Chicago for a change

 We flew to Chicago last week because I had a work thing and Tom tagged along because... he's retired so why not. The first and most important thing to mention is that I did probably one of the best jobs ever packing for the trip. For once, I didn't arrive with seven pairs of pants and one shirt and like 5 socks. Every single day I had something seasonally appropriate to wear that mostly matched.

Now, don't get me wrong, my preparations were extensive. I practically made flowcharts. The stakes were high because, due to this work thing, I needed to bring two (2) suits. WTF really. 

The only good news is: because I existed pre-pandemic back in the olden days when people dressed up to go to client meetings, I have like 20 business jackets to choose from. 

The not so good news is: I hadn't even looked at these jackets for three plus years. Unfortunately, I forgot my favorite dress-up work jacket was missing a button. I also forgot all about the all the other jackets stuffed in the back of the closet that have shoulder pads. Shoulder pads. I'm a hoarder is the only obvious conclusion. 

I will never wear the shoulder pad jackets again and not just because
I do not aspire to resemble the cast of Working Girl.

Anyway, I packed for Chicago like a champion and then bragged about my triumph to anyone who would listen because I'm playfully insufferable sometimes.

We stayed in the south end of town in the gigantic, towering, black glass with red trim Marriott Marquis hotel. This hotel kind of has the same vibe as Melanie Griffith's Working Girl jacket with shoulder pads now that I think about it. The Marriott Marquis looms over its historic neighborhood kind of like if Melanie Griffith wore her Working Girl outfit to a present-day garden luncheon hosted by the neighborhood antique meetup group. 

One time, as we walked back to the hotel past all the tastefully restored brownstones, I suggested we move into the Marriott Marquis. I mean, people moved into hotels back in 1900s, right? What if we did this and then tried to make friends in the neighborhood. Tom did a little role play with himself:

Tom: "Hi such a pleasure to meet you, love love your beautiful home here in the historic district!"

Tom: "Welcome! So nice to meet you and where do you live?"

Tom: "You know, in the neighborhood. A little south of here."

Tom: "Have you lived here long?"

Tom: "Oh, you know, not very long. It's more like an extended stay really. A late check out if you will."

Tom: 

Tom: "Fine. We live in the Marriott Marquis."