Phreakin' Excited for Phish, Sad for Shedd.

Let me just begin this post with a little bit of anger, just to get it out of the way.

WHY IS IT ONLY JUST NOW GETTING HOT OUT? DIDN'T SUMMER START MONTHS AGO?!?!

Phew. So now, where was I. Ah, yes. My Michigan vacation and probably so many other things that haven't been touched on. I will try to begin at the beginning.

So first I spent a week at Camp Michigania, also known as my favorite place in the world (rivaled only by Rothbury). There, I was able to tie-dye, lanyard, polish rocks, sail, shoot & archery, go on a hay-ride, attend an 80's prom, drink around a bonfire, and tan in the sand. In addition to many other moments of hilarity that occurred most likely around a bonfire. I met some awesome people, enjoyed occasional sunny moments, and drank a lot of wine with my parents. I had great times with old friends and old traditions and absolutely am looking forward to next year on Walloon.

Then, I got back to Chicago and realized that it's crunch time, ladies and gentlemen. I have until the end of the month before I get shipped off to live with some new roommates of the parental variety. Unless. The Lorax's stump says it and so does my new apartment lease. Unless I find a job, I'll be moving home. Or into a teepee to live like Eustace Conway, who Elizabeth Gilbert writes about in her 2002 book The Last American Man. He lives off the land, wearing buckskins and making hairbrushes out of porcupines after he's eaten them. Sounds like a pretty lush life, hiking thirty miles a day and drinking spring water straight from a spring. However, my farming skills are pretty sub par, so I've got a lot to learn before I make my move into the mountains.

Sorry, I'm off track. Lollapalooza was this past weekend in Chicago, however, due to high ticket prices and lack of good artists mixed with poor scheduling, I chose not to attend. I did however, catch the URB Aasics after party with special guest Bassnectar. Lorin really threw it down, even when the sub woofer sounded blown. Turns out some idiot had kicked the cables. That party was rocking til around 3a.m. and the open bar really hit the spot.

Since my little brother was in town for Lolla, I got to do some touristy stuff. I got a chance to check out the Shedd Aquarium for the first time since the Oceanarium renovations. I have to say I'm pleased with the new curtain and the lighting, but displeased with the decreased seating and general unhappiness and unwillingness of the oceanarium staff. We arrived for the sea lion show about 20 minutes early to find every entrance blocked by a closed curtain and an unhappy staff member directing us as far away from the oceanarium as possible. Scolded when we tried to peak, or even loiter in hopes of some seats opening up, we didn't get to see the white sided dolphins jump or the sea lions bark. I'm pretty disappointed. Not to mention that later, in order to catch a later show, (that ended up beginning 35 minutes late) we arrived 40 minutes early and ended up waiting a total of over an hour to see a 20 minute show during most of which the trainers were lying to us about the newest performer at the Shedd, an American bulldog, that was actually a pitbull. Overall, I probably won't be spending another $30 to see the new Fantasea show at the end of this summer because it was too crowded, too disorganized and all I really wanted to see was some damn jumping dolphins and maybe a beluga or two. I was pleased to see the otters. They're cute.

After the Shedd lines took so long, we couldn't even make it over to the Field Museum for some pirate fun. Maybe next time, little brother.

Moving on... Tonight our Phriends are back in Chicago! Phish is playing at Toyota Park tonight and even though I'm temping today, I will be there gettin' down and slappin' bags. If you're going, keep an ear out for a Jesus just left Chicago, cause we all know it's coming. The other night at the Gorge Phish played an (from what I hear) awesome rendition of Led Zep's Good Times, Bad Times, so I can only hope for an awesome cover or two from the boys tonight.

For tonight's late night, Kinetic Playground has some awesome acts lined up. Phaded, Big Gigantic, Mr. Blotto-and more. I might be there but I might be too tired. We'll see. For now, stay classy Chicago.