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.

Heading Home from Chicago

Today we head home.

I have learned some things this week.

Almost every time I go to a Reading Association conference, I get the priviledge of eating in some very fancy restaurants. Various publishers love to "wine and dine" their customers. This week was no different in some ways. During these trips, I usually learn about a food or delicacy about which I had no prior knowledge.

This week, in a French restaurant, I learned about foie gras. Everyone at our table (except the Floridians) were surprised to see this pate on the menu since it is being outlawed in Chicago. The menu even had a note that "May might be the last month you can get foie gras in Chicago." I usually don't want to appear dumb....so I listen and wait for an explanation. Finally someone asked, "Do you know what it is?" I admitted my lack of knowledge.

It seems that foie gras is a fatty goose liver. It is (supposedly) very sweet and light tasting. BUT...they have to force feed the goose almost four pounds of grains daily for 28 days. They are kept in small dark cages to prevent them from "losing weight" and movement. After this, they are slaughtered for their liver (and down).

Now, I am NO PETA activist...but this absolutely does NOT seem right! Apparently, this "delicacy" has been outlawed in California (but not until 2012) and here in Chicago this year. I know that there are many "interesting" foods around the world....I just couldn't bear the thought of trying this one. Thankfully no one at the table ordered it.

I have learned that if someone at a restaurant or apartment building needs a cab, there is often a yellow light (think police car light) that sits on the side of the building as a signal.

I have learned that every street in downtown Chicago is videotaped 24/7.

I have learned that 80% of the downtown Chicago police force is dressed in plain clothes.

Of course, I also learned about teaching and learning and reading instruction. THAT post could go on MUCH longer....and might in the near future.

For now, I am going to close and get ready to head to the Sunshine State and my delightful family!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about Susan's done or seen this week in CHICAGO

1. Ate at both French and Italian restaurants (and didn't have to pay the bill)!

2. Rode in a horse drawn carriage through the city at night.

3. Spent time in the Women's Bathroom on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building...OK I think it's one of the BEST views in the place!!!

4. Nearly received whiplash during at least two harrowing cab rides! Can you say fast and brakes together???

5. Met many children's book authors. Had several books signed to share back at school.

6. Saw the Fountain that was featured in the opening song to the Married with Children TV show...think Al Bundy...."Love and marriage, Love and marriage, Goes together like a horse and carriage."

7. Drove past Soldier Field...saw Navy Pier....and drove down the shores of Lake Michigan.

8. Watched several peoplel walking their dogs about 10:30 in their PJ's!!

9. Saw the Blue Man Group and the 45th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

10. Ate Chicago deep dish pizza...and a Chicago style hot dog.

11. Enjoyed the TULIPS...my FAVORITE flower! They are calling downtown a "Tulip Festival" right now.

12. Visited with and reconnected with several professional friends from around the globe.

13. Met six people with whom I work regularly, but have never seen face to face. Until this trip, we had only sent manuscripts and materials back and forth via Internet and email.