Dearest Rachel –
For all that our walks take up a large swath of time in a given day, there’s not a whole lot to be related to you about when Lars and I get together. On the contrary, there’s generally something of a “what happens here stays here” ethos to it all, where what’s said between us is done so in confidence – often because the political discussion might annoy those who might overhead, especially on a day like yesterday, when it happens in public.
Which happens from time to time, when the weather decides not to cooperate with us. Tuesday was occupied with collecting Daniel‘s car from the dealership; that proved to be some of the nicest weather that we’ll have this week, if the forecast is to be believed (and judging from the grey skies this morning, that prediction appears to be holding). Now, as of that morning, it didn’t look like the rain would begin until the evening on Wednesday, so getting together yesterday seemed like a reasonable thing. However, I woke up to the same sound of rain on the roof that I’m hearing today, and knew that we would have to make some changes.
It’s not that we haven’t have contingency plans for bad weather thus far, but up until recently, we’ve been meeting at the Fashion Outlet Mall in Rosemont when we have had to deal with relatively sudden (or prolonged) inclemency. But recently, they resumed charging for parking after several years of not doing so (apparently, those requirements were relaxed during the pandemic to encourage visitors at a time when they weren’t getting many, but management has determined that’s no longer an issue for them), so we won’t be dropping by there again, unless the boys and I choose to hit the food court up at some time during some future AnimeCentral.
I’d say “their loss,” but they wouldn’t have considered me much of a customer, anyway, as I see no appeal in high-end fashion and brand name labels. As I mentioned to you back when we first checked out the place, you might have found it interesting at first, but ultimately, it’s nothing much out of the ordinary. Which, given their stock in trade, they would probably consider the ultimate insult.
Anyway, I’ve strayed from the topic… I think. If I meant to talk about the events of yesterday, I should speak about visiting Woodfield instead. What was briefly, during my childhood, the largest mall in the world, is an ideal place to walk long distances in, complete with ascents and descents and a star-shaped circuit. It’s not exactly Harms Woods, but a few loops around can add up after a while.
I will say that there are advantages and drawbacks to these walks. Obviously, there’s the lack of having to deal with the elements, which is appreciated when the weather is the way it is right now (although when it’s bright and sunny – no matter how cold or hot it may be – one needs to get out and get a regular dose of vitamin D). At the same time – as the above app screenshot shows – there’s little telling of how far one has walked, and after a few circuits, it gets repetitious, even in a place as large as this.
And then there’s the temptation of various shops – which, to be fair, is the mall’s entire raison d’etre. Lars will occasionally pop into one or another clothing store to check prices on their wares (most of which cause me to blanch; a thousand dollars for a suit, for instance? Hard pass), while it’s the food vendors that draw me. Sure, it’s convenient as far as finding a place to eat lunch once we’re done walking, but the other places are decidedly counterproductive when it comes to my attempts to lose weight.
At least when I do stop at one place or another, I can justify it by making it a gift for someone else. The one candy shop was offering unusual flavors of Pez that I figured Daniel would like, and with the folks’ first anniversary apart happening today, a tin of Garrett’s popcorn would be just the pick-me-up for Mom to enjoy. That they were offering a buy-one-get-one sale hadn’t crossed my radar until I was already there buying hers, but it sure didn’t hurt; I got the free one for myself and Daniel to enjoy separately. I’m hoping Daniel will eat his share, so as to minimize temptation for me.
Anyway, that was my workout for the day, and for all intents and purposes, the week. I do hope it’s going to be enough.
