You know that it's time for a break when lines from the movie The Shining start to make sense... "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy!"

Last night, I was nodding my head thinking, "Yeah, I think that Jack guy might be on to something... "

Wait, no! He's scary and creepy and tries to kill his whole family. He's NOT on to something at all!

The fact is, I was getting to a point of all work and no play was making Becca a very stressed out girl. I love, love, love my job. I think that being a pastor is probably the bestest job ever, second only to maybe ice-cream taster or massage-receiver. BUT I've started to feel like my job has taken over my life. It's all I really think about some days. If it's not the next big program, it's the sermon. If not the sermon, it's the pains and issues people are struggling with. And so on and so on...

So today by a miraculous convergence of events, I had the whole day free. So I decided to escape. I took myself on a date to the big city. Chicago. And I must say, I'm a damn good date! (I just hope I understand that just because I bought myself the expensive lunch that I don't expect "something" in return once the date is over. I'm not that kind of girl.)

Got my bag, my books, my tickets... ready to ride the train to Chi-town
Beer & Edamame at Sushi Wabi
Sushi makes me happy... especially when it is so pretty!
And yet I am so sad when it is gone
Thank you, Blago, for this fine bridge. I enjoyed walking upon it.
Farmer's Market... if only I wasn't so full of sushi!

The Bean! Seriously, I've been to Chicago dozens of times and this was the first time I saw THE Bean. It was pretty magical.
Question: Why is there a creepy man face on this fountain where children play?
And why does he spit on them?
Pure joy
A little joy for me too
Wishes
Deep sigh of contentment.
Life is good.