I grew up in Suburban Chicago which I've always believed to be one of the most aesthetically unpleasing places I've ever seen...much less live. It's not run down, it's not cheap, it's not without great people...but it's uninspired and consists primarily of shopping malls and office "parks" many of which seem deserted.
A cold March storm, 24/7 grey sky and a dumpy hotel certainly did nothing to change the perception. I took advantage of my time here and connected with family and friends that I've neglected for too long. A grand total of about 5 minutes were spent exposed to the elements.
It is hard for me to come back here due to a deeply ingrained repulsion from this place....and it's hard to motivate myself to even photograph it because there is nothing visually stimulating about it.
There was once a bit of inspiring film taken here that I recently discovered. It was a super 8 video my dad took of me on the day I got my driver's license back in 1982. I think that may have been the happiest day of my life. While I suppose I should say it was the day I got married or had my kids...the reality is that there is probably no happier day than the day I gained motorized mobility. Have I mentioned that I love cars? I could have gotten into that car and driven anywhere at any time. Of course I didn't go anywhere (immediately)...but being finally enabled was an indescribable feeling. It was the first step towards escaping Schaumburg, Illinois.
This clip sprang to mind when I arrived at my Dad's home to bid him farewell as I began the next leg of the trip. He's lived here for 30 years now and it looks pretty much the same....
For nothing other than to demonstrate the level of stupidity my father and I are willing to explore I present the great reenactment of the greatest day of my life:
If only I coulda found my Carrera sunglasses to bring it full circle.
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That is AWESOME! But I think yer dad was a better cameraman 27 years ago . . .
ReplyDeleteawesome reenactment, but unlike the most recent video, I think you actually believed yourself in the pose from '82. HOT dude, really, really, hot.
ReplyDeleteI rode in that VW....I feel so proud......
ReplyDeleteNice tight pants....guess that was the style. Next time you blow through give me a heads up and we can hook up, but I am guessing it will be a while since you cant stand it here! LUBE
LOL... That was friggin' hilarious!
ReplyDeletedude, you should chan ge your camera setting to color. i think you are giving people the wrong idea.
ReplyDelete