I slept in. The headache was still pounding along when I got up. And then my dad showed up a bit earlier than expected, so I didn’t have time to exercise before I left, let alone do laundry.
We went to Merz Apothecary, but I didn’t see anything that interested me enough to buy. And the smells were overwhelming with the headache still going. I was glad to leave. We got coffee across the street after, and then headed to Goblin Market.
I went on a bit of a buying spree there, and also spent some time talking to one of the owners, though my friend from high school wasn’t in today. We’ll try to get together tomorrow.
Then my dad and I went to the loop to meet up with my uncle for some drinks and a bit of a nosh. I was able to let out the bowel movement that was causing my headache and I started feeling a lot better after that.
Then my dad and I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo, which he had not been to before. I went last year to Zoo Lights, which was much more crowded. It was fun to spend the time with my dad, but I got overheated in the reptile building.
After a thorough zoo tour, we picked up my step-mom and my nieces to meet my step-mom’s step-mom for dinner at Il Girasole. My brother and his wife couldn’t make it unfortunately. The food was very good. It’s kind of funny; I’ve been eating a lot of Italian food on this trip. It’s like the one food everyone can agree on.
I did not write a new story this month. I’m going to be okay with that. This month has been hard emotionally. Another year turning without him. My first full calendar year without him. I guess there are still some firsts out there that I’ll only recognize when I come across them. Just like there are still memories surfacing. I told my dad a bit about the memories. He seemed open to the idea, but I still don’t really know how to explain my perceptions of what happened.
I told him about the breakfast meeting in Featherville, and the practice run. Things happened. Ambrose made things happen for me even after his death. This I know.
I don’t know what I’m going to do the rest of this evening. I might go somewhere with my brother or I might stay in and hear the street fireworks. All I know is that I will not have my honey to kiss at midnight.