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...

The road most traveled

Well, we were at it again. Another weekend getaway to West Des Moines and the last of face-to-face interviews at ITA Group. Now comes decision time -- both for ITA Group and for Mike. What a wonderful company. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, we had an opportunity once again (actually twice) to stop and dine at the World's Largest Truckstop -- Iowa 80, located almost exactly at the midpoint of our 308 mile journey along I-80. The rest stop presents a diner's paradise (Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, Dairy Queen, just to name a few), shopping, and even a little package of Snowman Poop, selling for about a buck (don't ask).

Iowa road trip

A long yet fruitful weekend. Good fortune was certainly on our side for most of it. The Shanahan family left Thursday late morning for Des Moines, IA in pursuit of future opportunities. Mike was scheduled for an interview with ITA Group in West Des Moines on Friday. We had a wedding reception to attend in Muscatine on Saturday. Then hopefully a Bears' game to catch on Sunday. Looming was a not-so-favorable forecast that predicted the arrival of anywhere from 10-15 inches of snow.

But with Max, our faithful canine companion, remaining behind under the watchful eye of our sitter, we scooted out of Geneva about a half day or so ahead of the predicted snowfall. And the rest was a whirlwind of activity: interviews, hotel rooms, car rides, and bitter cold weather.

In between all of this was a wonderful wedding reception for friends Hannah and Brian. Su was able to dress up for the occasion (see picture above) and was a dancing machine on the dance floor. And we were thrilled to see old friends from our previous adventures in Iowa. After a long night, all of us turned in for the night, including Su's pals (L to R: Rusty, Sprinkles, Sunflower, and Brown Cow).

The aftermath: A smooth ride home, paved streets, a healthy and happy pooch, and a successful interview. Where do we go from here? Stay tuned over the next few weeks.

...and thanks for all the fish

Over recent years, I had always felt that I would do my part in preserving the proper order of the animal kingdom. I've been a vegetarian for over 7 years. I usually elect not to squash the life out of a spider -- even if in the house. I won't wear fur. Although I'm guessing that last one has more to do with the awful imagery accompanying that thought -- and the emotional scarring it would inflict on anyone forced to absorb the visual of me draped in an animal hide. But we adopt from shelters, support the Humane Society, and do our best to avoid squirrels on the roadway.

But I was disheartened to realize that I had been ignoring a large problem here in the midwest... the near extinction of our fine feathered friends: the aquatic birds of the family Spheniscidae -- the PENGUIN. In all of the years growing up in the western suburbs of Chicago, I can't recall ever running into one of these adorable, waddling creatures. Had I only known the severity of the problem, I would have started my crusade years ago.

I thank the wise, compassionate souls that took the time to create this public service announcement on the bridge along the Fox River. Had I not been running along one of my favorite river paths, I might not have had the great fortune of reading this cry for help.

Waddle on, my feathered friend...