ready to stretch our legs out and enjoy spring & summer. So off I've been enjoying Chi Town and finding some "new favorite stores" of mine. Enjoy the pictures!

Ciao!

P90X wk 2

Ok little behind on this one since I’m in the middle of week 3, but let me share my thoughts on week 2. I found myself struggling to workout, always having an excuse to not do it. Of course I did but I didn’t “Bring It” each workout. So for whatever reason I was feeling lazy and wanting to just stop thank God I didn’t. On day six of week 2 I snapped out of it and “Brought It” and what a difference it made. I realized that I am the only one who can stop me from progressing forward and achieving the physical goal I seek. Since then I have been pushing myself to another level and I love the feeling I get knowing I am changing into the woman I want to be!

Cracking the windows open

Last week was a beautiful week. The skies were clear from the gray clouds I have grown accustomed to these past months. What a treat it was and I suddenly felt like getting ready for spring. I went out and bought some candles for my little patio and some decorations. We swept the patio and started getting it all “pretty” for the evenings I was already planning on spending out there.

In the spring cleaning mood I started opening windows around the apartment. These windows haven’t been open since late October so it was a little difficult. Like an old grumpy man refusing to let its grip go I struggled to crack my windows open. Finally with one big pull I opened it and a cool whoosh of fresh air came in. Ahhh how great it felt, I lit my new candle and started cleaning my place.

The beautiful weather didn’t last long, first day of spring here in Chicago it snowed! I went outside and brought in my new patio candles and décor…guess I was too early.

Loving it!

The other day I had to go to the suburbs for a business event. Hours later my business partners and I were searching for a place to eat, frustrated I yelled, “Take me back to the city!” about an hour later I was sitting at a table in the middle of Lincoln Park. Ahhh it was wonderful to be back in this crazy, full-of-life city. The weather is changing, still cold but the snow is melted and everyone is coming out of hibernation.

Today I did something I haven’t been able to do in over 8 months…and that was shop for me! I picked up a skirt, white tank and “girly stuff” and Victorias Secret! Ohhh how I enjoyed this day and look forward to many more to come.

Birthday Meltdown

Anyone who knows me….really knows me understands how my birthday is a big deal. I love celebrating…Me! I love the balloons, streamers, confetti, PRESENTS, well wishes, cards, hugs, smiles and laughs. It’s a day that I feel loved and special.

Of course I knew that my 38th birthday would be different but one day on my way home from work, the reality hit me, and hit me hard. I sat at the very back of the bus and cried knowing that I would truly be alone this birthday. It would be just another day! That has never happened and I fell apart knowing the truth of it. But of course true to form, after two days I pulled myself together and chalked it up to being another one of those “first”. I have no expectations this year and I think that is the wisest thing I can do. I will find someway of making it special!

Cause that’s what I do!

P90X week 1

Week one down and I’m feeling great! Sore…but great. I love the variety in the program and how motivating it is. I’m already seeing a difference in my body and that only reinforces my commitment to seeing the whole program through and to "Bringing It" each and every day!

Birthday Countdown

Many people already know how much I LOVE my birthday. There is always a countdown I send to my friends and family via email or text. And as of today 21 more days until MY DAY!!!

Busy Busy and more Busy

That has been the pace of my life lately. With our company getting ready for the Chicago Bridal Expo, working our day jobs and trying accomplish other things that need attending to. Its been a crazy couple of months and with my computer on the fritz its been a painful separation from my blogs, mostly when I have so much to say! Anyway keep checking in cause there is lots to share.

Museums

And just the other day as I was walking to a friends place I realized that all the snow has melted. I thought "I guess it will just be cold." I woke up this morning to a snowing day! After playing around on the computer for a bit I figured I needed to do something this month. Yes its cold, yes it’s snowing and raining, yes I still have to wear my winter garb…BUT I live in this great city filled with culture, arts and museums! So I’m pulling out my calendar and setting a day to visit a museum in Chicago, there are so many to choose from and that’s part of the fun. Stay tuned to see what I chose.

Now off to enjoy a cup of tea and start my day….

Ciao!

Adapting

The ability to adapt is vital when you change everything about your life. Since relocating there have been plenty and I mean plenty of moments when I have felt the rug pulled from under me. But it’s that ability to recognize when there is nothing more I can do and simply move forward in a productive direction. I no longer look back at the life I once lived, I keep focus to the life I’m creating and desire to live. Even in the midst of a storm there is beauty to behold…its all in how you look at it.

So if your looking to change your life whether minor or drastic be sure to pack an ample supply of adaptation….it goes far!

Vitamin D

I’m not a person who has ever struggled with depression so when I was told about the “winter blues” that happens out here, I figured I wouldn’t have an issue with it. I thought I was above all of that. And of course I was wrong….dreadfully wrong! It hits you out of no where.

The first week of snow my daughters and I love it, thinking how beautiful the city looks covered by this soft white substance. Then weeks go by and it’s still snowing and COLD! A cold I had never experienced, it cuts right through you and no matter how much I try to layer on the clothes its still COLD! Soon enough I find myself not wanting to go outside unless I must and of course the majority of the time…I must. I notice I become edgy and not very friendly. I just want to get whatever I need done and hurry back home where it is warm. Then gloominess sets in and I’m feeling unmotivated to do anything…that’s right anything. I take a good hard look and need to figure out what is going on.

After speaking with some friends I find out I’m experiencing the winter blues. They suggest I take vitamin D. Next day I’m at GNC picking up not only vitamin D but vitamin C a multi-vitamin and fish oil. Aware of my mental and emotional state I start doing what I can to get myself out of this rut.

I daily take my vitamins, eat well and despite the fact that its crazy cold outside I get some exercise. I bought a funny travel book about women’s mishaps while on the road. It’s a great book! I listen to upbeat music, music that inspires me and takes me to places I have been and those I have yet to discover. I keep my mind looking ahead. Valentines Day, my BIRTHDAY (3/17), Spring, the sun shining on my face, wearing sundresses again and doing what my soul desires most….traveling!

So my friends… Vitamin D….its a must!

School

I thought I was set. I thought this semester I would return back to school and get started with my degree. I was wrong. I applied, registered and had taken my placement tests - all three hours of it! I set another appointment for orientation, then I can register for classes. Tuesday came and walking to the El my plan went south. For reasons out of my control I returned home devastated. I cried feeling like I failed, then I cried more. Finally I pulled myself together and resolved that I was going to start school in the summer. That is all I can do...for now. No need fretting over what is lost I now move in a direction that will produce results.

Until then I continue to pour myself into our new company. Chekie Travel Concierge (www.chekie.com) Our official grand opening will be this Saturday in Andersonville at a local winery, "In Fine Spirits" and I will post pictures of course.

C'Est La Vie!