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!