Me and the Storm of the Century

Well, Chicago...I feel like I should apologize. Since I've moved here there have been two tornado touch downs, hurricane warnings and a blizzard, aka "The Storm of the Century". I think my bad luck may have followed me here. Sorry about that.
I think most people were assuming that this storm was all hype no bite....but they were wrong. This one was a doozie. Fortunately, I was able to go home early on Tuesday when the storm began to set in, in full force. Luckily, I was able to find a parking spot. A tree branch broke off and fell to the side of me as I rushed into safety. I made some hot cocoa to warm me up while the blizzard descended.
I was watching a movie when there was a knock at my door. It was my upstairs neighbor and his girlfriend with a broom and some rags. They asked me if I happened to hear a loud banging (at first I was thinking...I didn't think my movie was up that loud, how awkward). As they continued to describe the noise I realized they were referring to the broken vents outside my window. Something has come loose in those and when it is really windy, they are so loud, it can be quite maddening. Well, this proved to be true, because my neighbor and his gf had decided to come ask if they could hang out my window in an attempt to fix it. I mean, what better time than during a blizzard right? Sure...come on in...break my screens....hang out my window let the blizzard in. It's nice to meet you too. They weren't successful in fixing the sound....which isn't terribly surprising, but it was a valiant effort. I was pretty scared for their lives to be honest....but had it worked...it would've have been pretty amazing.
While we were all congregated around the window, we noticed lightning? Seriously, since when do snow and lightning coexist? Well the windows got shut up tight and then the sirens began and continued through the night. I didn't understand why until the next morning.
I feel bad, I wish I had known. Maybe I would've been able to help someone, but just a block away from me on Lake shore Drive, over 1,500 cars had been stranded because a bus had jackknifed in the snow. They couldn't see where they were going and had to abandon their cars to find safety ultimately. I didn't read of any casualties, I pray that that is accurate. What a horrible night....and to think I could have so easily been one of the stranded motorist had I not been able to go home early. I drive Lake shore pretty much daily...and nightly.
I was scheduled for a temp assignment the next day. It is with a company that I have been working with for a month, so fortunately, the office manager is familiar with me. She cared enough about my safety to let me stay home for the morning. She lives near the office and had walked there and was single handedly manning the fort. My car had become encased by snow...so driving wasn't an option. In the afternoon, I braved the storm and head out to try my luck on public transit. The city was dead. It was so crazy, like I was in some scary movie, like "I am Legend". I got on the bus and we just sat at the stop for twenty minutes. Nobody joined us....the whole ride. I went all the way across the city in my private bus along Halsted and then walked the rest of the way to the office.
Work, went fine and the storm let up. When I began my trek home I walked along the streets in darkness. The power had gone out. The streets were abandoned and covered in snow. It was eerie to say the least. I walked to the bus stop to catch that same bus that had brought me in...but it never came. I began walking in search of a train stop and finally found one. At this point my boots had been soaked through and my feet were beginning to lose feeling. I waited for what seemed like an eternity with a few strangers for the train.
Finally, I made it to the Addison stop and then had to wade through knee deep snow for about 12 blocks back to my little studio. I tweaked my knee...but kept walking through the pain. I took off my boots as soon as I entered the building and put my feet in the tub full of luke warm water nearly as soon as I walked in. As my feet regained feeling and circulation it hurt so bad I cried a little....but then I changed into some pj's, made some hot cocoa and left the storm behind me.
I survived the Chicago Blizzard of 2011....but I still can't get my car out.

On The Friend Ship

I happened to have an AMAZING weekend this past one. I got to spend it with some of my favorite people and it was such a good time. We did some really cool things like going to WICKED! but we also just chilled. It was a beautiful thing-this weekend all was well in the world. I got a break from all the stress that can weigh me down sometimes.
Today, it was back to work back to reality, back to the stress. I was thinking how sad I was that it was over...and then I was thinking about how the real beauty of those friendships that I enjoy comes from the endurance of them. It just got me reflecting on what a blessing friendship is in life. Whether you are laughing or crying with them, they can get you through.
To quote from WICKED, since I just saw it and all, "I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn and we are lead to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return. Well I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know I'm who I am today, because I knew you."
The point of this post is to make a general thank you to the friends (I definitely count my family in this umbrella of friendship) in my life. I love you, thank you for being a part of my life and making it better. If you're reading this, the thank you definitely extends to you. We never really know the moments that matter most to those we share them with. Chances are-you've been an answer to some one's prayer-or part of a silver lining, a shoulder to cry on, or the comic relief so desperately needed. Thank you to everyone who was been any of the above to me. I will reiterate: you never know what you mean to someone...and by someone, (in this instance) I mean me. Sincerely, thanks for the love, all!

Ah, the Power of Music

It's no secret, I love music and I love to dance. Yesterday had some bumps. Wasn't a great day for me....I was driving home from the Chicago Department of Revenue (yay me! I have a bugillion parking tickets that do count even though my plates are out of state....though I was told differently...) who caught up with me recently. I was feeling pretty frustrated about things...it wasn't the first bump in the day...and then "Dynamite" by Tiao Cruz came on the radio. I turned up the radio and started my jam! It was like everything in the world was made right in that moment. I just can't help but dance to that song...it's not optional...but also it pumps me right up and I feel like I can conquer the world! No joke. Watch out for it!
Then the day continued....reality set in again....got some discouraging news...and was back to feeling like I didn't like my day very much at all....and then I sat down at a piano and played two of my favorite songs. One, it feels really good to play the piano, I love it. Two, singing those words helps heal my heart. Again, I just felt like it helped get the bad out...or more accurately, let the good in.
As a singer/songwriter of sorts, obviously, I feel that songs can speak to the soul....they can empathize with your pain. They can help you find strength, they can inspire, they can express your feelings in a way that no other form can. I just was thinking about it and thought what a beautiful thing music can be. It can help fill your soul with the good stuff! (of course the opposite is true if you're listening to degrading and demoralizing stuff...so don't)
But here's a link to Tiao Cruz, go ahead get your jam on! Let the good in!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIaFNWOafvo

Resolved

Okay, 2011, you made it. Buckle Up. It's a new year, and I have every intention of dominating this year. The end of 2010 had some significant speed bumps for me and I'm feeling really great about a fresh start. Aaahhhhh. So now I need I a plan of attack, otherwise known as resolutions.
1. Be happier.
2. Start performing again.
3. Widen the scope of opportunity.
4. Actually promote my book.....you know...since I got it published and all...might as well.
5. Learn to love what's good for me.
6. Be more balanced!
7. Leap.

I know those may sound a little ambiguous.....but I know what I mean. Even though I have a blog....I still like to be discrete about somethings ;) But go ahead and impose your interpretation on those. Life is what you make of it after all. I'm determined to remember that in 2011! Bring it!
ps-that's sparkling cider we have in our cups...fyi

Last Chance 2010

I don't know how it happened....but another year is almost over! What the crap. This is crazy. 2010...what a year. Definitely full of surprises, I can say that for sure. Some big things I guess. I closed the chapter on Utah this year and moved out to Chicago. Had an internship with my dream firm. My book finally got published. There's been plenty good.....more than enough bad....but overall, I guess it's been a good year..ish.
So, I've been thinking....what didn't happen that I wanted to? What would I do different? Etc, etc. There is one day left in this year. It's 2010's last chance! What will you do with it? What will I do with it for that matter? I think it's a fabulous reason to do things you've been putting off. I'll talk about goals for 2011 some other post. Not this one. This one is still all 2010. I mean there have got to be loose ends to tie up....apologies to make....adventures to be had :) One more day! January 31st. Show me what you're made of 2010!

Christmas (My Linus Moment)

So, you know on a Charlie Brown Christmas when Charlie Brown says, "Can't anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?" and Linus answers and says, "sure Charlie Brown..." he then proceeds to recount the birth of Jesus Christ as recorded in Luke chapter 2 of the New Testament. Well....this is my Linus moment.
I know I made a Christmas to-do list and fortunately, I was able to do most of it. I loved it. There are so many fun things to see and do in a big city at Christmas. I was not disappointed. All the same though, as I drive around and listen to the Christmas station on the radio, I hear winter or Santa songs...not really true Christmas songs. I just want to make sure I take the chance to tell all within the sound of my (virtual) voice, that I know what Christmas is all about.
I celebrate the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He was born to the virgin Mary in Bethlehem. I know that He is the Son of God and that His birth was a miracle. He lived a perfect life, taught all of us how to live, to love and to pray. He atoned for mine and your sins in the Garden of Gethsemane, was crucified on the cross and was resurrected. I add to my testimony to the many that have been born of Him, truly He lives. May we all come to know Him a little bit better this holiday season. It is the reason for it, after all. Merry Christmas everyone!

What yer made of!

So, what do you do when you've lost your trail? Run out of water....don't have food...shelter? Well if you're Bear Grylls then it's no big deal. But for most of us...this would be a pretty rough scenario. Lot's of questions run through your mind in a moment like this: How do I find my way back? How did this happen? What if I can't find my way, etc, etc. You guessed it-I'm going for another analogy!
Life just plain kicks your trash sometimes. It is what it is. You can lose everything in an instant (most likely it doesn't happen in an instant...but stay with me anyway). Then what?
The what-is what yer made of. Defining moments, they usually come when you are pushed to a breaking point. Seriously, what do you do in a moment like this? Whenever I watch Man vs. Wild I am ALWAYS in awe. I didn't know anyone could do the things Bear Grylls does. When I have my break through/defining moments, it feels about the same. Kind of wow factor. "Didn't know I had that in me."
Once again, I've come to one of these moments. I almost feel like this post should be a to be continued post. I say that because the moment hasn't passed necessarily. But I can tell you this: I've learned that these defining moments are the product of every choice you make. You just don't realize how much every choice you make reflects about you until it's brought to the surface. "We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day." Richard G. Scott. You see what yer made of. Here's hopin you like what you find.