Hello!

We had a very nice easter/spring break week. Hope you did as well!

We went to see our parents over easter weekend then on to Chicago from Monday through Wednesday. We had a few goals for this trip, but we were able to relax as well (which was nice!).

First, we went down to school to make sure all is well - and it is. We figured out some financial aid things and got some questions answered. The main campus building (600 S. Michigan) is super cool. Each floor's entrance is painted a different bright color with great artwork on the walls. I can't tell you how cool it is to be in such an "artsy" environment on a school campus! Hopefully, once school starts, I'll be working in this building as well. They have some great campus jobs available. I saw one for spring semester that was the secretary for the music department! Right up my alley ;o)

While we checked out school, we spoke with the secretary in the grad. office who suggested a few places to live. She gave us a list to check out, but we decided that a lot of them were too far away. However, we did decided to check out Lincoln Park. Talk about posh - it's a VERY nice, clean, and yuppie-ish neighborhood (not exactly what we're looking for). It seems very safe and cozy, but it's SUPER expensive. A one bedroom (and in some cases a studio) are 1100 or more! SO, we'll add it to our list as a possibility, but I think we'll end up elsewhere.

We also checked out Logan Square. This neighborhood has cheaper rent, but is still in the process of gentrification. It didn't seem completely unsafe, but it wasn't the kind of area that I would like walking around in at night. We'll keep this neighborhood on the list as well (only if it's close to the el), but I doubt we'll end up there.

As we've been looking around, we've solidified the list of neighborhoods we're really interested in. Ukrainian Village, Bucktown, and Wicker Park seem to be the area we feel like we'd fit in most. The neighborhoods are very artsy (Some label them as "bohemian") and close to everything. Obviously, we're not the kind to need a lot of nightlife, but they are close to galleries, shops (very cool record store), and restaurants, so we're set.

We went to a pretty popular record store on Monday called "Reckless Records." We picked up a few CD's (they have TONS) AND I checked to see if they would be hiring in June. I think I found my summer job ;o)

Well...that's about it for now.

Take care and have a great week!