Last weekend I went to Chicago to see my friend Melissa. My trip on the Megabus went well, a little crowded on the way there, but hardly anyone on the way back. I have learned however, that I will never again ride the Megabus through the night. I left Chicago at midnight and returned to Cleveland around 7:30am, which obviously means the sleep on got Monday night was on the bus, not the best idea ever. Anyway, all in all the trip went well and Melissa and I had a good time.

Taste of Chicago-a highly recommended event. Many, many restaurants are out for 10 days selling the “fav” items. It was extremely hot the day we went, but it was worth the experience.

mmm…brownie and ice cream on a stick

Picture of Navy Pier. Melissa and I calculated that from the Taste, to Navy Pier, back to the train station we walked approximately 8 miles, and I was definitely feeling that a couple days later.

Melissa and I at Navy Pier.

This is exactly what every person who’s ever dealt with a scammer on eBay has wanted to see. I was cheering half the video.

You just have to see this one for yourself. Those of you who know him, I present Robby Burg.

This blog is dedicated to the beginning of my relationship with Sarabeth’s and how it came about. It’s not meant to be a bragging post, just one that gives some of you some insight into the beginning of our relationship. I figured SB could use the encouragement when she is in Chicago, so this one is for you baby!

10/1/2005 – I took this picture of my phone because as you can see there is no battery left, but I really wanted to call her because I told her I would; enough to take a picture of my phone just to make sure I’d have the number.

10/8/2005 – Here is Sarabeth and Drew at Campus Crusade’s Fall Retreat, one of the final confirmations that yes indeed, I did want to ask Sarabeth to be my girlfriend. Little does she know, that I sat up till about 2 with my friends Dan Blosser and Robbie Burg from Crusade talking about my feelings for Sarabeth, and how miraculously different she was from anybody else I had ever been interested in. Part of the discussion I had with Robby hasn’t really been talked about ever, so I’ll shed part of that insight. Robby really called it when told me that he thought SB and I would get married. At the time, I didn’t really want to think that, because I said, thought to myself, “I know that the reason I’m getting into this relationship is I think that we do have a good potential for that, but I’m in no way going to think about it for the time being, just getting to know her and appreciate her.”

10/14/2005 – Ahh yes, the first date as officially “boyfriend/girlfriend”. We went to Danielle’s house for pumpkin carving.

The first time Sarabeth came to church with emo Joe. We were still having worship in the old sanctuary back then.

4/30/2006 – The famed, “Joe…don’t take my picture right now. I’m SERIOUS Joe, don’t take my picture!!!” Shameless flirting in her dorm room at 63 Beech.

10/22/2006 – I asked her to marry me. She was sold hook line and sinker on the 5 year plan and was shocked like crazy, but sooo happy. I can’t believe it’s almost time for us to get married. I love her so much and I’m so excited for our lives to start as a married couple.

And finally, here’s some of our engagement Pics. I absolutely can’t wait for the wedding!!!!!! I love you Sarabeth!!

I’m leaving for Chicago on Friday. It should be an interesting trip there and back, as I am traveling by Megabus. Wes Ziegler assures me that this mode of transportation is safe and, his experience, very spacious. I’m going to see my friend Melissa, and I am so very excited. Last time I went Joe and I got to share the 7 hour car ride together and I flew back, but this time I am all on my own. I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend of shopping (hopefully at Ikea) and being a bit of a tourist downtown. I will return on Tuesday, promptly at 7:15am, and thanks to Joe I won’t be stranded in Cleveland. Have a good weekend all.