Shuttle service in this town... grrrr

I leave for California on Saturday. However, I booked a flight on Southwest at 7 AM. Why is this a problem? Because Southwest flies out of Midway, and I live in Jefferson Park. Near O'Hare.

So I decide, well, it's the middle of winter, and I'd rather not trudge myself and my baggage over to the L station (about a 15 minute walk) in the middle of winter at 4 AM. (The last time I did that, flying to LAX right after I moved here, a line of storms moved through Chicago and I had to go to Jeff Park Station at 4 in the morning during a driving thunderstorm.) Dad suggested that I book a shuttle service, that way I can get to the airport and not have to worry nearly as much about getting there.

I look online.

I think it's a total racket. At minimum I can expect to pay $75 for a one-way shot to the airport. I checked the price, and a taxicab to Midway, taking the Kennedy and the Stevenson THROUGH THE LOOP wouldn't cost nearly that much! GAH!!!

So do I pay for a taxicab, or do I hope that the weather holds up and I make it to the station on time?

More commentary in re: Brokeback Mountain

First off, I haven't seen Brokeback Mountain yet... partially because I haven't had the time and partially because the nearest theater that's playing it is over in Lakeview. (I have read the short story, however, and it is a definite tearjerker.

Eric sent me a bloglink earlier this evening that a guy had written about his reaction to BBMtn and how it had resonated with his own life. While my school experiences weren't necessarily like that (though don't get me wrong, realizing that one's gay and then going to Catholic high school did not a completely pleasant high school experience make) I can certainly appreciate where he's coming from.

It's sad that our culture forces many of us into situations that at best constrict us and at worst kill us. How many of us have to die before we can finally accept who we are?

The link can be found here: Daily Kos