Woke up this morning... Yes, I know that is not a complete sentence, but it is a complete thought for me--which I will explain. You see I was not awakened; I woke up! This is big news, because this hasn't happened since Thanksgiving break about a month ago. Finals are over, my papers areall turned in, and in a few hours I am getting on a plane to go back to Arizona for three whole weeks!
I am a little suprised to be on the other side of last week and still retain my sanity. I had a lot of tests and papers and responsibilities with minimal sleep. To make matters worse I injured myself pretty good on friday. On thursday we got something like a foot of snow in one night--it was insane! Anyways, on friday I had to go observe an elementary school class and write a paper on it for my classroom methods and management class. I was observing one on the other side of town (down in Humboldt Park). So, I had to take the bus and do a lot of walking.
Chicago was pretty good about clearing the roads, but unfortunately a lot of the snowdrifts are moved to the sidewalk. So anyways, me and my friend who went with me were treading through these three foot snow drifts and we were wearing nice shoes because we were told to dress professionally. We got back to Moody at about 11:45 and lunch was closing in fifteen minutes. So we went quickly inside and headed for the stairwell to the basement where our cafeteria is located. I started to run down the stairway, but forgot that the bottom of my shoes were covered in ice! As a result, I cascaded down the entire stairway on my rear-end. Luckily for me I did slide mostly on my butt, because anywhere else would have probably ended in a broken bone or two. So I have some special bruises and have been in a little pain all week, but it doesn't hurt much anymore, so that is good. What's the moral of the story? Snow storms are a health hazard and we should all go to Arizona. So I am.
Anyways, today I am going to attempt to drag to suitcases around the city and even on the El, so wish me luck. Seriously, though, I'll be fine--because it's all in the shoes. It's all in the shoes...

It is now December here in Chicago snow is on the ground, a chill is in the air (it would be quite the euphamism to say Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, because this chill is better described as Jack the Ripper), and it is ridiculously cold. You wake up in the morning and try to decide what to wear, but really the best answer is simply to wear everything you own. Anyways, in spite of the bitter cold, the snow is beautiful, especially against the backdrop of the city all done up for Christmas.
For those of you who did not spend Thanksgiving in Phoenix, I'll give a brief update on that. I got to go home; and seeing everyone was amazing. At first I was a little perterbed because I had so much work and it wasn't getting done, but seriously it was totally worth it. I think it was my favorite Thanksgiving I can remember having. It was the first time I got to hang out with my brother since he went off to college and it was so great to see what an amazing man he is turning out to be. It was so good to see Grandmom and Granddad, whom I never realize how much I miss until I see them again. It was so good to see my mom in person, and to see Jay who is like a foot taller every time I see him. It was also good to see so much of the extended family whom I don't get the pleasure of spending a lot of time with. Wow, I think that covers my list of family whom I was blessed to see.
The countdown is on to Christmas Break. Of course, that means I have barely left the library since coming back. I totalled up my papers for last week and I turned in 25 pages worth of writing. I think I have about 20 more due this week, but on the bright side the worst is over and finals sound like a welcome break to me right now. Well Merry Christmas Everyone. Can't wait to be at home in a couple of weeks.