Inspiration

INSPIRATION


Sometimes we seek out inspriation, and sometimes inspiration finds us. However, I think what we forget (I know I do) is that inspiration is all around us. I am taking steps back now, not in moving forward, but steps back to think about it all. Reflection! We have a capacity for so very much. I am dedicating this particular entry to my beautiful parents, Paula and David. They have provided me with inspiration that has the power to create infinite universes. Take this walk with me.

Quick side note, I never realized that this blog would evolve to what is becoming for me. I hope you all enjoy reading it. It's certainly what I would articulate if I were with each of you in person. More important, no matter what I say this is for me. I need to say it.

Now here we go. Let me profess (whether you like it or not) my thoughts on inspiration. This was triggered recently by a note I received from a very sweet and inspirational (in her own right) colleague. She wrote to me about about my performance in my new position, which in itself is incredibly touching because she took the time. Her very thoughtful words throughout the note made me blush, but also refreshed my self confidence. Yet, it was the last sentence she wrote that I think about repeatedly. Her comment was, "You Inspire Me!" How does anyone digest that pure statement? I was taken back by that comment and just sat there and gazed at it. Me, inspire someone. I always try to be so true with me feelings and everyone who knows me would say I don't hold back. I think I provide people with guidance on certain topics, but I find its because of my own inpiration from them or my surroundings. Yet, it's the something so powerful when someone you have known for such a short time says those three unexpected and motivational words, that you reflect. I am honored and humbled.

Those words meant so much more to me because they were not only very kind, but they were thought provoking. I thought about the many different family, friends and people in my life who have inpisired me. Yet, two most inspiring are my parens who love their children uncondiionally (which I think and hope most parents do). Yes, Mom and Dad, you beat out Thoreau for most inspirational. I had to throw that in.

No matter what the day, the issue, the moment my parents happy, sad, annoyed, surprised or unsure, always said to all my siblings and each other, I love you. Inspiration.

It's their inspiration that I am here in Chicago today. It's their inspiration that I am challenging myself, bettering myself. It's their inspiration, that I, without knowing, inspired someone else.

I am living a life filled with inspiration and it all stems from my parents, people who go out of their way to make everyone around them feel that much better about themselves. I understand inspiration because of them (I understand a lot about life because of them).

I know I much to learn and find out about Chicago, but what I have found is that it is a land of discovery. Like any city there is a history here. Yet, Chicago yearns for you to discover it and provides heaps of reasons to. I have not met a person here who has not wanted to tell me a story of why they enjoy living here. They talk to me about places they have eaten at or seen, times they have had with others in this city (and I think all of them have them have expressed their deep gratitude for the very inexpensive drinks). Had to throw that in as well. Seriously, they tell me these stories and I want to dive in, I want to discover. I want to be Inspired. Wait a minute. I am inspired. I moved, but brought with me all that wonderful inspiration in life (and a little baggage, but we all have that). I am looking forward to showing you more of what I discover and what inspires me in Chicago.

For now, Mom, Dad- the dictionary should have your two names as the definition of Inspiration. I know it's mine.

Two Cities, One Very Valuable Lesson or Realization (It’s just how you look at it)

You are probably thinking, by two cities I am referring to New York and Chicago. Well, you are right on one of them. Can you guess which one? Oh, I think you can, yes one of them is New York. Was that really so hard? Well here is the hard part, if the other city I am referring to is not Chicago, which is it? Hmmm, I’ll give you a hint.




Did that help? Probably for a few people. Well I won’t keep you in much more suspense, yes that picture is of Kansas City. Kansas City, Missouri that is, not to be confused with Kansas City, Kansas which I saw from across the river.

I had the opportunity to make my first visit to Kansas City, or KC as its sweet locals like to call it. I was there on business and my incredibly kind and accommodating colleague Ashley chauffeured me to all of our meetings, and even took me to one of her favorite Barbeque joints.


Something, I never knew about KC is that there is a very large and growing artist community in the city. Also, there has been a lot of attention to architecture and some of the buildings going up are quite impressive. It was a first experience to a city where my expectations were exceeded. I am looking forward to visiting again.

Thank you Kansas City.


Now, the moment you have been waiting for or at least I hope you were. My recent weekend back in New York City, or as you would have to be living under a rock to not know it as (come to think of it I am sure even rock’s know) NYC!!! There is something so beautiful about typing those three letters together. I find it melodic. I will say although I enjoyed making this a trip a surprise and people’s reactions were priceless, it is very difficult to see everyone when they don’t know you are coming.

You know what else is so beautiful about NYC? My Beautiful Family and Dear Friends. Brandy’s Birthday Party was amazing and her apartment is one for the style books. Ayaz, Dave, Cindy, Greg, Erica and Gregor look phenomenal and seem to have adjusted to my moving (I just had to throw that in). They are all doing very well and I am so happy to have seen them. Take a look at these photos.


On Saturday night, I saw my father and two brothers for my older brother’s birthday. Josh’s very sweet girlfriend Jolene joined us too. Of course I forgot my camera that night, but it was a great dinner!

My mom was not in attendance because she has the pleasure of visiting my sister, brother-in-law and nephew at their brand new apartment in Roma. I can’t wait to visit!!








Well, if you have read this far, thank you. Now for that Very Valuable Lesson. What is it about NYC and KC that taught Jeremy a very valuable lesson? Maybe it’s more clarity. Can two very different cities honestly teach someone the same lesson? In this case, yes. You know what that lesson is for me (Those still reading are saying FINALLY HIS POINT!), this lesson, this realization is that I made one very SMART decision to move to Chicagoland. Did anyone else GASP besides me?





Visiting these two cities got me excited to come back and really dive into the waves of this somewhat misunderstood city of Chicago. As many people know about me, I had craved for a while moving to a new city and Chicago was the best choice for me. I am more observant, which is refreshing and enlivening. Sure, we can all learn new things from ay place we live, but this is one of those feelings where you just know that this was the fit you were looking for at this point in your life. This was just that very special goodness that I felt without even needing to know why, I just knew it. Kind of like that goodness I discovered recently when I met this very special guy in NYC, but that’s a story for another time.