When I arrived at the gate at the airport, I knew I was in for a treat. There was a GIRLS SOCCER TEAM - approximately 30 girls between the ages of 12 and 16. We flew all the way to Baltimore - only realy about 45 minutes, but hello, when every dip in the air lends itself to squeals and screams, that teeny tiny baby flight becomes very long indeed. When we landed in Baltimore, I attempted to find my flight to Chicago. It might have helped me if I'd KNOWN that my flight went to BUFFALO first.Teeny, tiny little detail that I forgot.
The flights went smoothly, though, and I arrived in Chicago on time, with the grand plan that I was not going to take a $40 cab ride or a $18 shuttle ride - but, instead, I decided that the way to go was the $2.25 L. The elevated train. Which I've been on exactly once, but I thought to myself, If I can do a flippin' endurance round -I can take the L. I was nervous, though - and so I asked two extremely nice gentlemen who were on the plane with me if they could direct me. Not only did Hop and Douglas direct me, they went ON the train with me, AFTER paying my fare. They decided together that the planned route - Orange line to Red, get off at (something I forgot) wasn't a good plan and so they took me almost all the way on a different route. They asked for nothing in return - truly, two of the nicest men I've ever met. I definitely don't know if I could have navigated the entire way without them - and I gave them my cards, so I really hope that they read this.
Getting off the Red line, I came up the stairs totally disoriented and kind of unsure of how to get the rest of the way. There were two other ladies in the same boat, although different hotel. As it happened, a man was walking past at the time and OFFERED to take us to our hotels. We looked at each other, briefly thought about the brilliance of taking said help, agreed that there WERE three of us and so we could take him if we needed, and allowed him to show us to our hotels. Which he did, and I gave him $5 for a beer. I consider that a good trade.
Hooking up with Headless Mom was my next step so we could do what we came to Chicago to do.
That's my neck, and yes it's real.
Welcome to Chicago. More tomorrow, when I'm not so tired from walking 3 miles looking for pizza - pizza that I later bought from room service.
You got inked? Wow!
I don't think I'd ever be able to decide what to get if I had the nerve to get one....
Posted by: Grace | July 23, 2009 at 01:14 AM
You're a braver woman than I (or is that crazier?), yikes! A tatoo!
Posted by: Kim | July 23, 2009 at 07:10 AM
Love it!! :) Self-expression is good for the soul.
Posted by: Dawn | July 23, 2009 at 09:41 AM
Is it like your flowers?! One heart for each kid and the hubby?
:)
Love it!
Posted by: Beth | July 23, 2009 at 10:32 AM
I like! The neck seems like it would be painful, but I guess not really compared to delivering 6 kids, right? Good for you and have a great time!
Posted by: Nicki | July 23, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Hmmm. No one has a comment about my hometown hospitality????
Cool on the inking.
Posted by: jan | July 23, 2009 at 12:18 PM
I really like it!! Glad you're having a good time so far :)
Posted by: Bethany | July 23, 2009 at 01:53 PM
The best pizza is Gino's East or West. But there are others too. I'm from Chicago and you it is the best! There are some awesome thin crust ones too. Tat looks great!
Posted by: Debby Pucci | July 23, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Hope you have a good time! The ink is pretty, you're braver than I am!
Posted by: Brandy | July 23, 2009 at 06:16 PM
The best Pizza is UNO or DUE or Gino's as previously said. Better yet if you're going to order in go Thai! Star of Siam is wonderful! The BEST Italian is Rosebuds or Carmine's. The best Cheeseburgers are Johnny Rockets and the best hot dogs are The Wieners circle.
Posted by: JustMe | July 23, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Well my dear, those people that have helped you prove that there are still those in the world that will help you for no other purpose than helping out a stranger. Excellent. Well done Hop and Douglas and dude who showed you to your hotel. As they expression goes, Pay it Forward. I hope the rest of your trip goes as well.
Posted by: mm | July 24, 2009 at 07:56 AM
I vote for the Russian Tea House by the art museum. Did the ink hurt?
Posted by: Brandi | July 24, 2009 at 11:05 AM
For Pizza go to Gino's. Since you're sans kids completely skip The Disney Store and American Girl. I know there are some nice tasteful grown up girl stores in Chi town though. When I was there on one of my mommy weekends I know I small troop visited it ;) Enjoy Carmen!
Posted by: amy | July 24, 2009 at 01:42 PM
for sure hit gino's for pizza. go early as the line will form out the door way.
have fun!!
oh and i'm jealous that you got another tattoo. i'm still breast feeding, so i won't be ablt to get another one for at least 6 months. i already have 3 and trying to figure out what i want and where next time. oh and the last time i got a tattoo was on my honeymoon in maui last year. hubby and i both got the same tattoo.
Posted by: Sandra | July 25, 2009 at 04:33 AM
girl you are FIERCE! Neck tattoos!! What did your mom say? b/c mine would totally kick my ass. {yes, I am 40 k? but she still would kick my ass.}
Posted by: mary | July 27, 2009 at 03:18 PM