Chicago Wanderer

This weekend, I'm in Chicago again. This is the third time in 12 months! A year ago, I was on my first official magazine assignment. I wandered the streets of Chicago by day and went to events by night.

This past fall, the kids and I took a vacation there with my best friend. That was tiring, but also very fun.

This year, I'm back during the tradeshow but it's a little different. I got to be on the show floor this year. That felt GREAT! I created an opportunity for my company to have their first press conference, and loved being part of that. I met some of our reps for the first time, which was also GREAT! I guess I just like to be part of things. My wanderings this year, however, were limited to one evening in which K had a dinner meeting and the schedule was a little too tight for me to make connections elsewhere, which was fine by me! I walked to Millenium Park because I wanted to get photos of the skating which I missed last year. The bean wasn't invisible this time ... WOOHOO! I have to admit, I like that thing!

The biggest difference is wrapped up in the biggest similarity ... K. Last year, our budding friendship was the factor that drew me to Chicago (and face my "fears" about shooting anything for a publication). This year, our relationship again drew me to Chicago ... but many, many fears have been replaced by a deep and growing friendship and future. Amazing to say, but I believe from last year's trip to this year's trip, we have spent time with each other every day (mostly long distance) except one ... the day he flew to Germany. WOW!