Chicago 2014 Chronicles: Day Fourteen

The Leisurely Flow of Time

Well, well, well, would you look at that! Two whole weeks have breezed by like they’re taking a leisurely stroll down memory lane. I swear time here moves at a pace even a snail would find a tad too relaxed. But hey, who’s complaining? Certainly not me, mate! We’re all in this zen mode post-work, soaking up the laid-back vibes like it’s an Olympic sport. And the rugrats, bless their little cotton socks, have been on their best behaviour… mostly. Though, let’s not kid ourselves, the occasional slip is par for the course.

Chris, the car aficionado, has taken it upon himself to school young Lewis in the noble art of automobile appreciation. Now, whether Lewis is absorbing it all or just nodding along politely while his mind wanders off to video game land is anyone’s guess. And speaking of dynamics, we’ve got Josh and Elle, the human embodiments of yin and yang, pulling a parting of the ways today as Elle jets off to her old man’s.

Breakfast with a Side of Wildlife Drama

Picture this: a lazy morning, the sun casting its warm embrace upon us as we lounge in the back garden, savouring our brekkie like it’s the last meal on earth. And who decides to join our little party? None other than our friendly neighbourhood chipmunk, having a grand old time munching away at his own feast. But hold onto your hats, folks, because out of nowhere comes this bird, bigger than your average wood pigeon, swooping in for a surprise cameo. Drama in the garden, I tell you! Thankfully, our nimble chipmunk buddy dodges the avian ambush, leaving Mr. Birdy with nothing but a tale of missed opportunities.

Retail Therapy: The American Way

Once the lads emerged from their morning cocoons, it was shopping o’clock yet again. Not that I’m complaining; a bit of retail therapy never hurt nobody, right? Plus, we had a few items to return, so it’s a win-win situation.

Our first port of call? Costco! Ah, the land of bulk buys and oversized everything. Familiar territory for us Brits, but hey, let’s see how the Yanks do it. Spoiler alert: not much difference, except maybe the price tags sporting a friendlier figure. Go figure, eh?

With the Costco conquest behind us, it was time to hit the malls. First up: Oak Brook, a veritable haven for shopaholics like yours truly. Lewis, bless his culinary soul, found himself ogling knives in yet another cook shop. Temptation danced in his eyes, but in the end, he exercised restraint. Bravo, young grasshopper, bravo.

Bargain Hunting Galore

But wait, we’re not done yet! A quick pit stop at home to unload our spoils, and we’re back on the road, bound for Premier Outlet at Aurora. Because why settle for one shopping spree when you can have two, am I right?

Josh, ever the fashionista, was on a mission to deck out his mates in denim glory, while Lewis had his sights set on something a bit more… sporty. A Chicago Bulls vest for himself and a buddy. Whether it’ll see the light of day back home remains to be seen, but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

Cheers to Another Day in Paradise

And now, as the day winds down and the sun bids us adieu, here I am, tapping away at my keyboard while Michele indulges in a well-deserved tipple. A screwdriver for me, a Smirnoff Ice for her, and the X-Men providing the evening’s entertainment. Ah, the sweet symphony of relaxation. Life’s good, folks. Life’s good.