LIFE in general has been pretty crazy.  We haven’t stopped running since about…oh, last month?  I’ve had this particular post planned and ready to go since…our 2nd day in Chicago, but just haven’t been able to sit down long enough to keep my thoughts together.  Actually this post originally had a different title and began with “So, we’re in Chicago…”  Except I had to erase it from drafts because we are so OBVIOUSLY not in Chicago anymore.

Chicago was…interesting.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get in as much sightseeing as I would’ve liked since I didn’t realize exactly how busy I’d be at BlogHer, and we didn’t really go far from the Sheraton.  So, before I tell you about my trip, I want to give you a clear understanding of where I come from, first (for those of you who don’t live next door).

I live in a small neighborhood, where we have paved roads and electricity and such, but it still takes us at least 20 minutes either way to go to town, and 50 minutes to the nearest decent shopping.  Decent doesn’t necessarily mean Nordstrom or Macy’s.  Decent means we have JCPenney, Gap, and AE and a Walmart.  Manicured lawns in this area just means the grass has been cut in at least two weeks and is not yet up to your knees.  We don’t roll grass out or put it down in patches.  No, most of our yards are just field grasses AKA weeds.  So, it’s not unusual for half of our yard to grow faster than the other.  I have a good amount of trees in my yard, and we even have a clothesline, which I may or may not utilize often.  Ahem.

We have real life mailboxes with little flags, and some of these mailboxes get decorated…and sometimes outright smushed by teens with nothing else to do.  Or adults, I haven’t really surveyed the mailbox-bashing bunch to be honest.

So, coming to Chicago – a real “city” was not at all like being at home.  Granted, I’ve been in large cities before, but it’s still different every time I go.  In Chicago, a block isn’t really “a block” it seems.  A local described it to us as one Chicago block equaling six normal city blocks.  And, let’s just say Google Maps on our phones was not at all helpful when we were trying to find a place to eat on the go.  I’m used to streets being all on one level, here.  In Chicago, not so much.

When we first arrived, we found the Sheraton pretty easily.  What we couldn’t seem to figure out is where we were supposed to park.  So, we found the nearest garage looking thing, and drove in.  We were pretty impressed at the Sheraton’s service when a young man in uniform jogged up to us.  “Wow,” we thought, “They sure are on top of things here!”  Unfortunately, we found our way to Valet parking.  Oops.  So, we asked the polite man who wanted to know what in the dickens we were doing how we should go about getting to the Self Park Garage.  He gave us the directions and before husband could roll up the window, I asked “Is Self-Parking Free?”  “Lady, nothing in Chicago is free, ” he said.   Little did I know that this first Chicago lesson would be so very true throughout the whole weekend.

Figuring out how to get up from the parking garage to the actual hotel area without using the escalators (we had a massive stroller) was the next item of discovery.  Shame on us for not practicing our stroller skills on an escalator before going to the big city.  Except…I’m pretty sure we don’t even have escalators around here…  Stairs may have worked too…

About an hour later, we find our room.  Exhausted and thirsty, we’re delighted to find the mini fridge.  Husband pulls a bottled water off of the tv stand and I almost fall over the coffee table trying to get him to wait before opening it.  The words, “Nothing in Chicago is free” rang through my ears.  “Sweetie, let’s look for a price sheet before you open that,” I said.  Hidden nicely in a drawer full of sweets, was a neatly typed price sheet with $7 bottled waters and $4 toothbrushes.  Silly us for thinking water in a $199/night hotel room could POSSIBLY be free!

We noticed that we were hungry, and figured a restaurant would have free water, so we headed out.  Right outside the door, a man approaches us with his crate of shoe shining things.  “Excuse me, shoe shine?”  I keep walking, now having the whole “Nothing in Chicago is free” downpat and besides, I had on flip-flops.  It wasn’t until I had crossed the street with the baby that I noticed the mister had stopped.  SERIOUSLY.  SERIOUSLY?!  “Come On!” I yelled!  I could hear the man telling him “Let me tell you what works great on those shoes,” then ssskkkkrrrttt.  A big foamy pillow of shoe shining stuff sat on top of the mister’s black shoes.  I quickly assessed the situation, taking note of anything big and heavy that I could use in defense should the man realize that the mister really didn’t have any money because I did.  You know, just in case he realized he wasn’t going to get paid and got a little angry.  So, the two sirs admired the mister’s one new shiny shoe and the shoe shining mister declared that to be a sample, and free of charge.  “Let me see your other shoe,” he said.  So, my mister lifted his foot and let him clean that one too.  I groaned.  “Two dollars,” he said.  “What?!” My mister about screamed across the street.  “I don’t have any money.  Wipe that *&(^ off!  Now!”  They went back and forth for a minute, Mister demanding the foaminess be gotten off of his shoes and the other guy pleading for his cash.  Suckers, the both of them…but for entirely different reasons.  If the man wanted to be paid, he should know better and should’ve tried charming me…you know, the one with the purse.  Although, it’s probably smart he didn’t approach me, because I’d already decided to ram him with my stroller if he got too close.  (After I took the baby out OBVIOUSLY)

Thirty minutes later, we arrived at a sweet little place to eat outside.  A place with cute little iron tables placed neatly along the sidewalk.  A place with pretty little menus and $8 grilled cheese sandwiches which are enough to make my eyes swell up with tears and choke back the ice water in my mouth.  The Mister took his turn to hold the fussy baby and folks oohed and ahhed about their cuteness together.  I gathered that APPARENTLY, in Chicago, men don’t hold their own children.  Either that, or these people were just weirdos.  Either way, disturbing.

Looking around, I noticed the endless amounts of concrete and pavement.  The super tall buildings with gardens built over concrete, but no lush yards or large trees.  In fact, some buildings had gardens on THEIR ROOFS.  “Sweet,” I thought.  “We’re so city-like, I have a garden on my roof at home too..in the gutters.”  See, I’m already fitting in!

I could say the city was stunning and beautiful, but I really wouldn’t know.  Most of our time was spent inside the hotel or right around it.  We had the experience of running in front of crazy taxis and buses as we attempted to walk to our destinations because cramming a cadillac of strollers seemed a little daunting, not to mention expensive.  A cab ride down ONE block in Chicago costs as much as a cab ride across the city does here at home.  Crazy.

We did, however, take the cab one day with some friends to get a bite of pizza.  After much tugging and lugging the stroller in and out of the ride, we open the doors to pizza place and exhale.  Ahh.  Finally.  We made it.  We’d be able to sit down, rest, and talk with good friends as we ate some Chicago pizza.  That is, until one of the servers caught up with us.  “Excuse me, but you’re going to have to put that stroller outside,” she said.  “It’s raining,” I said.  “Still,” she replied, “It’s policy.”

So, we left.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure Chicago has lots of nice people and all, but the 4 homeless people I saw on the way there, and the woman who must’ve had something in her eye to cause her to glare at me for a good 20 seconds really made me not want to leave my decent stroller outside.  In Chicago.  In the rain.

So, that was Chicago.  Lot’s of people, with skies that never really get dark, and stars that hide behind clouds, and lots of concrete and pavement.  Or, at least…that’s what I got to see.

The conference though?  Was a completely different experience.  One that I don’t even know how to write about, but it was pretty awesome.

Welcome back!

At BlogHer…

I met Edward and became his Queen.  Or something.

And then, I had a baby and grew really long pink neck hair.  I mean, feathers.  (Must’ve been the flamingo I ate.)

Then, we happened upon some people with alcohol and cheeseburgers and didn’t want to piss anyone off, so we took a burger.  Or three.  And, hats.  Er…bags.

Even Baby Boss…seeing as how she’s about to get her own blog, too.  Because you know… we’re cool like that.

(More to come later.  Must go be a Pampered Chef and pretend to cook …or, not burn anything.)

In less than 8 hours, we will be heading to Chicago (a 6 hour drive).  Our bags are packed and we’re ready to go.  Our awesome hotel has already emailed to tell us they anticipate our arrival and even sent a forecast for the days we’ll be in town.  Their staff has been so courteous and we’re not even there yet!  (We’re staying at the Sheraton!)  I’m expecting great things there – heck, if they just drop some chocolate mints on my pillow, I’ll be in instant heaven!

I’m looking forward to more than just a great hotel stay, I’m looking forward to sealing some great friendships that have been nurtured online for a year or more and am so excited!

I’m hoping to live-blog some, but don’t want to promise too much just in case juggling a wee baby and laptop become a little much   But, if you’re looking for some BlogHer 09 info, check back and I’ll try not to disappoint!

Okay guys, I’m off to dream sweet dreams and get some much needed rest….

Until tomorrow!

To say I’m a little stressed out right now would be a MASSIVE understatement.

About 30 minutes ago, we showed our house.  To sell it.  The lookers were in a tight schedule and really couldn’t wait any longer than today to look, so I gave in – knowing full well we’d be scrambling to clean everything up and to “stage” it.  So, with a few hours yesterday coupled with a few today (it was more like 12 hours total), we set about mowing, weedeating, dusting, mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, picking things up, and everything else that comes along with it.

We were finishing things up and had already realized there was no way we would get to a good deal of the things we’d meant to…the things that are the “extra touches” and such to help set that tone.  Then, there was a knock at the door.

I was already about a millimeter away from a full blown panic attack, but at that moment my heart jumped into my throat.  Beside me was a box full of books that I needed stored temporarily, a vacuum cleaner with its cord trailed haphazardly behind it and down the hall.  A riding toy sat in with the mix and in front of me was Steven bent over 5 grocery bags looking straight ahead at me like a deer caught in headlights.

“Oh no.  Is that them?” We said in unison.

The clock still said we had a little over 30 minutes, and I wasted no time to run and change my shirt.  I made my way to the front door as they knocked once more, with Lorelei trailing behind me in nothing but a diaper and t-shirt with a big wet spot down the front.

They were early.

I asked for 5 minutes, hoping it’d at least be enough time to shove some things in closets as quickly as I could.  Then, went outside to stall them and “look at the property” while Steven finished up inside.

The toured the property and house, including our bedroom with the clean sheets sitting on top of a bare mattress, and grocery bags lined neatly along the countertop, and a white sheet thrown over the table as the makeshift table cover because we didn’t have time to make it to the store this morning.

And, on the couch sat Steven, covering (and soaking) up the cup full of water Lorelei spilled out of a no-spill sippy cup (she took the top off) just minutes before our guests arrived.

I’m thinking this whole selling your house and keeping it presentable 24/7  (while having a full-time job, 2 kids under 2, 2 cats*, and a really messy husband) is not going to be so much fun.

*By the way, we need to find a really great home for our 2 cats, Thomas and Valentino.  They’re awesome, really.  They’re declawed, fixed, and are super sweet…we just can’t take them with us to a 1 bedroom tiny apartment that doesn’t allow pets.  If you or someone you know would take them in, please let me know.  It breaks my heart to think about them going to a shelter or the Humane Society.

During the past month or so, I’ve had fun watching as Lorelei’s language skills have developed.  Instead of blank stares (sometimes followed by action), she now responds with a “Yes,” “No,” or “Mmkay!”  We aren’t entirely sure she knows half of what she’s saying, but listening to her has been fun for us.  We just love this new stage!

Unfortunately, along with her new language ability, she’s become even more independent.

“Lorelei, please eat your hotdog.”

“No.”

“Yes.  Eat your hotdog so we can go play.”

“No!”

“Lorelei.  Eat. Your. Hotdog.”

“Chip?”

“Eat your hotdog and THEN you can have a few chips, okay?”

“Mmkay!”

So, we shouldn’t have been surprised when she walked over to her Pa and sat beside him on the couch, taking away the bag of chips he had sitting beside him and crumpling the bag closed.  She quietly pointed to his sandwich.  And, then his mouth.  “Eat, Pa.” She said.  Pa (my dad) tried hard to contain his laughter.

“Can I have some chips, Lorelei?  Please?”

“No.  Pa eat!”  She pointed to his sandwich and then his mouth again.

He took a bite of his sandwich and then said, “Can I have a chip?  I took a bite!”

She unrolled the top of the bag and stuck her hand in to retrieve a chip she then fed to him.

“Can I have another?”

“No.  Pa eat!”

And so it went.  Pa had to eat a bite of sandwich to earn his chips …one bite at a time.

Lesson:  Beware of the rules you make for your toddler.  For one day…they will steal your chips!

So, last week I said we would be attempting a no-spend week – save for bills, medical expenses, and perhaps some gas.  We’ve done really really good, although not stellar.  We did end up buying a couple of really small things, but they weren’t FOR us, and the total was less than $5 and it was REALLY important to us.  Important enough to “break” the challenge.

I also happened to find a PURSE I want.  I’ve been searching for a cute but not too teenish – yet not grandma/bag ladyish – and of all weeks to find the perfect one?  I found it THIS week.  For 10 dollars.  On sale.  “While Supplies Last” (there were only 2) and in one of my favorite colors.  If you’re wondering, I caressed it and couldn’t put it down.  So, I carried it around the store and then gently put it back.  You know what….who really cares if my current purse is dirty and my other purses are from middle and high school?  In the big scheme of things…it doesn’t matter.  Sure, little purchases like those can make me feel better for a while…but they don’t REALLY matter.

We began the No Spend week as a challenge, but then it became a necessity when 2 unemployment checks got messed up and left us not knowing if we’d receive them at all.  So, unlike some people who began the challenge, we didn’t stock up on food or anything else.  We were prepared to live solely off of whatever we could find.  Luckily, my family offered to let us stay with them and thus supplied most of the food and a place to stay close so we wouldn’t have to waste gas (50 miles one way).

There have been more challenges, but since we haven’t been home (and will be leaving again, soon)…we’re choosing to put those off until we’re back again.  In the meantime, we’ve realized some new dreams that may or may not be God’s desire for us.  We’re not completely sure yet.  Not that we will ever be able to (or pretend to ) fully comprehend God’s plan….

We’re moving forward with some things that have been really difficult decisions to make.

And, for now…that’s all.  Partly because I’m not sure what the “plan” is and partly because I need to repack and gather a few things from the garden.

A couple of days ago, I listed my name under many others for a new challenge.  The challenge was a LIFE AUDIT, where each day we would receive a challenge, something to make us think – and, hopefully improve our lives.

Yesterday’s challenge was to go ONE WEEK without buying ANYTHING.

So, because of the 4th of July festivities, we will begin our one week challenge on Sunday.

The purpose of this challenge is to:

1.  See the things we normally would buy on impulse and to carefully look at your finances

2.  Buy ahead of time, but only things you will need.  It’s a great practice for figuring out the needs and wants.

3.  Plan for the future.  What do we want out of life?  Where should our money be going?  Do we really need this now or should we save for that later?

4.  Be more creative.

We do plan to tweak this a little, though.

We are allowing ourselves to spend money on:

-Bills/debts that haven’t been paid this month yet

-An extra tank of gas (We’ll fill up on Saturday night before heading back home from town, but JUST IN CASE.  Hopefully, we won’t need it)

-Tithe

It should prove to be interesting.  We’ve had no spend DAYS before, but never an entire week at a time.  And, what happens if we run out of FOOD?  – Well, we are supposed to PLAN so we don’t.  That, and we have a sick amount of cereal from WIC…if all else fails, Steven and I can eat cereal.  But, I’m pretty sure the freezer is stocked well enough for a good week or two of food.  At least one week.  What happens if we run out of paper towels?  Suck it up.  That’s what.  (To clarify…I mean deal with it.  Quit whining.  Not to literally suck it up.)

Feel free to take the challenge with me.  You can start today, tomorrow, Sunday, or whenever your heart desires.  Let me know if you plan to take the challenge and if you blog, so I can keep up with you!

More to come later…