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Yes, I woke up at 5am this morning solely for the purpose of watching the Royal Wedding. And I have to say, I am so glad that I did because it was beautiful.

I woke just in time to see Kate (Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge now) walking down the aisle. I was slightly bummed that I missed her getting out of the car, but I still tuned in early enough to see her walk the full length of the aisle with her sister and dad, watch her and William exchange vows, ride off to Buckingham Palace in their carriage, and most importantly of all … I saw the kiss on the balcony!!

I know the media has provided an insane amount of coverage leading up to this morning’s big event, but I’ve loved every minute of it. As Matt Lauer said this morning, many Americans seem to be so caught up in the Royal Wedding because there really isn’t anything that we can compare it to here in the U.S. The concept of a monarchy and all the pageantry that goes with it is something completely foreign to us.

Regardless, the Royal Wedding this morning was a moment that for better or worse, will become a part of history, and I’m happy to say I got to watch it all happen.

[images from royalwedding.aol.com, thehollywoodgossip.com and okmagazine.com]

When I wrote city news for the Daily Cardinal, I instantly became hooked on all of the drama that seemed to incessantly follow the members of the Madison Common Council, including the former [:(] Mayor Dave. Being involved in city government is no easy feat. Despite the long hours and late nights that are a staple in city news, I always felt a little rush of adrenaline when writing about an issue that the whole city would be talking about the next day.

Fast forward to today. Mayor Daley–mayor of Chicago for the past 22 years–is about to step down and hand over his power to Rahm. While you could endlessly debate about whether or not Daley did more good or bad for the city of Chicago, there is no argument that the guy has got some serious street cred.

This morning I unexpectedly had the opportunity to attend an event that the mayor was speaking at. So as soon as the speakers had finished, I pushed my way through the crowds, handed my phone over to the lady standing next to me, and got a photo with one of the most well-known men in the city of Chicago.

Rahm, you're next.

Of all the days to choose to wear my glasses and to not blow dry my hair. Bad life decision.

“Happiness is a warm puppy.” -Charles Schulz

Frasier finally went to the dog groomer over the weekend, and man did he need it. It had been several months since he had gotten his hair cut, and even though I gave him a bath a few weeks ago, he was just a plain ol’ smelly dog. Fortunately he gets the best care at his salon, Absolutely Pawfect.

It’s never fun dropping Frasier off because he’s usually so tentative and I always worry he’ll think I won’t return for him. This time though it was completely worth it. Frasier got the full spa treatment with a bath, grooming, facial, ear cleaning and Frontline application. There’s nothing better than a clean, warm, pup. Check out the before and after shots:

Before: He looks pretty cute here, but he smelled like dirty dog.

After: Clean pooch! Check out those ears!

This past Saturday I attended an art benefit. The event was hosted by the Southwest Youth Collaborative, as a part of the Recurrent Dreams Project, which is a collaboration between artist Granite Amit and 10 youth participants of the SWYC.

[The SWYC is a community-based network of youth and community development organizations serving African Americans, Arab Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Native American and Latino children, youth and families living in the West Englewood, Chicago Lawn, Gage Park, West Lawn and West Elsdon neighborhoods.]

The event was held at the Arc Gallery and Educational Foundation in the West Loop, which ended up being relatively easy for my mom and I to find. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when we arrived, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised.

In addition to a panel discussion about art as resistance, audience members were treated to a small jazz band–which was incredible–as well as some of the most awesome free styling and break dancing that I’ve ever seen in person. Sometimes kids can be pretty amazing. Check it out:

I’m pretty sure in my next life I want to be one of those dancers.

I’ll be the first person to admit that I know nothing about sports. While I can occasionally enjoy a game (any game except football) I’ll be the first person to tell you that most sports stars are grossly overpaid and arrogant.

However, when I read this article yesterday about CNN sports legend Nick Charles, I was most definitely moved. As CNN’s original sports anchor (CNN stopped covering sports in 2001), Charles was an incredible sportscaster. He came from nothing and managed to hold on to his celebrated career for 40 years.

Fred Hickman (L) and Nick Charles together on CNN.

And yet, his toughest story to date has been battling cancer. Early this year, Charles decided to stop treatment and spend whatever time he had left with his family. This includes recording birthday videos for his 5-year-old daughter, Giovanna.

Oh, happy 9th birthday.
And I hope you’re listening to Mommy all the time
And I hope you’re listening to music you love,
Maybe traveling to wonderful places.
It’s just such a beautiful world
And so many glorious places to explore and just be captivated by.

Nick Charles today.

Besides Charles’ commitment to his career and his daughter, I was also moved by his “life tips.” I think it’s important for everyone to have their own set of “life lessons” — what are yours?

Don’t get married early.
Travel the world.
Have a love of language and literature.
Learn to love your own company so you’re not needy.
Ask yourself where do you want to be tomorrow? What about in 5 years, 10 years?
What do I require in a relationship? What am I capable of giving?
Enjoy little moments and turn them into ecstasy.
Fasten onto the positives of life.

[images via LA Times and CNN]