Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Great FIT news!

My mother bought me this skirt at least two Christmases ago. I loved it SO SO much that I just kept it at the back of my closet. I slipped right in this morning - how exciting! <3

Monday, July 4, 2011

Why are we here?

I just had the most glorious 3-and-a-half-day weekend with my partner and our good friends, R & Z. I took half the day off on Friday in order to head up to Pure Michigan. We spent the time in B's family cabin on Clam Lake, going out to the sandbar on Torch Lake EVERY day we were there. Last night, we went out on the lake around 9:30 p.m. and saw fireworks everywhere we turned. It was beautiful, and such a great weekend.

B and I returned to Chicago to (almost) no traffic, and a super happy cat. We decided to walk across the street to Loyola Beach to see if we could catch any of the Navy Pier fireworks. Unfortunately, we couldn't, but EVERYONE from Rogers Park was there lighting off their fireworks. (I'm assuming that fireworks are legal in Illinois. Add that to the list of things B and I MUST get used to now that we are here. They aren't legal in MI.) We sat for about 20 minutes until the smells, sights and sounds overloaded our senses. Such a unique ability to be able to experience this.

The greatest part about my time off was that today is a recognized holiday that I do not have to take a vacation, sick or personal day for. I recognize the importance of today (on two levels: it is also the birthday of my uncle!), but I don't think the people who are (still) out there blowing off fireworks, spending a lot of money, and abusing the vacation day thought about it. Why are we here, celebrating and honoring today?

This is our country's NATIONAL day. The day we celebrate adopting the Declaration of Independence. (Side note: Some historians thought that July 2 would be THE date for us, instead of July 4th, the day of the Declaration.) I think the fireworks began the following year, with 13 shells being shot off. It's not something that I see today's children being educated on - easier said than done (I don't have children,) but I'll add it to my list of things (and holidays) to focus on in MY future.

I know a lot of people who go around saying how PROUD they are to be an American. In my personal reflections, I don't always agree with this statement (there are some things that I just cannot stand behind,) but I love living in a country where I can have my own opinion, where I can be who I am, and where I don't have to be afraid to be public with any of this.

What were you celebrating this 4th of July?

Great FIT news!

0
| Wednesday, July 6, 2011
My mother bought me this skirt at least two Christmases ago. I loved it SO SO much that I just kept it at the back of my closet. I slipped right in this morning - how exciting! <3

Why are we here?

0
| Monday, July 4, 2011
I just had the most glorious 3-and-a-half-day weekend with my partner and our good friends, R & Z. I took half the day off on Friday in order to head up to Pure Michigan. We spent the time in B's family cabin on Clam Lake, going out to the sandbar on Torch Lake EVERY day we were there. Last night, we went out on the lake around 9:30 p.m. and saw fireworks everywhere we turned. It was beautiful, and such a great weekend.

B and I returned to Chicago to (almost) no traffic, and a super happy cat. We decided to walk across the street to Loyola Beach to see if we could catch any of the Navy Pier fireworks. Unfortunately, we couldn't, but EVERYONE from Rogers Park was there lighting off their fireworks. (I'm assuming that fireworks are legal in Illinois. Add that to the list of things B and I MUST get used to now that we are here. They aren't legal in MI.) We sat for about 20 minutes until the smells, sights and sounds overloaded our senses. Such a unique ability to be able to experience this.

The greatest part about my time off was that today is a recognized holiday that I do not have to take a vacation, sick or personal day for. I recognize the importance of today (on two levels: it is also the birthday of my uncle!), but I don't think the people who are (still) out there blowing off fireworks, spending a lot of money, and abusing the vacation day thought about it. Why are we here, celebrating and honoring today?

This is our country's NATIONAL day. The day we celebrate adopting the Declaration of Independence. (Side note: Some historians thought that July 2 would be THE date for us, instead of July 4th, the day of the Declaration.) I think the fireworks began the following year, with 13 shells being shot off. It's not something that I see today's children being educated on - easier said than done (I don't have children,) but I'll add it to my list of things (and holidays) to focus on in MY future.

I know a lot of people who go around saying how PROUD they are to be an American. In my personal reflections, I don't always agree with this statement (there are some things that I just cannot stand behind,) but I love living in a country where I can have my own opinion, where I can be who I am, and where I don't have to be afraid to be public with any of this.

What were you celebrating this 4th of July?
 

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