Twenty-Six Days Away...

Last night I went to Loyola’s Damen Ball and I had a crazy realization. This season of my life is coming to an end. I finished classes yesterday and as of Wednesday, I will officially be done with my fourth year of college. I have lived in a wonderful apartment with four amazing girls for the past year and its sad to think that the month of May will be our last time all living together. Of course, living in an apartment with five girls can never be perfect, but for the most part…we made it work, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. (I really love you all so much)

I remember last year when this realization hit me, all my roommates were graduating and moving on with their lives…one to Pilsen – one to Houston—one to Seattle and the other to Detroit…I was so sad but so thankful for the past year and so excited for each of them. Now here I am again, going through finals week watching all my roommates get ready to graduate. It’s funny because I should be graduating this year as well but that’s what you get for transferring and becoming a special education major so late in the game ha!( I’m actually really ok with having another year of school).

As I stop to think about this past year, all I can really say is that I am so blessed. I like to think about my life as different seasons. This season is coming to an end, which is sad but also exciting because a new season is right around the corner! I have 26 days until I leave for Africa and I plan to make the most of those 26 days here. I had to print out a blank calendar for May because my planner was so messy and full of plans I had prior to my decision to go to Africa.Although things look crazy, when I stop and look at the month of May in calendar form…all I can really do is smile.

I know May is going to go fast…that’s what happens when your calendar is full of things to do and people to see. Wednesday I have my last final at four…so after that, the real celebrating will begin. I plan to make the most of the twenty-six days of summer here in Chicago.

My weeks will consist of spending time with my Chicago family- which is a wonderful couple and two amazing kids (The Lincoln Park Zoo, walks to the park, milk from Starbucks, The Nature Museum, Mr. John from Music Class, Lightning McQueen and Pirate’s Booty are a must). I will also be spending time at home in Naperville with family and friends including a week with two awesome girls whose parents are taking a trip overseas:) Packing will come at some point…but that’s the least of my worries. My best friend in the whole world is moving into my apartment and sharing a room with her for a week or two will be wonderful. I will be heading back to the football field of Naperville Central to watch my little brother graduate, to Ohio State he goes…I seriously cannot believe it- You're awesome Anth. I have a weekend planned with my sister and her husband in Naperville and a day set away for Holland Michigan to see my other family and beautiful friends I made last summer. It is going to be a quick month but a great one at that.

As for today, because I am trying really hard to live in TODAY, I will be spending it in the library (good thing I won’t be distracted by the beautiful weather and the fact that the library overlooks Lake Michigan) …but that is ok because I am rewarding myself with the Cubs game tomorrow (Thanks Dad, you’re awesome). So hurray for May 1st, not only do I have 40 more hours of free music from Pandora but I get to start the month out with a beautiful, productive day!!

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

Africa Update: Visa came yesterday....wohooooo!

2 shots done...4 to go (for those of you going..they didn't hurt one bit...just dont watch;)

ps. After re-reading this I feel like I am writing a goodbye blog or something haha- that is not my intention. I will only be in Africa for three months then I will be back:) Just FYI.