Back to Life... back to reality

Since my Sunday SunTimes cover I'll bet you're all wondering if strangers have bought me drinks. Have babies smiled at me, crazy Chicago drunks not puke on the sidewalk in my neighborhood.? Sadly, no. Not that I expected anything. Life is ironic and entertaining if it doesn't completely piss you off. I and my children (in the stroller) were nearly plowed over by a Silver Mercedes coupe in front of the Wild Goose - who BLEW the stop sign in the right parking lane. (people die this way!) I did what any respectable Chicagoan mother would do. I got right up to the side of his car and yelled at him. He ignored me. I yelled at him again letting him know "you almost ran us over!". I was a lady all the way and did not curse but I did want to key his car and bring on the fight (which I would have lost). I waited for him to have a "chat" with me.. I waited. He looked at me very nervously and gave me an impish wave and look of ignorance. I moved on. He was dead meat. Next time, I'll say the obvious without giving myself away: "I'll pull up my bra straps and ask him for a chat". It's honest and I, indeed, would give him a talking to. For all you vigilante types: did I mention it was a Silver Mercedes coupe - driver was dark haired, maybe Mexican or Middle Eastern. Looks like he had biz at Wild Goose. Just saying...

Later, I was walking north on Lincoln and had to walk clear around a HUGE puddle of vomit (like Sputnik) on the sidewalk next to Welles park. 3 more inches and it would have been in the grass for all the dogs to enjoy and us to oblivious about. In other startling news, I realize I've become the slackerest of all bloggers. I have plenty to post, but nary the time to dedicate to sharing the wonderments of my life with you. Don't take it personally. I just had to string you along all this time so you'd buy the SunTimes.

More kid fun and stroller/Mercedes confrontations. I predict: mom wins - and there's onomatopoeia involved. Kiya!

Sunday, 3/15/09 - COVER Chicago SunTimes - I'm not even Irish

Everyone is wearing green and drinking at noon on this fair day in Chicago. It's a great surprise to me to find me and my girls on the front page of the Sunday, Chicago SunTimes. I knew we'd be in it as we were interviewed but to be on the cover - WOW. A huge holla to my neighbor, friend and overall super-person, Stephanie Zimmerman. She's a rock. She met Roger Dahltry twice and didn't sleep with him. haha. Chris Sweda the photo journalist hung out with us for an afternoon; ran errands, helped wrangle kids and never raised his voice once! At a boy, Chris. It was a pleasure to have you. Indi and Aislin were angels. They played independently, and were their usual charming selves. Indi turned into a bit of a green monster when Aislin was awake and in the picture. She demonstrated this by continually placing her hand in front of Aislin's face whenever the photographer took a photo. Stinker. Maybe that's why there are no photos with the face of Ais! It's OK, she's only two and the world isn't quite ready for her beauty. Inside and out.

So how did this come about? Stephanie Zimmerman, aforementioned rock, called me up and casually asked if I was available. As grocery shopping is akin to many mundane tasks of motherhood, I enthusiastically agreed. She said someone would call to set up the photos. they called 4 minutes after I got off the phone with Steph (luckily I answered it) and then it all was in motion. I had no clue it would be on the front page until I asked Chris Sweda (photojournalist) where the story might be placed. He paused and said "uh, the front page". I was in shock but thought it was so fun. Chris, BTW knew a gal I went to HS with, Sarah Murphy. I just thought of her, literally, 3 days ago. I thought, shoot I should have had her teach me some tennis back in the day. Small world.

Don't worry all this media attention won't go to my head. Last year I pounded the pavement and landed a big 6 minute interview for the PAPC (www.papchicago.com) - my painting group. When the segment aired, I was not in it. I was interviewed but they forgot to turn on my mic. No beck to be found anywhere. So this SunTimes interview is like karma. It's coming back to me and good. Does this mean that people who owe me phone calls will return them... likely NO - but's this is enjoyable nonetheless. I'm so proud of my girls!

Finishing the wine and eating rye toast... Beck out.