White Christmas

Well, I definitely got a white Christmas this year. Shortly after arriving in Chicago we had below zero temperatures and I was COLD! But at least this way it feels like Christmas with the snow. Here are a few pictures of the ice and snow outside my parents' house and of me throwing a snowball for my fellow missionary, Marshall, who asked me to. =)

Motocross

Today I went and watched my first motocross race. It was a lot of fun...if you like getting sweaty, dirty, beer spilled on you and standing in the sun. I had a blast! Marshall taught me how to tell the difference between a 2 stroke and 4 stroke bike. I got to watch one of the middle school students race, along with his dad and another missionary. It made it more exciting to have people I know in the race. Then I could cheer for them and not just for some random person I don't know. I will definitely be going to more races...they can be very exciting.

In other news, my little sister got engaged last night! I am super excited for her and T.J.!

Only 4 more days until I leave!!!

Motorcycle lessons!

Today was my first motorcycle lesson with Rosemary...and boy was it fun! I have never driven a stick-shift car or a motorcycle...so that made it a little tricky. Today I rode mostly in first gear...I did try second...but, well, I need more practice on shifting gears. I did however do something I have never wanted to do. I popped a wheely! Not just once...but twice! I, however, did not fall off and didn't get hurt at all. It was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to my next lesson, probably sometime after I get back from Christmas. Here is a picture for proof and to see the size of the bike I am learning on. Small enough for me to touch the ground comfortably!

Good spanish day

This isn't going to be long...but I just had to share. Today was a good spanish day for me. I actually made myself go out and use my spanish more than normal. Now of course it wasn't perfect...but at least I was using it. I went to town and had to get some pictures printed. I thought it would be easy enough...but not so much! The size I needed they didn't have so we had to try and figure out the best way to get a picture to fit what I was doing. Thankfully God is wonderful and helped me communicate what I needed to and the pictures are perfect! Then at dinner the guys and I went to our usual restaurant, Orlando's, and I chatted a little with the owner when I gave her some Christmas cd's. I know it wasn't much, but it was very encouraging to me to see that I actually used some of my spanish today and it went pretty well!

Headed to a white Christmas in one week!!!

Star gazing

Tonight I was able to see some pretty amazing stars. Jeff from the home office is here with his brother, Scott, and they brought a telescope. It was pretty amazing to be able to see so many different things and have someone who knows what they are talking about tell you what you are seeing. I was able to see a nebula, an open cluster, a binary, the moon (really cool) and I think a few other things.

It has been a busy time. Semester is almost over and I head to Chicago for Christmas in 11 days. It is hard to believe I will be freezing in Chicago for Christmas once again. I am going to try to enjoy the snow and cold weather...since it is only for a week...but I am not sure it is going to be possible. =)

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas........