Blue Lollipop Road

July 11, 2011 In Illinois, People, Photos

meet sam

Sam accidentally ran over me with his bike Â on Friday. Like as in- ran over me.

It wasn’t his fault, it was the bus driver’s fault for not curbing the bus. When I stepped out the back door as I have done 100 times safely before, Sam was approaching the light the bus was stopping at and BAM. We both flew through the air, cell phones, purses and bodies spinning, and somehow got only cuts and bruises. We both couldn’t stop shaking and apologizing to each other as the bus driver looked back and us and drove away! (Thanks a lot Â Mr. CTA driver.)

Poor Sam felt so awful he just stood there and apologized a million more times with his bleeding head in his hands as we laughed nervously (because I think we were both in a bit of shock and would’ve cried otherwise.)

Reason number 5996773535 to always keep a camera with you? So you can take photos of Bike Messengers who accidentally run you over after you pick up that said camera from down the street where it flew out of your purse after he actually hit you.

Sam-Â If you’re out there and are reading this, I hope your head is Ok! 🙁

Here’s to unexpected people “crashing” Â into your life.

July 9, 2011 In Live the life you want to live, Photos

i’m what i want to be when i grow up

In going through a couple boxes this morning, I came across this journal my Mother gave me in 2000:

Over the years I have written secret “Dear Diary” pages here and there, put it away, come across the book again, laughed at myself for what was written previously, then done it all over again. (Rinse and repeat;Â I ripped a page out just now, giggling and shaking my head about what I had written in May of 2009.) Â There are few blank sheets left. Even when there are none, I will keep it because of the picture of Mom and I inside and the words she wrote me on the first page:

Diane, Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 12/25/00

You are an amazing daughter. I am always so proud of you. I admire you, adore you, love you more than words can say…

The words on the front of this journal I believe were written for you:

“Color outside the lines”

“Remember your passion”

“Do what you love”

You are the best!

Love always- Mom

I thanked her at the time of gifting of course, but I would like to send another thank you today:

Mom, Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7/9/11

You are an amazing mother. Because of your constant and unconditional love and support I have colored outside those lines, remembered my passions, and done what I love and I won’t ever stop. Even though we both know it hasn’t been an easy road- it’s been totally worth it. Can you believe what’s happening now because of all that persistence?! I did it, I did it!

Thank you for making me fearless, being my #1 cheerleader and showing me what it takes to wholly believe in someone. If every kid was as lucky as me…

I love you.

DianeÂ

To Everyone else,

You know what this means?! The official announcement for the fall BLR Adventure project will be announced this Tuesday, 7/12. Mark your calendars and get ready for another fun ride!

July 8, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Illinois, Photos

girls just wanna have fu-un

I had dinner with girlfriends last night at Mon Ami Gabi. I have always had more guy friends than girl friends, but for whatever reason recently, life has delivered me some of the most hilarious, fun, smart, sassy, accomplished and interesting women to hang with and I am loving it. We were all too busy chatting and being “that table” laughing too loudly to take photos of our first 54 courses of food, but I finally grabbed my camera when dessert came:

Do you know how hard it is to wait even 10 seconds to dig in with stuff like this in front of you and 3 other women with forks and spoons? These plates didn’t stand a chance against us:

Fruits, crepes, puff pastries, chocolate cakes, creme brulee’-oh my! Indeed like a pack of wherewolves attacked. I am all about those times the chef decides to just send out every dessert on the menu.

Here’s to French themed patio summer nights, never ending food-porn photos and falling asleep stuffed and smiling.

July 6, 2011 In Food, Photos, Wisconsin

all-american weekend

What do you get besides fantastic company, a great tan, and lots of laughs during a stay at the lake for a holiday weekend? Skis and boats and lots of fun stuff to play with:

Lunch pot-luck feasts with all the neighbors, complete with taco salads:

…that give funny olive boobs:

…fresh fruit and veggie salads with patriotic colors:

…chairs to sit in and relax over the water:

…and clouds to gaze at while daydreaming:

Gee, and I wonder why I didn’t want to leave.

Thank you to my Mid-West family that has taken me in as if I were their own. I’m counting minutes until I can come back and actually jump in that gorgeous water!

July 5, 2011 In News & Updates

I’m baaaack

Spending a few days away from full-throttle lifestyle, and doing nothing but relaxing and resting felt odd for me, but were much needed. I feel like a million bucks!

The best way to start a new week after a perfect holiday weekend away? (Besides French press coffee…)- an early morning phone call from a company that will be part of the next big BLR adventure starting in September of course! It’s all official, but I’m still waiting on one more thing before I will be blasting the news out. When I do, get ready to participate. Participation from all of you is what is going to make this upcoming adventure so fun.

Another hint:

I’ve been looking at lots of paper maps.

July 5, 2011 In Photos, Wisconsin

red, white and blue

I spotted this in Redgranite, Wisconsin this weekend. Perfect for a 4th of July post:

I love small town America.

July 3, 2011 In People, Photos

take a number gents

I know, I know, I’ve never looked hotter right? (The hospital no-slip sexy socks are the best part). It’s fun to embarrass myself. How could I not post this picture?

Rules to follow when you are really nervous about going to do something, and you feel and look like crap:

1.) Have someone that makes you laugh so hard your stomach hurts bring you

2.) Give them your camera

Dear G~

I could not have asked for a better care taker. Thank you. I’m still laughing…

June 29, 2011 In Photos, Wisconsin

ahhh…

Nothing says recovery and relaxation like time at a gorgeous lake for a long weekend!

June 28, 2011 In News & Updates

this week

You all know I hate being radio silent because I get overly excited about the tiniest things and always want to share here. This week though, I’ll likely be a bit absent from here because of two reasons. Ironically one reason is super awesome, and the other super sucks. (It’s Ok, that’s the fun of the life roller coaster- right?:)

1.) I am waiting/working on a few bits of information from/with the folks I’ll be working with on an UBER exciting project starting in September.

2.) I have an appointment with a surgeon and his staff who I know so well at this point we will be sending each other Christmas cards this year.

Hang tight with me! All is well and I’m so insanely excited to share news as soon as all the lights are all green. It’s looking like that will be very soon.

Here’s to summertime fun and REALLY good things to come. Have a fabulous holiday weekend!

June 27, 2011 In Illinois, People, Photos, Videos

all colors of the rainbow

Yesterday was annual Pride Parade Parade Day and my first one in Chicago. It was quite an experience. After I attempted to get close to actually be able to watch the parade and got squashed in the crowd within 5 minutes, I opted to just wander the streets for a couple hours. There were thousands of characters, so even though I didn’t get to see many of the actual floats, there was plenty of entertainment.

As I walked in the direction of the parade, I saw bars and restaurants with signs of pride:

…vendors selling schwag to keep the sunshine way:

…people so excited to be in viewing distance they stood on porta potties:

…and some climbing on signs and poles wearing tutus and Speedos to get a look:

I saw a few floats and signs:

..and LOTS of colorful outfits. Meet Lauren:

She was all about me taking her picture. Then there was this lady dancing in her lime green spandex as the crowd at the bar cheered:

A couple guys thought less was more:

…and even prideful little cutie pie kids:

I couldn’t resist taking a couple videos after spying Tina shakin’ it:

…and a dance party in a Dunkin Donuts parking lot:

It was all a sight to be seen for sure and a fun day for people watching. If you’ve never been to a Pride Parade in a big city, add it to your bucket list.

Thanks Chicago, for making every summer weekend I have here packed with endless events to attend and interesting people to meet!