Yearning for change but appreciating where I am...

I remember when I was a teen ager. I kept thinking the only way to get anywhere in this life was going to be by getting the hell outta Kenosha. K-bomb, K-nowhere....we used to call it. And so I left. For four years plus, I lived in Chicago and, quite frankly, I loved every blessed minute of it. But, when the time came, I came home to Kenosha.

As I've grown up (and I'm still growing up in many ways!) I learned that there are some really cool things about this town that I grew up (and am growing up) in. First, the lake. Yes, it's the same lake that I frequented in Chicago but no where along this great lake is access to the lake shore more open and free to the public than right here in Kenosha. Not in Chicago...though there is access, and certainly not in Racine where they've mucked up their lake front with far too many buildings. Ours is open for a long way. And, it's a mere stroll away from my house. I've said it before but I love this lake.

There's also quite alot of park space in Kenosha. I mean, seriously, in the neighborhoods there are these little green spaces that just pop up out of nowhere. All free. And all being used.

Another cool thing is there is a lot of stuff to do in Kenosha, especially at this time of year. This weekend alone there are two free events happening. The Outta Site Kite Flight right up the street from me and the Summertime Art Show at the Civic Center Park. Both really fun events and, again, they're free.

We have an honest to goodness drive in theatre here that plays first run movies. It always means summer when the "out door" opens.

We have FOUR museums. Yes, they are small but they are also interesting and a good way to spend an afternoon.

We have THREE colleges/universities which all offer great opportunities for education and entertainment throughout the year. And there are a slew of other charter universities around town too.

We are an hour away from Milwaukee. I plan to take advantage of that and go to Summerfest this year. Lots of great music on the free stages. (Paulie...Dropkick Murphys...for FREE...July 8 or 9th!) Not to mention some great talent at the Marcus. Would love to see Peter Gabriel and Florence and the Machine.

We're also a short train ride from Chicago. I'm planning a day trip down there this summer. The Art Institute is free on Wednesdays! Sounds like a good day to go! I love the Art Institute. When I lived in Chi-town, I would spend those days when I didn't really have any plans at the Art Institute immersed in Jackson Pollock and Dekooning. So many great works of art just an arm's length away.

And, of course, Kenosha is where my family lives. That's important to me. Still...
I have that yearning feeling. As much as I love it here I would move in a heart beat if I could move to the right place at the right time. And, for me, that would be Sweden. Until then, I plan to take advantage of all that Kenosha is serving up this summer. I'ma gonna have FUN!! Hope you all do too!!