Chicago 2018 – Day Fifteen: The Epic Shoe Quest

The First Two Weeks: Slow Start, Speedy Finish

Well, would you look at that? Two weeks down the line and it feels like we’ve just begun! Week one, a sluggish crawl; week two, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sprint! And here we are, staring down the barrel of the remaining days, already feeling the breeze of time whizzing past. Julie threw the question out there: “Missed the UK, have we?” Well, of course, we’ve pined a bit for family and friends, but work? Not a chance! Don’t get us wrong, we adore our jobs, but oh, the bliss of a temporary escape!

Early Riser Antics: Bathroom Window Drama

Rise and shine, they say, and rise I did, albeit not quite as gleefully as one might expect. Julie had her work duties beckoning, alongside the thrilling arrival of a contractor set to tackle the elusive bathroom window. So there I was, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the ungodly hour of 07:20, anticipating a visit between 07:30 and 09:30. Miraculously, they graced us with their presence at a leisurely 08:00, promptly diving into their task and wrapping it up by a civilised 10:30.

Footwear Fiascos: The Nike Odyssey

With Julie off to the grindstone and Elle gallivanting with her equestrian pursuits, it was Chris who became the bearer of entertaining banter. College chitchat seamlessly segued into a discourse on his beloved Nike shoe collection. Armed with newfound knowledge, we embarked on a noble quest for a pair of black shoes for Josh, prompted by an urgent overnight request.

Aurora’s outlet store awaited our arrival, teeming with promise. Alas, the quest proved as elusive as a mirage in the desert. Shoe shops offered misfit sizes or mismatched styles, with Abercrombie & Fitch serving as a beacon of hope for Michele’s ill-fitting jacket. Rain sprinkled down as we roamed, but thankfully, most pathways provided refuge. A stark contrast to the scorching heat of week one, yet requiring a light jacket for comfort—a fickle turn of weather, indeed.

The journey continued to Oakbrook’s shopping mecca, where Dick’s Sporting Goods loomed large. Despite Michele’s valiant efforts and Josh receiving numerous shoe snapshots, victory remained elusive. Rain intensified, and the spectre of rush hour loomed, signalling an end to our valiant endeavour. Alas, poor Joshua remained shoeless.

Cubs Triumph and Neighbourly Revelry

Back at Julie’s abode, the Chicago Cubs treated us to a victorious spectacle against the Saint Louis Cardinals on the baseball field. Energised by the win, we ventured forth to a neighbour’s abode for a soirée. Julie’s current neighbourhood, a stark improvement from the bland environs of Lillian Lane, pulsated with warmth and camaraderie. Julie radiated happiness, mirrored by the contentment of her brood. Rest easy, dear friends across the pond, for all is well in the Windy City.