Midwinter 2011 in point form

I nearly didn't come, but I am immensely grateful that I did. 

I enjoy being anonymous in a crowd. It balances the part of me that has to be front and centre in a fishbowl. 

I really enjoyed the freedom to attend things I wanted to, to sleep when I needed to, and to connect with others when the opportunity arose.  

We experienced the third worst blizzard in Chicago history that dumped over 20 inches of snow on the city. 

Lots of these people have and use iPads quite well. I wonder if pastors use technology more than other professions/jobs. 

The Spiritual Direction hour I took with a director was holy and powerful and maybe even just a bit life changing. 

Great helpful workshops. Stuff I can take with me into the future. 

It's been 13 years since I've lived in a city that has it's own TV Studios and programing.  I like that. It makes you feel a part of the city. 

There's a pastor here who is a double for Steve Jobs. 

The Field is a thousand miles and fifty years from here. 

I love taking pictures when I have great subjects. It connects with a part of my creative being that makes me feel complete. 

All sorts and all kinds are called to pastoral ministry. It's more about "the calling" than it is about the type of personality. 

Today all the Canadians are going out for authentic Mexican food for supper. Who says we are meek or quiet Canadians. 



Tomorrow afternoon I have a few free hours so I might try to get downtown yet. Take some more pictures.  Tomorrow night I head home, better off for having been here. 

Steve Jobs is at midwinter?

Steve Jobs is at midwinter?, originally uploaded by RandallFriesen.

Morning Worship

Chicago Weather

Chicago Weather

When I was waiting for my plane in Edmonton I again checked Chicago weather and was surprised to see a blizzard watch out for the coming week. 

Since I've arrived, that's all the city has been talking about. 

The light snow and wind started last night, and the big snow is scheduled for tonight until early Thursday morning, then it lightens up a bit again. 

They are expecting 12 to over 20 inches of snow, with ThunderSnow, yes that's as in thunder and lightning, ThunderSnow dumping possibly up to 4 inches an hour. High winds are expected as well, which will make things so much worse. 

Last night the news announcers were encouraging people to gather water and food for the duration, and the Dominicks store I was in was crazy with people and quickly shrinking food supplies. 

Schools are already canceling tomorrows classes based on the predictions, and I guess the last time Chicago schools closed was in 1999. 

Scheduled flights are being changed for free and airport closings are expected. My only comfort is that my flight is Friday night so hopefully things will be running again by then. 

Tomorrow is our free evening here in the big city, and plans are/were in place for a trip downtown. I guess we'll have to see.    

Yesterday this was being called possibly the worst blizzard in Chicago history. Thankfully they seem to have decreased that rhetoric and are now saying one of the three worst storms in history. Not that comforting I think. 

So today inside should be alright. I have a very full day ahead so I'll stick around here. Tomorrow we wanted to get to the loop for supper, some jazz, and some photo opportunities. We'll see how things look then. They are putting blades on the front of the subway "L" trains, so travel may be doable. 


And that's the weather in Chicago.