Things I Learned on my Summer Vacation

• As a woman, I have no idea what it means to pack light. I only took one suitcase for my week long trip to see The Boyfriend, but it was so jammed packed that I damn near dislocated my shoulder trying to lift that thing into the trunk of my car. I'd say that next time I won't pack so much shit, but we all know I'd be lying.
• Renting a car is like being a kid in a candy store. Only better. When did renting cars at airport rental facilities get to be so fun? Used to be, when you made your rental car reservation, you were stuck with whatever car the company decided to give you. Now, they tell you to go out on the lot and pick whatever car you want in your rental category (compact, mid-size, luxury etc.) The keys are already in the vehicle and the doors are unlocked. I thought I had died and gone to rental car Heaven!
• Chicagoans are the most discourteous drivers I have ever encountered. There must be a law in Illinois that says "If a driver in another lane turns on her blinker, indicating an intent to go from one lane to another, then you must speed up so that she is unable to get over in a timely manner. If she flips you off, ignore her."
• The Boyfriend's sleeping habits are worse than originally thought. Not only does The Boyfriend steal sheets and hog more than his share of the bed, but he even rolls over on me as if I am a very lumpy extension of the mattress. If this keeps up, we'll be sleeping in separate beds a la Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
• Beware of what you eat. Who knew that a dinner consisting of an Italian beef sandwich, onion rings and a strawberry shake could cause you to fart uncontrollably while you sleep?
• Be what your loved ones need you to be when they need you to be it. On my last day in Chicago, I got a call call from my good friend and former roommate, Julie. Julie's mom was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and has been given 6 months to live. Mama Lucy, as I affectionately call her, has been ready to "go home and be with the Lord" for years now, but her daughter is entertaining no such prospect. At least not yet. Since the doctor's have given her no hope, the only thing Julie has to hold on to is her belief that God is capable of restoring her mother's health. Julie called me, because she needed a "woman of faith" (I refrained from looking over my shoulder as she said those words) to stand with her and to pray for her mother's healing. So right there on the phone, I prayed for my friend. I asked God to bless her and her family with His peace and comfort, and I prayed for her mom's complete healing. And I will continue to pray that for as long as necessary, being that woman of faith (however ill-fitting the title may be) until Julie needs me to be something else.