Chicago

I love the peace and quiet (and parking!) that the suburbs provide, however I equally love a quick trip to my favorite city. I have a Parisian journal that contains a variety of lists. Such as different stores/restaurants/products I want to try. I also jotted down some of my favorite motivational quotes that I have come across and a list of things I want to accomplish.

Today Tom and I headed to the city for a mini adventure and I scratched off three things in my journal. (Which is strangely uplifting btw!) First stop, some gourmet Mexican food at Cantina Loredo. I highly recommend this place along with Mercadito if you are looking for a bit of a swanky vibe along with delicious Mexican food. Second stop, Ghirardelli for a mouthwatering hot fudge sundae, and finally the Shedd to see the Jellies Exhibit.

Yes, Tom and I waited in this long line...

I have an obsession with Jellyfish...

So relaxing to watch...

What are some of your favorite things to do or places to visit in the city?

Embracing my Culture

(Pic taken in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico)

I'm always heading to salons to get my hair straightened and admire friends who have that picture perfect straight hair--yeah Joanna, I'm talking to you! :)

Tom is crazy. The man likes my hair-my CURLY HAIR! Last week, he gave me a compliment by telling me he loves my curly hair because it is "very latina". Hilarious and yes, those were his exact words. He has told me many times how much he loves my "spanish look". (Hey, I'm just quoting him!)

I'm half Puerto Rican and although I didn't grow up with any of the traditions in my household because of a divorce--I must say, I am so proud of my Hispanic background. I love the vibrant colors associated with the culture, spicy foods, darker features, and I'm slowly falling in love with my hair... (Thank you Tom!)

Vanessa Marcil, Sophia Vegara, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, and Roselyn Sanchez. (Just a few celebs that are currently out there representing!)

New News!

This was the morning Tom and I found out we were expecting. I purposely wrote down that quote because with pregnancy talk circling around us, an image formed in my mind about the kind of mother I want to be. I want to be an outgoing and fun mother just like mine. My mother, Diane is seventy years old and still believes in acting silly and laughing constantly. In my opinion, some people in the world are just too mature and need to loosen up!

Feeling Blessed

(Photo: Pinterest)

Today is just one of those days I just feel so incredibly content with the career path I have chosen. When it comes to the world of teaching, a teacher never knows what kind of day lies ahead. I can have this easy work day planned in my head and suddenly something unexpected can occur. Back to my day....before my students arrived, I had an early morning visitor. One of my former students expressed how much she missed me. We chatted briefly and I smiled after she left because I somehow created a positive impact on that student.

The bell rings at 7:50am and just as I'm about to greet my homeroom students, I have a student from another class rush into my homeroom with tears in her eyes. She told me that she couldn't finish her homework because she found out her cousin collapsed in gym class and is in a coma. It is just like her to still be concerned about her school work while she is experiencing intense sadness...

She is a straight A student and her mother should feel blessed to have a daughter like that. Through her tears she told me what happened to her thirteen year old cousin and she said "Mrs. K. I couldn't stop thinking of your quote when I found out about her." That touched me tremendously. Sometimes I feel like my students are not listening and then I have a moment like this one that proves me wrong. She told me that she trusts me and I told her something that she didn't know. As she stared at me with a puzzled look upon her face, I explained how her recent essay helped me with something major that is going on in my life.

Currently, a very close family member of mine is having some early signs of dementia. This student wrote a photo essay about her grandpa and his battle with Alzheimer's disease. While reading her photo essay, I was a bit taken aback and had to pause while I read one of her lines. I'd rather have him around without knowing who I am, then not have him around at all. I smiled because through all of my frustration with my family member forgetting things that I find so simple, my student made me realize that I am STILL incredibly blessed.

I Heart the Winter

(Photo: Pinterest)

With all this complaining about winter on the news and internet, I can't help but smile. Yes, I agree that long commutes and the extreme cold can be a battle, however I feel blessed to be able to experience all of the seasons.

Everyone needs to embrace the change and remember that snowfall is only temporary. Here are some reasons why I love winter:

Various colors and patterns of scarves, gloves, and fuzzy hats

Hot chocolate!

Looking outside of my window and admiring the calm and peaceful view

A fireplace and a book make the perfect couple

Wardrobe change-boots, heavy knit sweaters, and stylish peacoats

Christmas and Valentines Day-the sweetest holidays

Staying in more and putting my social calendar on hiatus

A plush, comfy throw while watching a movie

Eating comfort foods to satisfy and warm the belly

Going to games and watching the triple B's; Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears.

What do you love about the winter?