I grew up in Chicago. This photo is an overhead view of streets by my parents house.

Ever since my folks helped me over the drivers license finish line I had to figure out challenges like congested traffic, the endless stop light delays, and how to merge into traffic.

Merging Into Traffic

In the Chicagoland metro at the end of the ramp you immediately enter into the tragic flow. You get a running start and then you must force yourself into the oncoming traffic.

Either you have initiative and are assertive or everyone behind you will honk impatiently adding to your anxiety.

Guest post by Amy Volltrauer

The Legend of the Hippo Pillow

A little set up.

I am a traditionalist and had been looking forward to when I had a boyfriend on Valentine’s Day and what special gift he would give. So needless to say, I had expectations.

Scott on the other hand is a non-traditionalist and hates having to live up to the expectations put on him by marketing, etc. And we didn’t know each other well enough yet to know these things about each other.

Hence the story.

I’ve been a Hawks fan since I was seven.

Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup!!!

I think this post stands on it’s own accompanied by this photo:

How do you start blog entitled mysilentscream?

It sounds like a bastion for the emo, morose or the passive-aggressive. If that’s you, welcome! If not, don’t go away yet!

I plan to rant and rave throughout mysilentscream’s lifespan. So where do I begin?

At the risk of alienating many of you, I’ll reach into my heart.

I have learned joy, and sorrow, the promise for tomorrow and the dashes of hope for today. I have learned to persevere and I’ve learned to be a realist. I have been crushed with disappointment and been propped up for another day.