Random and Spontaneous Happiness!

The roller coaster that is my life hit another big turn this past week. I think this is the part of the ride where I realize that it's not all that scary and is actually really fun. Addicting almost.
Recap:
I got told I was going to lose my job at the beginning of June.
I planned on moving out to Missouri to be with my family.
Got told I wasn't losing my job 3 days before we were supposed to close.
Still decided to move.
Got a promotion/raise the following day.

When I got told I'd be getting promoted with a pay raise I realized that I needed to stick around a little bit longer. Our school lunch program starts up at the end of August and apparently my boss is counting on me for that.
This past Sunday I had another talk with my mom (I love her to death and don't know what I would do without her, honestly!). I came up with the idea of just going to visit for awhile to see how much I really want to move out there, as well as to just get away from here. My mom agreed that it was a good idea.
I talked to my aunts about coming to stay in August and they mentioned that they were going to be in Chicago from July 19th-22nd and that it would be cool if I could go with them. I couldn't pass up that opportunity, so, a week ago a train ticket was purchased (I avoid flying if at all possible) and I'm planning on embarking on my new adventure in less than 40 hours. It has been hectic beyond all reason planning this in less than a week. It was a miracle I even got work worked out.
Tuesday night after I get off work at 10, I'm going to take the Frontrunner to the Salt Lake Amtrak station and wait, who knows how long, for the train to arrive (it's scheduled for 3:30am, but the trains have been at least an hour late this week). So, Tuesday night going into early Wednesday morning is going to be interesting.The train ride will be long, too. It's supposed to leave at 3:30am and get into Chicago the following day at 2:50pm (almost 35 hours) But, I can't wait. I'll get to see the country and won't have to deal with driving or my flying anxiety.
The best part though, is that I get to go back to Chicago for a few days, and spend it with 3 amazing people. I'm way excited about Missouri as well, but I cannot for the life of me calm down about the Chicago part. I LOVE that city! :-D
I'll try to take as many pictures as possible and possibly do a trip blog post. I'm way excited about the scenery that I'll get to pass through on my long train ride. Hopefully I won't fill up my memory card on just that part of the trip :)

Here's to spontaneity!!!
Did I mention I'm excited?! ;)