I Have A Date!

What a wonderful weekend!

I took the Amtrak up to Chicago on Friday morning. Dad and I were rushed, and I was running down the platform, by bike over my shoulder, as the gates were closing. Made it on time, and slept nearly the whole way!

Got to Chicago and rode up to Roy's house. The wind was right out of the NW and it took me 45 minutes to pedal up Milwaukee. Hung out with Roy for about an hour, then pedaled to Family Tattoo for my appointment with Gilly. I got the "DANE" tribute tattoo on the back of my right leg, right above the edge of my shoe.

I had not really eaten anything that day, and I was starving, so I went to Sultan's and got a delicious falafal and lentil soup. Went back to Roy's house and chilled until it was time to meet up with Booker.

We decided on Irazu. I rode on over, and Booker was there a few minutes later. Good lord he is a fucking Adonis. I was excited to see him round the corner. We greeted each other and walked across the street to the liquor store and got some beers. I selected two pumpkin ales b/c I love the pumpkin beer. Booker got a Bell's another one I don't remember.

Irazu was not too crowded, and we sat out on the patio. The temperature was perfect! We each got the vegan taco and split a side of plantains. Conversation was great!

After food, we decided to pedal to the movies instead of bus b/c the weather was sooo nice! It was a gorgeous night for pedaling. Not too hot, not too cold. We stuck to the side streets and didn't encounter much traffic at all. Booker was zooming around and hopping the curbs, really having a good time.

The movie was sold out, so I'm glad I had bought the tickets prior. We waited in line and were able to get two seats next to each other. The showcase was alright. Some of the movies were a little too weird/experimental for my taste. But the artwork was sweet, especially the flying sequences on "Birdboy." And the "Watch Dog: Global Jam!" was really great.

After the movie, we went rode past Danny's and there was a like 30 deep outside, so we said eff that and went to the Charleston. We got a table in the back and had great conversation. Booker was really leaning in and seemed interested; positive body language. I was feeling really great!

After two rounds, I followed Booker to his house and he pumped my tires up b/c they were waaaay low. Then he gave me a tour of his house. It is very minimalist in there, but its his own place. He has a sweet backyard, cool refridgerator, sweet artwork, a workout/work room. He also has the upstairs unit, which is a work studio. Very cool situation.

I was incredibly tired and rode back to Roy's house and passed the EFF OUT!!

Slept in late on Saturday and met up with Carl at the Handlebar for brunch. The vegan biscuits and gravy were DELICIOUS!

Went to Chrome and got a hoodie and some obnoxious pink shoes. Both pieces are badass; the hoodie is incredibly warm, wore it the rest of the weekend.

After Chrome, I went to hang out with Ben. His brother was there, too, and we watched Beverly Hills Cop I and II. Some more people came over, Kevin came home, and Charles, Ben, and I went to 90 Miles. I got the tofu with black beans and rice. We BYO Schiltz tall cans. Sat on the patio, excellent weather again.

There was a show at the Gator Loft; I did not want to go, which is fine. I went to Delilah's for a drink then went back to Roy's house.

Left at 6am this morning to pedal to Union Station. Lovely morning ride, no traffic, light mist, cool temps. Uneventful trip home, didn't sleep nearly as much as I'd have preferred.

What a wonderful weekend. I am feeling really great right now. I definitely am looking forward to going back up. Dear Landlord is playing at the Beat Kitchen in December. I'll go up there for that, but would like to go up before that. Also want to invite Booker out again. I am going to persue this, because I want this.