October: Big Changes

October was a really pivotal month for us. I had my last day at my union job - 10.10.14.

 It was really difficult to say goodbye. Knowing I could keep up with my co-workers eased the transition, but I was still sad to go. I decided to pursue my travel business full time. When I think about the future -I want to be able to work from anywhere. The things I love to do: help people, problem solve, help people figure out what they really want, and travel just happen to all come together into a profession where I can work from home.  I was astounded that as I told people of my plan - the response was incredibly positive, very supportive and more than once someone said, You are living the dream. I really am and I am grateful. 

The weekend of the 11th we signed up for a University of Chicago lecture series on the environment, communication and cannabis. All three lectures were really interesting and we met some really nice people. We also had a ton of fun playing Cards Against Humanity at our friend Cindy's house. 

The week of the 12th - Laurel and I scouted the Tampa Bay Bridal Show so I could pick up some tips on my presentation. Then later in the week, I went on my first travel agent trip to visit Sandals Emerald Bay, Beaches Turks and Caicos, and Sandals La Source. I learned so much about these great resorts and made some wonderful new travel agent friends. 

The rest of the month we just relaxed until Marisa and Bob's wedding! My parents were also invited so we had a wonderful weekend celebrating the happy couple. The wedding was perfect and the reception was a blast. 

 Prior to the wedding, we were able to sneak in a little visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. The Behind the Scenes tour was really well done. 

On the way back to the airport, we had a great brunch with Jon and Jackie at our new favorite spot - Au Cheval and then we made a stop at the Lagunitas Tap Room 

September 6th - September 8th - A Wedding and More Chicago Adventures

I have been very lucky in my life to have made some incredible lifelong friends. Friends from my Valpo days and friends from my days in Chicago are truly the greatest group of people I know and I am blessed to have them in my life. It's even more exciting that four of them are getting married this year. Jon's wedding was in August and Erin's was this weekend. This time I was a bridesmaid!!

It also turned out that my cousins were in Chicago for the weekend. After going to Erin's for a great open house: 

We headed to Frasca for a great dinner! 

My cousin really knows how to ride a unicorn! 

I always knew I belonged in the circus! 

Sunday was a gorgeous day for a wedding. The ceremony was incredible, touching, and person. The setting was the courtyard at the City Winery. It was a lovely day and it was so great to spend time with our people! 

Glenn and I managed to sneak in a trip to the Girl and The Goat. The food was incredible!! 

On Monday, we took some time to explore my old neighborhood. We had breakfast at Nookies, explored the Chicago History Museum and then headed back down to the West Loop for a fantastic lunch at Au Cheval. Then we had a quick drink at Pearl on the River before heading back to the airport. Overall, a wonderful weekend! 

August 9th - 10th Chicago and a wedding

We headed back to Chicago this weekend for a wedding. We took advantage of the trip to spend time with four of our dear friends. We had to start the day with a coffee and maple bacon donut. 

Then we headed to nana for brunch. I loved their bloody mary! 

Then we drove over the Northwest Indiana for our friends' wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony at Gama Ristorante. 

The bride and groom had a different growler of draft craft beer at each table. It was so fun to walk around and try all the beer. The food was amazing! 

Sunday we took the bride and groom to the airport. Then we headed over to Palatine to have lunch with a couple of our friends. We tried the Tap House Grill. It was great!! The food was really good. It was so much fun to catch up! 

August 1st Weekend: Exploring Wisconsin

This weekend, I headed up to Chicago for a friend's bachelorette party while Glenn explored Tampa. He discovered a great new barbecue restaurant and enjoyed a fun day at Busch Gardens. 

The girls and I headed up to New Glarus, Wisconsin. The highlights were enjoying the New Glarus Brewery and an awesome hair band playing at the fire station. We had a fantastic time! 

The musical entertainment at New Glarus 

I just love a good hair band.