(O) Chicago (September 2005). Grade: A
Okay if I have to be stuck for two and a half weeks in a city (for work), I'm glad it's in a city like Chicago, with it's gorgeous skylines and architecture and cultured neighborhoods. And the weather was perfect - sunny and breezy during the day, balmy at night.

(R) Sushi Wabi (E Randolph in Chicago, IL). Grade: A++
Good food all around, but who cares about the sushi when you have the best teriyaki glazed filet mignon ever?? It really doesn't get any better than this. Hip, minimalist and modern, it's definitely a bit on the pricier side, but well worth it. Went here a couple times with our clients, and co workers.

(O) Vintage (Wicker Park, IL). Grade: A
Very low key and hip wine bar. Great place to go with friends to enjoy some wine and good conversation.

(M) Art Institute of Chicago. Grade: A. The main exhibit featured paintings and posters from French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Other exhibits included photography of Abelardo Morrell (camera obscura photography) and a room containing miniature replica shadowboxes of living rooms and parlors all over the world from all different eras. Amazing. The museum also had a great kids section as well.

Okay now here comes the un-fun parts.

(O) Working 12+ hr days, travelling on Labor Day, and only getting two days off in almost 3 weeks in Chicago. Grade: F.
Not fun. Tired. Too much work to do. Feet hurt. Brain can't think. Try going on the 15th hour when you've barely ate and the client's trying to talk to you about something and you can't even concentrate. We were all literally hobbling by the end of the day. Multiply that by 2+ weeks.

(O). Still liking your job even after all the long days and stress, even though I occasionally felt like quitting but not really. Grade: A. Ask me in a couple months and my answer might be different. Who knows.