An "interesting" Saturday

I had an odd day today...

7:00AM--Woke up and Arturo and I took a million el trains and buses and finally arrived on the south side of the city for our "Pre-Cana Marriage Workshop for engaged couples." This trip took over 2 hours (YIKES) in the cold.

9:00AM-4:00PM--At Pre-Cana workshop. Now I understand that there are a lot of really attractive people in the world. But I swear, that 70% of the best looking people in Chicago were all at this training! It was quite depressing. I guess young Catholics in Chicago are all hot. Seriously, the resources we had said that dress was "casual and relaxed." A lot of the women were wearing stiletto boots! That is NOT casual and relaxed!! I was not prepared for this of course. If I had known that I would feel intimidated and inferior all day, I would have done something with my hair or worn a little more makeup! :) Oh well. Now, these pre-martial sessions themselves are quite ackward. We are in a church fellowship hall with about 75 other people. The only thing we all have in common is that we are all getting married. It's odd being in a room full of brides. They are a strange breed....all growing long hair out for the wedding day and trying to get skinny.

4:00-7:00PM--Yes, check that time again and please note that it is THREE FREAKING HOURS. It took Arturo and I 3 hours to get home from this training. We never left the city of Chicago so there is no reason for this. I could have flown to New York City in this amount of time! One interesting thing we saw was at the Midway Orange line stop. There was a man with a portable tape player getting REALLY REALLY REALLY into an air guitar performance. He was even shouting out "WHEW!" and then looking around and saying "That wasn't me! That wasn't me!" It was hilarious. He was a great performer. Chicago is full of talent.

7:00PM-now--I am now sitting at home by myself, trying to warm up after my 5 hours of traveling around this COLD COLD city. I usually consider myself a really positive person, but I am in a cranky mood today. So if this seems kind of negative, that is why. Women, you understand. Being outside so much and feeling like a piece of frozen pork chop does remind me to be thankful for a warm home. So many in Chicago go without proper heating and homes, including some of my students. Despite my moodiness, I know that I have much to be thankful for. Stay warm and make yourself a cup of hot Abuelita hot chocolate!