Looking forward to things in spring

Things are really starting to open up in Chicago. The last few weekends, you really see more people out and about in the streets, and restaurant patios are open again.

Dave and I were able to snag some spare vaccines at a drive a few weeks ago, so we feel like we're doing what we can do and we've tried to support our local restaurants with carry-out orders. I have also been in a bit of a rut on most weekdays, so I decided to work for a few hours from my local cafe. It was so great!!

Just the change of scenery was important to begin with, but being out and hearing ambient noise was helpful, too. I could also see my favorite bookstore from across the street, and it was heartwarming to see people come out with bags full of books. Support your local independent bookstore, people!

Dave and I talked about wanting to make more outings like this and change things up a bit. I think it will be important to our mental health and to supporting area businesses as this pandemic continues. (And bonus - the barista at the cafe said she'd been vaccinated, too! Wins all around!)

We've also been knocking out some hikes from my New Year's resolution, as well as some French and Russian movies. I have already completed and implemented our financial plan and submitted my clemency petition for my prison pen pal, so that's two resolutions / goals down! Aiming to cover my dining room chairs soon, and we've booked our stay at Starved Rock for a weekend of hiking (in June).

Lastly, my birthday is coming up - my second during this pandemic - and all I wanted was to go to an alpaca farm in Indiana with Dave, my mother, and my sister, and we've booked that for May. So all we're really doing on the day of my birthday is eating a cake I've ordered from a local bakery. I told them I wanted peanut butter and banana in some combination, and that I trusted them. Can't wait.