This Weekend

"Got a pot belly,

It's not too big

Gets in my way

When I'm driving my rig

Driving this country

In a big old rig

Things I've seen

Mean a lot

Friend has a pickup

Drives his kid to school

Then he takes his wife

To beauty school

Now she's doin' nails

Gonna get a job

Got a good teacher

There's a fork in the road ahead

I don't which way I'm gonna turn

There's a fork in the road ahead,"

--Neil Young, 2009


Jen and I spent the weekend in Starved Rock last weekend. We hiked, found we were not in shape for hiking, went shopping, relaxed in the pool, and enjoyed life.

I took my bride-to-be to Lou La Grota’s for Deep Dish Pizza done right. I took her to Duffy’s bar, complete with the British and Irish beer and tin ceilings, for a tenderloin. I took her to the big Mansion in Peru. I took her to a comic shop with little complaints uttered by Jen. I took her on a few trails where a kind couple took our picture.

I did not mind when she fell asleep in my arms at 10:45 on a Saturday night. I just held her and cradled her as she drifted to the land of nod.

I laughed when I awoke at 9:00 AM Sunday and reread the Watchman graphic novel in the bathroom (the only place with a light and a door I could close so Jen could sleep), and she told me to wake her at 10:00 AM.

We enjoyed a nice brunch and then set off to find antique shops to find an old door knob for her house, to no avail.

We drove home to the music she chose (Bon Jovi) against the rain splatter on the highway.

We ended up watching a God-awful movie at my house (RV with Robin Williams) as Jen relaxed on the couch to Guinness’ endless pawing and Chumley’s napping in her lap.

We ended up eating fast food fish and watching House reruns at her place and enjoying just being together.

Throughout it all, I learned a great lesson: Life is Good if you find the right person to share it with.