Well, I always wanted a new roller rink in town

And now it looks like there's a space big enough to open one. Oprah is leaving the Windy City and there will be an expansive TV studio with floors perfect for skating. Or at least that's what I'm reading in lots of panicky blogs and articles. I haven't yet read a press release or statement from Winfrey's people about her plans. But...surely if it's printed on the internets, it can't be wrong, can it?

The always lovely Dawn-Michelle (winner of the great baklava challenge earlier in the year) sent me this link about the issue. The first two things that jumped into my brain were: 1) Oh no! Oprah employs a lot of Chicagoans. How will her exit damage the city? Is this like the rise and fall of Detroit due to the automobile industry? Will it hurt tourism? and then I thought 2) Oh no! Now when I travel to foreign countries and I tell people I live in Chicago, they'll no longer say, "Ah! Chicago! Oprah's city! We love Oprah!" (Actually, who am I kidding? I went to Mexico in February and a waiter said to me, "Ah! Chicago! Michael Jordan! I love the Bulls!" True story. Ask Jim. I guess the world is a little behind the times on American pop culture).

Is Chicago's loss LA's gain?

I gotta be honest...

...I'm probably going to delete today's karaoke episode from my DVR when I get home from my trip. I don't think I can take it. Now, don't get me wrong. I enjoy karaoke, but I do find it painful to witness others howling out Journey's songbook. Oh, and I don't intend to insinuate I have a great voice. I'm pretty awful. But get a microphone in my hand and something happens in my brain...a chemical is released that makes me believe I should be a hard-rockin' music STAR. In truth, I could probably break glass with my rendition of Magic Man by Heart.

However, I'll put my fate in your hands, if you think the show was not-to-be-missed, I will watch it over the weekend.

What was your first job?

Because of my travels, I am missing today's Oprah where she returns to her first job as a news anchor.

My first job was washing and folding hospital gowns. I still grossed out when I think of it.

Oprah wins.

How was it?!

Ok, I am so sad -- I'm out of town this week and had really been looking forward to today's Oprah. I can't wait to watch the recording when I get back to Chicago. Jim kindly set the DVR for me. Yes that's right, I've finally joined the 21st century and hopped on the digital train. One day I might stop using a bird's beak to play records made of stone, too. (Um, that's a little Flintstone humor, for anyone staring at the screen in confusion.)

I was really looking forward to the show because it's a goal of mine to learn how to walk to high heels. Sure they're bad for my feet, my knees, my back. Sure they're uncomfortable. Sure, I once had to wear them in a play and actually tripped onstage and knocked over a chair. (Just one of many reasons I am not usually cast to play delicate, graceful characters). I figure Oprah wears heels almost every single day, she's got to be an authority on how to take more than one step in them without teetering. I don't even WEAR shoes when I work, so I've got a lot learn.

The show looked like fun. Was there good advice?

I'm in NYC this week, in meetings and seminars and such with my publisher. A busy, exciting week for me!