Waving from such great heights...

Next on the Chicago itinerary was visiting the Sears Tower. My friend who grew up there had never been, so we decided it was time. I'm not particularly scared of heights, but I am scared of dying. And, panic attacks. And, I must say it was quite an experience going up there as pictures flashed in my head of what 9/11 must have been like. But I tried not to think about it.

I was completely fine for the two hours we waited in line before paying double to get the "Fast Pass" (best 15 bucks I've ever spent). But the second we were standing in front of the elevator I freaked. I debated as to whether or not I should just forget the 30 bucks and run. But I gained control of my racing mind, and got on the elevator, as the lady told us it would take one full minute and, oh, our ears will pop as we go up. Yeah that didn't scare me more or anything. I couldn't watch as the doors closed on the 55 people, complete with strollers, they had crammed into this tiny elevator. So, I closed my eyes and grabbed my friend's hand. Now, this is someone who has stood by me through everything the past 12 years have thrown my way. But, that day, as 1450 feet sped past us, he asked me what I thought my husband was doing at that moment, and it just might have been the sweetest thing that he has ever done for me!

Before I knew it the doors had opened and we were there! It wasn't bad at all! My ears hardly even popped. We made our way around looking out each window and taking tons of pictures. It was really a beautiful sunny day. You can actually see four states from up there, states I've never been to. I also caught view of my first Great Lake, which, by the way, really does look like the ocean! I used to laugh at him when he told me of these esteemed "lake beaches", but now I get it. The other cool thing was the recently opened glass balconies that allow you to literally walk on air, and look at the city passing by beneath your Converse. That was a little much for me, so I just stuck my shoe on it and then ran away! I was surprised, though, at how many people actually went out in them. Just goes to show how crazy people are. :)

But, once we made the round, we got in line- again- to travel back down, which was no sweat. Except when my friend then pointed out a sign that said Maximum Capacity: 300, as well over 500 people milled around! Just a concrete example (literally) of how we can build up fearful situations in our minds out of nothing at all. I will hold on to this example from now on to remind myself, when I start to feel myself tensing because I am afraid of failing at my art, that nothing is as bad as it seems (or as scary as being up 103 stories in the air)!



















I'm actually really proud of this skyline photo. I had taken two from that angle- one with clouds and one with more of the buildings. I couldn't decide which to post, so instead I used Photoshop to put them together, and it worked!! Looks like I actually took it that way!