Thursday: After work I hopped on the Metra and headed into the city. I met Mr Hay at the Chase Auditorium for a taping of Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me. We had so much fun. I got there at about 6.30 and by the time we got inside we were halfway through the line. The show itself finally started at 7.30. I'd been really excited because Mo Rocca was scheduled to appear but Drew Carey was there instead, which was awesome. The show itself was absolutely hilarious. Moby was the not my job guest. That guy is a total downer. He spent the whole time talking smack about himself. The recording itself went about twenty minutes longer than usual because of hilarious tangent-following. All in all, I definitely recommend attending a taping if you're a fan of the show. I need to load up the podcast today, to hear how much got edited out.



Friday: My plans to get to the hotel by noon were scuttled by the early delivery of our water softener. The installation went fairly quickly and we made it to Deerfield around one. I checked into the hotel, sent Mr Hay on his way, and jumped into Spring Fling activities. I moderated Blythe Gifford's really good workshop called Get Your Acts Together. The rest of the day was a blur of workshops. Dinner at 5:30 (which was great, since I skipped lunch) and then I ordered from room service by the time I finally got back to my room.

Saturday: Up early for the breakfast speech by Christie Ridgway, though I missed part of it. More workshops. Eloisa James spoke at lunch, which had most of my table in tears. Timed agent appointments for about an hour then went back to my room for a nap. Mr Hay came over to spend the night -- one night by myself in a hotel was enough, thank you. Went to the gala that topped off the conference. Fire and Ice contest winners were FINALLY announced. There were three finalists attending, including one winner, which was really nice. Debbie Macomber gave a really moving keynote address about her struggles with dyslexia and the other obstacles on her route to writing success. Ended the evening in the bar and finally back to the room to collapse.

Sunday: Checked out around eleven, grabbed lunch on the way home, and then went to check out our friends' Paul's and Jeani's new house. They just moved to town. I encourage all of my other Chicagoans to consider moving out here. Seriously. Bring it.

I had a great time at the conference and I'm so glad I went. Now I'm REALLY looking forward to nationals in San Francisco.