Monday, October 24, 2016

Chicago Riverwalk


Another Sunday afternoon spent in the city. Ok, so this Sunday was not nearly as exciting (or extended) as the adventures of last Sunday, but it still included a new experience! This past weekend was the opening of one of the final parts of the Chicago Riverwalk Renovation.

When I think of a riverwalk I think of the one in San Antonio. The San Antonio Riverwalk is a site (sight??) to see! There are shops and restaurants right on the riverfront and it goes on for miles (or at least it feels like it). This Chicago Riverwalk is nothing like that...at least not yet. There are a few restaurants on the north side of the river and it only extends about half a mile, from what I can tell.

This outing was with a few good friends. Just a quick walk down to it with a stop at Trader Joe's on the way back. Oh, how I love being able to say that. I have yet to stop feeling thankful to God for this time in the city. To live in such an urban an environment for this time of my life is incredible. Particularly for me because I love getting to know where things are and how to get to them.

It's funny - a lot of my friends are stressing out this week over all that they have to do, and, while I do have a little less than they, I have had a lot of peace. I've been finishing assignments at a reasonable pace, not getting caught up in the stress. This is not unusual for me at the midway point of the semester. The craziness hasn't really slowed down, yet I have a much better handle on how classes are and what they require. I have developed a deeper interest in what I am studying, therefore making assignments easier because I am (at least a little bit) excited to complete them. Praise the Lord!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to start brainstorming what my next sermon will be on for my preaching class...

- rl

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Open House Chicago


This afternoon we ditched homework and went out for an annual Chicago event - Open House Chicago! I remember seeing the advertisements for this event my freshman year and yet today was the first time I actually got out there! And, believe it or not, we didn't end up at any homes. However, we did run around to a few really unique locations (the Lake Point Tower garden, Columbia Yacht Club, and Blackstone Renaissance Hotel Suite of Presidents - one which we literally ran to get to before it closed!) that would not have been possible without this event! These are just a few pictures from the afternoon. There were so many shots I wish I could have gotten, but our time crunch and a decent amount of other people present prevented me from doing so.

This post is yet another attempt to get back into blogging. I have recently been encouraged by some loved ones to start blogging again, so we'll see how this goes!

- rl