Mad Hot Crush Update

I finally had dinner with my Mad Hot Crush and it was a perfect evening. I had a really nice time. I remain hopefully optimistic it is the start of something good.

Let's Motor!

Today was the Chicago Mini Motoring Club Spring Drive. ohmygod -- it was so much fun! Last night was daylight savings time "spring forward" which meant getting up at 7am was really 6am. My nephew Marcello agreed to be my co-pilot. I picked him up in Evanston at 8am and we headed up to Knauz Mini in Lake Bluff. As soon as we arrived, Francis (CMMC Board Member) came over and asked if I was in Glenview yesterday. He remembered my car because of the personalized plates and the Chicago Dachshund Lovers "Let Your Wiener Hangout" plate cover (lol!). Kevin (Knauz Sales Manager) hosted the morning meetup and arrived with Krispy Kreme donuts, coffee AND......two miniature Dachshunds named Rudolph and Comet! They were adorable! Of course I gave him a CDL card and invited him to our next Dachshund meetup.


35 Minis headed out on 41N at 9:40am and took a scenic route to Burlington, WI. We stopped at Firestone/Culvers where we met up with the Milwaukee Mini group, an additional 25 Minis. From there, we all drove to Galena through some fun, winding roads in the country. Some of the hills were like rollercoasters and Marcello & I both got butterflies. Our top speed was 95mph (don't tell Heidi!). In Galena, our group met for lunch at Houlihans. We were seated by a window with a view of the parking lot which had been reserved for our group. HATGRL1 got a nice front row spot.


We sat with two friends Evan & Mario (both into automobiles and racing) and Jon & Amanda, a young couple from Evanston. Amanda is a school teacher and she named their car Wini the Mini (after Winnie on The Wonder Years). In total over 100 people participated and 4 dogs. =)

It was great fun and everyone was so nice. I love my Mini and waited a long time to have one. Being with fellow Mini owners was a celebration of the spirit of this awesome little car. I am planning to have my roof and dash painted in Snow Leopard. It would have been fun to sport my custom Mini today but there is always next time. In the meantime, I am totally ordering a sticker that says: "Actual Size!" I can't wait for the next event: The Milwaukee Mile on Sunday, May 4th.

~My special girl~

Today was Claudia's 11th birthday. It is our tradition for just the two of us to go out to dinner and celebrate her birthday together. And I was so honored to get her on her birth date. This year we went to Wildfire in Glenview. Her birthday gift was ice skating lessons from Heidi and I (and she asked me to knit her leg warmers).

I remember the day Heidi called to tell me she was pregnant with Claudia. I felt a grip of fear in my chest because I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to love another child more than I already loved Madeleine. Then the day I met Claudia for the first time, I understood love is not measurable. That love multiplies and you have more than enough love for everyone. It is beautiful and amazing. I am so proud to have Claudia as my niece and godchild. I love you Claudia.