Wednesday, October 24, 2007

At Long Last...

...I am back on the blog. I'm woefully behind in blog reading as you may or may not have noticed. Unfortunately I was unable to access the internet while on my trip. Actually, I was unwilling to pay the $14.95 a day the hotel/convention center was charging for that privilege. Can you say "HIGHYWAY ROBBERY" and "SICK AND WRONG"?

Yes, I AM bitter.

Anyway, I arrived home on Sunday evening, but have been wading through piles of mail and school papers (unfortunately did not get to through this pile in time to see that my son's school pictures left a little to be desired and that the picture retakes had already taken place...lovely), dealing with a mysterious rash on my eldest (possibly caused by one too many "happy meals"???), major car repairs, suitcase unpacking, laundry, and the various and sundry other items that tend to pile up and greet you with warm welcome when you are away for any period of time.

By the way, my husband did survive (as did the children). The house was in GREAT order when I returned home and although there may have been some excessive McDonald's eating, all in all Rich faired well. So, dear husband this is your official and virtual pat on the back. You are THE Man! MANY thanks and MUCH love to you my sweet.

I have so much that I could share, but I thought that I would just share some basic highlights from the convention. In no particular order...

1) You can view my all time favorite moment of the actual convention here. Seriously, this was the most fun I've had in a long time. 400+ grown women throwing balls at (I mean to) each other. I was hit in the head at least a couple of times and our table was filled with coffee splatter from leftover Starbucks cups being pummeled at high velocity. Good times.

2) It wasn't all fun and games. We did get serious. We had several great speakers including Becky Bailey, Daniel Levitin, Maria Bailey, and Ysaye Barnwell. We also were treated to a concert by this group.

3) In order to save money, I did not sign up for many of the evening "extras". So I was left with some free time to spend here. My favorite purchases came from here. Oh dear, I just realized that I probably spent all the money that I saved not going to the convention extras at the mall. Oops.

4) Like any self-respecting convention there was of course a place to buy Kindermusik products. I enjoyed this immensely because I came away with some SERIOUS deals. By the way, (slightly off the subject) has anyone ever noticed that there is a room named Utopia A and B in every convention center known to man? Why is that?

5) I watched two whole movies all by myself in the comfort of my hotel room. Ahhh!

6) I perused through this store to my heart's content and bought my very own grown up size blankie (soft as a baby's bottom) for only $12.99. It is my new favorite thing.

7) And last, but not least, the fact that all the walking I did surely worked off any extra calories that I consumed here, here and here.

So, there you have it. A glimpse into my little adventure. I promise to catch up on all of your blogs soon! You guys were busy while I was gone ;-)


22 comments:

Janelle said...

My heart fluttered when I saw your name on Bloglines! You have been away too long.

I can't wait to see your blankie and you must tell me more about homemade cosmetics.

Glad you are back!

Anonymous said...

Welcome Back!! I've missed you. Can't wait to hear all the exciting details.

Anonymous said...

I got a little tear in my eye when you said Woodfield Mall. Aah fond fond memories!

I was born not far from there in the worst snow storm of 197_.

Enough weeping...GLAD YOU ARE BACK! Trip sounds fun.

Seriously through you were in Schaumburg and did not make it to IKEA??? *gasp*

Carissa said...

SOOOOO happy you are back! i have missed you! blogging is not the same when you are absent! so glad you had a good trip! yeah! welcome home!

dawn said...

Glad you had so much fun. Chicago is a wonderful city. We missed you and are glad you are back.

Shelley said...

I am SO glad your back, and I'm glad you had a good time! Smart women skip classes to shop...at least I think so! And the food...Oh My!

Melissa said...

Glad you're back. I've missed you!

Short Stop said...

It's Alana! Missed you around these parts!

So glad you had such a good time! And you got to shop, too! My hubby would have lived at McD's if I left for a week! :) Hope the rash gets better soon!

Renee said...

Yay!! It's great to hear from you again! I've been checking your blog everyday, wondering how you've been doing. I'm glad you had a good time!

Unknown said...

So glad you are back! Looks like yo had a great trip!

Heather C said...

I missed you too!! Glad you're back!

Fran said...

Welcome Home! I'm glad the kiddos and hubs were in one piece. Yeah Rich!! We pat him on the back with you. :)

Pam said...

Welcome home Alana!

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

Is it sad that I was so excited and jealous that you got to watch an entire movie uninterrupted? That and PF Chang's would have made my week! Glad to have you back.....

Teresa said...

You ate at all my favorite places!! :) Glad you had fun! You must tell me more about that cosmetic FRESH - place!!

BethAnne said...

PF Changs? Not fair! Glad youare back. I would never have paid that much for wi fi either! I bet you had a great time, but it is always good to come back home!

Darlene R. said...

You're Back!! Woohoo! I can blow the dust off of my comments page now! :)
Glad that you had a fun time. I watched the ball throwing.. looked like fun. I can see how some cups of coffee might have parished in the war!

I have a quesiton. What is Bloglines??

Sarah Markley said...

Sounds like so much fun!!!!! Welcome back to dirty dishes, but lots of hugs and kisses from the kids, I'm sure!

life with the wisners said...

so glad you're back. and that you had fun. and that your husband pulled it off.

what i can't get past is the hotel room. by yourself.

just can't get past it. love it so much.

Rochelle said...

Welcome back! I wouldn't have paid the money for internet either!! Ourtageous. It sounds like you have a blast. Yay for you! And to be able to watch an entire movie without any, "Mom this and mom that?" Priceless. Add food. Almost heaven! :) Welcome home.

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Good to see you round these parts again girl!

I am totally for saving money on one thing to spend at the mall on anything :) (especially an awesome blankie!)

I'm Tara. said...

Totally the slacker to welcome you back -- I know, I know -- SHOCKING that I'm last in line. :) I missed you and am so happy to see you had a great time. I would have loved the big ball throwing fight! Yay for Starbucks and shopping!! Woo hoo!