Weekend getaway in the windy city

We decided to go to Chicago the day after Christmas for a nice little weekend away since we weren't going to Copper Mountain, CO this year to ski and board. I always assumed spontaneity was rare in my family, but my parents proved me wrong. For my mom, Abs and me, this weekend was delightful. For my dad and brother, not so much.

Goodbye home!

Jack Bauer entertained Mitch and me on the ride up. He does not disappoint.

Pizza the first night, of course. Giordano's comes highly recommended for delicious reasons.

A museum the next day. Our smiles are slightly misleading. We discovered we aren't really into science or industries.

Mitch and I did a reenactment later to show our true feelings towards science and industries.

Shopping was good to Miss Abby....

Most of the time.

This picture cracks me up. It's such an excellent portrayal of her mood right then. And mine.

The Evergreen Restaurant in Chinatown makes you feel like you are actually in China; however, I'm still not convinced the Chinese eat Crab Rangoon.

I love this town!

The McCain's never miss a chance to eat good chocolate.

Hey look! My parents finally came together to take a decent picture. Thanks for the group effort, guys.

The final verdict:

Abby: Enjoyed Chicago, but "you should see New York City."

Mitch: After standing next to the man who cursed every other word and getting his jacket stolen in the ESPN zone, he was happy to be leaving.

Me: Loved it as usual. Chicago's at the top of my list of cities to live in once I graduate.

Abs attempted her reporter skills in the second city.

Goodbye Chicago. See you soon.

Christmas Day 2008

Christmas 08 was perfect. We had everyone over for Christmas Eve dinner and then woke up early the next morning to full stockings, presents to open and biscuits and gravy to eat. We spent most of the day at my grandparent's house with all the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. The only bad thing about Christmas is how fast it all goes by. I've still been saying "Merry Christmas" to everyone even though it's technically over. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people take down all of their decorations and lights the day after Christmas. Soak it up, it only comes once a year.

Merry Christmas.

The funny face game

I survived.

Finals, knee brace, airport. It's all over. My favorite part you ask? Probably finally landing in St. Louis and walking to the baggage claim to see my family waiting for me. First response: my mom starts cracking up - so hard, in fact, that she has to sit down. Then, when she can finally breathe again, she gets up, starts making fun of my walk up and down the baggage claim, then says, "You look like you have cerebral palsy." Thanks mom, I love you too and I'm so happy to be home.

I did the math. I've been home a total of 32 hours and have slept 18 of them. That's beautiful. However, considering my reputation with numbers, I wouldn't completely trust me with that calculation.

Here's a video to introduce the first night of Christmas break.

Knock on wood

Said Michael Scott, "I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious."
I think I am, too.
Do bad things really come in threes? I hope not, but I'm beginning to think there may be a little truth in that superstition.

Two weeks ago I got in the most traumatizing car accident of my life (Yes, I am dramatic).
This weekend I sprained my mcl in my knee while snowboarding.

What's next? Stay tuned.