A Visit to Amy's

My youngest sister, Amy, moved to Omaha last year. I feel so negligent to say that we had not been there to visit until this past weekend. While it was a short visit, we had a great time. Saturday, Amy played in some volleyball competition so Justin and I headed for the zoo. The zoo was supposed to be free on Saturday; however, was insanely packed. They had closed the exit on the interstate to the zoo because traffic and parking had reached maximum capacity. So, Justin and I made ourselves content at the Old Market. We ate lunch at some hole in the wall Irish bar called O'Connors. I played a little Big Buck Hunter, my favorite. Then, we walked around the shops. Our favorite shop was the Overland Fur Store. Justin and I played a little dress up with all the lovely fur items they had available. Thank goodness we or no one we know is a part of PETA or a vegan as the store would have caused animal advocates a bit of an anxiety attack. After Amy's volleyball game was over, we cleaned up and headed out for dinner and then to a tent party at the Cox Classic Golf Tournament. It was a wonderful time and great to see my sister. I am very proud of her accomplishments, her independence, and life she is building for herself. Thanks for letting us stay with you Amy! We love you!

Meet Adylyn

Justin and I are proud to introduce our new niece Adylyn Beth. Adylyn Beth was born Friday July 17th at 7:43 a.m. She was 8 lbs. & 13 oz. and 21 1/2 in. long! It was so exciting to be there for the first few hours and days of her life. We got to feed her, hold her, but didn't get to change her diapers. Each time we got the chance, she filled them to the brim! It required not only a new set of clothes, but also a bath. I miss her already! It all makes you really appreciate what a miracle it is to bring a baby into the world.

Summer Obsessions

Every summer brings a new obsession or interest for me. Last summer's favorites included my philosophy course, learning about world citizenry and the book Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education by Martha C. Nussbaum. This summer's obsessions are a little more light-hearted and actually bring back some vintage favorites.

Summer obsession #1: Running. I don't know why I ever got so lazy and gave up running last year. I swear it is like totally transforming the cellulite I was beginning to accumulate on my legs back into lovely muscle, firming my booty, and providing me with an outlet for pinned-up energy. Really, it's been the best therapy ever and I'm up to running about 4 miles every other day.

Summer obsession #2: Bermuda shorts. I know, I can't believe it either. I always made fun of longer shorts in my younger days and was violently opposed to wearing them after a horrific experience in junior high at church camp. Maybe it was the need to feel rebellious, but I was sent with longer shorts and then was sent home pretty much because I cut them to a shorter length. This summer, I am totally digging them. You can dress them up, dress them down, wear them with a cute tank and cute shoes, and they are totally work appropriate. Who knew all the possibilities?

Summer obsession #3: The firecracker sushi roll from Ichiban Sushi. We used to live in the perfect area about three years ago. In one little radius, I could see my eye doctor, get my hair done, see my insurance agent, get my tires changed, and have sushi, pizza, Mexican, Greek, Italian, or Chinese food. Seriously, all the places were all on one street corner. Anyhow, I still go to the same eye doctor and decided to get some sushi yesterday for lunch. I had totally forgotten how awesome this sushi is. Seriously kids, the spicy tuna roll is so fresh and still my standby; however, I was still a little hungry. So, I asked about the specials. He said the firecracker roll was a must. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh (cue angels and bells ringing)! It was amazing!

You Have to See This!

For those of you who live in Kansas City, you may have noticed the massive soccer field complex they are building near the Deana Rose Farmstead. The project has been my husband's boss, Dan's, little/big baby. After seeing these pictures I understand why. The ball had to be designed and made in Germany. It is currently being shipped by a boat to Virginia and then will make it's way to it's new home in Overland Park, KS where it will float on top of a pool of water. It is pretty impressive!

Yin Yang

So, if you read my facebook page and read my last blog entry you're probably tired of hearing my b*#&$ing and moaning about my dang final. Good news is I got a lot done today. I love my hubby, but it is sooo much easier to write when I am home alone. Bad news is I still have one more part to finish, need to add my resources, and edit. The worst part is over; however, and I am over my writer's block. See, writing really is a passion. It's caused some pain and anguish along the way, but the reward will be finally finishing the dang thing and the cause towards finishing yet another class.

My Passion

I have many passions in life. Sounds sort of seductive right? Actually, I was curious about this word and looked up the formal definition in my handy Webster's New World College Dictionary which entails the following:

1. Suffering or agony, as of a martyr
2. The sufferings of Jesus, beginning with his agony in the garden of Gethsemane and continuing to his death on the Cross
3. Any of of the emotions, as hate, grief, love, fear, joy, etc. or all such emotions collectively
4. Extreme, compelling emotion; intense emotionalism or fondness; strong love or effection
5. The object of any strong desire or fondness
6. The condition of being acted upon by outside influences

It can also mean a strong emotion that has an overpowering or compelling effect.

As I am writing this paper, which I am truly struggling over writing this dang paper. And, after looking up the definition of passion I realized writing is one of my passions. This paper is not only causing me some suffering in the time and writer's block I am facing, but also is eliciting emotions about how seriously I take my writing. You see, before becoming I teacher I wanted to be a journalist. Writing, speaking, acting, words, and the English language all encompassed a large piece of who I am. I love words. Some people love numbers and find security in mathematical equations. I find security in the way you can say something. Anything really. I thought journalism would be the best for me; however, immaturity and my twenties got the best of me. I also wanted to share this joy with others and thought teaching would be a happy medium. Teaching has not been enough to feed my urn and quest for knowledge. So, I decided graduate school would help. Trust me, it has been a fabulous journey, source, and outlet for writing. But, is there something more? I think we can only trust that life and wisdom will help us discover what we truly want in life. Pretty deep for only having to write a final on visual impairments huh? Anyway, I just had to get this thought out there to the blogoshpere world and also procrastinate on this paper a little more.

Little Munchkins

We do not have any children of our own so meet Vada, Sylvie, and Gavin. Yes, they have been posted on my blog before; however, I have not gotten to discuss them in great detail as we do not get to see them often enough. My father got re-re-remarried to his wonderful wife Brenda about two years ago. She’s pretty much the only other woman other than my mom that I have approved of thus far. Not to slam my father any, but it took him a few times to finally get it right:) Anyhow, I have two stepbrothers Brett and Brandon. These are my lovely nieces and nephew all courtesy of Brett and his wife, Sadie. Brett wrote the following about the trio so you can get to know them a little bit better:

Vada – she is 3 ½ going on 30. Very much a little grown up now and big helper at home with the other kids (most of the time). Still is a Sadie clone. She will start pre-school this fall on the Iowa Wesleyan campus and is extremely excited. Into being a princess these days and already worries about what she is wearing and if it matches.

Sylvie – will be 2 August 23 and is our hellion. Definitely walks to the beat of her own drum. The instigator of most issues between her and Vada. Has a very curious mind, sometimes too curious, and seems to have no fear. Spends her fair share of days in time out. Is completed intrigued with potty training so Mom and Dad are looking forward to having only 1 in diapers by the end of the summer.

Gavin – 6 months. I think his face says it all in this picture (What did I get myself into???). Uses rolling as his way of travel these days and is probably the happiest of all three of our kids. He thinks everything is funny and always has a smile on his face, even when Vada and Sylvie are body slamming or pile driving him. He loves to watch Sportscenter with Dad.

Thank you Brenda for the lovely picture! We miss all of you guys!

Fantastic 4th '09

Here are some photos of the weekend's festivities. Justin and I started our fun Thursday night with the members of the O.P. crowd. We intended on enjoying the new and upcoming area in Kansas City, the Power and Light District. We had never been there before and chose quite the night to go. It was so crowded we ended up going to a couple of establishments around the area the best being The Cigar Box. The Cigar Box is a classic lounge style restaraunt and bar with what you might call karaoke/ live covers sung by Kansas City's natorious Al Latta. Al was kind enough to let Justin and I perform our typical karaoke routine to "Love Shack." I also sang "Summer Lovin'" with Al. It was a hit! We then headed up to Ames for 4th of July fun with my sister Erin and her fiance Todd. While the weather was a little chilly, it did not get us down. It was so relaxing to hang out with family. We enjoyed great food, libations, bocce ball, and sparklers. The fireworks display was fantastic and it was nice to watch the display from the comfort of their patio. Thank you Erin for hosting this year! You did a fantastic job!