Chicago Bound

This was the blog post I wrote on the plane last night (6/12).

The radiant blue sky began to emerge as my plane climbed to a proper cursing altitude through the fluffy white clouds.  Some people hate traveling on planes, but frankly, I love it.  I get the best ideas when I’m in the air.  For awhile, I thought it was some sort of mystical dust they put in the recycled air that made people more productive.  In reality, it’s probably the disconnection from my iPhone that is the real culprit.

When I heard the crackling, yet tender, sound of the flight attendant approving the use of portable electronic devices, I knew the moment had arrived. Brent and I are traveling to Chicago this weekend to attend one of my most favorite city festivals, Blues Fest.  I haven’t been back to the city I adore since moving to Pittsburgh in September ’08.  Which means this trip is a little extra special for me.  Kind of like a cherry on top of ice cream.

For weeks now, visions of this trip danced in my head almost as quickly as my friend Mary’s Facebook previews of the amazing dinner she was planning for our arrival.  Get ready for pictures of a Heaven and Hell cake or marinated Cuban pulled pork with plantains, just to name a few.

The highlight of the weekend will be Saturday when we will be camped out in Grant Park all day, under the towering Chicago skyline, while listening to blues music, drinking bold adult beverages, and observing the many humorous moments of the crowd around us.  The breeze from Lake Michigan will be on our backs and, hopefully, the sun will be shining bright above our heads.  Plus, I can’t forget the hundreds of local restaurants selling their specialties for us to devour as we grow hungry throughout the day.

On Sunday, I hope to have a chance to slip into one of my many favorite brunch places for a little nibble to cure the events of the day before.  I can’t decide.  Should I go to Bongo Room in Wicker Park?  How about Over Easy on Damen Street?  Or maybe I’ll revisit my old stomping grounds and grab a cinnamon roll at Ann Sathers in Andersonville?  What do you think Chicago readers?

Monday, it will be back to reality as I travel back to Pittsburgh.  I have no doubt when I walk through our front door, Sophie will greet us with unconditional love and her plush soccer ball in her mouth just begging to throw it.  The adventures of this trip will then start to become a distant memory.  But, the beauty of it all, there will always be another adventure just around the bend.

Don’t forget!  You can follow me on Twitter to see the latest stories of my Blues Fest weekend.

Photo Credit: Chicago Skyline by Miss Mary

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