Google Maps and Chicago Transit Authority have finally teamed up!! I’ve been waiting for this for years! All you have to do is put in your starting point and destination and get directions – then select if you are driving or taking public transit! It is super easy and you can combine it with the use of Google Streetview to actually see the area you are going to! Now if they could integrate it with Google Maps for Mobile – that would be fantastic!

One of our board members gave us 14 tickets for Thursday’s Cubs game and, as I was one of the first to respond to the e-mail, I got free tickets!! It was ~45F and sunny and beautiful out when I left my apartment – but I ended up freezing at the game. Well worth staying though, as the cubs pulled their first win of the season! I’ve never seen Wrigley empty so fast though – I guess everybody else was freezing too! GO CUBS GO!!!

I stepped out onto Canal St. where the tracks split the street in two. I then walked up a couple of blocks to the Carondolet stop, hearing the streetcar approaching before seeing it lumbering down the tracks. One soon arrived and it was filled with people from all walks of life. As they spilled onto the street we patiently awaited our turn to get on. I clutched the money in my hand confirming the presence of the dollar and a quarter necessary for a ride. The paint on the outside was a faded green and the light from the naked bulbs escaped through the open windows. The conductor closed the door before anybody could get on telling us to wait for the streetcar behind. It hurried away with its tail following the electric wire above. The next streetcar arrived empty, with the door ajar, waiting for its void to be filled. We entered one by one, scurrying for empty seats. Suddenly a strange sound emitted from beneath as a lethargic pump came to life. As I took my seat, the noise subsided and the pump sighed to a halt. As I leaned back into the seat, it creaked and then snapped. The cantilever system for the bi-directional seats had lost its strength over the years. The electric motors kicked in and the vibrations of old wood and metal, groaning to support one another, filled the air. The sound summoned memories of the American Eagle. As our speed picked up so did the brisk breeze, the passengers adjusted the ratcheting windows accordingly. The bare bulbs flickered as we turned down St. Charles Avenue. The ancient pump burbled to life once again, only to wheeze to a stop moments later. The cacophony of sounds eked a smile out of this weary traveler’s face. Keeping my arms inside the car, I leaned on the windowsill taking in the scene; beads hanging from anything above arm’s reach, beautiful columned homes, joggers running down the middle of the tracks – this is the Big Easy. Soon enough the leisurely ride had ended, we had reached our destination. I thanked the conductor on my way down the steps and into the New Orleans night.

If you can read this – April Fools! Welcome to my little collection of April Fools 2008 links!

The neighborhood transforms. As I walked down Clark street this morning the overcast skies nor the fine mist of rain stopped the revelers from celebrating opening day. At 9am the fans were filling the streets, the bar doors already open ready for the crowds to fill them. The fans donning the jersey of their favorite player, layer upon layer of clothing underneath in preparation for the cold day ahead. The vendors already have their wares set up on the street with large plastic sheets that protect them from the rain. Though the skies are grey, the energy is palpable as blue and white fill the neighborhood. As I round the friendly confines, fences have been carefully placed to separate the crowds from the traffic. Many are lined up to pick up their tickets, while others await the unavailing of the Ernie Banks Statue. I walk into the empty train station and can almost feel the presence of the tens of thousands that will come through today. I look forward to experiencing it upon my return for there is nothing like Wrigley on game day. Let the games begin! Go Cubs Go!

Look what I found! Im doing better, good enough to stroll around the city a bit anyway.

I got to New Orleans yesterday for the Nonprofit Technology Conference. So far it has been a blast! We immediately went out for for some local food (I had the Chicken Tchoupitoulas – delish!) and then caught Rebirth’s performance at the Maple Leaf – incredible show! Conference stuff all day today and into Friday. I head back on Sunday. If I have some time I’ll be sure to post some vids and pictures. This is a cool place to be!

Filename A517192.txt
Today, March 15, 2008, 12:24:21 AM
Size 509 KB (521,811 bytes)
It downloaded so fast I didn’t even see a progress bar

Over six years in the making. Words… I once had. Words I once knew to be so true, that I held on to them so tight I couldn’t let go. Those words had escaped me long ago.

A517192

A number that in and of itself holds no meaning… yet for so long I felt it held my world. Perhaps it still does – in whatever ethereal plane it now belongs. Its fascinating how something can get a grip on you so tight, you can’t imagine letting it go.

To that end, I say goodbye. I let go. You are free. I am free…

Upon returning from my trip, I had this distinct feeling of not having anything to do. This tends to happen after a non-stop trip – I return needing a vacation! I’m currently sitting in traffic court writing this on my PDA – I leave for Vegas in 2 hours! In Vegas I will be participating in the first of many bachelor parties this year as we send off Gongola. As if going to Vegas wasn’t enough, I fly to Los Angeles on Saturday for Doug’s wedding! As usual, my weekend is overbooked. I’m sure I’ll come back, at midnight incidentally, in dire need of rest. This has been a trend as of late, an attempt to use up as much of my free time as possible. (I just pleaded guilty and got supervision – $80 court fee. Im going to stick around to see how those who pleaded not guilty fare) Is it just the way I am? Am I making up for lost time? The answer is always elusive. I very much enjoy the things that Im doing – but many times I think I need to slow down a bit. The times I do find myself with little to do, I get anxious about what I should be doing. It’s quite a cycle! March doesn’t look any less busy with an upcoming trip to New Orleans and some visitors thrown into the mix. Well, time is running short! Time to hop on the limo to get to the airport!

My supervisor at work offered me a “guest pass” to the Wilco show at the riv, the last in a series of 5 shows where they played their entire discography – it was incredible! Front row balcony seats, plus a backstage tour after the show helped! :)

I’ve been really busy… too busy it seems! More on that soon…