Reading: Food Awareness Thursday, August 26, 2010

What a brilliant idea. I certainly hope it doesn't stir up a lot of flack, because a little awareness can go an awfully long way.

11-year-old Gabby spoke for many of us when she stared at the designated black pig and announced, "I wish bacon didn't taste so good."


I've often considered doing something like this, just as a reminder. But after a childhood of county fair pet shows, and 4 collegiate years spent in an agricultural town, I feel I have a certain respect for (and knowledge of) the animal products I consume. I don't always make the right choices, but the source of my food is almost never a mystery to me.

Hmm. This is absolutely something I would do with my children. Would you?

Buddha Belly Turns 1 Tuesday, August 24, 2010

May I take this brief moment to wish my adorable, imp of a nephew a very merry first birthday? OK then!


Happy Birthday, Chase! You've come a long way, baby.

Reading: Under the Sycamore

...my friend Lars made the comment, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately too. I consider myself a pretty joyful person. I don’t struggle that often with comparison. However, as I think about joy this week I have noticed that when joy seems to vanish in my own life it is usually related to comparison. I don’t want anything stolen in my life…especially joy.

Truer words were never spoken.

Reading: Architecture Edition Friday, August 20, 2010

It appears my old neighborhood has a big, big project in the works. I love everything about it - should they be able to pull it off to spec, this will truly alter the sophistication level of the neighborhood, and also provide a sparkling addition to our skyline.

Check out Roosevelt U's newest project

Old Lang Syne Monday, August 16, 2010

So all acquaintances, as my college years have proved, cannot in fact be forgot. I'm just sayin'. What does that song mean, anyways? Furthermore, WHY am I always curious in a rhetorical way?

Today was my first "thirtysomething" birthday - not thirty, but rather, thirty and change. Thirty with benefits. (umm...OR NOT) And instead of popping over here to complain about how I'm not married, thin, successful, or possessing a house full of fiery-headed children in tutus and gym shoes, I'm just going to carpe positivity and remember why today was a pretty great day indeed.

1. Finding a birthday note from my mom under my car keys this morning.

2. INCREDIBLE, beautiful weather today in Chicago. As I said briefly to my friend Jen, it was as if Jesus knew it was my birthday today. He just knew! Can you believe it?! Truly awesome weather - cooler, breezy, sunny, lovely.

3. A sunshiny cab ride to work along the incredible, vibrant streets of this city. MY GOD, this city is gorgeous. I was in such a good mood this morning, I nearly snapped a cell photo of the back of the Civic Opera Building to remember it by.

4. The smell of fresh chocolate in the air. Did you know that Chicago was once the world's capital of candy and confectionery companies? It's true! As food and consumer packaged goods companies combine and slowly take over the world, it's nice to know that some of the good stuff is still being made right in our backyard.

5. Lunch with a friend at my favorite "guilty pleasure" restaurant to chat about nothing and gossip.

6. Phone calls and FB messages GALORE from the people that care about me. Honestly, what is better than that? Thanks to everyone who took a moment to recognize the day - even though you all knew that I would hate the attention. ;)

7. It sounds cliche, but I have my health - as does my entire extended family (close friends included). Some things may not be perfect, but for the most part, I am so lucky to be relieved of this particular worry in life. Thanks to God (or whomever you choose to worship) for that one. I am so grateful.

All in all, not a bad day.

PHEW!

I wonder what the next year will bring?

Don't Hate, Stagnate Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Things That Have Been Keeping Me Elsewhere These Days:

- earworms at night (argh)
- illness (minor, more of a nuisance, really)
- upcoming garage sale
- upcoming-birthday-related depression/frustration
- my recent (and uncharacteristic) inability to keep my bedroom tidy
- dying cilantro and roma tomatoes
- 4 year-old t-ball hilariousness
- big decisions
- bad news
- travel

Will be back to posting as soon as I can get my own life under control. Sorry to be cryptic - just need to reign it all in, and scale it all back these days. More soon.