ENGAGED!!

As of July 17, 2008 I have become engaged to Mr. James M. Norris. You're looking at the future Mrs. James Norris! He was super sweet and I was very surprised. It happened on a rainy evening in our camper at Wilderness Sate Park. I couldn't believe it. I was definitely caught off guard and pleasantly surprised. I'm so excited! My family is as well and all our friends. I sometimes catch myself looking at my ring and am in awe that it is there.
We're currently talking about a July wedding for 2009. Kyle and April are wedding in May and Jim's brother Tim and Gennie are wedding in October. It will be the year of the wedding for both families.
I'll keep you all posted on the details and what not. I can't wait! We're so happy and excited for this!

8 days and counting

Only 8 days left until my trip back to MI. Now if I could just get packed! I'm excited, but so not ready for the 10 hour drive with just Finn and I. I had some stuff packed, but Finni decided he didn't like what I packed and unpacked EVERYTHING!!! I do mean everything too. I have now learned to keep the bags zipped close and the toiletries off the floor. First he was laying in the suitcase all cute, then he took it all out. Crazy dog.

I hope i get to see everyone at least once. I can't wait for the Tiger's Game!!! See you all soon!

Sorry

So guess I can't say certain things here. I just wanted a place to vent about things and not get in trouble for them. I wanted to keep every one updated on my life out here and for you to know that I have not forgotten you. Please realize that even though I miss and love you all, I'm happy here. I love the life I have, my guy, and my friends. I'm still working on getting settled. Sometimes I say things that may give others the wrong impression. Please talk to me to clarify. These are just moment thoughts and feelings that come and go. If you really want to know what's up with me, call or talk to me. Send me an e-mail for personal matters. This is simply a space for me to run on and on about nothing really and not to have to fear judgment. We all need that now and again. Somethings come out here that may change right after I write them. That's how I am. I know I need to work on me and maybe that should be my focus. Who knows, but I'll figure it out, someday. :)

Almost 9

It's hard to believe that my best friend Lisa's daughter, is going to be 9 this September. After spending time on the phone with Lisa this afternoon and hearing all about the wonderful and eventful things that go on in her family. I cannot help but think back over these past 10 years that I have known her and her family. I remember showing up the first time to her first apartment in July with Jen, Beej, Maria, and myself to find her very pregnant and trying to haul in groceries. I still have pictures of Camryn and Anthony in my house, although they are outdated. I remember Camryn telling me, in all seriousness, that if you run with a knife (her's was plastic at the time) you will fall on it and DIE!!! She was 3 at the time. My next favorite memory was right after Anthony was born. Joseph and I went over to their house and decorated it for Lisa and Anthony's homecoming. It was a sight to behold with streamers and balloons, there were even cute little messages on them. I think Camryn enjoyed it the most. I remember all the afternoon swimming in the pool with the kids, secretly hoping to turn them into the next Olympians, evenings on the deck relaxing and drinking, neck rubs for Lisa because Christian just can't seem to get it right, holidays with the kids and their family, and just daily activities with them.

When Lisa told me how grown up Camryn is getting it made me realize how much I am missing. Not only from their lives, but from Lauren's family and Kristy's (well not kids per say but Casper). It's hard to think of Camryn as a tween. Before I know it she'll be a teenager, then I'll being cracking up at how Christian will be reacting to all this.

I want you all to know that I love you all and miss you. I'll see you in not quite two weeks. Hope to get some QT with everyone!

Tasks

Since I had the ENTIRE day off with no work, none, nada I decided to get my to do list done. It looked like this:
1. Laundry
2. Dishes
3. Balance checkbook (YUCK!)
4. Drop off clothes and stuff to Good will
5. Pick up Jim's paycheck
6. Deposit check
7. Rent check to Dave
8. Finn to dog park
9. Straighten living room
10. Grad school journal and discussions
11. Return to Sam's Club
12. Tuition bills for the B of E
13. Clean walls
14. Vacuum (double YUCK!)
15. Bake a cake (YUMMY!)

As of 4:30p.m. all I have left to do is the cake! Go me! I rock!!! Gotta love productive days!!! Now I the rest the weekend COMPLETELY OFF!!! YEAH!!!!!!!

School Support

My cousin-in-law, Mr. Mike Lee, sent me this notice about a Sport Aid function to help out our school and all those athletes. Please check out Sports Aid 2008 and maybe even head out to check it out. It sucks that our old school had to go to pay to play. I'm waiting for that to hit here. I'm sure it's not too far off in the future, especially with the way the economy is going. I'd love to go, but will be on my family camping trip. Again, check it out if you're around. It is for a good cause after all.

Maids

Some I never thought that keeping a house clean was that big or hard of a deal. It seems that simply cleaning up after my roommate, her dog, and myself was not. Picking up after Jim and Finn is. Maybe since when I lived in North Beach I only taught school and did not have two other jobs and grad school. I really need a maid!

It's amazing that even though I am off for the summer I am still never home. I leave Monday-Saturday mornings at 6 a.m. (earlier than when I go to school mind you) and return weekdays around 4 p.m. and Saturdays by 10 a.m. This does not include my workout time. Don't get me wrong... I love my Big V! Then I need to work on grad school stuff (not my best idea). Anyone want to come and clean and do my work for me?

This week will hopefully be my last week working on curriculum, I pray. I spent 5 hours in the office working on it and have to go in tomorrow for another 5 or more. I am happy I got involved because I am making some great friends and contacts along the way. I can see myself moving up in the education field. It just is a lot harder than I ever thought to create a curriculum from scratch.

I am looking forward to having Friday to Sunday COMPLETELY off!!! I plan on doing nothing but hanging out at the pool or taking the boys to the beach to swim. Now if I could just figure out how to get paid the big bucks doing this I'd be set!