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Friday, August 29, 2008

Observations And A Taste Of Chicago

...ah. Good huh? Chicago is such a pretty metropolis. Friendly too. The perfect blend of big city sophistication and Midwest charm. Kinda like me huh? No? Okay, okay but a girl can dream right?
Oh, and I want to remind you all about my August 19th post. If you have yet to grab the award for yourself, please do! I wanted you all to know how special I think each one of you is. Without you dropping by, I would just be sitting here mumbling to myself and none of us wants to see that now do we?
We had a fine time in the Windy City. Great food, beautiful, comfy lodgings and so much to see and do. It was my 5th trip to Chicago and I have yet to be disappointed. I thought about our friends Sheila and Jim and their families near by. We would love to see you all on our next visit. This was such a quick trip and we kept it quiet and *just for us* this time. I hope that made sense. It isn't everyday that we celebrate a 30th anything right?
And I had no idea our blog friend Latharia was so close by!
I wanted to wish you all a sweet weekend. Stay well, be good to yourselves and remember how special I think each one of you really is.
Thank you all for your sweet anniversary wishes. They meant so much to me and to Bill. Some of the emails were extra dear as well. I was asked if I had any suggestions to offer a newlywed couple. Oh wow. I am the last person that should be doing that!
We did not arrive at our 30th without a few battles and well healed scars. I adore him. Love him with every ounce of what little strength I have anymore. But we are very different in many ways and those differences often rise up when we least expect it. Still, I respect him and he respects me. As one of my blog friends wisely said, "Love is a choice". Yes, a wonderful, glorious choice. It is not something to be taken lightly and is often a choice we must make over and over again throughout the years. There are days that I could smack him silly and days I am sure he could do the same to me. Moments of downright aggravation and dismay at something he has done or said. (I think we ALL remember the German incident, as we now lovingly refer to it!)
Not that we would ever actually *DO* that! But it is the feeling, that moment when I have had it up to my ears with whatever he is doing to aggravate me at that moment...yet there is no one else in the world with whom I wish to spend my life. I am at peace with him. And, just so I can sound exactly like a syrupy sweet romantic comedy (That I do so adore!), he completes me. Yeah, I know, I know but it is true. I got lucky. And, even when I want to scream and throw a dish or two (Egad! How could anyone actually throw a pretty dish! Ack! Sacrilege!), I choose to remember how lucky I truly am.
It remains so much fun to share a city like Chicago with him....but he still can't read a map. Nope.
Love and Hugs,
Susie Q

25 comments:

Salmagundi said...

Another great Chicago & anniversary post. I'm so glad it was special - you will remember it always. Congratulations, Sally

Terri Steffes said...

LOVE Chicago. I love to EAT there. My cousin is a dancer in the play Wicked that is playing there. More reasons to go.

Happy belated anniversary. I know you two had a grand time!

Janet said...

I am lovin' this new paisley look! I love anything with paisley and you have outdone yourself. Brian would be proud. Enjoy your romantic weekend.

Janet

Andi said...

Your Chicago trip sounds positively wonderful Sue. I'm glad you had fun. It would be nice to visit there again someday.

Love your new paisley background and the rich colors on your blog...very nice.

Have a delightful weekend.

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

I love Chicago. These pictures are great! Glad you had a nice anniversary.

And I love your blog's new look. Gorgeous!! -Julia

robin c. said...

Hi Susie Q..

As usual I am quite behind in reading everyones blog. Your trip to Chicago sounds wonderful! Tbe most beautiful post was about your anniversary...it actually brought tears to my eyes. I can only hope that I will have 30 years with my sweet husband. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I wish you many more years of happiness!
robin

Jeanie said...

This is my first visit to your blog and it is simply delightful. Please accept belated anniversary wishes. This particular post is so genuine and dear. I simply love it. (Did you ever get to actually SEE Brian Dennehy or just worship at the poster? I hope someday...)

Anonymous said...

I love Chicogo too. On our last visit we went to the Sears Tower, the art institute, and Science Center. It was so much fun! Happy anniversary.

Cottage Rose said...

Sounds like a very lovely time you two had together. I have not been to Chicago just to visit. Hubby and I have drove through it on one of his business trips that is about it. I would love to go and spend a couple of days there. Love the photos, thank you so much for sharing a wonderful part of your life with us. Have a great Labor Day weekend.

Hugs;
Alaura

Meggie said...

Nice shots of the windy city, SusieQ! I REALLY liked your words of wisdom about love, marriage, and your hubby. Happy weekend!

Cottage Contessa said...

Looks like a wonderful way to celebrate your 30th anniversary sweetie! I wish you and Bill many more years of the magic you have found Sue! I'm having a give away over on my blog and would love for you to enter if you get a chance. Happy weekend to you dear friend!
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

nikkicrumpet said...

Thanks for the tour of Chicago. It is a place I've never had the chance to visit. You make me want to change that. Also thanks for visiting my blog and for your nice comments on my dog adventures...I'm glad they could make you smile!

Debra from Bungalow said...

Hi there, Congratulations are your anniversary! What an achievement in these days. I admire that greatly! I know how aggravating men can be ...sometimes you'd like to smack em into outer space!

What a great city Chicago looks like. I've always wanted to go there & maybe see the Oprah show.
Hugs, DebraK

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on 30 years, Sue! I love Chicago, but have only had one visit there. Would love to go again!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Congrats on 30 years! We recently celebrated our 29th. Bumps and bruises and smiles and tears...worth every second!
Hugs,
Penny

Wendster said...

Amen and amen. My favorite line about men (given to me by a man when I was at the end of my rope as far as men were concerned!)

Men. You can't live with'em. You can't kill'em.

Made me laugh out loud and totally shifted my energy. ha.

And what is that in that beautiful spherical picture? Is that a building? A giant glass ball? It's SO pretty!

Happy 30th again.

One day I'll get to Chicago other than just to land and switch planes.

Wendster said...

Your new page looks AWESOME by the way. Love the blog header.

FHL said...

Happy Belated Anniversary Sue! Your trip looks wonderful! My only visit to Chicago was driving straight through it on a PCS to Milwaukee....which was loaded with stress and lacking in fun :o) Someday we'll revisit...

Hope you have an amazing weekend!
M~

Mom2fur said...

I got to go to Chicago when my husband had a business trip there a few years back. I loved it! We stayed at the House of Blues. Totally weird decor (the halls reminded me of "The Shining") but unforgettable.
I'm glad you had a great time there. Sure wish I could go back!

kari and kijsa said...

Sounds like it was amazing!! Love the pictures!
Thank you for all your prayers and blessings!
Have a wonderful Labor Day,
kari & kijsa

Gretchen said...

I've never been to the Windy City, and now I'm excited to go. Oh, I've been to O'Hare, but that's not Chicago. I'd love to see Oprah's show (especially her favorite things!), and shop, shop, shop on the miracle mile. Oh, and eat too. Never stop eating. ;)

Blessings on your trip with your sweetie. I agree with you--never break a dish. If you have too...trip him or something, but don't break pretty things in an argument. :)

Pamela said...

read a map... oh so funny. Last Saturday we started out on a short journey and I asked "Do you know where we are going"... and I didn't get a yes or a no, but some sort of monologue on how it can't be that hard.

The answer should have been no.
Lucky him, no dishes in the car to throw. ha ha.

Isn't it something after putting in 30 years - how it all is.

What is that one weird photo???

Anonymous said...

hi! i loved your assessment of the 30 year marriage. we just celebrated ours last year. it isn't always pretty or fun, but it is strong and enduring and loving, along with some growls and retreats. still, i love my man, and our kids and life together. your german incident is a hostesses worst nightmare. i could not imagine it any more realistically than your posting portrayed. and HIS post. i laughed, i cried as the saying goes. blessings to you and yours! jkj

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversay! Come see me when you get home, I"ve got a award for you to pick up!

Carolyn said...

Great Pics!