a day in the life

Bachelor’s Grove

// October 29th, 2003 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

On Saturday afternoon, Charles, Monika, Lorena, Judith and I got into the Halloween spirit (pun intended) and traveled to various haunted sites in the southern suburbs of Chicago. We visited the infamous Resurrection and Bachelor’s Grove Cemeteries, Devil’s Creek, Maple Lake and the Country House.

Of all the places we visited, Bachelor’s was definitely the most emotive. Known as the most haunted cemetery in the United States, I left this place feeling quite melancholy. I didn’t see or feel anything out of the ordinary, but the number of desecrated graves and the general disdain for anything sacred was overwhelming. That night I was a bit restless and found it difficult to sleep. Whether I can attribute this to anxiety or some psychic residue, I can’t say for certain.

Bachelor’s left a lasting impression on both Charles and Judith. As we were heading back, both complained of an immense pressure on their upper arm, as if someone were squeezing it. Neither felt completely relieved until after we had gotten back to our cars.

// October 23rd, 2003 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Ok. I admit it. I watched some of the game last night, if just to see Clemens in his final start. Plus, with the Cubs out of the picture, I was starting to go through withdrawal. Unfortunately, the Rocket didn’t get the win he was hoping for. The Yanks failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities and fell 4-3 to the Marlins.

The Cubs only Hall of Fame hockey player

// October 19th, 2003 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

My brothers and I met another of the famed ’69 Cubs when we traveled to the new Galyans in Glenview to see Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins. Did you know that he was recruited by 9 hockey teams before deciding to play baseball and that he still skates to this day?

Later in the day, my mom and I went to see the play “Over the River and Through the Woods” at the Mercury theatre in Chicago, thanks to the fine folks at WGN radio. The play centers around the dynamic between a 29-year old man (Nick) and his 4 grandparents, all of all who live in Hoboken, NJ. His parents and sister have both moved to other parts of the country, making him the only remaining relative in the area. Nick announces that he is moving to Seattle to persue a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity, which then leads to his grandparents scheming to keep him from moving. It is both hilarious and tear-jerking, evoking memories of one’s own relation with their families. It certainly made me think of my grandparents and left me thinking about the grandmother I never knew.

How much do you owe those who care for you? How can you repay someone for their devotion? Can it ever be enough?

- Nick from Over the River and Through the Woods

North Branching out

// October 18th, 2003 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Today is the first time in awhile (mostly due to the Cubs) that I’ve gone cycling. Monika and I spent a few hours riding the North Branch Trail, which follows the north branch of the Chicago River from Devon Ave. to the Chicago Botanic Gardens in the northern burbs.

The trail is a leisurely ride, if a bit noisy as it approaches the Edens Expressway. But it makes for a good 30 mile recreational or endurance ride.

// October 16th, 2003 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

So it’s Yankees and Marlins in the World Series. How exciting. Not!

I can only think that the Grady Little blew the Sox’s chances when he left Martinez in two batters too long. Reminded me of another team I know.