First of all, I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted something on my blog! Life has been very busy with school, new friends, house-searching, volunteer work, and a weekend in Chicago. Yes, I have much to update you all on from the last month or so.
School is going well, and I am especially enjoying my Shakespeare and Adolescent Literature courses. Many hours of reading and writing, but it's okay... as long as I graduate by Fall 2010 :-). Ryan and I have been having so much fun getting more involved with our life-group at church, a group of young married couples like us. When we first started spending more time with these people outside of church, Ryan and I joked that we were going to be poor and fat (because of how much we all go out to eat), but at least we would have friends! Our schedules have also become busier with our search for a house. Originally, we were planning on looking for a house to rent, but the real estate market in the St. Petersburg area is much better for buyers, so we are now officially hunting for our first home. We'll see what God has in mind for us! Last thing on my update list before I move on to my Chicago trip is my new position volunteering at a local adult literacy center. I will be a tutor for adults who never had the chance to learn how to read well, use grammar properly, etc. I am so thrilled that God has given me this chance to bless others with the abilities he has given me!
Now for the funnest part of this post: my wonderful weekend in Chicago. On Friday, the 19th of February, I left for Chicago to celebrate my sister, Jordan's birthday with her. My parents were also able to come, and the four of us stayed in a lovely hotel downtown, just a block or two away from Michigan Avenue. It was such an incredible trip! I spent Friday eating a delicious breakfast at a Swedish restaurant, touring Jordan's college campus, settling into our luxurious hotel room, and enjoying a dinner of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza with the family. Saturday--Jordan's actual birthday-- we spent time shopping on State Street and Michigan Avenue and eating more divine foods at the Grand Luxe Cafe and Harry Caray. Sunday went way too fast, but we were able to have a day of family fun again, walking around the city and buying Jordan a few birthday presents. Seeing my family again was an unbelievable blessing, and it reminded me, as always, of how much I love and miss them. I can't wait for the next family reunion! Happy 19th birthday, my sweet little sister!
