On The Road to Protests

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This should have been the week that businesses would be reopening across the state and in the city. This should have been the week that people felt a bit of normalcy re-entering their lives. This should have been the week for positive attitudes to re-emerge. Instead, it will be a week of re-building and repairing - not just the destruction from peaceful protests turned into chaotic riots, but also the healing of emotions after the tumultuous events surrounding the death of George Floyd.

I usually write these blogs in chronological order, my take on the weeks’ events. Today, I’m writing backwards. Our downtown area is basically on lockdown, with the exception of essential workers and residents. The city has a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am until further notice. The Illinois National Guard has been called in. Public transportation has been halted on CTA, Metra and Pace. I’ll be checking to see what expressways/ramps and streets remain closed as part of my traffic reporting duties. I know I WON’T be talking about additional construction at the Jane Byrne Interchange, as it’s been postponed due to the current events.

The ramp closure from the inbound Ike to the outbound Kennedy has been postponed.

I spent several hours visiting my Mom today - a combination of keeping her company, bringing her some home-cooked meals and nourishment for my soul, after the painful events taking place in our city.

It was kind of an odd week to begin with, even without the tragic news - always is after a holiday weekend, trying to fit 5 days worth of work into 4 days. Still, we found time for fun along with ongoing work in the “Kitchen Studio.” Sara and I made fresh smoothies, which really hit the spot on the warm days earlier this week!

We also did more “spring cleaning” or spring purging, as I like to call it. I found a bunch of old pictures of me and my sister - and promptly put them back in the drawer where I found them!

My virtual “Weekender’ report gave me a perfect opportunity to feature both my pups!

The highlight of my week, before all the craziness, was being able to get my hair done - professionally! I’m SO not a DIY hair stylist!

As we approach the week ahead, please keep an open heart and and open mind. When I need a little extra TLC, I look no further than my fur babies. Right now they all have double-duty as comfort-pets. Stay safe; be well.