when a bird in the hand is worth less than two in the bush

Posted on September.6.2013 by erika

Over the years, I have had my fair share of pets. Growing up, we had a sweet Golden Retriever named Brandy. She was the ideal family dog: a watch dog, but not a guard dog. Protective, but not overprotective. A mean bark when necessary, but no bite. Playful but not too rambunctious. And she was smart (much smarter than my parent’s current Golden Retriever, Bella, who isn’t smart enough to push open half-closed doors and doesn’t recognize you after you’ve been gone for only twenty minutes).

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i’m back.

Posted on August.29.2013 by erika

It’s been a really long time, hasn’t it?

Nine months.

Yikes.

Between my last post and this one, I could have produced a child.

Well…

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time flies…or some excuse like that

Posted on October.10.2012 by erika

Yes, it has been awhile. Time flies when you are having fun, yadda, yadda, yadda.  Where have I been?

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the south of the north

Posted on June.26.2012 by erika

I grew up in Wisconsin, a place I affectionately call “The South of The North”.

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amateur protester? here are some tips….

Posted on May.15.2012 by erika

This weekend, world leaders and protesters alike will be visiting Chicago for the 2012 NATO Summit.There are a variety of groups joining in protest; National Nurses United, Queers Opposing NATO, Occupy Chicago, Coalition Against NATO/G8 War & Poverty Agenda and Iraq Veterans Against the War are just a few organizations that will be out in force this weekend.

I am excited to support the activist community. You may recall that I trained as a street medic in early spring, courtesy of Chicago Action Medical. This weekend, I will be providing first aid and wellness support at Grace Place, near the protest route. While I know how to splint a compound fracture with a charred American flag and a protest sign, I hope the worst injuries this weekend will be mild sunburns or blisters.

Are you coming out to support the protests? Or just hanging out downtown to watch the events? If you’re an amateur protester like me, here are some tips that I learned from my training and my own toolbox of knowledge (read: episodes of MacGyver) to help keep you safe:

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