"It's Such a Perfect Day ..." (My Coldplay Concert Review)

Last Wednesday, Caitlyn and I attended Coldplay's concert at the United Center. We had front row tickets on the the third level that were smack dab in the middle of the stadium. The concert was amazing! Chris, Jonny, Will and Guy rocked the house, playing most of the tracks off their new album, "Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends". They also shot a video for the song "Lost!" which required them to play the song twice. The sing-alongs to "Fix You" and "Yellow" were enormous and overtook Chris Martin's vocals.

Unfortunately, I ran into huge problems with my camera (it just decided to freeze up in a weird half-way focus position) and the section we sat in was filled with a bunch of people whom I will simply call lame for a lack of a better word. Most normal, music-loving people attend a concert to have a good time because they're genuine fans of the band ... they have looked forward to the concert for a long time ... they have paid A LOT OF MONEY for their ticket ... they want to show their appreciation by getting up off their seat and clapping their hands, dancing if so moved ... singing aloud ... you get what I'm saying, right? There were people in our section who didn't even get up when they ripped into "Viva La Vida" (which sounds much better live) and "Clocks". It just really bugged me. It sounds a little harsh, but if you want to sit the whole time, stay at home and listen to the CD. (I've been throwing around this idea in my mind ... rather than a word scrabble verification, I think Ticketmaster should institute a trivia question quiz for people purchasing concert tickets for various bands so that only real fans can get tickets). Okay, thanks for letting me vent.

Again, the concert itself was great. This was my second time seeing them performing live. I first saw Coldplay when they came through town in '06 on the Twisted Logic Tour. The sound was much improved this time. I've become a huge fan of Jonny Buckland, the lead guitarist (I don't know what it is about those British boys). Each member of the band is an accomplished musician in their own right and they play more than one instrument. Caitlyn and I have joked around about plotting ways to fly across the pond to follow the band on the European leg of the tour. Perhaps, we can volunteer for Oxfam and get into the shows for free!

Here are a few of my pictures and a link to the rest on Flickr: Coldplay in Chicago (072308) Viva La Vida Tour.


Jonny and Chris during "Viva La Vida".

The band performing "Chinese Sleep Chant" on a side stage. It's too bad my camera was only semi-operable because normally this would have been an amazing shot :-(

Jonny, Will, Chris and Guy in Section 109 of the UC performing "Scientist."


Will on vocals for "Death Will Never Conquer."


Chris and Guy after the paper butterfly effects of "Lovers in Japan."

"The sky could be blue, I don't mind, Without you it's a waste of time, Could be blue, I don't mind, Without you it's a waste of time."

Strawberry Swing by: Coldplay

MAKE TRADE FAIR

From the casino’s to the Windy City..

From the casino’s to the Windy City..

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A Hot Summer's Day at Daley Plaza

Yesterday, I walked up to the farmer's market at Daley Plaza with Tamar during lunchtime. A group of students performed a few dance movements out on the plaza under the blazing hot sun. The teens are a part of the City of Chicago's "After School Matters" program, which provides training in a partnership with the Joffrey Ballet. These were kids were very good.

The Past Week (and a Half)

I had every intention to update my blog last week, but a few techno issues involving my new Blackberry prevented me from doing so. Okay, it sounds lame, but it is a totally viable excuse. When you can upload photos and post text while riding the 'el into work, you're definitely making the most of your time. Anyhow, here are highlights from the week that was:

• Last Monday (July 7th) was Ringo Starr's birthday. He wanted everyone around the world to join together at Noon and say, "peace and love." The rumor was that he was to appear at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Since it's along my usual running path and I'm a HUGE Beatles' fan, I ran over and waited along with 35 others in the misty rain for Ringo to appear. We waited ... and waited ... until someone in the group received a phone call. It turned out that Ringo was over at the Hard Rock Hotel -- a block and a half from my office. Sigh. At Noon, we all did raise our hands up and make the peace sign.
• During Tuesday's run, a stranger high-fived me as I ran by, which, in a funny-strange way, provided motivation.
• Isn't it wonderful to just have a day where you can just hang out at home and do NOTHING! Saturday was that day for me. Outside of pulling weeds in my garden and attending a graduation open house in the evening, it was a lazy day. Darrin bought the Wii Fit game and the four of us were down in the basement taking turns exercising with our little Wii characters.
• The graduation open house that we attended was for the daughter of Darrin's best friend, Jim. Danielle is the first of our friends' kids who has graduated high school and is moving on to college. They played a DVD of pictures beginning from when she was a baby up through her childhood and it included the graduation ceremony. It was set to music and almost all of the women watching it got teary-eyed. I can't imagine how much more emotional I'll be when Caitlyn graduates in two years.
• Speaking of tears, I caught the end of "Steel Magnolias" tonight on the Oxygen network and cried, too.

"We will sing ..."

PICT0112, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

I decided to shoot a few pics in black and white during worship time at last night's SST junior high session. I liked the way the cross stood out and was illuminated by the light from behind.

i Hear - It's Super Summer Time!

Today is the official Super Summer Time kick off at our church. I'm volunteering this year with the junior high teens overseeing registration. As you can see from the video, it's a loud, crazy week of fun, music, hype and challenge all designed to reach out to youth who are in desperate need of hope and truth. i hear ... do you?

God Bless America!

Backyard Fireworks, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

We're getting ready to head down to the Taste of Chicago with my parents to sample the culinary treats of our city's various restaurants. Later this afternoon, we'll drive out to Indiana for our annual 4th of July BBQ at Darrin's sister's house. More food, swimming and the big fireworks extravaganza in celebration of our country's birthday ... my home sweet home.

Lake Delton ... After the Rains Came

PICT0034, originally uploaded by Meridith

We spent a few days up in the Wisconsin Dells last week and were able to see what's left of Lake Delton. As you may have heard, the Midwest has endured some intense rains and flooding recently. On June 9th, after days of torrential rains, the lake began to overflow its banks, washing away homes and emptying its contents into the Wisconsin River. Here is a link to the photos in my album: http://flickr.com/photos/9968241@N04/sets/72157605799647180/

40

Today is my husband's 40th birthday. Earlier in the day, we spent a few hours at Montrose Beach playing volleyball with the girls and then we had dinner over at his parent's house this evening. This has been a birthday that he has somewhat dreaded because the number sounds so much larger than it actually is. He said to me last night that he doesn't feel like 40, but who can really say what 40 or any age does feel like? Oh sure, your body does shoot off its own warning signs of its impending loss of youth: achy knees, gray hair, slower metabolism, etc.; but, each birthday also gives you an opportunity to look back and look forward ... to see just how blessed you really are. To rise up from your bed after a night of sleep in a safe and secure home, the opportunity to fill your lungs with air, to walk, to see, to smell, to taste, to hear your children laugh, to run on the sand, the ability to live another day ... we will rejoice and be glad in it. Happy Birthday, Darrin!

Clematis

Clematis, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

I have two clematis vines in my yard. It has taken four years for the white-flowering one to produce enough flowers to cover the trellis it now covers. Unfortuantely, the blooms only lasted about three weeks. I was able to snap a few pictures earlier this week before they were all gone.

Memorial Day '08

We've marched every year in the McKinley Park Memorial Day Parade since the girls were babies. It's a family tradition. McKinley Park is the neighborhood on the southwest side that we used to live in before we moved and bought our house in West Lawn. It's the 'hood where Darrin grew up and where his parents still live. It was a very sunny and warm morning and according to the VFW Post, they had the biggest turnout in the parade history.

I am proud to say that members of my family and close friends have honorably served our country through the military. My birth father, stepdad Larry and Uncle John all were members of the Army and served during Vietnam. My brother-in-law Larry was a Marine and also did a tour of Vietnam. Darrin's brother David spent time overseas with the Army in the late 80's. My cousin's husband, Ryan, was among the first National Guard members to patrol Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Regardless of where you stand politically, we all need to remember the sacrifices of the fallen men and women from the Revoluntionary War to the present who have died.










"The bugle has sounded
Its notes drift away, this time now belongs to you ...

On this day for one brief moment hear the silence fill the air.

Think of those who walked beside us; Now no longer there.

Then, don't cry, but hear their laughter for their spirit lives inside,
Let the mysic stream of mem'ry fill our hearts with pride!

Make us humble, make us knowing, and reflect on what is done ...

One this day for now, forever
Make this nation one!

On this day, fall all the fallen, make this nation one!"

"On This Day" by: Charles Strouse

"Faces of Women": Caitlyn's 16th Birthday Fashion Show (Part 2)

Darrin had to change out the batteries in the camera, so here's the second part of the show.

"Faces of Women" Caitlyn's 16th Birthday Fashion Show (Part 1)

Caitlyn had talked about doing a fashion runway show for her 16th birthday for a long time. She was able to pull it off with the help of her friends. Details to come ...

Sweet 16

Caitlyn entered the world on a sunny Saturday at 11:38 a.m. 16 years ago today and she changed my life. It's hard to believe that so much time has past since the changing of diapers and here we are now ... edging closer to college. We are so proud of the young woman that she has become.

... mark, get set, Go!

It's too late for me to up on a week night, but my "to do list" for Caitlyn's sweet 16 birthday party is not getting any shorter. I'm multi-tasking at the moment (cleaning up memory cards, uploading photos to Flickr, watching Top Chef and blogging).

We spent last Saturday cheering on Alex at her track and field meet. She did very well, taking first place in the 5th & 6th grade girls 400 meter and 50 meter, as well as placing in the softball throw, running jump and girls' relay.

While at the meet, I had a flashback to the day I raced Monique T. in 9th grade at the Marquette Park track during a youth activity. I remember running as fast as I could and barely being able to catch my breath. I had to beat her because the boy I liked really liked her and, well, you know how those things go. We were neck and neck for most of the race, but I somehow managed to pull ahead at the end. My racing days are long over and I now look forward to running a 5K with Alex this Summer.

Tools of the trade.

Alex holding all of her ribbons.

Free Burma: But Help Myanmar Now!

It is being reported that 22,000 people have died in Myanmar as a result of Cyclone Nargis. The death toll can top over 100,000. CNN is reporting this morning that corpses are piling up because there is not enough fuel to burn the bodies. There is insufficient clean drinking water and food. You want to know why?

The country is under the rule of a military junta (bad people), which is not official recognized by the U.S. and other nations. Aung San Suu Kyi (good), the Nobel Prize winning pro-democracy leader of the Burmese people has been under house arrest since 1990. Last September, monks attempted to lead an uprising, but their efforts were met with brutal force by the military junta. The free flow of news is limited in the country. The military junta has been dragging its feet in granting visas for aid groups and giving clearance for aid flights to land.

Here's a link to an article on CNN updating the current situation: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/08/myanmar/index.html

World Vision is a Christian relief organization that helps people worldwide. They have been providing aid to the country of Burma/Myanmar for 40 years. World Vision currently has 500 aid workers stationed in Myanmar. Surprisingly, according to CNN, the junta has specifically asked World Vision to help provide aid to the survivors of the cyclone. They are in the right place at the right time. I encourage you to click on the title above which is a link to World Vision's website and if at all possible, please give to help the people of Myanmar.

Sights, Sounds, Smells & Calculations

It is a glorious, Spring morning ... if you have the pleasure to be marooned at home on this rainy, first-Friday of May. As I walked up to the 'el station, the air smelled just like it did when I walked through St. Stephens Green last autumn. A certain freshness that envelops your senses and makes you feel more alive, even on a cloudy, gray day.

I am almost at the seven month post-Ireland mark; which, in reality, should probably be defined as "five months to the one year anniversay of our trip to Ireland." I know, I'm a little OCD on these type of things.

The peonies in my garden are growing by leaps and bounds. I placed the ring supports around them last night because they're shooting up rapidly. My Japanese peony will be yielding blooms just in time for Caitlyn's 16th birthday.

Sounds that I like to hear:

• George Harrison's slide guitar towards the end of the song "What is Life";
• a groggy "I'm up" when I call up to Alex on a school morning;
• laughter among friends;
• the good news of babies being born to friends;
• joining along with a few thousand friends singing Psalm 40 ...
  
  
  

What sounds do you like to hear?

"... another beautiful name."

Today I met British chef Gordon Ramsay at Macy's during a promotional appearance for his new book, "Gordon Ramsay's Fast Food". Ramsay's BBC show "Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares" is one of the few shows that Darrin and I will sit down and watch together. (Ramsay seemed to get a kick out of hearing that tidbit). My friend Sandra and I made our way through a one hour long que for the book signing, but it was worth it. He was extremely pleasant, charming and chatted with everyone. When Ramsay saw my name on the Post-it for the inscription on the book, he commented, "another beautiful name" in that British accent of his. I babbled on about how it was a pleasure to meet him (hoping in the back of my mind that my words were making sense)and then I shook his hand. Sandra and I said good-bye and then it was over. We stood by the side and giggled like a bunch of school girls. We headed back to the office clutching our new cook book and savoring the moment.


Chef Gordon Ramsay



Sandra couldn't wipe that smile off of her face.


Gordon and I in deep conversation ... too bad I spaced our and forgot to mention that my name was spelled in the Welsh tradition. He's a runner, too!

Earth Day '08: What Can You Do?

A few simple ideas:

• you can begin recycling paper, plastic and/or glass (start with one);
• switch to CFL lightbulbs;
• turn off lights when you leave a room; or instead of using plastic bags at the grocery store, buy some reusable canvas bags (lots of stores are offering them).

My conservation goal for this Summer is to start a compost bin in my backyard. It'll eventually produce rich nutrients for my garden.

Let's all take good care of God's creation ... the earth and people, too.

My best friend, now an international speaker on pediatric oncology, is a tree hugger, too! Here, she's huggin' a tree in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland.

Oprah's Big Give Features Chicago Hope Academy

My daughter, Caitlyn, attends Chicago Hope Academy (http://chicagohopeacademy.com), which is a three-year old Christian high school located on the near west side of Chicago. The founders of the school, Bob & Tina Muzikowski, used to attend our church and had a desire to open a Christian high school in the city for many years. They organized the Near West Side Little League, which grew to be one of the largest little league organizations in the country -- reaching out to kids in the inner city who desperately need avenues like sports to keep them off the streets. It has been amazing to see how God answered prayers by opening the doors to CHA in the fall of 2005. What has been accomplished in these three years has been nothing short of miraculous. Yes, there have been bumps in the road, but God is faithful and He continues to amaze.

Chicago Hope Academy will be featured on this Sunday's season finale of Oprah's "Big Give" on ABC (7:00 p.m. CDT). I'm asking everyone to watch and, more importantly, to pray for CHA and the lives of the young men and women that the school is able to touch in the name of Christ.

Go Eagles!

The Week in Review (So Far)

Well, what a week it was! The city was invaded by a roaming cougar that found his way into Roscoe Village. He met his untimely death at the hands of Chicago's finest. (Photo: courtesy of the Chicago Tribune).

Temperatures finally reached the 70 degree mark and we can now see the layers of Winter grime slowly beginning to fade.

Finally, a 5.2 earthquake centered in downstate Illinois shook people awake up here in Chicago this morning. My mother-in-law told me that she thought it was an airplane rocking the house. I was in a deep sleep, apparently, because I didn't feel a thing. I woke up 45 minutes after the fact and felt very cheated and left out. Ironically, we had a meeting scheduled for the safety evacuation team at work today.

Springtime in Chicago

A tree lifting up its arms in praise of sky blue skies.


The first flowers to bloom in my garden (paperwhites).


Sedum peeking out from underneath the remants of last year's growth.

It was a beautiful day!

40 Years Ago Today ... "Shot rings out in the Memphis Sky"

My First Run in Eight Months

Since coming back to the gym in January, I have faithfully stuck to the elliptical machines. I had wanted to start running in January, but my surgeon told me to continue working on strengthening my left quadricep muscle before I even thought about running. In the back of my mind I knew I wasn't ready, but I did know that I had to get serious about conditioning myself.

Lunchtime yoga on Wednesdays has been a regular part of my post-surgical routine since November. Nathan, my yoga instructor, has told me recently that he has noticed much improvement in my poses, which made me very happy. The women of my family are plagued by tight hips; so, obviously, this plays into our knee and feet problems.

Back to the what I was getting around to say ... I have worked up to a consistent 30 minute cardio cycle on the elliptical machine (2 miles) during the past month. Each day I'm at the gym, I watch in envy as the runners do their thing on the treadmills. I would tell myself that I'd give it a try next week.

This past weekend was the Shamrock Shuffle 8K race -- a race that I have run in for the past 6 years, but I could not run. I wanted to, but could not train. I was not ready physically. My quad was not ready. My knee was not ready. My mind was not ready. My heart was not ready ... or was it?

Since Nathan spent last week hiking throughout Arizona, yesterday's class was spent practicing Warrior II and desert poses. It was a tough class and I woke up this morning feeling the effects of it. I fought with myself to even go to the gym at lunchtime today, but I did go. I decided that this would be the day. I would put aside my fear and just try to run on a treadmill.

I did a 16 minute warm-up on an elliptical machine and then self-assuredly walked over to an open treadmill. It was a newer, gadget-filled treadmill. I put my feet on the tracks to the side and hit "quick start" and off we went. For the first three minutes, I felt awful. I mean, I felt sick because I wasn't sure what to expect ... was my left knee going to explode? Once I got past the five minute mark, I got my breathing into a decent rhythm and calmed myself down. My iPod was cranking "I Will Follow" and everything was coming back to me. I remembered what it felt like and this felt good.

I ran for 14 minutes between 4.5 and 5.0 mph and cooled down for another three minutes. I ran my first mile today in 12:20. I am ready.

Let's Play Two!

Today kicks off the baseball season for our beloved Chicago Cubs and White Sox. The Cubs have a 1:20 p.m. start against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley, but with dropping temperatures (we're around 41 right now), fog and rain in the mix, I'd be surprised if they're even able to make it to the 3rd inning. The White Sox will be facing the Cleveland Indians on the road this afternoon with Mark Buehrle taking the mound.

On a side note, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Chicago Sun-Times had published a little piece that I wrote in today's edition of their "Talk Back" section.

Warped Priorities:
I was appalled to read in Sneed's column on Thursday how Gov. Blagojevich issued his "help me on this" plea to local politicos in his eager attempt to help the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority buy Wrigley Field. What is he doing about the ever-escalating cost of college
education in the state of Illinois? Perhaps he should ask the state legislature to help him on doing something to put a lid on the costs of pursuing an education at the public universities in our state.

Earth Hour: Chicago 2008

At 8:00 p.m., we turned off our lights for one hour. "Earth Hour" was created by the World Wildlife Fund last year in Sidney, Australia (learn more by visiting http://www12.earthhourus.org. According to ComEd, there was a 5% reduction in electric usage in Chicago between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. tonight. It's a start. Be a good stewart of the earth God created.

Worthy is the Lamb

Easter morning worship in Chicago.

"The shackles are undone

The bullets quit the gun

The heat that’s in the sun

Will keep us when there’s none

The rule has been disproved

The stone it has been moved

The grave is now a groove

All debts are removed

Oh can’t you see what love has done?

Oh can’t you see what love has done?

Oh can’t you see what love has done?

What it’s done to me?"

Window in the Skies by: U2

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

The inside of St. Patrick's Cathedral (Árd Eaglais Naomh Pádraig). It is the largest church in Ireland, founded in 1191. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travel's was the dean of this cathederal from 1713 to 1745.

This stone was uncovered below the surface of the traditional site of St. Patrick's Well. Tradition holds that the first converts to Christianity were baptized by St. Patrick there.

Go mbeannaí Dia duit -- May God bless you!

All photos taken in October, 2007 in Dublin, Ireland by Meridith ©

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Picture taken 10/10/07 in County Clare, Ireland by Meridith©

This portal tomb is one of two located in The Burren in Western Ireland. These large stone tombs were built throughout Western Europe during the Neolithic or New Stone Age when the practice of farming was first becoming established.

A New Guitar

"Three cords and the truth."






I think she liked her surprise.

Girl's Best Friend

We have finally reached the end of February. This Winter has been a long, cold & snowy one. I've been sick for most of this month, but I'm hopeful that the first peeks of crocus popping up and the potential of 40 degree plus weather this weekend with rid my body of what ails me.

Despite the congestion and on-and-off cough throughout this month, I managed to keep up with yoga class on Wednesdays, but I ditched the gym up until yesterday. I figured it was time to get back into a schedule; so, I did 20 minutes on the elliptical machine and called it a day.

We had Brody neutered two weeks ago. He still acts crazy ... and he loves the snow.

"I'll see you again when the stars fall from the sky and ...

the moon has turned red over One Tree Hill." One Tree Hill By: U2

My attempt to capture the lunar eclipse in February with my digital Minolta set up on a tripod in our frozen backyard in a star-filled, Winter sky. It was intensely cold, but beautiful to behold.

Seeking God

Our church is doing a 40-day prayer focus leading up to Easter entitled "Seek God for the City 2008." Today's passage just happened to be "Seeking God ... to rescue people enslaved in spiritual darkness." I thought that this picture captured today's theme perfectly ... it's framed in complete darkness, but the light brings forth the hope that is to come.

"And I will appoint you as ... a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison." Isaiah 42:6-7

"Jesus said to them, 'For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you.'" John 12:35

Walk on.

Stained glass window panel; picture taken at Christ Church Cathedral, in Dublin, Ireland, October, 2007 ©

Happy Valentine's Day

PICT0047, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

Irish Hydrangea from County Cork. I took this picture while strolling the grounds of Blarney Castle in October, 2007.


"... the greatest of these is love." I Cor. 13:13

Last Weekend ... in 3D

I've been battling a cold for the past two weeks; so, that is my defense for the lag in my posts. I did muster enough energy to make it to down to Navy Pier last weekend to see U2 3D with Janice. It was an amazing way to see the band perform ... would've been so much better if the crowd was more into it, but very cool nonetheless. At one point, it seemed like I was going to get hit upside the head by Adam's bass guitar during one song. I also liked the over-head angle they shot Larry playing drums because it gave you a very different perspective that you don't get to see in regular concert DVD's. Two thumbs up!

I also ended up taking my daughters to see the Hannah Montana 3D movie (because I promised). Caitlyn & Alex are really more fans of the Jonas Brothers, but they seemed to like the whole concert ... Miley Cyrus and all.

Back to this weekend ... we were with Alex down in Crete today while she was cheering at a basketball tournament for the boys' basketball team. (Bruins won 1st place!) Caitlyn is working her first real job this weekend at one of the concession stands at the auto show. Winter refuses to cut us some slack. The high temperature tomorrow is supposed to be 4 degrees with windchills -20 degrees. I'm ready for a little sun ... and a good night's sleep.

"Where you live should not decide whether you live or whether you die ..."

We survived a weekend of below zero wind chills and the AFC and NFC Championship games. Although we were rooting for the Packers to win, we will gladly cheer on the Giants against the Patriots when Super Bowl Sunday rolls around in two weeks.

I actually made a real sit-down meal after church yesterday: baked lasagna, salad and garlic bread. Janice came over to catch up and share some stories from her recent medical missions trip to Haiti.

Last week, I discovered the show Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares on BBC America. I love it! Basically, award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay goes to a failing restaurant and works as a troubleshooter there for a week with the staff in an effort to turn things around. It is not pretty because he calls it like he sees it. If the head chef is lazy, he's not afraid to say it to his or her face. He gives them ideas to change their menus. Ramsay makes a return visit to each restaurant a few months down the road to see how they have fared with the changes. He drops a lot of F-bombs, but they are beeped out. It's very British and great to watch.

Goals for this week: elimination of migraine triggers, make it to the gym three times this week (plus yoga class)

Til Tuesday

The view southbound on Inner Lake Shore Drive, taken on a CTA bus, Jan. 8, 2008, 1:30 p.m.

I'm sitting at work listening to the end of "Creep" by Radiohead and watching the rain fall over the CNA building and the Field Museum. I just read on the Chicago Tribune website that another 15-year-old was shot and killed in Logan Square last night. Does it ever end? Violence continues to perpetuate around the world. God's heart does ache.

1:15 p.m. I leave my orthopedic surgeon's office for what will probably be the last time. There remains a 2 cm. difference between my left and right quadricep muscles. Dr. G is glad to hear that I'm back at the gym and laughed at my holiday excuses because he did the same. He encouraged me to keep working on strengthening the quads and to hold on running until I notice some definite improvement. I'm to follow-up with him in six months if I'm having any problems with the knee at that time. It has been a little over four months since surgery. It seems like I lost a huge chunk of time from July 27th (the day of the final, fateful run) up through physical therapy, but that is now all in the past and I'm ready to make another go at it.

On the way back downtown, I saw a camel while riding the No. 151 bus through Lincoln Park.

"I'm here to make you happy."

It's the 7th day of January and it is officially 60 degrees in Chicago at 9:48 a.m. It may be odd, but I won't complain -- grey street grime and all. As I walked in this morning, I was blown away by the view of the lake front from my office's reception area. It reminded me of that scene from Forrest Gump where Forrest and Capt. Dan are out on the boat in the Bayou during sunset (where Capt. Dan thanks Forrest for saving his life in Vietnam). Lake Michigan was calm and still and framed by pinks and muddled blues.

Today will be my first official day back at the gym (I tagged a membership onto Darrin's Bally's membership). My goal: 10-15 minute warm up on the elliptical machine and then weight training. I'm putting running off until I notice some definite strength improvement in the quads. Wednesday is yoga and I'll repeat again on Friday. Baby steps ...