Well, alas, conversation has begun with Augustine in Everything. This is hopeful for Jonathan because it will bring him a slight bit closer to his past. She is quite intriguing because she is something of a packrat. Her house is covered in memories and boxes. Her yard is strewn with drying clothes. Foer describes it as seeming as though many families live in Augustine's house. But, she is the only person. She is Trachimbrod.

Grandfather is taking to Augustine magnificently. He is basically falling in love with her on the spot. It seems as though there is something going on underneath. But, she only addresses Alexander whilst talking to everyone. She seems to be trying to cover the fact she knows something about Grandfather and Foer. She is, though, absolutely taken back that Foer crossed the world to find her. It is an honor for her. But, she knows nothing of America. She does not even know America exists. She doesn't even know what a plane is. She is set back from reality. For a bit, she is excited they are there, but then something changes. She stops communicating with Grandfather and Foer. Secrets are somewhere buried underneath...they are there. She takes back the fact that she is Augustine and says she is not, but since Grandfather says she is, she is. He is demanding that way.

Grandfather takes a big step and says to move to Odessa with them. He wants her to pick up and take everything there. Naturally she has not been and really, right now, I don't know what she will do. I have been really bad about reading lately and I am kind of sad about that. I need to read, read, read. I know I will read when I get home tonight (right now I am with Dena).

If Augustine rejects the idea of moving to Odessa, I can understand. It is a big step to move to a big city, especially if you do not know if things are going to work out or not. Even knowing the things I know about life right now in Chicago, I would have moved here. I have grown so much. So, no matter what happens in the book, Augustine will be taking a big step.

My friend Pili from Barnes, the Ukrainian, said Odessa was a beautiful place...so hopefully Augustine will think the same. She can take big steps and find hope somewhere.

Speaking of big steps, my friend Dena took a very big step today. It has been one week since her knee surgery. Today, I took her out for a day in Chicago. It was her first outing since she had the procedure. Yesterday's shower was her first big accomplishment. So, to celebrate, she took me out to eat lunch. We ate at Nookie's in Boys Town. Nookie's is amazing. After Nookie's, we took a trip to Barnes and Noble State and Elm, Dena's new place of work.

Then, we went by Aubre to visit with Jeff. Who speak the Asian.

BUT...the fun began when Dena and I went to Target. A motorized shopping cart was in the works. She went through three because they all kept dying on her. It was hilarious. After we finished, I had to drive it back into Target. So much fun. It was slow, though. I am glad I am not having to drive one of those things right now. I remember my days of limited mobility.

Afterward, we went back to her place and watched Ms. Swan on Youtube. That was a lot of fun because she had never seen her. After, we watched Stephanie sing on Youtube. Oh even more fun. Then, I read for a bit and napped until it was time to go to the gym. I went to Bally in Lakeview tonight. It is on the 7th and 8th floors of a mall. I am not sure what I think of it at the moment. After, I went back to Dena's with Jeff (workout partner...Jeff, Brian and Dexter to keep them all straight). I watched my very first episode of Dancing with the Stars. I am sorry, but Kate Gosselin is a witch. She needs to be kicked off and really should not be on the show in the first place.

Well, I will leave you with a beautiful picture of the day today...actually a couple. :) Have a good night!

My Beach in Rogers Park

Driving down Lakeshore Drive.

The view from Dena's Barnes and Noble. The reason I should work downtown.