tall buildings and early mornings

It's 5:36 in the morning, and I've already been up for an hour. I'm sitting around drinking coffee, playing snood, and drying my clothes. Why, you might ask, am I up at this ridiculous hour, since I don't need to be at work until 10? Because Noell woke me up this morning before heading off to work...it was the only way I could be sure that I would get up. And I needed to pack anyway. Which won't take long, but I needed some clean clothes. Off to Delaware where it will be "warm". Ha.

Every now and then I try to remember to let myself be in awe of this city. Yesterday I walked home from the train since it wasn't very cold (I didn't even need a hat!), and there was no real reason to take the bus. I just gazed at all the beautiful buildings along Michigan and Lake Shore Drive. It makes me smile. In fact, I was singing. I frequently sing in the middle of the city, when there's no one near me. It makes me happy to think that I'm just walking around in this beautiful, anonymous city...singing. People probably think I'm crazy, but it makes me love me.

And that's what's most important.

But really, this city is amazing. If it wasn't cold and dark and dreary, I would never want to leave. I love the way this city makes me feel. I love standing among the tall buildings, and feeling tiny. I love it when the buildings get lost in the clouds. I love discovering places like Megan's Spanish bakery where everything is amazing...and 30 cents. I leave being on the lower level of Michigan or Wacker when it's raining. I love hopping on a bus just to see where it goes, and then figuring out how to get to work from where I end up. I love the guy who sells Sun-Times outside my El stop at work. I love walking through the city listening to music. I will miss this city horribly, even though I'm eager to be back in Florida. If only this city didn't fuck with my head in the winter. I'm sure I could learn to live with it, though.

Well, my buzzer rang on the dryer. Suppose I shall get up and fold clothes, pack, and go to work early. Might leave early too and go to Marshall Fields...even though it will be HELL on a Friday in the Christmas shopping season. Just thought I could find something for Liz there. I haven't been buying her gifts all my life, so it's a bit more difficult to know what to get her.

Ahhh...oldies. I'm in love! With everything! GOOD FUCKING MORNING!