Sweet home Chicago.  It is weird to think of how I got here- 1200 miles.  When I walk around, this thought doesn't come to me.  I didn't think riding in would be emotional to me, however, the experience and breathtaking skyline views of Chicago was enough for me to choke up while riding.  Never mind the bug that flew into my mouth.We arrived in mellenium Park during a Cub-Sox game, blues fest and the Blackhwaks championship rally.  Needless to say, it was entertaining to believe that the crowd was there for us.  I met some family and friends who were in the city to greet my arrival.  A special thanks goes to Chris Laughlin, Stefanie Miller and Jeane Young- some neighbors who trekked through the city to find the Illini 4000.  After some pictures, eating cake and talked to some ACS representatives, I was ready to go home.On our drive home, we stopped at my grandma's to say hello and to show her that I am still alive.  I know she is moved by my dedication to this ride and cause.  Her reaction to my arrival was unbelievable, or maybe it was to my beard...My house was still the same.  We ordered Gino's East and while we were eating I saw a best friend Elizabeth riding her bike down the street past my house.  I hopped out of my seat in just my bike shorts to flag her down.  I missed her!  I had more people to see on top of finishing some nursing school paperwork and laundry.I went to my best friend tom's house to see his family.  Again, I missed this kid.  It has only been two weeks.  Weird.  We hung out later that night and I managed to fall asleep on a sidewalk mid conversation.  I guess this ride has taken some of me with it.The next day was spent buying things I needed for the trip and hanging out with my brother.  A couple of bike shops and a trip to Jewel later, I was out of the house to two graduation parties for two different Laurens.  One was going to Georgia for grad school and one, Lauren Mazurski (on the ride) is going to Arizona after the the ride to grad school.More noteable was Laurn Mazurski's party where her family and friends already recognized me from stories from Lauren, my blog and her mom.  It was a nice reminder that more than just your immediate family is looking out for you.  This would be Lauren's last time being home until December.  Maybe.After Lauren's, we hit the road, arrived at the UIC dorms and crashed.  Before bed, I revcieved a call from a friend that had studied abroad in Rome, and now is on the road with Catholic Heart Workcamp out west. It was good to talk to someone who feels like they don't have a home for the summer.  I guess that not fair to say.Eamon put the ride into a different perspective for me week ago.  Instead of feeling detatched and removed from society, we are actually totally immersed in society, moved by a cause that hits a chord across the country, stopping in each town spreading stories of not only our journey, but the journey of others and their struggle with cancer.My trip home was not what I expected it to be.  I wanted to be home as if it as just another day in summer.  Instead, I was running around trying to see people that I miss, getting last minute errands done.  It was frantic.  Part of me wishes I had just been home without anyone knowing I was home.I miss "me" time.  I guess that's what I skipped on my visit home.  And... my room was still dirty.  That never feels good.  I am excited to ride out of Chicago and head west.