IL = 1.75% tax + earthquake + warm weather

when we were visiting drew's parents, i needed to buy some clearasil to zap my zits. after purchasing, i looked at my receipt and it said i was charged 1.75% tax! i was astonished and repeatedly thought...no way! it has to be 10%?? because i know that in the chicago it's 9.25% for tax! i guess they have special taxes for household items! LUCKY! wish i bought more items. heh heh.

yes, earthquake in illinois! i totally felt it. i couldn't sleep and i felt my bed shaking and heard the door jiggling. at first, i thought it was a train or truck passing by or simply was hallucinating. i asked drew if he felt it and he said no, so i dismissed the thought. in the afternoon, i got a call from my niece london and she asked if i felt the earthquake! i was like wah?! so I WAS RIGHT! good thing london called, otherwise i would probably need to do some mental testing. ;) london is a cutie!

my mom made me bring my long wool winter coat on the trip. i added two scarves and a winter hat. i thought i would need winter gear because it was supposed to rain and be cold! i didn't use any of it at all! it was so warm that i only needed to wear a vest. i think it was warmer in illinois than in california.

shocking tax rates, earthquakes, and warm balmy weather in illinos? what is going on?!

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my newest cutest baby award goes to this little gal, drew's 2nd niece:


don't you love it when you hold a baby and they snuggle into your neck? *swoon* this little cutie did it a couple of times to me and my heart was gone. i have never seen a little baby be so well behaved. she doesn't make a sound...only to talk and laugh! i can only pray to have a little one like her!