Back in the USA

Hello folks.

I'm back in Chicago after a two week stint in NYC, Athens, Paris, and Barcelona. True, Paris was limited to the three hour layover; although we did get on the train to see Notre Dame for 15 minutes. I'm sure a longer viewing of this cultural structure will occur at some point in my life.

Matthew at mystainedteeth.com recently wrote about his late fall visit to Chicago and our trip to Webster's Wine Bar. It was great to see him in Chicago. Matthew and I have known each other since September of 1986. He was the new-kid-in-town from Denver. I was a sensitive kid tasting his first drink of public school.

Matthew's article is very telling of my formative years and chips away at the patina I have so carefully constructed around my former life. A patina that layers down to early fall 1997. There are a few stretches in his article, though, specifically in his claim that he was fired from his job as a cool kid in the 9th grade. I only remember his popularity growing in high school - he was funny, athletic, and had Christ on his side. Growing up in Texas, keeping Christ on the payroll was of paramount importance.

Anyone who can prove (100%) the origin of my nickname gets a prize. Please note: this will involve Google and locating some SHS alums.