Bill, Tanya, & Lauren came over today.  Mark and Bill went on a 7.15 mile bike ride and Tanya, Lauren and I went on about a 4 mile walk.  We grilled out brats and better cheddars (sausage with cheese), and also had a salad, potatoes on the grill, and baked beans.  After they left we were exhausted and took a two hour nap.  Mark went to mow the yard and the mower wouldn't start so we had charge the battery.  Then it started to leak gas so he had to do some other stuff to it.  His dad came over to help so that was nice. 

We decided to go to Wal-Mart to try to get a new battery and they were out.  We still found other stuff to buy.  haha  At the check out I was looking in the cooler and saw two new Pepsi products so we had to try them.  The first one was Caramel Creme and the other one was called Summer Mix.  The Summer Mix tastes just like a handful of Skittles.  The Caremel Creme wasn't as bad as I was expecting but it was interesting.  I don't really know how to explain the taste.

Ok...So I have been a complete slacker and haven't viewed this wonderful website in a few weeks....

Things have been very crazy on my end.  I know I told you all that I went to Texas and had a great time.  Then how the hurricane hit and my brother was evacuated.  Well, I then kept you hanging after that.  So.....my brother's house survived Hurricane Rita.  He is currently living in an R.V. camp with other coworkers (the fed gov't put them up)...he works for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge.  He is working with his insurance company and also FEMA aid to fix his house....he had water damage on his floors, so he ripped those out...a couple windows were damaged and he mentioned that he needs a new roof.  All in all he was very lucky.  So we're hoping that he'll get to move back home by Thanksgiving...if not sooner....

I experienced California for the first time at the end of Sept-beginning of October.....I went to San Francisco for a work training and stayed at the Sir Francis Drake.  That was a cool hotel.  Besides attending work stuff, I went to Fisherman's Wharf, ate good seafood, walked the crazy steep hills, had a beautiful view of San Fran from on top of Coit Tower, went through Chinatown.....on Saturday, I biked over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito!!  Now that was a cool trip!  Very very foggy that day......My brother's friend (who lives in the area) took me to Napa Valley and we had wine....yummy!

Last weekend, I went to Charlotte, NC to visit my dad and his new wife (Glenda)....they have a GREAT place and we went out to dinner with a bunch of people Friday night.  Saturday, we drove to Asheville, NC to experience Biltmore Estate.  Lynn met up with us there, since she is now living in Knoxville (only a 2 hour drive to Asheville).  Biltmore is awesome!  I highly suggest going.....The rest of the weekend was pretty low key....

Now I am back in Chicago.......some things are going on that I will write on more once I know if it's a go......I know....mysterious.....

This weekend I am seeing Wicked, the musical, for a second time with my aunt and uncle......

Next weekend, I am visiting Mark and April!  Yea!!!  :)

I decorated my apartment for Halloween, but I need to get more "spooky" stuff.....

Anyway..that's a quick review of how my life has been in the last month or so.....

I will try not to let time lapse as long as it has in regards to the website...

Tootles for now!  :)

Blog ya later

Michele

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