Pride

Today, I take my own advice and make the most of it. ~ from “Are you Ready (On Your Own)” by Distant Cousins

Today, I did something I have never done: I had my own sort of Ferris Bueller Day Off.

This is Pride week and today was the annual Pride parade in Chicago. Especially after Friday’s ruling in favor of marriage equality, I was just dying to go. The Pride parade is one of the happiest days of the year. It’s joyful, colorful, and full of life. I hated that I had to work this weekend. I’ve worked every weekend, worked extra shifts, come in when others were absent.

So I called in. I called in sick, bought some rainbow ribbons and shoelaces, and went into Chicago to celebrate Pride with my friends. It was a half truth, to be honest. I needed to go for the sake of my mental health (I was in desperate need of a breather after a handful of tough weeks), but that reason never flies with employers, so I fibbed and said that I was physically sick.

With the exception of a bit of a sunburn on my scalp, it was a lovely day:

I got to hang with my sister (Noonie)...

and run into old friends (Kiri),...

and new friends (Dave and Gene),...

see incredible costumes,...

and Lord Stanley's Cup,...

take pictures for my best friend,...

and spend some MUCH needed time with my city.