Rootie in the 'Burbs!

The drive up from Memphis to Aurora, Illinois, was very long, very flat, and very straight. Again, we made amazingly good time, not least because I was on a mission from hell’s kitchen…

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To see my ARC’s! So we just made a few pit stops on the way, including dinner chez Mickey D’s….

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That was the first time I’d eaten McDonald’s in a very, very long time. It involved a lot of mayonnaise on my burger. Which I relished, because I am a very naughty mayonnaise fiend.

Anyway, eventually we rolled into Aurora and to my childhood home. Where there was a big, beautiful box waiting for me. JOY!

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It was really, really cool to see these. I may have teared up a bit. I did not openly weep, as both Rootie and I did while listening to This American Life during the drive up. There was a man talking about his faith after his mother’s death, and we both had tears streaming down our faces. I may have let out a sob. We were already emotionally wrung, and a bit tired, so I only managed to squeeze off a tear or two. Not bad for someone who cries at Hallmark commercials.

And that was it for us. We were both k-nacked, so we we hit the hay.

The next morning, we had coffee and smoothie and then, despite the crazy Illinois lightening storm, went shopping. We also made sure to FINALLY EAT SOME VEGETABLES!

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We then spent some money, got our nails done, and did some grocery shopping so I could do my best impression of Peggy Bundy:

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I made turkey tacos for my dad, my childhood friend Angela, and Rootie because I have had just about enough of eating out. Dinner was delicious and much more nutritious then our NOLA diet of beignets and Abita.

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And my dad enjoyed having dinner with the ladies….

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After dinner, we went down to our local hoodrat hang out…..

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It was fantastically ghetto, and it was fun to be with Ang back in the bar we used to have the pizza delivery guy drop us off at (long story)….

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Rootie enjoyed the ole Pitcher o’ Miller Light as well as some local Chicago brews…

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Soon enough, however, we went home. For we were both pooped. We needed a wee rest, and we got it. But tomorrow? Oh, no resting for us, my friends. Tomorrow we par-tay, Peeler style. It all culminates in smooching a real life rockstar….. mit pictures!! Wheeee!!!!!

10 thoughts on “Rootie in the 'Burbs!”

  1. I'll do the Miss America cry for you DP, those books are a sight to behold. CONGRATS!

  2. I stumbled across your blog just as you started your trip…too funny. I will def pick up one of those pretty books when they hit the shelves down here in Atlanta.

  3. Hi Nicole,

    I have been jonzing for your book ever since I saw you on the League. That box of ARCs is torture. Any chance you are sending any out for review or is your pub? I review for Night Owl Romance (www.nightowlromance.com) and would love to give you some exposure.
    If not, are you going to do any contests for ARCs?
    Regardless I will be picking up a copy when it hits stores cause it looks AWESOME!!!
    Have a great trip, really enjoying your blog!
    Best wishes!

  4. Hi Leslee! Thanks so much! I can certainly hook you up with a review copy. Just email me your deets at iheartselkies(at)gmail(daht)com. And thanks again! I really hope you enjoy it!

  5. Hi Nicole,

    I emailed you my addy. I am so thrilled!!!!!!! I can't tell you how excited I was that you would be so generous to send me your book. Can't wait to dive into it.

    Best wishes and happy traveling!

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