Chicago

I'm quite pleased that--with the exception of one muddled hour--I have managed to flit about this city of random diagonal streets with relative ease. Dining alone in a strange city is much more intimidating than I anticipated. J thinks it's romantic, but really, it's humbling; you become grateful for your friends. Chicago is similar to NY in terms of eating and shopping options, as well as architecture, but the streets are wider and emptier, and it's more "ordinary people"--I think because it's cold. You see the puffers and the scarves. On the airplane, I received a "Mr. and Mrs. T." mix to accompany my vodka. No Clamato. It was putrid. In fact, the flight was very interesting for reasons other than the American beverage options. My favourite Skymall offerings:

1. A metal alloy compact taste enhancer--it replicates the aging process in wine. The advertisement encourages you to bring it to restaurants. Imagine pulling out your wine ager when your friend orders an inferior young wine!

2. The safest pet nail clipper--"takes the trauma out of trimming your pet's nails". A built-in sensor distinguishes between nail tissue and the quick. Can be used on birds! $79.95 U.S.

3. The bug vacuum--Sends the insect through a one-way valve--don't worry, it won't come back out!--to an electric grid.

4. The ultrasonic eyeglass cleaner--it's a large tank that you place your glasses into, which uses 42 Hz of ultrasonic sound waves to remove dirt and dust paritcles. It includes, inexplicably, a basket, watch stand, and CD rack.

Apparently, I still can't get over the sheer entertainment of my flight.

Right now, I am sitting at the desk in my hotel room feeling very small. Only 35 of the 300 rooms in this building are available for guests. The rest are rented out as apartments. So my room is apartment-size, complete with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, two bathrooms, and two TVs. It's very quiet.