Thanksgiving in the Mitten

Kirstin and I traveled home for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful visit. Unfortunately it was shorted by the approaching winter storm today that swept across the Midwest. We left by 8:30 this morning and were able to travel almost 2 hours before we hit any weather. But when we hit the snow, we hit it hard. The remainder of our drive we spotted 10 cars that had driven off the road and that had done a complete 180 on the ramp to I-94. Kirstin ended up driving through the worst of it. :P

During our time home we had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, set up our Christmas tree and other decorations, and did some shopping. Last night I met up with 5 of my friends from high school for dinner. As of right now, two of us are living in MI, two in NJ, and two in IN. Three are going to grad school, two teaching, and one completing an internship with a church ministry. It was incredible to catch up with those ladies!

Now I have three weeks of class before Christmas break. Next weekend Erin and Deal are meeting Amy and I in Upland for TU's Silent Night basketball game and a DMS weekend- complete with an ornament exchange and sugar cookies. :)

Speaking of ornaments, I had time this afternoon to set up my Christmas tree in my apartment. It now sits in the corner between my porch and couch. It's already lit and decorated with bows and Christmas bulbs. There are still other ornaments to be hung, but it's not a shabby start at all. I'm rather proud of my efforts. Tomorrow I have to light and decorate the tree in my classroom- I was fortunate enough to find apple ornaments for that one. Of course, students will add their own decorations and paper chains that we create in class together.

And now, since it is Sunday evening, I suppose I should set things in order for tomorrow and the week ahead... :)

View from the Library

Presently I am sitting in a study room in Taylor's library grading tests and preparing this week's curriculum and lessons. I've positioned myself so that I can look up from my work and catch a glimpse of the world outside through the tall skinny window sitting opposite my table. I have a near perfect view of Wengatz Hall, centered appropriately on the grand entrance facing the heart of campus. To the right there is a small hint of another building. The brick geometrical half-wall separates portions of a garden, iron park benches, and a concrete sidewalk. The new prayer chapel sits just beyond that, the white pillars of which I can barely see. I haven't viewed the prayer chapel from this vantage point before and it catches me off guard occasionally. Having spent a fairly significant time in this particular study room over my time as an undergrad I am not accustomed to a new object on this landscape.

The trees are bare. Fall in Upland came and went fairly quickly. I think I missed the majority of it. The bark is dark from the earlier rains of the day; the branches waver ever so slightly in the breeze. The solid mass of gray clouds travels steadily over the entire scene leaving no evidence of its visit. Despite the melancholy of the sky, the grass brings life to my view. Its color is barely darker than the 'spring green' crayon one could find in Crayola's box of 64, and definitely not nearly as yellow.

I'm eagerly anticipating the snows of winter and the new scenery that will bring. I have my favorite seasons, but how I love the Midwest and the change that it brings each year. :)

2nd Midterm Time

Surprisingly, I don't think one post per week suffices as an update on life. You may think I have no life, but you are sorely mistaken. ;)

Last week finished off without a hitch and Saturday I made my first official day trip to Muncie since my move down here. I was able to secure several new picture frames for my classroom so I could hang up my diploma, teaching license, and coaching license. I also now have a frame to hang up my DMS quotes and picture at home. :)

A few points:

• I really enjoy the brisk and fresh air when I step outside.
• I love the smell of fresh laundry.
• Grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, and an apple with caramel made for a perfect dinner tonight.
• Although I'm generally not a fan of ridiculously cold weather, I can't wait for the first good snow of the year. (If it's going to be below 30 we might as well have snow.)
• I forgot how much I enjoy Derby Pie
• I like catching up with old friends

Bingo

For the most part, today was a standard day in the life of Miss H. The un-standard part came around 9:30 when I was leaving work. 14 straight hours makes for a long day. :P The HS cheerleaders hosted a Bingo night- it was my first Bingo and it was quite the experience. I discovered I have a strange appreciation for the circle sponge inkers that are used to mark the cards. Haha! The other ladies at my table were wonderful in helping me get started and keeping me on track as to which type of Bingo we were playing for each game. I was not so fortunate as to win a Bingo, but it was fun nonetheless.

Election Day

I didn't feel as sluggish in the pool today. Nor was I as dizzy and shaky when I finished. That was encouraging. :) I also found out I could use the fins in their equipment bins- it made for a great workout for the lower half.

I talked with my (former) roommate on the phone this evening- just like we were in the same room together (I miss old times)- 2+ hour conversation. Wonderful!

Fish is still alive. Three more days until he earns a name. I placed the fake green plant back in the bowl today. We'll see how that goes.

I'm excited for the 2-year campaign trail to be over. I believe in the importance of informed voting, but after 2 years... I'm just about burned out.

I like that it's still 70 degrees outside during the day.

When standing in a group with other junior high students I was mistaken for a student by a student. "Oh, I thought you were one of the children!" Boy, did we get a good laugh!

My plant isn't getting sufficient light during the day and is slowly dying. I haven't given up on trying to resurrect him though.

Tomorrow I'm playing bingo for Longaberger baskets and Vera Bradley goods for a high school cheerleading fundraiser. And yes, that is the social highlight of my week. :)

Hello, November

Oye! How has so much time passed? My word, my word...

Well, to play quick catch-up, I think I'll stick to the standard list-type update.

1) Fall break at home was wonderful. Although I've been back to MI this fall, it was my first time home since I moved out in August. Despite my clear knowledge that my furniture is now in my apartment it was still strange not to see it scattered strategically throughout the house.

2) While home, mom, Tim and I had the opportunity to see the Marine band (yes, "The President's Own") perform at a local college. It was spectacular!

3) I went to visit a few of my old high school teachers, chat with my Spanish teachers, and observe my old AP Statistics teacher. They were disappointed that I wasn't teaching back at my alma mater. :)

4) Due to several circumstances, I am now on guppy #5. If he makes it to Friday he gets a name. Apparently my apartment water, even when treated, is still not good for the little guys. And the last fish got caught in the cute little plastic plant I had placed in there. So now the green little plant is sitting on the table next to the bowl- I'm rather fond of this guppy and I'm in no hurry to encourage him to trap himself and cause an untimely death.

5) This past weekend Amy and I went down to Indy to spend Saturday with Deal and Erin and engage in our traditional fun math teacher types of activities. Chick-fil-a for lunch, our traditional stop at Sonic for limeades, and visits to Deal's and Erin's schools for pictures and stories. We also went to a local orchard to pick up apples and cider. We returned to Deal's apartment to back an apple pie and cook dinner. Time slipped by quickly and before we knew it, midnight was approaching- way past all our bedtimes. :P

6) This week is off to a good start, and with a half day for professional development on Friday it's going to pass rather quickly.

7) This morning I realized one of my favorite reasons for daylight savings. I drove to school as the sun was rising. Yes! I saw the sun! The sunrise over the cornfields was absolutely incredible- I felt like we had a fake 2 hour delay. Of course this also plays to my benefit in the evening. While I'm not thrilled that it gets dark so quickly, it gives me the illusion that I'm staying up later than it actually is, so I'm apt to get to bed sooner. If you don't understand my reasoning, just take my word for it.

8) Lastly, I had a chance to do some laps at IWU this evening. It's been 5+ years since I've done any serious swimming, and it's quite evident. But there are wonderful memories in the pool and the permeating smell of chlorine and it was rather nostalgic to visit that environment again. I think I shall be visiting often in the coming months, actually.

And with that, I'm off. :) Later gators!