This week I got to see people from home for the first time since I've been in Florida -- all right, all right, I've only been here for 3 weeks...but I missed everyone! :) I was actually in Chicago for the ever amazing IPRA conference (Illinois Parks and Recreation Association). I went to "better myself as a professional," a.k.a. network with professionals in the field as well as people I already knew. Hey! ANYONE can be a connection.
I flew into O'Hare on Wednesday night, and after a four hour delay, I came back to -25 degree windchill. I don't know how you all are surviving right now because it was downright miserable. Pat's family was wonderful enough to pick me up at the airport at 11 p.m., as well as run inside the airport to bring me winter clothes because I was stupid enough not to bring any to Florida. The Elsey's also fed me and put me up for the night. Royal treatment! :)
I went into the city with Pat's mom in the morning and took a cab to the hotel downtown. That day I got to see my parents, my RST friends and Pat. I love Florida and the people down here, but it's always nice to see my favorites. I got lots of hugs and squeals (thank you, Niki Royce). Definitely can't beat that.
The highlights of the week/weekend included: Seeing all of my RST friends (U of I, EIU and ISU), U of I Alumni event at the University Club, the amazing IPRA socials ($5 Corona all you can drink/$10 all you can drink with dueling pianos for entertainment), keynote speaker Richard Louv (author of Last Child in the Woods...read it!), making Pat go shopping at Macy's where an entire floor is devoted to shoes (amazing!), reconnecting with a friend of the family and visiting his sweet condo downtown, having people refer to me as the "Florida girl," having my Dad introduce me as the "snow bird," jumping on my parent's bed while they were sleeping, the closing social at the Field Museum, and, of course, spending some QT with Pat.
It was a fantastic week, and aside from the weather, I was reluctant to leave on Sunday. But now that I'm back in Florida, I remember how amazing that can be too. Plus, next time I see my favorites, they will be visiting ME on Spring Break. That will be a week for the books, especially since I get that entire week off from work at SunFest. :) (They are too good to me there...)
Here are some pictures from Chicago for your enjoyment:
I flew into O'Hare on Wednesday night, and after a four hour delay, I came back to -25 degree windchill. I don't know how you all are surviving right now because it was downright miserable. Pat's family was wonderful enough to pick me up at the airport at 11 p.m., as well as run inside the airport to bring me winter clothes because I was stupid enough not to bring any to Florida. The Elsey's also fed me and put me up for the night. Royal treatment! :)
I went into the city with Pat's mom in the morning and took a cab to the hotel downtown. That day I got to see my parents, my RST friends and Pat. I love Florida and the people down here, but it's always nice to see my favorites. I got lots of hugs and squeals (thank you, Niki Royce). Definitely can't beat that.
The highlights of the week/weekend included: Seeing all of my RST friends (U of I, EIU and ISU), U of I Alumni event at the University Club, the amazing IPRA socials ($5 Corona all you can drink/$10 all you can drink with dueling pianos for entertainment), keynote speaker Richard Louv (author of Last Child in the Woods...read it!), making Pat go shopping at Macy's where an entire floor is devoted to shoes (amazing!), reconnecting with a friend of the family and visiting his sweet condo downtown, having people refer to me as the "Florida girl," having my Dad introduce me as the "snow bird," jumping on my parent's bed while they were sleeping, the closing social at the Field Museum, and, of course, spending some QT with Pat.
It was a fantastic week, and aside from the weather, I was reluctant to leave on Sunday. But now that I'm back in Florida, I remember how amazing that can be too. Plus, next time I see my favorites, they will be visiting ME on Spring Break. That will be a week for the books, especially since I get that entire week off from work at SunFest. :) (They are too good to me there...)
Here are some pictures from Chicago for your enjoyment:
Some of my favorite girls getting a little crazy at the Dueling Pianos Social.(From L to R: Niki, Brittany, Amy, Me)
We matched. But it was an accident, I swear. I got dressed first at least. :)
Here's a big portion of the U of I kids, complete with our academic advisor Becca and the two dueling piano guys (a.k.a. the only guys in the picture who look old).
Having a little too much fun on the escalator...
Pat and I at the Field Museum for the closing event of IPRA 2008.
That's all for now. So sorry for the delayed blog this week! Please continue to write (snail mail is my favorite :)) and call!!!
Until next time, peace and love.
No comments:
Post a Comment