so excited to be 5! ...and some words of thanks

Sometimes we get so busy, we forget to acknowledge those who have helped us get through the day to day  "To Do" list and who inspire us to reach for those stars...  Celebrating our 5th year in business is a milestone, but also gives us a chance to reflect. It's such a privilege to be here. To serve you. To make your day easier. And to be by your side.


With that, I'd like to have the honor of sending shout outs to these unique individuals, who although I've not had the privilege to meet personally (yet!)...they've made my day, pushed my boundaries, and made me think in new directions to help me make this thing called "entrepreneurship" even better. Kudos to:

• Seth Godin -- for a daily blog post of insightful nuggets I just can't wait to devour   (http://sethgodin.typepad.com)
• Marie Forleo -- for inspiring videos that go down smooth as molasses ( http://marieforleo.com/ )
• Mike Michalowicz -- for a damn good new  read, "the Pumpkin Plan"  (you must go harvest...!  http://www.amazon.com/The-Pumpkin-Plan-Strategy-Remarkable/dp/1591844886  ) 
• Peter Shankman -- for birth fathering HARO (what more can I say? THANKS for your vision ...andyour humor ;) (http://www.helpareporter.com/ ) ...

and... speaking of humor...

• Hugh MacLeod -- for the joy of that daily gapingvoid in my e-mail box ( http://gapingvoid.com/ )

All of you have been a part of our journey here, whether you know it or not.  I am grateful for the ways that you have shared, have taught, and have offered your help to those of us still trying to figure it all out (yet never giving up)... 

Thank you for being you. 


xoxo

So who hasn't been to Chicago?

okay okay...I know....MIA, right??

I've been just a teensy bit busy, so once again forgive my ever-expanding time lag between posts *ack!*

I'm gonna kick off 2011 with some good 'ole hometown cheerleading...

If you've never been to the Windy City....here are some great places to visit in Chicago that are unique to us here & well worth the time:

1. Even though no longer the tallest in the world, the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) has an observation deck on the103rd floor that is impressive to see...

At 1353 feet, the building is still a sight to behold and the 3rd tallest on the planet. There's now a glass box Skydeck ledge that juts out over 4' from the building...only for the brave!

I used to work in that building back in the early 1990's (on 26th floor) and actually experienced an earthquake while working there. Fortunately it was a tiny one ;-)

2. Take an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River. It's an awesome way to experience the beauty of the city from a different vantage point and they operate at many times of the day. Plus, they run up & down the only River in the world that actually flows BACKWARDS! Wendella and Shoreline are a couple of those who offer these sojourns, and are easily accessed off of Michigan Avenue in the heart of the city.

3. Speaking of boats, our renovated Navy Pier is a treat with outdoor cafes, concerts, shopping, rental bikes, boat tours of Lake Michigan and things like a giant Ferris wheel, mini golf, and current home to the Chicago Children's Museum. You can spend a full day here and never run out of things to do.

4. Take a Michigan Ave stroll. For the shoppers among us, and even for those who aren't...there is a worthy promenade down the Gold Coast and passing the likes of Millennium Park (check out the BEAN sculpture, fountains and the Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion among other treats), the famous Art Institute, Orchestra Hall, and more. Grab a horse drawn carriage ride and enjoy the views.

5. Museum campus. For any taste, this swath of culture can deliver. This is a compendium of the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History, each of which can be enjoyed from a central space although there wouldn't be enough hours in your day! Soldier Field is also nearby for the Bears fans among us.

I could think of at least a dozen more, but perhaps in another post ;-)

In any event... we'd welcome you to see our beautiful city and are certain you'd enjoy your visit!