Chicago Moms Blog

Virtual Pickpockets

Whenever I listen to the news regarding the current economic crisis, I get a pit in my stomach.  I'm scared, honestly.  I'm scared of depression, I'm scared of my kids being hungry, I'm scared that my children won't receive the childhood experiences they deserve to experience because we are too poor.  A few weeks ago I privately panicked.  I pictured myself running to Costco and stocking up on canned green beans and canned peaches.  Ridiculous, I know, but the mere thought scared me and stopped me in my tracks. 

I'm aware of every dime I spend, I'm aware of every mile I drive and yet, I'm still not careful enough, I still buy frivolous things like purses and shoes and I still drive to have dinner with friends.  And why shouldn't I?  Haven't I earned the right to do so?

Hey Chicago, what do you say?

Growing up, my Dad was either watching one of two things, the Cubs or The Weather Channel.  My father loved the Cubs and to us, it's just the way things were.  Even riding in the car, if they were playing, the radio was tuned in.  Because he was such a big Cubs fan, his six children and wife, were also Cubs fans.  (Of course, back then, we didn't know we had a choice in the matter, actually...maybe we didn't.)  In our house, we loved the Cubs.  It's almost like our heritage, I am part Norwegian, part German and part Cubs fan.  Sometimes we even speak Cub-anese.

It's in my blood.

And we weren't fans only when they were winning, we were Die-Hard Cubs fans.  I learned that term very early on.  The love for this Chicago team is deep, real and unconditional.