Looks like I'm visiting your towns mid-January. I just might spend my birthday with some of you!! We've a new client coming onboard and the majority of their employees are in the Chicago and NYC areas. My employer is shipping me out to conduct employee orientations.

You've been warned -- you MUST spend some time with me.

As soon as dates are confirmed, I'll let everyone know.

Please keep us up-to-date.
The earlier I can get specific dates, the more I'll be able to plan, and the more likely I'll make it.

Also, for me... the earlier the better.
Me=tires easily.

That's fabulous news, Tania. Keep us updated.

I miss being sent on business trips to Obner-centric locales.

i wish there were shows in january, but it's pretty devoid of them except for one festival.

I'll be honest, travel arrangements are usually last minute, but as soon as I know, I'll pass the word.

just keep us posted, t

doh... Ill actually be in your neck of the woods, Jan 18th thru the 22nd!

Well, I still don't know the actual dates. The client is coming onboard February 1st, which means I need to meet with employees prior to then. We're thinking anywhere between January 8th - 26th. We're probably hittin' up NYC first since that's where the corporate office is.

Get to Chicago around Feb 6th. That's my 30th birthday and I'm going to have a giant party. I'm even starting to make new friends now so it'll look like I have a posse.

But whenever you're coming, take a look at the Reader to see if there's anything you're interested in. www.chireader.com

everytime I see 'Red's name pop up in a thread, it reminds me of the song "Red' by Belly and i start singing it in my head....

thats'a good thing. i love that song!

That's sweet. Got it from Okkervil River's song "Red", but I'm sure yours is cheerier.

tnk?

Not so, check these out:

Thu 01/11/07 Dr. Dog Schubas Tavern
Thu 01/11/07 Margot & The Nuclear So And Sos Schubas Tavern
Thu 01/11/07 The Bees Schubas Tavern
Tue 01/16/07 Ron Sexsmith Schubas Tavern
Fri 01/19/07 Gomez UIC Pavilion
Fri 01/26/07 The Brakes Vic Theatre

those schubas shows are all part of the festival i mentioned. it's like five days long, should be very fun.

t, if you go to ny, can you pack me in your suitcase and take me with you?! *bats eyelashes*

(i miss ny soooo much)

Of course. I think you'll fit in my backpack.

Client gave their verbal agreement to proceed.

NYC = 1-2 nights
IL = 2-3 nights

Btw, looks like Illinois will have me in or around these cities:
Aurora, IL
Norridge, IL
Vernon Hills, IL
Matteson, IL
North Riverside, IL
Orland Park, IL
Schaumburg, IL
Lombard, IL
Bloomington, IL
Champaign, IL

We're gonna have fun. Get ready.

Does that mean you're taking me to gay bars? My partner is 429 -- you'd love him.

North Riverside is closest to the city. Aurora and Lombard are at least forty minutes depending on traffic. The rest are rather a pain in the ass from the city.

Yeah, Jen, I know. I used to visit Chicago often enough to know that going back and forth to the 'burbs from Downtown is a pain in the ass. I'm hoping that the client will have 2 or 3 central locations to gather their employees and minimize the travel time for us. We'll see.

PS -- Would love to meet the baby!!

I work RIGHT at Vernon Hills.
Live not far from Lombard (although not that close).

If you can hook up for lunch when you're in Vernon Hills... I'll PM you with my number.

Hi.

No kidding. That's right next door to my parents. So, uh, you can continue to not know them and all that stuff.

Although, there's a nice Americana club in Berwyn called Fitzgerald's, so check their website, too. (Berwyn's next to N. Riverside - or North N*ggerside as my friends used to call it)