GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE   When I was little,  I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, And then I started to become a woman. And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, Life would show you the best in many friends.   One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.  Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.  Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.  Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be..  One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,' Another , 'Let's fight together,'  Another , 'Let's walk away together.'   One friend will meet your spiritual need, Another your shoe fetish, Another your love for movies,  Another will be with you in your season of confusion, Another will be your clarifier,  Another the wind beneath your wings.   But whatever their assignment in your life, On whatever the occasion, On whatever the day,  Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,  Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself .  Those are your best friends.   It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several..  One from early school years, One from later school years,  Several from here and there,  A couple from old jobs, On some days your mother,  On some days your neighbor, On others, your sisters, And on some days, your daughters.   So whether they've been a friend for 20 minutes or 20+ years,  AND ONLY IF YOU'D LIKE TO, Pass this on to the women that time has placed in your life To make a difference.. Including the one who sent it to you. Thanks for being in my circle.      If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too!       "Live Simply, Love Generously, Care Deeply, Speak Kindly and Leave the rest to God"

Chicago in July

I always forget every year july means hearing fireworks every night weeks after the 4th.  It's the sound of summer in Chicago land.  Also, for the past few weeks (that is after the extreme heat spell we had) the weather has been pleasant enough to leave the windows open 24/7. Hence enhanced fireworks noise. Makes it seem summer hasn't quite arrived yet.... or maybe someone hit the fast forward button and its already fall.. hope not ;-( 

LOTS of visits so far this summer. See below highlights of Todd, Renae, Colt, and Rayne's visit to chicago. I think the most excitement was Colt and Rayne's first ever plane ride in which I managed to schedule myself to be the working flight attendant.  Cool beans!!  It's why I love my job. 

I enjoyed Val's visit in June and the food I always get to enjoy at Gregg and Amy's house. Thanks!! 

Next up will be Mariah's visit yea!!!! 

After that I will looking forward to my own vacation and relaxation on Myrtle beach in Aug.  Ahhhh waves crashing sound in my head.... 

Back to today - there are a few things to be excited about. 

I read in a magazine about a website called booksfree.com  and it works like netflix for books. Perfect for me!! 

Also I can't wait to check out the new show called "Ruby and the Rockits" on ABC family channel. Premiers tonight!  I know one of the characters I think she plays a mom on the show. She is the daughter  of my mom's long time friend Kathleen.  Katy is her daughter.  I remember her telling me when I was very very young on one of our visits with them that she wanted to be an actress when she grew up.  It's amazing to see it come true! 

Chicago Tourist

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Summer Summer Time

I've been slacking again on my posts.  Time slips away from me too quickly. June was a very busy month.  There is a new boat in South Carolina. It is waiting for me at this very moment for me to catch lots of pretty fish.   Just like the one above... stay tuned for more boating adventures.  

it happened to me

Have you ever heard stories or maybe yourself have experienced finding a twenty dollar bill or more on the ground or a waitress getting a really big overly generous tip. Well now I have a similar story. Last night a clever generous passenger handed this to me on his way out the door.  I first thought he was playing a mean joke (which I would also appreciate) I gladly played a along and took it from him laughingly saying how it can't be real. Then his daughter trailing not far behind him mentioned to me that oh I wouldn't bet it against him he is notorious for that. I then realized it was in fact real and no joke!! I tried to give it back but he walked away.... 

day in the thunderstorms

I saw this when I got off the train today. 

Everything green in Chicago. So pretty. 

I've been a little behind on my postings. Working overtime is to blame with hardly any free time. I timed out for the first time last week because of thunderstorms. This was the flight right before that happened. We are not allowed to work over sixteen hours and my duty day was 14 and I was still scheduled to go to Oklahoma. But because thats over a two hour flight I got to go home instead.  

Wheeling

New Mexico Days
I brought my bike out for the first time this year. Perfect day for a perfect ride. Today was the day summer begins. It makes it seem like weathering through the winter tundra was worth the wait. Trees are finally bloomed, tulips everywhere, and sun is warm! I'm in the process of making a list of all the things I would like to do this summer in Chicago. Today's bike ride was a good start. I really want to make sure this year I absorb summer to the fullest extent.