Home for a visit

I came back to L-town last night for a much needed long weekend. Alex is in Virginia this weekend with some friends for 3 nights of Phish concerts. Needless to say, he was really looking forward to it! I've spent the day relaxing, sleeping in, going to Wal-Mart (another one of those simple things I can't do in Chicago), and playing around on the internet trying to make invitations for Brandy's upcoming bridal shower, plus I'm getting ready to leave soon to get my haircut from my pal Judie, she does a great job!
This week has been super, super, super nice in the weather department! I didn't even have to wear a coat this morning, it was great! With all of this nice weather I desperately need to get my car washed, but I think its going to rain, which would make my efforts a total waste.
Big plans for tomorrow are getting together with Brandy to do some planning for her bridal shower and probably dinner.
Happy Friday!

"Respect the ABC's"

After a lot of googling and e-mailing, I found a photographer.  The couple we are going with was actually a recommendation from the original photographers we were wanting.  So it worked out ok!  So check that one off of the list, now only about 150 other things to take care of.  I feel like I've gotten some of the bigger things done though!  

We were in L-town over Valentine's Day weekend, which was nice.  We double dated with my parents for V-day dinner, went to the mall, and rented a movie.  Generally simple things, except when you live in a big city!  So it was nice to take it easy.  I ended up getting super sick over the weekend, and actually got a sinus infection per the Dr. at Arnett.  Yeah.... bummer!  I'm still not feeling a 100%.  I tell you being around 30 5-6 year olds and another 550 kids on a daily basis really puts a toll on you!  I feel like I'm sick about once/ month.  Plus I'm exhausted all the time!

Its Tuesday night, which means Alex is busy away being TA.  I think he is enjoying it.  Its a different experience for him.  A few weeks ago (I think it was only his 2nd week of being a TA) he got home fairly late ~9:30 and of course I was already in bed.  He came in and woke me up to say "A teacher's job is never done".  Of course I chuckled because that may be the biggest understatement I have heard in awhile.  At least he is getting a little taste of it. 

My school is having a talent show this Friday.  Two of my students tried out.  One is playing the violin with another kindergartner (cutest thing ever!) and the other... brace yourself for this.... he rapped, yes rapped the ABC's! OMG what a riot!  Unfortunately only my violin played made it to the final round to the network wide talent show.  My little rapper got stage fright during the 2nd round and didn't really complete his act.  Although, it was still adorable!  Make note, that this is an original that he rapped and at the end he goes "Respect the ABC's" hahahaha I almost died when I heard this!  I'll be going Friday though to cheer on my violin player- wish us luck!  

In need of a photographer

So, the wheels are officially rolling on the wedding planning now.  My parents booked our reception spot, so we are locked in .  When my dad e-mailed me to tell me he had put a deposit down, he put a special message to Alex in there, basically saying- tell Al its too late, he has to marry you now!  Nothing like fatherly love... haha!  Now I am in the crisis of finding a photographer!  The people I had originally wanted (Monahan) are booked ALREADY on our day! Ahhh.... I was super upset!!  Now I have been frantically googling and e-mailing because its making me panic now.  Honestly, the pictures are one of the most important parts to me because the memories and pictures are all you really have after that day.  I've e-mailed about 5 different photographers, everyone is just sooooo pricey!!  Cross your fingers for us.

Other than that, nothing new is really going on.  Alex is back in school and the same ole' grind for me everyday.... some days, actually most, I wonder how I am doing it.  But, I am still pushing through... trying to survive!  It is rewarding some days!  

Hope all is well with everyone out there.  Let us know of any updates with all of you!

Until next time... 

Cold Blows the Wind

Woke up this morning, to -25 degree windchill and it is -9 at this moment. High -1.   What better way to welcome in these cold temperatures...a good shave.  I know most of you had seen this monster growing, but I kind of feel sad that it is gone.  Kind of like those movie and TV scenes where it becomes blurry and white around the edges, music, and highlights of the time we spent together.  12 hour bar crawl, rubbing it in OT for luck, stroking it for inspiration during my finals. Oh the memories.  Anyways, it is gone and I look somewhat normal again (if 5 years younger is normal).  Not a whole lot going on in Chicago (probably why I am blogging).  I had a pretty good semester, but there is always that one grade that you feel that you should have done a little bit better on.  Still enrolled and pushing on through.  Halfway mark.  I have done absolutely nothing since Jackie and I came back to Chicago.  Bought some books, had a meeting at school, and have been consumed in one video game.  Somewhat ready to get back to the grind of reading all day.  On second thought.  Last weekend came home and played some poker at Brandy and Kyle's house.  Great party and time but the poker did not go so well.  Did not really expect much though.  Jay is coming up this weekend for an interview.  Sounds like he is doing Top Chef.  He gets there and is told to make something. Probably pretty intense.  Jackie, Allison, LBC, and I are going to see Gene Ween solo at a tiny bar on 1/31 (not that anyone really knows who that is).  Should be sweet. Have some beverages and just hang out. There is only 1.5 months until LBC, Brad, Wes, and I go to Virginia for Phish.  Going to be here before we know it.   That's about all going on with me. Hope everyone is well.

Cheers.