Windy City

Since I was a teenager I have absolutely LOVED Oprah. I would like to think I wasn't just jumping on the bandwagon, though I'm sure there were some moments that resembled just that. I have watched her show, at times faithfully, read several of her book club recommendations, subscribed to her magazine (thanks to my mother-in-law), and have purchased products because she said they were awesome... so yes, you could say I have jumped on the Oprah bandwagon along the way.

Sometime within the past 6 years I created what most people would call my bucket list. My life's to-do list includes various places I want to visit and things I want to do. Since its creation I have been lucky enough to cross of several items. Today I found out that I will have the chance to cross off another item in just 2 short weeks.

Over the weekend I was browsing the Oprah website and noticed that the reservation request window would be open for 48 hours this week for upcoming shows in October. Knowing that this is the last season of the Oprah show it was impossible for me to NOT submit my request. I chose multiple dates the week before and week after my husband is scheduled to come home from a 5 month detachment to Bahrain. While I knew it was a long shot, I had a really good feeling about this. After all, two of my closest friends got to go last year after submitting a request much like mine.

This morning when I woke up and checked my email I saw it waiting there - an email titled Oprah Show Reservations Status Request. When I opened it up the first words I read were "Great news!" At that point I couldn't help but get excited. If you have been in touch with me at all over the past few months you know how busy work and school are right now and how stressed I am over getting the house together for when Brian gets home. The date chosen for me is smack-dab in the middle of all this.

Going back to my list, the fact that this is Oprah's last season on the air, and the pure luck that happened with my request being accepted I just knew I couldn't pass this up. After much discussion with my original travel buddy, Jody, we agreed that I would take my mom and she would stay behind to continue with recruiting.

When I called to ask my mom if she wanted to go see Oprah I could hear her shaking through the phone. I don't think I have ever heard my mom so excited about anything... ever! Not even when I took her to Vegas for Mother's Day about 5 years back. At the end of our conversation I heard my mom scream as I hung up the phone. My dad later confirmed this for me and told me how wonderful this trip was and that my mom was really excited about it. I hate to say it but it just might be possible she's more excited than I am. Then again, I'm not sure it's all quick sunk in just yet.

In less than 24 hours I confirmed our show reservations, booked our airfare through Southwest, and scored an amazing travel agent rate at Kimpton's Hotel Palomar in Chicago.

I have only been to Chicago once before, almost 8 years ago, to see Brian graduate from boot camp. I did not get to spend much time with him while I was there and it was too cold to do much sightseeing. While there are many things that I remember about that trip, the moment I remember most was when we were sitting in the back of the rental car his parents were driving. We were listening to Box Car Racer on the radio and I was holding his hand trying desperately to hold back tears knowing that it would be several months before I saw him again.

I'm excited to travel back to the Windy City and cannot believe I'll be there in less than 2 weeks. Hopefully, I'll get to see a bit more of the city this time around. I'll be sure to post a follow-up after we return!