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!

Why?

Since moving from California to Chicago close to six months ago I have been consumed with the challenge of settling us into our new place, creating new "normals" and busy finding our way in this city. About two weeks ago I was completely exhausted and felt I was slipping away from the reason I moved. After reading a book that a friend sent me from California I was once again revived. Its a wonderful feeling to be inspired, I once again felt alive and ready to concur all that I set out to do here in the Windy City.

So what to do first...stay tuned!