A GREEN River Runs Through It

Just when you thought that the Chicago River could not possibly become more polluted than it is, St. Patrick's Day weekend comes along, and they dump a whole bunch of green dye into the water! Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to witness the event myself today, but today was the big day when the Chicago River was turned green. St. Patty's Day is not until Monday, but Chicago celebrated it today with a parade and all. I flew into the Windy City at about 12:45 p.m., and by that time most of the festivities were over, so thankfully it wasn't too crazy as I took the CTA train into the city. I did pass a number of odd-looking individuals who had obviously been enjoying some Irish beverages and were sporting some pretty crazy St. Pat's gear. I didn't realize what a big deal St. Pat's Day is in Chicago, but they really do dye the river green, and at Union Station they were selling green Chicago Cubs jerseys and "Chicago St. Patrick's Day 08" t-shirts. If only I'd known, I would have flown in earlier (just kidding)!

Mom and Dad took me up to the SLC airport this morning, and I had a good flight to Chicago. I understand that the weather turned quite nasty there in Utah later in the day, but it was bright and sunny this morning. I could see forever and ever out of the plane windows. Then I landed at the O'Hare International Airport and went underground to catch the CTA train to the city. I then found myself in this strange, swirly, glass-lined, colorful, dream-like hallway that I hadn't ever seen before. It really was like I was in a dream because down at the end of the hallway this guy had his guitar and a microphone out and was singing the Willie Nelson song I referred to the other day: "City of New Orleans." It was so funny! So I was walking along, and this music is floating through all of the tunnels beneath the airport, with the guy singing the words: "Ridin' on the City of New Orleans. Illinois Central, Monday morning rail. . . . It rolls along past houses, farms, and fields. . . . Good morning, America, how are you? Don't you know me? I'm your native son. I'm the train they call the City of New Orleans, and I'll be gone 500 miles when the day is done." Funny, funny Chicago.

The train ride into town was good, and then I went and met Aly at Union Station to catch the Illini 390 train down to Mattoon. It was fun to have a riding buddy. As the train went on the bridge over the Chicago River, we were hoping that it would still be green, but it was not--well, at least is wasn't any more green than it usually is. We arrived back in Mattoon at about 7:00 p.m., and Greg picked us up at the train station. The gas prices here make me want to cry :-( Luckily they're not as bad in Charleston as they are up in Chicago, but it's still $3.25/gallon here, which makes me sad. It would be nice if my wages as a graduate assistant rose with the increase in oil prices. My body has switched times so often this past week with changing time zones and going off daylight savings, that it doesn't know what time it is anymore! So I guess I'd better head to bed so I can get up for church tomorrow.

We found all well when we got back to our apartment tonight--except for a mysterious group of dead flies in the entryway, and a beeping smoke detector. Luckily both of those situations are easily taken care of. Aly is sad to be back here after being home for a few days. When she asked if I was excited to be back, all I could truthfully say was, "Well, I'm excited to see Greg!" Of course we found some lovely e-mails from Mr. Riccio waiting for us tonight--further complicating our already complicated projects due on Tuesday. As I said before, spring break truly was the calm before the storm! But it's okay--I need to just get back to the grindstone and work really hard for the next two months. Two months from today Greg and I will be going to a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, and Mom will be flying in to drive back to Utah with me--so I can make it!

On the NCAA men's basketball front, HOORAY for Clemson beating #7 Duke!!! And hooray for Illinois beating Minnesota. NO hooray for BYU losing to UNLV :-( Hopefully they can redeem themselves.