Basking in Sunny California (78 degrees) while Chicago has cold and rain !

I am here in Sunny 78 degree Burbank, CA. I arrived today and am staying until the 18th of March. My sister and her hubby have asked me to take care of her two kids while they go on vacation. I am more excited about the good weather than anything. I am really looking forward to hanging out with my niece and nephew and exploring some California fun. Do I have the good life or what??

Another Job Bites the Dust!!! Got laid off today for lack of work -- it has been slow for awhile!

Oh, Boy......Here we go again.....I feel like I am going to be an expert at being unemployed! Don't want to be unemployed for as long as last time, that's for sure! My hubby had a suspicion this might happen and I was not totally surprised, either, but it still stings! I had been part time for about 3-4 weeks because it was slow, but was somewhat reassured in a conversation with my supervisor recently -- got the impression the part-time hours were temporary and that they would need me in the near future to get back to full time. I guess that was not the case! OK, so I will go to unemployment office tomorrow and I have already updated my resume and even applied for a CSR job nearby today! Just gotta have faith and get back in the saddle!! My awesome hubby said today that we survived unemployment before and we would be fine this time, too. What a great guy! Blessed to have the awesome support of my family and friends.

Cast is off; I can drive again!! Look out on the roads; I got catching up to do!!

Got my cast off FINALLY today! Had it on for 5 LONG weeks, in which I was not able to drive. I had to ask others in my life (and thank you all, by the way) to take me to work, the grocery store and wherever else I needed to go. I also missed out on some prime neighborly bonding time (shoveling cars out as a group for our condo building) and some great sledding, which I don't know if I can do even now. I am wearing a lace up brace and have been instructed by my doctor to use my foot and exercise it by walking, riding a stationary bike, etc. I plan on taking the CTA train down into the city Friday night to see my brother's mural and the enjoy the festivities at Flat Iron Arts Assoc. First Friday event. SO excited to be able to go out and have my freedom back.

Life is great!

Major Snowstorm coming to Chicago -- expecting 18" according to weather reports!

I guess we are getting a blizzard coming our way, according to weather reports. It's supposed to be heavy snowfall starting Tuesday afternoon, continuing through early Wednesday afternoon. Direct quote from the National Weather Service:

"A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES. THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING. ACCUMULATIONS... SNOW ACCUMULATIONS IN EXCESS OF A FOOT ARE EXPECTED OVER MUCH OF THE WATCH AREA FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. LOCALIZED TOTALS IN EXCESS OF 18 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE"

This is the time I wish I had a fireplace....that is definitely on my list for the next piece of property I buy.

Stay Safe and Warm, All!!

Only 5 more days until I get my cast off!

So, its been almost 5 weeks I've had this cast on. Boy, is it getting heavy! I have learned a couple things being limited in what I can do (not being able to drive, walk long distances or stand for long periods of time). At first, I was angry at myself and then at God because I was limited in what I could do (especially when I was on crutches for 2 weeks, with no weight bearing on the broken ankle) and for the loss of my freedom, so to speak. I was stuck in the house, having to rely on others to help me out by driving me around, getting up and down the stairs, grocery shop for me, etc. What a pain to have to ask for help!

Actually, since those first couple of weeks, I am realizing that I have been given the opportunity to learn to accept my circumstances, rely on others, (everyone has really been so willing to help!) and to allow myself to feel my anger and let it go. As the saying goes, God is doing for me what I could not do for myself. The lesson was presented and I was open to learning it.  Next time, I hope God helps me learn life's lessons without having to have a broken ankle!!