Healthy and Happy

School

So Eric is still trucking away with all of his assignments. Jen drops him off at school every morning, and he comes home around 8:30 or 9 every night. He is a busy guy, and is learning so much. Jen helped him learn some scenes for his score class, and she enjoys listening about things that he learns about in his classes. His professor, DC, who he knew before from Dueling Arts, has been out of town until this Monday. Eric was so excited for him to come back, and we are hoping to get together with him and his family soon.

Jen is still looking into the Sociology Program with the University, and hopes to talk with someone soon about the program and qualifications.

Work

Jen is still having a great time playing with the babies(she would like it more if they didn't poop so much), and likes the people she works with. Although this isn't the exact job she thought she would have when we got here(or the exact income she was expecting), it is good for now. They are super flexible with hours, and if you need a day off. Jen put in her application at WIU to see about getting a position there as well. They hire many people in all of the offices as secretaries, and they get full benefits. She will meet with an interviewer on October 13, and take an exam to see what positions she qualifies for. So cross your fingers!!!

Other News

Eric and Jen have both been working out at the student rec center. They both like the treadclimber(you get super sweaty and burn major calories on that thing), and Jen has taken an interest in the classes offered. So far she tried a 15 minute ab class. She thought that she could handle something that was only 15 minutes, but was she ever wrong. Those people are crazy. She's never done so many crunches in her life(let alone in 15 minutes). She also took a step and sculpt class. It is an hour long class with 35 minutes on the step, and 20 minutes of sculpting(crunches, lifting, etc.). Her absolute favorite class so far though: Bellydancing. She doesn't seem to do a single move right, but it is super fun and a great workout. She finds herself dancing around the apartment at times, and can't wait to go back to class. Unfortunately, it is only offered on Thursdays.....so something to look forward to each week!!

Jen is also missing home a bit. While she loves it here, she just found out that her best friend, Brooke, is pregnant and due in January. She and Brooke have known each other since elementary school, and she never thought she would be this far away when any of her best friends were going through such an amazing time! She will get to see Brooke big and pregnant when we come home for Christmas, but won't see the baby for several months after s/he arrives! Weekly pictures and videos will have to be sent our way!!! Sarah is also having a little get together, and while it's not such a big deal if Jen was 45 minutes away, it is sad to know she can't just run over there for a few minutes. Sorry, Sarah, that I am going to miss Roxy's(the dog) birthday party!

Maggie also has some news. Because of Jen's allergies(and her sneezing and hacking), we decided to get Maggie a "big girl bed." Last night consisted of Eric and Jen yelling at Maggie every 30 minutes to get out of their bed, and get back in hers. Hopefully she will get the hang of it. She seemed to like it, but she likes to cuddle next to us, so we will let ya'll know how it turns out!

Jen is also looking into things to keep her busy. She is looking at joining an organization or volunteering with the Chamber of Commerce on upcoming events they are planning. We will keep you posted!

Hope everyone is doing well. We love getting emails, comments, letters, or a phone call! Christmas is only a few months away, and we can't wait to see everyone!! It looks like we will be home December 22-January3, so we want to try and visit everyone of course!!

We will post another update soon! So stay tuned!

Love,
Jen, Eric and Maggie