I was on a trip to Arlington Heights with @dhphotogeorge yesterday. We talked about many things. Just being in the area of Arlington Heights where I was once homeless floods my mind with memories. Some are good, some are bad. I could feel so much emotion walking around the downtown Arlington Heights business district. I had so many experiences while homeless. Much of my life centered around that area. Despite the stigma of homelessness, post traumatic stress disorder, and an abundance of negative experiences, I value what I learned and I am grateful to the people of downtown Arlington Heights. Thank you, AH, for showing me that you really are the “City Of Good Neighbors“.

I have a dream to one day own a dog again. A German shepherd, named for my dad, Bob. The name will be Bobbie if the dog is female. An alternate choice for a female could be Roberta.

I have a dream that should I one day own a home, I will have a dark maple tree and/or lilac bush in honor of my grandma. And in any place in which I live, I will have fresh flowers to remind me that she is there. I have a dream to one day own a cat–preferably a siamese. Her name will be Charlotte, for my mom. I have a dream to one day have something in honor of my brother. I haven`t entirely this out yet, but perhaps fish or something about fishing? I haven`t decided what fits my brother`s personality.

I have a dream…
Filed under: Uncategorized ]]> http://padschicago.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/i-have-a-dream-2/feed/ 0 padschicago http://padschicago.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/i-have-a-dream/ http://padschicago.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/i-have-a-dream/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:20:34 +0000 padschicago http://padschicago.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/i-have-a-dream/ Continue reading →]]> I have a dream. I have goals to fulfill. Aside from one day having a real apartment or even to own a home, there is more that I want. I want a renewed family. I would like to enliven old family relationships. My dream will honor my family.

I have a dream to one day own a dog again. A German shepherd, named for my dad, Bob. The name will be Bobbie if the dog is female. An alternate choice for a female could be Roberta.

I have a dream that should I one day own a home, I will have a dark maple tree and/or lilac bush in honor of my grandma. And in any place in which I live, I will have fresh flowers to remind me that she is there.

I have a dream to one day own a cat–preferably a siamese. Her name will be Charlotte, for my mom.

I have a dream to one day have something in honor of my brother. I haven`t entirely this out yet, but perhaps fish or something about fishing? I haven`t decided what fits my brother`s personality.

I have a dream…

  I was craving lavacakes this afternoon. I had to have a chocolate fix from Domino`s! So naturally I tweeted @RamonDeLeon. You know what he said? He said yes-- that I needed pizza to go with it and what kind would I like! Now I was thinking like holy $#|%, all I really wanted was some gooey chocolate lavacakes. But hell yeah, it was almost dinnertime and there was a chance that I would be late for dinner at home. Sure I`ll take some pizza too! So I went to my bookmarks and opened the Domino`s website to check the menu. I couldn't decide between Wisconsin 6-cheese with pepperoni and a Meatzza pizza. I asked Ramon what he suggested. This is the unbelievable part: he said he would give me BOTH! I was just in shock! I got to the store on Lincoln, my order was ready, and the employee behind the counter was the best, most friendly guy. I walked out with a bottle of diet Coke too. I cant eat 2 pizzas myself and shared with people at home at Deborah`s Place Marah`s. Made alot of us very happy! 

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I am taking on an opportunity that could change my life! In fact, it could change a lot of lives! On September 22nd, my head will be shaved bald. Yes, it’s radical. But it’s for children who have #cancer. I have joined a fundraiser for St. Baldrick’s. They try to help these sick children to conquer their disease. This really means a lot to me. When I think about what we are doing, I picture a group of laughing, running, jumping, happy kids. I am proud to go bald in honor of these kids who need so much hope. Please read my profile page at http://bit.ly/rjoR77 and please consider making a donation. Any amount–I don’t care if it’s $1.00–it all adds up to H*E*L*P for the kids.

Thank you so much,
Ann Marie Walsh
St. Baldrick’s Participant ID# 471300

Sent from my mobile. Enjoy.
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That day I was getting a small child off to school and caring for a new baby. My (now ex-) husband called from work to tell me to turn the TV on. I asked why. He was like, “Just do it!” There was urgency in his voice. I went to the TV not knowing what to expect. Then I saw something that I just could not comprehend. I couldn`t imagine what it must have been like to be there. Pandemonium. Chaos. Urgency. Emotions. My heart and prayers go out to all of the United States of America still.

Sent from my mobile. Enjoy.