s'updates

* we leave for chicago this weekend.

* to that end, we've looked up places we'd like to visit, mapped 'em and printed out directions (for the ones outside of downtown). i had no idea that chicago is filled with caribou coffee franchises. the last time i enjoyed one of their fabulous frozen beverages was a couple of years ago in cleveland, and i have craved them ever since.

* i picked up U.S. cash today and was delighted to see the canadian dollar is over par, meaning our buck gets a bigger bang south of the border. this means a couple extra mint snowdrifts and passionfruit-green tea smoothies at the aforementioned coffee chain. maybe even a pair of keen summer hikers.

* i also went to MEC this afternoon and bought a new duffle bag, which will likely serve as my luggage for both chicago and iceland, and a paperback-sized mini-bag (big enough to hold my camera and a water bottle) for places like the art institute, where knapsacks are prohibited. both were über-favourably reviewed by shoppers, and having them makes me feel rather outdoorsy.

* unfortunately, mom's leg is still bothering her... so much so that, at my urging, she went to the doctor this morning to have it checked out before, you know, we head to america where health care is not free and where we're supposed to be walking most everywhere. (fear not, we both have traveler's health insurance.) thankfully, it's just a pulled muscle or tendon; unthankfully, it may hamper some of our walking plans if it flares up or gets worse.

* i have one more work assignment to finish before we depart. 200 words by tomorrow evening. done and done.

* i have the DVD of The Town sitting on my coffee table. i scored it at the library yesterday and will watch it later tonight.