May 30, 2008

• So much life happening!

  Friday morning, I was one of those dramatic, tear-stained airport people. Beside LaGuardia’s checked baggage station, Shaun wrapped his arms around me tight. I used his shirt as a kleenex.

  “I’m sorry,” I repeated.
  “Don’t be. It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s good.”

  I thought of soldiers and their spouses and how this was their life, only worse, with the lilac-stench of death hovering over everything.

  Crying in the airport, I thought of something I’d written for Shaun that compared heartache to the ache our muscles feel on a long mountain hike. When we hike, we trust our bodies despite the ache. Aches like these propel people forward. But it only made me cry harder to think of how strong our relationship was, how I would be spending months away from my best friend (with those sexy, sexy benefits that would also be greatly missed).

  We finally peeled ourselves apart after a time. I boarded the plane and fell into a dreamless sleep. When I woke, I looked out the window to see Chicago unfolding beneath me. I cried again. I’ve always loved how the city curves to cradle Lake Michigan; I was home. The home that we’d plant roots in, have a family in. I was overcome with happiness, eager to build us a nest.

  Friday afternoon was spent chitchatting away my frayed feelings with my roommate and best girlfriend Squee. I also got my haircut at my Chicago place (I’m now sporting a very cute, layered bob with short fringe). In the evening, we met two of her girlfriends at the Scottish Pub, where we all grew close and girl-like and made friends with our waiter, Elrubiel. And we must have been exceedingly cute that evening; when the bill came, our meals were comped and we only paid for about half of what we drank. 

  After nursing a small hang-over on Saturday (it is really VERY rare for me to go out drinking), I went running along the lakeshore path. And I nearly cried again. SO BEAUTIFUL. Seriously. This city. My god. So good. That evening, we had the Scottish Pub girls over again to watch Teeth, which is my new favorite movie. So much camp. So hilarious (weather the humor is intentional or not is up for debate, but I for one, don’t care). 

  There was more running and chitchat with Squee on Sunday, which, in addition to nightly calls to Shaun, has pretty much been the underlying current to my daily life here in Chicago. I’m also writing a non-linear story with multiple points of view, inspired by my reading of The Savage Detectives. I’m also trolling craigslist for a suitable used bike/bed-thing. Also: Squee has a new kitten named Hamish, who is very cute but farts a great deal. We call him Cat Smell.

  I started work on Tuesday. The welcome back was incredible. So many hugs and conversations and warmth. The MCA really is a home to me.

  My new work schedule is Sunday–Thursday. And I work weird hours on Tuesday, when the museum is open late (I come in late and leave late). Since I’m in charge of everything front-of-house, my schedule reflects the hours that the museum is open more than regular office hours. 

  While I’m not working tonight, I am headed to the museum to attend the opening night party. My friend Nick is my date–I’ve not seen him since I’ve been back and I’m very excited to catch up. Nick and I became pals in college; we worked at the computer lab together and wrote exquisite corpse stories about McDonalds characters (because love affairs between Mayor McCheese and Ronald are very funny).

  I’d like to write more (and write better), but my computer is nearly dead. One drawback of living with Squee is that there’s no internet in her pad. The surrounding cafes have free wifi, but if my blogging is skimpy for a while, that is why.

  All for now. Hope all is well in Xanga-land.

  • 3:06 pm
  • 2 Comments