Blog Relaunch and Spring Events

     Hello family, and welcome to the unofficial relaunch of the Patel Family Updates blog!  I'd like to take a moment to ask that everyone reading this entry take a moment of silence to remember everyone that was killed or injured due to the explosions at the Boston Marathon.  We all know that losing loved ones is never easy, especially when their life was ripped apart by a terrorist who wanted to...I don't know....possibly make a statement about their displeasure with the U.S.  Although I do not agree with every decision of the U.S. government, I am fully confident that they will apprehend and prosecute the person responsible for the explosions to the fullest extent of the law.
     The blog team sincerely apologizes for their absence from the blogosphere, which was caused by all of us having final exams, midterms, and other scholarly and non-scholarly activities that prevented us from publishing.  We hope most of you will understand (though we have already received one complaint about our absence from someone who will not be named) but we are excited to relaunch with new content and new ideas, and encourage you to contact one of us if you have any suggestions for future entries.
   This time of the year is what I consider the "slow" time of the year, as there is not a whole lot of family news to discuss.  However, one major development is that I (Josh) have officially chosen to study in London this summer.  I believe that London will provide a unique setting in which to take classes, study, and enjoy the college life.  Although I'm taking GE (general education) classes while in London, I hope that the experience will help me gain a broader view of international relations and how politics work in the U.K.  While in the U.K., I also hope to further my exploration of Europe by traveling to Scotland or Ireland.
     The second major event that has occurred this spring is that Shayla has officially decided to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. GOOOOO TAR HEELS!  I know I speak for the entire blog team and our entire family when I offer my sincere congratulations on being accepted to this prestigious university.  Shayla is happy with her decision, and I hope that once she starts school at UNC, she will really enjoy the experience, as Meirra is currently doing.  Speaking of Meirra and Shayla at UNC, am I the only person that foresees them possibly splitting the entire school into teams and competing in a fierce rivalry in intramural sports?  I hope that doesn't happen (hopefully college will transform them into amazing friends who almost never argue), but if it does, then I would pay money to watch the rivalry progress (assuming it is all friendly competition).
  Well, that's pretty much all I have for this month. As always, feel free to send us comments, constructive criticism, suggestions, and ideas for future entries via the comment form or email.  Have a great month!