Shinkou

August 18
Chicago

Matt and I decided to walk around the neighborhood. We walked along the Magnificent Mile. We stopped at the Apple Store and got Matt's iPhone fixed and just kept going. We decided to meet Melissa at her new office but she had a review meeting at noon. She would not be available until after 1:30 or 2pm. So Matt and I crossed the Chicago River and found a little Asian restaurant to grab something light to eat. It is there that I got a text message from Julie West that Brad Babcock had just died. Unfortunately with the tall buildings, internet and 3G service is horrid around the downtown area. We could not get any details.

We kept walking and got to Melissa's office as she was getting out of her review. She received glowing reviews of her work and her ethics! Of course!!! We spent a little time there and then her boss Laura and co-worker May and us went out to lunch. We picked up smoothies at The Protein Bar and went back to her office. After sharing lunch together, Melissa needed to get back to work. Matt and I decided to go to the Sears Tower (Willis Tower) next door and go out on The Ledge. We took PPCA's mascot Groody with us for a photo.

I was somewhat proud of myself to step out onto the Edge. It was a bit freaky at first, but then it was okay. If I had not been wearing a skirt and had tons of people waiting their turn, I might have tried to sit down on the Ledge. I figure "no regrets". The views from the Sears Tower are spectacular from the 103rd floor.


After The Ledge, we walked back to Melissa's office and waited for her to be done. Then we bought some sandwiches at a local sub shop and got picked up by Adam.We went to IIT and ate and drank in Adam's corner office with his friend Andy and his girlfriend Jill. Then we walked to the new Comisky Park for a Sox/Indians game. I hadn't been to the new Comisky Park - the locals look funny at me when I say "new" because it has been there for quite awhile! What a great park. We all sat in the bleachers but the benches had backs to them. Very comfortable! What a pleasant evening despite the Sox losing. My feet were a bit achy when we got back home. We figured Matt and I had walked over 7 miles today in sandals!!!