A Day at the Race Tracks - Arlington Race Track

I’ve never really wanted to go to a racetrack before, but I had the chance to go, so I took it. Just getting to Arlington Race Track is a different experience, since you either have to drive or take the Metra (the suburban commuter line). Going from Ogilvie Station reminded me of my college days. There were still the blue, “pleather” (plastic and leather) seats that flip. The Weekend Pass had gone up from $5 to $8, but still not bad.

About one hour later from downtown, we reached the track and found our way around. I’ve never gone to other tracks so I can’t compare, but it seemed like the ones on TV. The private party had a tent, but also a patio and entryway to a grassy area where you could get fairly close to the track.

There’s a variety of races – almost one every fifteen minutes to keep people engaged. You could place a bet with a person or at a self-serve station. I didn’t place any bets. Guess I wasn’t feeling lucky.

The lush green grass was soft and a nice natural playground for the kids running back and forth. We joked that we should place bets on them. A cute little Asian girl in a summer dress and hair in pigtails stood out. She was with her dad.

It was fun, and would go back again if friends really wanted to. Otherwise, I can check it off my “Illinois’ Bucket List.” Go #6!

Beach Day #7

Newly raked sand

Only joggers and dog walkers

Are around this early

I’m surprised

There’s so many people out

I’m not used to being out

I’m gaining so much more

Time getting up early

What a concept

I think of the days

I’d sleep until noon

Or take naps at 2 p.m.

They were nice

But the lost time

Can never be regained

Maybe that’s why older people

Wake up so early

They want to spend more time awake

Before they die.

Beach Day #6

Hot, humid Lake Michigan
Was before me
But this time
I was prepared

Walking up to the tent
The Aussie recognized me
"You're finally ready to do it?"
He asks

I smile back and say
"Yeah, it only took me three times
To think about it."
But, today was the day

Even though I could swim
I got a life vest
It hugged my chest
Tightly and securely

"Don't be afraid to fall in,
He said, "You probably will."
"It's fine,"
But I lied

I didn't want to fall in
Even though the water was much
Warmer than other days
I didn't want to - fail

He carried the board
To the lake for me
Offered some advice
Sit on your knees, then get on all fours - and stand

Sounded easy enough
But the lake was a bit choppy

At first I didn't think
I was getting anywhere
Was I going in a circle?
I began to have doubts

Eventually I made my way out
And decided it was time to try
And stand
Okay, you can do this

The width of the board
Was comforting
Plenty of room
I heard in my head, "Place feet here."

I began to stand
Wobbly, but upright
Paddle, damn it - he said it would be easier
When you kept paddling

I did
Wobble wobble
Left, right, left right
Crap, not going too well

For a few minutes
I was paddling
But then I sat back down
Licking my wounds a bit

But the summer heat and sun
Remained with me
I saw the lake shore from
A perspective I had never seen before

It was nice just being out

Sharing the Road; My Divvy Bike Experience

It’s been a year since I started Divvy, Chicago’s bike share program. At the time, I was looking for an easy, cheap, and quick way to go between UIC’s East and West Campus. Fortunately, the main buildings I went to had a station close by. The thing that sealed the deal was UIC’s Office of Sustainability then offered a $20 discount for students, too! So, that meant I could get a $55 for an unlimited, one-year membership. With a $7 day pass (now it’s gone up to $10), the one-year was a great deal.

My next big decision – what color helmet to get?! Done.

Some tips for new Divvy riders:

•      Ride in 3^rd gear;
•    Download the Divvy app, which shows stations and full/empty status;
•    Be mindful of pedestrians;
•    Save the Divvy phone number in your cell;
•    DO NOT ride your bike on the sidewalk, walk it – if needed;
•    DO NOT ride on Sheridan Road;
•    And, be mindful of your time.

I was pretty happy with Divvy during the school year. It definitely saved me time not using the bus, and it was fun riding a bike again. I hadn’t gotten on a bike since Germany.

Then, on June 1, Divvy significantly expanded their stations all the way to the north in Rogers Park! Very cool. There were two stations within two blocks from me.

The only thing that frustrates me is now the jockeying for road space. There’s cars, bikes, and foot traffic. Even with bike lanes, we all still need to look out for each other.

The other day, I was downtown, and I had just gotten on a Divvy. I walked it on the sidewalk and down to the street. The light was changing, but a pedestrian clearly thought he was going to walk in front of me, but couldn’t, since my bike was “in his way.” He gave me this look and motioned with his arms that “he was walking here.” However, I don’t see how, because there was traffic. He went behind me, then trying to still cross traffic against the light.

My first reaction was – what the hell? I was right, you were wrong. But, I tried not to let him ruin my summer, sunny day. He wasn’t worth it.

Beach Day #5

The sand molds to my butt
I bury my toes in deep
An anchor to the Earth

The water is so cold
That my legs are numb
My inside extremities are colder
Than I ever thought they could be

Kids are everywhere
I watch them
I see the parents
Who are playing with their kids

I see the parents who are texting on the phone

Lifeguards in
Play-like row boats
Stay the line

What am I watering- my sidewalk or my grass?

"Am I watering the grass or the sidewalk?" This is the reflective question I ask myself as I walk down the streets in my neighborhood. What am I doing with and in my life to water, feed, and nurture what needs to be nurtured? Or, am I doing things that - water my "sidewalk?" What is the concrete stuff in my life that I think I have to nurture, but really, the water either puddles up or runs off?!

This is a waste of water.

Journey Alone Now

I thought I was going to have
A partner on this journey with me

Someone who would
Compliment me
Be the in to my out
The day to my night

But it didn't seem
Like that's going to happen
We're too far apart
Hard to get back to each other

I tried
I think you tried
There were sessions
And self-help books

Thoughts that if we stayed together
One more month, year
It would work
Still

In the end
We both said
I love you, I'm sorry
Cried and hugged