Category Archives: Outdoor Fun

Jun 14 2013
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Food/Drink Fun, Friends and Family, Fun for Couples, Outdoor Fun, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Travel Fun

Day 263: New Love = Camping

This weekend was an adventure: new places, new terrain, new favorite outdoor activities. Over the course of the weekend, I rediscovered camping and hiking. I did a fair amount of camping in college but the hubs hasn’t been since childhood.

We drove up to Leelanau County in northern Michigan where our friends own a small piece of Heaven-secluded land and an old farmhouse. We camped on the land because, well, why not? And the house isn’t totally livable, though it does have running water (and good, no ghost vibes). Because the hubs and I were the last to arrive, our friends generously set up our new tent for us by the time we got there. All we had to do was blow up the air matress, lay out sleeping bags and pillows, and we were good to go.

After seeing a little of the nearest town (Empire, MI population 370) we settled into campfire, songs and dog playtime before hitting the sack. Now the hubs and I were most concerned about our dog, Elphie. Would she sleep? Or stay up growling and barking at “outdoor night noises?” We discovered that this dog was actually MADE for outdoor living. She hopped right into the tent and fell asleep on my feet, happy as a farm dog in a horse barn.

Our other big concern, with my RA, was my ability to sleep on the ground (hence the air mattress) and generally get in and out of the tent. I got into the tent ok. Getting out required a lift from the hubs-as does getting up from any low point like beach, ground, floor. This is concerning to me so I’m working on figuring out what muscles I can use and what joints I can put pressure on to get up on my own. However, I was comfy and cozy sleeping in the tent. I loved snuggling down into my sleeping bag with my husband and dog right by me. I woke up (at the actual crack of dawn due to some very energetic birds) feeling amazing and not at all stiff. Honestly I cannot wait to do it again!

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Jun 02 2013
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Outdoor Fun, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Solitary Fun, Travel Fun

Day 251: Roofless Church, Peace

Day 251 was my real New Harmony day. I love the New Harmony Project (I mean have been professing my love for it over the last two days) but the town is just so inspiring. It has been the site of at least two attempted communal utopias. It features a roofless church, a mediation maze, preserved log homes from 1814, and so much more history. The town’s main income, I believe, comes from the New Harmony Inn where the New Harmony Project is held along with countless weddings each year. With a population of around 800, it is definitely the kind of place where locals know if you are a visitor. And they actually like you for it!

While the hubs had his board meeting, I set out on my own. My first stop, my old favorite, the Roofless Church. Designed by architect Philip Johnson, this non-denomination church was commissioned by Jane Owen, the town’s main benefactor. She was an oil money heiress who married a descendant of Robert Owen (Owenites were one of utopian groups to settle in New Harmony). She was also a great supporter of the New Harmony Project whom I remember for her quiet thoughtfulness, prim voice and lovely hats. The Roofless Church has long been a place I have sought out for peace and quiet. In college, friends and I would visit the church in the middle of night to stargaze. (Oh, the stars on a clear Indiana night). Every time I’ve gone to the New Harmony Project, I’ve made a special trip to the church. This time it was particularly important.

Many people who read this know I’ve struggled with my RA. Many also know that I’ve struggled with Anxiety, that I’ve struggled at work, that I’ve struggled with what I want to do with my life. I sat in the Roofless Church and let a lot of that go. I had, for about 20 minutes, the entire place to myself. First, I walked through the doors straight to the benches overlooking the field.

20130613-114659.jpgThen I walked the perimeter and examined the huge iron gates.

20130613-114729.jpgReal peace came when I sat under what I have always assumed is the altar and just relaxed. I let a lot of things go and, under blue sky, I truly felt calm, happy, peaceful, well.

20130613-114743.jpgI carried that with me as I walked the meditation maze, as I explored the gift shop at the visitors’ center and roamed the many little shops lining the main street. One particular shop owner inspired me to make music (more on this in Day 252). I even carried that with me back to Chicago and for a few days following.

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But now I’m finding it harder to remain there. Again the stresses of work and health creep in. Again I am frenzied, always working, running around. At New Harmony and back in Chicago, I’ve had multiple people ask me about the blog. Why haven’t I been posting? They miss it, they tell me how much it means to them and I am moved and yet, I still manage to let other things get in the way. This blog is my continued peace and again I have to force myself to remain focused on it. Year of Fun is what I want to do, yet I keep letting other stuff get in the way.

This pretty much sums up THE major conflict of my life: do what I love/what I want vs. do what I have to do. Maybe all of our lives? Maybe that is what living is? Finding the right balance between the two or going on a quest to fill your life with just the things you want to do? I sure don’t know but I would like to think that I am getting closer to figuring it out.

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May 05 2013
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Friends and Family, Fun for Couples, Games, Outdoor Fun, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 223: Kids, Suburbs, Kids

After doing a little party clean up and recovery, the hubs and I headed out to the burbs to visit some friends and their kids.

First stop, J and A and their son in Buffalo Grove. We played soccer and baseball in their yard and a matching game in their home. Then we picked up Portillos (obviously a suburban favorite) and took it to V and J and their two children in Northbrook. After dinner we were treated to a game and a few musical numbers courtesy of their 6 year old.

I had a lot of fun and did my best to keep up with the seemingly endless supply of energy in all three of the kids. The hubs was great! Especially playing with the first boy, who is two and a half and just wanted to do sports the whole time. It’s also nice (and fun) to see friends as parents, to watch their kids grow up and to be a part of so many great families’ lives.

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May 01 2013
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Fun at Work, Outdoor Fun

Day 219: Office Space

Wednesdays at work consist of meetings all day. Because it was actually nice, I had all of my meetings outside!

To my knowledge, this not something that happens at many places of work. Yet, it refreshes the mind. Sitting in the sun, appreciating the cool breeze promotes positive thinking. Instead of working at my desk wishing I was enjoying the weather, I’m enjoying the weather while working. It’s the best! (Except maybe when you then get a weird arm sunburn because you’re wearing a professional work blazer).

Apr 24 2013
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Around the House/DIY, Chicago Specific Fun, Fitness, Food/Drink Fun, Friends and Family, Fun at Work, Fun for Couples, Games, Guilty Pleasures, Holiday Fun, Nightlife, Online Fun, Outdoor Fun, Pamper/Beautify, Reader Suggested Fun, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Solitary Fun, Theatre Fun, Travel Fun

Day 212: The Oldest Post

This is the oldest post I never wrote. Day 212. April 24. APRIL TWENTY FOURTH?! It was a Wednesday. According to my calendar, I had my regular Wednesday work meetings. Nothing else.

Well I hope Barbara Streisand had a happy birthday!

 

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