CHICAGO BLOG...

Yadda yadda, as promised .. here are a few words about the Chicago trip.

I woke up Saturday morning pretty early, even though I went to bed REALLY late - I got out the door about 15 minutes later than I had wanted because my kids would not leave me alone. I had to stop and get gas and a soda then I hit the road.

About 10 minutes from the Dells the traffic was just crawling the whole way till I got out of the Dells... thier were so many people. I am not a patient person, but finally it ended.

I made it to Madison ok, found the spot Anne had sent me directions for without a problem. I was a bit mad at myself for being a bit late and I don't think Anne's hubby was too happy about it either, but I cannot control the traffic in the Dells. I used to drive this way every weekend, so I hadn't seen it this bad ... wow ! It was just so packed !

Anyway - I picked up Anne, the ride was good and traffic not too bothersome till we got to Gurnee ... and being a city girl, like I said, I am NOT patient. I think Anne wanted to prolly get out of my car because I was going spazstic over some rude peoples that obviously have no buisness being on the road. I wanted to say someting like God bless you ... but some other things came out in stead. Sorry Anne !

SOoooo, once we met up with Windi - we got to follow her to her sisters house,I dropped off my van and we put all our stuff in her car. We got underway ... then I realized I forgot my camera ! In my van ! Well, Windi was nice enough to turn back for me to go get it and then we were REALLY on our way. We got to the train station ... which was ultra cool. I had NEVER ridden the Metra before - even though Iived near there - so I was excited yet apprehensive to do so. Well, needless to say IT WAS AWESOME ! Instead of focusing on traffic, we got to just sit back and relax and not have to stress over idiot Chicago drivers !

We got to Union Station and the walked to the hotel ... chilled for a few then were off again. We went to the Sears Tower straight away and waited in line for a bit of time. I reallly tried to not feel clausterphobic but the elevator ride up and down almost got the best of me ! I wanted to scream ! It was also hard because after 9/11 I said I would never go up anywhere again. When I saw that the floor said 103 I wanted to go hide. The Twin Towers were 110. OY !!! All I could think about was that - the whole time. I know ya'll dont understand, but maybe you would if you were there.

After that - and a big breathe for getting down safely, ha ha ! We walked around till the next day almost seeing so many things and taking pictures... a total tourist thing.. right ? We saw the bean and the park .. went to a few shops and .. HA HA - we went to Gino's East Pizza, A place that Windi had said David and her went to. I am soooo glad she took us ! I saw the pizza and was so hungry I THOUGHT I could eat it all, but I only finished one piece ! It was soooooooo good. I am mad at myself for not getting more pictures !

I had trouble falling asleep of course but Sunday we woke up about 7:30am and we all decided to go to the pool. It was on the roof ! It was sooo awesome ! I dove right in and Windi and Anne didn't stay long. I prolly could have stayed in all day ..but I felt like an oddball- and didn't want to ruin no ones fun ... so I got out... after a few more dives... lol.

HOW very refreshing that was ! I was set - oh until about a bit later when all the walking from Saturday hit me like a ton of BRICKS ...and I think my mind was fried the WHOLE rest of the day. I really wanted to just finda curb and go to sleep ! HA HA !

So after we took a trolley to see Buckingham  Fountain and some other sites, we decided it was time to go back and get our bags then wait up for the train.

It seemed to me to take forever and  some annoying voice kept saying TRACK 15 over and over and over !!!! I wanted to go beat the speaker within an inch of life.. but I was to tired !

Once on the train, I think we all just vegged..... we got to the station way too soon and just like that it was time to say goodbye to Windi. I think I talked Annes ear off on the way home.. but I was also so nervous still and trying to stay awake.

Getting home was well nice - I guess. The kids gave hugs like I was gone forever ...and the house was clean. I was already to relax, because I stopped at a rest stop to wash my face off and put my jammies on.

So right now ... Guess what  ? I am off to go walk a mile ! I am going to go with this whole walking thing ! I NEEED TO go back home---- I realizzed just how very much I miss it !