Saturday, July 24th started like any other day: rise early to head to work, shower, dress and leave the house. I had set out all my things before hand so I could just grab and go. I packed up my backpack, containing my computer, iPod, a book and my work clothes. I planned to head to Weight Watchers after work, so I wore my weighing-ing clothes (atheltic shorts and a t-shirt) to work and packed my work clothes. I noticed it was raining, so I grabbed my rain jacket and I was out the door.
Not two minutes into my walk to the L did it start downpouring. I reached the L and immediately regretted not also grabbing my umbrella. Oh well, at this rate, I would be late for work if I went back, and probably more wet. I hopped the next train, rode down the one stop and started the 9-block walk to my Starbucks. Within the first three blocks, the sidewalks started to flood and my sneakers and socks were drenched. As I crossed the street to the fifth block, I decided to take to the street which was less flooded. The skys opened up and it just poured. There was no oasis, no awning under which to stand or trees large enough to provide shelter. So I just walked and got drenched.
I got to work and it looked as if I swam in. The only part of me not wet was my mid-section. Even my underwear were soaked! Good thing I had my work clothes in my backpack, right? Wrong. They were wet too, in the worst places: the crotch, the shoulders, my neck. So, sans underoos and socks, I donned my damp clothes, apron and hat and started work.
Remember I mentioned my computer was in my backpack as well? Yeah, my worst fears were confirmed when I had my first break and tried to get on the internet. It wouldn't even turn on. I took out the battery and dried it the best I could and just kicked myself for even bringing it to work. I didn't NEED it at work, I just wanted something to DO on my breaks. Then I was pissed that I didn't just follow my instinct and grab a cab to work. And then I was mad that I had to work at all. Bad day just got worse.
Now some of you may think that it's just a computer. It can be fixed or replaced. To me, that computer is much more. I'm in a new city all by myself. That computer provides more than facebook updates and emails from my mom. It tells me how to get to new things in the city, things that are happening, helps me with my homework... basically, it is my link to the city and to my home in Madison. I couldn't even book a mac Genius Bar appointment, figure out where the Apple store was or how to get there from work. Thankfully Kyle helped me over the phone and I got a genius bar appointment after work.
I did follow my original plan and went to Weight Watchers after work. This was one of three bright spots in my day. I reached my 25 lb milestone! That made me happy, especially since this was the first week we've gotten to taste and bring products home from school. Yay!
From WW, I ventured on a bus whose AC was shot to the downtown Apple store. I met with a Genius and he informed me that the "repair" (i.e. drying out) to my computer would be $795. GASP! Not happening. He did remove the harddrive and did get it to work despite a little water damage, so that is good to know. Then I met with a sales guy to discuss a new computer. I had been planning to upgrade, but not this soon. I was waiting for my student loan to come through, about another month. After we discussed, I decided on a computer. Then came the financining. I wasn't instantly qualified for their credit program and they wouldn't take Kyle's credit card number over the phone. So I left the store more saddened than I had been entering it. I had a soggy computer, an out of whack iPod (don't ask about that one) and no hope for a new computer in the near future.
I got home on the L in just enough time to shower, change and meet friends for dinner. I made these plans the day before, so as much as I wanted to blow it off, I knew I couldn't. I knew I needed to go, to see familiar faces and have a little fun. I'm so glad I went! I met with Tracy, Anette and a few of Anette's friends at a Mexican place in Wicker Park. The food was alright, the margaritas excellent and the company was fantastic. Tracy and I decided not to go to the after-party and ventured home on the Division bus to the Red Line. Tracy got off at Fullerton and I kept going.
I got off at Berwyn to stop at the grocery store. I bought 10lbs of rice and large ziploc bags in hopes the ol' rice trick will help my computer. Third bright spot of the day: I fould the cookies needed to make Tasty Sh*t! I couldn't find them for the longest time and there they were! Got home, filled the bags with rice and now all I can do is wait. And use the library computers.
