Experiences

I'm tired!! The day started early--5 am. As usual, the trip was packed full of "experiences". One never knows what they will see, hear, or experience in Chicago.

As soon as the train arrived, a cab whisked us away and quickly dropped us off at Water Tower Place. American Girl has moved there and seems to be quite a high octane dosage of estrogen particularly on weekends. I was thrilled to get the girl's Christmas dresses--in the correct size. The online portion said they were sold out of several sizes. Fortunately, the store had just what I wanted =). We meandered through the crowd in the store as I grabbed the things that I needed to get. Do I wish I had skipped wearing a coat!! I was practically sweating and I felt like the abominable snowman. With all of those people and the temperature they keep the stores, it's enough to make you think you've stepped back into summer.

We entered another store (super cool one which shall remain nameless) and I proceeded to choose a Christmas gift. It didn't take long to choose, however the person waiting on me must have wrapped it in 100 pieces of multi-colored tissue paper. It took FOREVER to say the least! After a few more purchases and too many bags later, we began walking toward our lunch destination.

Lunch was awesome at PF Changs--mmm. We finished off with dessert shots--mine was S'mores--I think I can still taste it! Our table was on the second floor off in a corner where two large windows met and overlooked the street corner--cool!

Following lunch, we visited Northbridge Mall. They had some mega-beauty event at Nordstrom which I got sucked into as they had a wonderful Clinique gift. I quickly picked out my makeup. The lady couldn't figure out how to properly swipe my card. It also took FOREVER. The girls I was with were beginning to think I was experiencing some Chicago curse. She did give me free lipstick, however. We headed out to Michigan Ave. to the next "experience"--little did we realize... A few people in front of us had signs and such. I noticed TV cameras--we quickly moved off to the side and then slipped into a Corner Cafe Bakery as the GAY PRIDE PARADE marched down the sidewalk with signs/flags/banners/chants--you name it. I haven't ever experienced such a thing and can't say that I care to again. It was distasteful on so many levels to me. I don't hold up signs and march down the street declaring my "straightness" to people. There's not a special flag for me either because I'm traditionally married. Honestly, I wouldn't want such a thing. These people appear that they are on an anger rant ready to hurt people that aren't a part of their group. Granted, there were police on foot and in cars, but it was odd.

After my problem of not being able to find gifts last night, I feel much better. I am VERY CLOSE to being finished with finding gifts! I'm tired and ready for some rest.