Chicago, John Hughes, Travel

Walking in John Hughes Footsteps: Movie Locations & Addresses

First published August 3, 2015 I wrote a piece for Chicago Parent about John Hughes in January 2015, including addresses such as his former home, the cemetery where he is buried, and his favorite pizza restaurant. Then, one late May night, my friend Jen and her boyfriend George were walking around Lake Forest, Illinois, looking… Continue reading Walking in John Hughes Footsteps: Movie Locations & Addresses

Family, Humor, Travel

Return to Snake Island-Cedar Point 2015

  Last week, we got to go on a little family getaway to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. A few years ago, we met up with my brother and his family there, and this year, we decided to do it again — this time also meeting up with our dear friend Vikki and her family.… Continue reading Return to Snake Island-Cedar Point 2015

Family, Life, Menopause, Motherhood

The Day I Ran Away From Home

My husband works long hours. With my perimenopause symptoms, headaches, and the kids' schedules, this year has been difficult. Especially in the last few weeks. Lots of tears, frustration, temper tantrums, and storms from the morning until the lights went out at night. I literally turned off my phone after my youngest got off the… Continue reading The Day I Ran Away From Home

Chicago, Humor, John Hughes, Menopause

Channeling Mr. Hughes

I know you think there's something wrong with me. You can nod your heads as you read this because a part of me wonders if there's something wrong with me as I try to recreate my adolescent years by sitting at a dead director's grave and writing for hours on end. But it was this… Continue reading Channeling Mr. Hughes

Family, Food, Link Party

Grandma’s Romance Waffles

Almost everything we ate growing up was homemade. Sure, we’d occasionally go out to eat—usually after church or to celebrate when my brother or I won an award at school. And McDonald’s? That was a rare and exciting treat. But at home, every meal was lovingly prepared by my mother or grandmother, who lived with… Continue reading Grandma’s Romance Waffles