Take me to the river

The past weekend was my first experience running the Illinois River to River Relay in downstate Illinois (VERY downstate). The event is an 80-mile journey across the lower portion of the state, starting near the Mississippi River and winding through highways, hills, towns, and amazing, tree-filled beauty -- all the way to the Ohio River. Our team ("Anybody Seen the Start Line?") was assembled from members of the Fox River Trail Runners. There are 8 runners on a team and a total of 240 teams participating. Each runner ends up with 3 legs of this 24-section race. Team vans filled with runners shuttle through the course, dropping off the next runner into the transition area and picking up their weary companion just completing their section. (Team L to R: Mary, Joe, Cara, Mark, Jennifer, Mike, Greg, Kipp)

If you have an opportunity to browse through the actual website of the R2R race, you can view information describing the various sections and see elavation views detailing the hardships encountered. As RUNNER 6, I had the distinction of taking on the hardest elements of the this course (which by no means undermines the difficulty of the other sections). But RUNNER 6 gets presented with the 2 hardest hill-filled sections of the course, sandwiched around a flat, easy stretch. "Hills" doesn't quite describe it accurately. A quick look at my last leg (Section 22) shows very much a MOUNTAIN. At one point, it was over 1.5 miles of the steepest grade I have ever traveled by foot.

The provided graphic (taken from the R2R website) breaks out the 3 legs of my journey. Section 6 was a mix of steep hills and rolling highways, a long downward stretch, and an uphill finish -- 3.3 miles in all. The next leg, Section 14, was the "relief" in this day -- a 2.5 mile sprint to the finish (15:19). And just when the legs are telling you that there isn't much left in the tank, the final 3.8 mile portion of Section 22 just devastates the psyche. You climb and climb... and climb. And then you climb some more.

Fortunately, I was greeted by an excited and supporting team when pushing into the transition area for the baton handoff. And a nice, cold one soon followed. All that was left were 2 more sections being handled by my teammates, a team run to the finish line, and a walk uphill to the Ohio River for a photo opportunity.

Today, my quads still hurt. Going down the stairs is a struggle. My ribcage is seriously bruised (longer story -- and nothing to do with the actual "running" of the race), and I couldn't be happier about my experiences.

I can't wait until next year!

Alone again, naturally

I apologize to the very few of you who actually view this blog and probably wonder what happened after the last post. I hinted that employment change was coming 'round the bend and promised details to come.

The short of it is that the small design studio I was directing had a few too many financial problems to overcome. While I was keeping busy -- mostly with my own client work from previous self-employment -- there was not enough going on to sustain the overhead needed to keep the doors open. Had I realized just how bleak the view looked, I would have seriously reconsidered joining up last June. But, alas, I went into the change optimistic and enjoyed several months of solid and creative work.

Anyhow, I'm back to where I was a year ago -- sitting at home performing work for clients I've had for quite some time. A bad thing? Not entirely. I appreciate the relationships with my clients. I enjoy most of the work. And I truly need the income. Not many other ideal choices have been presented to me over recent months (okay, disregard the Des Moines experience earlier in the year...). Long commutes. Low pay. Wrong job descriptions.

My office is now back in full production mode, only I've moved up from the basement and ended up on the 2nd floor with an actual window. A new mac (shown), updated software, and the arrival of spring hopefully present a sign of things to come.

Scary? Hell, yes. Unlike when I first set up my business at the start of 2000, the circumstances are very different. Tighter financial picture. Uncertain work flow. It will be an interesting ride.

Where's that confounded bridge?

So just why does this Thursday morning feel like the last few Thursday mornings? Probably because I still have the same cough as I did almost 4 weeks ago. Ugh! Time to get healthy.

A lot to report on, but most will wait until probably the next blog. More changes in the employment picture. More uncertain circumstances. Is it too late to change career paths? At my ripe "old" age, can I entirely reinvent myself?

Onward. We were fortunate to have a nice break in the weather. After what seemed like ages of freezing cold temperatures and high winds, spring has shown itself and given a nice teaser on what's to come more regularly. We even reached the 70 degree mark 2 days ago. This splendid release of springtime air allowed us to finally get out of the house for a while and do a walkabout last weekend. A fun trip to the Fox River (see photo) was the result. Su enjoyed the hike and the playground. Anita and I were just happy to be outside for a while.

Stay tuned. More detail to come on the employment picture. Creative Graphic Solutions is dead. The doors are closing soon. Long live the prospect of self-employment. (Sigh...)

Sharing smiles

This is a short post, quite unlike the previous additions earlier this week. The sole purpose is to share this photo. Too many times I hear, "when are you going to send me any pictures of Su?" I keep asking if anyone's looked at the blog site lately?

Well, school photos just arrived at the house yesterday. And I must say we were pretty pleased. Can anyone believe that this is the same little girl as the one arriving in our lives with only a small trace of hair and chipmunk cheeks over 3 years ago? Geez, I'm staring across my office at a photo from only 1 year ago, taken before the Christmas holiday, and THAT little girl has already disappeared, only to be replaced by the young lady you see here.

How long before she wants the car keys?

Open house

The New Year tends to bring out new goals for most. And the Year of the Pig certainly is no different for me. Most are the same: improve my diet, increase my running mileage, make more studio time, find a "happy" place with my employment picture... But the most important goal I have for 2007 is actually shared with many other wonderful individuals and involves our local temple in West Chicago -- Myogyoji Temple.

2007 has already brought about a rush of new "firsts" for the temple. Seminars at colleges. The development of new materials. Organized groups to spearhead marketing efforts. All of these becoming first-time efforts locally for a 3,000 year old religion.

Now, I'm not going to use this location as a forum to illustrate the history of Buddhism or get into discussions on whose religious beliefs are the best or most accurate or most valid. I mean, the answer is obvious, right? :-) No, I'm only using this opportunity to share a little bit about our weekend's events and the first Open House for a temple that has been in existence in the western suburbs since 1981.

Many great talents came together to put together information, materials, food, as well as provide endless amounts of enthusiasm and volunteer time. With my background, I had the great fortune of being able to contribute to the visual impact of our efforts. Starting the year with brochures and PowerPoint shows, and following that with signage and kiosk/displays for guests to view when visiting.

This past Sunday was the kick-off event. And a rousing success. Many first-time visitors showed interest, shared snacks and beverages, asked questions, and quite a few even stayed to observe evening ceremonies. What a day!

And we even had the great pleasure of having Su there to provide her personality and wit to the occassion. Somehow, she held up during the long day, only broken up by a quick lunch at El Tesoro in West Chicago (where they serve some of the yummiest authentic Mexican food in the area). She was sweet, fun, and radiant in her dress from China. She took it upon herself to go up to just about any friendly face and offer up a big "hi!" before scurrying off elsewhere.

Speaking of scurrying, 2007 is also off and running. And now, so must I...

Year of the Golden Pig

I guess it shouldn't be much of a surprise that the Chinese New Year has taken on much more significance for us in recent years. In the past, the only reason I paid much attention had less to do with the holiday itself and more to do with the fact that overseas printing in China would shut down for a length of time, affecting any book publishing efforts I might have been involved with at the time.

But the addition of Su to our lives has opened us up to so many amazing aspects of culture around the world. And I'm not just referring to Asian history and lifestyle. All life. And with Su, we have had the incredible pleasure of now being forever linked to some of the most special people, all with equally compelling stories. In our local area, we have formed some incredible friendships with families all sharing adoption experiences. These families have become such an essential part of our lives -- even, to some extent, influencing impactful employment decisions that would have pulled us away. And we will also be eternally thankful for the opportunity to have traveled to China with some of the most wonderful families, all playing such an enormous role in making that journey so incredibly special. Fortunately for us, many of those families are located within reasonable driving distances in the midwest.

The Year of the Pig is now upon us. I didn't realize until recently that it's actually the Year of the GOLDEN Pig. I'm sure you've already heard quite a bit in the news about what this really mean. Children born this year will end up prosperous and lucky. Well, we're already as fortunate as could be. And we were able to share that fortune with many of the great friends mentioned above. And the kids? A photo alone can tell the story that all of my endless blathering would fail to communicate.

(kids' photo courtesy of Ron and Wendy -- wonderful food preparation courtesy of Wendy)

Happy New Year!

Fresh snow for new beginnings

I was amazed to see how long it had been since the last posting. Has it been over a month already? Last reported, the Shanahan clan had just returned from a second trip to Des Moines in pursuit of employment prospects.

So how did all of this end up? I guess it depends on your definition of success. On the 22nd, just before the holiday break, Mike was extended an offer by ITA Group. Salary terms were as promised, and the prospect of working for this prominent company seemed to lack any perceived downside. Strong financials. Great management. Wonderful family location. The end of many recent struggles?

So what happened? Mike turned down the opportunity. Too much doubt had crept into dark recesses of his mind. Too many sleepless nights. And no clear idea as to why. Friends? Family? Finances? Too soon to pack and move again (after Muscatine, IA)? Maybe all of the above. Maybe none of the above.

While there was some lingering doubt about the final decision, at least restful nights have returned to the Shanahan household. The anticipated moving date has come and gone. The U-haul cancelled and left for far more assertive souls out there.

So... after a New Year break filled with flu-like symptoms and way too much deliberation, we move along into 2007 with much hope and determination to make the most sensible decisions for our family. We appreciate EVERYONE who have contributed their thoughts, opinions, and even guilt-laden sentiments.

Mike has remained on, at least for the short term, at his current place of employment in his current Creative Director role. The promise of some marketing support and patience may mean an upward swing in business over the course of the year. For now, he remains busy -- although does not benefit from having a true staff anymore. The design industry is continually changing, as well as more competitive.

As for Su and mom? Well, they are doing well. School and activities keep the pair quite busy. And every once in a while, we get a surprise from the weather patterns and get to tackle some fresh snow...