Not quite back to reality...yet...

Back to Chicago...but not quite back to reality. 

Got back Friday night, made a quick turnaround, and met up with some friends at a local dessert & drinks bar. And, as its description implies, there were plenty of delicious dessert-flavored drinks and desserts to go around. And there was plenty of laughter and good conversation too. I love my Church friends.

And, speaking of Church friends, Saturday (after MOC & groceries), I spent the afternoon and evening at a charity pub crawl (#beatMS) - it was a ton of fun, especially considering I'd never done a pub crawl before. Here's some evidence of the good times. (Yes, mom, we did take pictures.)

Today, though tired, I felt pretty good (and thoroughly recovered), and I met up with some friends from Arizona. (I taught their children in fourth grade.) They were in town for the Holy Cross ordination in South Bend this weekend and are flying out of Chicago this afternoon. It was a delicious pizza- and pasta-filled lunch, and I am very grateful for their generosity and friendship. (Yes, Maria, I am talking about you!) I do miss Arizona - must start planning a visit there soon...

The weekend (and spring break, for that matter) is coming to an end this evening. I have a few things to do to get ready for school, and then I will be going to Mass and, afterwards, watching the Notre Dame women's basketball team play UConn in the Final Four. Let's go Lady Irish!

This past week and a half has truly been a blessing, where I have been fortunate to be surrounded by lots of family and friends. It's weeks like this one that help keep my life in perspective, and I am so very grateful to know so many people full of life, love, and beauty!

I pray now that I may take this energy into the upcoming weeks of school...The alarm is sure going to come early tomorrow...