Friday, July 11, 2008

white knuckles and birthday surprises

Last night’s drive home was exciting in a heart-pounding-please-don’t-let-this-be-the-end kind of way. I left my office at about 7:20pm, and Brett called me soon thereafter to inform me that a storm was pushing its way eastward, through the corn fields and into Chicago. “Eh,” I thought. “I’ll make it home before it hits.”

Then I saw in the western sky, an enormous black line of clouds, like a big space ship covering up the entirety of Northern Illinois. Seriously, it was like those space ships in Independence Day, just hovering over the farmland. Creepy.

I, of course, was headed west, directly into the impending storm, and I noted that perhaps this was not going to be as “eh” as I had thought.

Fifteen minutes later, me and my car are engulfed in the space ship like storm cloud, and the rain began to pelt my tired little car with it’s less than terrific tires. Shit. The hydroplaning began, and I held on for dear life as it became obvious that my gas peddle was doing nothing more than offering me a place to rest my foot. Seriously, I was convinced I was going to be washed away, never to be seen again.

That last mile of interstate before my exit was nothing short of terrifying. I wish I could have just pulled over, but I could barely see out the windshield for the driving rain, and I was pretty sure no one else could either. I didn’t feel like getting squashed by a semi-truck as I waited out the storm.

Basically, it sucked. End of story.

In non-terrifying news, Brett’s birthday is Tuesday. I am taking him on a surprise trip. He has an “idea” of where we’re going, but whether his “idea” is accurate has not been confirmed. I’m not telling him anything, and I considered blindfolding him for the entirety of the drive, but then I reconsidered it as I certainly don’t want to be mistaken for a kidnapper.

The only hints I gave Brett were that it was within driving distance, he need not bring any dress clothes, and he would need multiple bathing suits. So, any of you familiar with our part of the Midwest, where do you think we’re going???

14 comments:

Jess said...

I am not at all familiar with the Midwest, but I think you're going somewhere I would like to be! I hope there are pictures upon your return!

Pickles and Dimes said...

The Waterpark at the Mall of America?

Flibberty said...

There's a water park at the mall of america? Really? My first job was at the Gap in the MOA (I know, shut up) and all I remember about water was that damn log ride.

Fiona Picklebottom said...

I have no idea, but does it have waterslides? I haven't been to a waterslide park in OVER A DECADE and I want to go.

Animanous said...

Swimsuit modeling competition?

artemisia said...

[I just deleted my own comment before i posted it. Need. Weekend. Now.]

"I noted that perhaps this was not going to be as “eh” as I had thought." = AWESOME. It just sounds like YOU. I love it.

Oh, you guys HAVE FUN!!!

Sarah said...

I recently had a drive like that with Jim, on our way home from a game out of state, and it lasted nearly an hour. I was seriously praying things like, "Please God let me live to see my kids again." Not fun.
Hope your trip is fun and your boy has a happy birthday!

Chris said...

Dude, I've been in storms like that, and they're just miserable and terrifying. I refuse to drive now if I know it's going to be like that... it's just not worth the sick worrying. I'm glad you made it okay!

Katrin said...

Ok, I don't have an idea where you could be headed. Have fun!!!

Penny said...

Yikes, that sounded really stressful! Although I have a secret, and it is that I like driving in bad rainy weather. I sort of like it after the fact more than during, but it's kind of awesome to see how fierce the rain can be.

Becky said...

I'm new here (linked from pickles & dimes), but I love guessing games, so even though I don't know exactly where in the Midwest you are I'm going to guess Wisconsin Dells. Because I know it's in the midwest, there is lots of water there, and as far as I know people don't ever dress up. ;-)

Where ever it is, have fun!

Unknown said...

The Six Flags Water Park in Gurnee???? :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRETT!!!!

Rachel H. said...

I have no idea where you are going, but I'm sure it'll be fun. I'm not familiar with the midwest either. But I'm sure it'll be fun. And I hate storms like that!

Manager Mom said...

Yikes. that is scary...glad you are OK!