Inspirations/Delusions

Spring. No one will really say it, because we're all afraid the weather gods will hear us and punish our naivety with a snowstorm. But I think, I hope, it just might be here.

Truth: I am not my best self in the winter. I was a bit unhappy with going to and from work in the dark. I was so delusional that, while saving a parking spot for my husband who was just around the corner, I yelled at a lady trying to back into the spot. I flailed my arms like a yeti, trying to appear larger and scare her with my craziness. Who does that? Who does that in Chicago? Our neighborhood is fairly safe, but all bets are off when it snows. This city hardens you, freezes you until you are mean.

So now I am thawing out, and becoming inspired by the littlest of things. I'm whistling as I cook dinner, greeting people and dogs on the street, and pausing to notice the emerging tulip buds. Grocery shopping isn't a chore, it's an opportunity to awaken my olefactory sense. I bought, like, five bunches of cilantro because they smelled good. I smiled during a workout. Who does that? And what was wrong with me before?

I had the winter crazies, and no real way of pulling myself out. I usually get a mild bout of Seasonal Affective Disorder, where I am just a bit grumpy until I get some Vitamin D. Heaven help me if we get an actual Chicago winter this year. Plan: Prepare for the worst. Create a survival kit for next winter, a box full of delusions to trick myself. New Business idea: Box Full O' Summer.

TIMATS, Part 2

Can you freaking believe this weather? I was definitely not prepared (I've been ingnoring my razor's pleas for employment), and neither was the rest of Chicago. I write this with confidence, because I saw all of Chicago this weekend celebrating St. Patrick's Day in shorts and tanktops. It was like a Lollapoloozer mated with a caveman or woman, and the offspring dressed up like a leprachaun. Hairy, pale-skinned, sun-bothered people stumbling drunk through Chicago at all times of the day, asking if you've seen their lucky charms. It was awesome! If you haven't been to Chi-town to see the river dyed green, it's definitely worth a trip, especially if a little global warming throws you a bone (I know, I know, I've read the research, but it just sounded good here).

After a week of the warmest March-weather Chicago has EVER SEEN, and after today's headline that the pollen count in Georgia is stupid-high, I can honestly say that there is nothing I miss at this moment in time. Sorry, South, but the Midwest has you beat this week. I have a really old, dark green, Honda accord that is still dark green even though spring has apparently sprung. I am positive you southerners will all need car-washes to distinguish the hue of your automobile after today. I will, however, be missing the South and her abundance of air-conditioned buildings as soon as it turns too hot to be inside or outside. But for now, I will just enjoy my rooftop bar-view, a fresh beer on tap, and rub it in your face until it snows again.