Hello from Chicagoland.

So far, it's been a very nice visit. Met up with Catherine who's been kind enough to chaeuffer me around while I'm in town. Let's see, what have we done so far...

Thursday morning, Catherine picked me up at my moms, went straight to Hillery's Ribs (YUM), then took our rib tips and went to her moms house to eat. As we ate, we talked about the good old days, laughed, cried, laughed more then took lots of pictures. She then had to drop me off at my house because I was meeting my mom for some mother/daughter shopping.

Mom and I took off for an hour or so to shop, I asked her to take me to a local filipino store we normally go to and they cooked me some fresh Chicaron (which I won't explain to you what it is cause you might be grossed out...oh what the hell, who cares...Chicaron is Pork Rinds)IT TASTES SO GOOD. I also had her pick me up some of the usual filipino foods I'd eat when I'm back in town. We had to hurry as she had to be back for her usual Thursday Bingo night at the church (which I think is cute because she refuses to miss it even when I'm in town).

When we got back, big bro and I went to the pet store so I could turn his new baby turtles aquarium into a turtle bachelor pad. (If I could, I'd stick this turtle in my pocket and bring him back with me). Then, when we got back, I made myself some delicious filipino food.

After that, I sat in a recliner with a bad belly ache. First from the spicy ribs, the Chicaron, and the filipino food.

Today, Catherine picked me up again, we went to the lovely mall where I bought a new bag (which she says looks like a bowling ball bag). We ate lunch - where her son threw a tantrum and flung his food across the room (which I thought was funny but she was totally embarrassed) Then we left, she gave me a tour of the areas that had major floods, took me to her home in Wisconcin, which, on our way there, I rescued a Painted Turtle that was in the middle of the road...She didn't wanna stop but I made her. I got out, looked both ways, ran to the middle of the road, picked him up. Initially, I was gonna take him home with me but decided not to because he was huge and my mom would be upset, and he's most likely used to the wild. I looked at him, walked into a ditch and put him in some water. I'm sure I made his day because he looked so dry.

We got to her house, gave me the tour, waited for her husband to arrive, went back into Illinois, ate at my favorite Mexican restaurant with my brother and our friend who is studying to be a Priest (he asked us if we could pray before we ate our food, we said it was okay).

After dinner, she dropped me off at my moms house...My moms house has an alarm and I'm really iffy about arming it and disarming it. I was doing good so far 'till tonight. I walked in, pressed the wrong button and holy shit. I feel so bad for the person who ever decides to rob this place. I shat, pissed, nearly passed out when the alarm went off. Luckily, I turned it off in time before a whole swat team arrived.

Geez.

I'm going to have a night alone which is okay with me. I'm very tired from all the traveling I did today.

Tomorrow, mom, Bing, and I will be spending some quality shopping time together.

I'm not too keen on going back to work. Since I've been here I've gotten two phone calls EACH day, from the office. It kinda put into perspective how much I thought liked my job. I know when I get back I will have major shit to do. It's the only thing I dread about going back. I leave Sunday, and Monday is a holiday yet I will still be going into work to assess the damage. I just wanna cry.

I wish I coulda left Monday but all the flights are sold out.

Good morning. Rise and friggen shine! It's 6:50 AM. Typing to you from lovely Illinois. I'm up because I'd normally be up but I am glad I do not have to go into work.

Left work at 3 yesterday and then took off for Logan. Slept on the plane, got into O'Hare smoothly. Today I will be hangin' with Catherine!!! I'm so nervous to see her. I haven't seen the girl in almost 8 years.

Met my brother's baby turtle. I've never seen a turtle that small.

I'll be taking pictures so keep a look out!

I'm tired. I've been doing laundry so I can have clean clothes for my trip to Chicago. I'm also in need of an outfit for tomorrow. I don't even wanna go in tomorrow.

It's thundering out. Raining, thundering, and has been cold for the past few days. It sucks. All that's protecting me is a big spoon.

Spoke to Catherine. She's tres excited to see me this week and I am very excited as well. I haven't seen this girl in eight years. EIGHT FRIKKEN YEARS. All we've had was phone contact since we both moved. I am gonna make sure to hit my favorite restaurants while I'm there. Mexican food, southern, and FILIPINO!! YUM YUM.

IM GOING TO BED.

It's very dreary out. Cold, wet, and dreary. Despite that fact, I have chosen to wear professional looking flip flops into the office. Is there such a thing? Professional flip flops?

Anyway.

I'm alone here at the office as I always get here early. I decided to lube up my feet with Eucerin lotion cause I forgot to this morning. Lubed everything else but my feet.

And now, I am typing to you with fresh lubed feet.

I'm tired.

Go away.