Sunday Salon: A Slight Bit of Chaos

Well, there is always just a little bit of chaos in the Nawrot household, granted. That is what keeps us young and energized. But this week contained maybe just a little too much, and left me wanting to curl up in the fetal position under a piece of furniture and sleep. Some weeks are like this, and it is just best to move on.

We had a busy Labor Day weekend. My husband and I went golfing on Sunday afternoon and left the kids with my parents. We were gone for what? Four hours? Enough time for all hell to break loose at home with my daughter, The Hormonal One That Is Getting Too Big For Her Britches. I won't go into the details, but I've been told I won't get her back until she is 25. Give me some Red Bull, I'm going to need some extra energy I think. And some Prozac. We did manage to have a nice barbecue on Monday without tears or fights.

Alot of running around on Tuesday...both kids had dentist appointments, practices, and homework until 9:30pm. But hey! There was a light at the end of the tunnel, because my husband and I were headed for Chicago on Wednesday morning for 3 days. Woo hoo! Eating and drinking and book shopping! We had a great room with a beautiful view of the Magnificent Mile and the lake, weather in the '60's, and life was grand!



My husband had some meetings on Wednesday afternoon, so opened the door to the balcony, and had myself a little bloggiesta. I wrote three reviews, and did some posts for BBAW next week. (Next week!? How did that happen?)

The next day, while my husband was at meetings, I had made plans to meet Jen (Devourer of Books) at a small indie bookshop named The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square. I am still intimidated with the transit system in Chicago, so I took a cab, and Jen drove into the city with Daniel. The plan was some vigorous book shopping then lunch.

About 2 minutes before Jen arrived, I got a phone call from my mom that she had just been to the eye doctor, and had been diagnosed with a detached retina. She needed to go back to Indiana for surgery immediately and we needed to come back home NOW. (There was also some controversy as to whether she could even stand to wait until she got to IN before she went blind, as she had had some symptoms for a couple of weeks. Lots of angst and frantic texting.) Obviously I was completely rattled. I called my husband and told him to work on flights. In the meantime, I was going to try to make the most of my time with Jen and Daniel. I ended up having to leave before lunch in order to make our plane in time, but it was so nice to meet another blogger, and what might possibly be the sweetest little boy on earth.

Daniel displayed his prowess at "if you're happy and you know it clap your hands", and navigating the stroller through the aisles of books. I really just wanted to eat him up.

Jen walked away with one book, and of course I couldn't decide so I bought four:

"Human Bobby" - Gabe Rotter (cause Michele @ Reader's Respite said I had to)

"Manhood for Amateurs" - Michael Chabon

"The Slap" - Christos Tsiolkas

"Elegy for April" - Benjamin Black

I felt bad that Jen had come all that way to turn around and leave, but I had to high-tail it back to the hotel to pack and run to the airport.

(Update: My mom and dad are back home and mom will be having surgery tomorrow.)

The remainder of my week was filled with kids' sports, birthday parties, wrapping up a few odds and ends for my parents. And alot of wine.

And some reading. Ahhhhh! I'm still working through "Innocent Until Interrogated", a true crime book that I won from Jen. It took me three days to read 35 pages, but on my trip I was able to put a dent in it, and should be finishing it in a couple of days. The kids and I are on Disc 4 of Mockingjay, and I just wrapped up "Faithful Place" by Tana French on audio. Are we allowed to throw panties at narrators? Because if we are, then this Tim Gerard Reynolds is going to get it. I don't think he has narrated many audios, but he is rocking my world big time.

And next week is BBAW! Let the fun begin, and watch my Google Reader explode. We've been provided with topics for daily posts, there will be giveaways, and awards. Interview swaps are on Tuesday, and I will be talking with Gayle @ Everyday I Write the Book and vice versa. On Thursday, Jenners and I will be sharing a tasty little treat with you as well.

On that note, I will sign off for now. I wish you all a nice relaxing Sunday filled with peace and serenity!