signalnoise

I was back in the city this past weekend, and I had a good time. It was good to see the wife. Graduation was surprisingly nice. I stood right next to one of my best friends from the program, and the whole thing was wonderfully formal. I hate to admit it, but it felt *meaningful* - like I was joining a tradition of UChicago graduates, dedicated to education and inquiry. That's totally sappy I know, but I think the heat and the polyester robes were getting to me. The downside? NO HOODING. Fuck you, graduation ceremony - on that count.

After graduation, the family and I headed to Greektown for eats. It was nice. On Saturday, the wife and I checked out the modern wing of the Art Institute. Very snazzy. I don't "get" art - but I like looking at. As a bonus, we got to see a douchebag in a Clash t-shirt and blazer explaining how he "preferred abstract art." Dickhead points galore!

I thought for sure the trip back to Chicago would fire up all kinds of emotions about how wrong it was to leave the city. But, while I had a good time .... I still am really excited about Montana.

These "I'm slowly learning to be apart from the city" feelings were only intensified on Monday when I got a tax bill from Cook County for a car I bought three months ago in a different county. Yes, Cook County will hunt you down and TAX YOU for buying a car outside the county. Listen, I don't mind paying taxes. I believe in paying taxes - it's my responsibility. But I also think I should get what I pay for. I also think my taxes should be transparent. I do not think this is the case in Chicago. Taxes slam you out of nowhere, and the buses still don't run frequently enough. Fuck that.