I just got home from an evening of relaxation at the Starbuck's and I ate dinner at Panda Express.  I decided to ride my bike up there and enjoy the last day of moderate temperatures before the heat and humidity return tomorrow.  I was busy on the internet and before I knew it, I was there past dark.  I didn't realize it at the time but that was a huge mistake.  When it came time to ride my bike back home, a distance of about a mile, I was once again disturbed by how dark all of the streets are in Westmont.  In the past few years, I have been annoyed with the darkness of the streets in Westmont and Downers Grove, especially during the winter months because I walk everywhere.  I thought it was even worse this evening, riding my bike, because I could not see where I was going.  I grew up in Chicago and there were lots of street lights around and I guess I just don't understand how these dark streets here can be safe for the people who walk, ride, and live down them.  Its 2010, why can't they put in some street lights?  I am sure there are reasons that probably now include money issues but they seriously need them.  People get murdered, robbed, and shot in the suburbs too.  If someone wanted to hurt people, these streets would be a haven for them.  I would imagine that Chicago is safer even with all of its evils because at least the people there can see them coming.  Here, you can't see 2 feet in front of you.  So I guess my message to all the dark suburbs is TURN ON THE LIGHTS!!

Its been a while since I posted anything but that will be changing.  Since its been a while, I should update you, my readers, about what has been going on in my world. First, about 4 weeks ago, I finally quit smoking.  I started taking Chantix about six weeks ago and kicked the habit.  Its been a rough road to being a non-smoker but I am finally there.  Now I am counting the days until I can stop taking this horrible drug.  I hate the way it makes me feel, but right now its the only thing between me and a cigarette.  Chantix is definitely the lesser of the two evils, but it doesn't seem to mix with the Chicago summer heat and humidity. Next, I have finally purchased a new HP Pavilion Desktop Computer, the a6430f.  This means that all of my computer issues I was having before have been erased.  Now I can spend more time blogging and enjoying the social part of the internet instead of troubleshooting hardware problems.  I absolutely love my new desktop computer, which now has Windows Vista and Ubuntu 8.04 installed. Finally, I can now say that my ankle is pretty much back to normal.  Or at least as normal as it will most likely get.  Its slightly bigger than it used to be but all that hardware takes up space. Well, stay tuned for more soon!

Yesterday, I went to see Collective Soul and Live perform at the Congress Theater in Chicago on Milwaukee Street. This concert had to be one of the best shows that I have been to, ever! I had a little trouble at first because I wasn't able to print my ticket anywhere before the show. I finally did get in after they found my name on a list of people who bought tickets for the show. When I walked in there I wasn't thrilled with the fact that it was standing room only and it was very warm inside. However, I found a spot and waited for the show. When the opening act came out, I was fortunate enough to meet a couple of women who asked me who it was on stage. I didn't know but it turned out to be the former lead singer of Tonic.  Since I was by myself the women took me in as their fourth person and I hung with them and the guy they were with.  Meanwhile the guy from Tonic performed well and the few people that were paying attention applauded. When Collective Soul came on, the crowd got more and more packed in. The heat started to rise in the theater and before I knew it, I was in a constant state of sweating. Collective Soul delivered some of their best hits and the crowd and I were yelling and going crazy.  It was pure bliss.  After the lead singer from Collective Soul told everyone, "Tell your friends you saw Collective Soul", they left.  Even though my legs were tired of standing, I wanted more Rock N' Roll as I waited for the final performance, Live.  I thought at that point I had seen the best part of the night but then Live came on and continued what Collective Soul started.  Only by the time they came on, the crowd got even more packed and more crazy and the temperature in that theater only went up.  Live performed and I was very surprised how awesome they were.  I can definitely say that I am now a hard core Live fan!  Overall, the evening was packed with high energy, great music, a die-hard crowd, and the kind of heat that can only be enjoyed at great concert.  I highly recommend seeing these two if possible.  Great show!  Below is the only decent picture I was able to take all night with my camera phone of Ed Kowalczyk of Live.