Tsurezuregusa d'ShapiShap

A Different Vibe

Some people need to get away and reconnect with nature, but that’s never been my thing. As previously noted, Josie and I are staying at my Uncle Kenny’s place in Ukrainian Village for two weeks, keeping my cousin Max company. One unexpected benefit of this for me has been the shift in perspective. I love my neighborhood, and it suits me just fine, but it is a little wimpy. There are two baby goods stores within as many blocks of my front door, if that gives you any indication. And maybe it was being raised in the suburbs of Boston by two street-smart New Yorker parents that’s made me ever-vigilant of going “soft” like the dopey mopes down the street, but I can’t help but wonder if this whole cushy life I’m leading isn’t having a bit of a “softening” impact on my attitude and worldview… Anyway, on Sunday I rode a few blocks from Uncle Kenny’s to find the paper. There’s no Starbucks in the near vicinity, so I ended up at a place called Swim Café on Chicago. Not only did they have the paper, they had good loud music, and there was nary a stroller in sight… I can’t say what it was, and I’m sure to some others this very coffee shop is a sure sign of their neighborhood losing its grit, but I definitely felt something inside me recharging. And then I went with Josie to see Wall-E… 5 days ago

no shortcuts to the top

Living at my uncle Kenny’s for two weeks with Josie and my cousin Max. Max is almost 17, and can take care of himself, but Kenny thought it best not to leave Max entirely alone for so long, and Josie and I were happy to oblige.

When I got there, Kenny’d left a book for me with a note that said “Alex read this.” The book itself looks like it’s been read several times. It’s a first person narrative from a guy who climbed the world’s 14 highest peaks without supplemental oxygen, and come to think of it I do remember Kenny talking about it one day over breakfast. Oddly compelling reading, I admit, especially since this guy is so into safety that his life isn’t very often at risk. “Getting to the top is optional,” he says. “Getting down is mandatory.”

Anyway, Kenny’s is this big luxe house in Ukrainian Village, with multiple porches to hang out on and grill (as soon as we procure some charcoal), as well as a steam room (!). The only downside is that the bike ride to work isn’t nearly as nice, and that there’s no internet access (so far as I can tell). Also, Kenny has a coffeemaker, but no filters, so I’m back to no coffee in the mornings. Thus I’ve been getting to work an hour early just to imbibe. Maybe I’ll leave an hour early today to keep things even…  or stay another hour late like I did yesterday…

Summer hours!

1 week ago

What happened?

See below for some pictures of things that happened in Indiana last week. It was a totally amazing time, and many people who contributed I didn’t end up with pictures of, sadly. Thanks to Joan and Linda for their company!

Also not captured were the hours upon hours Josie and I spent napping or reading in the hammock, the beach, and elsewhere. And who could ever forget our bog hike? Church!

p.s. Be sure to hit “next” at the bottom of the page.

2 weeks ago