CHICAGO!

So this is a picture of the famous Chicago Bean in Millennium Park. Unfortunately, I got this picture from Google images, but only because my crappy little camera didn't like taking pictures of it at night! It is actually a really cool statue and we were even able to walk under it!!!

However, that was Saturday night, so I will start from the beginning!!!

Thursday morning was slightly stressful, because of course I fell asleep Wednesday night without packing! I quickly packed my book bag and rushed out the door to work (D drove me, thank goodness!!!) While at work, I made sure to send D a few emails, reminding him of certain things to pack so that he wouldn't forget! Moving to a new place is very stressful!

Around 3:30p, I was picked up from work by one of our friends and his little sister. They drove us to the airport, where we checked in right where we were dropped off! While you do have to tip the people (apparently to ensure that your bags make it...) it seemed SUPER convenient for the 3 huge bags we were checking. One bag was over 50lbs, but with a little rearranging (and two hardback books going into my purse) we were successfully checked in! The helpful guy also printed out our boarding passes for us, although D didn't realize and we checked in again anyway. I suppose you can never be too careful???

We successfully got through security, although D forgot that his projector was in his book bag, and that caused a minor hold-up. Thankfully, no one was behind us, so it didn't really matter!!! Once we were putting our shoes back on, there was a little kid, around 3 or 4 who would NOT stop crying, most likely because someone had taken his little book bag away, as well as his shoes! At that age, there is no way he can understand airport security, just the fact that someone was taking away his things! After security, we quickly grabbed a bite to eat and then headed to the gate. The plane ride wasn't anything too exciting, but I loved looking out the window and seeing Chicago as we approached! Due to the three large bags, we took a taxi to D's new place! Like most places in Chicago, it has one of those circular doors that are super cool for someone from North Carolina. I always thought they were just super fancy, but also found out that they prevent the wind and cold air from coming into the building in the winter. Imagine that!

The rest of Thursday night wasn't that exciting, just filled with a little unpacking and walking around to find food, which was a little harder than we expected! Where D lives seems to shut down at the end of the work day, so not as many places were open! We finally settled on Qdoba, which was good, as usual! Since both CVS and Walgreens were closed by the time we left dinner, we ran into the 7/11 to get some basic things (toothbrush/toothpaste etc.) for the night and then settled in to watch a little Modern Family!

Friday morning started off with a Starbucks run (of course) and a call that the movers were an hour and a half early! Moving in wasn't that bad, with the exception of the broken bookcases and TV stand. I was in charge of checking off what numbers came in, and I messed up twice, but I still don't think the movers said the right number!! They said it wasn't that big of a deal, which is nice.

While the movers were bringing in all the boxes, the groceries arrived! It was nice to already have them in the apartment! After the movers, we grabbed lunch at Potbelly's, which was an awesome sandwich place! We also walked around the Merchandise Mart for a while, which was nice! I tried deep dish pizza for dinner, and could only finish a half of a piece! After pizza, D and I traveled to Wicker Park to visit K and C. It was nice to see her place and visit with old friends, but I may not be making that trip again...

Saturday was filled with more walking around Chicago (in the northern direction this time) and we found a cute little used bookstore! There were also new titles, but lots of used books! I was in heaven! I bought two books (one for D) and they were still cheaper than the cost of one book normally! Following the bookstore we caught a late breakfast at EATT. The service was amazing, probably because they were about to stop serving breakfast and we were able to order super fast. My banana pancakes were amazing! Of course, I had leftovers for Sunday's breakfast!

The rest of Saturday included unpacking 5 boxes of books and organizing them (me) while D unpacked the kitchen and started washing all the dishes. He was also able to go through a lot of his clothes and wash them too! After a little unpacking we walked over to Millennium Park and checked out the bean and saw a LOT of people. It was a bit overwhelming, but apparently there was a free country concert going on that night. For dinner we found Ronny's steakhouse, which was in itself an adventure. We shared a meal and tried their famous pink lemonade, but the place was slightly sketchy. The food was pretty good, but hurt my tummy just a little bit.

On Sunday we woke up to the CHICAGO MARATHON! Even with the windows closed, we could still hear all the music and cheering for the runners. We quickly ate our leftovers from EATT and I packed up my stuff to head to the airport. Due to the potential marathon street closings, we left with plenty of time to make it to the airport. We grabbed Starbucks on the way, which also included a Chicago mug for me! I promised D I would buy him the North Carolina mug, so that we could have the respective mugs at our places. We took the orange line to Midway and found out that my plane was delayed an hour! It was nice because we had a little more time to spend together. We sat at near the check-in counter and some guy even trusted us enough to leave ALL his bags next to us while he went outside for about ten minutes. He didn't even ask us, but I guess we looked responsible enough to not take his stuff...

Around 2pm we said our final goodbyes and I headed through security. The two people in front of me kept forgetting things in their pockets, included coins and a beer bottle cap, but overall it wasn't that bad. The worst part was getting to my gate almost an hour early and there wasn't anywhere to sit! I sat up against the moving sidewalk, but I kept sliding down!

Finally I boarded my first plane ride by myself! It wasn't really anything that exciting, especially since I didn't have anyone to talk to! The flight went smoothly and Roman picked me up at the gate pretty soon after I arrived. While it was nice to make it back to my place, I was exhausted! I am glad that I don't have to travel that much each week.

Overall, my first trip to Chicago was a blast! I go back in a few weeks and I can't wait to see other sights while I am up there! I miss D, but we are trying to email a few times a day and talk on the phone when we can. Also, I am super excited to see my family this weekend and perhaps hang out with a few friends back home.

Maybe I will get around to uploading my Chicago pictures at some point, but I wouldn't hold my breath...

Crazy Weekend of Happiness and Sadness

One word to summarize this weekend: intense.

While I expected Friday to be packed full with birthday celebrations and wedding preparations, I never expected the death of my beloved grandfather. I know that he is in a better place, free of the pain of cancer, but I certainly wish that I would have spent a little more time with him in these last few months. I am so glad that I was able to go home last weekend as well, and I was given the amazing chance to see him and basically say goodbye. He was sitting in his recliner, watching NC State play football (just like normal!). I believe that has to be one of the best final memories for me to have of my grandfather.

The news came via a phone call from my sister while I was visiting with D outside. Thankfully, he brought good (on one front) news. HE PASSED THE BAR! Of course I never doubted his ability to pass, but I know that it was a very stressful time for him, and a good birthday present! And he was able to find an apartment in Chicago, so the move is now certainly going to happen. I will miss him, but I am glad that he has a job (since so many are unable to find decent jobs...) even if it takes him away for a few months (or years). We have talked about our future plans, but have also realized that we need to settle in before making any major plans.

To celebrate D's birthday, we went to Kanki with his mother and sister. The food was amazing and I didn't really mind being picked on by the guy making our food. I still think that he should have picked on the birthday boy, but I suppose I was the next youngest at the table! After dinner, we shared a cheesecake made by his sister and decorated by his 2 year old nephew. The one potential setback was the lack of silverware, but we just used chopsticks instead!

Following dinner, we said goodbye to his mother and sister and headed to Wal-Mart to pick up a few quick things (including Halloween candy and Star Wars pjs!) for the wedding on Saturday. Then we got ready to go out to celebrate with our friends, for both his birthday and his going away party. It was a lovely night with friends I hadn't seen in a few weeks, some even since summer! While I believe I pulled off being pretty normal, my grandfather's death was in the back of my mind all night. Looking back, I think I did a little too much on Friday, which led to a minor breakdown early Saturday morning.

After some good beer on Friday night, we headed to Locust, NC for B and T's wedding! I wasn't really sure how happy the wedding was going to be, with my family being pretty torn up over Granddaddy's death, but it was a lovely wedding and even Grandmama was very composed during the ceremony and reception. T looked very happy and B was gorgeous! It really seems to be true that every bride looks amazing on her wedding day. I loved the unique look to B's dress and she seemed to know both of her grandfathers were looking down on her big day. And I caught the bouquet at the reception! Granted all the other girls (there were only 4) stepped backwards and I had to lunge in order to catch it before it fell to the ground, but still. So now I suppose I am next in line? Although, if I am next in line to those girls, it makes perfect sense...

After the wedding we headed to Charlotte, to celebrate my dad's birthday. Saturday night consisted of hanging out, watching college football. It was nice to just be there with my parents and enjoy a few quiet moments after two very busy days. While I didn't really enjoy waking up early for church on Sunday morning, the service was lovely and I believe D enjoyed the more laid-back atmosphere of my church. I hope wherever I end up settling down, I can find a church very similar to Sardis.

All of the family got back together Sunday afternoon for Dad's birthday celebration, which was a lovely affair. I think my dad really enjoyed seeing everyone there for his birthday, even if his own father couldn't make it. The funeral is tomorrow, and I believe that is the time I will finally cry. Thankfully D offered to drive me to Charlotte tomorrow, giving me the opportunity to be sad and NOT have to focus on driving on the highway.

I believe that is basically a summary of my intense weekend. Lots of much needed family time! I will be glad to see everyone again tomorrow, even if the terms are not the happiest.

D and I leave on Thursday evening for Chicago, I can't wait!

Maybe I will post pictures soon? Don't look too forward to them, though...