Homeward Bound
We’re about to leave for Cleveland for Christmas. It’s about 3 hours later than we had originally planned, but this is why we planned for Tuesday and not Monday evening or Wednesday, when we have a time deadline to arrive in Cleveland. Our normal trip takes 3.5 hours to complete. We expect some snow in Pennsylvania, a few extra stops to manage Addison and at least one feeding along the way. Thankfully, she’s been pretty good in the car the few times we’ve taken her out, so we’re hoping she’ll sleep in the car along the way.
Guesses for how long it’ll take to get there?
Heading For Home
As you read this, I am heading home to Buffalo. I enjoy this time away, but I enjoy coming home more. It’s a joy to be here, connecting with other planners and old friends, learning from one another and working on something bigger than ourselves. I appreciate the work that many of the planners put into this process and the sacrifices it takes to get this event planned.
But I enjoy coming home even more. The next time I attend one of these meetings, I’ll have a baby girl in the house, making it even harder to be away. I’m thankful to be done with major traveling for the rest of the year. All we have left now are trips into Cleveland for some baby showers. Looking forward to starting the ministry year.
We Stop Brewing At 6
After lots of last minute packing, we finally got on the road around 7:15 p.m. The plan was to get food on the road, but we didn’t really think about it until 9 p.m. After striking out on Panera’s and Wendy’s, we finally ended up at McDonald’s. It was a 24 hour drive-through, right off the freeway.
I order some food and a “Premium” coffee. The lady brings the coffee cup to the window and says they only have enough coffee for a half a cup. Did I want something else? Apparently, McDonald’s, the Mecca of fast food, stops brewing coffee at the 24-hour drive-through at 6 p.m. Crazy.
We made it here safely and are heading to bed soon so we can get up and help with wedding prep tomorrow. And a stop by the local Chipotle. Yum!
Living The High Life
After a great Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday, Jaime, my mom and I traveled to Chicago to spend yesterday and today with my sister. Her apartment is located downtown, on the 28th floor, looking west and north. The view is amazing. We spent Friday night walking around the city, hitting famous places like The Magnificent Mile (which was crazy busy with holiday shoppers), Macy’s on State Street (9 floors of shopping, a 3-story Christmas tree, a food court and more), and had dinner at Rock Bottom Brewery (I had the Herbed Lemon Chicken with Asparagus).
Today we’re looking forward (well, some of us are…) to going to Daly Plaza to see the Christmas tree. There’s also our 3rd Thanksgiving dinner on tap for later this afternoon. Yum!
UPDATE: Pictures from our recent trip to Chicago are now online. Be sure to check out the bean and the view from my sister’s roof.
|
|
Give Thanks
With thanksgiving tomorrow, I continue to be thankful for so many things in my personal and professional life. Jaime and I will travel to Cleveland for Thanksgiving day, then on to Chicago for 2 days to visit her brother and my sister. When we lived in Katy, we weren’t able to see our family so often, so it’s great to be in a place where we’re able to do that. We’ll stay at my sister’s place in downtown Chicago, about 3 blocks from the famed Michigan Avenue.
Among other things, I’m also thankful for our youth. When I checked my office mailbox this morning, I found a nice note from Pastor Carl thanking our youth. Not only did our youth have a great time at the Road Rally, but those who were the recipients of the service appreciated it and enjoyed having the youth there as well. It’s a great example of the Body of Christ at work.
What are you thankful for this thanksgiving?
