Charmed Life.

Hello all!!

Well, life here has been wonderful. Since getting the news that Chicago is on the horizon, I have been trying to optimize the sightseeing. This week has been ... The Monument of the Great Fire of 1666 (311 stairs one way, I don't know what I was thinking), The Globe, The Bankside Gallery and The British Film Museum ... not to mention seeing The London Eye, Big Ben,Parliament etc. along the walk ... not too bad in an average days walk. I got to see Charlie Chaplin's original hat & cane ... I nerded out like never before and went back (twice) to just look on longingly. To anyone that doesn't know, I LOVE CHARLIE CHAPLIN and his inspiration work, nothing short of genius.

Walking around the last few weeks, all I can think about isjust how fortunate I am to have such an opportunity (BECAUSE OF SHANNON) and it makes me so excited to teach and inform my students about the world in which we live! I am in talks with a Preschool in Chicago, finger & toes crossed. I miss working with children so much that words cannot properly convey it!Shannon has been such a support and cheerleader for my teaching career. I do however, thinks he fears the test art activities I will most likly put him through. Although, he always seems to have fun ... we are blessed by being excited and tickled by whatever we do together! Shannon and I have been lucky enough to go to lunch very often, since he works 10 minutes from the flat, and I am making sure to optimize this because reality will hit soon enough and we probably won't get regular lunch dates during the week.

We really have been so fortunate and we are trying to really take advantage of it. Although, there are nights where we just stay in, make dinner, cuddle and watch tv or a movie. We have not had this luxury and we are seizing it at every opportunity. Other than that, life here is sublime. Love, good food, drinks, company and culture ... what more can one ask for?

One last thing, I have the holiday bug! Mom and I always watch Home For The Holidays the night before Thanksgiving and it will have to happen even if we aren't home this year.I want to watch it early because I didn't get to last year but I will try to withhold ... I love a good tradition! Ontop of that, CHRISTMAS FEVER IS STRIKING!!!!!!! The stores have started decorating and I am getting in the spirit! Sue, Shannon's mom is coming to the states and we couldn't be more excited!! This will be her first time to the states and meeting the Czajka family! Mom and dad have already started the preperations!! Furthermore, Bobbie & Peter are coming for brunch on Christmas Eve... AHHH just too much awesomeness for one holiday. All I know is I have so much tobe THANKFUL for, above all, the love (in all its forms) I have in my life.

Cheers,
Kate