24-hour visit

My mom and dad have been driving in lately for what I consider a "power" visit from Ohio. THey leave super-early from Ohio, get here to Chicago around noon, and then leave the next morning at 9am. They really don't seem to mind the drive...and we get an afternoon and evening.

These visits tend to be low-key, almost always under the radar.

They came in yesterday, along with my niece Jayna. We hung out in Andersonville, went to a few shops of knick-nacks on Argyle and the Borders in Uptown.

Then, out for pizza at Ranalli's, then home to watch a movie.

This morning, a lovely early breakfast at Orange, and then off they went.

I've been doing laundry, catching up on email and cleaning since then.

I'm a big fan of the power visit....I recommend it if you have high-energy, long-drive loving family members who are 6 hours away.

Off to learn some lines for the upcoming ship--I'm going on another Second City cruise in 2 weeks!

THis time, out of LA down to Mexico.

Loyal readers will recall that last year, at about this time, I went on the NCL Spirit, to the Caribbean out of NYC.

I'm looking forward to doing the shows, and then reading, watching movies, maybe getting some writing done.

It's so relaxxing and fun for me.....stay tuned.

Happy New Year!

I had a lovely lovely night of SUSHI at possibly my favorite secret sushi place, then a cup of coffee and then headed to the DANK Haus German Cultural Center, 5th floor Ballroom for the Polkaholics. I don't think our little group could have been more happy to be there--we danced to some rock and roll polka (not an accordian in sight, but I would have happily seen one) and drank delightful German beer and basked in the glory of German Cultural Memorabilia. People, you should ALL rush out now and make NYE plan to go next year to the Polkaholics.

As Amy pointed out-as she walked through the ballroom, everyone had a big smile on their face.


Today, it's movies with Sniffen and co.

Lots of people reflect in their New Year's Blog--which I think is delightful.

This has been a lovely year--I bought a condo (that's been over a year, but it's still new and exciting!), I went on a cruise, I started doing ad sales, I got to visit with my family a ton, I saw a ton of movies, did some improv, I got to do some writing and took lots of pics. Everyone, for the most part, was healthy, happy and good. I am very grateful for my blessings, considering how many people suffered this year in war and famine.

Have a great 2008 and try to keep walking down Blissful road. By the way, that was literally the name of the road in the house my grandma and grandpa lived in when I was a little girl--Blissful.

Becky