Hey All! First, to any and all DIDS regulars who were looking for the DIDS last Tuesday--sorry you could not find it. CSK and I did not get the DIDS up last week because of a perfect storm of internet-access-issues, cranky children, and last-minute convention preparations. But, today the internet is working, the kids are in good moods, and we've finished unpacking.
So, for those of you who haven't been here before, I'll answer the question that's likely on your mind: "What are the DIDS?" DIDS stands for "Damn, I Did Something!" This diary series is a weekly cyber-gathering to celebrate the cool things we've accomplished--miniscule or herculean! Personal or political! Intellectual or emotional! It's all a possible DIDS!
More below the break.
To get the DIDS rolling tonight, I'll share a few a few of my own recent DIDS:
- I made it to YKOS 07! Though I did not make it to many of the sessions, I did....meet a ton of engaged, intelligent, passionate, fun-loving fellow progressives...attend the Mother Talkers caucus and two education panels where people actually TALKED SENSE about education policy in the US...go to a DL party that was so loud and so crowded that it got closed down by the authorities! (Something that I had not experienced since the early 90s)
- I drove to Chicago and back with the Pods in tow, experiencing no major traffic jams or toddler melt-downs on the way. Along the way, I also got in a very nice visit with my 91-year-old Grandmother. The Pods showered smiles, hugs, and dancing upon her.
- I emerged from said drive with my sanity intact, despite listening to the sound track of every children's DVD we own.
- I successfully introduced the Pods to the joys of big cities--grand sculptures (the Bean!), long walks (from Ohio St. to Millenium park), public transportation, (the bus), amazing museums (the Art Institute), and really big buildings (John Hancock). They ate it all up with gusto and proved to be enthusiastic, intrepid adventurers. I forsee many wonderful vacations with our guys.
So, that's the big stuff for me. For those of you who made it to YKos, what were your memorable Chicago DIDS? For those you who weren't in Chicago, what cool things did you do this week?