Part of my feeling more confident is probably that I knew without a doubt that Erica Ann and her spouse still enjoyed my company even though I am unemployed. I've sensed with some other people who are employed a discomfort with being around unemployed people. Perhaps they are reminded that they could easily lose their own jobs.
Erica Ann took the trouble to drive her spouse and me to downtown Chicago when we could not catch an early train. The thing is, I am a big city girl at heart. I was born and raised in and near one of the major East Coast cities. I love the energy of huge downtowns and I would place Chicago in first or second place among my top four favorite American cities. Not only is the excitement and energy so evident, but it has world class architecture, culture and museums. The setting of the huge skyscrapers stretched out along the tree-lined, blue-green waters of Lake Michigan is absolutely stunning.
I may have mentioned here that I consider Manhattan to be the center of the universe, or at least of the universe I have explored!
I still feel that way because of New York's frenetic activity, its great museums (especially my favorite anywhere: the Metropolitan Museum of Art), theatre, ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, its extraordinarily diverse population represented in many vibrant neighborhoods, the variety of fine restaurants, the excitement on many street corners as commercials are filmed and so on.
Despite all this, and that in my mind Chicago doesn't quite match up in all these areas (although it is close and likely surpasses Manhattan in architecture and certainly in its stunning setting), I would move to the Chicago area in a heartbeat if I had the opportunity. Even though I remain an Easterner at heart.
So, being in downtown Chicago put me in a very good mood. We spent time walking along State Street and Michigan Avenue, where department store windows were decorated for Christmas. The Civic Center, with its huge plaza sculpture by Picasso, had the city Christmas tree in place and decorated. Until this weekend, I didn't think I would put up a tree this year. Now I think I may.
As we walked down Michigan Avenue, we passed Cartier - the jewelers. I was definitely attracted to the huge selection of sparkling diamond jewelry. Little of it was anything I would ever be able to afford but it was fun to look.
Then there was the huge shoe selection at Nordstrom. Several pairs that attracted my eye were over $700 each. Not for this lifetime.
One of these very expensive pairs of shoes would have made me look like I had on Cinderella's glass slippers.
Then there were the gorgeous clothes at a number of stores we visited. It was fun to look.
We had dinner at a terrific Italian steakhouse, Harry Caray's. I had the best filet mignon I've ever eaten.
I would not have enjoyed downtown Chicago nearly as much if I had been on my own. Erica Ann made it memorable
at and her company. I once again felt like part of the flow of humanity rather than merely a person without a job. That is nothing to be ashamed of at all, but it is a difficult experience at times.
After this trip, I felt renewed in spirit and energy. I hope that feeling lasts for quite awhile.
I learned that I need to get out more even though I have little disposable income right now. Somehow, the trip also renewed my interest in continuing to pursue photography as a potential income source. And I will look for a church organist position, too. Music is one of the most important things in my life and I love playing it.
It was good to see there was a young woman mechanic, too.
, we may receive an inch of snow tonight. I am hopeful that it will soon melt tomorrow morning.
