Chi-town Showdown

I'm in Chicago for the second time in a month. Over a course of 5 years, I've been here so many times, I lost count. But, I have to say, Chicago is a beautiful city and I enjoy coming here...minus the traffic from the airport to downtown, and the winters. Otherwise, yes, it's a great place (at least, from my visitor's eyes. I'm sure the locals will have their own opinion.)

I'm here for another conference, of course...working a booth in the exhibit hall for the first time in my life and I have to say, I'm not lovin' it. No, sir. Not one bit. But it's easy work, and my expenses are being paid, so...there it is. Luckily for me, I'll actually have some "down time," albeit, on my own, and for the first time in all the times I have been to Chicago, I'm hoping to steal away a few minutes to actually enjoy the city. See the sights. Relish its charms. Hopefully.

It's a weird thing, enjoying a place on your own. I mean, it has been done. But in my opinion, it's always better to enjoy a place with someone else, so you can have someone to share the experience and memories. I'll always remember being at Half Moon Bay, CA, at the Ritz Carlton (for a meeting, of course), and walking down to the lonely strip of beach washed by the cold waters of the Pacific at sundown. It was gorgeous and romantic and solemn, and I was standing there, alone. It broke my heart to experience it without the love of my life by my side. Chicago - she's a different animal. Soaring architecture and history, there's alot to see. I have no problem going to discover it on my own, but I have to find the courage to enjoy it. It's just me and the city now.

So...if you have any suggestions on some things I must see, please let me know. I'm here a few more days.

Memorial Day

Today, let us take a moment from our barbecues, picnics and leisure to remember those who fell - most of whom were taken too young -fighting to protect our freedom and the freedom of others around the world . We owe these brave men and women so much; let us remember today their sacrifice and courage.

Thank you.

Lagging Online

Oh, Time. Where do you always run to?

It's been a few weeks since I've contributed anything new to this here blog, but believe me, it's not for lack of things to say. It's been for lack of a spare second to meander through this world of frivolity. And I'm glad to say, I know I'm not alone. Just today in a local paper, one of my favorite contributors, Kathleen O'Brien, mirrored my sentiment with this piece about "curating" (or lack thereof) her "online presence."

She wrote about a seminar she attended that pushed the idea that "people are judging you based on information on the Internet, so it's important to manage that." Whether you believe this to be true or not, you're right.

I know some people who work intently on honing a presence online and creating a pseudo-celebrity who is part reality, part fiction, all in the name of readers and being in the public eye (not that there's anything wrong with that). I'm in awe of these people. I mean, one would have to assume that their sole means of employment is something other than blogging, so anyone who finds time to keep updates current on top of the obligations of daily life is a marvel. I haven't been able to master that yet, and am in no rush to do so anyway. I just take one day at a time. Sometimes, that's all my hands can hold.

Like Kathleen, I find my to-do list to be ever-growing, even as things are checked off. I try to make it a point to push myself each day to accomplish things that others would find easy to postpone until tomorrow. My list in the last few weeks has grown in leaps and bounds, with some things that have been on there for months: Buy a dress for the reunion gala dinner. Speak with the architect about revisions to the house plans. Review those resumes before conducting the interviews this week. Make an appointment for a hair cut. Buy a birthday card. Book my business trip to Puerto Rico.

Update my blog.

While it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm not...not really. But I'm not apologizing, either. This blog is a fun thing for me, and I hope for you too, but in no way will it ever become more important than real life.

So...let's get off our computers now and do what we can to make today count. Our computers can wait.

MAY DAY!

Can it be May already?

A few days ago, it felt like July around here...now things are just about back to "normal"...relatively speaking.

Today is May Day. Ironically, mayday is also recognized as the call of distress.

Things have been more than hectic for me these last few weeks - in a good way, but still a very, very challenging and time-consuming way. It's all coming to a head...today. I know if I can get through today intact, it will be smooth sailing. Perhaps. (Who am I kidding...my ships won't be sailing the glass seas until at least July). But the point is, I'm getting there.

So, my posts will continue to be sporadic, but please keep checking back. My load will lighten up soon and we'll be back sailing along together.