Chicago, Day 3: Fashion Edition

A day late. Oops. We had a full day of meetings yesterday, so this blog will not be filled with fantabulous Chicago sites. Instead, we can talk about the people we encountered. All in fun, of course. We are here at the convention with about 9,000 other teachers. I will tell you, What Not To Wear could cast their next 10 seasons in this building alone. I've learned that you can pair a sequin skirt with white tube socks and sandals. People also dress alike. A lot. I've never seen a state more proud of their flag than Texas. I know this because they have worn it in some form or fashion everyday. They have button down shirts, vests, and even bandanas that you can purchase to take a lil Texas home with you. It's interesting to see 200+ people wearing a flag.

The teachers from Wyoming all wear brown Safari type vests that have Wyoming and a horse embroidered across the back. They have lots of pockets. Maybe they are going fishing after this. We were unlucky enough to encounter a very spunky Wyomian, whatever people from Wyoming are called, that paired her tan vest with leggings that I think her cat scratched giant holes all down the front and sides. She accented them with lovely madras shorts and a black lace tank. All I can say is Bless Her Heart. Yes, we took a picture.

We couldn't get the vest : (

The delegates from Hawaii are so cute with their matching Hawaiian shirts. That I get. However, the bright, palm fronds and toucan shirts that Oklahoma are sporting...well...I haven't figured that out yet. Molly said when she thought of Oklahoma she immediately thought of the jungle.  Kansas has cute little sunflowers they wear. I heart a good accessory!

Alabama peeps have color coded button down shirts for each day. Today is tan day. Yesterday was aqua. Tomorrow I'm hoping for pink or purple! I think Alaska has some sort of hooded shirt that has bling around it. I'm pretty sure someone there hearts a glue gun.

The rest of the states have some matching T-shirts, but nothing too crazy. I guess the Tennessee people are just lazy! Just kidding! Molly and I were just saying we were very grateful to not sit here in a Daniel Boone coonskin hat and a bright orange shirt.  

Some teachers take it upon themselves to make their own unique outfit. I've seen giant corn hats in Nebraska, birds' nests perched on heads, and even a flying pig hat...with working wings. I'm not sure if they are teachers or if they got lost on the way to a Lady Gaga concert.

We went to a fantastic mexican cantina last night. We ate on the sidewalk and it didn't even smell bad! The weather is amazing. It's warm, but usually has a nice breeze. There are tons of people outside at night. We also survived two cab rides. The first guy was very nice. He told us the trick to driving in Chicago was to be aggressive, but think at the same time. Oh, and blow your horn a lot. We found that if the car in front of you is stopped for pedestrians, you should honk repeatedly to encourage them to run them over. I'm pretty sure people don't honk their horns here just to get your attention to wave hi. It means walk faster. Much faster. Basically, run or be run over. I like options!