Chicago

One of my sisters recently asked me if I liked Chicago. The more I pondered this question the more I honestly couldn't come up with a definite yes or no. I actually think it is both.

I never was a city girl. So moving here was rather shocking to me---the pace, the noise, not to mention the being here on my own. It was definitely culture shock. I am always amazed at the friendliness I meet outside of Chicago. People here get used to rushing from one point to the other and rarely stopping to smile at the person passing them. The sad thing is, I got used to that!

Since being in Chicago, I have
1. Rear ended 2 cars
2. Got a photo ticket
3. Got a warning speeding ticket
4. Had my house flood
5. Seen 12 foot of snow at one time
6. Gotten lost going across the street
7. Said to myself more times in the last 3 years than in my whole life, "I live in a world of stupid people."
8. Considered using my pepper spray on 3 different occasions

However, since being in Chicago, I have
1. Been to the Lyric Opera to hear some of the worlds' most famous singers
2. Been to the Chicago Symphony and heard real, live, 20th century music
3. Walked Michigan Avenue and the Millenium Mile
4. Been to the Art Museum
5. Sung with 2 Opera Companies
6. Given multiple recitals/concerts
7. Worked with 2 Theatre Companies
8. Ridden the train downtown
9. Made another best friend---my prayer partner
10. Watched my sister run the Chicago Marathon
11. Seen American Girl
12. Toured Water Tower Place and found it too expensive to buy anything
13. Discovered some of my favorite places---Teavana, Half Price Books, the Library

And most importantly I have learned to survive on my own. So, I guess in short, yes, I like Chicago. I do not love it. It does not feel like home. But I have enjoyed it. It has had its purpose. But I do miss the more relaxed, friendly atmosphere of other places I have been. I have made multiple memories here---both good and bad, full of humor and full of tears. But my time here has been forward moving. There are no regrets!

Girl Time

I just saw my sister off from a conference weekend she spent in Chicago. What fun! We haven't done that in, well, to be honest, in years! Staying up late chatting, running out to breakfast, chilling out with tea. So memorable and special. Even shared a rather deep laugh over, well, let's just call it an inside joke! :) Good times, fond memories. She got to see a rehearsal performance of Hello Dolly!, and I got to sit in on one of her days of conference workshops. I actually found myself quite interested in the various topics being discussed! And just chit chatting about anything and everything was so relaxing. It was great to have her here!

Breaking News

Every one needs to know that after 3 years---well more than 3 years---of having her lap top, Shellie just today figured out that she was on Central Time and not Eastern Time. She finally got her time in the bottom right hand corner of the screen to read the correct hour/minute/time instead of always having to convert back one hour!

Congratulations, Shellie. A prize will be waiting at your doorstep sometime for this great accomplishment! Hugs, Kisses, Pats on the back, Bows, and many Hats off to you!

Back into the swing of things

I just returned from a whirlwind 3 day trip that I didn't exactly expect. I mean, I anticipated it coming, but not this quickly. Not a bad thing though. Again it seems the big lesson for me this year has been flexibility and willingness. I saw some of the most beautiful parts of the country, met the nicest people, and had the most enjoyable time despite the fact that it was a full 3 days---packed with action! I did find some time to relax though over a July 4 (rather 3rd) concert and fireworks event.
I returned late Saturday and spent Sunday regaining some rest and getting back into the swing of things for this next week.
It will be a full week, but should be profitable. There is so much still to do and learn for Hello Dolly. I feel it is getting better though. And my students recital is coming up quickly. I am so excited for them! They have worked so hard.

I do have to interject here. On the way home, I drove past a clown---obviously, or hopefully, returning from his part in a July 4 parade. Or perhaps he was going to one. But then, in this day and age, he could dress like that on a normal basis.

Well, I am hoping to enjoy the week. I'll let you know by the end how it all went!