Signs

The State of Illinois now posts roadside memorial signs for victims of reckless driving. I applied for a sign for Jessica and Kelli in January. Just as I was finishing my post about leaving Springfield without their law being passed, I received a phone call from IDOT telling me their sign was up. Perfect timing.

The sign is actually posted on Illinois Highway 158, not on the interstate. If you take I-64 east to the Highway 158 exit, the sign is posted just before the I-64 Westbound exit. This is the overpass where they were killed. The sign couldn't be placed on I-64 as it's a federal roadway, so the State put it as close on a state highway as they could.

Next goal - renaming the interstate between Mascoutah and Highway 158 after them. It just so happens I'm going to meet with the Secretary of Transportation next week in Chicago, so I'll ask him how I go about getting the highway named for them.

Spring Has Sprung

Certain things say "Spring" like no others - daylight lingers past 6pm, the smell of fresh cut grass, pops of yellow, pink and purple as the flowers start to bloom, sleeping with the windows open, and trading in the boots and loafers for sandals and flip flops. Another event that means Spring to me is the start of the baseball season. This year, Craig and I went to Dallas for the Rangers opening day. My Uncle Tony lives there, and he's been asking me for years to come partake in the festivities. And it was festive, let me tell you. When you start at 9am for a 3pm game, you can't help but have a good time.

(From left: my cuz's wife Rhonda, cuz Brent, Uncle Tony, Craig and me!)

I enjoyed our lovely spring weather yesterday as I took a road trip to Springfield for the House version of the workers' compensation legislation. The Senate passed their version last week, and now the House is working on their version. I toyed with the idea of wearing a skirt, but it was a little windy yesterday and I didn't need it flying over my head, so I wore pants with a more trustworthy zipper.

(The view from the Gallery. Gorgeous chandeliers.)

I met with my Representative and he gave me a brief rundown of the process. I headed up to the gallery to watch Government In Action. About five minutes later, my Rep came back and told me that he had been asked to pull the bill for further amendments, and asked me if I was okay with that. He said he could go ahead and present it, but chances were good it would be voted down. I was disappointed but I want this bill to be done right, so I agreed that it be delayed.

I was in a bit of a funk as I headed home. I popped in my Purple Rain soundtrack, opened the sunroof and windows, put on my new sunglasses and sang along. Jessica always said when she was in a bad mood she would let the wind blow through the car and it would blow her troubles away. It was pretty good advice, because I was in a better mood when I got home. However, I have been able to move forward on another front...tune in tomorrow for the story on that.