Category Archives: Appetizer for Life

Staking Our Claim: Getting Ready For July Fourth Parade

Posted on by March 18, 2014

It’s July 3rd, do you know where your lawn chair is? If you live in my Chicago suburb, it probably is somewhere along the famed Independence Day parade route.

Fourth of July Parade Saving spots for this parade has become a competitive sport. It’s almost like “dibs” in downtown Chicago where people save shoveled-out parking spaces during the winter.  I’ve blogged about our spot-saving shenanigans before here. And last year we were at a family reunion, so I have been looking forward to spending July … Read more ...

Tasty Tuesdays: Our Drunken Pub Crawl and Medieval Porn

Posted on by May 30, 2012

Everyone who knows me knows how much I love to throw parties. In the time of 2002 BC (before children) we used to have a big party each year, my favorite was the 80s-themed one.  With two little ones, those days have been put on hold.

Sort of.

His and hers.

Hubby and I were talking one night and decided we wanted to host a pub crawl. It’s popular in this area for 20-somethings to have pub crawls using the Metra commuter trains since there … Read more ...

High School Graduates: Trust Us When We Say Follow Your Dreams

Posted on by May 21, 2012

High school graduation. Remember that? The feelings of uncertainty, excitement, freedom, anticipation all jambled up inside.

This weekend I watched my nephew graduate from my old high school. I remember the day he was born, six weeks  early, frail and had to be hospitalized for a month because of his underdeveloped lungs. He was always a pensive soul and quiet, but you could hear the wheels whirring inside. (I’ve blogged about him before here.)

Now he’s 5 foot 9 inches tall and a muscular … Read more ...

Our Hoodie Tribute to Trayvon Martin

Posted on by March 26, 2012

I wanted our family to take part in some of the Trayvon Martin rallies in downtown Chicago. I thought it would be a good chance to be a part of combating an issue that some in America aren’t brave enough to admit exists.

But with rain clouds above and a small one with the sniffles, I scrapped our plans and decided to honor the slain 17-year-old suburban style: We had a Hoodie March to the park. And I use the term “march” loosely, as it … Read more ...

Real Talk: A White Girl and Black Girl Banter on Race

Posted on by October 1, 2012

White people, did you ever want to ask someone black about being black, but were too worried about being labeled the “R” word? Black people, what about you? Have you ever wanted to tell a white person your unfiltered feelings but didn’t feel like dealing with the aftermath?

By Digitalart

You’re not alone. Me and one of my Caucasian gal pals have honest conversations about race a lot and we thought it would be kinda fun to share one of our talks with others. She … Read more ...