Back From Detroit!

Blake and I just got back from spending 4 days in Detroit, Michigan, for the National LPA Conference this year. There were about 1,900 people in attendance, so it was a pretty good turn-out considering a large number of people opted out in order to save up for next year's conference in NYC. We had such a great time and were able to get to know some new people this year. When we walked into the hotel, there were about 3 people lined up to congratulate us on our engagement. Ha ha. We both felt so much joy and excitement from a multitude of people in LPA throughout the week. Some girls I didn't even know where grabbing my left hand to look at my ring :)

Originally, we weren't planning on even going, but then Blake was awarded a major scholarship and LPA offered to fly him out there for the conference. He received $5,000.... and I was surprised with a $2,000 scholarship that I didn't even know about until I got there! So that makes $7,000 total, which will be a major help for our first year of marriage!

I also tried out for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show (an off-broadway), and I felt AWESOME about my audition! We'll see where that leads, but... my goodness... what a help that would be too! Plus, it's something I've always wanted to do. Why not pick up acting for a semester? Blake loved it last year. I think it would be good for me to do it because it would keep me busy, so that Blake can get through his first semester of med school well, and then I'll start up my nursing program in the spring.

The last night was definitely my favorite. They had a live band playing for the dance, and they played lots of popular oldies and classics. I love to dance with Blake. He can spin and dip me like a champ :-)

LPA has such a special place in my heart, as cheesy as that might sound. I always come back feeling so grateful to know all of the people who are a part. I love meeting new people each year, and keeping in touch with the long-term friends. The kids are my favorite. I remember being so excited to meet other little people like me, and I see that same excitement in their own little faces. Blake and I both see LPA as such a blessing. This year we came back talking about the possibility of us joining the National Medical Advisory Board and what opportunities might be there. I just keeping smiling in amazement of God and the way He has perfectly matched us up as a team. I love Blake so much. Ah! And I'm actually going to marry him!!!

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera back at home, but I'll try to get a few from my friends and put them up.