Purdue Football

Yesterday was a big football day in West Lafayette. The original plan was to go the game and tailgate, but due me being sick all week and the crazy cold weather, we stayed home. It turned out to be a good day for the team and outgoing coach Joe Tiller. Who knew they could play football that well after the season we've had? It has been a roller coaster watching until the last minute of the game or losing in overtime or dropping a last minute hail mary. No matter what, I still love Purdue football. I'm so glad Joe came to coach when he did, leading the team to so many bowl games during our years on campus. It's funny how times change, and your priority is health and warmth instead of crazy traditions and early morning outings. What great memories! Even though this year wasn't so great, it sure ended on a positive note. So positive I even took a nap with no fear of the lead being blown while I was sleeping.

You will be missed Joe! BOILER UP!

Back on...

So I've been blogging for my master's class at Ball State and am again reminded how I am neglecting this blog here...
Last week I had a realization that I need to start putting a little more effort into some places in my life. Lots of places actually, I'm just not comfortable doing everything half way. One of those things was getting to the gym. The main reason is for my health of course, but the very close second is the money I pay each month to not go. Ryan and I went Thursday together and I ended up doing pretty well. Yesterday I signed up for another spinning class. This would be my second try.
The first one I did not feel successful! I even wondered aloud, "If this is the beginning class, I have no idea what I would do in the advanced." Well yesterday I accidently went to advanced. And I survived! I told the instructor that I was new to this, she was nice but very intense. She could probably turn into Biggest Loser's Jillian if given any chance. It was a very good workout! I made it up each "hill" and didn't sit down early. I was so glad to have the workout done before going out and eating one huge dinner!

Baton twirling

Last week I spent many hours with a dear friend remembering old times of our days twirling the baton with the Royal Majestics. We watched, laughed, judged (unofficially), and admired the national baton twirling competition for 4 days in a row. The event takes place each year over a total of 5 days from 8 am to past midnight most days. There is so much to take in, you really need a schedule. We watched some great routines. One of which Kara said, "was probably the best solo she has ever seen." And it was great! Those were big words considering the two of us have been watching since the 90s. We love to catch up with old friends and watch our old favorites. We are grateful this takes place at Notre Dame though the venue may move to Las Vegas for a couple of years while the Joyce is getting a face lift. If I am ever blessed to have girls some day, I hope they find a tenth of the joy. It is so much fun!!!
And a special thanks to Ryan for understanding me well enough to let me watch baton instead of doing house work or even making dinner. He loves me so well! Even though I'm a junky.

Gilmore Girls

I have been watching reruns lately. This is/was really a great show. I can't believe I actually forgot what happened during the seasons. I like how the writers have made Lorelai and Rory so much a like in their mannerisms. Could Luke be more perfect for Lorelai? Seriously why did we have to go back and forth with the whole Christopher thing?
On a side note...nothing makes me love reruns in the daytime like DVR!

Fun for All Ages

The Oscar Mayer Weiner mobile is still fun even when you're 28! It came to the summer program as a surprise for the kids and the adults had a great time too. They had the music, the whistles, the whole nine yards. We had a great time, eating hot dogs and chips. I have attached a picture of some of the "big kids" enjoying themselves that day.

Spring Break

On Saturday I left for Mexico to see my sister. When I got there I saw her house, and went out for my second lunch of the day (this one on Mexico's schedule). That evening we went salsa dancing.

On Sunday we went to church, rode the Metro, and took the Turibus around the city. The sad thing was my camera "old faithful" decided it was done while on the Turibus. That evening we boarded a bus to Puerto Escondido to sit by the ocean. Meanwhile back at home, our grandma was not well and admitted to the hospital.

On Monday we arrived in Puerto Escondido safely after a near miss with our bus and a horse. We got to our room, had some lunch, put our toes in the ocean, and layed around by the pool. After we had a dinner much too early for Mexico's standards (8:00 pm) we layed around in our room and watched a movie on the computer.

Tuesday morning began the communication about grandma having pnemonia and the doctor saying that this is the beginning of the end. We left the beach, and Emily and I spent a very long day yesterday and arrived in South Bend today at 6:30 am. While I went back and forth a thousand times yesterday if this the right thing, Jesus continued to nudge yes. We knew Mom needed our support and Emily really needed this time with Grandma to have closure.

As of right now, Grandma has taken a round of antibiotics for pnemonia and will be returning to the nursing home tomorrow morning. Her very sleepy, sometimes not responding condition that was extreme on Sunday is not uncommon for the end of alzheimer's. The doctor said this can continue until the end. There will probably be no more antibiotics, food drip, or trips to the ER. Her body is saying this is the time. She has had alzheimer's for about 10 years. She will be free from this disease in Heaven.

While this was a crazy couple of days, I saw so much of Mexico and really got a taste of the life Emily is blessed to live. Like I said before, I would have gone to Nebraska. This was our time to spend together whether it be on the beach or on 2 planes and in a rental car-God had a plan for our time.

I will post pictures after I get them from Emily (broken camera).

Spring Break

One more day of work until Spring Break. I know all of the none teachers out there think it's a little unfair that we have a vacation right now, but believe me I need it! I think the kids are as ready to be away from me as I am to head out of town.

In less the 48 hours I will be in sunny Mexico City alongside my favorite biological sister. I told people this week I would be as excited if she lived in Nebraska just to be visiting her, but the midweek beach trip is really a plus! I am excited to do nothing and chat and veg and read some books. Emily has also been working pretty hard the last couple of weeks with students coming down for their spring break. This is a much needed break for both of us. On a good note, I am pretty much prepared for the week following spring break and have very little to do before leaving tomorrow. My bags are pretty well packed too. With Emily's stuff from everybody all over town and my shoes....they are pretty heavy!

Felizes la vacacion de la primavera!

The weekend...

March 9, 2008
Now that I've figured out the technological legistics of blogging, I've only just begun.

The weekend began with a meaningful dinner with a couple of gals which consisted of chatting, laughing, and taking up a poor server's table for 4 1/2 hours (last time it was more then 5). We don't get to just hang out and chat very much so this was a great time!

Yesterday I began the organizing, filing, budgeting, and planning that goes along with being a part of a household not run by your mom. You'd think I would have this worked out by now, but it is always a process. We have been blessed with a VERY talented financial planner who keeps us accountable and on the right track. God has really taken our finances lately and put them where he wants them to go. So far, we are doing pretty well with not spending more then we make. I love Dave Ramsey's latest, "Act your wage." We are working to be faithful for His planning even when one member of the family backs into her husband's new truck and does $1000 worth of damage.

Well, I'm off to start the next phase of the weekend...school work. I always save it for Sunday nights as if it doesn't have to be done. We are entering the last week of the quarter with conferences following the next week. It should get interesting!

The good news is...we should see high 40 temps this week!

Day One

Well, I'm new at this blogging thing, but think it's kinda fun. I am more hung up on the technology part then what to write. I can't wait to share funny work stories and exciting things happening in my life. More to follow...