Alright, so I headed to Chicago with virtually no sleep from the upset stomach the night before and
I arrived in the city and got off the closest stop to Water Tower Place as directed by my Gail, my step-mom for lunch date and I decided to "hop" in a cab for the remainder of my ride to my location. I met up with Brad a former highschool classmate that lives and works in the downtown. We had lunch on the 6th floor of the Bloomingdale's building at a nice restaurant with a gret view. It was fun to catch-up with Brad and find out what fun things are going on in his life. And he is newly engaged and planning his wedding so that was really fun to hear all about. Plus, I am super excited for him and Amy. I wish great things for those two. Plus, hearing about a friend's excitement and the love in his life is very cool too! After my long lunch with Brad I headed to my next stop. And I forgot to mention that Brad insisted I have soup after my fun experience early this morning. So we both had soup and split a sandwich. It was really great to see him and catchup.
My next stop with the Art Institute of Chicago. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and had (to my knowledge) never been to the Art Institute so, that's where I decided to go. Oh, and on the recommendation of my sister. I had a few hours to kill and I decided that was the best bet. I do not remember ever visiting their before but, I'm sure I probably did at least once. Anyhow, it was pretty impressive. Oh,and I checked my coat and 2 pieces of luggage for $2.00, pretty impressive right? I thought so. However, my admission price was $18 but, that's ok. There were a few rooms that didn't interest me that I didn't go in but, overall it was pretty impressive. I'm obsessed with Camille Pissarro's works. I am not quite sure what exactly I love about his paintings but, I do feel as if I am "inside" of them when I look at them. They are so detailed and the brush strokes...I love looking at them. I had a pretty good look at them last year (just about this time) while in Rome at a few museums and let's just say I fell in love. Just about the time I was done at the Art Institute my other friend, Eric (another former highschool classmate) sent me a text that he was home from work. So, I got back in the coat check line and waited for my coat and luggage. Needless to say that the line was not a 30 minute wait like it was earlier in the day and thank goodness for that. The museum was sooo crowded - probably because it was Veteran's Day and everyone had the day off (and the same idea as me). Anyhow, grabbed my stuff and headed outside and hailed a cab and headed to Eric's place. So, I got to Eric's dropped off my bags and we headed to a close local bar that was absolutely packed! The Blackhawks game was due to start shortly and everyone was ready. After Eric heard about my morning he insisted I have some soup again as Brad did. Kind of funny and ironic don't you think? I chuckled and obliged and head the soup. Plus, to be frank I was a bit nervous about eating any seafood or anything spicy at all. I really didn't know (and still don't) whether it's an ulcer and acid reflux (which it probably is) or just a plain ordinary upset stomach. However, that didn't stop me from having a glass of wine...and no problems from that. Oh, and I did have a potato skin as well. So, yes, I decided to push the envelope with my stomach and test the waters...and I survived and did ok. Anyhow, Eric and I got caught up. It's a bit different when you see ocassional status updates on Facebook and see people in-person. So, Eric had a lot to fill me in on and I listened and interjected (with my two-sense of course). And I filled him in on my life too. It's definitely fun to see people that you go waaaay back with and see how we've all "evolved". We are the same people as we were then we just are all grown up now. And it's funny too because Brad and Eric were friends way back to! Next time I'm in town we are all going to meet up -- a reunion happy hour of sorts in the city...sounds like fun, right? I have such great ideas! Yay me!
Anyhow, I learned a valuable lesson on traveling in the city you need to know how to read the train schedule and pay attention to the time. Yep, you seriously do. Let's just say I'm a newbie in training when it comes to this. There was absolutely no way I was going to miss the "initial" train I planned to take so, I took the next one and it actually gave me a bit of time to catch the train. I basically ran to the train station and hopped on the train! I had a bit more time than that but, it seemed like we ran and let's just say it was convenient that Eric lives right by the train station. So, it was all good and I made the train and had a fun-filled day and evening in the city and friends too! And I headed to my next destination...
I headed to the 'burbs...to see this wonderful little girl, Ms. Lily and her parents. You see Lily's parents are two very dear old (not literally) friends of mine that I have known for what seems like forever. And we've had many trials and tribulations and it's fabulous to know you have some wonderful people in your corner cheering for you and that are their for "extra" love and support that you may need at any given time. And I even receive all of this over the miles. I love you both very much and am thankful for your friendship (well, "familyship")! I consider these and their beautiful daughter family! And I am Aunite Alright, check back later this evening for Part 3 of my trip for the wrap-up of the weekend.
Have a wonderful day!
PS - the reason for lack up posts and the monster-huge delay is due to the internet outage at home. My internet/cable line will be replaced when I return (you see I headed back to Chicago again a week later for Thanksgiving - check back soon for more posts and details).
