Last weekend was my birthday & Easter (a happenstance that occurs at regular intervals). And I treated myself to a bizarre mix of presents. I flew to Chicago on Friday to see K8 (she’s teaching at U of Chicago this quarter), spending the post-birthday Easter brunch in Illinois. In between, we drove through a mild April Michigan snowstorm (I wouldn’t call it a “blizzard”—though K8 might disagree) into Kalamazoo. There we saw some friends, caught up over beer & pizza at Bilbo’s (yes, it’s Lord of the Rings themed), before heading off to St. Tom’s for the Easter Vigil.
Despite all the driving & pacing around in airports, it was a great little trip. I wish I could’ve spent more time in Michigan, of course. But I’m starting to get used to the idea that I live in Pennsylvania now. But, yeah, I still get excited crossing the border (in my mind I hear the jingle “Yes, Michigan! The feeling’s forever …”).
I also got to see Sam (my brother) & Novalí (my niece). She’s a riot. And not just because I can’t wait until she’s old enough to use a label maker—she’s already demonstrated that she would clearly appreciate one. And next year should be great: my dad, myself, and my niece all have birthdays only days apart (actually, my dad & Novalí’s birthdays are the same day). Next year we’ll collectively be exactly a century old. How cool is that?
In between grading & other busywork this week, I’m back in Chicago next weekend for the MPSA conference. And! One of my presents was tickets to see Wicked at the Oriental Theater. K8 & I read the novel while on honeymoon (on planes & trains) & really enjoyed it. I’m wondering how it works on stage—and w/ singing.
