Thanks and a Blog-cation

We completed the looong and (today anyway) grueling trek back to Chicago today. What is normally a pretty straight forward 8.5 hour(ish) drive, was a traffic laden, 10 hour journey through every variety of nasty weather. Boy, am I happy to be home.

The trip was amazing and I promise more details (and photos) later, but wanted to check in since I (blissfully) and (a little regrettably, ahem) neglected all things online for the last half of our trip.

My newsreader is hopelessly backed up, the blog has been without updates and now that I'm back into it, I realize I actually did feel a little disconnected due to my spontaneous break from (most) things digital. I can't decide if that is a good thing or not...

In any case, it was delicious time with family and, as always, I'm a little blue this evening. Don't get me wrong...it helps that I'm snuggled on the couch with a fur baby on each side, enjoying the warm glow of my holiday lights and knowing that a warm cup of tea and another chapter (or 2...3?) of book 2 of this vampire series I'm now addicted to (who knew?? i really don't like vampires or anything sci-fi) will follow this post. But, goodbye is never easy. Even when it is temporary. Even when the time between this visit and the next isn't super long. It's just good stuff to spend time with those you love most, and when you live far away from family, that together time is infinitely sweeter. And flies by at warp speed. I seriously cannot believe it is already over.

We packed in enough fun for 2 months. Thanks again Mom & Dad - as always, you were gracious hosts and we left feeling well fed, (very) well loved and recharged. It's always a pleasure. And a joy. And I miss you already...

I hope you all enjoyed a marvelous holiday surrounded by everything that makes you smile and feel grateful. Now break out the holiday decor (unless like me, you've been there and done that already) and let's try to not let December whirl by and give us all whiplash like November has, m'kay??

Nuff said. Enjoy the week ahead!

To Nana's House We Go

Sorry folks, I blew the giving thanks series yesterday. I blame the following: a full workday from an alternate location, multiple phone calls (meetings), catching up with family, so on and so forth. My bad...and my apologies.

I promise I wasn't any less thankful, even if I did fail to post. :)

Onward friends!! Today, I'm thankful for holiday road trips, a big pot of chili (veggie of course) and the perfect snowstorm. Moments of pure relaxation where there is no guilt involved with spending an exorbitant amount of time in yoga pants (yep, thankful for those too) and lounging with those you love most.

Happy lounging all - embrace it (with thanks). You're welcome!

In the Family Way

Checking in from M'town - short and sweet post as it follows a nine hour drive, but I did not want to lapse in the giving thanks series.

So, without further ado, here we go with day four - family, pure and simple.

Here's to spirited gatherings, lots of togetherness and the reminder that everything is sweeter in the company of loved ones.

Cheers to a great week.

Warmth and Light (Giving Thanks Day 3)

Wow, what a day. Up at 7:30, off to a great spin class at the gym and then a whirlwind of holiday activity. I've made 2 separate runs to get additional needed items, but our home is glowing with twinkle lights and all the sparkle of Christmas. I've rocked out to the holiday station on Pandora all day and am enjoying the fruits of my labor...ah, the fun I've had! And now for today's list:

On my 3rd day of expressing thankfulness, I'm awash in holiday lights and glitter and garland and my face has boasted a smile every minute of this day. Enjoy more holiday fun here (although I don't believe my photos even begin to do it justice).

A good book! There is just nothing better than settling in with quality reading material. I've just begun this one, but already I'm being drawn in and I can hardly wait to get back to page turning.

The North Face...might sound silly, but when you live in the tundra that is Chicago, this stuff can literally save your life. And frankly, I think I pretty much own stock in the company at this point with my variety of warmth inducing outerwear. This is my latest find and I'm loving it dearly.

We're off to M'town tomorrow. My family and good food and relaxation await...I'm so excited and will check in from there all next week.

XOXO

Thankful Friday (Giving Thanks Day 2)

I'm back for Day 2 of my personal Giving Thanks series...are we having fun yet?!

A decision has been made that sometimes, I just can't limit this to one thing per post, so for those times I'm feeling especially thankful (like every day), I'm going to list a few. Here we go:

It just doesn't get any better than these two. Commonly known as my "fur babies," they make every day brighter. You can't beat them for snuggling, and I know with utmost certainty that no one will ever love me quite like they do. I also know that the feeling is entirely mutual.

FRIDAYS (can I get an AMEN?)

After all, we don't all go around saying TGIF for nothing! I'm especially thankful for this Friday though. I've got big plans. They involve holiday music, wine and a huge assortment of decor items. That's all I'm sayin. AND the fun will continue into tomorrow along with some packing and general errand running. Then we're off to M'town for delicious time with the family and all things Thankful.

My news reader. This has changed my life. I seek information. Crave it. Need it. I like to be informed. And once upon I time, I was visiting a huge list of sources daily to get said info. Enter RSS feeds - like magic, my info comes to me. And my network grows daily. I love that.

People like this and this. I'm inspired and humbled and a little awestruck.

Happy Friday all (TGIF) - hope your weekend holds all the entries on your own list.

Spare a Minute, Make a Difference

This just in from Wayne at HSUS. Their trusty investigators have broken yet another investigation into the ongoing saga of the cruel puppymill industry - this one involving Petland.

You know my feelings on this issue, so thank you for allowing me this stage to highlight the latest offense.

There is simply no reason for this - not today - and we cannot stand for ongoing consumer deception about the origin of these furry friends. If you're so inclined, please take a moment and send an email to add your voice to the growing demand for justice.

We owe these animals nothing less. And it is certainly a start.

PS - let's encourage anyone planning to purchase a puppy as a holiday gift to 1) think twice and really evaluate whether that important choice is suited for a gift and 2) skip the pet store and instead visit a shelter where so many precious fur babies await forever homes.

Giving Thanks

My blog reader grows exceptionally fast. It seems that every day I stumble upon several new blogs that strike a chord somewhere within. So - another entry to the blogroll. Another delightful spot to visit for inspiration, a new perspective, different thought patterns, myriad experiences.

And sometimes, I find an idea that I love so much - I just must participate.

So, here we go. I will attempt to spend the time before Thanksgiving posting daily on things I'm thankful for. The entries on that list far outweigh the days left until Turkey Day, and I do recognize how special and awesome that is. Without further ado, here is day one of my personal giving thanks series:

That guy up there is Hubby. We've been on the crazy, amazing, fun journey of marriage for just under 2 years now. And we've been together in some capacity for close to 7. He's kind of a saint. He puts up with me and loves me equally when I'm nice and shiny AND when I'm NOT nice and can't muster shine from anywhere, try as I might. He's supportive and there. All the time. Every day. And he's better at expression than me, but he understands my limits and accepts them. And so I tell him here what I can't always tell him (or show him) in the moment. Life got a whole lot better once he was in it. I hold my breath when he flies anywhere for work (and that happens a lot) until I'm sure he's on the ground safely because the thought of life without him inspires panic of a nature I'm not equipped to describe.

I'm happiest in the mundane activities of life these days- because they involve us. I love grocery shopping and lunch at our favorite deli and running in the park with our dogs - just because time spent with him is time treasured.

He almost never complains. I nag about clutter and he clears it away. He knows I love Christmas and he'll spend hours wondering through shops with me to find the perfect ornament even though I KNOW he'd rather be watching football. He'll pull out his computer and read the latest sports news while I watch yet another episode of "GH" or "9 - 0."

Every day he shows me patience and support and encouragement. And every day, even if I pout or whine or complain in the process, I fall in love - with him- all over again.

Happy Love Thursday. Don't forget to give thanks for those people and things and moments that complete your life. Thanks Hubby - love you. XOXO

A Love Like No Other

I came across this moving tribute today perusing one of my favorite blogs and it moved me no end (as I'm sure you can imagine based on my propensity to OBSESS over animals. ALL animals, but dogs in particular).

I love Cisco's story and the beautiful way he blended with this family and the special relationship he shared with each of its members.

This is so true of dogs. There is simply no better love. Joy takes on new meaning when those little faces greet you with sheer excitement day after day, time after time. Waiting loyally for you to come home. They want nothing more. No agenda. No ulterior motive...just your love and your time and the occasional belly scratch and yummy treat.

I cannot fathom that final goodbye, although I know I'd make the same choice and I'd be there. In the room. Holding that beloved paw one last time. I applaud this family for recognizing that they owed that moment to Cisco. To repay in a small way the millions of moments he gave them over his lifetime.

He was a lucky dog. A loved dog. And he'll leave this world looking at the faces he loved most in it. I wish ALL dogs had a story like this one.

Tonight, I'll snuggle my guys extra close and give them 2 cookies instead of 1 before dinner. And in our own way, from afar, we'll honor Cisco and send good thoughts and many woofs to keep him company on his journey over the rainbow bridge. RIP sweet furry friend!

Celebration is in the Air

This was a banner weekend for a couple of my best girlfriends and I thought their special news warranted a special post.

One friend is now engaged to marry the man of her dreams - in a fun island adventure that I'm sure will capture their spice and spirit perfectly. She's always added the right amount of spice to my life and I couldn't be happier for her. She stood with me on my wedding day and I cannot wait to return the favor. In the meantime though, congratulations Beck. May you enjoy every step of this journey to one of life's greatest moments.

And the other welcomed a gorgeous bundle of pink joy to the world. I cannot wait to meet Baby Emmy in person - I'm sure she has her Mommy's sweet spirit and disposition and already shares joy with all who encounter her.

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I'm especially thankful for these treasured sisters of my heart and the many moments that bring us joy and give us reason to pop open the champagne.

Congrats again to you both! Bring on the Veuve!! XOXO

Sundays at Home

Sometimes the power of a weekend to restart your jets and right all wrongs is just astounding.

Last week was one for the books at work; nothing in particular, just one of those weeks. By the time Friday arrived, I felt like I'd fought a couple of battles...suffice it to say, the weekend was earned!

Anyway, I digress...because I'm sitting here now on this lovely Sunday evening reflecting on another terrific weekend. We crossed many errands off our lists, made a few new lists (because let's face it that is just the way it is) and enjoyed ourselves all around. A few highlights:

We finally framed and hung a series of photos we've been meaning to get to for quite some time. We are very pleased with the results.

I visited the photography school that is just mere blocks away. Browsed the gallery and picked up a brochure and class schedule. I'm researching the specifics now, but hopefully I'll be able to join their ranks come January...

We celebrated a milestone birthday with great friends. A casual, laid back affair with good wine, good people and great conversation. Hard to top that combination.

Continued date night action with a lovely dinner at a neighborhood Italian joint. Yum, yum!

Did some shopping and started to organize our thoughts and processes for Xmas gifts. Bought a few items to add to my Christmas decor collection and discussed pulling out the tree next Friday to kickstart the transformation of Casa Carretta to Santa's Wonderland (this thrills me NO END).

Congratulated (from afar) and sent good thoughts and many prayers to my dear friend Robin as she welcomed her gorgeous daughter into the world. Welcome Miss Emmy - we can't wait to meet you in person.

Enjoyed a lovely Sunday at Home and recognized how very lucky we are indeed. Popcorn and a late afternoon movie snuggled on the couch with snow flurries falling. Reloading the ipod for a week of (at least) semi-regular workouts and typing this post surrounded by amazing smells coming from the kitchen as Hubby prepares dinner. Simple joys.

Cheers to a great week - hope your weekend recharged you!

Love is All Around

I came across this reprint of a text message the other day and it struck a chord:

Rosa Parks sat so Martin could walk,

Martin walked so Obama could run,

Obama ran so my children could fly

Lest you think this is another political related post, rest assured that it is not. Sure, I could talk about this through a historical or political framework, but that isn't how it struck me and so it won't be the focus of this post.

It struck me because it is so true of us all and we can apply its meaning to all of our collective stories and experiences. We are truly so connected, even when we don't realize it or choose to ignore it.

We stand on the shoulders of great and wonderful giants and our paths and our experiences and our journeys are easier simply because theirs existed.

I think there is beautiful symmetry in that and I'm grateful when I think of the love and sacrifices others endured so that my story would be different. So that it would be better.

I'm thinking of all of them today; my Mom, Dad, Grandmothers & Grandfathers, Great-Grandparents, aunts, friends, mentors, bosses, and the millions of others whose experiences have shaped mine and marked my place in time.

To them I say: thank you for sitting so that I may walk. Thank you for walking so that I may run. And thank you for running; you'll be happy to know there are certainly days when I feel like I can fly.

I'm happy to continue the cycle and (hopefully) make it easier for those who follow me to fly.

Happy Love Thursday all - may you appreciate the love before you, embrace the love around you, and leave nothing but love behind you.

It's NOT a Review, It's a Recommendation

I read a book over the weekend. It made me think. It challenged somoe of my core beliefs. It inspired me to revisit things I thought I knew. It reminded me of faith and what a gift and burden it presents (often simultaneously).

It made me want to examine my life, my actions, my beliefs...and it made me want to reinvigorate parts of my life that I've neglected for the past several years.

And...it made me want to call everyone I love and insist they curl up on the couch and read it in its entirety. So that they (you) too would be inspired, affected, touched.

Give it a read. I don't think you'll be disappointed (but do let me know, won't you?).

My Feet Prefer to Feel the BEAT (and other randomness)

Ruminating on a few random topics lately:

Why do spin teachers fail in the most important task related to their teaching...the MUSIC?? Maybe it is just me, but there is nothing worse than being a few minutes into a super steep climb, knowing you have a long way to go, and then hearing Coldplay to help you get there. I love Coldplay. Have absolutely nothing against Chris and his buddies. But c'mon...when the resistance is cranked up high and I'm pushing to get to the top of the hill, I need a BEAT to chase. It seriously makes the difference in a butt kicking, awesome workout and a slow, painful journey to just make it to the end (of class). Bring on the beat people - I'll do my best to follow.

*image borrowed from Google Images' public photos

I adore the concept of in-shower body lotion. I mean seriously - this is brilliant. I love anything with a dual purpose - and add on top of that the magical task of shortening my getting ready time - I can barely contain my joy. I've discovered that using it a few times a week and then mixing in regular lotion application on the other days results in maximum (and consistent) moisturization.

Calling people out for work that is lacking in quality might be an important aspect of your job, but it is also guaranteed to produce a never ending stream of excuses (and maybe even a little attitude). This annoys me. Regularly.

I think Bare Minerals is pretty close to genius. And I wish the concept was mine. But I'll settle for using the products and reaping the benefits. Bring on the mineral veil.

I sometimes wonder if working from home one day a week consistently might change my world and solve all of my problems.

Just another manic Monday (hope yours was good).

Winter Daze Begins?

We are having our first chilly/wintry day in Chicago - we've been SO lucky with weather so I'm not really complaining. I started the day with a run outside anyway...and actually enjoyed it. It was a little cold, but also invigorating. I'm making a commitment to myself that this winter will not be a repeat of last year. I'm in control...right? RIGHT?

My fabulous Mother-in-law has greatly contributed to my cause and she might not even know it. Want to know a fabulous way to spend part of a cold, winter-ish day?

Behold:

That's right folks. Courtesy of an early xmas present from the MIL, we are now proud owners of the Wii and Wii Fit! So far, my faves are the hula hooping, step aerobics and some of the yoga poses. Hubby and I have set our profiles (a little scary to see your "wii fit age," but no bother)...AND our goals.

Happy indoor playing!!

Simple Signs

I notice signs all around (don't you?). My favorite signs are those that indicate the holidays are near. It's my very favorite time of year and THIS is my favorite sign that the season to be merry is just around the corner:Yep, the red cups are back at Starbucks! (I'm easy to please most of the time)

Happy early holidays all!

Love WILL Prevail

I've been struggling to understand the passing of Prop 8 in California on Tuesday...that gorgeous state that is my adopted home. That stole my heart and gave me years of joy and changed my life forever by introducing me to Hubby. That inspired me over and over by its unrelenting acceptance of everyone. Every race. Every creed. Every orientation...no matter, we're all welcome in CA. I loved that...and I love it still.

I believe that deep down, the world does have more love than hate and that, when pressed, people will defer to the good in their hearts over the bad. I can't understand what led this particular electorate to make this choice that left love in the cold - at least for a moment.

But then, no legislation can really keep love from shining through the cracks. I've seen it in the images of peaceful protest, the emails and calls and Facebook statuses donated to continue the fight, reopen petitions, march on. To my immediate friends affected by this defeat, and to the millions who felt the sting around the world, I am sorry. But...love will prevail. There is no other way. No other option. We stand with you and we hold your hand...and we march on. On the same day of this shocking vote, we made history in our country and we chose hope over fear. We can do it again...and I have to believe that we will.

Happy Love Thursday all. May you feel the love that God wants us ALL to know. And may you spread it as far and as wide as you can.

*photo by Heidi Herrera (via Flickr) - I didn't have an image of my own to share this week!

It's A GOOD Feeling

Just a brief post today because I don't really have words to convey my feelings. I just feel...good, positive, inspired, happy.

It is a new day. I am just overjoyed at yesterday's victory for farm animals in California. I have hoped and prayed and encouraged and watched and posted and begged for months on this one and I'm just so proud of Americans for rising above propaganda and fear based marketing tactics to make the compassionate choice for all creatures. It gives me hope.

Last night was certainly one for the history books; no matter your politics, I hope you watched and participated and witnessed this front row view of change.

Happy hump day all - I'm looking out over yet another gorgeous, warm and sparkly fall day in Chicago.

Being Part of History

It is hard to believe that after 2 years, we are nearing the end of this historical campaign. Arguably one of the most important elections in history (if not the most important), the stakes are high today. As a rule, I avoid politics on this blog, but those of you who know me know that it is an important topic for me - another entry on my list of passions.

I awoke early this morning to a feeling of excitement. I turned on the TV and reveled in punditry during my get ready routine. I saw line after lengthy line at a variety of polling places on our commute to work. Streets were closed everywhere and signs of an impending rally are evident all around downtown Chicago. Colleagues are coming in late after a morning spent in line to vote.

Regardless of the outcome, this is one for the history books. This year, youth were mobilized, technology was utilized, change has been demanded, hope born again. Both sides have fought long, fought hard, turned every stone, knocked on every door. People of every race, creed, socio-economic status and background are standing in line together in cities and towns across the nation to cast their vote. To use their voice. To participate. To engage in our future and actively create a better world to leave our children.

This year, voters in my beloved California will speak for those with no voice and, hopefully, will change the cruel fates of millions of farm animals in their state and beyond.

This year, I hope we can recognize the importance of this election, appreciate the democratic process at work, know that it was a long race, an impassioned race, a race where both sides said things people didn't like to hear. And I hope that, whoever wins, we can leave the fight of the race on the field and move forward to fight in unity for our country and its citizens. Every last one of them.

It is inevitable. A new day dawns straight ahead. And I think it is a beautiful day for history. Can we move beyond the frustrations of the last 8 years and work to restore our country and communities to greatness? Can we embrace and understand and not fear every group and race and creed that makes us so strong, so varied, so free? Can we honor the ideals and the rights that giants before us fought and died for so we would have a better day, a better life, a better world? Can we teach our children the importance and the privilege of engaging in our politics and government? Can we approach this new day strong, engaged, determined, together?

The only response that comes to mind....Yes We Can.

Happy Election Day all. Please participate. Please vote.

How Do You Define Excitement?

Click on the video to see how we do. :) This was taken on our drive to the park today. Enjoy!

Rolling Back the Clock

BJ in "8 Mile" mode...

Shadows & lightEnjoying the view w/ Coop Coop in the city

Lovely fall day

Trees shedding colorful leaves

SO full of energy

A ground level view

Little man & lots of leaves

Charlie Brown tree - still beautiful

Coop en route to the park

You wouldn't know it from the amazing mild temps here in Chicago, but the time has changed and darkness is definitely settling in early - a sure sign of winter straight ahead.

We rose even earlier than usual thanks to the clock shift and we had a great day playing in the park and going for a fall nature walk near the water. Winter was definitely the farthest thing from our thoughts today. Fall seemed at its peak with every tree and most of the ground screaming with vibrant color.

I'm settling in for a few organizational tasks this evening and planning to make a big pot of soup as we prepare for the week. Have I mentioned how much I love fall??

Happy November all - I'm already thankful for this fabulous weekend and priceless Q time with my guys. Cheers to a great week!

A Warm Chicago Halloween

The temps were just about perfect this weekend in Chicago and Halloween was actually on the warm side! We enjoyed every minute of being outdoors and had a blast at our neighborhood soiree - Trick-or-Treat on Southport.

All the shops and restaurants stay open late and give out candy to the kids - I guess you could say it is trick-or-treating city style! In any case, the kids are adorable and totally decked out, the dogs are super cute and the adults have a good time snagging drinks from the various bars along the street.

We finished things off with a doggie Halloween party at Dog-a-holics. The boys were in a costume contest, an ice cream licking contest, they bobbed for tennis balls and even tried some "bowser beer."

Good times all around and we hope the same was true for you. Thanksgiving is just around the corner...hard to believe how quickly the time flies by.