A Nudge...

There he sat, one leg folded across the other, computer balancing in his lap. He whispered, "Mom," as he turned the computer gently around to reveal the screen to me. And there, blazing across his screen, is my blog. He tapped it gently several times. No words needed. Message received. It is my DS 3's way of nudging his Mother back to the world of blogging.

All it takes is a tapping finger and those dark brown eyes looking at me in request. I'm glad for him. In our family, he is often the voice of reason. The methodical amidst the chaos. And in so many ways, this 15 yo can ground you when you think things are flying out of control.

There are no excuses for why my blogging is not more regular. I've been busy! But that is nothing new.

For the last week, I have been in my FAVORITE city of all....CHICAGO! It was our annual Reading Association Convention. I am blessed most years to be able to attend with some of my favorite colleagues. This year was no different. We work during the day...attending sessions...meeting authors...browing what's "new" in the world of Reading instruction. And, at night, we get to relax and enjoy each other's company.

While in Chicago, my FAVORITE flowers were in full bloom...TULIPS...

I am not going to lie and say this trip wasn't without disappointment, however. My FAVORITE store in Chicago was the Marshall Fields on State St. When we arrived there, I found out that it had been purchased by Macy's a few years back. At least they still sell Frango Mints there...which are decadent little mints that were sold in Marshall Fields. And for the most part, the inside still looks the same.
The other "change" that has taken place in my favorite city since my last trip is the movement of the American Girl Store. This is the first time I've been to the city when I actually HAVE an "American Girl" at home! Before I just admired it and had fun looking at all the dolls and accessories, but I was excited to be there thinking about LG. It used to be in an old brick building with a basement. I thought it had "character"...now it's in the Watertower Place Mall...which is a very cool mall...but not the same, in my opinion.

I have to say, though, once we visited, I could see just how much more space this new store has. You're not so cramped anymore walking through it. So, all in all, I'd say it was a good change.

Chicago is STILL one of my favorite places to visit. It's full of life, things to do, places to go, and people to see.

On our way home, we did another thing I've always wanted to do...we visited the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale. This is an annual event that takes place in Vera Bradley's hometown of Ft. Wayne Indiana. I could explain it, but the pictures do a better job...here ya go:

When you walk into the huge convention center, here is what you see:

There are literally HUNDREDS of tables with Vera laid out on them. People receive this huge pink garbage bag to hold their choices. Then...they sit on the floor and sort their choices...like I am modeling here:

I will tell you, I shopped more on the floor than I did walking around! As workers would go by with armloads of new product, you'd say, "Can I see that?" And they would leave it for you to decide if you wanted or not! I made several texts to colleagues, friends, and family to see what they all wanted...so rest assured I'm shopping for about 6 people here!

Anyway, once you make up your mind...you get in THIS line to pay:

Never fear, though, people are sorting and dumping all the way through THIS line too! You might just see the one bag or item that you searched the entire hall for...laying on the side of the payment line. There is ONE more chance to change your mind at the register where they have boxes ready for this purpose. Then they lay your items on the counter like this....

After you have heart failure, remind yourself just how MUCH you are saving and how many people you are helping out, you check out and return to your car... tired, but happy at the bargains you've found and the fun you've had with great friends! (Note: We shopped this sale for FOUR hours!)

Sooo..that kind of fills you in on my last week or so. It was busy...fun...and refreshing. I'm ready for the end of another school year and looking forward to an exciting summer.