chicago...

number of:

• phone calls from dad wondering where we were: 2
• minutes we arrived before train began to roll: 5
• dads waiting with donuts and cash for sendoff: 1
• passengers who flagged down train as it was beginning to leave: 2 [not us!]
• people on first run guest list: more than I'm ready to deal with...
• times bar attendant looked the other way while we consumed our carry-on donuts in the dining car: 1
• cups of coffee on the way there: 2
• trips to restroom on the way there: 2
• times train jerked big time while Shawna was in the restroom: 1
• times I exited cabs and lost my left flip flop getting out: 2
• pictures of Shawna modeling gowns: 0 [major faux paus...]
• gowns that didn't look amazing on her: 0
• gowns that made me cry: 1
• gowns that made my eyes water: all
• times we told her she looked beautiful: stopped counting
• times I wished mom were there: ditto
• gowns we left behind that could be "the one": 5
• nieces that sat mesmerized during the entire process: 1
• times we asked for directions: 2 [not bad]
• times we entered a security code to be admitted into the boutique: 1 [a first]
• times I wished we were staying the night: 3+
• times I was impressed Shawna knew her way around Union Station: 2
• times I noted our diversity: 2 [Cannibal Corpse t-shirt guy following Amish couple down aisle]
• times people commented on body odor smell in car: 4
• little girls that talked NON-STOP round trip: 1 [cute but chatty & I'll bet grandma was glad to take her home]
• beers consumed by college guy from Chi to Qtown: 7
• trips to restroom by beer boy: 1
• songs sung by beer boy while wearing headphones and consuming beers: too many
• phone calls by beer boy to waiting friends to update plans to consume more alcohol: 4-5
• minutes willingly waited for oncoming freight train to opt for unoccupied tracks: 50
• miles traveled at walking speed: 8-10
• minutes we arrived late: 60
• fiancés waiting at station for bride to be: 1
• sisters I was glad I have: 1
• hugs and I love yous exchanged as we parted: 4
• memories tucked into the corners of our hearts: enough for a lifetime...
• husbands who can not understand we did not find a dress: 1