The Next Step - Chicago
We're back again, everyone, with Part 2 of the Watson Family Update. I went with "Part 2" instead of Survivor: Chicagoland. I wonder how many "parts" lie ahead for the Watsons as they embark on their quest. As most of you are well aware, that quest has taken us to the lovely suburban hamlet of Naperville, Illinois, where John Naper settled with the Donner Party in 1834. Remember, if the Donners invite you to a party, send your regrets.
Since we last left you, our lives have been hectic and chaotic. That sentence, which could be typed in any email covering the subject of my family, has been especially true because of three weeks that commenced with a 770-mile drive with 5 people in 2 different cars, involved the (relatively) creative painting of two bedrooms, the unpacking of a houseful of boxes (many containing contents quite different than they were labeled), and finally the settling of the children into their new home. The neighbors have been quite friendly thus far and to the surprise of no one, Mrs. Watson (Reege) was invited to, and attended, a monthly woman's book club within approximately four hours of our being Illinois residents. She will be hosting the event next April, which means the kids and I will be huddled in the basement watching movies, reciting the lines simultaneously with the characters on-screen, eating junk food, and playing Uno. In other words, just like every time she leaves the house.
Regis will have to choose a book for all the other women to read in advance of this symposium. These gatherings must be fascinating. I can only imagine that they function similar to the UN security council meetings on the starving children of Indochina who are starving because kids in the 1950s did not eat their brussel sprouts. I suggested she have the ladies read a classic that is relevant to the Chicago area, as it would help us learn and love the environs of which we are now a part. Of course I'm referring to "Brian Piccolo: A Short Season." Pick up a copy today. According to Watson family lore I read this book seven different times for seven different book reports throughout my high school career. It should be noted that "Watson family lore" generally involves the Jim/Judy/Jim/Jen/Jill/Joan Watsons of 1032 Illinois Drive, Rantoul, IL or 70 Guinevere Ct, Lafayette, IN, as opposed to the Roaming Watson Family you've come to know and love through these banal ramblings).
The kids are adjusting well to the new (flat) neighborhood which allows for more optimal bike riding. Maggie has traversed the same 150-foot stretch of sidewalk about 477 times, Jimmy has turned about that many laps around the block, and Annie has watched it all from her parked bike, refusing to pedal. This is a blessing given that once she figures out how to pedal she will be asking her brother to build her a half-pipe.
As for me, well, I'm steadily adjusting to work. As I may have mentioned, my job is essentially identical to the one I had in New York. Our offices are located on Wacker Drive, made famous by the Blues Brothers' epic chase scene, and the fairly famous department store headquarters at 233 South Wacker (across the street from me) which you may have seen before. It's tall. Every morning my train pulls into Chicago's Union Station, which you may have seen in the Untouchables or My Best Friend's Wedding (so I am told). Then, I walk across the Chicago River to my office. I'll take pictures on St. Paddy's when they die it green. Most of you are probably more familiar with Chicago than New York but I still intend on boring you with these types of details once we start exploring. Because if you've learned anything about Watsons, you've learned that we like a good adventure. Even the kind we make up. Maybe especially those.
Since we last left you, our lives have been hectic and chaotic. That sentence, which could be typed in any email covering the subject of my family, has been especially true because of three weeks that commenced with a 770-mile drive with 5 people in 2 different cars, involved the (relatively) creative painting of two bedrooms, the unpacking of a houseful of boxes (many containing contents quite different than they were labeled), and finally the settling of the children into their new home. The neighbors have been quite friendly thus far and to the surprise of no one, Mrs. Watson (Reege) was invited to, and attended, a monthly woman's book club within approximately four hours of our being Illinois residents. She will be hosting the event next April, which means the kids and I will be huddled in the basement watching movies, reciting the lines simultaneously with the characters on-screen, eating junk food, and playing Uno. In other words, just like every time she leaves the house.
Regis will have to choose a book for all the other women to read in advance of this symposium. These gatherings must be fascinating. I can only imagine that they function similar to the UN security council meetings on the starving children of Indochina who are starving because kids in the 1950s did not eat their brussel sprouts. I suggested she have the ladies read a classic that is relevant to the Chicago area, as it would help us learn and love the environs of which we are now a part. Of course I'm referring to "Brian Piccolo: A Short Season." Pick up a copy today. According to Watson family lore I read this book seven different times for seven different book reports throughout my high school career. It should be noted that "Watson family lore" generally involves the Jim/Judy/Jim/Jen/Jill/Joan Watsons of 1032 Illinois Drive, Rantoul, IL or 70 Guinevere Ct, Lafayette, IN, as opposed to the Roaming Watson Family you've come to know and love through these banal ramblings).
The kids are adjusting well to the new (flat) neighborhood which allows for more optimal bike riding. Maggie has traversed the same 150-foot stretch of sidewalk about 477 times, Jimmy has turned about that many laps around the block, and Annie has watched it all from her parked bike, refusing to pedal. This is a blessing given that once she figures out how to pedal she will be asking her brother to build her a half-pipe.
As for me, well, I'm steadily adjusting to work. As I may have mentioned, my job is essentially identical to the one I had in New York. Our offices are located on Wacker Drive, made famous by the Blues Brothers' epic chase scene, and the fairly famous department store headquarters at 233 South Wacker (across the street from me) which you may have seen before. It's tall. Every morning my train pulls into Chicago's Union Station, which you may have seen in the Untouchables or My Best Friend's Wedding (so I am told). Then, I walk across the Chicago River to my office. I'll take pictures on St. Paddy's when they die it green. Most of you are probably more familiar with Chicago than New York but I still intend on boring you with these types of details once we start exploring. Because if you've learned anything about Watsons, you've learned that we like a good adventure. Even the kind we make up. Maybe especially those.
posted by Watts at 8:20 AM
