In the Class of M

I wouldn't call myself a daredevil. I'm not one of those people who are the first to bungee jump, sky dive or eat exotic food. Those things appeal to me but I don't "need" them. I'm just "fun".

One thing that I've always loved was motorcycles. I like the speed, I like the open air and being outside. I've owned 2 motorcycles - A Honda Twinstar 200 and a piece-of-crap-Yamaha 650. I really like the power of the 650. The size of the 200 suited my 5'2' frame a bit better. When I was pregnant with my 2nd child I realized that there was no way I was going to be riding a motorcycle for at least awhile. A pregnant woman on a motorcycle, in any capacity, is like seeing a pregnant woman smoke a cigarette. They just don't mix.

Here I am with kids - NOT pregnant- and ready to make good on my badass dreams. I played it safe this time, like a grown up. I entered into Motorcycle riding School for a weekend (there was one other woman in the course, the other 30 were men - a safe place to pick up men if you're single). Early Friday AM I took the roadtest and am, again, a card carrying member of the M-class driving license!

Now to find a suitable bike! It's killing me! I've got a limited budget. I feel if I don't get something I'll bust! I imagine myself riding to my plein air painting locations on the motorcycle and running around on weekends. I'd give the kids rides down the alley too (with helmets). It's a freedom song. A dream fulfilled with every ride. I could easily do motocross too. I have no problems trying to jump dirt hills and gaps in the road. I'd have to be taught how to do it but it's extremely appealing to me.

There are other things I really like too. I like exercise. I like fitness, the hard work of training and pushing thru the fatigue and mental mania that accompanies it. But really only in an athletic environment. I push thru the mental anguish of caring for kids as they whine and demand me all day. But the latter example is a huge drag. I love my kids so I do it. Probably because I don't see the benefit of such a "work out". A work over is more like it! It must affect a different part of the brain. Exercise produces endorphins which is said to energize you after a workout. I get it. I experience it. But it's not as good as a liquor buzz, orgasm or frankly, a well timed, can't-hold-it-any-longer cathartic pee. I know, I know, there are other benefits to raising children. Yes, they are a joy and I'm very blessed and grateful that I am a Mom. But on the realistic side, it's darn hard work. Guess it just tastes different from other pleasures - but I like it.

I digress, again. But that's why I have this blog.

So far, here is what I like. Haven't bought it, think I need more power. But she sure is pretty:

Blinky

While researching what calves (little cows) actually look like for an upcoming costuming gig, I came across, yet another, odd thing. A cow with two heads. They named him blinky because all four of his eyes blinked at the same time. Austrialians. I had to chuckle.

Don't take my word for it, check for yourselves.

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.

A day in the snow

Yes, I stood in that line to fork over $70 for a lift ticket + ski rental for one lousy day.

It's nice to chat on the ski lift. Skiing is a good way to get to know someone better. All you single boys out there. Pony up and take your girl on a ski trip! You'll have plenty of time to talk about stuff on the ski lifts.

I didn't learn to ski until I was an adult. I was a youth chaparone to Steamboat, Colorado.

I had never skiied in my youth, despite multiple opportunties, because it's so darn expensive. We didn't have much growing up and I knew the value of a buck. I wasn't spending $50 hard earned babysitting and house cleaning bucks on an afternoon of falling and unrequited athleticism. Back then I liked the outdoors just as much as I do now, mind you. I didn't ski for the same reason I wasn't an artist (too expensive and I'd probably enjoy it. So why start... bad advice).

Fast forward to now. I have a few ski trips under my belt. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, more Steamboat, Snowy Range, Wyoming, Wisconsin (Sunburst) and now Devil;s Head. I'm skiing black diamonds now and loving it! Although I need my own boots. Fit makes all the difference I"m finding.

I went with my friend, singer and fellow mama, Emily. I so enjoyed hangin out in the snow, in the woods, outside and then skiing ferociously (at times) down the bluff. Emily is a good skier and made skiing down a fast slope look like a stroll in the woods. SERIOUSLY! (Em, that one was for you)

A HUGE shoutout to my sister, Cindy. She lives near the ski resort and let us crash at her house the night before. It was like a bed and breakfast! She had wine for us upon arrival and made pumpkin pancakes with maple/pecan syrup and sausage - which she de-fatted for us! Woohoo! She is experiencing a little empty nest syndrome. So let's take advantage of it! Anyone want to hit the slopes with me? Let's do it while Cindy is cooking! Thanks Tia!