I was able to attend this year’s American Academy of Audiology convention in Chicago (I’m sure you can guess why I wanted to go!). I was so busy and was unable to take too many pictures but I have a few. I was able to ride the Metra to Union Station before taking a bus to the conference center, which made the days a little bit long but really fun and jam-packed with information! I learned a ton and even got to attend a session presented by one of my old classmates from Utah State University (he graduated a couple of years after me). When the session was over, I saw that several other former students had also attended! It was fun to see them, especially since I was a tutor for a couple of them when I was in grad school! They have each found an interesting niche to work in—one owns his own private practice, one is at the Mayo Clinic, one is an educational audiologist in Alaska, and I am in an ENT private practice. It was great to catch up!
Of course, after all the hard work was done, my dad and I were able to do some fun activities. Unfortunately, my grandpa had some serious health issues and my mom hurried to the hospital to be with him. Fortunately, he was able to recuperate well at home and Mom was thrilled to be able to help.
Dad and I walked the “Magnificent Mile” and enjoyed all the shopping there. We even had our picture taken for the front page of the Chicago Tribune! While we enjoyed ourselves on the river front, we stopped down under the city for a famous Billy Goat Tavern double cheeseburger. When we walked in the front door, we were immediately asked what we wanted to eat. I said, “I need to see the menu-I’ve never been here before.” To which he promptly replied, “You want a double-cheezborger, it’s the best. [to the cook in the back] à DOUBLE CHEEZBORGER! And you, sir, you want a double cheezborger, too. [again, to the cook in the back]à DOUBLE CHEEZBORGER! You want Coke? Coke, no Pepsi.” We paid 30 seconds later and sat down with our burgers, in a daze. What a fun experience!
