SEASHELL NELL

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nellskac

I went to Chicago and stuff

Remember how I was going to be recreating and stuff? I did. I went to IL and Chicago and saw friends and fam. Want to see about ten pictures with limited amounts of text? Why, your wish is my command!

Picture one!! I met up with my cousin. It was pretty awesome. I like her a lot. She helped me set up camp and find food and then she listened to all o' my DRAMA. Muahahahahaha.
Picture one!! I met up with my cousin. It was pretty awesome. I like her a lot. She helped me set up camp and find food and then she listened to all o’ my DRAMA. Muahahahahaha.

We got too late to the grocery store, though. So we relied on our reserves of oatmeal and yogurt and CORNCHIPS BECAUSE: HEALTHY CHOICES 4EVER.

And then she left and I went on a nature hike.

Blassssssssssssssssst I can never have any fun anywhere!!
Blassssssssssssssssst I can never have any fun anywhere!!

I saw flowers and lifted my white, white arms to the sun and smelled flowers and called to birds.

And then I found a sandy beach.

JK on the "sandy" part. Lolz.
JK on the “sandy” part. Lolz.
Quick stop at my favorite place.
Quick stop at my favorite place.

And by “quick” I mean “a few hours.” But, still, the best. I just rested and sat and prayed. And God was so faithful and just poured some love on me. Aw yissssssssssssss.

LOOK AT ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE NATURE PARK.
LOOK AT ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE NATURE PARK.

So, yeah, then I was back in for the night. And the temp dropped in gross ways. Like, 80’s during the day, and down, down into the 50’s for the evening. YES.

I woke up shivering in my sleeping bag all, “oh no, what do I do now??”

And then I hopped into my car and slept sort of cramped-like in the back seat.

Not to be phased, though, I also went to Chicago.

Only it was still cold, and my nose was running but I didn't have any Kleenex. So I decided I needed a napkin. But I didn't want to take one without buying something from somewhere because that would make me, I don't know, a jerk. In my mind, at least. So I bought some artsy tea from an artsy tea place. I almost stopped at Starbucks but then I was like, "Make better choices, Nell, this is Chicago. They must have more for you." And I was not mistaken.
Only it was still cold, and my nose was running but I didn’t have any Kleenex. So I decided I needed a napkin. But I didn’t want to take one without buying something from somewhere because that would make me, I don’t know, a jerk. In my mind, at least. So I bought some artsy tea from an artsy tea place. I almost stopped at Starbucks but then I was like, “Make better choices, Nell, this is Chicago. They must have more for you.” And I was not mistaken. So then I had both tea and a napkin for my runny nose. Capitalism.
Oh, and I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off for a bit until I found a mass to attend. Love and more love. This one was in the middle of the city, like my own little church!
Oh, and I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off for a bit until I found a mass to attend. Love and more love. This one was in the middle of the city, like my own little church!
Oh, and I went a little bit of shopping. This place sells party dresses and also wedding dresses. If you're getting married: YOUR WELCOME. Their stuff is rill nice. I checked the fiber and the construction for ya. BHLDN, yo. I tried on two party dresses, but no dice, mate.
Oh, and I went a little bit of shopping. This place sells party dresses and also wedding dresses. If you’re getting married: YOU’RE WELCOME. Their stuff is rill nice. I checked the fiber and the construction for ya. BHLDN, yo. I tried on two party dresses, but no dice, mate.
But it was still in the 50's and all I had were my summer clothes so then I bought these leggings from Macy's. 'Murica.
But it was still in the 50’s and all I had were my summer clothes so then I bought these leggings from Macy’s. ‘Murica. Capitalism.
ALSO I WENT TO NAVY PIER. Fun fact: my sister and I got hair wraps at this VERY KIOSK when I was in Chicago the first time when I was, like, thirteen. Heh. I felt so old.
ALSO I WENT TO NAVY PIER. Fun fact: my sister and I got hair wraps at this VERY KIOSK when I was in Chicago the first time when I was, like, thirteen. Heh. I felt so old. I think I was wearing a pink sweater-vest. Old lady status WUT.

In Chicago I really started missing my people. I went to Chicago once with my mom and sister and another time with my oldest brother and I kept passing places we’d all seen together and I was like, “I wish they were here. I wish I was with my people.”

And it was still cold (SO. COLD.), and I took the train back to my campsite and called that one long-distance guy I’m dating and stufffffff (see!!! You say I never mention you on the blog BUT THERE IT IS, HOPE YOU GOT THIS FAR, YA SCOUNDREL) and was like, “It is SO cold here, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

And he said, “Well….you got yourself into this mess. You only have yourself to blame.”

So, yeah, thanks for those caring words of encouragement. Cough cough cough. 😉

And then I slept another night in my car, all cramped and crinkly.

(Also, I didn’t brush my teeth because I was cold and tired).

The next morning I woke up and I was like, “If I didn’t have friends to see, I would pack up and go home right now.

But, I did have friends to see.

Ta da!
Ta da!

And I love them and they’re perfect and beautiful and holy and kind and talented and sweet. And they cook good food. And they’re single.

And we saw a play and hung out and went to double-church because we holy like that.

So then I drove home exhausted, but happy. Very happy.

Thank you, friends and Chicago and Illinois and the train and the noodles I bought in Chicago.

I have much love in my heart for you all.

Thank you, thank you. Good night.

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