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!