Bad Economy = Short Sleeves??

With record low temperatures and snow all across the Midwest, one might want to wear more than a skimpy tank. This thought comes about after my post-holiday shopping excursions. Everywhere from Target to J Crew has these dang tissue T's and stupid glittery tanktops. Actually, I wouldn't think them as "stupid" IF IT WEREN'T FOR IT BEING THE MIDDLE OF WINTER!! I mean come on people. You and I and the rest of the world have no desire to be prancing around in Uggs and a freakin' tanktop when it's 4 below zero outside. My second thought was that this look might be appealing for the younger crowd; however, if I had a teenage or twenty something college daughter, she sure as heck would not be allowed out of the house dressed like she lives in the Keys. She'd be dressed in a parka and chastity belt thank you very much. It's kind of sad that I'm referring to the "younger crowd" as I am still enjoying my twenties myself. Finally, my other fashion rant pertains to skinny jeans. I call my "skinny jeans" the jeans that make my behind look great or jeans that I can fit into when I'm having a "skinny day." Skinny jeans should not be jeans with legs that really should fit around my wrist. Let alone the fact that the people who are sporting skinny jeans are not skinny. They were popular in the eighties and should remain that way. Is it the bad economy and fashion vendors trying to save some cash on fabric?? What gives? Really, this all equates to myself not wanting to spend my holiday cash or giftcards and bad clothing.

Winter Woods

So, we thought Iowa had a lot of snow. Then we came home Wednesday afternoon to a winter wonderland. Our driveway had 8+ inches of snow layered with ice underneath that Justin thought he could plunge through. He only got the mighty Escape stuck in the middle of the driveway. Ha! It was pretty stinkin' hilarious! We then shoveled the Escape out, and I went off to Home Depot for salt and another shovel. After an hour and a half we had the driveway cleared and salted. We make a good team:) The pictures are of the front and back yard. We have a great hill in our backyard that we are contemplating making into a snow luge for some raw sledding adventures. With two more days of winter vacay, this may become a reality! Wahoo!

In other Nickel news, we had a classic Christmas and a rockin' New Year. Last night we rang in the New Year with our Scovill friends. We ate a great meal at Barley's Brewhause, listened to some live music, and then came back to our place for the annual Dick Clark extravaganza. I must commend Ryan Seacrest as it would be no easy feat to replace Dick Clark. It was kind of sad to see Dick in his later years; however, I am amazed at how good looking and tan he still remains. Regardless of my ramblings, it was a great time! Happy New Year to you all!

Graduation

I finally graduated with my Master's this weekend. I now officially can put M.S.ed after my name. For the last 2.5 years, I've been working towards graduate work in Curriculum and Teaching with a reading emphasis and a Reading Specialist. It was a fantastic event even though I was feeling a little under the weather. My in-laws and immediate family were able to make it down. I huge thank you needs to go out to my husband, family, friends, and colleagues for making this happen. I never would have been able to accomplish this without you! P.S. The red shoes were a Kansas tribute to the Wizard of Oz. There's no place like home, which for now, is Kansas!

Crooked Christmas Tree

I have to admit, my lovely Christmas tree seen two previous blogs before, is totally crooked. I received this tree from my mom when we lived in a condo with vaulted ceilings. She thought I might be the only person who could use such a tall tree. Which, is totally true. Most of my family members are currently renting or live in spaces sans vaulted ceilings. We have always chosen spaces with vaulted ceilings or taller than average ceilings. I have a tall husband and we both always choose what is aesthetically pleasing to our(his) eye. Anyway, it is an artificial tree which comes with branches that are supposed to be in order; however, it has taken over five years to really figure out the order in which the branches are to be hung. You see, my mom just sort of gave me the box to get it out of her house. My mom's definition of alphabetic or whatever order is very different than that which fits normalcy. So, now we have the order figured out, but how in the heck do we fix the crookedness?? It is a gorgeous tree! A totally gorgeous, crooked, Christmas tree. While I would love to fix the crookedness of the tree, I began thinking that life is not always organized, gorgeous, nor does it lead you on a straight path. Thus, I have come to accept the crookedness. I love my tree. Every piece exemplifies something about what my life and my family's life is totally about. In Lou of 1980's popularity, I must say it is totally awesome.

Family Time

Our Thanksgiving break came and went so quickly, I was glad we took a lot of family pictures. It was a wonderful trip and we are so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Happiest of Thanksgivings

We wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving this year! We hope your travels are safe and the Turkey is good. Justin and I can rest easy this holiday as.....I PASSED MY GRADUATE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM!!!!!! It is really nice to know that it is the downhill slide and I only have two simple assignments due for my class. Then on December 12th, I get to walk across the stage. It feels really good. Looking back on it all I know I never would have accomplished it without my supportive husband, family, and friends. It's a lot to be thankful for!

Two Done Son!

After three days of thinking really hard and writing, I have two of the three questions answered for my comprehensive exam. I am celebrating this evening with a lovely glass of merlot. Good news is I'm right on my strategic schedule. Thanks to everyone for all of your continued patience and support! Your words of encouragement have really made a difference. Now on with the final portion!