Chicago Small Talk

I'm sitting in Starbucks writing. This is a very common haunt of mine but tonight I can't sit still. I know I'm beating this whole nice weather thing over the head a bit, but it is all anyone can think about.

Chicago is a weather obsessed society. At first I thought it was just the weather chat in my elevator, but no: it's everyone. You'd think it would become incredibly dull after a while: comment after redundant comment on how snowy it is, how windy it is, how cold it is, how nice its getting, etc. Here is the thing: it doesn't get old. When someone starts talking about the weather I bubble up with gratitude that someone has finally brought it up again!! Its all I can think about from my elevator down in the morning! If I am deprived from the opportunity to talk about it again on the ride up to my apartment, I might explode.

That is what is so amazing about Chicago, everyone is on the same page. Here everyone walks or takes the el. They are out in the world. Suffering in the cold, rejoicing in the sun, lamenting another packed train with your head in someone's armpit.

In LA, everyone hates the traffic, but they are in their own little bubble. They are separated from everyone else, so its everyone else's fault that the traffic sucks. There is no unity.

In Chicago, everyone might be grumpy about the CTA, but they are grumpy together. The camaraderie is enveloping. Now it is enhanced by the delight of the weather. Everyone is happy and horny. Couples are smiling at outdoor tables at every restaurant, drunk men beckon in front of every bar, and I sit next to a giant window, on the edge of my seat waiting for a pal to join me for an adventure. I love Chicago.