2025 Year in Review

This has been a busy year. So busy that my blogs have been few… and honestly, that’s the entire sentence. Few. That’s it. That’s the update.

But, as is tradition, I recap everything at the end of the year—so buckle up, grab a beverage, and let’s relive the adventure.

January

It’s hard to believe it’s almost been a year since we said goodbye to our sweet Stella. This was the one. The loss that absolutely wrecked me. Stella was the dog who wandered into our yard and just… never left. She outlived Buster and Wilbur (both taken far too soon), tolerated Louie with saint-like patience, traveled with us, glued herself to our sides, and somehow became the heartbeat of our home.

I’ve told her story a million times, and I’ll tell it a million more. I cannot hear “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins without collapsing into a sobbing puddle. I can’t look at her photos without tears. I’ve built an actual shrine to her in our house and carry some of her fur in my wallet like a Victorian widow. I didn’t think I’d ever be right again. There will never be another Stella. She was the most special of them all.

On a slightly less devastating note, I started yoga. Yes, yoga. And no, don’t ask how long it’s been since I last went—remember, busy year. Shockingly, it helped. Not so much my joints, but my mind. Holding poses and focusing on breathing for an hour unlocked something emotionally feral inside me. The first few classes ended with me crying on the mat during savasana, which was alarming but also oddly incredible. Emotional detox via stretchy pants. I’ll absolutely be going back in the new year.

February

We saw Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats at Thalia Hall, and let me just say—what a venue. Cozy, intimate, perfect for doom-laced psychedelic rock. Uncle Acid is an English band I’d never listened to before, but my husband is a fan and I was instantly on board. The opener, Jonathan Hultén, was equally impressive with his ethereal forest-creature energy.

And then February ended. Just like that. Blink and you miss it. A recurring theme this year, honestly.

March

Early March brought a road trip to Detroit for a conference. Long drive, solid conference, and a firm realization that long drives are no longer my personality.

Then we headed to Vegas for the first time this year. Half the trip was for a workplace awards summit—which was fantastic. Panels, networking, Blue Man Group, and an awards ceremony at Zouk in Resorts World, which felt extremely cool. The hotel itself? Very nice. Almost posh.

Midweek, we switched to the Linq and… wow. Culture shock. We upgraded to a suite overlooking the pool, which meant nonstop bass and a DJ screaming encouragement into a microphone from sunrise to sunset. We laughed constantly at how absurd it was and how ancient it made us feel. Thankfully, we spent most of our time elsewhere—Dead & Co at the Sphere, the Neon Graveyard, and an amazing dinner at Circa on Fremont Street.

Fun fact: in 25 years of going to Vegas, we’ve never stayed at the same hotel twice. I’m thrilled to say the Linq is now permanently crossed off the list.

While we were gone, construction began on our primary suite. The bathroom was taken down to the studs—full gut job. Over the next several months, plumbing was rerouted, a massive shower replaced the old jacuzzi tub, a stand-alone tub appeared, and suddenly our bathroom looked like a boutique hotel. My favorite feature? The heated toilet seat. Honestly, we could’ve saved thousands if we’d just installed that and called it a day.

The bedroom upgrades—accent wall, fireplace, TV cutout—are spectacular. Living out of the guest room wasn’t too bad, and Louie didn’t seem to mind at all.

We wrapped up March seeing Kraftwerk at the Auditorium. One of my dad’s favorite bands, and seeing them felt like honoring him. Outstanding show.

April

Turned 55, which feels fake. Time feels louder now. Faster. I’m very aware the clock is ticking and it makes me want to pack life with experiences.

One guaranteed experience: OK Go at the Riviera. Always a blast. Confetti cannons, joy, chaos. Fun fact: the drummer and I went to the same high school. No big deal.

May

In May, I made a life decision.

I sold my Miata.

While driving my two-seater go-kart of joy to work one day, I realized “looking cool” was no longer worth the anxiety. I got almost what I paid for it two years earlier, so financially it felt like a win. Emotionally? I still miss it. It was thrilling, ridiculous, and impractical—especially during cicada summer—but suddenly I felt less safe driving it. Bank account and survival > zooming around. Still miss that little car, though.

Ministry played the Riviera touring The Squirrely Years—synth-pop throwbacks galore. Nitzer Ebb opened, which transported me straight back to college radio days. The energy was fantastic. Al Jourgensen… maybe less so. But still, a great night.

June

Biggest concert disappointment of the year: Lords of Acid at Bottom Lounge. Second time we’ve walked out. Even with earplugs, it was painfully loud. We weren’t alone—ran into another couple outside who felt the same. Love the band, but oof.

July

July was travel-heavy. We road-tripped to Ohio, starting in Cincinnati to meet up with a former Chicago Tribune coworker and catch Father John Misty at the Brady Center (swoon). Incredible venue.

Midweek, we headed to Cleveland, stopping at the National Air Force Museum—massive, fascinating, and very cool. We hit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and ended the week seeing Ghost, and it was the first show we’ve attended where phones were locked away. Honestly? Loved it.

The following weekend, we flew to London—a bucket-list trip. Museums, neighborhoods, endless walking, and daily train rides. We saw Oasis at Wembley (we both cried, and we’re not even die-hard fans—just the magnitude of it). We also saw Cabaret at a small theater near our hotel. London? I’d go back in a heartbeat.

August

I had a table at the Elmhurst Public Library Author Fair, which reignited my writing spark—briefly—before life got busy again. Still planning to finish my novel… after the holidays… and after I get a new laptop.

We saw what might be the best Nine Inch Nails show I’ve ever seen at the United Center.

We returned to Vegas at the end of the month, finally staying at the Bellagio with a fountain-view room. I could’ve watched those water shows forever. The trip included Universal Unleashed (a year-round haunted house at Area 15), my first zip line, andThe Wizard of Oz at the Sphere.

Also: if Metallica plays the Sphere, I will be there.

September

Family trip to Orlando kicked off September. My sister found the perfect house—private pool, themed bedrooms (Mario, Jurassic Park, Disney Princesses), and… gators. Actual gators. They swam by daily, staring at us like we were snacks.

We hit Universal and Halloween Horror Nights hard. Walked endlessly. Rode everything. The new Universal park and the Harry Potter ride? Best ride I’ve ever been on.

October

We attended our second annual Chronic Con, hosted by Kevin Smith—aka the most genuine human on the planet. Live podcast, photos, swag, and just pure joy being in his orbit.

By mid-October, we finally moved back into our bedroom. Construction complete. Naturally, I immediately started thinking about what else we could upgrade, despite being very broke.

Then came something big in a tiny package.

After ten months of Louie reigning solo, we welcomed Fig. I’d been looking for a while but wasn’t sure my heart was ready after Stella. Then I saw Fig on the Angel Dog Alliance Facebook page and that was it. Three pounds of pure sweetness. He bonded instantly with Louie (to Louie’s mild horror), and they’re now inseparable.

Crate training? Failed. Potty training? Almost there. Sleeping arrangements? After two months of couch rotation, Fig now sleeps in bed with us and Louie. Best sleep I’ve had in weeks.

November

First date night since Fig arrived: we got a babysitter (my sister) and saw the Pivot podcast live at the Chicago Theatre. Kara Swisher is a national treasure. Scott Galloway is one of my new favorite humans. Love the show.

December

Last trip of the year was a solo one to Arizona. Coworkers, the Die Hard puppet show (still hysterical), lunches with former colleagues, hosting a dinner, and then an airport saga when my flight was canceled. Somehow, everything worked out and I made it home—straight into a foot of snow and Chicago winter misery.

The Wagner Center next door was demolished, making way for a new facility that will hopefully send our home value through the roof, since we won’t be here forever.

And that’s the year.

It flew faster than any before. Emotional, joyful, exhilarating—and full of moments that mattered. I’m already excited for 2026.

And yes. There’s a Vegas trip on the calendar. Of course there is. 🎲✨

BONUS CONTENT

Books I Read This Year with ⭐ Ratings (not a bad one in the bunch!)

Powerless - Lauren Roberts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Way I Heard It - Mike Rowe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First Lie Wins - Ashley Elston ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Every Vow You Break - Peter Swanson ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reckless - Lauren Roberts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Every Last Secret - A.R. Torre ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tailspin - Sandra Brown ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Blonde Dies First - Joelle Wellington ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Storyteller: Tales of Life & Music - Dave Grohl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry - Neil deGrasse Tyson ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Abundance - Ezra Klein ⭐⭐⭐

Crown of Midnight - Sarah J. Maas ⭐⭐⭐⭐

One by One - Ruth Ware ⭐⭐⭐

Origin - Dan Brown ⭐⭐⭐

Who Knew - Barry Diller ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Burn Book: A Tech Love Story - Kara Swisher ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Letter Slot - Owen King ⭐⭐⭐

Jackknife - Joe Hill ⭐⭐⭐

The Indigo Room - Stephen Graham Jones ⭐⭐⭐

Night and Day in Misery - Catriona Ward ⭐⭐⭐

The Blanks - Grady Hendrix ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Next Breath - Jeremy Renner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Getaway - Lamar Giles ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Deal with the Devil - Elizabeth O’Roark ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fearless - Lauren Roberts ⭐⭐⭐⭐

107 Days - Kamala Harris ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Legends & Lattes - Travis Baldree ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Current Chapter: April Edition

Life Lately: Confetti, Construction, and Cutting Carbs
(AKA: Trying to Keep It Together While Everything Changes)

Life, in essence, is feeling pretty good right now—equal parts chaos and calm, which is honestly kind of my sweet spot.

Still Missing Our Girl

We’re still grieving the loss of our sweet Stella girl. It’s wild how empty a house can feel without an 8-pound furball curled up next to you. I miss her in all the small ways, especially when I reach out at night and expect her there. Grief is strange—persistent, unpredictable, but weirdly comforting in how it keeps her close.

Bathroom Overhaul (and Other Domestic Adventures)

We’re knee-deep in a master bathroom remodel, something I started dreaming about after my knee replacement a few years ago. Nothing like post-surgery painkillers and back-to-back episodes of Fixer Upper to convince you your bathroom is garbage. Ours came with a monstrous jacuzzi tub that could’ve doubled as a baptismal font—and honestly, I used it maybe twice. The jets were less “spa retreat” and more “questionable plumbing.”

The new plan? A walk-in shower where the tub was, a chic little soaking tub where the shower used to be, and upgrades across the board: sleek cabinets, modern mirrors, and a toilet so advanced it’s basically a spa concierge. We’re a few weeks out from completion, but it’s already looking like the kind of space where I might voluntarily floss just to spend more time in there.

Next up: the master bedroom. Our ceiling looks like it's been melting, thanks to a leaky roof situation, and it’s about time for fresh paint, new window shades, and some TLC. Next year’s dream project? The basement—new flooring, less dungeon vibes.

Vegas, Baby (Now with 90% More Walking and 100% More Bass)

Vegas was a blast and a blur. The trip started with the Top Workplaces USA summit at Resorts World, where I accepted two awards (humble brag) and spoke on a panel. That hotel was stunning, and I would totally stay there again.

Then we moved to The Linq. The bellman cheerfully informed us we were headed to “the heart of the action,” which apparently meant “directly above a daytime pool party powered by jet engines.” From noon to five, the bass rattled our windows, our teeth, and possibly my soul. TV volume? Futile. Afternoon naps? Fantasy. But hey, we didn’t go to Vegas to sleep.

We saw Dead & Co at The Sphere—unreal. That venue is basically what happens when a tech wizard and a psychedelic dream have a baby. Also caught Awakening at The Wynn (still my favorite hotel), and it was way better than expected. Visually stunning, with an ending that gave me goosebumps. We also squeezed in a trippy projection museum, a stroll through the Neon Boneyard, and roughly 24,000 steps a day. My legs are still filing a formal complaint.

Steady Gains with Steady Losses

I’m down 70 pounds! (Insert confetti cannon here.) While I’ve hit a bit of a plateau, I’m officially at my lowest weight in over 25 years. Over the weekend, we did a full closet purge—bags and bags of clothes donated, including things I’d clung to for “someday” that finally became “no way.” Bonus shoutout to the hubby, who’s down over 100 pounds. We’re feeling lighter in every sense—physically, emotionally, and spatially (hello, extra closet space!).

Concert of the Year (So Far)

Last Friday, we saw OK Go at the Riviera, and I’m still buzzing. They’re just such joyful performers—confetti, crowd energy, clever visuals. I’ve loved them for years, and this show reminded me why.

Coming Up

We’ve got a small breather on the travel front and only one show on the calendar for now—Ministry at the Riv. I’m ready for some routine, some rest, and maybe finally finishing a book. Or five. Depends on how loud my bathroom renovation gets.

Until next time…

Top 5 Books I've Read So Far

It’s four months into the year, and I’m quite pleased with my reading habits.

I have read 11 books so far and just started an 8-book series, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, which should keep me busy for a while.

Here are my Top 5 books from the first quarter and the other books I’ve read so far.

I want to kick things off with two books I read by Lauren Roberts. Lately, I find I’ve been turning to more fantasy/romantasy books, and this series is outstanding. I’ve already pre-ordered the third book, Fearless, which is coming out in April, and have the prequel, Powerful, sitting on my shelf, begging to be read.

1. Powerless by Lauren Roberts

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A thrilling mix of dystopian fantasy and romance, Powerless introduces us to a world where power determines status—and survival. The chemistry between Paedyn and Kai is electric, and the plot is full of betrayals and twists that keep the pages turning. The world-building is compelling, though some elements feel familiar to the genre. Still, it’s a gripping start to a promising series!

2. Reckless by Lauren Roberts

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An exhilarating sequel to Powerless! Roberts raises the stakes as Paedyn and Kai navigate shifting allegiances, deep betrayals, and a romance that sizzles even in the face of danger. The action is intense, and the emotional weight adds depth to the story. Reckless delivers everything you’d hope for—and more.

3. The Storyteller by Dave Grohl

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A heartfelt, humorous, and utterly engaging memoir from rock’s most down-to-earth legend. Grohl’s storytelling is as compelling as his music, with behind-the-scenes glimpses of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and his life in general. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love great memoirs, The Storyteller is a fantastic read.

4. The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mike Rowe’s storytelling ability shines in this collection of short, surprising, and often humorous anecdotes about famous figures and everyday heroes. His voice is as engaging on the page as on his podcast, making this an easy and enjoyable read. Fans of Dirty Jobs will especially appreciate his insights and dry wit. Incidentally, we had the pleasure of meeting Mike a few years ago, where I admitted to him that he was a national treasure.

5. Every Last Secret by AR Torre

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A deliciously twisted domestic thriller! Cat and Neena’s rivalry is the perfect mix of psychological warfare and suburban scandal. Torre’s writing is sharp, and the mind games between the two women are engrossing. If you enjoy books about manipulative characters and dark secrets, this one is a must-read.

And as for the rest…

Tailspin by Sandra Brown

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A high-octane romantic thriller with nonstop action. Rye, a troublemaking pilot, and Brynn, a doctor on a desperate mission, make for an engaging duo. Sandra Brown is a master of suspense, and Tailspin is filled with intrigue, deception, and steamy chemistry. Some twists are predictable, but it’s an entertaining ride from start to finish.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A clever and addictive thriller! First Lie Wins follows Evie, a con artist caught in a web of deceit that even she can’t fully untangle. The pacing is tight, the twists are unexpected, and the character development is superb. Ashley Elston delivers a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended!

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rebecca Yarros never fails to deliver emotionally charged stories, and Onyx Storm is no exception. This book has it all—high-stakes action, deep emotional turmoil, and a romance that will leave you breathless. Fans of her Empyrean series will not be disappointed!

The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fresh take on the slasher genre with sharp social commentary. Wellington mixes dark humor with gripping suspense, keeping the reader guessing. The self-aware nods to horror tropes are a treat for genre fans, making this a highly entertaining and eerie read.

Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one starts with a strong premise—a woman on her honeymoon being stalked by a man from her past—but it takes some wild and implausible turns. Swanson knows how to craft suspense, but the second half leans heavily into thriller tropes that might divide readers. A fun, fast-paced read if you don’t mind suspending disbelief.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A brilliant and accessible guide to the universe! Tyson has a talent for breaking down complex astrophysical concepts into bite-sized, engaging explanations. Perfect for anyone curious about space but short on time. Thought-provoking and fun, it’s a must-read for science lovers.

Life, Lately (February 2025)

You’ve seen all the meme…

Truth!

That couldn’t be a truer statement.

We started the year with a heartbreaking goodbye to our beloved Stella, but there have been silver linings—ones we’re clinging to with the same determination as Tom Cruise hanging off a plane in Mission: Impossible.

At the same time, life keeps moving…

January began with us saying goodbye to Stella, our little princess and baby girl—the scrappy poodle who showed up on our doorstep in 2011. If you don’t know the story, she wandered into our yard one day, looking like she’d been through the wringer (as you can see below). And from that moment on, she was family.

No tags, no collar, three pounds (March 2011)

I took her straight to our local vet, who confirmed what I feared—without a collar or tags, she had likely been abandoned (the horror!), and judging by her condition, she had been fending for herself for quite some time (cue my heart breaking). We had the option of bringing her to the local shelter, but when I asked if I could take her home for a meal, a bath, and a good night’s sleep with the intent to ultimately keep her, they simply said, “You can do that too.”

So, I did. The moment we walked through the door, she curled up next to Buster, our pitbull, as if she had always belonged there. And just like that, she burrowed her way into our hearts forever.

She knew what she was doing when she showed up in our yard and lived her best life for 14 years.

Two years ago, we learned that Stella had an enlarged heart. She even had her own cardiologist and spent nearly two years on medication as we did everything we could to manage her symptoms. But in the last few months, as her coughing episodes worsened, we knew the time was coming. On January 2nd, we made the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye, holding her close and loving on her until she took her last breath.

The grief was heavy—it took me about two weeks to emerge from the fog. We were gutted. Even now, I still catch myself looking for her, and when the realization hits, the loss feels just as raw. She was that dog—the one who sets the standard, the one who leaves a permanent mark on your heart.

Over the hill and through the woods…

Next month, I’ll speak on a panel at the Top Workplaces USA Summit in Las Vegas (Vegas, baby!). It’s been a while since I’ve been onstage, and for those who know me well, they might have to wrestle the mic out of my hands. The hubby is coming along, and for the second half of the trip, we’re going back to the Sphere to see Dead & Co. Do I follow them religiously? No. Do I know their music? Kind of. Am I going for the experience? Absolutely. We’ll be staying at Resorts World and The Linq, keeping our streak alive—fun fact: we’ve never stayed at the same hotel in Vegas twice.

Then in mid-summer, we’re off to London! I’ve been deep in research mode, planning what to see and mapping out our routes. We’re checking off a major bucket list item—seeing Oasis at Wembley! We’re also hitting up the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour, exploring landmarks, and diving into the museums.

We also hope to squeeze in a trip to Universal Florida for Halloween Horror Nights. By far, it's my favorite theme park destination, even though I’m not a rollercoaster kinda gal. With the opening of Epic Universe, I can’t wait to see the new Mario World and more.

But “weight,” there’s more…

Back in November, I wrote about Taking My Shot, and here’s the update: We’re still using GLP medication for weight loss, and I’m officially down 30 pounds since June 2024! Even better, I’m 40 pounds down from my first GLP experience in 2023 and a full 60 pounds from my highest weight ever. I feel alive again! I’ve also started going back to the gym—time to get my joints moving with cardio and strength training. We have those trips I mentioned, and I want to build both muscle and stamina for all the walking ahead.

2025 is shaping up to be quite a ride.

Top 5 - Recent Shows We Binged

Over the last month, we’ve powered through some great shows. Here are my Top 5!

Skeleton Crew

"Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" is a Disney+ series that follows four children who make a mysterious discovery on their home planet, leading them to become lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Think Goonies in space. It was thoroughly enjoyable and, dare I say, the best series they’ve created yet.

The Day of the Jackal

"The Day of the Jackal" is a British spy thriller television series based on Frederick Forsyth's novel. It stars Eddie Redmayne as the elusive assassin who carries out high-profile hits for substantial fees. The series delves into a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe. The music in this series is fantastic. I found myself adding many of the songs to my “favorites” playlist. I always say the sign of a good show is when you find yourself rooting for the villian.

Silo Season Two

In the second season of Apple TV+'s "Silo," the post-apocalyptic thriller continues to explore the mysteries of a subterranean community. The season finale, titled "Into the Fire," delivers intense action and major plot twists. I’m considering reading the books!

Only Murders in the Building Season Four & Five

I’m the first to admit that I’ve never been a fan of Martin Short, but after watching this last season, his acting skills outside of comedy are terrific. The relationships between Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez are adorable and the show is funny and sweet. Highly recommend!

What We Do in the Shadows Season Six

The sixth and final season of "What We Do in the Shadows" offers a muted yet enjoyable farewell to the beloved Staten Island vampires. While introducing new characters and storylines, the season maintains the chemistry among the main cast. I’m sad to see this show end, because it’s laugh-out-loud funny and Matt Berry is a national treasure.

A Tribute to Our Baby Girl