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I thought we were done with winter, but these last few days here in Chicago have proved otherwise. Yes, I know that it’s not REALLY cold for those that live here, but alas: I’m a Southerner and used to the tepid days of Spring moving right on into Summer.

We’ve been walking a lot here to get to see different things: Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, etc. But, mainly walking to burn off those extra calories we take in while indulging in the local cuisine. Pizza, steak, and all kinds of wonderful tastes are conspiring to keep us from losing any weight.

Tonight we ate at Kinzie Chophouse for our anniversary [It’s been two years already, can you believe it?] and had wonderful steaks, creamed spinach, and decadent desserts of lemon cheese cake and flour-less chocolate cake. Tomorrow, we plan to do some more walking and also go see the Blue Man Group.

There’s so much to see and do: I think we’ll have to come back… a few times.

It is a good thing when it snows sometimes. In fact, sometimes when it snows it means that one gets to spend more time with loved ones. This is what happened twice on this trip already. Thursday of last week, an impending blizzard closed the offices to which I was headed and provided me with some spare time [which I used properly – by spending them with my wife!]. Then again, on Monday, a larger snow storm caused consternation among the local commuters leading to yet another meeting cancellation and district shut down. We spent the extra time in this case “Metro-ing” around town and looking at areas we would not normally get to go – outlying neighborhoods and such. It was actually more entertaining than going to some of the museums.

One museum in particular was quite a disappointment. The National Aquarium housed several rare and endangered species of fish, but the conditions in which they are forced to live are deplorable. There was excessive mold on almost every tank and diseased or injured fish in most tanks. Being a former and future fish-owner, it makes me angry when others do not properly care fore their captive animals – it’s not like they can chose to go elsewhere.

Most museums in the DC area are free, except a few special, private ones. One such is the Spy Museum – a really cool place if you favor or are fascinated by intrigue. We liked it and it was very inclusive of both fact and fictitious spies, but it’s disturbing to view an entire establishment based on glorifying a bunch of unscrupulous liars. It’s even more disturbing when you reach the end where they talk about the treasonous Americans who thought nothing of betraying the trust of their government.

Today, while I work, Laura has hijacked the car and taken off to one of the local malls. I hope she’s having fun, ’cause I’m bored and I found out that I can’t do the thing I came to this office to do today. I have to wait a bit.

I hope she buys me something… 😀

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One piece of good news in this dismal week is that Laura is now with me in Washington, DC. Together, we will brave the political maelstrom [not that we can really see it, but you know what I mean…] and tour our nation’s capitol. We hope to visit as many museums and monuments as we can and maybe even take some good pictures. I tried before, but I never really wanted to wander around town all alone… it’s kinda depressing. But no more! I have a travel buddy. And even better: I have a holiday tomorrow so I can rest from the previous week’s emotional roller coaster.

Today we said goodbye to Jason in a memorial service at which were gathered numerous friends and family – all of which had fond and funny memories of Jason. I have my own stories of escapades and adventures with Jason, but it is good to hear the stories of others. It is good to hear that he didn’t just affect me – he touched us all. His work ethic is legendary; his love for children boundless; his tenacity frightening; and his passion for life infectious.

It is always awkward to think that in order for some of us to get together, someone had to die. His death has brought many old friends together again – something which may have never happened otherwise. For that, at least, I can be thankful. I do not welcome his continued absence; nor do I welcome the thought of diving without him. But these things we must all endure until we, as well, at last are called home and once again reunited with old friends and family long gone.

Early this afternoon, I lost a friend. Jason is already missed and mourned. For those of us who knew him, we know that we do not grieve alone. Jason has many, many friends and we will always remember him.

Our friend Jason sleeps – he is unaware of what goes on around him. Our hearts are in pain as we fear for his life. He hovers tenuously between life and death. Our prayers are with him, and those of many others. Jason is loved and we all hope for his rapid, immediate recovery. Please, if you find it in your heart to pray, pray for him.

I can’t wait for tax time. You know why? ‘Cause I usually have a large return coming. I’d like it not to be so large [I don’t really enjoy giving the federal government a tax-free loan], but I’ll take it this year. I usually have so many deductions that it’s hard to put enough exemptions into my payroll deduction. However, selling the house has put a large dent in my itemized deduction capabilities and from now on, I will be making itemized deductions based solely on my charitable contributions… Good thing I’ve started tithing to my church! [For those of you who don’t know, “tithing” is the practice of donating 10% of one’s income.] It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but have been too overwhelmed by my personal consumer debt to attempt to give. However, the time is fast approaching when that debt will be gone forever and the credit cards, which are only used as balance transfer agents these days, will be canceled and cut into tiny, tiny bits.

Laura and I also make a practice of donating our least-used clothing items and often times [especially in our recent “downsizing” of our residence] furniture to charitable organizations. This gives us a good feeling of not being wasteful with what we have as well as giving us a nice tax deduction for our non-cash contributions – you should try it! It’s kinda fun, too!