=)

Well its Monday, the day where 7:30am class feels like 4:30am class. I didn't have to take a quiz in my 7:30am class this morning, which was a great surprise. I like surprises. I got my exam back from Friday, definitely didn't do as well as I thought I did. But it isn't horrible. I'm still smiling, grades aren't a life or death matter to me anymore.

I had a fantastic Saturday and Sunday with Rachel this weekend. We checked out the Lord of the Rings exhibit and the Indiana State Museum. There were costumes, jewelry, and interesting information about all the different characters in the movies. I am astonished at how much detail was put into those movies. There were several video kiosks that had short clips on the making of fight scenes, costumes, make-up, etc. that kept us entertained. It was super-duper nerdy cool. After checking out the museum, we went for a nice fall afternoon walk around the canal. This was only my second time around the canal, but it still felt like the first time being there :). Atop one of the canal bridges we took a picture of ourselves and it turned out great!

[Insert aww statement here]

One cool thing about this picture, it only took one shot. No second shots, the first one was perfect--w00t.

After walking around the canal, we ventured over towards the "Wholesale District" and walked around in the mall. Rachel, with her exquisite fashion taste, assisted me in picking out a new pair of Steve Madden casual shoes (very comfy) and a couple of shirts from AE. We walked around some more and visited various shops along the way. Shortly after, we made our way down to P.F. Changs Chinese Bistro to grab a very delicious meal. It's great being able to share my seafood tastes with somebody else who appreciates seafood--just makes Rachel even more special ;). It seems like most people I know think seafood is disgusting--boy, they don't know what they are missing.

After filling ourselves up with fabulous seafood (with some to spare), we made our way out to the downtown streets to walk around some more. We walked around the main circle and just talked, smiled, and laughed about whatever--great time. Once we finished exploring the downtown streets, we drove over to the Broad Ripple area to see if much was going on. I was curious about the area and was hoping to see a diverse crowd, but unfortunately it was pretty dead around there. Since our feet and legs were sore from so much walking, we decided to just head back to Greenwood and relax with Batman Begins. After the movie we called it a night--what a fantastic night it was.

Sunday morning Rachel introduced me to her church Mount Pleasant. The church is exactly the same style that I have grown up with, so there was nothing out there about it. The minister gave one of the best messages I have heard in a long time about fellowship. I was completely astonished by what he had to say and there were several things, from the message, that I know I can apply to my life in regards to friendships/relationships. After church, we headed back to her house where we were greeted by several of her extended family members. Keep in mind that this was only the second time I have visited Rachel in Greenwood (at her house of course), and I have already several of her family members. I thought it was pretty cool, normally I would be pretty nervous and akward in such a situation--but I wasn't, why should I be?...they were so nice and friendly. We all watched the Indianapolis Colts stomp the Houston Texans, increasing the Colts record to 7-0 (go Colts!). I actually got to eat some good wholesome chili and zesty grilled cheese--I beg for food like this at Purdue. Shortly after the game, everyone started heading out to go home.

I left shortly after her family members did. Its hard having to be apart from Rachel for a week at a time, I miss her. But, its better than a month at a time, I suppose :). The drive back to West Lafayette went fast, mainly cause I was going fast, but the fall leaves kept me entertained. I wish the colors would stick around for a long time...

Thanks for the fantastic time this weekend Rachel! You are so amazing and beautiful to me!