Hello everyone out there in blogsville!! Wow...I thought my life would calm down a bit so that I could write more, but I was wrong. I have been able to stop by on occasion and check out what has been going on and leave the occasional comment...but I would like to be around more.

Enough of that now...I am not here to complain about my time constraints and the realities of "real life". I am here today to reminisce about a weekend I recently shared with some good friends...a weekend filled with Star Wars. I know that JMW and JediPug1 have already written about their experiences...but I just have to share mine with all of you.

Well, it all started a couple of weekends before the big gathering took place. I was itching for a short get-away, and noticed that I just happened to have a long weekend off on...you guessed it...the weekend that everyone was gathering in Chicago to visit the Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit (yes, I am actually wearing real clothes and not a costume ) at the Museum of Science and Industry. I began thinking...how could I not go? So, I contacted a few friends, figured out when a good time for me to arrive and leave the city would be, and booked my flight/hotel/museum pass. The excitement was almost too much to bear...and the wait was even worse (even though it was a short one).

Finally, the day of departure arrived...Friday, November 9th!! I had worked the two nights before (two long 12-hour nights), so I planned to leave in the afternoon so that I could get some sleep. I think I may have gotten two hours, but that may even be pushing it. The effect of my lack of sleep was short-lived, however, as I arrived at the airport, checked in my luggage, and made my way toward the gate, coffee in hand (after the security check-point, of course). I was just a few short hours away from meeting up with everyone again...this time for something on a much smaller scale than CIV.

I arrived in Chicago safely and caught a cab to my hotel downtown. After I checked in, I only had a short time (maybe 15min) to set everything down, check out the room, and freshen up before our fellow blogger Nobby was to contact me. You see, Nobby, his lovely and very nice wife, DarthKerfuffle, and greenandwhitejedi were picking me up to head out to jediprincess77's concert!! The Force was with us, and we made it...but barely. Navigating downtown Chicago, in the middle of Friday night, rush hour traffic proved to be a challenge...even with the assistance of a rearview mirror compass, two maps, and an I-phone. I think G&WJ was a little scared by our navigating skills. But...what better way to get to know people than to get lost in a relatively unfamiliar city Once we were able to figure out our way, we cruised along and made it to the town with about a half an hour (or slightly less) to spare before the singing was to begin. As usual, JP77's performance was excellent ...I was just so happy I was able to make it there. Once it was all over, her father was kind enough to give us a ride back into the city...and I settled in for the night.

I woke surprisingly early on Saturday morning, and I felt fairly rested. I just hung around and did a few things before venturing out to find my way to the bus stop (much cheaper than a cab). However, this was a challenge, for the street that I was supposed to get picked up on was blocked off for construction ...there was no way a bus was going to get down that way!! I stopped into a nearby store, but the guy had no idea where the bus would stop. He tried to find a phone number for the transit authority, but was unsuccessful in his attempt . I left the store and wandered down the street a bit more...getting nervous that I would not make it to the museum in time. I found an available cab and made it there just in time!! I was soon united with everyone, and we made our way toward the exhibit.

Although I had seen this exhibit before when it was at COSI in Columbus, OH last summer, it was still exciting to be able to see it again!! When I went before, I was alone, so I could not do this...or this...or this...or this...or even this. I do have other pics, but have decided not to post them here. And before anyone asks...yes, I did take some close-up photos of the costumes for Padmé and Leia (Leia's so that I can re-do parts of mine in the future and Padmé's so that I can make that one day). I know...I am obsessed...and I am not afraid to admit it.

I am going to wrap this up since it has become much longer than I thought it would. After going through the museum and doing a little shopping (yes...I bought a few things), we all went out to dinner and, at least I, had a wonderful time socializing and celebrating a birthday!! After all the food was either consumed or boxed, we said our good-byes and parted ways. I returned to my room, packed my things, and went to sleep early, as I had an early shuttle to catch. Needless to say, I was completely exhausted when I returned home...luckily I had an extra day to rest up before returning to work. I just want to thank all of you who were there for allowing me to join you and for all of the fun!!

Oh...and I just happen to have finished another costume!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!! May the Force Be With You...Always