One Trick Ahead of Disaster

Right now, my life definitely parallels that scene from Aladdin where he does all the fancy dodging and jumping in order to escape the guards. I'm not quite as nimble as I need to be, but I am using my fair share of ducking and sprinting in order to avoid all of the pressures around me. I'm running from adulthood. I'm fleeing the responsibilities and maturity that I should embrace. I've made it to "one jump ahead of the breadline," but it's just because I'm a split-second quicker than the others. While my parents continually warn me about the dangers of not settling down, I know that my air of restlessness is just one whiff in a world of clueless pre-adults. I read all about it online one day, and even though it's debatable and disproved by many of my more-responsible peers, I'm one of the statistics that makes this study believable. (Read more about it here.) I'm flipping through life - not entirely without a plan - maintaining my grip on reality only as far as tomorrow is concerned. Check back next week to make sure that those steadily-approaching duties don't have the best of me.

Doing That Thing I Do

Cities are my thing. I thrive amidst millions. I love the smells and the rush of air that comes from subway tunnels and skyscraper hallways. I feel alive as I hurry up and down the stairs that get me to the 'L.' Mostly, I love the way that cities – any city – can hold me in their grasp in just a few days. It doesn't take long for me to feel a part of the metropolis. I need one good map, a train ticket, and my ever-ready air of confidence to turn me from tourist to resident. Yesterday, a couple of people came up and asked me for directions. I don't know if they assumed I was a Chicagoan, or just a less-lost tourist than they, but it boosted my ego and reaffirmed that cities really are my thing.

We watched the Blue Angels perform at the Air and Water show yesterday afternoon. I trembled at the speed and daring feats of these awesome airplanes, and I relished my spot in the shade, overlooking Lake Michigan. We also walked up to Lincoln Park, even though we gave up finding the zoo in search of a more appetizing pizza adventure. Giordano's definitely didn't disappoint, and I took 3/4 of my awesome stuffed pizza home to enjoy over the next couple of days. The best part of my day was probably the 30 minutes I spent relaxing on Navy Pier, watching the sun set behind the magnificent skyline. I took lots of pictures and absorbed the moment as deeply as I possibly could. The architecture tour fascinated me; Chicago really is a city of a million different styles of incredible buildings. And while I can't say that it's my favorite city, or even that I'd really want to live here in the future, I'm so glad I had the opportunity to visit. I'm grateful for every chance I have to recognize my “things” – from Anthropologie cardigans to eclectic home décor, and most importantly cities – and understand a little more about this person named Emily.

The Much-Appreciated Nap

For this upcoming week, I'm making one vow: I will nap more.

I have had only one decent-length nap in months, and with my absolutely necessary nocturnal activities, I've been averaging about six hours of sleep each night. I don't complain. In fact, I've even stopped yawning (unless it's past midnight or the conversation is lagging). I think my body is trying to tell me that I could survive 3:00 am feedings or 5:30 am alarm clocks. Let's hope that both of these possibilities are many years off, though. I might even be able to admit, albeit reluctantly, that this sleeplessness has increased my productivity and my overall happiness. Don't try this at home friends; I do not endorse any stimulants in replacement of my napping. Maybe the reason for my nap-less life is a direct result of all the great things that have happened to me over the past couple months. Who needs sleep when you can bake bread or give balloons to a child? What kind of nap could possibly take the place of an outdoor adventure or a conversation with a dear friend? Wow. It sounds like I've just made a pretty strong case against naps, which was definitely not my intent.

Yes. There will be naps this week. There will also be cookies, summer school, books, and lots of hugs. I think I can safely say that they will all be great.