Listing Beyond Forty

Memories of my bad college apartment

In Pittsburgh people love to wax nostalgic about things that aren't there anymore. There is even a PBS documentary about Pittsburgh things that aren't there anymore. Well, the bad college apartment that I shared with Punk Rock Palate is now a Pittsburgh thing that isn't there anymore. A friend who lived in the same apartment … Continue reading Memories of my bad college apartment

I survived Navy Pier during the Chicago Air and Water Show

Whenever we drive down Lake Shore Drive and Navy Pier comes into view my boy asks, "When are we going to go on that Ferris Wheel?" I always say something non-committal like "Someday." This has been going on for years. Literally years. Well, my husband and I finally fulfilled that promise, but it involved going … Continue reading I survived Navy Pier during the Chicago Air and Water Show

#blackolivesmatter, or the peril of misreading a hashtag

Why do I use that hashtag? Because I'm tired of ugly prejudice tainting this beautiful country. I've always been uncomfortable when people around me--often friends who I otherwise respect--start spouting hate, and I'm finally speaking out about it. You "hate" black olives? Why? Do you really feel that way, or are you just echoing things … Continue reading #blackolivesmatter, or the peril of misreading a hashtag

20 things Facebook likes may really mean

If you post something on Facebook there is a good chance that someone will click the like button, but what do those Facebook likes really mean? Sure, sometimes someone clicks the Facebook like button to say "I like this," but what if they click like on a picture of your loved one who died or … Continue reading 20 things Facebook likes may really mean

Recipe for Chicago Park District online enrollment success

Some people use their fast clicking skills to buy concert tickets right when they are available online. As a parent, I do the same thing with Chicago Park District online enrollment. Certain classes like gymnastics fill up quickly, so I need to be ready to click right when enrollment begins. I've been waitlisted before, and … Continue reading Recipe for Chicago Park District online enrollment success