Moving Forward With the Greater Good In Mind

When we left our single family home last year I thought that a brand new high rise condo could suit us perfectly. Somehow I imagined a city skyline view could replace space and a pool could replace walking out the front door and into your own little plot of land in this world. Perhaps I was thinking with my pre-children brain, but hear me loud & clear- I was wrong. Does that make me a bad guy?

Trust me, this is not the first extreme in my life. When I had my first child, I was seduced with square footage and bought a 4000sf home outside city lines. (Gasp! This is before my eco-friendly epiphany.) It had 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a full bar downstairs, a pool room, a two story turret room, winding staircase, wrap around porch, pool, enormous yard... trellis with peony bushes. I added the white picket fence later, but you see how it went, right? Seduced. I even bought the 2 big SUVS that were destined to live in the garage. (Faint.)

Fast forward past a couple places we've inhabited since then and it's easy to see that we've tried it all. Walk ups, single families, condos, high rises, townhomes- new and old. So where are we destined to spend the next holiday? I soul searched, this time with an eco-consciousness that virtually debilitated me. What could ever meet the Platinum LEED NEEDS of mine? I began to stress.

Then Andy said some thing to me yesterday on an unrelated topic that put things into perspective. He said things didn't need to be absolute. They didn't even need to look a certain way to be true. It was about balance. Hmmmm... if I can incorporate my green lifestyle into our new home, it could be enough. In fact, all of our efforts toward the greater good is enough.

Now I'm not running out and buying any gas-guzzlers anytime soon, in fact I am still trying to get rid of our dusty car, but I am planning a huge jump in space. As a family we crave it right now. Rather than see this as a badge of my wastefulness or indulgence, perhaps I could view it is as a test of my resourcefulness. I started to think of how can I make good decisions in the new home?

For starters I am enlisting the genius of Colori for my paint needs. Next I'll turn to Greenwerks for everything outside the scope of my limited DIY expertise. My mind turns to the organic garden we can build on the 4th level and the new spacious home for our worms. This next step starts to feel natural in a way and my anxiety of what I've done turns to excitement about what will be.

Halloween at the Green City Market

Green City Market: Halloween Kids Party

The annual Halloween Kids Party is Saturday, October 31st from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Green City Market.

We will kick things off at 9:00 am with a special Halloween Kid's Tour of Green City Market with our fabulous volunteer, Devin.

At 9:30 am, sample tastings prepared for kids by some of the best pastry chefs in Chicago: Tony Galzin (MK), Toni Roberts (C-House), Nathaniel Meades (Fritz Pastry), Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate), Elissa Narow (Illinois Institute of Art) and Allison Levitt (Mado).

Join us at 11:00 am for the Kids Halloween Costume contest, judged by Joel from Hawks Hill Elk Ranch , Lyle from Green City Market and Portia Belloc-Lowndes from Heritage Prairie Market and Farm. The winner will take home a special prize!

We'll end the party with the Club Sprouts kids cooking demo at 11:30 am with Courtney Treutelaar from Common Threads.

For the adults, we'll have a chef demo at 10:30 am with Chris Pandel of the Bristol. Green City Market will also have a membership drive at the market. For more information about Green City Market or the Halloween party, please e-mailadmin@chicagogreencitymarket.org.

Creating A Life

Having kids makes me nicer.

I was so selfish before. Never thought beyond my amazing dinner plans or my next fashion must-have... how could I have come so far?

The clincher for me was staring into my new baby's eyes and knowing I was responsible. For everything. This little person looked to me for their every need and it was up to me to create a life for someone. Not just the living and breathing part, but I had a hand in creating the memories of another being. Like a science experiment, I was imprinting messages into a person. Whoa. What could that world look like?

Once I opened my heart for them, it was available for everyone and I started to think of our collective future and all the possibilities. From that time it has been a journey of conservation and community. Chicago Green Families started it for me. First with simple play dates last year and then the adoption of 2 beaches this year. It feels so good when people come together for a shared goal.

This weekend I helped co-chair a Clean & Green Event hosted by our local school and the Alderman and sponsored by Eli's Cheesecake, Method and Surf Sweets. Despite the rainy weather, local families and homeowners took time out of their weekend routines to show their support. And it made a difference. Our community looked better and, after spending this time together, I believe it became stronger too.

I am so grateful to have found a community that embraces diversity, conservation and parenting. It seems like I've been searching my whole life to get to where I am at right now. Healthy, happy, connected. All of the life lessons I so desperately needed were found in two little human beings.

Thanks kids, you've made me a better person.

Stocked For the Season

Many of you know I went off prescription medication for chronic sinusitis last winter and have felt better than ever. For my seasonal allergies I take Boiron homeopathic tablets and it makes the world of difference. None of the disgusting side effects like cotton mouth and bad taste in your mouth, not to mention what all those meds do to your system.

Now that I feel the benefits firsthand, I am going to try Boiron has a new Children's line for the occasional cold or flu symptoms. I'm thankful that we have been relatively healthy this year (even though there were a bunch of cases of swine flu in my husband's office last month) but now we're stocked. You know what happens when you aren't prepared, right?

Welcoming Autumn in the City

It's that time of year again.

I've been holding my breath from the first chilly morning until I saw the fateful sign- the boats being taken out of Monroe Harbor. Exhale.

Today I reflected on the missing boat slips that reminded me of an abandoned game of checkers where the players just got bored and left. The pieces left wondering about the next move.

Can't say I am surprised when the boats leave, but I am wistful when they do.

My Celebrity Playlist

Obsession is a polite word for my infatuation with iTunes. As a recent convert to a MacBook Pro and iPhone, I am quickly in on the secret- life with technology can be easy & playful. I'm hooked.

Downloading iTunes for me is like shutting down Barneys & letting me roam at my own pace about all things shiny and sparkly. I peruse at my own pace, try on this and that, and ultimately walk away every time purchasing something.

I'll admit I made mistakes at first. I went for my "old favorites" that I assumed would be a comfortable fit. Those old standbys that remained in my cerebral playlist

for years, and even decades.

Del Amitri - Kiss This Thing Goodbye

Hole- Doll Parts

Paul Westerberg- Dsylexic Heart

Everything by Tori Amos

Iggy Pop & Kate Pierson- Candy

Jane's Addiction- Jane Says

John Hiatt- Cry Love

Funny thing is that when I started to really listen to the words again, they felt like a trippy time warp. After the initial blast of nostalgia wore off, I started to fast forward through these. They yanked me back to a time when I was less than thrilled. Needy, in fact. Looking outside myself for love and validation. Yesterday I simply unchecked the box and poof! Of my current playlist & relegated to my past.

Ditto with two soundtracks that I downloaded immediately and then regretted. Every time I listen to them I am transported to two different, emotionally charged times in my life marked with overwhelming sadness. Sayonara Miss Saigon & Man of the Mancha. Now to build my own life soundtrack!

Left with a tabula rasa of sorts I had to ask myself - what is good for me right here and right now? What fills my heart, rocks my soul and gets my money maker shaking like nobody's business?

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Somewhere Over the Rainbow- I could listen to this song forever. Angelic and hopeful and soft. I love it.

Everything by Ladysmith Black Mambazo- Like a village rocking me to sleep, melting my anxiety and lifting me into the clouds.

OutKast- Hey Ya!- Can't help but shake it. I adore this song. Big smile.

Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks- This is my life soundtrack as I walk the city streets everyday taking it all in. Might feel like a Michael Cera movie song, but I adore it. And my butt shakes a little every time I play it. Walk behind me... I am serious!

Everything by Seu Jorge- Another soundtrack of my life, especially Team Zissou. I walk on my tiptoes when I listen and twirl with joy.

Rufus Wainwright (& even more Michael Nolan)- Hallejujah- LOVE.

Black Eyed Peas- Boom Boom Pow- If you have a pulse this song starts the party. Anywhere, anytime. Another butt shaker. I rock this everyday when I walk home from taking the kids to school. Picture this girl poppin' it at the stoplights. Probably less Fergie and more Elaine Benes, but I don't even care. The next Youtube sensation- you heard it here.

Nouvelle Vague- In A Matter of Speaking- If I had a singing voice I would sing this way. Like Zooey Deschanel. Like I'm zipping around Paris in a fabulous stiff Burberry trench wrapped tight at the waist. Starting to rain and I am humming this tune. Pop into a cafe? Perfect.

So now that you know My Top Rated, tell me yours. What does your playlist say about you?

How Is American Girl Helping the Homeless?

I've known about American Girl ever since I stumbled upon several moms undressing & dressing their daughters in the cold near RL where I was going to have a nice meal by the fireplace. Uh, what in heavens name are they doing in the freezing cold? I pondered. So I asked the server who just chuckled and explained the phenomenon. It wasn't just about the dolls. It was about the little girls looking & being just like the dolls. Hmmmm...

I'll admit, I'm not a big lover of dolls. Most creep me out, their blank stares following me across the room. Their little legs ready to pounce as I drift to sleep. But putting my ever present issues aside, the American Girl sensation proved to be about the oddest thing I ever encountered. And this was when I was single.

Fast forward to my own children entering this consumer playhouse and watch as their eyes sparkle at the plasticity of it all. Each doll had a dossier of sorts where it listed what was happening in her family (just moved, divorcing, etc.), what she liked to do in her spare time (play records, listen to her parents argue, etc.), what her bedroom looked like... you get where I am going. Each child is force fed what it's like in the doll's little world.

After each step I took into this den of wasteful fantasy I saw that it lacked imagination and heart. What about the uniqueness that a child brings to a doll? My brow furrowed deeper and deeper as I walked past the salon, the craft room, the photo studio (with flashbacks of Glamour Shots), the medical facility, until a woman stopped me and assured me that the 2 hour wait for lunch was just for a private party. WHAT? I wouldn't have lunch here if Rick Bayless served it himself!

Needless to say, I was as disenchanted with American Girl when I left as I was when I saw those crazed mothers yanking matching jumpers on their shivering children whose stocking feet were wet with snow. What was this whole thing about really? Money, right?

Today my mind went spinning as I read about American Girl's launch of the new Homeless Doll. I think AG is greedy, yes. But also insane. Here's the skinny... her dad walks out and her mom lost her job and they live in a car. And if that doesn't turn your stomach, she costs $95!

My brain could not not comprehend exactly what accessories AG is hyping along with this new doll or how they describe her bedroom or what she does in her free time. I cannot believe any company would have the audacity to profit from the hardship many in our country face at this very moment. Someone please tell me that they have a non-profit sector that is funding programs to help homeless children from these proceeds or I may have to begin my all-out boycott.

(Warning - Short Tangent) Does American Girl think they are teaching humanity? What comes after this? What tough topic would they like to "tackle" next? A doll whose parent was killed in war? A little girl who loses her mother to breast cancer? How about a doll who has parents who cannot control their violent behavior? Are these topics for our children to think about day in and day out as they obsess over their new AG doll? Do they encourage our children to cuddle up with these harsh realities as they fall asleep?

As a parent, I believe in discussing difficult subjects with my children and have found that they can understand with an open heart. I cannot shelter my children from what is happening in the world, but I certainly do not want to sensationalize it. Or dehumanize it for that matter.

Yes, my child wants an American Girl this holiday season. And no, I will not be buying one. I would rather spend twice as much to buy a doll that needs my child's imagination and love to create their own story.

Help Green Our Chicago Schools

Who wouldn't want to partner with our Mayor to help green a school in our community?

Every time someone signs up for a free trial of Adobe® Acrobat® Connect™ Pro, a twenty-five dollar donation will be made to the U.S. Green Building Council to help a school go green in Chicago. Each city who participates in the program will receive up to $100,000 to create classrooms that foster learning alongside smart environmental practices.

If you would like to participate just visit www.connectandconserve.com or share this link with friends and family. Also, if you’re on Twitter, please use #greenschools to discuss this with Adobe, USGCB and fellow tweeple.

Now that my kids are in the school system, I can see how much help they need to build a bright (and green) future for our children. Spread the word!

From Pain to Peace- Reiki Saves the Day

It's not the first time I have been accused of going overboard. Somehow I forget myself (my earthly limitations) and I just blindly go for it- whatever it may be. Most of the time this lands me in beautiful, unexpected places. This past week it dumped me on the living room floor writhing in pain.

The herniated disks in my back (and I'm guessing some of their neighbors) organized a mutiny late Monday night in response to a new bike, a cold, a scary movie and an awkward sleeping position. I am guessing they saw this winning combo of events and quickly mobilized.

My muscles, aggravated by the commotion, tried to squeeze the ever growing inflammation with fierce intensity. I told them to let up, but apparently they are about as focused as I. How can I blame determination? So they squeezed, I swelled... buckled... fell to the floor. BOOM!

Red hot sparks shot down my leg as I jerked from this violent battle inside me. Each shock wave sent up my spine accompanied a yelp of pain. Since my nature is to grit my teeth & tough it out, I couldn't let go of this tug of war. No, I fought it as whimpers turned to growls and I cabbed it to the emergency room Thursday.

"Are you still menstruating?" broke the silence in my Northwestern waiting room. WHAT? Slumped on my stomach (drool hitting the gurney) while my legs hung in the air behind me, I could not turn my head to see who made this hideous assumption. All the nurse could see was my backside. Does my butt give that post menopausal look? Is that a standard intro for patients? Will I ever wear these yoga pants again? How cruel.

The rest of my visit at the prominent hospital followed this same disturbing, sitcom-like mayhem. No one even tested my reflexes. They just told me that they'd prescribe whatever I wanted. What does that mean? Curiously enough medication are always my last resort. I just wanted relief. They looked at me puzzled.

Although powerful narcotics and muscle relaxers pulsed through me, they somehow were no match for my lower back brigade. I felt as miserable leaving the hospital as I did when I came in.

Scrambling through my haze, I reached out to my reiki master and she got me right in. Could reiki even help my physical deterioration? After an hour of pure relaxation I felt the symbolic wave of the white flag. My body was no longer interested in fighting and protecting me. I was at peace- mentally and physically. I finally let go.

Biking Brings A New Perspective

Eagerly I looked out the window after I woke this morning to determine if it was "biking weather". I have to admit it looked pretty damp and almost chilly as I watched people scatter here and there hurrying to where they needed to go. Nevertheless I made up my mind that today I would try the new bike trailer no matter if I got soaked or not. Today was the day.

Aside from a few glitches like the bike not having a stand (how did I not know that?) we made it on our journey with only a few scrapes and a bruised ego here and there. Once we were on the road though, all of the garage scuffle melted away and it was glorious.

Seeing as though the kids are behind you I thought conversation would be at a minimum and strained at that. Part of me really lamented giving up my morning discussions with the kids while walking in favor of getting to school faster on the bike. What I found is that we conversed like normal. Okay, almost normal. This trip held more giggling than any of our walks combined. It was delightful.

Once at school I felt the tingle of success as we pulled in. (Could have been my thighs thanking me for the workout but I'll stick with accomplishment this time!) We did it!

As I rode home I thought about what I could do next time to make it a little easier, a little safer. And each time I think I'll get a little wiser about navigating on these city streets. My perspective has changed now that I've gotten out of the driver seat and on to the bike. Next time I encounter a cyclist on the road I will focus more about how to keep them safe while I plan my next adventure on two wheels.