LaneT

The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon (I loved Chabon’s Wonder Boys, but haven’t been able to get through some of his other stuff. I might retry The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay—I think maybe I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind for it last time).

The Dead Father’s Club by Matt Haig (a modern re-telling of Hamlet. It’s sort of fun to see how things get translated into the life of a 21st century 11-year old in working class England)

All Over But the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg (a beautifully written memoir of growing up in rural Alabama by a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist)

If anyone’s looking for things to read for their 50, probably the one people would enjoy most is All Over But the Shoutin’. So beautifully written. And if you love your momma at all, you WILL cry.

I was going to Chicago for work, but padded the time I’ll be there to see a few sites. There’s a ton more to see and I’ll have to go back with more time. I wasn’t sure until I got there if that would be the case (I have to admit that I’m one of those coast snobs. I grew up on the east coast and live on the west, so I tend to think of most the heartland as that area I have to spend hours flying over to visit my family). For a city of its size, the people are incredibly friendly.
Things I did:
1) Cubs game at Wrigley Field. I had a great seat, six rows back from where the Cubbies relief pitchers warm up. The folks in my section were so welcoming. The weather got cold and rainy, but that just made the whole things seem more authentic. The Brewers beat up on the Cubs, so a pretty traditional experience all around. Wehn I can find the cord for my camera, I’ll have a shot from the seats so you see how close.
2) Walk the Miracle Mile. My hotel was close by. I saw the old Water Tower, the Wrigley Building, the Trib Tower. Some lovely architecture. One thing I’ll do when I get back is an architecture tour.
3) Authentic deep dish pizza. Ate Saturday night at Pizzeria Due, which was the second store in what became the Pizzeria Uno chain. So good. And a great reminder that traveling alone has its benefits. Since I could sit anywhere, I waited less than five minutes for a seat—others were waiting upwards of 30-40 minutes.
4) Navy Pier. It was a blustery sort of day and full of low clouds, so I didn’t do the ferris wheel, unfortunately.
5) Millenium Park. People in Chicago seem as excited about Millenium Park as Seattleites are about Olympic Sculpture Park. They did get a better piece of Frank Gehry architecture, but otherwise I think we win this round. Though it is lovely.

17. My chenille socks (so warm, soft, and comfy!)
18. Slipping into a made bed
19. The moment during meditation when you notice your mind has slowed down
20. “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copland
21. The smell of cigars (reminds me of my grandfather and makes me feel loved and safe)
22. Sleeping—successful naps and/or sleeping in