Super-Fun Days
Yesterday, Dan took me out for one last big hurrah in this big city. I'm going to try to not get very melodramatic here, but I've been very slowly coming to the realization that we're leaving this city in which we've both grown so much and realized so many dreams.
For the first time Jim lived in a big city. For the first time I lived in the Midwest. For the first time Jim worked at a job he was insanely passionate about--and I found a not-for-profit cause that I could really get behind. We had friends pop in, and lived in a desirable neighborhood, and down the street from a major American ball park. In many ways, it was a reflection of a type of American dream.
We're off to surburbia in less than a week, and I must confess that my workouts have been suffering as a result of my desire to see many of the things that made me happy here. Friends, of course, take the most time, but I do not begrudge that time. I will just have to work that much harder when I get to New York.
It's become obvious to me that Ironman competition is not to be a repeating part of my life. Although I should refrain from saying so until I've completed the race, I'm all too aware of the things I've given up for the sake of training: I missed participating in a short story competition, for instance, because I was away at a triathlon camp. And although I learned a number of things about myself and improved myself that weekend, I do regret not being able to send in a short story submission.
That's just the least of it, though: I knew this weekend would be crazed with activities; the original schedule was that I had an art opening and a club date on Friday; Saturday I was to get up early and run two hours before meeting Dan for Super Fun Saturday, which was to include lunch, a trip to the Art Institute, drinks at NoMI, dinner at Bistro Zinc, and then another art opening; then I was to get up early this morning and drive out to Barrington to participate in a group ride of 50 miles. Today I was planning on getting home about two; meeting someone who wanted to see our couch at about three; then drinks and a movie with friends later on.
What ended up happening is that I got home at three on Saturday morning, slept in, took the dog for a good, long walk; met Dan; got home at 10:30; sat with my next door neighbors on their porch and chatted for about an hour; slept until 9; read my newspaper; took the dog for a walk and spent more time with my neighbors on their porch, reading the paper and magazines and chatting; and, in general, have had a really nice Sunday. In fact, it's been exactly what I needed.
I noticed around dinner last night that I'd spent some of Super Fun Saturday stressing about whether or not I was going to get home in time to have a good night's sleep before I got up at the crack of dawn to meet some people I didn't know for a ride in a place I wasn't going to miss at all. I also noticed that I didn't feel regretful or worried at all about missing my two-hour run and forgoing it for the chance to see some good friends late into the night on Friday.
Those two distinct reactions told me where my priorites are right now. I stacked my workouts on Friday, anyway, so my legs were pretty well tired. Today I'll do the two-hour run when it gets cooler and when there are fewer morons clogging the path; I'll do my swim and my four-hour ride tomorrow during the morning and the day.
Super-Fun Saturday was awesome. In short, it comprised some good culture and some great conversation; the weather was terrific and I contemplated an art purchase for Jim. I have a bid in for a large acrylic canvas that is a ridiculously good value, although I think Jim might completely freak out if he knew just how big it is.
Oh well. Anyway, I'm happy that I have the chance to take some Chicago art back with me, and I actually quite like the piece I've put the bid in on. I'll post a photo of it if I do get it.
Dan and I were bad documenters of life yesterday: Neither one of us brought a camera. However, I had my camera on my walk this morning, so here are few shots of the neighborhood.
1. Neighborhood fundraising: can you guys see the writing? It says, "One penny for hopscotch," or something like that. I had some change, so I hopescotched twice.
2. I like the moulding on this building.
3. I like the garden in this yard.
4. Sprocket stops for a drink at the Newport Bar and Grill.
5. In both summer and October I've posted photos of this house and the wonders the owners do with their porch just by dint of a few curtains and some nice flowers. Now, it's springtime, and their garden is gorgeous.
6. Hardcore female pedicab driver. Very, very cool.
Yes, yes, I'm sad over leaving. But I'd rather not talk about it.
