Part 1: Adventures (already) with my Daughter – Taking train from Providence to Chicago

My little lady and I went on our first adventure together yesterday… we took the train from Providence, RI to Chicago. Yes, all 24 hours of it. It wasn’t a continuous 24 hours, but it was literally from “door to door” 25 hours long of an excursion.

I’m DELIGHTED to be in Chicago working with Bounty this week for P&G at the 2013 International Home + Housewares Show. I have heard SO MUCH ABOUT this Show, and I’m just ecstatic to be here, partnering with a brand that literally is ALWAYS in my house. I joked with my husband a few months ago that we (easily) buy a 15-pack of Bounty Paper Towels every 2 weeks.

In order to be part of this partnership with Bounty, I needed to make sure I got to Chicago. Taking the train was the best option (at the present time) for me (and my little girl). So… I got myself ready and prepped for the excursion and adventure. I left yesterday morning from Providence, my husband dropped me off with Ben and Henry. Ben SOBBED when I got on the train and it literally broke my heart. I wasn’t expecting him to cry. I was sad, but also excited to embark on this trip… one that I knew would be interesting, different and unique.

I have to say, I’m used to the Providence to NYC route. I do it about 3-4 times a month, so it’s nothing to me now. I know the stops, I know the drill, I know it inside and out. Getting to NYC was super easy, and when I arrived, there was the BEST RED CAP on the planet named Manny who helped me bring all my bags and everything to the Acela Lounge. He was amazing.

I think there was a piece of me that was super curious and super nervous about taking the Sleeper Train from NYC to Chicago. We boarded at 3:45PM, and wouldn’t get to Chicago until 10AM the next morning. I was prepared for the long trip… I just wasn’t prepared for NO INTERNET. LOL… in all reality, it turned out to be for the best. I was able to zone out, relax, read and just sort of BE. I haven’t gotten that kind of relaxation in a very long time.

But the big news, I made it.

We pulled into the Chicago station and I felt relief.

I did it.

We did it.

My little lady and I made it all the way from Providence to Chicago.

Part 1 of our Chicago ADVENTURE!!!

But in the meantime, Chicago – HERE WE ARE!!!