From there it was on to Indianapolis, where Colin's sister (an coincidentally, my cousin) Kaitlin lives. Actually, first we met up in Richmond, IN, and hung out with our other cousin, Carrie for a night at Earlham College. Earlham had just had its graduation, and kids were getting crazy. Oh, how that brings me back. But we soon decided we were a bit too old for the house party, and opted to go out. Spent the next two days/nights in Indy, which is a charmingly small major city. Kaitlin lives in a house with a yard and everything, and yet you could walk downtown if you wanted. She basically runs that city, so I got a private tour of Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts), where she used to work. That night we took in a minor league baseball game, and then took in some dollar beers at the Bourbon Street Distillery. A good time was had by all. I also took care of some minor car trouble while there. My one beef with Indy comes with the fact that people can still smoke in bars there. You don't notice it so much while you're there, but moreso the next morning when you get a whiff of the jeans you wore.
Got into Chicago on Tuesday, and have taken it pretty easy so far. Caught up on some reading and TV yesterday. [Side note: if I have one complaint about being on vacation, is that it's hard to stay up to date with current news and pop culture. I think it's mainly just the lack of routine rather than lack of time. But I often feel ill-informed on the latest news, and it's easy to fall behind on TV shows and internet reading, which I don't like doing.] Today I took in a little taste of Chicago, eating lunch at Hot Doug's (gourmet hot dogs) with my lovely friend Jess, who I know from my study abroad program. The weekend starts tonight, highlighted by a Cubs game tomorrow. Could get a little crazy. Shout out to fellow UPS Loggers Brett for hosting, Chelsea for cooking, and Keely for making (apparently rare) social appearances. Hope to see one or two Burlingamers this weekend as well. I'm also looking forward to the Cavs-Celtics game tonight. This whole LeBron story is just so damn fascinating. I'd provide further details but the rest of the internet is much more qualified for analysis.
Musical insight of the day, inspired by what I'm listening to on my drive:
I am thoroughly enjoying Eminem's recent stuff. He's got a new album coming out in June, and the first single, "Not Afraid", is excellent. On all his previous albums, the first singles have been silly, celeb-bashing songs. Usually the weakest song on the album. So that's good sign #1. Combine that with the recent verses he's recorded with other artists (BoB/Hayley Williams, Lil' Wayne, Drake, etc), and I've got my hopes up for a stunning comeback to the top of rap for Eminem. I think this is some of the best stuff he's done since The Eminem Show. I've been thinking about the parallels between him and Barry Zito lately. Before 2007, Zito signed a 7-year, $126 million contract with the Giants (at the time the richest contract ever for a pitcher). After two miserable seasons, it was looking like the worst contract ever given out. But last year he was decent, and this year he's an early Cy Young candidate (5-1, 1.90 ERA). Eminem made (in my opinion) the best rap record ever, then made two mediocre (by Em standards) records while battling addiction and other personal issues. But lets say Eminem's new record is on the same plane as The Eminem Show, and lets say Barry Zito does continue his awesome season. Both are big "ifs". But which would be more remarkable? Which would be more unlikely?
Sorry that was long. Pictures below.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
Me and Colin out in Kent
Colts locker room
On the field
Me and Kaitlin at the Indianapolis Indians game
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