The skyline was beautiful in the morning light.  Just seeing the sun coming up sheds new light on everything and gave me a new vigor to begin my day with a busy day of meeting new contacts.  Making the 15 minute hike to the conference hall proved to be a bit more challenging carrying a heavy back in heels but the fresh fruit and breakfast burrito made it better.  Picking up my registration packet, I realized they still have us listed under our old name and logo.  Oh well...

Arriving to my booth I recognized that I unlike everyone else was standing on concrete and not a nice piece of carpet.  When I asked the coordinator for a carpet or rug, I was told they'd check into it.  I started the day with a promising attitude.  I would meet lots of folks involved in virtual charter schools and they'd all be ready to hear what I had to say.  The conference hall was huge and had over 500 vendors.  Although our booth location was good, it became painfully clear that virtual charter schools weren't represented nearly as much as bricks and mortar.  Many folks I spoke with weren't even sure of what virtual schools were.  I did however meet a nice young man named Paul from Aventa Learning.  We discussed our businesses and agreed there may be a fit for SmarterMeasure in their online curriculum.  We exchanged business cards and agreed to talk after the conference.

As the day progressed, looking forward to lunch became a constant source of comfort.  What will they have?  In a town like Chicago, I was sure the menu would be extra special.  Around noon I began seeing folks walk around with a clear plastic box.  At closer glance I saw an apple, bag of chips, and a small round bowl.  Hungry and curious I walked towards the eating area.  Then I saw it...tables lined with clear plastic boxes all including a red apple, bag of lays chips, water, cookies, and a sandwich or salad.  Really?  All the way to Chicago and I get a sandwich? 

Finishing off my salad I considered bartering with my apple and chips but ultimately chose to give them away.  Disappointed and hungry, I began what seemed like a long afternoon of asking folks if they were involved with a bricks and mortar school or online efforts.  When one person said, "you are talking greek and I speak English", I decided to smile to passersby, hand them a frisbee and smile.  That seemed to work better.

Closing with a networking hour, 7:00 was finally here and I was ready to hit the town of Chicago and get a taste of what they are famous for...deep dish pizza!  Exhausted, I caught my second wind and was determined to spend two hours "experiencing Chicago"!

Convinced I would enjoy seeing the city on a bus ride, I went to the stop outside my hotel and waited.  To many public transportation is a way of life, but around here it isn't so much.  This was an adventure for me.  It began when I stepped on the bus with a $20 bill.  Looking at the money machine and the annoyed driver, it was obvious I was an "outsider".  I had no change and neither did he.  We just looked at each other and I slowly turned to get off the bus.  Startled by a honk I turned around and he sympathetically said "come on".  So yes, I got a free bus ride!

Which for some may sound exciting and even I enjoy a good deal (saved $2.25).  But with all the stopping, starting, and unusual smells, free didn't feel much like a bargain.  Catching a quick glimpse of a street sign that said "Honorary Magnificent Mile", I figured that was as close as I'd come.  Stepping off at my stop I arrived at Gino's all in one piece but a bit nauseous.  Walking closer to the brick structure, my eyes focused on the line winding around the building.  "It is famous after all" I thought out loud.

Two hours later, feeling accomplished, full, with takeout box in hand, I stepped out of Gino's and hopped into a cab.  A few minutes later I arrived back at the hotel and headed up to the pull out bed for sweet dreams. 

Small Town Girl Big City Living' Day 2

Growing up in a small down and spending all of my adult life in Montgomery, AL, I would describe myself as a small town girl with an interest in the big city life.  Traveling with my job requires me to be away a few times a year and affords me the opportunity to catch a glimpse of cities around the country.  Last week, I attended the National Charter Schools Conference in the big city of Chicago, IL.  Arriving a bit later than expected, things were off to a rough start!  Although the flights were smooth, awaiting an airport shuttle to take me to my destination swiftly was another story.  Approximately 45 minutes later we finally left the airport stuffed in like sardines and headed for a hour's drive in traffic.  Which turned into an hour and a half drive with seven stops with mine being the 7th!

Pulling up at the Hyatt McCormick Place I was relieved, car sick, and exhausted all at the same time.  Confident of my confirmed reservation I wasn't worried that I'd arrived at 7:30.  Unfortunately they were oversold.  The nice gentleman behind the counter proceeded to give me options.  I told him he must be mistaken that I'd called on Friday and confirmed my reservation.  He apologized and then gave me my options again.  Describing a 27th floor room with a view, luxury suite, at half price, it sounded like a good deal.  And then he said "However, this room doesn't actually have a bed but a pull out sofa".  HUH?  You mean I've come all the way to the big city of Chicago, home of Oprah, the magnificent mile, and original deepdish pizza to stay in a luxury hotel on a pull out bed?  Really?  In disbelief, too exhausted to argue I agreed and insisted on a food and beverage credit which he happily obliged. 

Late for the exhibit hall already, I dropped my bags with the bellhop and hurried on to the conference hall which was a 15 minute hike.  Exhausted and hungry I arrived to the closed and closely guarded exhibit hall. Using my sweetest southern drawl, I was able to beg my way in promising to set up in less than 30 minutes.  Hurriedly I set up the display only to find it broken; however, I was able to rig it up and managed to head out within my borrowed 30 minutes. 

Stopping by the hotel restaurant I grabbed a quick supper and finally headed to my "luxury suite".  As I walked into my room, I was amazed at the beautiful view.  Windows all around with a stunning skyline and city lights all aglow.  Settling down after a long day of travel, rushing around, and a rough airport shuttle ride, I pulled the blackout shades and slept like a baby on the pull out couch, after all, 6:30 am would be coming early in the morning. 

Small Town Girl Big City Living' Day 1

At the recent DLA conference in Jekyll Island, Georgia, Dr. Mac Adkins, President of SmarterServices was awarded the AliveTek Innovation Award.  He was awarded for his long standing efforts in distance learning. 

AliveTek Award goes to Dr. Mac Adkins