So Much to Say for The Last Week

Let's start with Friday (the 29th). I came home early thanks to my employer's summer hours program! While I was changing clothes and taking care of a few tasks around The Palacio, Mark called to see if Ridda and I wanted to join Laura and him for an afternoon of gallivanting around the city! Of course we did!

I reviewed my Chicago bicycle map in search of a good route; I chose a few roads that would take us to Humboldt Park, Logan Square and then back to the SoLo. We met on 18th and State and headed down 18th toward Pilsen. On our way, we passed a dive that proudly served Old Style beer. Perhaps in a dare, I said, "Let's stop!" Mark obliged, and I couldn't back down, so, before we knew it, we were sitting and watching the Cubs beat the Diamondbacks at an empty bar on 18th and Union!

After one Old Style a piece, we headed through Pilsen, up Halsted and toward the Fulton Market area. On our way, of course, we stopped at Mario's for italian lemonade! We considered stopping again for italian ice, but we thought it was best to wait a day for that. When we arrived at Randolph Street, we saw the Chocolate Cafe, and of course we couldn't resist that either!

Anyway, after so much indulgence we proceeded to Fulton Market, where we found an antique store, and on our way out of the antique store, a random cyclist queried us, "Are you guys coming to Critical Mass?"

I had witnessed Critical Mass once in my life, about 5 years ago in San Francisco, but I had never yet participated. I quickly described the concept to Mark and we decided to join the movement. A quick phone call to Chico Blanco ensured his participation as well!

Mark, Chris and I joined at least 1,000 other cyclists at the Daley Plaza, where we began our takeover of the streets of Chicago! We circled around the Loop, went up Michigan Avenue, through the Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, and finally down Montrose Avenue to Montrose Beach. I must say that the event was great! And, it was nice to imagine that one day a further 'critical mass' of cyclists will change the nature of city transportation and the energy required to make city transit work. Some day...

After approximately 20 miles of cycling, we went for a well-earned dinner at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, and then we went to our respective homes. But, I must say, we all took a piece of the bicycle revolution with us!

Saturday, 30-July
It happens once in a while, a day about which I have no great expectations ends up rocking my life. Saturday morning I woke up, cycled to a new breakfast spot on Taylor Street with Chris and Mark, and happened upon a Pilsen community festival, but then had to return to The Palacio so that I could prepare for an afternoon Cubs game.

I took the El to Dave's place, where I enjoyed some afternoon sun at his pool with him and Raquel. We caught up on life, and then walked to Wrigley Field, where we met Bob. The four of us sat and enjoyed a lovely afternoon at the ballpark, if only the Cubs could have won, it would have been perfect! But, anyway, four gametime Old Styles ensured that the festivities would not soon end.

I am of the opinion that quantifying drinks, much like kissing and telling, is never called for, so I will just say that after the game I went with Bob and Dave to Wild Hare for some Reggae, Moe's Cantina for some Tapas, then we meandered through Wrigleyville and the Gold Coast to pass the rest of the night. I woke up Saturday morning with a slight cold, and this long day of fun ensured that I woke up Sunday morning with worse symptoms!

Sunday
After getting home by 1:45, then staying up a while to text message and call a friend, I did not end up waking up until 11:00 AM. Once I awoke, I got ready to go toward the suburbs, and Chris and I headed to my parents' house to see everyone, including Uncle Scott.

It was great to see Kaylin walking from uncle to uncle to dad to grandfather! She is growing up fast! And it was good to see that Uncle Scott is looking in great shape. I had a great time visiting my family, but then headed back to The Palacio for a quiet evening of recovery.

This week
The highlight of this week was Tuesday evening when I went with Olga to an Aterciopelados concert. Aterciopelados is a Columbian rock group that is extremely creative and critically acclaimed. As Olga and I were looking for a place to stand against the balcony before Aterciopelados took the stage, I ran into my old friend Max!

I had not seen Max in three or four years, but we used to hang out a lot back when we both studied abroad in Granada. We even went to Morocco together! But, life happens and we have simply not remained in touch very much in recent years. Nonetheless, it was great to see him and to meet his Venezuelan wife. We talked about trying to meet up soon to catch up in greater detail; I hope this happens soon!

Besides the Aterciopelados concert, I have laid low this week. On Monday night, Mark needed a car, so Billie and I took him out to the suburbs to pick up his golf clubs and go for a sushi dinner. On Wednesday my department went on our annual outing. This year it was a lunchtime cruise from Navy Pier, after the cruise, I took a long nap, and ended up going to bed early, mostly to try to recover from Saturday and Tuesday night.

On Thursday Chico Blanco and I watched the Brazilian flick "City of God". Talk about a great (and true) story! Sometimes its realism was painfully sad, but at the same time, the characters were very likable, and the story always gripping.

Today
That brings me to today. I had a hurried day at work, running around, trying to wrap as much up before I go to Dallas. I finally left the office and got to The Palacio by 3:00 PM. From there I immediately left for Millenium Park on Ridda, hoping to meet up with my mom, grandma, and cousin. They were in the City for grandma's birthday! (Happy Birthday Grandma!) They eventually found their way to Millenium Park around 4:00 PM; we walked around Pritzker Pavillion, the Lurie Garden, the BP Bridge, and of course we took a gander at The Bean!

After my they returned to the suburbs, Ceebs met up with me at Millenium Park, and of course we headed to the Park Grill, where Chico Blanco, The Murph and Mark eventually met us. After a few aperitifs, we headed to The Elephant and Castle for a good British dinner. Then, The Murph, Chico Blanco and I went with Leavitt to the Artist's Cafe for another beer.

Alas, Chico Blanco and I then headed south for The Palacio, where I now sit, writing this tardy update on the recent events of my life. And now, a tad before midnight, I will retire ... happy to have so many friends and family in my life, and the possibility of better things to come brings a smile to my face.

I've said it before, but I should say it again: Life is good.