I have always wanted to be in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day. Chicago has what is considered to be the quintessential celebration with over 2 million people celebrating, watching the parade and checking out the Chicago River "dyed a luscious green" to quote Capt. Hook from the musical Peter Pan.
I had my chance back in the day. I was National Sales Manager of a pair of radio stations in Richmond, VA., traveling around the country to major cities, pitching our awesomeness to ad agencies. Our Chicago rep firm, Katz Radio, and I had a solid relationship. The guys and I always had a fantastic time together when I visited, working hard during the day and making the rounds of the fun restaurants, dives, sports bars (new at the time) at night. I remember one evening, after eating & drinking Sambuca, we took a cab to Oak Street Beach and walked around barefoot, wading in the water of Lake Michigan and threatening to go swimming. Yes, we had a great time together.
They invited me back for St. Patrick's Day the following Spring. I considered it an honor, a much-coveted invitation, particularly as Richmond was not at the top of their money-making list. They told me we'd go to the parade, take a ride up the river & drink green beer, go to their favorite Irish pubs and just have a great time.
I was so excited!
Until I became pregnant. The joy of becoming pregnant after three years of trying certainly diminished the disappointment. I did regret the missed opportunity; one of many, I might add.
And that is life.
May the road rise up to meet you
May your beer always be green.
May you visit Chicago on St. Patty's Day just once in your life.
