What Dreams Are Made Of...

At Shopko, I bought a 30 pair shoe rack that was on sale.

Alone in the Big Village

As my parents motorcycle their way out West, I am holding my own. I am trying to focus on the postives- self-reflection, cooking experiments, the incredibly cheap rental fee at Family Video, the historical fiction section at the library, etc. Self-reflection has caused me to realize that I truly need to be around people. I am not good completely on my own. I also thrive on being busy. I used to just say that, but now I think I can say it and really mean it.

I did just spend some quality time in Chicago. Highlights include:

-a fabulous Mexican restaurant where the owner greets you with a hug and a kiss and repeatedly exclaims Oh.my.god! E, Paul, and I also got some complimentary flan which was awesome (cocoa and coconut)
-an introduction to my field at the ATHE conference
-having E and Rebecca in the audience when I presented my paper.
-quality time with aforementioned girlfriends
-walking past the Chicago Art Institute on my way to the Palmer House Hilton
-running along Lake Michigan
-lunch in Millenium Park
-Saturday night out at Navy Pier (or Avy Pie as documented in photographs), complete with fireworks
-a fabulous Church Service on Sunday morning.

No wonder I am a little down now. I had a great trip! I also went to Madison on my way and got to see the new Epic village, I mean, building, hang out on the Terrace and State Street, go to Tutto's Pasta which I didn't realize how much I missed, and spend the night at Sarah's new house.
Since I have been back, it's been me and Maggie. It's good thing I have her, or I would be some crazy lady talking to herself. Now I am the crazy lady talking to her dog. Gotta start somewhere I guess.