A Long Time Coming

I have known my best friend since we were three years old. In other words, going on seventeen years now. We first met at dance class and then found ourselves at the same school the next year. Since they, we had spent every school year together in the same class until high school graduation. We were inseparable when we were younger. I think the longest we had ever been apart was one week when I was on vacation. I was at her house so much that her parents started calling me their third daughter and I treated her little sister like she was my know little sister. So needless to say, we have shared some incredible experiences. From her watching me get hit in the head with a baseball bat to both of us breaking our arms. And how could I forget the speeding to get back on time for a volleyball match and winning the county tournament. Those are just a few of the thousands I could list.

Well all those experiences have to make more for some new ones. Last week while she was on leave from the military, we decided to take a little trip to Chicago. We had a lot planned for only 2 days and boy did we have some fun. It all started with the train ride. Let's just say that one of the workers on the train carried bubbles in his pocket and posed for cameras. Draw your own conclusions. After getting into the city and making our way to where we were staying, the stories started. My cousin was fascinated about hearing my friend's stories from Afghanistan. We spent the whole rest of the day talking, laughing, eating, and drinking.

The next day was the exploration day. We headed down to Michigan Avenue, aka the Mag Mile. First stop was the Hershey store. After tons of free samples and the required pictures, we got our giant cookies and headed to the next stop. Another chocolate place! This time it was Ghirardelli. More free samples followed and a delicious chocolate later, we had our fill. Now that the chocolate was consumed, we went to actual stores. The staples were all covered. But the most time was spent at the Disney Store picking out stuffed animals to buy. Yes, we are both over 20, but are 5 years old at heart. Following the happiest place on Earth, we visited one of my favorites, Coach. Needless to say I could have spent my entire bank account there if I wanted too. Instead we decided it was time for more food. And what to you eat at a time like this? Gino's East Chicago deep dish pizza of course. Man that stuff is good. Now for the coolest part of the trip, heading up to the Sky Deck, 1003 floors off the ground. Even though I am not scared of heights, I wondered if i might be once I got up there. Nope, it was incredibly cool to stand and see all of Chicago, even out over the edge in the glass box. Next was our last stop for the day, the awesome Shedd Aquarium. If you are ever in Chicago, you must go. It is so interesting to see all the animals and if you can handle the crowds, you can witness some really cool things.

So that was basically our whole trip, other than the last day when we went out for brunch before heading home. All in all, it is definitely an experience that I will never forget. Of all the stuff my best friend and I have been through, it was awesome to just spend time with her and have some fun. We already have our next trip down there planned. I hope the city is ready.

Til the next time, "There is no finish line."

AJ