Chicago

The tag line from the weekend is:
What happens in Chicago, stays in Chicago.

So, suffice it to say, I can't elaborate on too many details of Drunken Debauchery Fest 2007.
Here are the things I can tell you:

Chicago is a firm believer in revolving doors. Steve said it was because of the bitter cold and the revolving doors are better at keeping out the cold and keeping in the warm. Sounds good to me.

The Lake (Lake Michigan, I believe) looks like the ocean. It's just endless.

We stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel on Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave). An uber-expensive hotel but 1) the toilet wouldn't flush so there was always toilet paper floating in it, 2) the tub faucet dripped constantly, 3) three of the outlets in the room didn't even work, which we didn't know until the very last day, even though Julie couldn't figure out why the hell her CrackBerry wasn't charging, 4) the cold water lever was missing it's little "C" (No, it's not a big thing, but for $300 a night, I want to see a "C" on the cold water lever.) and 5) which is actually a positive thing - we could see the water from the lake in our room. A nice perk.

The baristas in the Starbucks in the lobby of the hotel need to be fired. Holy crap. They wouldn't last a day in Seattle. Slower than shit and when asked a question, responded with "Huh?" Are you kidding me? Funny, the high falootin' New Yorkers didn't know that the people who made espresso drinks were called baristas. I felt very intelligent explaining that to them.

We heard sirens every 10 minutes. Honestly. When a half an hour would go by with no sirens, I would look at Julie and say in mock horror "Oh my god, what's wrong?!!"

Friday night, over the span of 10 hours, I had 11 jack-n-cokes and a shot of something blue in a test tube at Mother's. And it was one of the best nights I've ever had.

All in all, Chicago was a good time all around. I made a couple of new friends. I got to catch up with an old friend. And got to let my hair down without any repercussions when I got home.


However, the flight home sucked. I was scheduled to leave at 5:25, but got an earlier 2:20pm flight to Denver. But I didn't get on the earlier flight in Denver (even though my bags did) so I sat at the airport until my 9:40pm flight. Got to SeaTac at 11:30pm, waited for a cab for 30 minutes, then finally got back to the apartment at 12:30pm. What a long freakin' day. And then real life slapped me in the face bright and early Monday morning at work.

*sigh*

I was apparently very missed.

Notes From The Airport

The following are notes from the airport on July 19, 2007, before my flight to Chicago.

8:15am
ButterLondon ROCKS! Got a $10 manicure so now my nails look all snazzy. Fabulous!

There's a dude wearing a shirt that says "Jesus Patrol". It looks like a lifeguard cross. Does that mean he's looking to save Jesus? That seems blasphemous.

Why haven't I gotten a laptop yet?

Towncars are the only way to go to the airport. The windows are really tinted so people think you're famous. And it's actually cheaper than a cab.

I would have corrective surgery if my middle toe was so long it hung off the edge of my Chacos. That would just drive me nuts. Speaking of shoes, I'm distraught that my Keens have been "in repair" for two weeks now. They are the most comfortable shoes I have and I don't have them with me now! I need to call about them.....But I think I made up for them. I packed two bags for four days. And one bag is all shoes. I have become one of those people.

So far, there are no hot people going to Chicago.

Oh, these poor parents. Their 20 something daughter is wearing a shirt so low cut that I would wear it to a party. That low. They look like meek, old school, hippy parents. The daughter has a ton of bling and make-up on. Yes, she's gotten above her raisin'.

I checked both of my bags. It's much easier to go to the bathroom now.

Tennis shoes and no socks. Yes, he has the sport shorts on too. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Glad the guy didn't make a horrible decision and wear tube socks, but what are those feet going to smell like in the afternoon?

I can't believe no one has recognized me yet! Come on people! I'm pretending I'm famous here!

I should have plucked my eyebrows last night. Guess it would be tacky to do that on the plane, huh?

Bob Schneider is a good soundtrack for the airport. I love my iPod.

Oh!! A bit of a side note....
My friend and I went to the Patty Griffin concert last night at the Zoo and we ran into Dave Matthews. Literally. He was tossing something in the garbage and he turned and almost bumped into us. He said "Uh, excuse me.." and we said "Uh, excuse me..." and he walked on by. I hit my friend on the arm and said "That was Dave Matthews! I think he was looking at our boobs!" She was convinced as well. (Just kidding Dave. You're married, lots of kids. I'm sure you don't do those kinds of things......)

People who are not comfortable in flip flops (or, thongs, as people up here call them, which throws me because I think thongs are g-strings......anyway) can be spotted from a mile away. Quite entertaining.

When did cullotes make a comeback? I missed it. And I'm okay with that.

General Life Update

So, let's see.
Life is okay. Getting better. Still......weird.

I hear that some of you are a bit concerned about me. Well lemme tell you - nothing says emotional support like gift cards! Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Pier One.......all good. I've got an apartment to furnish soon!

Speaking of apartments, I filled out the application and put down the admin/holding fee on the apartment with the pool, right across from the Locks. The women in the office said I should hear back today, but I didn't. I'm sure it's fine. But it would be nice to know one way or the other. I'll have to call tomorrow.

And then Thursday morning, I leave for Chicago.
Julie, my friend in New York, decided after such a monumental life change, we finally needed to have a girls' weekend. She'll be in Chicago for business, so she extended her trip until Sunday. We'll be staying at the InterContinental, which I know nothing about except it's very expensive. I love it.

And then next week, back to reality. Probably cleaning for Lisa. Maybe stay at the apartment a few nights and try to pack. Hopefully I'll have a place by next week and will know a move in date. Then comes bribing the friends to help move. Always fun. I hate this crap.

Oh, and my office finally got moved. Except most of my stuff is still in boxes because the bookshelves from Ikea haven't arrived yet. Once they do, it should be easier to get settled. I'm having a hard time really getting anything done. I'm so scattered and overloaded. Something's gotta give.

But again. It will get better. I know that. At least I've got friends who are taking me out and treating me to food and drink. Pity? Probably. I don't care. I'll take it.