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I feel like everyone on the planet can relate to your life spiraling out of control at one time or another.  And if you're lucky, it doesn't last too long. 

Between getting things at work and at home all set for our Spring Break trip a couple weeks ago and then returning to that monster size pile up on both fronts, I feel like I'm being pulled in a million different directions trying to juggle all the responsibilities and failing miserably in some areas.

I feel like I'm on a roller coaster.  And then you get off, and your life realizes there is no line and it pulls you forcefully to the exit so you both can jump back on again.  And after seven times, you start to feel a little nauseous.  Life, on the other hand, is yelling "Weeeeeee" as you go down the 90 degree drop. 

But that's life, isn't it?  Unpredictable and unwilling to slow down so that we can catch up?

So much happened this week.

I went to an amazing concert with Carly (you remember her, right?  She guest-posted on my blog last month).  Ani DiFranco.  She's been around forever and as my new friend, Ann, so eloquently said, "she takes the scenic route with emotions, but it's not annoying."  Ani DiFranco is an amazing writer.  The two songs she performed that were my favorite:  32 Flavors and Fuel.


Late Saturday morning, I took Abbi to take the exam to get her driver's permit.  It wasn't the most brilliant idea I've ever had.  It was a zoo.  A million people were there and it was loud.  She didn't pass the exam, so she needs to study a little more and we need to go back.  Perhaps another day when everyone else within a 30 miles radius isn't also there.

On Sunday, I spent the day with my brother, Nathan, and my two nieces, Alexis and Ashley.  As a birthday and Christmas gift, we pick a show we want to see.  Last year we saw Phantom of the Opera.  This year we got tickets to see Matilda at the Oriental Theatre.  We got downtown early, like 9:00 am so that we could walk around downtown and have lunch before the performance at 2:00 pm.  I realize that I only live about 40 miles from Chicago, but I have not ever seen the "bean" or Millenium Park.  I know, there's no excuse.

The "bean" was really interesting!  It reminded me of a giant funhouse mirror - distorting the reflection you see.  I just had some thoughts on that, but I'll save it for another blogpost. :)


It was fun, and even though it was a bit rainy, it was wonderful to be downtown.

The Chicago River

Everywhere I looked I could see potential photo opportunities.  I love symmetry in photos - like in this one.    All the buildings line up, the lampposts line up, the parked cars line up, and the oversized concrete flowerpots line up.  It made my heart sing.  Seriously.

We had lunch at a restaurant, Park Grill, right under the "bean."  I love when my brother says, "Order whatever you want."  Alexis, Ashley and I all grinned at each other.  So this is what I ordered and it was delicious.  About as delicious as the Beer battered cheese curds we ordered as an appetizer and the molten chocolate cookie we shared for dessert. 

Seared Ahi Tuna

We saw Matilda, and I don't know if you have ever read the book  or have ever seen the movie (with the very funny Danny DeVito), but it's a story about a girl who is faced with incredible adversity, and despite the lack of love she receives from her family, she maintains a sunny outlook on life and seeks solace in books and her imagination.  And she perseveres in the end because she uses her brain to face her demons.  Matilda creates a plan, musters courage, advocates for herself and all the right things line up and fall into place for her.

There's a lesson here, isn't there?