So Mark and April have given me grief about not writing a blog. They give me the opportunity (and access which I think is scary) to their site and I haven’t done anything yet. I am such a horrible, horrible bridesmaid. Ok…so I hope to redeem myself by writing this. First off, I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the last days of summer.

Why do I get to work at 7am? I am absolutely crazy! Oh yeah…because I can leave by 3-3:30pm….so it does make it worth it…but I do love the weekends when I can sleep in. Except for when my annoying neighbors decide to play loud music at 8am….8am??? On a weekend? Some people are just very rude…

But I shouldn’t really complain because I do love my new apartment. It’s cool…the neighborhood is awesome…There are bars, restaurants, shops and a movie theater within walking distance. I never really have a reason to leave my neighbor. Oh! And there is a grocery store within walking distance as well. Hmm…..Mark and April, you need to come visit me! And if anyone else wants to play in Chicago, let me know!

Last weekend, I experienced Northerly Island (formerly known as Meig’s Field). I went to a concert that showcased like 10 bands…the headliner was O.A.R. Anyone heard of them? They were really good! My brother talked about them for years, and I finally experienced their music. The venue is really neat…I highly recommend going. Later that evening, Navy Pier had fireworks…So I got to listen to music AND watch really cool fireworks…awesome!

So I have some fun trips planned for the next couple of months. Houston, Texas in mid-September to experience Gator Fest with my brother. San Francisco, California in late September to experience California for the very first time (and oh yeah….to go to a work conference)……And I’m considering going to Charlotte, North Carolina in October to see my dad and his wife (they just moved there a week ago!)

Well….this is an update of sorts on me…..I am not feeling extremely “witty” this morning, but perhaps I will get a second wind and will write a follow-up blog. And perhaps one day I will figure out technology and I will include fun pictures…perhaps I will dig up incriminating pictures of Mark from his days at Illinois State University.

Blog ya later
Michele

Jeff is now in Tennessee for school.  It is kind of weird without him here.  He was at our house a lot over the summer.  We won't get to see him here until his Christmas break. :(  It's about a 12 hour drive so we won't be able to visit very often either.  Good luck at school Jeff!!

One weekend in September we are going down to Clinton to meet Steve's family.  It should be a fun time. Hopefully we will be able to do something with my family as well. 

We have changed our mind about having the wedding reception at Mark's Parent's.  We are booking with the Beloit Inn.  It is a very pretty place.  The out of town guests will also be able to stay the night there and enjoy a complimentary breakfast the next morning.  The reason we changed our mind is because we don't want to be stressed about the weather.  We also realized that it would be a lot of work because we would have to get someone to help set up everything the morning of the wedding.  Our next step is to decide where we want to have the ceremony and finding a DJ.  Other than that it will be small things to decide on. 

April :)