My life's beginning to look like mine again

Now that I've got an income again, I've been able to travel a little bit more. Here is a brief look at the trips I've taken since the beginning of September:

CHICAGO: I went to the windy city for Labor Day weekend for a USAFA friend's wedding. The wedding was really nice, the reception really fun, the bride the perfect match for the groom. And as always I saw classmates of mine that I hadn't seen in years. Every USAFA wedding is like a reunion. While in Chicago, I visited Oak Park, which happens to be the neighborhood where Frank Lloyd Wright began his solo career and developed the prairie style house. Apparently this neighborhood has the highest concentration of Wright homes anywhere in the world. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the tour or the neighborhood was really interesting. I learned a lot about Wright's architectural style and what led him there. I also visited the Art Institute of Chicago while I was in Chicago. It's always nice to see art collections, famous paintings, and objects I'd never classify as art in a high-security museum. The Art Institute is home to "American Gothic" and Monet's "Haystacks," as well as a contemporary wing -- whose most confusing work was a canvas painted red (yes, the whole canvas, evenly coated in red paint). I didn't get it. There was a stunning photography special exhibit, but I can't remember the photog's name. I definately need to go back to Chicago as there is so much more to explore. (Mat, I think you would be a great co-Chicago explorer.)

MONTEREY, CA: Now I know why people would want to live in California. I've only visited the big cities before, and this small city was great. I was there for work, so the days were consumed with learning, briefings and networking. But the evenings were ours. The first night I attended a bay-side beach party, complete with bonfire and smores. Night number two, I met up with some friends from USAFA for dinner and conversation and chamomille tea. The last night in town we meandored around the Italian festival and Monterey cruise in, where they actually cruised. In Ohio, there is no actual cruising at a cruise in, only parking. My favorite car was a cherry red 59 Chevy. After the cars, we dined at a British pub on fish and chips and porter ales.

Upcoming travel plans include a night of camping/beer tasting at my cousin's farm (this weekend) and a month in Omaha. Christmas is in Ohio this year, but I'm trying to figure out what to do with Thanksgiving. I've had many tempting invitations, but most likely I'll just stay close to home and get caught up on school work. I started the long journey through history (courses) this semester. My first night of class is Monday and the course is "Comparative Slave Systems: Brazil and the U.S."