2009 Symposium

[Cheryl R]

I got my newsletter yesterday and am surprised that no one mentioned that the date and place for  the 2009 symposium was announced.       It will be August 14-16th at the Drake Hotel in Chicago.             
I looked up the hotel and very nice.       Thank heavens for convention rates. 
                                              Cheryl R

[leapyrtwins]

Cheryl -

still waiting on my newsletter - hoping it comes in tomorrow's mail - but knew about the symposium.

I'm glad to hear that the hotel rates are good; the Drake is a little pricier that hotels I usually stay at, but then again, it's a step above most hotels I usually stay at - since I generally travel with my children.   

I am definitely going to attend and am hoping that a lot of forum members will also - it would be great to finally be able to meet everyone.  I live in the Chicago area, but will be staying at the hotel since I rarely get to the city and there are so many things to do there.  I'm hopeful that other attendees will be able to sightsee a little with me in between sessions.  This will be my first ANA Symposium and I'm anxiously awaiting the agenda. 

Jan

[Cheryl R]

The newsletter never gave the rates.   I just know from past experience that it will be cheaper than what the usual rate is which I got from the internet and had sticker shock. 
I have been to the last 3 symposiums and enjoyed getting to stay in  more luxurious hotels than my usual when we travel.                              I would love to stay sometime in a really really expensive one.         Great Hotels on the travel channel has been one of my favorite shows. 
    Since we are in Iowa, we have been to Chicago in the past a couple times and been able to sightsee.   I have been wanting to come back.                We will have to see what my future holds though with possible increase in balance issues past this next surgery.
                                                Cheryl R

[nancyann]

I'd like to go also - haven't been to one yet ( though I wonder about brain overload ! )    Yes Jan, it would be great to meet everyone, that's the #1 reason to go.   & I love sightseeing, going to museums, shopping;   would love to take in a concert (classical music) if that's happening during the stay...

[leapyrtwins]

Nancy -

hope you can attend - you, too, Cheryl 

Don't know about classical music, but there is always something going on in Chicago - especially in the summer time.  I just visited the House of Blues (had NO idea it was so fabulous) with my childrens' 6th grade class.  I can't wait to go back.  I hear they have an incredible Sunday Gospel Brunch.  The Art Institute is wonderful as is Millenium Park.  I also am dying to run or walk along the lake shore.  I'm currently not running - one of my goals - but I hope to be by 8/2009.  For the chocoholics among us (myself included) there's not only a Hershey store, but a Ghiradelli store - and they are located right across the street from each other; kind of my idea of heaven 

I've stayed at the Drake before and it's a very nice upscale hotel - my children weren't impressed because we were there in cold weather and there isn't an indoor pool.  A big problem in their eyes LOL

Now that my BAHA surgery is over, I'm determined to get back to my pre-AN (and my pre-divorce) life.  I've been in a holding pattern for too long.  I think 2009 just might be the "Year of Jan".

It's about time 

Jan

[nancyann]

Jan:  I know how you feel re: the holding pattern;  I thought 2007 was my 'healing' year,  but 2008 is also a healing year for me,  so yes,  2009 is looking darn good to me too !    Is there an outdoor pool at the Drake ?    I only saw a fitness room,  didn't notice any pools.
Cheryl:  I hope we can all attend,  I know you have the Nf2 you're dealing with - I pray everything will work itself out for you...

[leapyrtwins]

Nancy -

don't think there's a pool at all, but I'm not totally sure.  There's always the lake, though - and it should be pretty warm by August.

I'm willing to share 2009, maybe we should make it the official year of Jan & Nancy 

Jan

[Jeanlea]

I hope to be able to attend the 2009 conference.  I'm about 6 hours north of there.  Running along the lakefront sounds like fun.  And then chocolate!!  It would be great to meet people from the forum.

Jean

[leapyrtwins]

Yeah, Jean !!

Hope you make it; the more the merrier.  It would be great to have a big crowd 

Jan

[ppearl214]

well, since I missed last yr's, due to the bloke's official arrival to the States, I'm doing all I can to make sure I am at next yr's symposium.  Gotta meet more of you folks AND harrass the ANA office in person! (well, will be doing that during my next upcoming trip to ATL, but hey, I think they owe me a drink or 2!)

Phyl

[leapyrtwins]

(well, will be doing that during my next upcoming trip to ATL, but hey, I think they owe me a drink or 2!)

Phyl

Phyl -

we all probably owe you a drink or 2 for everything you do 

Hope you, and your bloke, can make it.

Jan

[Brendalu]

I was hoping for someplace warmer for the 2009 symposium, but I guess I can tough it out in Chicago.  Do you think we can get tickets to the Oprah Show if we ask early enough?
Brenda

[krbonner]

Having gone to the 2007 Symposium, I have to say that it was well worth the trip.  Even as a post-op patient with no lingering side effects. 

I'm hoping to make it to Chicago.  The swashbucklers-in-training will even be old enough to appreciate some of the local sights!

Katie

[leapyrtwins]

Brenda -

August in Chicago will be nice and toasty - not at all like our lovely winters    Don't know about the Oprah tickets (never been) but I'd imagine if you ask in plenty of time you could get some.

Katie -

if you do bring your young pirates, check into the Tall Ships.  They are in Chicago during the summer, but I can't recall when; it may be in August.  They are supposed to be wonderful and I know there is at least one that you can board.  If I think about it this year, I'll make a note of when they're here.  There are also a lot of other things for children - Children's Museum at Navy Pier, Rock & Roll McDonalds, Rain Forest Cafe, Oak Street Beach, boat tours of the lake, aforementioned chocolate stores, etc., your boys would love it!

Jan