Thoughts from Panera
I'm sitting at a Panera on the corner of Jackson and Congress in Chicago, planning the rest of my day in the city. My flight departs tonight at 8:45 p.m. CST, so I have about three hours to kill before I have to take the El to O'Hare. I've already had dim sum with my folks at Phoenix in Chinatown and a beer with Nance and her boyfriend Mark at Rock Bottom (State and Grand). After that, I headed over to the Archicenter for more lusting after architecture/design/history books and items. I came out with the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to Chicago and a "virtual walking tour" CD-ROM of historical architecture in Chicago, and resisted (at least for today) to become a member and/or purchase a T-shirt to show my support. (I am, however, doing research on CAF membership from my seat here at Panera.)

I believe the plan is to go to the Art Institute to check out the following two exhibits: "1945: Creativity and Crisis, Chicago Architecture and Design of the World War II Era" and "Zero Gravity: The Art Institute, Renzo Piano, and Building for a New Century." They've got extended hours for the holidays—well, Dec. 26-30, anyway—so I can hang out there until 6 p.m. (and not have to lug my bag around, due to the modern marvel that is the coat check!) Then it's off to O'Hare and holiday airport madness. I'm hoping I can make the last Metro train tonight when I get back to Arlington. If not, it's cab city.

Cheers, fellow travelers!