Day Two and Day Zero

I got a bed today. Picking out a mattress is a surprisingly daunting task, despite what you might think. There are so many things to consider. And how can I really know without taking off my clothes and getting under the covers? Well, as it turns out, you have to know without doing those things "They" frown upon. But hooray. Dear sweet Ikea, why must our love be hidden for all time? You, a unique and prosperous multinational corporation; and me, a lonely boy wanting to become a man.

I'm sorry about that. Please, if you have never been to Ikea, make an effort to visit. You will be delighted by the lowest prices possible free of the guilt of abused workers the world over (and Swedish meatballs!). But that is about all I did today. As far as productive things go anyway. And who can blame me? Ikea is a day-long event. Oh, and I put my bed together. And now I am laying on it, using it and the internet at the same time. Who could have imagined?

Anyway, here is my journey to Chicago in a series of pictures:

I really like this picture, but more because of the full image it brings to mind. This is just a raised section of a very old rail bridge crossing this river. I only had a few seconds to take the picture, but it turned out so very modern or post-modern, don't you think?

The wind to our backs, mates. A beautiful wintry day.

And then, hours later, when the journey still isn't over. Miles to go before I sleep.

This is what Chicago looks like when you are trying to take a picture at night on the expressway. Suffice to say it is a very bad and dangerous idea to begin with.
I arrive to my abode. This happened at night of course, but I didn't take a picture then. I live on the first floor. I have roommates who live on the basement floor, but I don't know the people above. If only they knew about my bed!