Hidden Treasures

Choices

Have you ever noticed that some of your daily choices look the same, just with a bit of a twist?

Florida's Best!!

Pay backs....

Looking back at the weather in Chicago a week before I got there it was very cold and snowing everyday. When I arrived, the Florida heat must have stowed away with me on the flight because the temperatures never went below 27 degrees, for the most part it stayed in the 40's or higher throughout the days (although it felt pretty darn cold to me). The snow was no where in sight. The last full day I was there my wish was granted to see snow fall for the first time ever. I have to admit I acted just like a kid. I ran straight out in it and let the snowflakes fall down on me. I even tried to catch a few, running around the office parking lot. Just as soon as they hit the ground or me they melted, but I could not complain I was experiencing the flurries for the first time. I have to admit I thought it to be beautiful, peaceful, and even a bit romantic.
The reason why I bring this up a week later is due to the fact I was speaking with some friends in Chicago who told me they just recently had a blizzard. Living there they don’t share the same enthusiasm I do about the snow and picked on me quite a bit. I just figured I would give a huge shout out to them and let them know today it was in the 80s and I wore shorts! hehe

Miss yal!

Possibilities

Nights when you toss and turn waking up as quickly as when your eyes closed and you no longer are aware of your surroundings. Segmented dreams come into play, where each scene presented to you like flipping through a photo album. The only difference is that right as the next picture falls into view its gone again. You only have a chance to see a high level view of the actual happenings. Then just as you begin to focus on the details of faces, signs or locations….. Flip…..the next picture is in front of you.
As you wake your mind is in a race trying to recall and decode each of the pictures before they slip back to your subconscious. Is it just a night of fighting to find sleep, or signs sent to somehow help you in your life? If you are one to feel they are pieces given to you to help complete your life’s puzzle, the more daunting question remains. In the end will your puzzle be complete or, like many times in life, will you finish your puzzle with holes remaining from the pieces that slipped away and you could never seem to find?

Rising Up

Pieces of Chicago

The Signature Lounge 96th Floor

This is one of the most breath taking views I have ever seen. I have to give a huge thanks to a friend who suggested this as a must see.

Chicago dogs...

Things I was told you must do while visiting Chicago, one was to eat Chicago pizza and hot dogs. My family will NEVER believe me that I ate a hot dog much less how they make them in Chicago so yes, I took a picture. This hot dog had mustard, relish, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and one large pickle (my personal favorite) I opted out of the hot peppers . Just in case you are wondering, no I have not changed my mind on hot dogs... and don't plan on eating another one anytime soon.

Oh and big thanks to Kate for letting me borrow her camera phone for the snap shot. Metal note: remember to get the battery for my camera out of the charger. :o)

I'm back

Just flew in to Chicago today for another business trip. I honestly think it is colder here than when I went on my search for snow in Colorado. Currently, it is raining outside so if Illinois is anything like Florida tomorrow it will be even colder. I can't wait to take some more pictures of Chicago. I got a book from a friend for Christmas, so I know a little more about the city and what areas would make for some great shots. I am hoping to luck out and see snow again, more so I would like to get a chance to meet up with some friends and hang out after work.

Oh Happy Days!

Today marks the turning point of many things for me. There have been so many factors that have made a huge impact on me I will try to keep the list to the main details. (Not listed in any particular order.)

• * This is probably the only time I haven’t been able to find the “perfect” picture to take that would capture my feelings or thoughts to go with a post.
• * One year ago today, I officially had a new life (like it or not) and began my journey to find myself in all the rubble.
• * I have done more things by myself than I ever imagined possible.
• * Found out the hard way who my friends and family were that truly loved me unconditionally.
• * Learned that sometimes “forever” does not always mean that!
• * People do change… and you can’t always count on it to be for the good.
• * It’s not always easy to do the right thing or admit when you were wrong, but it is necessary if you want to become a better person.
• * Just hanging around laughing with friends is the best way to mend a worn soul.
• * Faith….. (When you learn what it means for yourself you will NEVER be without it!)
• * My puppies are always right outside my door waiting to be snuck inside to keep me company on the nights I just can’t seem to find sleep.
• * I have come to terms we will never be fully satisfied with ourselves. There will always be one more thing we will want to change. No sense of putting your life on hold waiting for the transformation.
• * Having best friends that are also your family is a blessing that can not possibly be described by words.
• * I am fortunate enough to have more than one savior in my life! (I will never forget their faces when I told them they were.)
• * It’s therapeutic to make a list of things you are proud of and learned. (It also brings back a ton of memories.)
• * Traveling is so much fun, even if you go by yourself.
• * Take your camera with you everywhere, it provides great proof. You never know when you are going to see something and think “they are not going to believe THIS!”
• * Make friends with at least 2 crazy people, they will provide you with endless stories and laughs. (If they are reading this they will know who I am speaking of.)
• * I have never gone looking for revenge, but I will say this if that one special person ever gets caught sneaking around on my property it will make for a VERY happy day!