Little Merry Sunshine's 40th Birthday Gift Registry

You may have heard the rumor: Little Merry Sunshine is turning 40 on June 16th (exactly one month from today). Much to my surprise, the rumor is, in fact, true. Our crack team of investigators has thoroughly researched the matter. They spoke to my parents, reviewed my birth certificate, looked at birth announcements in the paper, and even used a Ouija board to communicate with three of my late grandparents (the fourth having no knowledge of my existence because he died before I was born). Still in disbelief, we hired Donald Trump and his highly paid investigators (as opposed to our typical investigators who go by the names Betsey and Ross) to look into the matter.

Since I am actually turning 40, I believe the day should be celebrated in style and with the grandest gifts ever. And I've taken the luxury of providing you with a list of acceptable gifts. Stick to these and you won't go wrong.

Let's talk about the party location first though. I recommend Lichtenstein. Yes, as in the country of. Lichtenstein can be rented for a mere $70,000 per night. That doesn't include transportation to get there, but I'm sure that's just a minor expense. Please pay attention to the details here: make sure to rename the streets in my honor and issue money with my face on the bills. Oh, we'll have to make it a two night party because they rent the country for a minimum of two days.


Onto the gifts...

Cubs Fantasy Camp
It's no secret I'm a Cubs fan. In fact, pitcher Kerry Wood and I share a birthday. Do you know what every lifelong Cubs fan fantasizes about? Well, aside from the Cubs winning the World Series, we fantasize about playing for the Cubs. And thanks to the Cubs Fantasy Camp, one of my dreams can come true! Fantasy Camp includes a signed one-day contract to play with Manager Jim Hendry, batting practice with Cubs greats, live play on the diamond with a Cubs Legend as my coach, and many more perks. The 2011 Fantasy Camp was a mere $4,500, but I'm not sure what the fee for the 2012 Camp will be. I know it sounds like a lot, but it includes an overnight stay at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago. See? Such a deal.

Diamond and Gold Stilettos
If diamonds are a girl's best friend, then diamond stilettos, must be a girl's BFF. Well, they'd be my BFF. Without a doubt, my feet will look beyond sexy in the Eternal Borgezie Diamond Stiletto. For just about $165,000, you can keep me in high fashion for the rest of my life. What makes a pair of shoes worth $165,000? Glad you asked. They include 2,200 brilliant cut diamonds, totaling 30 carats and are handcrafted from solid gold. They even come with a 1,000 year warranty! Plus, I'm willing to spring for the weekly pedicures that will be necessary to keep my feet in tip-top shape for these shoes. I'm worth $165,000 right? I wear a size 8.

Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House in Berkshire
What could be better than capping off an afternoon in the British countryside than with a proper English tea? Afternoon Tea at The Cliveden House includes white truffles, Beluga Caviar, and Da Hong Pao Tea (a rare tea made from 1,000 year old plants), among other delicacies. We'll wash this all down with a glass of "the king of champagnes," Dom Perignon Rose. Considering the other gifts I'd like, Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House is a bargain at $900 per couple, but you'll have to get us to Great Britain too.
Ferris Bueller House or Home Alone House
It just so happens that both of these amazing homes are for sale at the moment. Coincidence? No way. The Home Alone house in Winnetka, complete with the staircase Macauley Culkin sleded down, is $2.4million. The Ferris Bueller house, located in one of Highland Park's ravines, is just $1.65million and is ideal for my budget-conscious friends (it was for sale for $2.3 million in 2009), but does not include Cameron Frye's dad's "Ferrari" (because it was up for sale a year ago and I'm assuming it was sold - maybe to someone who bought it as a 40th birthday gift for me?).

The Home Alone house

Cameron Frye's house in Ferris Bueller's Day Off

I promise to act completely surprised when I unwrap all of these wonderful gifts.

Thank You National League!

Tonight may have been the 30th anniversary of the start of my annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game bet with my grandpa. I say may have been because I don't remember the exact year the bet started, but I was about 9 and I'm 28 39 now, so that would make it 30 years.

Since Grandpa died in 1995, my National League has been on a serious losing streak, having last won in 1996. Grandpa was a die-hard White Sox fan, so he always got the AL in the bet and I always took the NL. Since Grandpa's death, my dad and I continued the bet, and, due to this losing streak, I've gone into serious debt (well, okay, we only bet $1 each year, but you get my point). I've had a sneaking suspicion that Grandpa has been tampering with the game each year from up above, but I don't have any proof, so I've kept this theory to myself.

Yesterday, Dad sent me a text asking if we were still on for our bet. I said yes, but we needed to up the ante again (we did this in 2007 as well) and increase the bet from $1 to a beer at Dinghy's next month when we're at Watervale. So in reality, that means we've only raised the stakes about 50 cents, but that's not the point.

When I awoke this morning to the sad news about George Steinbrenner, I knew the NL was going to win tonight. The AL would be far too upset to play a good game. I called Dad and he laughed at me. He assured me that the NL was going down . . . again.

Guess who's laughing now!

That's right. Thanks to Brian McCann's 3-run hit and Marlon Byrd, the National League won 3-1.

That's gonna be one sweet beer at Dinghy's next month.

The Best Christmas Gift or First Date Idea EVER

I know that my birthday was just a few days ago, but you're probably scratching your head as you wonder what you can get me for Christmas this year. Now, while there's no possible way to top the super cool gifts I received two years ago from Karen Zipdrive, you can come close this year by giving me a trip to Cubs Fantasy Camp at Wrigley Field!

Yes, seriously. If you know me even slightly, you know how much I love the Cubs and would be over the moon at the chance to put my custom-made Cubs uniform and take a run around the bases while taking hits off Rick Sutcliffe and getting batting tips from "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks and Billy Williams. In fact, I've already saved the dates of August 8th and 9th, so you don't need to worry I may have a scheduling conflict.

It's only $7,500. Isn't the joy you'll bring me for the rest of my life worth at least that?

Oh, this would also be the absolute best first date ever, in case a certain cute boy would like to take me there on our first date (in that case, he could save by purchasing the group tix for two for $6,000 each). Let's be clear though, I'm not so into the threesome group idea ($5,000 each). I'm just saying.

Cubs offer fantasy camp deal for $7,500

by Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, June 23, 2010

SEATTLE -- The Cubs are offering diehard fans a chance to emulate their pin-striped heroes, though getting doubled off second base on a routine fly to left is strictly optional.

"Cubs Fantasy Camp at Wrigley Field" is the latest in a series of revenue-enhancers announced by the Cubs in 2010, following the PNC Club, the Toyota sign and the Noodle.

For a mere $7,500, a Cubs' fan will get batting tips from Ernie Banks and Billy Williams, a custom made Cubs' uniform, a chance to take batting practice off Rick Sutcliffe, a day in a private suite for a Cubs-Reds game on Aug. 8, a one-day contract and a chance to play in a game on the actual field on Aug. 9, when the Cubs will be in San Francisco.

In a news release, the Cubs said the fantasy camp "gives some of our most loyal fans" the chance to pretend to be a Cub. Those "loyal fans" also need to have some disposable income at the price of $7,500, though groups of two are offered for $6,000 apiece, and groups of three can get in for $5,000 apiece.

Participants will be granted access to the Cubs' clubhouse and will sign one-day contracts. After the game, a news conference will follow in the interview room, where participants will presumably sit in the same seat that Lou Piniella gives his post-mortems after one-run losses. No word on whether Cub-friendly reporters will be invited to ask the questions.

For more information, email wrigleyexperience@cubs.com

Gratitude List

One thing that's helped me feel better over the last few days is focusing on all I have to be grateful for. I thought I'd share that list tonight, as I do periodically.

Today I'm grateful . . .

• that I had 38 wonderful years with Nana and that up until the last two years, she was in fairly good health. She had her problems and was never quite the same after her stroke in 2002, but she was feisty, fun, optimistic, loving, generous, and the kindest woman I've ever known.
  
• that I have a business with flexibility so I can take the time I need to mourn and be with my family.
• for music that makes me want to sing and dance. Of course, I'm also grateful that I can sing and dance.
• for friends who give me space, but don't let me fall too far. It's a delicate balance, but my friends seem to have mastered it.
• for the generosity that has poured out of friends, family and strangers these last few weeks. I received the list of donors in Nana's honor to Crystal Beach Community Church today and am blown away by the generosity of those who have donated. I am overwhelmed with gratitude on this one.
• that I took the advice to get into grief counseling. It took me awhile to find what was right for me, but just setting up the appointment has made all the difference.
• that I am able to spend more time with my mom this month and we've got some really fun stuff planned.
• for Betsey and Ross. Never ever underestimate the healing power of pets.
• that I feel like myself today.
• for the friendships I've renewed through Facebook. Que "It's A Small World Afterall" here.
• that the Cubs won tonight.
  

Fabulous Birthdays Through the Years

The most beautiful birthday flowers in the world.

You may have heard that today is my birthday. It's true. I'm 25. Wait, that part might not be true.

Over the years, I'm had some pretty extraordinary birthdays.

Because my birthday is in mid-June, it always fell right after school let out for the summer. Many years, we would hop on a plane on June 15th and I'd wake up at Nana's house on my birthday. I'd come downstairs for a special birthday breakfast with the whole family and then usually off to the beach. I grew up believing the only way to celebrate my birthday was to go on vacation.

My 18th birthday arrived just days after my high school graduation. Nana was in town for the big occasion and I got three of my girlfriends together and we all went into Chicago for lunch and a Wendella boat ride. It was freezing cold (even colder than it was today), overcast and windy and although we were dressed warmly, the wind still made it uncomfortable. Nana asked the Wendella folks if they had any big plastic garbage bags that we could use as rain/wind slickers. It was actually a great idea!

Janet, Cheryl, Me, and Cindy (l-r) on the Wendella Boats using plastic garbage bags to block the wind.
Yes, I gave Sally Jessy Rapheal her glasses back.

I celebrated my 20th birthday at Watervale and because this is supposedly a family blog, I can't describe the debauchery that ensued. Let's just say that it didn't hurt things at all that the Bulls had just won their first NBA Championship.

In 1992, I turned 21 with the help of my good friends Heather and Emilie, and Michael, Scottie, and the rest of the Chicago Bulls. Heather and I spent the day in Chicago at the Bulls Championship Rally in Grant Park and then window shopping on the Mag Mile. After taking the train back to Lake Forest, I drank at The Lantern for the first time. That was also the year Dave surprised me with the sterling silver pendant he made of the two of us. An incredible day.

1993 found me in Washington DC without my friends or family. I spent the day wandering around Georgetown and then watched the Bulls win Game 4 of the NBA Finals over the Phoenix Suns on a date. Of course, the Bulls went on to win their third NBA Championship days later.

I spent my 25th birthday reading the subliminal messages Michael was sending me through his stellar performance in the winning game of the Bulls 4th NBA Championship.

I turned 27 in 1998 and was in Chicago for the Bulls 6th and final NBA Championship. The night before my birthday, Christopher and I were in the stands at Wrigley Field watching Kerry Wood pitch a nailbiter and Sammy Sosa start his home run streak by hitting 3 that night as they beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5. On my birthday, I celebrated with a few hundred thousand of my closest friends in Grant Park as we celebrated the Bulls and witnessed the end of an era. When I arrived back in DC on the 17th, I was surprised by my friends at a party at the rooftop bar at the Hotel Washington.

When I turned 30, Dave surprised me by flying to Chicago for the weekend. My dad also came to town and when I got up that morning, my lawn was filled with 30 plastic pink flamingos! I'm sorry I don't have pictures.

And then there was today. Today was fabulous. Words can't express my gratitude for all the joy and love I felt today. I got to talk to Nana, which was the highlight of my day. I heard from friends all over the country and friends in my neighborhood. God, I love the birthday reminder on Facebook! Emails even poured in tonight from my mom's childhood friends! Local friends surprised me with many delights. And my dad started his new job today.

I have had some amazing birthdays throughout the years, but today was the best. My gratitude list is long and I'm putting my head on my pillow tonight secure in the knowledge of who I love and who loves me. Words can't begin to express how full my heart is tonight.

Thank you.

What's Making You Happy Today?

Last Friday, Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich wrote a delightful column titled "What's Making You Happy Today?". The gist of the column was that even in the worst of times we can each find something to be happy about in any given moment. Some people talk about having a "gratitude journal" where they start or end each day by writing down everything they are grateful for. It's the same idea.

But I love Mary Schmich's question: "What's making you happy today?"

• I'm happy that my seedlings are starting to sprout and soon I can plant them in my garden.
• I'm happy that the perennials in my garden are growing strong and healthy and that I'm able to go pull the weeds.
• I'm happy that I have great friends and family who encourage me to follow my passions.
• I'm happy that I am healthy.
• I'm happy that in a few minutes when I crawl into bed, Betsey and Ross will curl up next to me and purr until I fall asleep.
• I'm happy for the rain yesterday because it makes the colors of nature vibrant and brings everything to life. After the long winter we had in Chicago, it's wonderful seeing such beautiful colors.
• I'm happy for a career I love.
• I'm happy for my home.
• I'm happy for the people who read Little Merry Sunshine. But for you, I'd just be talking to myself.
• Music always makes me happy.
• The Cubs winning yesterday makes me happy today.
• Random acts of kindness make me happy everyday.
• I'm still happy that on Sunday I got to talk to Nana. Hearing her voice always makes me happy.
  

What's making YOU happy today? Feel free to leave your list in the comments.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame . . . And Leave Me There

A friend of mine posted an article on Facebook this morning titled "Cubs-Inspired Cemetery Opens Wednesday." It's about Dennis Mascari, who while visiting his late father at the cemetery a couple of years ago, came up with an the idea to create a cemetery modeled after the center field wall at Wrigley Field. I love it! Beyond the Vines will open on April 22nd and for a fraction of the cost of a traditional burial, your ashes can be interred in one of the "Eternal Skyboxes" in Bohemian National Cemetery on Chicago's North side. Eventually, there will be ivy on the walls, a stained glass scoreboard, turf and bricks from Wrigley Field, and actual Cubs box seats.

My friend thought this was a bit creepy, but I actually think it's a great idea, if only as a consolation prize to what I'd truly like in the afterlife.

I'd much rather have my ashes scattered at the actual Wrigley Field like Steve Goodman's. The only problem is that the Cubs don't officially allow it. According to Eric Zorn, the only way to do it is to "find a guy who knows some guys who know a guy who know a guy."

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. That and I've aleady planned to have my ashes scattered at Watervale. But given the opportunity, I'd really love to have half my ashes scattered at Wrigley Field and half scattered at Watervale.

In light of how loyal baseball fans are and how much Cubs fans have suffered for our team over the last 100 years, Eric Zorn is right and the Cubs should allow fans to have their ashes scattered along the warning track. I guess, in the meantime, Beyond the Vines is a suitable substitute.

Cubs Opening Day at Wrigley!

In fine Chicago form, it is predicted to be about 40 and rainy all day today for the Cubs' Home Opener at Wrigley Field.

I have a couple of theories for this . . .

1. The cold weather on Opening Day at Wrigley Field is so that we know what to look for when Hell freezes over when we finaly win the World Series.
2. God is unhappy that the Cubs no longer play 100% of their games during the day and on WGN tv.
3. It's early April in Chicago. What do you expect? Just be glad we don't have a foot of snow.

In all seriousness, it's Opening Day at Wrigley and it's a big deal for any real Cubs fan. After one week of regular season play, the Cubs are 4-2 and in second place in the Division behind the nasty St. Louis Cardinals. While that seems like a problem, the Cubs will fix that problem this weekend when they wipe the field with the Cards.

I'm predicting that the Cubs will take it all this year. Of course, I predict this just about every year. But this year, I'm completely certain of it.

In honor of their pending World Series season, enjoy this Walter E. Smithe commercial. It's perfect for today.

Next Year Is Here!

The eternal optimist who bleeds Cubbie Blue, I'm legally required to believe that the start of each new baseball season is the beginning of our World Series winning season. This is the year we'll break our 100 year drought and win it all.

Baseball season officially begins today with the Cubs playing at Houston at 6:05pm CT. Zambrano is pitching and I'll be glued to my television like every true blue Cubs fan. So don't call me tonight. I won't be able to talk. Opening Day at Wrigley Field is next Monday with Colorado our first victim of the season at 1:20.

In honor of our winning season and 2009 being the year we take it all the way, enjoy these videos by some other great Cubs fans.

"Someday We'll Go All The Way" by Eddie Vedder


"Go Cubs Go" (2009 Edition) by Steve Goodman


"A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" by Steve Goodman


In the interest of full disclosure, like me, the late Steve Goodman is a Lake Forest College Class of 1970 alum.

UPDATE: Cubs Win! Cubs Win! Final score: Cubs 4, Houston Astros 2. Zambrano got his 1st victory on Opening Day! Cubs are in 1st place! Only 161 more games plus playoffs & World Series to go and then the curse will be over!

I Miss My Grandpa

I just read the following story about a grandfather and his grandson planning to attend the Cubs-Yankees exhibition games this weekend in New York. Not only did it put a smile on my face (how can you not love such an all-American story?), but it also made my eyes well up just a little thinking about how much I wish I could go to a baseball game with my grandpa.

Grandpa was a diehard White Sox fan and I bleed Cubbie blue. We always enjoyed our annual bets on the All-Star Game and World Series (the bets were for $1 and he always had the American League and I always had the National League), but I don't think we ever went to a game together. By the time I was old enough to attend a baseball game, my grandparents had already moved to Florida. We almost saw a White Sox spring training game together when I visited my grandparents during spring break my sophomore year of college, but Grandpa wasn't strong enough.

Grandpa passed away 14 years ago and I still miss him, especially as baseball season kicks off this weekend.

Suburban man on hospice care making pilgrimage with grandson
By Kimberly Pohl, Daily Herald, April 3, 2009

The results won't make a bit of difference in the standings, but Saturday's Cubs-Yankees exhibition game means the world to one Mount Prospect man.

John Cannistra, whose lung cancer has advanced to the point he needs hospice care, will be in the stands at the new Yankee Stadium with his grandson, Billy DeSario.

The Cubs fans, who left for New York Thursday, have never been to a game together.

"I think this is a beautiful thing," Cannistra, 75, said. "Hopefully, it's not our last game."

Cannistra says he can't complain. After all, doctors gave him a few months to live - six at the most - when they diagnosed him with cancer. That was nearly nine years ago.

The Chicago native lived most of his life in Niles, where he and his late wife, Gloria, had four children. He worked as a road construction foreman, retiring in 1999. Now he lives with his son, Mike, a Sox fan.

"When I hear him hollering at the TV, I just say good because I figure (the Sox are) losing," Cannistra said, laughing.

DeSario, 24, grew up two doors down from his grandpa. He said their tightknit Italian clan thrives on storytelling and food. Most of the family flew in for Cannistra's birthday in February.

"I haven't seen him that happy in a long time," DeSario said, adding it's been tough for Cannistra since his wife died last year.

Cannistra has a soft spot for the Bronx Bombers. He became a fan when his son, Johnny, lived in New York. But his allegiance remains clear.

"My Cubbies will win, no question," he said.

A lot of planning went into the trip given Cannistra's illness. Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care in Park Ridge arranged for a partner to provide temporary care in New York. An oxygen tank was also delivered to the apartment they're staying at in New York.

Aside from some coughing and shortness of breath, Cannistra said he's feeling good. He skipped his regular coffee meeting with friends on Tuesday to save his strength.

Cannistra is confident the Cubs will break their three-and-out curse come October.

"Hopefully," he said, "me and Billy can be there when they do."

UPDATE: The Cubs lost last night 7-4. Hopefully, the result will be different today. John Cannistra and Billy DeSario deserve to see the win. Actually, every grandfather and grandson (or granddaughter) ought to be able share the experience of seeing their favorite team win live at the ballpark.

UPDATE #2: The Cubs lost again. This time, 10-1. I'm bummed they lost, but more than that, I'm sorry for Mr. Cannistra and his grandson.

What I Know For Sure

Earlier today I wrote about how I am feeling overwhelmed. In the process of writing that post, I flipped over and read Kittens Farting Rainbows, a new favorite blog, and couldn't believe my eyes as Bergsie put many of my exact feelings into words. But she ended her post in a postive way, which I couldn't figure out how to accomplish. She ended with the things she knows. And I thought that might be the perfect cure for what ails me today.

Without further ado and in no particular order, here is partial list of the what I know for sure.

I know that Betsey and Ross are always eager to snuggle with me when I'm feeling down. They're not fair weather cats.

I know for certain that true love is out there. I haven't found it yet, but it's there somewhere. I just have to keep looking and being hopeful.

I can always count on my friends' Tweets to make me giggle.

I know that my purpose is greater than just being someone's daughter or sister or caregiver.

I know that there's some music that makes me dance and lifts me up and there's some music that makes me sad and cry. I have to stay away from the latter.

I know that I have the capacity to be a great mom. Whether that's in the cards for me or not, I'm not so sure. If it's not, I have to find a way to channel those energies.

I know that hard wood floors beat carpet any day.

I know my failings only too well and work everyday to overcome them.

Sometimes I stumble, but the only way I can recover is to get back up and dust off my knees. There's simply no other choice.

I know that when God closes a door, he always opens another one. My job is to find that door because sometimes it's hidden.

I know that most of what happens, the good and the bad, is what I choose, whether consciously or not. I am in control of my life and I can change what I don't like.

I know that every situation presents me with opportunities to learn and grow and be better.

I know that I'll keep being presented with the same lessons over and over again until I learn them.

I know that second chances don't come around very often and when they do, I have to explore them. I don't often get to find out the answer to the question "What if . . . ", but every time I've gotten to find out, it's been well worth it.

I know that the Cubs are bound to win the World Series . . . one of these years.

Windy City Temperature Conversion Chart

I freely admit I stole this from my college friend Steve over on Facebook. I don't know if he personally wrote it or if he got it somewhere else, but it doesn't matter. It's hysterical because it's true.

The Windy City Temperature Conversion Chart

60° F: Arizonians shiver uncontrollably; people in Chicago are still sunbathing. Especially today, when we may shattering a 133-year old record!

50° F: Californians try to turn on the heat; people in Chicago plant gardens.

40° F: Italian sports cars won't start; people in Chicago drive with the windows down.

32° F: Distilled water freezes; Lake Michigan water gets thicker.

20° F: Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves and wool hats; people in Chicago throw on a light jacket.

15° F: People in Chicago have the last cookout before it gets cold.

0° F: All the people in Phoenix die. Chicagoans close the windows.

10° below zero: Californians fly away to Mexico . The Girl Scouts in Chicago are selling cookies door to door.

25° below zero: Hollywood disintegrates; people in Chicago get out their winter coats.

40° below zero: Washington, D.C. runs out of hot air; people in Chicago let the dogs sleep indoors.

100° below zero: Santa Claus abandons the North Pole; Chicagoans get frustrated because they can't start "da car."

460° below zero: All atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvin scale); people in Chicago start saying, "Cold 'nuff for ya?"

500° below zero: Hell freezes over; the Cubs win the World Series

It's Been A Year and I Still Miss Joan

Our dear family friend Joan died a year ago yesterday after fighting a long and brave fight with multiple bouts of breast cancer.

Truthfully, Joan was more family than friend. She was a second mom to Dave and me. Joan took us to the Cubs first night game in 1988 with her son. When our mom tried to kill herself and Dave was sitting in the hospital all alone until the wee hours of the morning without ever being spoken to by a doctor, Joan noticed his car wasn't home yet and went to the hospital after midnight and made the doctors talk to him and let him see our mom. Growing up, we shared countless dinners with Joan and her family. I always knew I could go to Joan about anything.

My street feels empty without her. She was the glue that kept everyone together. She knew all the news, not in a gossipy way, but in a caring and concerned neighbor kind of way. For many years, Joan organized the block party. I heard we were having one this year, but saw no evidence that it came to fruition. I was at my college reunion the weekend it was scheduled, but I don't think I could have gone if I'd been in town.

I remember at her wake last year, over 1000 people came. The church was overflowing for her funeral. I remember seeing people I knew, but had no idea knew Joan until I saw them crying at her funeral. Joan was loved. And she loved everyone.

To read her obituary, click here.

Who Are the Undecided?

My friend Craig sent this to me last night. I think I should be insulted by this, but I may just be too stupid to know for sure.

From The Daily Show.

Go Cubs Go!

The National League Playoffs start today and in honor of the Cubs, here's some motivational music . . .



As a kind of cool aside, Steve Goodman who wrote Go Cubs Go, went to Lake Forest College, my alma mater, as I've previously written about.

Next Year Is Here!

You may recall the long-term on-and-off love affair I just haven't been able to wiggle my way out of. Despite my lifetime of monogamy to this relationship, my heart has been stomped on repeatedly. Yet each time he says "next year is here," I pick up the pieces of my shattered hopes, dreams, and love, and come crawling back. This man simply has a strong hold on my heart and no matter what he does or how much he hurts me, I just keep coming back. You may say it's unhealthy to be so entwined, especially after all the heartache I've endured over the years, and I would agree. I wish I knew how to quit him, but the fact is, he completes me.

But the thing is, after all the times he's thoroughly let me down and crushed all my dreams, I think, no, I really believe that this time he's not just jerking me around. This is it. No heartbreak in 2008.

I believe that after all the years as the "lovable losers" and the near misses in 1945, 1969, 1984, 1989, 1998, 2003, and 2007, THIS is the year. The Cubs really are going all the way. This year, they'll end that 100 year old drought and win the World Series.



Updated: The Magic Number is ZERO! For the first time in a century, the Cubs have back-to-back playoff trips and are the NL Central Champs!

Breaking News: Zambrano Threw A No-Hitter!

OMG! OMG!

Carlos Zambrano just pitched a no-hitter!

The Cubs haven't had a no-hitter since 1972!!!!!! 1972!!!

Here's the Tribune story.

I can't yet talk about that "other thing" that hasn't happened in a VERY LONG TIME, because I am highly superstitiuos.

But for tonight I'm doing the Happy Dance!

Here's a scene I could get used to:

20 Years Ago: The Night the Lights Went On at Wrigley

It's not often that Dave and I are present for truly historical moments, but we were there the night the lights went on at Wrigley.

Joan Green, a lifelong Cubs fan, took us, along with her son, Bill, to the game on August 9th, 1988, which thanks to Mother Nature, was the first official night game at Wrigley Field. I don't remember exactly where we sat, although my gut says it was the Bleachers. We always sat in the Bleachers.

As everyone knows, Wrigley Field did not have lights, which meant that all their games were played during the day. This made Wrigley unique among Major League parks, as they had all installed lights many years earlier. But Wrigley was the sole hold-out because the area residents, and Wrigley is set in the heart of the residential Lakeview neighborhood, and the City of Chicago would not allow them.

Because of the daytime only games, the Cubs couldn't host the All-Star Game, which they wanted to do.

After many protests and negotiations, the Chicago City Council finally allowed a very limited number of night games and lights were installed and some believe defiled the beauty of Wrigley.


The first night game was set for August 8th, but Mother Nature had other plans and the game was rained out after 3 1/2 innings and the Cubs leading the Phillies 3-1. So the August 9th game against the Mets became the official first game and we just happened to be there (and the Cubs won 6-4!).

Thanks Joan! We love you and still miss you everyday, but cherish all the wonderful memories you gave us.

Here's a cool retrospective video.

Enjoy.

Who Would Have Thought?

Lou Pinella, the Cubs manager, is famous for his temper. He has no problem telling umps EXACTLY what he thinks and seems to not have the benefit of the filter that most people have that keep their inappropriate thoughts inside their heads.

Frequently, this gets Lou kicked out of baseball games.

But tonight, against the White Sox, in the second half of the Crosstown Classic, Lou blew his top in bottom of the second inning. Not convinced of a call on Joe Crede, Lou rushed out of the dugout and got in the face of home plate ump Rob Drake. Drake, appropriately, tossed Pinella out. Lou knows you can't argue balls and strikes.

I share this with you because this is the first game all season Lou has been thrown out. And I think that may be a record.

So congratulations Lou on holding your temper in for almost 3 months! But just cuz you're annoyed that the Cubs have gone 0-2 in this half of the Crosstown Classic, after sweeping the Sox last weekend, doesn't mean you get to act like a 2-year-old. My apologies to 2-year-olds.

UPDATE: The Cubs lost last night. They were swept this weekend by the Sox, after sweeping the Sox last weekend. So for this year, the Crosstown Classic ends in a tie. But it's ok because this is only the second time in 44 years the White Sox have swept the Cubs. But I think to decide the winner of the 2008 Crosstown Classic, we might have to play maybe another 7 games in late October. What do you think?

This loss represents the Cubs 6th straight loss while playing on the road (yes, playing at the Cell counts as on the road). Clearly the Cubs are unstoppable at home, but to hold onto their 1st place status, they must improve on the road. It also puts added pressure on the All-Star Game, which decides home-field advantage for the World Series.

Sweep! Cubs Win Over White Sox!

The Cubs just swept the first half of the 2008 Crosstown Classic against the White Sox! So many things made this series special, but here's just a few . . .

• The Cubs are currently the best team in the Major League at 47-28!
• At home for the year, the Cubs are 32-8!
• Tonight's 7-1 victory over the White Sox makes the 14th straight win at home for the Cubs, the longest streak since 1936!
• The White Sox are also in 1st place in their division with a 41-33 record!
• Going back to 1906, the Cubs have won 37 of 70 games against the White Sox, but that must not count the exhibition games the Cubs and Sox played for most of last century. I only remember those because I went to one in 1983 or 1984 at Comiskey Park with my family.

So I guess Ozzie Guillen has more reasons to hate Wrigley Field than just the "pig sized rats" in the outfield during batting practice!