Obamaland

I hate to disappoint those who may be under the impression that I'm about to write about Obama. Admittedly the title is deceptive that way. But I just recently returned from Chicago and, as of late, Chicago is the land of Obama and Obamaness. So it just seemed like it would be okay to use Chicago's synonym in this instance. ...Chicago is also the land of Oprahness but that's old news.

This wasn't my first trip to Chicago. My first trip was when I was nine or so and we were out there for the summer for my dad's work. I remember thinking it was fun but I suppose I really only took away three things from Chicago:
1. The McDonalds served pizza
2. There was always someone dressed as a giant bag of popcorn handing out free little bags of popcorn at the park
3. A memorization of all Raffi songs since that was all we ever listened to in the car due to the fact that we carpooled most places with a family that had a 4 year old kid. I hated that stupid tape.

So on this, my second trip to Chicago, I wasn't sure what to expect. I mean, maybe the McDonalds with pizza would still be around, but I had no real hope of getting free popcorn in the park and I figured no cabbies would be playing Raffi in their vehicles. So what else would Chicago offer me? Turns out, plenty.

1. I randomly played softball with a city league team that was short a player. Yes I was wearing jeans, my slip-on Vans (read: no traction) and five layers of shirts, sweatshirts and jackets (that is not an exaggeration). No I wasn't any good. Yes the game ended early when they had to enact the mercy rule.

2. I rode the train and felt smug about it. It's odd what makes me feel like an adult.

3. The air around my hotel smelled like chocolate. It was fabulous. Everyone should get to live near a chocolate factory. Especially me.

4. I ate real Chicago deep dish pizza from Giordano's. Thank you Master Wentworth, you were right, it was amazing.

5. I got to see one of my favoritest friends and catch up and eat cookies and see her home and family and watch her adorable daughter walk around all night with only one red cowboy boot on.

6. I dominated at Nertz. But....that's not unique to my being in Chicago. heh heh heh

Alright enough with the list. Really Chicago was awesome. I think it may be my new favorite big city. It was so clean and pretty. Though, at the time, freezing. Still, I forgive Chicago its harsh weather given that it is November and I am somewhat spoiled by the warm weather in the particular area I live.

Anyway. Even though I didn't see Obama or Oprah I still loved my Chicago trip. And I fully intend to go back again sometime when I don't have to spend my days in the underground of a hotel sitting in seminars and classes and whatnot.

So! Linz be prepared for me to take you up on that guest room offer, and I fully expect we'll have time to find that gourmet popcorn next time (I have good memories of Chicago and popcorn). And to my softball teammate, have the pizza and cards ready. Maybe we should go back to Pepper where you and your partner actually have a chance. And yes. That is a challenge.