Good News Happens. Here is Proof.

From the tragedy in Boston to the awful explosion in West, TX, it has been one story after another dominating the headlines, the conversation in the lines at Starbucks and more this week.

But in a week that wreaked havoc on our emotions, good things happened.  I asked you to share some good news and, friends, you didn't disappoint. 

Just read what an awesome week you had.  If the past few days taught us anything, it's that our time is precious.  Let's enjoy every minute of it.

Hope you smile at some of these wonderful photos, fabulous stories and brilliant musings from a four-year-old you shared with me on Twitter. 

I sure did.

Patrick Lopez: ‏ heard our babys heart beat and sonogram picture for the first time today!

‏Becky Crist:  I'm gonna be a grand mother for the first time! Yea!

Linda Dietz: Helped a client basically pro bono. My heart needed that this week.

Bill Holcomb‏ No picture, but my daughter, Michelle Blanton, is celebrating 2 years cancer free on Saturday!

Janice Carter I personally had a good week. My family and friends are safe and well, and I'm grateful!!

Shoes:‏ father/daughter dance tomorrow!! Pow

Jay Davis‏:  My four-year-old told me yesterday that chickens dont wear socks

A number of you shared the video of a cat playing with the vacuum.  It will have you peeing-in-your-pants laughing.

Another great tweet I received from a friend showed a picture of her at the Rangers home opener playing hooky from work with a friend.  To protect the privacy of all parties involved, I'm keeping that pic to myself.

Nathan McLain This photo of our dog, Otis, is always good for cheering me up.

 

Matt Craig ‏ Hawaiian day at my kid’s school.

Sean Stacey‏  First trip to Wrigley!

 

The fabulous  Emily Jones shared a picture of my daughter's future husband, her son Henry.  Arranged marriages are alive and well in DFW sports! 

Sarah Powers  Here's my little Ranger fan. She thinks today's loss was ruff.

Maffew. BABY

Daniel Nash‏   baby girls making their first brownie

M. Hob‏ Here's my girls having fun with their theatrical makeup class at quad c....does this count? Have a great day!

Darla Gardner and her dog, Joey, couldn't wait to watch the Rangers/Cubs game

Gilbert Padilla rocked a Star Wars convention

And, finally, this gem from TankPuncher:
We won 7 games in a row on NHL 13 on Xbox. Sorry that's about the best news I have for ya.

What To Do In Chicago

The Cubs.  The Rangers.  Wrigley Field.

Just typing those words makes me feel better.  In the wake of Monday's events in Boston, a sense of ceremony and the opportunity to take the mind off enormous tragedy is comforting. 

The thought of travel, sports and American traditions does that for me.  I hope this can be just a brief respite for you, as well.

The Rangers begin Interleague play Tuesday against the Cubs in Chicago.  It's their first visit to Wrigley Field since 2002.   Texas returns to play the White Sox in August 23-25th.

Chicago is one of the best cities in America of which I haven't experienced enough.  I spent a weekend there during the famed Chicago Air and Water Show.  What a sight to see planes flying over Lake Michigan with the beautiful downtown skyline as a backdrop.

Sofitel.com

My husband and I stayed at the gorgeous Hotel Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, located in the heart of the Gold Coast.  It was a great, stylish base for exploring the city on foot.  This French-owned chain always has deals on rooms.  Check its website, Travelzoo or any of your other favorite travel-related sites.

My friend, Bryan Dolgin, is a Chicago guy.  He was the White Sox radio pregame and postgame show host in 2005.  He later served the Rangers in the same capacity for three seasons.  He has some great tips if you're interested in visiting the Windy City this year for a baseball game or quick getaway.  I second his suggestion on Gibson's Steakhouse.  It's a classic.

Here are Bryan's suggestions: