My pleasure!

Eleven years. Eleven long years. More than 4000 days. That’s how long I’ve lived without quick access to Chick-fil-A’s chickeny goodness. But as of 6 am this morning, that has all changed.

Lansing’s first Chick-fil-A opened for business.

(Photo by RHD)

(I’m just letting that sink in…)

The new CFA is 8 miles from my house. Takes about 15 minutes to get there. A 2 ½ hour trek to the closest original chicken sandwich was my reality yesterday. But today. Today! A 15-minute drive is but a hop, skip and a jump!

I saw several friends as Rebecca and I had breakfast there this morning. I may have to go back for lunch. And if we weren’t having company for dinner, I’d be tempted to make it a three-fer kind of day…

I’m going to have to make a new budget category.

Chick-fil-A, thank you for coming to Lansing! This Georgia girl is thankful for the taste of home.

The cows are coming!

Ten years, seven months and 18 days. That’s how long I’ve been a full-time resident of the Mitten State. And that’s ten years, seven months and 18 days of living in a land without Chick-fil-A. After having immediate access to the golden chicken goodness for the first 35 years of my life, being without has been a shock to my system. The absence of The Original Chicken Sandwich, waffle fries and the best diet lemonade ever (yes, I see the irony) has propelled our little family on many road trips. Need to know how to get to the closest CFA? Just ask. We can tell you where to go in Toledo (the absolute closest – first exit after the Ohio border), Ft. Wayne, Mishawaka, South Bend, and now, Chicago.

When we first arrived in the Land Chick-fil-A Forgot, I wrote letters. I emailed CFA headquarters, asking when they planned to open a store in Michigan. Each response was met with, “Michigan isn’t one of our target areas right now.” But they did send coupons for free chicken sandwiches. Those coupons were spent on our road trips home South. But after a very exciting announcement last week, it looks like they could now be used just twelve miles from where I’m sitting in the great white North: 

“Chick-fil-A moo-ving into Lansing.”

Holy cow.

Y’all, for the decade I’ve lived here, I’ve heard rumors about the impending opening of a CFA in Detroit or Grand Rapids. Each rumor has been built on hope, but in the end, was only wishful thinking. But now. Now. The local paper is quoting a real, live actual CFA employee saying CFA is coming to Lansing. There’s an actual address. I know RIGHT WHERE IT IS! This is more than a rumor – this is REAL!

The news came a day before we were hit with our first snow storm of the season. The thought that chicken nuggets and cole slaw are within reach in the next year made the nine inches of the white stuff almost tolerable.

Almost. 

But today there's no snow in the forecast. And it looks like this week's temperatures will be high enough to melt the snow. And my college kids are coming home for a long holiday weekend. And I remembered to take the turkey out of the freezer. AND Chick-fil-A is really, really coming to Lansing. 

My list of, "Things I'm Thankful For" just keeps growing. 

Chick-fil-A, thanks for finally making your way up here. Your Southern manners and fabulous food will be welcomed by those of us who've been without your goodness for too long. 

And it will be my pleasure to keep your Lansing store in business. 

Random Thoughts

I have had it with my iPhone correcting “y’all” to “talk.” Cut it out! Y’all is a real word for crying out loud.

 

I've also had it with winter, which means I’m with 99% of everyone living in snowy states.

I have no idea what’s wrong with the other 1%.

Thankfully, the temps have been in the high 40’s and nearly hit 50 yesterday. Which means I can see grass!

Never knew how much I loved grass.

I love grass more than potholes. But alas – it is the season of mud and potholes in Michigan.

Rebecca said she hoped it wouldn’t snow again – but I know better than to get too excited about real spring weather. We’ve seen snow in April.

Since moving here, I don’t get really excited about spring weather until May.

In two weeks we’ll mark 10 years of living in Michigan. That is hard to believe.

As an anniversary present, Chick-fil-A announced it is building not one but two stores in the Great Lakes State! They’ll be an hour from me, but still. Only an hour to that yummy chicken goodness.

Man, I’m going to rack up the miles on my car…

Did you hear about Vodafone’s new maternity leave policy? New moms will have 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, and for the six months following her return to the job, will be allowed to work 30 hours and receive full-time pay.

Huh. A private company, making a choice for what is best for them to retain talented women after they have children.

Guess putting faith in the free market isn't such a dumb idea after all.

I tried to let go of that third rail, but I just can’t seem to…

A kindred palate

Finally, a love song for Chick-fil-A! I must admit that one highlight of my trip South last weekend was a Chick-fil-A sandwich and cole slaw. So, so good. Of course, when I was coming home I couldn't get any of that chickeny goodness because it was Sunday.

Big thanks to Traci for sending this my way.

Good Morning!!

God graciously brought Sean home safely last Friday after spending the week in Nashville. He was at the Spring Hill plant; the new Chevy Traverse is being built there and he was offering helpful hints on the production. I tried not to be too jealous of his Tuesday night dinner: Chick-fil-a nuggets and lemonade.

So here it is, another Monday morning. Reading and writing and ‘rithmetic await. I had a good night’s sleep and am full of vim and vigor for the day ahead.

I hope you are, too.