Just Dance, Gonna Be Okay

Wow, today I was invited to a mediation class in the form of dance. It is called 5 rhythms dance - http://beatrootdance.webs.com/5rhythmsislike.htm

You basically let your body go with the flow of the music and the emotions that you feel with it. I have to admit, when I saw a 60 year old man and a middle aged women galloping around the open area of a church, I could not help but laugh and wonder what the heck I was doing here.

But then I closed my eyes and just let the music take me away. Music can bring back so many memories, good and bad. After I left the session, I left very refreshed. I definitely recommend doing something out of the ordinary for your spirit.

It's Just the Little Things in Life that Put a Smile on Your Face

I feel the need to blog about the little things in life that we (I) sometimes take for granted. When you stop to appreciate those things, it puts a smile on your face. I think this experience in London has opened me to see things like this. Periodically, I will blog about my little things.

Here are my little things for this week:

The email that I received from one of my best girlfriends (I am lucky to have about 10) telling me about her great news. I was very touched she remembered me thousands of miles away and included me in the girl gossip.

The daily IMs during work with Vicky. We were both on holiday together and separately so it had been awhile since we had our usual chat.

My catch up call with Rosie, giving her crap for not calling me but knowing that I am always on her mind. When we talk, it's as if I am right next to her...if you can understand that feeling.

My first Christmas card received in the post yesterday. Dang US Mail or maybe Royal Mail? :)

My great-aunt posting a message on my Facebook wall asking her if I called one of her contacts in London. She knows people everywhere!

What really got me this evening and prompted me to write this blog....Stanley's slobbery kisses and his enthusiasm. It's amazing what a dog will do for a little treat and for the love of his owner. We play this game every day to see what trick he will do for a treat. When I feel he's earned it, I say "Okay" and he happily hops over the kitchen where I keep his treats...tail wagging...Happy Feet.

Right now, he's relaxing by my feet. Ah...the good life.

Christmas in Chicago

Going home for Christmas was a mix of feelings. I was excited to see everyone but what if I missed them too much and didn't want to go back to London?

I arrived on Christmas Eve around 1:00p.m. My stay was very short and every day was planned with seeing family and friends and of course shopping. I felt bad I could not see everyone in my short 4 days. My surroundings felt the same yet different. When I woke up the first day, all I could do was stare out the window at the houses and the snow. It was familiar yet foreign.

I gained a better appreciation for home. It felt really good to be home in the comfort of family and friends. Rosie made me feel very welcome in her home in the middle of her construction. My family welcomed me with open arms and my friends were happy to see me. Rosie's mom cooked tamales and posole that I ate the whole 4 days I was there. Yes, even for breakfast at 7:00a.m. I had the best coffee. I surprised my grandmother and loved the smile on her face. She even cooked my favorite dish of hers - fideo. Even though I changed up Christmas for my cousin and her kids, I really enjoyed it. I was very proud of her for keeping my mom's traditions. We shared some very emotional moments about growing up with my godson and moving forward in life. I loved sharing stories about Europe with my Aunt Diane's family. I also got to meet the newest baby in the family.

It snowed about 5 inches or so over the course of the weekend. I worried that I would forget how to drive or the main roads. Nope. If anything, I felt like a road warrior..Not only had I not driven in 3 months but I was still able to drive in the crazy snow.

On Monday, the 28th I headed back to London. Since then I've been a little homesick but I still have a lot to do in Europe. I had my first visitors, Niria and Sonia to ring in the New Year. I think it is perceived that London is so far from Chicago. At least for me, it's just a plane ride away. (I sleep most of the way) Thank goodness for modern technology to always keep me connected to my loved ones.