Monday, November 27, 2017

Happy for Harry

Just heard the news that Prince Harry is engaged to Meghan Markle.

Harry has always been his own man and he's demonstrating it again with this milestone.

She is bi-racial.

She is a little older.

She is not royalty.

I'm smiling because he broke the mold and is going his own way.

Happy for Harry.

Friday, November 24, 2017

Don't live scared

OK.  So, a guy I met over the Internet sent me money to go to New York to visit him.

I said YES.

I'm going to put a lot of precautions in place...like I'm staying at a hotel, and have given his information to my sister, checked him out to see if he's legit, and I'm on my way.

I don't share this information with cautious friends.  If I told them, they'd set up a lot of barriers and judgements and I'd end up not going.

So, I don't tell "certain" friends about my carefree ventures.

I get a chance to go to New York, see the Christmas tree, go to Rockefeller Square, get a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, eat at Sylvia's

..and maybe meet someone special.

Sure, I could stay home out of caution but I don't live scared.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Is she really a friend?

I have a "friend" who is very judgmental of my carefree spirit.  I like her in many ways but I've learned to stop sharing tid bits of my life with her because she always has a negative opinion of some of my "free spiritedness."

I love taking chances and living life to its fullest.  Some people admire me for living life on the edge at times and taking chances. But, others -- like this "friend," has issues with it.

Last week, we had lunch and I stayed on safe topics...without triggering the "opinion mode." It was her birthday so I treated her to lunch.  While she tends to be unpleasant at times, I found our lunch together fun and engaging.

But, it occurred to me that, if being with her requires putting a filter on what I share, then, perhaps she really isn't a friend after all.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Be careful when driving!..

I'm amazed by the incidents of folks leaving their cars running while they make a quick purchase.

There are more incidents in the news of this happening with carjackers seizing the moment. In a few incidents, children were in the car.

My Dad once left his car running while he mailed a letter. BAM!  A thug pounced, stole his car and tried to run over him. Poor Daddy. His house keys were on his key ring, his wallet was there -- complete with money, credit cards and personal ID.

I felt so bad for Daddy as he was shaken, crestfallen and hurt. He had to borrow busfare. And, when he walked in the door, he was so down.  But, he sped into action trying to report stolen documents. The car (a Cadillac) was found weeks later...but trashed.

LISTEN PEOPLE! There are bad guys out there waiting to prey..and waiting to jump.

Carjackings are dramatically up in Chicago.

Take a moment to complete a checklist.  If you want to make a quick purchase, turn the ignition off. Lock the car. Take your personal belongings, including the children.

Those small steps will save you heartbreak, time and maybe even your own kids.


Friday, November 10, 2017

Bask in the beauty

It's cold in Chicago.  Well, it's Chicago.

But, today -- November 10 -- it is almost record-breaking cold...coupled with snow.

Folks are groaning, complaining, screaming.  There are dire warnings by forecasters of plunging temperatures.

Those who have endured these winters should be accustomed to Chicago's weather quirks and nuances.

I walked out of my home and was actually enchanted by how the snow kissed my grass and I was uplifted by the gentle -- but cold -- breeze.

I started smiling, grinning, embracing it.

So, instead of complaining, enjoy it.