Tag: chicago

Back on the trail again…although slowly

Back on the trail again…although slowly

by doodleplix ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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My last post was back in June.  The kids and I were in Chicago for three weeks.  That may seem long to some, but we only see grandparents and cousins twice a year.  Chicago is just wonderful in the summer.  We do all the museums every year and find new restaurants.  Both my kids are into running this summer, so the Lakeshore trail and the Northwestern track were a daily must-do.  Unfortunately, my mom ended up in the urgi-care first and then the ER for two days.  Luckily, all her tests came back normal, although her mystery chest pain is still lingering.  Weight loss is still the key to this mystery.  My twelve year old son got his grandparents some clip-on Fitbits.  So cute.  They have 10,000 daily steps as a goal.  My mom has lost several pounds since…keeping my fingers crossed.IMG_0270On the day we came back to North Carolina, I woke up with the worst sinus infection.  It lasted all of July and even with a z-pak.  In addition to my troubles, I had to have a toenail removed from a subungal hematoma (runner’s toenail).  And, my ankle with the metal plate and six pins was swelling and painful in one area.  Oy vey!  After a visit to the Ortho and three X-rays later, I was put on a “back to running” protocol.  The hardware looked solid and it is a soft tissue issue.  Rhyme intended.  I am really bad at following this sort of thing.  Because in my mind, I am still 18 and invincible.  However, I am taking it easy.  I haven’t run ten miles since Chicago and I have built up to around 4.  Boy, it takes patience to rehab.  I know this all too well having a shattered ankle 9 years go, but it is still hard.  I just want to go run!  I am being good and doing my stretches and exercises.  I keep reminding myself that if my mom can work up to 15,000 steps a day, I too can be patient, have self-control and take it slow.  I will be back.IMG_0271

Family Fun?

Family Fun?

by doodleplix ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I cannot believe that I forgot hand sanitizer for our plane ride to Chicago!  I managed not to freak out for the hour and forty-five minute flight.  I have really mellowed as a mom and as a person.  My two kids and I love going to Chicago.  Both my two younger sisters and my parents live here.  The tall buildings, parks, museums and restaurants are always fun in the summer.

It has become complicated over the years however.  I think we are all getting set in our ways.  All three of us sisters were close growing up.  We still fight about what’s cool and where to eat and who’s at fault.  There was always competition between both my younger sisters.  The youngest trying to boss the middle.  That dynamic still remains today.   I am the oldest.  Two years older than my middle sister and almost six years older than my youngest.  Nowadays, the youngest tries to boss all of us around!   One sister was annoyingly sensitive, the other was super bossy.  I was their fearless leader because I was the eldest and the tallest and sometimes, the meanest.


These days the schedule revolves around our kids. I have two and my middle sister has two around the same age.  The interesting thing is that the younger generation also has a heirarchy just like we did.  It’s very entertaining to watch all four cousins interact.  There’s the sensitive one, the bossy one, the crier, and the leader…

Coffee

Coffee

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espresso

I can’t remember the first time I ever drank coffee.  I am however, hooked.  Good coffee is such a pleasure.  I do brew my own espresso.  It’s a ritual that I look forward to once in the morning and early afternoon.

 

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They do brew some magical coffee in the little road side coffee shops in South India.  It’s served piping hot in metal lotas (cups) and metal saucers.  As a kid, I was enamored with canned coffee in Japan.  Not only did the vending machines serve cold coffee, they served hot coffee and tea!  I must have drank at least 30 coffees during our trip.  The cans were works of art and had really cool designs.  UCC, Pokka…

 

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I have two sisters, one that drinks coffee and one that doesn’t.  The sister that doesn’t drink coffee has sparkling white teeth.  She’s a dentist who actually doesn’t brush her teeth twice a day!  My parents drink coffee also.  My dad and I argue about who’s coffee is better.  He’s very loyal to his Nespresso.  I prefer to grind my own beans.  Lavazza, Intelligentsia, Illy…  I will be in Chicago in June.  There are several new coffee places and  I want to try.  Will keep you posted.