We Now Return You . . .

So I've been away for a bit. The day job took over.

While I didn't want to spend a week in a training class, I have to admit it was a good week. Its always nice to get away from the office for a while. And the instructor was one of the funniest (albeit unintentionally some of the time) people I've even encountered.

I wish I could just put a camera on him for a month. Every two minutes something came out of his mouth that made me laugh. Although I suppose I might be the only one fascinated by the daily life of an openly gay African American man with 21 pet snakes.

Personally I think he's got all the makings of a star.

During the week I made multiple trips to the O'Hare Oasis for lunch. No, I don't cruise the bathrooms! They had a Panda Express. God help me, I'm a slave to low-rent Chinese food!
Not only that, I found it a fascinating experience for people watching.
I don't know if the "oasis" exisists in other states. They are common along the tollways of Illinois. Imagine a mini-mall erected over the highway, only accessible by special on-ramps and off-ramps. In fact they're designed conveniently so that you come and go the same direction you were headed. No need to turn around. Sadly, no possibility to turn around either, as I learned with only a few minutes to get back one day.

For those unfamiliar, imagine a giant concrete and glass covered bridge. And inside, a cornucopia of fast food options, as well as an airport-style gift shop, Starbucks, Aunt Annie's pretzels, even a Cinnabon. They were designed for motorists to get out, stretch their legs, pee, and grab a bite.

Though for me they hold a little history. As a child of divorce with one parent in Illinois and one in Wisconsin, the oasis was a convenient halfway point for dropping off and picking up. A place of simultaneous joy and anguish. Of course in the early-80's they were a little darker and dingier.
This oasis was white and clean with sunshine streaming in from all sides. Dare I even call it "inviting?"

I highly recomend any tourists passing through Chicagoland, and even locals who forget they're there, to make a stop next time.

I was struck with an idea for a movie or even better, an ensemble sitcom based in such an oasis during third shift. I'm working with the title "Midnight At the Oasis."
What do you think?