Dinner was a terrific surprise. I had and inkling someone unusual had come to visit because I was told I had to get there, but not why. The last thing I expected was to see J_B's smiling face the second I walked in the door! Then, sure enough, there's Thomas and Joefromchicago just sitting in my dining room like they'd just popped out for a bite. I didn't even notice one of my regulars was sitting right next to us with his family until and hour and a half flew by and we had already said goodnight (I don't know if you can call us strangers anymore C.I., my regular thought I was meeting with partners in some venture
). A wonderful surprise, to say the least.
I can hardly wait to see these folks again. Cjhsa, you're a fool if you'd avoid any of these people in Chicago or anywhere else (I'd recommend leaving your politics at home or growing up first, though
). These ?'liberals' are wonderful people and I'm happy to call them my friends. C.I., who I mostly just argue with on A2K, was an absolute delight. I'd fly to Spain if I had to, to see him again (and time permitting I just might). To save some time; I'm going to cut and paste part of my report to Brooklyn about who these people are, for those who couldn't make it:
******************
"Anyway, by my recollection of the folks there, here's what you missed:
C.I. or "Tak", who I generally think of as a left-wing talking points repeater; was actually a stimulating old Asian gentleman who I'd be proud to introduce as my friend. We seemed to agree on life-related subjects every bit as much as we disagree on A2K. He's a really neat guy and I feel like a better man for having met him.
Thomas was the genius I thought he'd be. An easy going persona with a wit I suspect he keeps in check, in person, so as not to totally intimidate everyone around him. But you can still see the smile in his eyes when he knows someone's saying something that doesn't add up (actually; that smile's seemingly always there). I'd love to spend more time with him... and look forward to doing so if only on A2K... though my understanding is that he may find more permanent work around Chicago. That would be cool.
Walter really is Walter. Decency embodied. Even in person he has an ability to convey his message, be it agreement or no, with grace, wit, and the kind of candidness that's usually reserved to the rude, but with no trace of rudeness. I must try to emulate some of his social skill.
Sublime was simply amazing. He opened his doors completely to us near strangers and seemingly never thought twice about it. He seems to have an excellent head on his shoulders and an open heart for everyone. I hope to see him again and again at gatherings. A better host you could not hope for.
J.B. was equally cool. She's a natural at hosting events and had Sublime not done such a wonderful job; I'm guessing she would have taken up every bit of the slack. She reminded me of my sister in all the best ways.
Joefromchicago, who hates it when I credit him for providing me the learning links of logic , is every bit as intriguing in person as he is on A2K. Perhaps more so (or more candid after several beers). The wealth of knowledge of the arts is real (and perhaps a little intimidating), but a nicer host you will not find. I must tell you that all of the Chicago folks were uncommonly cool. I think the proximity to Wisconsin has rubbed off on them.
Osso Buco is a grand lady, who I'd have told how much she reminds me of my Grandmother... if that didn't sound like "old". My gramma died pretty young, and was as cool as they come, but I still don't know how to make that sound like a compliment... though it's actually a tremendous compliment. Don't let her fool ya; she's as sharp as a tack.
So is RealJohnBoy. He likes to play the ignorant hick card... but upon meeting him you can tell there's a hell of lot more going on upstairs than he likes to let on. Don't let him fool ya either.
Eva is precisely the darling who set us on this collision course (though I'd like to think it was inevitable ).
Mac11 comes off as someone who's been my neighbor all my life. No one in particular, but she's the kind of lady you'd be glad to know and happy to see every time you did. I do hope to see her at the next gathering, as I can tell, even if it's years from now; we'll pick up as if it was last week. One of those folks you're comfortable talking to within seconds of meeting.
The Yitwaills, who I've never really conversed with much on A2K, struck me as terribly friendly... and I'll likely be reading what I do come across with an easy smile... putting a face to the name.
Wandeljw, I've seldom run across on A2K, either, was as nice as our other Chicago hosts. Seems like a decent fellow.
EhBeth, who wasn't there... but called: struck me as someone I'd really love to meet. Just on the phone; you could tell she was one of those people whose company you'd really enjoy. I also missed Sozobe, Craven, Timber, and a bus-load of other folks who I'd hoped to meet there. Ah well; next time."
*****************
I also have pictures of smiling Yitwails... and smiling everyone else, too, but they're too big to load up to Imageshack so I'll have to figure out how to step them down, which may take a little more time than I currently have. Don't believe J_B about never taking good photos, either, cause I managed to snap a couple good ones... so Walter's probably got dozens.
Thanks again you guys for making the drive (on a school night, no less)! It was lots of fun and I'll be looking forward to an opportunity to meet you again! (Good luck getting that job Thomas, that would rock!)
