Today marked the end of my HLS weekend in Chicago. Boy does time flyyyy when you’re having fun!
The morning got started with a fun run. Nienke and I decided to start our run a little earlier than the rest of the group, to try to avoid the blazing heat & humidity that we encountered earlier this weekend. It was a solid effort, but it really didn’t make much difference. We have no idea how far we went, but we’re guessing maybe between 3-4 miles, with some stops to chat with fellow “summiters” in between.
Sweaty Ladies!
“WE LOVE CHICAGO!!”
A sweaty run required a cool beverage to refuel…apparently in monstrous proportions. Woops, I guess next time I’ll order the medium! Probably had about 2/3 of this bad boy before calling it quits.
After grabbing my caffeine fuel monster, we headed over to the Bon Voyage Breakfast sponsored by Thomas’ Bagel Thins. The concept was so fun: pick from a bunch of sweet & savory toppings to create your own cream cheese spread.
Can you guess whether I went sweet or savory?
C’mon, was there really any question? ;) Starting with a low-fat cream cheese base, I went with a combo of honey, brown sugar, raisins, almonds, & a pinch of salt. Paired together with a cinnamon raisin Bagel Thin, it was oh.so.good.
Along with more fresh berries. YUM!
Eventually, it was time to part ways, and make my trek back home. I got to the airport with plenty of time to spare before my flight, so I grabbed some lunch and got settled in. A mixed veggie salad + a $3.79 (!!!) coconut water. :shock: OOOOF.
Today’s Airport Breakdown:
- Arrived at airport @ 12:00.
- Ate lunch.
- Flight was scheduled for 2:55 – got bumped, due to my standby status…at least my luggage made its way out. Travel Fail #1
- Another mini meltdown…
- Pity party ensued…
- Ran to Ben & Jerry’s for a big ‘ol cup of Oatmeal Cookie Chunk ice cream. It made me feel better, I don’t care what anyone says.
- Flight attempt #2 @ 4:30 – flight BOOKED. Courtney 0, Standby 2
- Bought Wi-Fi to keep me busy, while I wait to attempt flight #3 @ 8:35…
<– ME
Please keep your fingers crossed for me! I think I’m stuck in a really bad movie this weekend…what do ya think? :roll:
On a positive note, at least I got all caught up on blog posts from this weekend!
Megan says
Flying standby is SO frustrating! I just had an awful experience with it last weekend! Good luck :)
Shanna, like Banana says
Aww man…traveling has not been kind to you this weekend. But Chicago seemed more than a little FAB!
And so happy you tried Indian food. It’s awesome!
Katie H. says
Aw, I hope your travel woes got straightened out!
Amy @ Second City Randomness says
Sorry about the travel issues! I think you may need a break from airports for awhile… ;)
I went for the sweeter cream cheese spread, too! Couldn’t pass up the honey… just couldn’t do it!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
Ah I LOVED meeting you this weekend!! You are just as friendly, fun and gorgeous in person as you are on your blog…keep shining love :) Hope you finally made it home safely!! xoxo
Courtney says
Awww thank you Gabriela! The same goes for you too!! :-D
Jaclyn says
I would be going crazy – safe travels!
Paige @ Running Around Normal says
Oh no!! I hope this story ends better than it started. It CAN’T be worse than the way there – it can’t!
Either way, it was lovely meeting you this weekend, Courtney!! Had so much fun with you at dinner Saturday :)
Courtney says
Yes! It was such a pleasure meeting you…hopefully again soon!
Dorry says
Sorry about your hours and hours at the airport! No fun…but on a lighter note, I’m so glad I got to meet you this weekend!
Courtney says
Yes Yes, so excited to have met you too!!!
Megan (Braise The Roof) says
Jeez, you had the worst travel weekend! I promise it’s not always that hard to get to/from Chicago. ;) You’ll have to come back to visit again and I’ll prove it! It was so great meeting you this weekend!
Meghann says
ahhh!! I can’t believe your travel nightmares :( I was on a returning Southwest flight that a few of the stand by people got bumped from to, big bummer. :(
Well besides the travel nightmares I hope you had fun at HLS! it was great meeting you and getting to know what a sweet and wonderful person you truly are!
Courtney says
Haha, thanks Meghann! I definitely had a blast at HLS. You girls did a great job of organizing everything. :)
Nienke at Revel says
Sweaty ladies indeed! Thanks for talking walking breaks with me!! And I didn’t even hurt too much the next day :)
That sucks about your journey home! Sounds like you made the best of it with some ice cream and internet.
It was amazing spending the weekend with you :)