More on Binky's Big Adventure

When I last left you, Binky and I were about to embark on our final day in Chicago. We unfortunately had to start the day with my allergist, but by noon we were ready to go. We shopped the mag mile (she bought a necklace from an outdoor market), and then stopped off so she could see my office.

Her reaction was priceless:

"Wow, so you sit here? Is this your desk? Are these your papers? Is that your computer? Why do you have windows, but no door? You have a Slinky at your desk?

*pause*

What do you even do with all of these things?" We didn't stay long. I showed her the trading floor introduced her to a few people at work, and then we were off to the aquarium, albeit via some boutiques on Michigan Avenue.

We spent a glorious three hours at the aquarium - and it truly is a wonderful place, even if you don't like fish She photographed every tank in the place, ooohhed and aaahhd with the rest of them, and even knew some interesting facts about the fishies. We didn't go to see the otters in the Oceanarium because we were just exhausted at this point. Well that, and I thought I was going to lose it if I saw another wan group of campers running at the clownfish screaming N E MO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the aquarium there was shopping on State Street to do. Binky found herself a few nice things and even bought her boyfriend an outfit. On the way home, I realized I was far too exhausted to actually cook dinner - so I ordered chinese takeout. I would like to report that the child ate tofu and broccoli! And liked it!

We watched the end of Little Miss Sunshine while I packed (big hit) and then it was off to bed.

Because I couldn't get the little angel out of bed on time, we very nearly missed our 11 a.m. flight on Tuesday. I did a great job of not flipping out. Really, I should get an award for keeping it real in front of the jr. section. I was cool, I was in control, and I got us on the plane with all our luggage, and truly minimal swearing.

We hit the ground running once in New Jersey. Yesterday we went to my favorite diner in northern NJ - The Chester Diner, where I had a Nirvana Burger with kosher dill pickles so good, that I was thinking of moving over from vegetarianism to picklitarianism .Tomorrow I'm getting up early and biking over to the bagel shop. I will be in true Jew heaven, because on that bagel that I will purchase just for me, will not sit the usual, revered lox, but rather a whitefish salad.

Anyhow... I played basketball with the kids for a few hours (and by the way, they won three games of HORSE over me in a row) before coming in to play with Oreo the dwarf bunny.

Binky's brother Stevie was so happy to see me I thought he was going to burst , He's 12 flipping brilliant, and sweet, open, and huggy. If it weren't 90 degrees and humid enough to rust my teeth, I'd be enjoying these hugs to the fullest. After another late night, I went up to Binky's room to go to bed. I wanted to do some cleaning in there before putting my face on the pillow (I share quarers with Oreo), but I was out like a light and stayed out until nearly 9.

While we were at my place, I could at least have a few hours of private time before Binky got out of bed. I'm getting crumudgeonly in my old age I guess, and I need some down time to blog and think and read, and breathe. Now that we're in NJ, there is no way I can get time alone during the day. Any time I plop down to read, someone wants to talk or play or go to the mall. I am having to re-learn the ways of children.

Tonight, Stevie and I cooked dinner for everyone - shrimp scampi and a salad of non-offensive vegetables. I taught him how to measure a teaspoon by making a dent in the palm of his hand. We talked about ratios and doubling recipies, and about testing for al dente pasta by throwing it up on the ceiling. He learned how to sharpen a knife and then chop red peppers and to wash his hands after touching the dog.

In the end, we had a yummy, yet artery clogging meal that Stevie helped make, and that the rest of the family melted over. He was so proud of himself that he couldn't sit still.

Tomorrow is Steven and AuntyEm Day - Binky and her mom will be at work, and the boy and I will get to bond. On the plan: swimming, baking cookies, more basketball (I need to prove myself out there!) and then I have to edit his summer writing project.

I hope everyone else is having an enjoyable week so far!