and it begins today
The weather has been SO beautiful the past several days--mild and sunny and pleasant. Of course, since it's Chicago, all of this is subject to change and I've been hearing nasty rumors of snow coming and shitting on our parade by the end of the week.
Mark told me I didn't need to come in to work tonight if I didn't have to, so I decided not to. It was too nice to be cooped up in the restaurant, particularly since I'd worked a double yesterday and my feet are still hurting. Note: 8 hours of standing and walking in three inch wedge heels was not a great idea. So I took today's great weather as an opportunity to go outside and play with my camera. I haven't taken any pictures of my neighborhood to send to my parents, so I did just that. Sadly, the trees are still bare and the ground is muddy and brown instead of pretty and green, so it's just an approximation of the prettiness of Lincoln Square. I can't wait till spring officially arrives (and, dare I dream? summer) and the area really comes alive.
Still, it's been wonderful to be outside and see the sidewalks TEEMING with life: dog walkers, moms with strollers, kids running around (okay, those last two I can do without, but whatever). It's remarkable, really, to go from cold, icy, and gray to mild and rejuvenated. Huzzah!
I also stopped by the local park which has an indoor pool and fitness facilities. There's an adult free swim block Monday-Friday in midafternoon. I'm going to try to go Mondays and Fridays since I don't have my internship and won't have to be at work (if at all) till later in the day. Also, it's free. Fantastic! I definitely am feeling the full weight of winter settling on my hips and thighs, despite yoga and volleyball and walking everywhere. I also decided to go to Blockbuster and rent The Departed rather than indulge my sweet tooth.
Life is still kind of crappy, but on a day like today I can't help but feel...not crappy.
Mark told me I didn't need to come in to work tonight if I didn't have to, so I decided not to. It was too nice to be cooped up in the restaurant, particularly since I'd worked a double yesterday and my feet are still hurting. Note: 8 hours of standing and walking in three inch wedge heels was not a great idea. So I took today's great weather as an opportunity to go outside and play with my camera. I haven't taken any pictures of my neighborhood to send to my parents, so I did just that. Sadly, the trees are still bare and the ground is muddy and brown instead of pretty and green, so it's just an approximation of the prettiness of Lincoln Square. I can't wait till spring officially arrives (and, dare I dream? summer) and the area really comes alive.
Still, it's been wonderful to be outside and see the sidewalks TEEMING with life: dog walkers, moms with strollers, kids running around (okay, those last two I can do without, but whatever). It's remarkable, really, to go from cold, icy, and gray to mild and rejuvenated. Huzzah!
I also stopped by the local park which has an indoor pool and fitness facilities. There's an adult free swim block Monday-Friday in midafternoon. I'm going to try to go Mondays and Fridays since I don't have my internship and won't have to be at work (if at all) till later in the day. Also, it's free. Fantastic! I definitely am feeling the full weight of winter settling on my hips and thighs, despite yoga and volleyball and walking everywhere. I also decided to go to Blockbuster and rent The Departed rather than indulge my sweet tooth.
Life is still kind of crappy, but on a day like today I can't help but feel...not crappy.