April 1 – April 7, 2012
We are sixteen and it’s 1am. Perched on stools in my parents kitchen, we devour burgers and gravy fries. We’ve been at a house party. A keg comfortably housed in the bathtub, which my two girlfriends have frequented all night. Me, I was the designated driver and therefore, coherent. Looking over at my friend dipping her fries into a side of gravy, burning herself repeatedly, I can’t stop giggling. She laughs with me between bites, me shushing her, her failed attempt at quieting. My parents asleep upstairs, we struggle not to wake them. This is one of hundreds of memories I have had with Marie. A friendship spanning nearly 32 years, she is my oldest and dearest. She’s from back in the day. Age 4 to be exact. The stories are endless, the haircuts bad, but each has binded us more deeply over time. She living in Michigan, me in Chicago, we make time for one another whenever we can. Me, in and out of Michigan to see my family and her visiting Chicago when she can. She is always a priority. When the call came “I want to bring the girls to Chicago for their spring break,” I squealed with glee.
What to do? With Marie, it’s simple. Food, drinks and maybe even some dancing. With Maddie and Riley, it’s a little more complicated. The Museum of Science and Industry. Yes! We arrive at the museum early afternoon on the Thursday before Good Friday. I quickly realize that I’m an idiot. I have not even considered the possibility that because of the holiday, perhaps the museum would be crazed with out-of-school kids eager to get their little hands on a tornado. I see the ticket booth while rounding the stairs down. Myth Busters – SOLD OUT. Ominmax – SOLD OUT. U-505 Submarine – SOLD OUT. I fully expect Maddie and Riley to gaze harshly in my direction and say “you totally suck.” Which, I do. I’m a city dweller for God sake. We live by pre-purchase!! I must be slippin’.
After the ticketing disappointment, we enter the labyrinth that is MSI. Hordes of people, everywhere. I typically hate this. Hate crowds. But, I love watching Maddie and Riley. If I were here by myself, I would have run for the exit five feet into the place, but they just throw themselves into the chaos. Unfazed by the crowds. They wait patiently for their turn and don’t seem to mind the other small children cutting in front of them or brushing them aside. I should take a page from my young visitors. If I had half the patience these two have I imagine I’d be a happier, less angry person. Noted.
We see a tornado, a submarine, and even some baby chicks hatching, but I have a secret agenda. I am here for one reason. I am here to see the Tesla Coil and I can’t wait for my pals to see it too. Now, I am not even going to attempt to explain how this thing works. All I know is that it harnesses and directs high voltage electricity in a very sophisticated manner. We take a seat underneath and the faux scientist (also known as a sad worker-bee) says “Are you ready?” I’m shaking my head. Yes, yes, I am ready! And it goes something like this…
*If you don’t see the video above, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFwdgJpo7tA&context=C4ff4004ADvjVQa1PpcFOQE_FfnDdnXS9u3ihEk5JET5w9XLx0p50=
There is nothing like an old friend. Like an old shoe, they just fit. There’s something wonderful about knowing this person exists in your life, and that no time passes between you. Marie is that friend in my life. I don’t get to see her very often, which saddens me greatly. As I get older, I only want her closer. Many things have changed in our lives and living apart now for over half of it, we have somehow managed to make it work despite the challenges. As I sit, gazing up, electrical currents pushing out, reaching out, I somehow feel safe and at ease with where I am right now.
Stay tuned for a roasting in week 37 of 52LC.
Friends tell me that it’s always much more fun to visit certain museums — and, of course, any zoo — with a couple of nice kids along for company. I wouldn’t know, personally, because it was always Ben and Dom that accompanied me to such delights.
All of you being girlie-girls explains, I suppose, why you were so much more interested in the Tesla than in U-505. By the way, I’m guessing that must be the same submarine that, back in the 70’s and 80’s when I was sailing frequently in-and-out of Monroe Harbor, was moored alongside the dock leading to Navy Pier. Or is there another WW2 sub in Chicago?