After reading Transward's generous comments and good wishes, I am stunned. In a very good way.
I am honored by everyone's comments here.
I spent a wonderful Friday with 'X' at the Art Institute. After delaying the trip to let crowds disperse after the ticker tape parade celebrating the Blackhawks' win of the Stanley Cup, we arrived at a very crowded downtown Chicago. The Blues Festival had started in Grant Park. Some streets near the park were blocked.
'X' and I shared some wonderful moments at the museum. He made no attempt to soften his voice when he had negative opinions on some of the art work. Several guards chuckled at his comments.
By the time we entered the new Modern Wing on the second level overlooking Griffin Court, I was tired and need to sit. 'X' joked with the young man and woman at the beverage counter. Then he sat next to me and we did what we do very regularly. We talked and then kissed, a lot.
I turned to look down the expanse of Griffin Court and beyond over the ultra modern Millenium Park. I wished I had my camera. The court and park are extensions of each other and the overall effect is stunning.
The museum just extended its Friday closing time to 8 PM. At around 6, a jazz quartet started to play on the main level of Griffin Court. 'X' and I stood with the gathered crowd to listen. As the group began a new piece, an improvisation on an old song, 'X' started to sing to me. He has sung to me before, but never in a public place. He was not singing softly, either. Two of the musicians looked right at him, but not unkindly. The man next to us said we could go out on the floor and dance.
I was overwhelmed by the combination of the wonderful arcihtectural space, the surrounding art, the very fine music and 'X' singing. I started to cry, a common reaction when I cannot contain my happiness.
I realized later that 'X' had done something remarkable. He managed to keep singing through the improvisations of the quartet and end just as they stopped playing.
I will start my new job on Monday, June 21 - the summer solstice. A good omen, perhaps.
As for the job interview, the recruiter told me she has not seen a hiring decision made so quickly in the last 18 months. I found out I had the job as I was on the 'L' returning to my car. I am very fortunate to have landed this position.
I was disappointed to learn the recruiting agency does not offer benefits as good as I had thought. That's OK, I will get everything to work out.
Sometime in the coming week, I need to find a new place to stay. The four-and-a-half hour daily commute from my current location is way too far. I need time for a life in addition to a job. I hope to find a small studio or one bedroom apartment near public transportation.
I will also contact several GRS surgeons and make a decision on which one to go with. The waiting time for surgery can be many months, but I am hopeful I can shorten this a bit.
lalala:
Greeting
lalala: