Cosmo's (19th) Birthday

Today would have been Cosmo's (19th) birthday. I'm sure he is playing with all his friends, and enjoying limitless McDonald's french fries, chicken, and chips.

So Many Reasons to Celebrate

 Today is Momma Mac's 80th Birthday! 

The MacDaddy reminded my sister and I today that it has been 16 years since our Mom was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer (not hereditary). We had concerns that she wouldn't celebrate her 70th birthday, let alone her 80th. Not a day goes by that we are not grateful for her medical team.

Kristin and I flew to Texas to surprise Momma Mac ahead of the big day.

But before the surprise, our first stop was at a Texas institution: Whataburger.

We picked up balloons and sweet treats before making the trek to our parents where Momma Mac was definitely surprised to see us. The MacDaddy kept our surprise visit a secret for a few months.

Kristin and I had a few hours each day for a little adventure. We went shopping, of course, and bought a number of matching items (jewelry, clothing, and the like), visited another Texas institution - Buc-ee's - and visited one of Kristin's decor suppliers who has their annual holiday open house the last Saturday in June. 

(Note, we did not purchase this shirt)

I'll have you note, I had to wait outside in the 100 degree heat to get ribbon at 70% off.

We also got to spend lots of quality time with Momma Mac and the MacDaddy. In fact, it is rare that we are able to watch F1 together - but we were able to watch the 2-days of practice sessions. And, we got the MacDaddy to participate in the filming of Taste Test Tuesday (a series on my Instagram). More to come on that in the future. 

Our travel home was uneventful (which is a good thing tis time of year).

The only thing is that the heat we had in Texas has followed us home.  So, both Kristin and I are laying low and hydrating until this heat wave breaks on Saturday.

A few weeks ago, I was having lunch with a colleague who mentioned he had just scored a ticket to see Springsteen in concert. I was surprised, not just because he had never seen him before, but because I had no idea Bruce was even coming to Chicago. 

Right then and there, I decided to buy a ticket (it helped when my colleague said the prices had dropped in past 24 hours).

I'm so glad I made that last-minute decision.

I knew going in this wouldn't be like the Billy Joel "plays the old shit" tour (a line that has stuck with me when Billy himself - nearly 30 years ago - described his concert). Some are calling this his protest tour. After reviewing it, I understand why. But what strikes me is that the undertone of so many of these songs is hope. The belief that we will persevere. That we will overcome. 

Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine (absolutely on brand for this tour) joined him and the band.

Few artists have matched Bruce Springsteen's consistency, not just as a musician, but as a moral voice. Across decades, he has never softened his message to suit the moment. He has championed the silenced, stood beside the vulnerable, and refused to let those in power escape accountability, especially when their actions diminish, demoralize, or harm the very people who trusted them to lead.

What's also remarkable is that he never names, by name, the leaders he holds accountable. He gives them air time without giving them air time. He makes it so clear that you'd have to be entirely disconnected from the world not to know who he's talking about. And there's something respectable in that. Offering those leaders dignity when they offer none. Demonstrating, and living, the behavior we expect from those very same leaders.

I saw multiple generations in that crowd. His impact today is just as strong as when I first discovered him on MTV, watching the "Born in the USA" video (yes, back when they actually played videos). Back then, I didn't understand it wasn't the proud anthem it appeared to be. Today, I do. And I can't help but wish we could all be as authentic as he is. Maybe our world would look - and sound - different.

That's me. Christmas 1986 and the Live: 1975-1985 Box Set. 

It's been four years...

 ...since Linda had surgery to remove her brain tumor. We all forgot, including Linda, however a mutual friend sent her a note and she got the idea to celebrate it. In fact, she called it the "she's still here" drink. 

I have to say, I didn't take a picture of our glass of champagne from Pops, but it was tasty and a great way to remember all that we have to be thankful for, especially how thankful we all are for Linda.

But, it didn't end there. We decided to have a celebratory lunch the following day. This time, I didn't forget to take a photo of the cocktails.

Or the food. 

Cheers to another tumor-free year - and one where Linda is still here!

Cinco de Mayo

It's Cinco de Mayo. And, once again, the family found a way to celebrate (albeit early).

Where? How? Robert's Pizza. And you guessed it, by eating Pizza. 

However, we really came to hear the mariachi band. 

We discovered the band last year when Robert's advertised a Cinco de Mayo brunch. Of course, we had to go. Had a blast. And now, year 2, I'd say it is a tradition. 

So far in 2026

 So far in 2026...

...the bar next door finally said goodbye to Christmas.

We celebrated the New Year a few days late.

We got snow!

The Bears were good and got to the playoffs. But, suffered a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs. We had fun watching it at Parlor. 

I've had a number of self-care Saturday's. 

Got into the Olympic spirit.

Celebrated Galentine's Day, twice.

Enjoyed many towel "objects" my cleaning crew makes for me.

Completed a puzzle or two. 

Celebrated St. Patrick's Day.

Made statements.

Caught up with former colleagues.

Visited my favorite place in Chicago...The Art Institute.

And had a Pop Rocks taste test.