Those were the days

when Mom simply said "Let's go," and after throwing some clothes into a bag off we went. My mom had her "stuff" together.

This comes to mind because I am in the midst of getting ready to be gone from home for a while. My sister is having a baby and I'm going to hang out with her for the big event. Every day my list gets longer instead of shorter, regardless of what I'm accomplishing each day. It may not help that I'm planning the being gone part, and the staying home part for those not leaving, plus the dog and feeling guilty about leaving work and well, I could go on.

I guess it comes down to wishing some one else was in charge, even though I thrive/love/demand to be in charge. Happy day.

Harry and Me Pt.2

The Harry Potter Exhibition in Chicago is amazing! It is not huge - but the descriptor that come to mind is DETAIL. Every bit of ephemera, clothing, wands, etc. there was so incredibly well-crafted. I've watched a bunch of the movies since we returned home and even though I was specifically looking - the detail that actually exists is not visible on the screen. This all the more interesting because they still put in the time and care to complete the items. McGonagall's Yule Ball Dress has some of the most exquisite pleating all over the bodice and sleeves and it is a beautiful, rich, green color. Unless you know to look for it, you don't notice. Some goes with the wonderful textures and fabrics for some many of the costumes. The audio tour includes snippets from the French designer about some of the choices they made when doing the costumes and it is enlightening. She spoke of incorporating silver and stars on the Slytherin Quidditch uniforms to make them more militaristic feeling. Never would have known why the costumes portrayed that without hearing the motivation, but it works.

I was so happy to be there that I simply could not stop grinning. I just wanted to scream - I didn't, I contained myself, but it was difficult.

It was so worth the trip.

Harry and Me

We have a stamp at the store that says "Does this mean you are a grown up now?" It's intended to go with Birthday cards but it has struck me this past week.

Last Friday, Kirk called and asked how I felt about driving over 500 miles one way to see the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Science Museum in Chicago. I can't believe he felt the need to ask; he should have known the obvious.

This is notable, not for the wonderful exhibit that I would definitely return to more than once, but because I have never driven by myself that far, I tend to classify myself as a chicken driver - although perhaps not any more, and I had to work Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm. The boy did some math - go, Aaron, go! - and informed me that we drove 21 hours in 43.5 hours. I felt so adult! Actually, I still feel like I accomplished something in addition to a really sore tail bone.

Another point that does not cease to amaze me is that I got up voluntarily at 4:20 AM to be on the road by 5:00 AM. This in and of itself is huge because I hate morning - I do not like to get up in the morning - and it was my idea.

All in all, it was a growth spurt on my timeline and now - look out - here I come!