This definitely means I love them, very much

Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Yesterday, it poured down rain in Chicago.  Seriously, a torrential downpour occurred several times yesterday.  My poor husband had to walk to the train amidst thunder and lightning while I got to lay in bed with Gus.  I felt bad.  But then, I got mine.  

I thought it had stopped raining for the day so I decided it was okay to venture out and finally make my way down to the dreaded American Girl store to buy Christmas presents for my two favorite little girls. I really don't enjoy going there.  The last time my oldest niece was in town, she had saved up her money and was ready to buy a just-like-me doll.  Well that's awesome, and I was proud of her for saving money.  It was 2 years ago and the temperature was 2 degrees.  My mom, Bree and I went down to the store on Michigan Avenue, bundled up with only our noses exposed.  We were in the store for 2 hours, lugging our coats and scarves and hats and gloves around the whole time.  Needless to say, Aunt Mimi was a big traumatized by it all.  Anyway, the fact that I was willing to go to the store for them really means I love them, right?  Right.

So back to the story here.  I go, I find what I need with the help of some employees, spend a fortune on a few things (grr) and then I'm done.  Quick and painless.  Until the downpour came back, and it got pitch black at 3:30 p.m.  WHY?!  I had decided to drive down there as far as I could, which turned out to be cheaper than taking the train.  I got there in all of 15 minutes but on the way back, all hell broke loose and an hour later, I arrive at home on the verge of a meltdown.  Thank God I made butterscotch cookies on Sunday.  I snarfed one down, had a beer and all was better.  But while I was stuck in the car not moving because traffic was at a standstill on every single street in the entire city, I just kept thinking, I sure do love those girls.