Archives for posts with tag: Chicago

I Wrote A Book. Now What?

December 26, 2018 //
0

What's Your Story Typed on a Vintage Typewriter

I wrote a book. I did it. A year ago I was sitting in Aspen, brainstorming ideas for short stories or maybe a novel. Fresh off some writing workshops, I was itching to find my story. I wrote a few pieces or rather, started a few. Nothing came of those. In fact, I never finished any of those. I don’t think. I moved on as the year progressed.

I poured my heart and soul into a short story that I’m still actively sending to publications. I had to dig though some deep shit in my own life to write that story and at times it was painful and raw, but I did it. I revised it so much that it doesn’t quite look or read the same as the first draft. Such is writing life. It’s better.

June came around, the warm sun and beauty of summer in Chicago filled my life. In that early haze of warmer winds and sunblock and endless days, I got an idea for a novel.

A real novel. I’ve always wanted to write one but I guess my story wasn’t ready until I was 33 and it was 2018. I wrote and wrote. I managed to juggle a few side gigs, and two kids home for the summer, and volunteering, and yet somehow, this story found its own little burrow in my heart and burst from my chest like sunbeams.

On December 23rd, 2018, around 10p.m. GMT, maybe a little after, I’m not sure of the exact minute. I typed the last period of that novel. I finished it. I closed my laptop and left it on a large wooden dining table, connected to the world through the cord in the wall, silently sitting there behind the silver and glass, waiting for the world to discover it one day.

I set a goal in summer to be done by the close of the year. As fall and leaves and temperatures dropped around Chicago, I resigned myself to the notion that it would wrap up in early 2019. I just wasn’t getting as much writing time in as I’d hoped. Life and responsibilities dashed in and out of my set writing times, Mondays and Fridays. Somehow, a new obligation landed on my shoulders and my brain excused myself from actively sticking to those writing days. And extending the self-imposed deadline.

When you’re the only person you answer to, you can do that. So I did.

Then the magic of the 23rd happened in Aspen, Colorado. And I finished the book.

As I typed the words Epilogue, I couldn’t quite believe it. I took a moment to just stare at that word and the blinking cursor after it. I’d really done it. Then the Epilogue poured out of me in about thirty minutes. And just like that, I was done. For now.

It left me feeling much like I do when I finish reading a good book. Not sure what to do with my life now. What am I now that I’m done with this story? I’m in draft phase, of course, but really, I just keep thinking, what happens now? Do I have another story? Do I send my people, I created them, into the world? I will try.

On that note, if you know a good publisher looking for a new novel…..I know a gal…..

Happy Christmas and New Year. Sometimes we give ourselves gifts, and 2018 was the year I gave myself the gift of writing a complete story. I hope one day you get the chance to read it and fall in love with my people the way I have.

Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories writing

Adventure Always Awaits

July 21, 2014 //
0

Being a mom is one of the most adventurous things I have ever done. I have traveled. I have gone all over. I have had adventures close to home. I have seen some crazy things living when living in downtown Chicago. But I will say being a mom is still the most adventurous thing I have done. Every day is something new. The moment you feel like you have everything figured out, things change. That doesn’t mean in a bad way either. Life is just always evolving when you have kids. Your kids are always evolving, growing, learning, and changing.

I LOVE to have adventures. I love doing things with Jackson and soon with Alexander as well. I do not think there is a week that goes by where Jack and I don’t leave the house and do something, anything, just enjoy the world. We stay busy on a regular basis. Last week alone we made a trip to the park, Navy Pier in downtown Chicago, a local fest, and a Chicago White Sox baseball game. Spending time with him is truly one of my favorite things to do. I miss him if I go to the grocery store by myself. He loves to help me and is a fantastic helper. I know I see a lot of sarcastic things out there saying something along the lines “you know you are a mom when going to the grocery store is a vacation” I don’t really follow that motto deep in my heart. Sure, there are moments where I need a breather, but give me 20 minutes by myself. Even quietly sitting on my couch, and I am usually able to reset.

We have had so many adventures together in the 3 and 1/2 years he has been my little partner in crime. I had so much fun downtown this week. He is getting to the age to finally understand the city. He was so observant. I have taken him down there before, all over. In fact, he has been to Navy Pier many times already. This time though, he had a million questions!

We went to the Dinosaur exhibit. It was a temporary thing going on. It was not our favorite part of the day. I don’t think it will be something we jump at going to next year if it comes back, but we made the best of it. Then moved on to other cool things at the Pier.

IMG_6683 IMG_6677

As you can see in the top photo, he was not impressed! Ha! Mostly he didn’t want to stop for a quick photo. We really didn’t spend much time here. It wasn’t as cool as the commercial made it seem.

We went and ate our lunch. I was the only crazy (smart?) parent who packed her own lunch. There are so many restaurants to choose from that people usually eat at those places. We love our picnics though. I even offered to skip our packed lunch after he saw all the places to eat, and as always, he picked my lunch! Then we made our way to get some ice cream for Jackson. In a waffle cone! It was messy and delightful for him. I don’t eat ice cream, but I enjoy watching him eat that special treat once in a while. He loves it so much and the delight on a child’s face when the eat a big ice cream cone is something you can easily get lost in.

IMG_6694

 

We made our way to the carousel and HUGE ferris wheel. That ferris wheel is so big! I was proud of him for being brave enough to want to try it. He was so excited. We talked about how we could see all the different things over the city. He was pointing out different boats he saw zipping around Lake Michigan. I had to keep prepping him for the exit, because you have to get off while it was still moving. That was a little tricky for him but mostly because he was in his own world still wanting to observe everything. Ha! IMG_6692 IMG_6702 IMG_6695

 

Our plan was to next head to Build A Bear to make a Ninja Turtle. They recently started carrying them to promote the new movie. We saw the display when we arrived that morning. We made our way behind all the action and ended up walking through the Crystal Gardens. It was nearly empty and very quiet in there compared to the rest of the Pier and to the rest of our day! Jackson was enamored with what he called “the jungle!” He wanted to see the plants and wanted to see all the cool different water fountains they had. We were in there for quite a while. I know where we will eat lunch next time. They even had tables and chairs for meals set up and they were nearly all empty. He sat watching this one fountain for quite sometime. I asked if he wanted to take a photo with the cool fountain and he said yes. Then instructed me he wanted it like this:

IMG_6707

He is such an old soul. I had a hard time getting him out of there. He probably could have spent an hour in there. Next time, I know we will hang out in there a bit longer.

Eventually we made our way to Build A Bear and he made his Turtle. Raphael. He hasn’t slept without him since that night last week. He thinks it is the coolest thing ever. He has made animals there before, but again, something about 3 and 1/2 makes a difference. He gets it now. He is excited. He is inquisitive. He remembers.

IMG_6711

Our plan that day had been to just go to the Dinosaur adventure. I figured on a lunch break, then we would head back inside and keep doing fun Dinosaur things. My plan didn’t include many actual Navy Pier attractions. But, life is an adventure! I was so happy that we just went with the flow and ended up having a blast all day long. Doing all the cool things we wanted to do, even if the initial thing wasn’t as cool as we hoped.

I have been getting out and about with him since before he was a month old. I started mommy and me classes when he was 7 weeks old. I love keeping active and busy. I know things won’t change once Alexander comes along. We might get out the door a little slower at first, but I know we will still be getting out the door on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, Alexander will be born smack dab in the middle of Jackson’s fall soccer time!

What does this week hold for us? I am not sure yet. We might go to the park today. Possibly go see Planes tonight. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays are usually our adventure days. But today I have a Dr appointment and tomorrow night we have a Natural Childbirth class (I hope to write about that!) So Thursday will have to be our big day out, but what shall we do? All I know is, I will be spending time with that little man. Holding his hand and being adventurous together.

 

Tags , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories family, Healthy Living, Jack, Momommahood, motherhood, parenthood, parenting, preschool activities, stay at home mom, toddler, Toddler activities, toddlerhood

Saying Goodbye….

July 9, 2012 //
0

Yesterday we spent the day packing. Packing up our downtown Chicago condo. We are set to close on Wednesday. Meaning in TWO days we will, in all likelihood, no longer own a piece of real estate downtown.We have been trying to sell this on and off since Fall 2010. We had some renters that ended in disaster and eviction. It has been a long journey.

It is more than that though. It isn’t so much about the details of a piece of real estate that I am writing about. That was our first home together. Jason already owned it when we met, but together we made it a home in many ways. It wasn’t quite the home we have now. The home we have now is so family oriented, a bit more mature, and much more responsible. Filled with a different kind of love, care, and understanding. We moved here when I was pregnant.

But the condo was the home of our early-mid 20’s. Part of our first date was there, our first kiss was on the balcony. I can remember it clearly. That is where we had many get togethers with good friends. That is where Jason proposed! I know the exact spot in the living room. It is where we grew together as a couple. Where we had time to be young and ridiculous. Messy and lazy. Staying up until 4 am catching up on seasons of Lost, 24, and other shows. We were carefree in many ways. I was in school. I received my degree while living there. I spent many nights up scrambling to finish a paper before the next morning.

We had a lot and I mean  A LOT of fun while living there. I can recall one particular New Year’s Day hangover. I was miserable. The night before in the condo was a blast. I laid on the couch all day, drifting in and out of sleep. Jason watched a day long marathon of the Planets of the Apes movies. We ordered burgers through DiningIn. I can recall that day perfectly. That is just one example. We loved (and still do but with responsibility like a babysitter) having a good time.

That is where we made Jackson. That is where we started trying to grow our family. It is where we brought home our 3rd kitten. We fell in love there. We had fights there. We planned a wedding while living there. We had more fights there. We came home from a 2 week honeymoon to start the rest of our married life together there. It was such a huge part of us and our relationship. I didn’t really notice it at the time. Sometimes I said I hated that condo. It felt small to me at times. I wanted a little more room. As you grow sometimes the amount of things you have grow as well. Things get tight.

I love our doorman Thomas. And now I might start crying. I haven’t been able to say good bye. He doesn’t work weekends. Yup, here come the tears. Once I thought about him my emotions lost it. He is a wonderful man. So friendly. I have spent HOURS and HOURS talking to him. There were a few other doormen that came and went. I always liked them all but none of them were Thomas. I have never gotten sad or cried when thinking we wouldn’t see any of them again. My family and Jason’s family loved Thomas too. He is just a warm spirit. He has met Jack. We even have a photo together. The 3 of us. When Jack was 4 months old. Yeah this paragraph and trip down memory lane just made me lose it.

I know we didn’t want to live the rest of our life in that particular unit. It is hard to grow as a family there. It was a great bachelor/young adult pad. It was gorgeous. It was perfect for that. It was perfect for that part of our life. Jack loves playing there the times we have taken him. But it just wasn’t right for the rest of our family life together. I keep telling myself that. Maybe one day I will actually believe it.

I miss the city in so many ways. Often too. I am not miserable in the suburbs. There are wonderful things about living out here. Seeing Jack play in our yard is one of them. Walking to a huge park that is on a quiet lake is another. Running around the lake like I do. There are good things about the Burbs. I just really loved the city. Living in the heart of downtown Chicago is a way of life. If you do it you have to love it. We loved it. I miss our restaurants and how it was empty on weekends. We lived in the business/theater district. So literally a couple blocks over from Sears (Willis) Tower and right down the street from Daley Plaza. I miss just going for a walk through the city for the heck of it together. We go on walks out here. But the people watching isn’t as great. Ha!

I am sad today. I could write on and on about nostalgic things. I could write every happy memory, every fight, every moment. I won’t keep going though. It will only make it tougher in the long run. Yesterday was much easier because Jackson kept me so distracted. He went to bed after 10. I doubt he will be up any time soon. It is going to be a long sad morning! Ha! We have to do something fun today. The weather has cooled. So I want to go do something distracting.

Good bye old faithful friend. Thank you for being such a huge part of my 20’s. Thank you for being such a big part of my relationship and marriage. Thank you for all the fun crazy times we had there. Thank you for nursing my hangovers. Thank you for giving the me experience of living in downtown Chicago. Thank you. I will miss you. I half hope the deal falls apart on Wednesday. There I said it. Honesty and all…..

Tags , , , , , , ,
Categories family, love, marriage, Momommahood, motherhood, parenthood

Photoshoot and gymboree!

July 1, 2011 //
1

This week has been so busy. I have been doing a million things. We got a job for a photoshoot though Medela. They selected two mom/baby models to come that day. They made their final decision about who to shoot the day of. They went with the other pair (we still got paid!) because I am blonde and the last momma they used was blonde and we resembled one another. The other girl that came down that day had dark hair and her son had a lot of very dark hair. Little Jack has such light blonde hair that he looks bald. It is ok though. I was super disappointed but my hubby pointed out, we got paid and didn’t have to work. That is smart!

Walking around downtown

We had to go downtown, where we used to live. So we showed Jack the city and our old neighborhood. He seemed to love all the sights to see. We stopped at our old condo. Well we still own it but we obviously do not live there anymore. I think we had a blast showing him around. He even got to see what would have been his bedroom.

in our condo...want to buy it???

It turned out to  be such a fun day together. He was so wonderful too. He was going with the flow. He was happy after catnaps. He never got a luxurious nap in like he normally does at least once a day. He didn’t seem to mind not being in familiar surroundings. He will be 5 months on Monday. He is really starting to grow up. I am enjoying it but I am also sad about it.

On the balcony with Dada

Yesterday we had a vet appointment for the kitties. This meant Jason stayed home again. We also had another fun day together. It was Gymboree day as well. Jason got to come with us for the first time. Jackson seemed to enjoy having us both there. It was wonderful for Jason to get to be involved in some of this fun stuff instead of always being at work while we run around doing activities. I also enjoyed watching him interact his own way.

Parachute time

I even stepped back and let them play without saying “no do it this way or no the song goes like this” GASP!!!! I know, I actually relaxed and let him take total control. Ok, so I didn’t do it RIGHT away but after a few minutes into class I did. That is a huge step for me. I am kind of a control freak, especially when it comes to my only son/child. I like things done a certain way. I know I need to give up some control, but not right now.

So happy to play with Dada

I have a million things to do today. Our house is a disaster since we really weren’t around much. I probably shouldn’t even be writing, but I decided to take a few moments to unwind this morning. I have been getting all of my exercise in despite being so busy. I haven’t missed a day! Today will probably be a pilates day, unless the temps stay under control then I will go running. I treated myself to some more new running gear yesterday. It is incredibly motivational to have new things to wear. I just want to put them on and use them right away!

This weekend is going to be even busier than the past couple of days. We have company coming over tomorrow and Sunday. Monday I have my 5k! AHH I DO need to get cleaning! YIKES! See you all next week!

Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories Exercise, Healthy Living, Jack, Momommahood, Running