Moments D546: Chasing the seagulls

Today was a near perfect day.  So many moments.  So many laughs.  So many opportunities to share a story, a spoonful of ice cream, or a gulp of watered down lemonade.

My favourite moment of the day wasn't touring the museum of Science and Industry (though it was a lot of fun and very interesting - I highly recommend visiting it!), it was walking along the beach with EQ.

Having spent the afternoon indoors watching the rains roll through, it was refreshing to be outside and soaking in the heat from the sun.  The sun was low in the sky (the golden hour) and we were both glowing  in the sun's light. After a few fun pictures in the sun we happened across a flock of seagulls.

And I just couldn't help myself - I had to go chasing through them!  Running through them waving my arms was a lot of fun and worth sharing.  The seagulls starting flying all around me.  See the picture!  How much fun is this?

It totally made me smile.  It made my boyfriend smile.  What more can a girl ask for?

Moments being present and being silly.

Moments enjoying the beach post rain storms.

Moments D434: Chicago, my favourite city in the US

Now I suppose that's not really a fair statement given that I haven't been in a lot of cities in the US.  I've been to most of the big ones though (LA, San Diego, San Francisco, Palm Springs, Dallas, Fort Worth, NYC, a bunch in New York State, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and I'm sure a few I've forgotten about in OH & PA!) and somehow Chicago stole my heart.  As we drove up to the city late last night, I couldn't help but pause our conversation to say "Helloooo Chicago!".

Today's moment was sitting back and really enjoying Navy Pier.  Normally I'd have a plan of at least three major things to cram into the day, but this time around I decided to let go and see where the flow took me.  My typical life/personality doesn't really allow for this type of travelling, for I love to explore all the nooks and crannies of a new local.  The last time I was here though, I saw a lot of the touristy places (and a few not) - it was a crammed trip.  This time around, I was more than content to soak in the navy pier atmosphere.

It was a perfect venue for a stroll (even if I did keep losing the hat on my head to the wind!) and to swap stories and try to solve some world problems.  Sitting at the end of the pier, wind running through our hair, EQ and I watched as the boats come and went for quite some time.  I honestly don't recall for how long as time seemed to still.  The conversation was inspiring and uplifting to my soul.  

On our walk back we stopped to ride the Ferris wheel.  I can't remember the last time I rode on one.  The ride was quick, but I managed to get a few nice pictures of the city from the air.

A pretty city indeed.  It's too bad that I missed out on their famous deep dish pizza (a foodie could die for that pizza!) or even one of their crazy "Chicago" hotdogs.  But I was saving myself for an amazing dinner at  Joe's and I was not disappointed!

Chicago stole my heart a couple of years ago and my love has only been inflamed once again for Chicago is even pretty in the rain and prettier yet when trying to solve the world's problems in a day.

Moments to relax and take your time with a day.

Moments knowing that good conversation is a keystone to the best of friends and life in general.

p.s.  HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Moments D432: An introduction to the Sky diving culture

I love experiencing new things.  Every opportunity to grow is one that I embrace.  Not all of them are happy, joyous learning opportunities, but they all stretch my soul.  So when I was offered an opportunity to have a inside introduction into the world of sky diving, how could I ever possibly say no?  What I didn't realize was just how much I would enjoy meeting this new world.

Today I went with EQ to the drop zone in Rochelle, IL - Chicagoland Skydiving Center. It was a first for me to be on a drop zone and to meet people who sky dive. Not only did I meet some of the veterans of this particular drop zone, I was fortunate enough to meet the wingsuit group here for their first annual Sequentials Competition. Incredible people.  It's no wonder EQ loves the energy of this sport and the people he flys with.  They are such amazing people. Vibrant, full of life and energy, and they easily accepted me into their group even though I was a true outsider to the sport.

I watched as they practiced their rotations for the jumps planned tomorrow. I took a few photos and pondered their sport as they organized themselves. This sport takes sky diving to the next level. More dangerous and somewhat controversial in some circles, but for those in the sport, a testament to and surely more of an adrenaline rush. Check out this video to give you an idea!

It was an incredible moment to meet this group. I felt honoured that EQ introduced me to his sport mates – it was like being a fly on the wall, for I truly was an outsider. After an afternoon break, we met up with the crew again for a delightful Mexican dinner.  Conversations were easy to come to me with much laughter dabbled throughout the evening. What a delightful way to be introduced to a new sport and a new group of people.

Moments knowing you have no idea what to expect next.

Moments watching in awe and absorbing in the (new) energy.  

Moments D425: A new day, a new path

Last night I had an amazing conversation that melted into the wee hours of the morning.  Inspiring, soul searching and heart filling is what this conversation was to me.  When I finally shut my eyes near 4am, I wasn't yet ready to leave the conversation, but I was exhausted and needed to allow sleep to find me.

When I awoke at 11 am, my new day, my new path was in full swing.  My long weekend plans are nearly laid out and it will be a weekend like no other.

That being said, getting to that point was not easy.  Here's why:  Yesterday flight costs were $500 (give or take), when I went to book my flight this morning, they were now $1300.  After cozy-ing into and committing to this new path, my first step onto the path and I hit a fairly major obstacle.  An $800 difference.  My budget....blown.  What on earth to do now.

Instead of total panic, I had lunch with Arizona and of course we talked about my challenge.  She put it in simple terms:  How important was it that I go on this trip.  I didn't even pause before answering:  it was very important to me and my next steps.  And so, then and there over falafals, I decided, no matter what it would take, I was going to go to Chicago.

As a side-bar:  Chicago is significant for me on a couple of levels.  Perhaps that will rise out in another blog post.  Suffice it to say, here today, that it brings closure and renewal all at once.  I look forward to making new beautiful memories in a city I fell in love with nearly 2 years ago.

When I returned home from lunch, I rolled up my sleeves and dug in.  I was ready to make the 8 hour drive alone if I had to.  Instead, I found a flight out of Buffalo.  Now, my new path is officially cleared of obstacles.  It is fully out in front of me.  I paused today during the flurry of research and questions.  I wonder, if on some level, this was the universe testing my will, or testing my commitment to my new path.  If it were a test, I dare say I passed it with flying colours, for I am still on said path.

I'm excited.  I'm filled with hope and wonder and I can't wait to turn the page and begin this new chapter.

Moments being shocked and uncertain.

Moments knowing, deep down, you'll do whatever it takes to make it happen.