I see drunk people

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is a BIG deal. It is a week-long event, that began with the South Side parade on Sunday (in the Irish part of town) through today's parade by Grant Park. And let's not forget the Dyeing of the River.

It seems to be the one holiday everyone can get excited about. Everyone, Irish or not, dons multiple, often clashing shades of green, hollering and making out in the streets. I think the biggest reason is that it is the one holiday you spend with your friends and you don't feel guilty for drinking. It's equal opportunity insanity in the streets.

Yesterday at work we had bagpipers and a half day. Today I have seen more hideous green hats, t-shirts, and people being carried or pushed in grocery carts, than possibly ever. And I went to the parade in Boston. There has been a line outside the extra-divey bar across the street from my office since I got here at 10AM.

And tonight's big excitement is avoiding drunk people and the Technicolor Edition of "Puke or Soup".

Actually, the general air of frivolity is pretty fun. I hear bad Irish music pouring from the bars on Lincoln (which is not so much Irish as yuppie college students). But L. and I did manage to find a cool, not insane pub last night! That in addition to the Irish standards, also had Blue Moon AND Stella on tap!

I'm sad I missed the parades (stupid work). I'm of two minds on the dyeing. On one hand - so cool. On the other - that can't be good for the river. Then again, that river is so polluted, maybe the green chemicals will kill off some of the nasties.

on Pandora: "Happiness Is" - Verve Pipe