Chicago and the burbs

Being back here in Chicago has been interesting. It's been what my old mentor Sue called an Outer Ego moment. I have visited with so many of the wonderful people that make Chicago feel like home to me and I have been blessed. As I look at leaving tomorrow I am feeling quite blessed. Some highlights:

Dancing or more so, watching Ginger dance. She's a hot little mama out there and she knows what she's doing.
Mar, Mark, Bryon, Stavros, Carrie, Karrissa and Dr. Magilcudy's Cherry something or other.
Going to the old Emmett's Palatine to see what's new.
Emmett's West Dundee, Rachel and Ray's kiss on the cheek.
Lamps at 10:00 Sunday night with Kirsten. I swear we're made from the same cloth.
Crystal Lake at 2 on a swinging bench. There is so much beauty in my mother.
Sitting in a spa chair next to Val getting pedi's and dreaming together and being girlfriends.
Dinner with Steph and Steve and loving every moment of it. I'm "Friend of Couple!!!"
T, Ma and Hose. Salmon, asparagus and mom's potatoes with a game of GO FISH afterwards.
Birthday dinner with Bonnie and Ma. Older ladies and their awesomeness.
A drinking card game and the follow through.
Anna and her heart. Stephan. A ROCKIN' massage. Two people I can't wait til they move to Montana.
David. just david. jokes that flow like family and breakfast for dinner.
Jeff and his precious precious IPOD w/ pics of the girl he likes and his smile that spoke a thousand words.
Justin. He takes such good care of me with that crazy car and picking me up and deep deep conversations.
Years of genuine, deep, heart felt truth and unconditional love from Kimberly Joy.
Sitting in the porch with Sue and talking about our lives. What began 10 + years ago will never die.
The gift it will be to see Jill Rockford tonight and her going way out of her way to drive me to Midway in the morning.


I feel blessed today. And I look forward to going home and getting back to work if that makes sense. And I look forward to coming back soon for another visit. And to people coming to see me!