So, I was at a conference in downtown Chicago for a little less than a week. Here are some things that I learned. I am completely dependent on my cell phone, especially when coordinating meetings and such with people for, oh, I don't know, a conference. If you know me, send me your cell number again because I lost it along with my cell phone. The second thing, if a hotel is called a "very nice hotel" that doesn't mean that it really is a very nice hotel. I stayed at a nameless place on the river and the lake while I was in Chicago. The thing was that along with the $300/night fee you also had to pay for a fridge, microwave, cot (all $25) as well as internet (14/day) access. Basically, they gave this place a cheap makeover, put in a bar, and called it luxury without the amenities. Even the hairdryer was crappy and we had to get a new one. Also, the beds were so short that I touched the end of it and we all know how short I am. We had 4 people in the room and they gave us two glasses and one serving of coffee. Housekeeping was at our room at 8 am to clean it. Also, try not to have a conference in a city where the cab drivers are going on strike. That can be slightly inconvenient. Fortunately, this didn't really affect me too bad. There were more things but I could just go on and on.
As you can imagine, I was feeling pretty low during my conference. I started thinking to myself, this is not good. So, I started having a little chat with myself. (I think this is a natural outgrowth of our current Sunday School class.) I made myself a Thankful Thursday list and here it is.
1. I am thankful that I have friends who were willing to lend me their phones so that I could conduct some of my business.
3. I am thankful that the professor who was with me when I lost my cell phone was incredibly supportive at the time and continues to be so. I think they might feel worse than me.
4. I am thankful for a particular friend who bought me a candy bar from my favorite team to make me feel better.
5. I am thankful that my mother was diagnosed with sleep apnea and is now getting treated.
a. She gets more and deeper rest.
b. She doesn't rattle the windows with her snores anymore (slight exaggeration).
6. I am thankful that a certain lady had her baby. I so knew she was having a boy.
7. I am thankful that my Dad listened to me when I asked him not to have another medical emergency until I could get to town and visit him. Praise the Lord, his surgery seems to be helping.
8. I am thankful that I had a surprise visit by my cousin who is due next month.
9, I am also thankful that she let me touch her belly and talk to the baby.
10. I am thankful that my aunt is helping me with acquiring a new cell phone and working out the kinks. I have my old number back and it didn't cost me another cent.
12. I am thankful that I didn't have to pay for the hotel that I wasn't too fond of.
13. I am thankful that they planned my cousin's shower so I could attend.
14. I am thankful that Chris remembered and posted about Sunday School.
15. I am thankful that people know that I am different and still respect me.
16. I am thankful for all the great conversations we were able to have during the conference about faith, beliefs, and why we believe what we believe.
So, I could go on but I am going to stop now. I hope you had an excellent day. So I am still bummed about the hiccups but overall I am joyful. In the grand scheme of things, life is pretty great.
