meet howard
He was looking very official when I met him last weekend near Lake Michigan with his smile.
It’s so fun to talk to nice, happy strangers.
Author:bluelollipoproad
June 7, 2011
In
Funny signs, Illinois, Photos
words on bathroom walls
This one was in the ladies room at Big Star in Wicker Park. The love is alllll around in Chicago in the summer. I wanted to add a “MEE TOO!” – but I didn’t have a Sharpie on me…
June 6, 2011
In
Funny signs, Illinois, Photos
one stop shop
Grab some lo mein and sell your phone at this Chinese place. How convenient!
meet sophia
Sophia was my running buddy for the Girls on The Run 5k yesterday.
This 5k is a huge event and the crowd was a buzz with excitement. The girls were all given tiaras to run in, which were decorated at the tiara decorating tent of course:
“Everybody knows you run better in a tiara!”
Stone Academy was the school I buddied with:
There were droves of people who showed up for this race. The energy in the crowd for an early Saturday hot, humid morning was fabulous. Here’s us all warming up and getting ready to go:
And the race began.
Sophia and I ran, walked, cheered and even danced a little. We stopped at Lake Michigan to splash around in the water about halfway through. I am used to the heat, but by Chicago standards this was a very hot day so I let the tiny adorable Sophia dunk her head to keep cool. She was a riot. Getting a 9 year old to finish 3.2 miles in the blazing sun when she’s sweating bullets and it’s her first race was a bit of a push, but we did it! Some things she said during the race; Sweet and hilarious:
*”Ugh, I had NO idea 3 miles was so far!”
*”Oh my gosh, I feel like I’m walking from Chicago to San Francisco!”
*(After she got sandy and muddy from our stop to cool down at the lake) “You know what they say; if you get dirty- you must be having fun!”
*”My Mom is going to be really proud of me when I get back.”
*I am SO going to do Girls on The Run next year!”
The last quote of course came after we crossed the finish line, high-fived and got our medals:
Poor hot and tired Sophia’s tiara was flipped and flopped by this point but she was so happy and proud of her medal. (I was too!) This was a treat to participate in, and kicked off a most fabulous Chicago summer weekend. I am always amazed how appreciative kids are when you pay attention and spend time with them. It makes me want to run around the world declaring to all young women that they really can be all they want to be.
Congratulations Sophia! Thanks letting me run with you and making my day. Three cheers to Girls on The Run for all you do for young women!
June 3, 2011
In
News & Updates
ending the week with a bang (actually, a booty shake…)
A few updates that as I sip my coffee, I feel compelled to share to wrap up a kick ass week. (Isn’t it great when you have a kick ass week?)
1.) I had a most fantastic holiday weekend away with friends at Pearl Lake in Wisconsin. Still itching my 3 stripes of sunburn on my stomach. 1st bathing suit outing of the year always gets me. What can I say besides overly excited to be outside in the heat and sun.
2.) Chicago has finally hit some 80’s and 90’s. Hallelujah. I’s June 3 and I say bring the heat. I never want to see a wool sweater again!
3.) I did not end up getting together with Paul from Roadmonkey- BUT! I have had some exciting communication with Honda this week. The BLR -Mobile is getting some love. Stay tuned for news. Whoop whoop!
4.) I had a night filled with zumba and a soccer game last night. Add some running in the mix and put a fork in me, I am happy and done; My favorite ways to sweat. I’ve coached soccer, I am running with young girls to coach them along for a 5k tomorrow with Girls on The Run, so next thing? Teaching zumba. Can I get a little more Whoop Whoop!
5.) Additional note about soccer; I found this super awesome team here in Chicago called P.O.P (Plethora of Pinatas. Yes- think The Three Amigos.) A guy named Cris runs the team and quite possibly has the most incredible and infectious energy of any guy I have ever met. I heart P.O.P! Thanks for being awesome Cris, and rest of crew of course! I love playing with you each week.
6.) Last but not least for today; Living in a fun, cool city is well- fun and cool. The food, events, arts, culture, sports, but best bonus? TONS of people come visit! 2 people from different states and lifetimes are coming in this weekend and contacted me. We’re going to hang out and catch up of course. Love that.
It’s zumba time again, so I’m off. I have to keep shaking off all this delicious food I have access to here in The Windy City…
Happy weekend!
June 2, 2011
In
Live the life you want to live
let love rule
It downright BLOWS THE LID OFF MY MIND that the year is 2011, and we as a supposed intelligent society are still having issues with the fact that some people who are the same sex could be in love or want equal rights to the rest of us.
Is this the twilight zone?
The ignorance and hate on this subject when we live in a free country are incomprehensible.
Should we be calling it a milestone that as of yesterday June, 1, 2011 a 12th state (Illinois) now legally recognizes same-sex marriages? Why isn’t it or why hasn’t it been all 50 states all along? Wouldn’t it be nice to be celebrating a baby’s first steps, a productive day of work, a graduating senior or just a day spent with a friend, instead of celebrating something that shouldn’t have been an issue to even have to fight for in the first place?
I suppose any additional level of tolerance on a subject so many are hateful toward, or afraid of, is progress and positive. I just can’t imagine enduring the looks, comments, and inequalities that so many people live each day, for however long it takes to make that number 50 states, not just 12. I am not gay, but lots of people I love are, and one person in particular that I would protect until my last breath. I see these people hurt and misunderstood, time and time again and it absolutely breaks my heart.
Why can’t we just let love rule?
well this sounds like quite a fete
Apparently we all just missed this shindig a few nights ago in Madison.
And you thought all they had was cheese in Wisconsin…
May 31, 2011
In
News & Updates
connecting with excellent people
Today I’m supposed to meet with Paul von Zielbauer, founder of Roadmonkey today. I’ve been talking to him for several months now, following the incredible projects and trips Roadmonkey works on. Paul happens to be here in Chicago for the KIN Global Summit this week. We’ve been trying to finagle a time to grab a coffee. Cross your fingers time and schedule allow and I’ll report back.
Blue Lollipop Road sure would like to be involved with adventure philanthropy travel!
May 29, 2011
In
Funny signs, Photos, Wisconsin
…and more reasons to love wisconsin
Lofts to sleep in and wake up in the sun:
Coffee and mimosas on the morning patio:
Lazy afternoons by the water:
…and skinny dipping at dusk:
Did I mention hip hop dance parties in the kitchen with my friends dad too? Yeah, those.
May 28, 2011
In
Funny signs, Photos, Wisconsin
just a few reasons to love wisconsin
There are grocery stores called Festival as if there were a party inside:
…and there was. String cheese that looks like this? Yeah- that’s a party:
You’ve gotta love a courtesy phone like this in the meat section. Let’s face it- you don’t get this in the big city:
More? There are spots to eat dinner called Elmer’s Place that have signs like this:
So I didn’t participate in the Friday Fish Fry, but yes- I totally ate fried cheese curds for dinner last night and they were delicious. When in Rome…