Monica and Mouse March

My birthday weekend was in-fucking-credible. I have at least 3 post regarding the weekend, maybe even more! But we need to start somewhere and because I have NOW reached an age that I don't have to give a shit of what other people think, I will start in the middle and my meeting of the famous Monica.

Monica and I met for brunch at an awesome place south of the down town area. The really interesting thing about growing up in Chicago some 30 odd years ago, is that most of the neighborhoods that were bad are now trendy. It really amazes me. I don't assume anything about any area in Chicago anymore. I feel if I made it through the gang infested streets as a teenager going to school-- I'll walk anywhere and explore any place in the city.

Oh, that reminds me, before I go on about the wonderful Monica.. I think the concierges at the hotels are paid directly by the cab companies. Every time I asked for directions this weekend, the response was "let me call you a cab". It didn't matter where I was going, everyone wanted me to get into a cab. I kept asking about public transportation or walking they looked at me as if I was a foolish child-- and I'm 40 years old (appropriate time to drop the age-- huh?)

So anyway I WALKED to The Bongo room and met Monica. She looks exactly like she does in her picture. I mention that because I am really careful to only show you guys the good pictures of me. Monica obviously looks good all the time.

So here is the awesome breakfast and the awesome Monica.



After breakfast, Monica decided she would head with me to the rally against the war in Iraq (I have to remember to put in that it was against the war-- I actually had some one ask me what side I was on!)

I was thrilled Monica wanted to hang with me. I did know a few people who came down from my our town (including a pastor from on of our local churches) I met up with them, introduced them to my buddy Monica and then ditched them -- sort of. It is not that I don't like these woman, I actually have a great deal of respect and admiration for them. It is refreshing to know that there really are other poeple in my little town that have simmilar points of view on importante issues. However, I wanted to be a Chicago girl this weekend. I'll catch up with the chuch ladies later!

Anyway- Monica and I walked and talked and marched and chanted.
Well, we chanted the easy stuff. Some of those protest march chants are obviously crated by music majors. Four part harmony in a chant, that is talent!

I was really impressed with the march. This is an issue that unites people. At least that is how it looked on Saturday. They say there was a large group of counter protesters. To be honest, I think I saw 4 (not groups, 4 people)

While we marched we shared stories and got to know eachother a little better. She really is just as fasinating as she seems from her blog.

Monica marched with me to the plaza and then she had to go. I'm sure you remember her floors are being installed, so she had some work to take care of.

Monica is truly one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. She is wise beyond her years, self confident, witty, and very well rounded. She blows my mind-- she did when I started reading her blog and she does even more now that I have met her in person. Monica will definitively be some one I will hang out with, (maybe at a might be giants show, or some other concert) that is, if she doesn't mind being seen with an old lady like me!