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Yesterday afternoon was one of those perfect summer afternoons. Allow me to share.

First off, it was a decent day at work. For the first time since starting, I worked for eight hours. I've always stayed for eight hours, but today i was occupied for eight hours. As a little treat to myself, I decided to get donuts and iced coffee and eventually go to the Art Institute. The gardens around the institute are gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. Imagine a cheery, slightly caffeinated Emily sitting out in the pleasant weather enjoying her snack and the beautiful scenery. To top it off there was a guy just outside of the garden playing the saxophone.

After enjoying the outdoors, I went inside the Institute. All summer long they have free admittance on Thursday and Friday evenings, sadly this week is the last week for the offer and I've only made it there twice. But I LOVE it there. Now, its no secret that I like the Art Center in Des Moines and enjoy going to other art museums when I am visiting new cities, but the Chicago Art Institute is absolutely huge. I have spent a total of four hours there and seen only about half of the displayed art. Yesterday I saw some really famous stuff like Grant Wood's American Gothic and Edward Hopper's Diner Scene, though the photography exhibit in the basement is my favorite.

I had to book it to the grocery store to get supplies for visitors this weekend (Ann and Meredith!) but then ended the evening with a tasty tasty omelet, fresh tomatoes, a glass of wine and the movie Love Actually. I was a happy camper.