Chicago Chick

Tired

Yesterday's events have left me tired and work has left me a bit disillusioned. I wonder if a little rest will make things look better.

Wolfgang

Today we put one our cats to sleep. It was really hard and really sad, but we couldn't let him suffer. Wolfgang was 16 years old and was a beautiful (albeit often grouchy), black, long-haired cat. He always needed your attention and loved chicken. 

The boys are heart broken - especially David - and I am extrenely sad as well. This morning I noticed he was sitting in the corner and had been there for a day or two. When I called his name, he didn't even look up and when I scratched behind his ears he just kind of sat there. I realized that he couldn't see anything when I dangled something in front of his face and ge just sat there.

David took gim to the emergency pet care place where they told us that he was in the midst of moderate kidney failure. I knew this wasn't good because the same thing happened to my childhood cat who died when she was 14 years old. Knowing the pain that Wolfgang would be in if we decided to take him home - turns out he had intestinal issues too - and how selfish that would be to let him suffer, we decided to put him to sleep.

The whole "event" from beginning to end was the entire morning and by 1:00 it was over and our hearts were broken. Who would have thought a ferral kitten would become such a beloved part of our family. On the bright side, the boys learned about love and death and loss. I was able to tell them that Wolfy had died - I don't believe in lying to them and telling them that Wolfy ran away - and the boys were able to be sad and cry.

I am sure that the sadness will come and go but eventually the boys' hearts will heal.

Oh The Humidity!

I wouldn't live anywhere except where I live now. But, this is the only place on earth where it could be a comfortable 80 degrees and - because of the humidity - feel so awfully uncomfortable. My hair is sticking to the back of my neck! Ugh!

My Head's Gonna 'Splode!

The pressure in my head feels like if I sneeze just one more time, there will be little bits of my brain matter on the ceiling.  Gross, I know.  But I'm feeling stuffy and my throat is killing me.  I would love some lemon chicken rice soup, a blanket, and a comfy bed right now.

Love This Weather

I am having an exceptionally good week and a half.  It's probably because of my new job and the fact that today I finished the last of my prior job responsibilities and the transition of my prior job is now complete!  And, then there is the weather.   The past 3 days have been beautiful, albeit a little chilly, but at least it's been sunny.  The downside to the kooky weather is the impact it has to my health.  For some odd reason, my allergies are at their worst and now I have a sore throat (and I'm sure an impending cold).  But, for now I am thankful.

Not everything is a bed of roses, but for now - at least for now - everything is as it should be.

Things are Looking Up

It's been really, REALLY warm in the Chicagoland area and I don't do well in warm weather.  But, despite the weather, things have been looking up for me.  Not sure if it's my attitude or my outlook or the fact that I have a new job.  It's actually a new position within the same department of the current company I work for.  Still, it's a welcome change.  Add to that the fact that this past Saturday, I had some time to unwind and Sunday I spent with the boys.

A co-worker friend and I spent Saturday morning at a salt cave at a nearby spa, Timeless Day Spa.  I admit it seemed a little wonky and far-fetched, but for someone who doesn't sleep well to fall asleep within 5 minutes of sitting in the zero-gravity chair and pulling the blanket up to her chin well. . . I'm just saying.  For whatever reason I find it crazy-relaxing. 

Then, we walked around Naperville and stopped at Penzey's and had lunch at the Flat Top Grill.  We didn't get a chance to walk towards the Riverwalk because it was ridiculously hot and there was an art fair (I didn't feel like being in a crowd with the humidity and heat - bleh).  We also found an interesting store - the WAR Chest.  The WAR Chest is a not-for-profit gift store where the proceeds (I was told 90%) go to the women who make the jewelry and gifts that are sold in the store.  Not only were the purchases I made for a good cause, the products are reasonably priced and are great quality. 

They had beautiful glass ornaments, but I decided to fore-go them (they wouldn't look so great hanging from my "corn plant" in my office) for an Egyptian Alabaster Egg and a glass bead necklace.  By the time I got home, I couldn't stop thinking about the other items - like reasonably priced pearl necklaces, scarves, and a beautiful and unique silver heart necklace.  Shopping aside, it was a wonderful morning spent with a good friend.  I am trying to plan another visit to the day spa.

Frazzled!

Lately I have quit nagging at home and what I realize is that things don't seem to get done.  Case in point, the oldest son's homework.  I used to come home, reach into his backpack for the homework folder to make sure that his homework was complete and that lunch bags and treat containers were removed.  For whatever reason, I have not been doing this regularly and lo and behold - homework is not completed on time and lunch bags and treat containers were not removed.  And, guess what?  A yelling match ensued between me and the boys' father.

I should not have to remind someone that they are responsible for this kind of stuff. Okay, okay I get that every once in a while it happens but for an entire 2 weeks straight!?!?  I swear if I pulled that kind of stuff at work - not doing the "regular day-to-day" stuff - my butt would be marched out the door so fast my head would spin.  So, I have gotten back on the policing band wagon and it has made me incredibly grouchy.  Add to that the fact that I've started a new position within my company and you have the makings of a very stressed out me. 

Once upon a time, I thought that when work is stressful, home is not and that they balanced each other out and that was true.  However, the addition of children has totally blown that theory out of the water.  Tomorrow I am planning a morning with a friend from work.  The plan is to go to a day spa and then off to brunch and some light shopping.  I am so looking forward to it.

Why Am I SO Tired?

With the weather going from cold to warm and humid back to cold and then to warm and humid, I swear it's zapping any energy that I have.  My eyes are twitchy and I am finding it hard to focus.  I think I just need a descent night's sleep.