Postcard: Chicago

Hal writes:

Two weekends ago we were in Chicago for the wedding of Anna's cousin. When we returned I had Senior Assistant training all last week. Than this past weekend was another wedding (see below). Hm, I feel like I need to justify my long absence from blogging.

Anna and I got to look around Chicago a little bit. We ate dinner with some family at the Grand Lux and I rode on the "El" and took my first taxi cab ride in the United States. I've taken taxis in foreign countries, but have never taken one in the US until now. Below is a picture of Anna while we walked along Navy Pier.

Anna helping Kristine get her hair ready before the wedding.

As exciting as the wedding was, I was given a VERY fun present. My first XC-ski boots! They are size 50 (European size, but yes, I have big feet). I still need to get bindings, skis, poles, and spandex, but that's what Christmas is for, right? Dale found a great deal for me. The batteries in my camera are charging, but I will have to include a photo some time soon. This winter Dale is going to take me out on the ski trails and teach me how to ski. Anna is afraid that he will leave me in the woods, but I have a pretty good sense of direction and can most likely find my way home hitchhiking if not skiing.

This past week was SA (Senior Assistant) training. Each RD has one SA for the building. My SA, Casey, is a good balance for me. She takes a logical and direct approach to problem solving whereas I am more emotion-based and brainstorming in my approach. If you know about personality styles, we're opposite in some areas, but it provides a good balance for working with the RAs and the students.

This weekend Anna and I went up to Kelly (Bangstad) Wilz's wedding. She and Mike were married a year ago prior to him serving overseas in the military. At that time, they wrote everyone about their decision and said that they would have a Blessing Ceremony of their marriage when her returned. Anna and I went to Steven's Point for the festivities. At first, there were no other Gusties (Kelly and I went to college together) but then Mitch and Meg, two other Gusties were there as well. So I spent time talking past and present GAC with them while Anna listened and allowed us to continue in our reminiscing.

Tonight was the first night of RA (Resident Assistant) training. In addition to myself and my SA, I have the largest staff on campus with 12 RAs. 9 of them are new, so there will be a lot of reliance on my returning RAs to assist in the training. Tonight's opening activities included a cook out and then I lead an hour of name games. Tomorrow is the first full day of training. I am responsible for presenting the "Training 101" session (an overview of training and how to get the most out of it) and "The W Curve" session (talking about the ups and downs of new students adjusting to life on campus).

I have a good share of presentations that I am taking the lead on, but I'm OK with that. Since I am a returning RD, I do have responsibilities to help out, but it also keeps me attentive during the day. I'd rather be presenting than listening.

Other news:
* Mookie and Leslie had a son, Owen... CONGRATS!
* Anna started work back at the coffee shop.
* My sister Lindsay took a position as Assistant Swim Coach at Gustavus and will be moving to St. Peter very shortly.
* Good luck to all other housing people as they start their training.