Thought on 12/1and2/06

Whirlwind trip to Chicago (and I do mean whirlwind - we drove a few hours to a slim parking lot, got out, and heard the horn as the South Shore came through Michigan City Indiana, slow and down the center of the street... hopped on and took off - backwards - to a city that now towers above us, dropping licorice-sticks of ice from the overhangs of buildings. I had to take most of yesterday to reconcile this magical arrival to such a different environment, not helped in any way by the fact that the "Club" - that being the Union League Club of Chicago - whose "Clubhouse" we were staying in had a dress code, required coat check, and prohibition of outside alcohol. I do believe I was only able to get friendly with this city due to Slate's company and a 1/2 lb burger with saurkraut, onions, peppers, and stone-ground mustard paired with at least 1/2lb of chili cheese fries. Who said cities are expensive? Anyother day I could've fed three Timmy D's at that meal). An arrest at Interlochen for (what else?) child porn. Another friend bites the dust (marriage).
This is one crazy world I've got myself into.


To top it all off, I'm writing this from a Panera (not sure the Union League Club takes its wireless too seriously - expecting, instead, for members to attend the Library or the floor devoted to temporary offices). I've redeemed my free bagel pack, but have not been back in one of these stores since the dread managerial days... This one, on State and... Thatroadsignistoosmalltoreadfromhere, is actually kind of nice. Chicago has been uncompromising for us this time, with trying to find food downtown at 11pm, the Club, the weather. But this Panera, it seems, has less morning business than the one in Durham, is fine with my small coffee-copout for their internet and shelter (while Slate's attending final conference wrap-up), has these strange club chairs with wobbly round 'table' attached to arm, probably more appropriate for a library. Which reminds me, the public library (across the street!) opens soon. Which reminds me, everyone should watch "The Librarian Returns"! tomorrow night - I think it's on TNT. Stay warm!