RETURN

 

CHICAGO:  ONE, ME:  ZERO
A Special Update


Well, not quite. Let us just say that playing "city tag" in a city like Chicago is not fun. Thanks to Jean for being an exceptional host and friend, and for putting up with my dish-cleaning ways.

Some final words on the trip.

  • Jean:  "Talk about, Pop Music... Shooby Dooby Do Wop..."
  • Ed:  take care of Jean's flowers -- "She had it comin'!"
  • Klaus:  Rude.
  • Raul:  B.Y.O.B. -- Bring Your Own Burger.
  • The small group watching Glory for an upcoming class presention:  Tahm-usss..., Crapfest, Jenny Jones, and armpits.
  • McTavern's:  the food was Mc-not bad.
  • Jeff:  I can fully appreciate your disdain for driving in Chicago.
  • The driver of the Camaro, whom felt it absolutely necessary to speed around me only to exit the expressway rather than slow down and go behind my car to get to his exit:   Thanks dude... you rock.
  • I-294 WEST:  A few more tolls would be appreciated.
  • The peculiar light on a small parallel side street to North Avenue:
    I bet you still have not changed to green yet.
  • The weather:  Bleh.

       Spring is a time for change, and not necessarily weather-wise. I have been busy doing some housekeeping around my web site. Hopefully you have noticed my new logo; if not, look now! <grin>. Creating it was a labor of love. I had a few choice words with Photoshop, but I think it turned out rather nicely. Dissenter's Corner has been given a fresh coat of paint, even though it has not been updated since its stellar debut many moons ago. As for other subtle enhancements here, there, and everywhere, I shall leave those unannounced.

       I have done some housekeeping in my life as well. After much contemplation, I have decided to end a friendship that was near and dear to my heart. Too much has gone unsaid, on both sides, for far too long. Am I sad about this? Yes. Life goes on, and so shall I. I remember seeing the movie A Family Thing starring Robert Duvall. He explained happiness to a disenchanted young man with a brief story and the following summary:  happiness is having something to look forward to. Indeed, I have much to look forward to, much to be happy about.

       In mid April, I shall to be a part of a small gathering of online friends meeting in the windy city of Chicago -- I hope to meet some old friends separate from this gathering as well. I have already met two people within this group last May. Meeting them in person was such a blast, even though they were acquaintances at the time. Honestly, they could not have been nicer people. The other part of this online gathering will travel to Chicago from the magical land of Oz, Australia to the uninitiated, continuing their whirlwind tour of the United States. I cannot comprehend the initial contact when I meet these people for the first time, the others for the second time, but I know it will be something incredible. What an interesting concept:  getting to know people for who they are -- their wit and wisdom; their hopes and fears -- then meeting them in person. With one such meeting under my belt, I hope to add many, many more. Truly, I look forward to meeting my friends for the first time, for the second time, and for the zillionth time, in addition to my old friends I have known for years and years, in the great city of Chicago.

       As I pare one friendship out of my life, I shall endeavor to strengthen current ones... perhaps forge a few new ones? Life is too beautiful to be squandered dwelling in the past, so wish me luck as I journey north.