I Could Write a Book

Monday, October 31, 2005

good news bad news.

Good news: I just got another email from Ryan! We are officially reconnected after a 2-year hiatus!

Bad news: Within his email, he informed me that Fito, the professor among professors in the mass comm dept, known for his crazy style, his daring technique, his hilariously thick accent, and his overtly gay...everything...Fito (Dr. Rodolfo Vidal-Gonzalez) has died!!! He was in a car accident in late May, and sustained head injuries that were ultimately the cause of his death 2 days later.

Good news: (As of right now) The STEELERS ARE LOSING!

Bad news: The Ravens are winning...

Good news: I had a very productive day today.

Bad news: I have to have 17 more productive days to actually get everything done that needs to be done.

Good news: I get to see lots of fun people in just a few weeks!!!

Bad news: I'm sure I won't get to spend as much time with them as I'd like.

Good news: At least one team I dislike is going to lose tonight.

Bad news: The suspense is killing me (Steelers/Ravens)

But seriously, I am pretty bummed to hear about Fito. He was crazy--he ran around like a chicken with his head cut off most of the time, but he really truly believed in his students. I actually even have a picture of him (with me, Meghan, and Heidi) when we produced one of our shows. Anyway...life is precious!

Bye.

pumpkins.

My day has began in a rather upbeat way.

I checked my email, and first, got a response from Brian, expressing his amusement with a previously sent email from me. Then, after skipping about on the internet, I returned to that same email account, and had a message from......Kalypso!!!

This was the first time she has been able to directly contact me, and her message was full of insight and creativity...all revolving around her plans to build a system of igloos when it first snows in Nebraska. Her grand scheme involves waterproof furniture (which she confesses will probably be destroyed by Gil, her brother) and five igloos, each one smaller than the next, but all connected to one another. It's a bit like nesting dolls all in a row, I suppose.

Regardless, it was certainly wonderful to hear from her, and nice to know that she is still as hilarious and imaginative as ever. When I see Michael in a few weeks(!), I will have to send a note home to her... :0)

Anyway, I have made my "Official Schedule" for the next three weeks, so it's necessary that I get back to it!

Happy Halloween! Bye! :0)

mellowed.

I have had a most interesting week.

I can't even begin to discuss all of it because, quite frankly, so much of it has escaped me. Perhaps the reason why will reveal itself in a moment.

I suppose I'll begin with last Monday. After having had a wonderful weekend with J and Rach in town, I was overwhelmed with sadness when it came time for them to leave. But, of course, life needed to move forward, so I cried on the drive home from the airport, but still managed to get to my 7:30 a.m. SA meeting with a couple of minutes to spare. Really, for as quickly as it went, the weekend was fantastic. Rachel just amazes me--she's 3 and funny and adorable and smart and fun and contagiously bubbly. Nothing brings a smile to my face like talking to her on the phone for a few minutes about princesses, kitty cats, Opa's funny picture, and pink candy. Or when she tickles me over the phone (and thankfully, narrates, as I don't exactly feel the "tickled" sensation...) I can't help but laugh and smile. I particularly enjoyed when she was showing me a picture of this little boy, Isaac, and told me, instead, that his name was "Ipod." Hmmm...isn't she an "early adopter?"

Anyway, the rest of the week is really a blur, highlighted with a few phone conversations, a couple of less-than-productive evenings, and 2 100% grades. Also, we had a shockingly successful "coffee house" sort of thing on Thursday evening in the Shak, I had a fantastically un-seminaryesque conversation with Eileen at Starbucks on Wednesday, and I officially submitted my Vietnam application on Tuesday. Uneventful, I assure you. Enter Friday.

Friday morning, Suzy and I made plans to have coffee together at her place, so we met up and had a lovely time. We drank our java, enjoyed some cookies (homemade by her Oma), and generally appreciated taking some time to catch up since we see each other on such infrequent and inconvenient occasions. Eventually, we came the one certain topic: What did I think of Debbie and Brian living together because they're not yet married?

I gave her my thoughts on the issue (I personally don't agree with their decision, but they know I feel that way, and I don't think I should stop being their friend just because I have a different viewpoint), and she proceeded to tell me that some people on the campus were so bothered by the fact that the two of them were in campus housing pre-wedding that they were going to report it to the Housing Office.

This bothered me because:
1) If you have a problem with Brian and Debbie, you go to Brian and Debbie,
2) If you don't feel you can do that, it's probably because you're not close enough to them
3) If you're not close enough to do that (or adult enough), then mind your own business...Don't expect things to change unless you're willing to be proactive about them!

Anyway...I had already made plans with Debbie to drive out and meet up with Brian for lunch on his break...So, I decided I'd spring this information on the two of them and see what happened. I talked to Debbie in the car, and she then relayed everything to Brian. What did they ultimately conclude? That they would get married.

Now, it's important to mention that they were already engaged at the time, that their wedding was set for next August, and that they had previously discussed eloping just to save money.

Debbie called Beckie (her pastor at Edgewood) because she and Brian were supposed to be going to her house for a party that night, and she (Debbie) wanted to discuss what she and Brian needed to do to elope. Beckie said, "well...why don't you just show up tonight and get married?"

8 hours, two bottles of champagne, one wedding cake, and several off key, unpracticed choir members later, Debbie Duckworth became Debbie Saxe. Yup--they got married the very same night.

I was, in fact, in the wedding...and will also (still) be in the "celebration" ceremony that will (still) take place next August--so all of the family and friends can participate.

Needless to say, it was a crazy night. As Ben said, "I definitely didn't wake up this morning thinking I was coming to a wedding tonight!"

Also, I just have to mention that, when Debbie and Brian kissed, Beckie said something like "Get a room," to which I quickly responded, "Better yet, get an apartment." Indeed, I think I am hilarious.

Saturday, I slept, thought about homework a little bit, then went over to Ben's place for dinner and 2 movies.

Today, I went to church, came back here, watched a miserable Browns game, and am now working on a paper to give to Dave tomorrow afternoon.

But, I'm glad that yesterday and today were not all that eventful. Friday was sufficient enough, I think.

Also, I had a dream last night that I was at my own wedding. I married someone named "Patrick Stutzman" or something like that. It took place at 3 different churches (all of which were familiar to me) and, throughout the dream, I had different perspectives...I mean, I was always me, and it was always my wedding, but there were times when I was sitting in the congregation, times when I was up front, etc. Very interesting, indeed.

Ok, I think it's safe to say that I've officially gone off my rocker. Good night! :0)

Saturday, October 22, 2005

a(U)ntsy.

I'm so jittery and excited for J and Rach to get here. I've been following FlightTracker on Southwest, and so far, so good! I just want to go and get them right now. Alas, I will have to wait for a bit. At least I can pass some time by stopping for gas and the bank and, possibly, Caribou (yum). For a grand total of 15 minutes or so. But still, that's better than nothing. It only take around 30 minutes to get to the airport, and since they have checked baggage, there's really no reason for me to leave until around 10:25...but, that's in 65 minutes. I can't possibly be expected to wait that long.

Yay! :0)

I'm SOOOO excited.

Oh, and also, yesterday, I got to try on my stuff for Debbie's wedding...I don't mind telling you, I looked fantastic. :0) Plus, I saw Debbie in her top picks. She looks fabulous.

Ok, I can't handle it anymore, I'm going to go see how long I can take getting from here to the airport. At least I brought a book in case I arrive ridiculously early! Ha! :0)

Byeeeee.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

doctrine.

So as to avoid forgetting the hilarity of the day (despite that fact that it will not be funny to anyone else), I feel the need to write a short ditty.

Basically, Methodist doctrine has never been so hilarious. It usually starts out with a devotion of some sort. Today, the person who was supposed to "devote" decided, rather, to discuss alcoholism and drug abuse. Normally, we take 5-10 minutes for that, then sing a hymn. Today, we didn't get to the hymn, and our AA meeting lasted for 25 minutes. Now, I have no problem with understanding the stance on this stuff, but for 25 minutes? Really? It go SO bad that, when I looked over at George (the teacher) I saw him trying to avoid laughing. And Keith, Brenda, and I all made eye contact...Bad idea. We all had to put our heads down, and even still, erupted in laughter. It was ridiculous.

Then, later, George told me that he kept looking at his watch as a signal to move on, but the person speaking never looked at George to get that hint.

Also, George referred to us as a "fun, peppy class." Then, Jon and I were walking back to our apartments after class let out, and the aforementioned class member drove up beside us, asked us if we were "stuck on campus" and proceeded to give us half a cheese pizza from somewhere called "Nappies." First of all, who drives around with a free pizza and just gives it away. More importantly, who buys pizza from a place called "Nappies"? Of course, Jon and I were laughing so hard, and in my laughter, I sort of stepped of the curb a bit and tripped. This set us off even more, and, truly, we were in tears.

And, I have officially turned in everything that was due this week. Plus, I got back my test from NT01 (the one I took yesterday morning) and (drumroll please) I got a 100%!!! Woohoo! :0)

Now, I'm doing a bit of preparation for Sunday, beginning the miserable task of cleaning up my dreadful apartment, driving to CHUP for a meeting, and doing other stuff that requires a limited amount of thinking. Hurray! It's the weekend! :0)

J and Rach will be here in under 42.5 hours!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

Ok, bye :0)

late.

The time is now 11:06 on Wednesday night. I am plowing through to complete my fifth and final school-related project/paper of the week. It is 3-4 pages, I'm almost through with page 2, and I have plenty more to say. I just lack motivation and energy.

I am very tired.

At least I'm on the last paper, not the first.

And I have so many things to which I am looking forward this weekend. Bridesmaid dress fitting fun, makeover fun, Chinese with the girls fun (all Friday), then J and Rach fun (tied in with meet PTS people and community dinner fun) on Saturday, and who knows what else will happen.

The thing is, despite the fact that I have been working on these in a rather short time span, I really think I've done well on all of them. At least I know I've put in my best effort, and that's all anyone can ask of me, right?

Also, both Dr. Humphrey and Dr. Gagnon sat with me at lunch today. We had a hilarious conversation. It reminded me why I so greatly enjoy being at a small school--it's so nice to have actual discussion with people, rather than getting caught up in the fact that they're professors who at least are good at fooling their students into believing that they know something. I like when professors tell funny stories around the lunch table. It can be easy to forget that they're real people with real lives, problems, emotions, and...of course...funny stories.

Anyway, back to my paper! :0)

Bye.

Monday, October 17, 2005

Events.

I have only a few minutes to discuss the weekend, so I guess elaboration is out of the question for the moment.

Basically, it was just fun. WV: fun, church yesterday: fun (we all got $10!), Browns Backers: fun (despite losing the game...I met a VP from Geneva who knows both Dave Badger and Dave Carver!), talking to J and Rach on the phone:fun, and even my time at the library yesterday was fun.

And productive!

I am somewhat overwhelmed this week with things to do, but I have sort of created a schedule for myself, and I think that I will be ok. I will just have a couple of longer nights and earlier mornings.

Lest I forget, I am in grad school.

Also, I have now met my quota for the year: Today I set off my fire alarm at 7:45 a.m...how, you ask? By taking a shower that was too steamy. Yes, you read correctly. The very thing that puts many types of fires out was responsible for the deafening shriek of my alarm this morning. Again. I guess I'll consider that my reminder--showers are not to be too hot or steamy ever.

Lunch today at Sharp Edge with Dave and Mark, followed by visitations of some sort. Then, I will put all of my time and effort into the completion of 3 papers by midnight (we hope).

But for now, I must be off to class. 5 days until J and Rach get here! :0)

Bye :0)

Saturday, October 15, 2005

foundation.

I now feel like I'm a bit more of a Pittsburgher, as I have now been to Kennywood. For those who may not be familiar, Kennywood is an amusement park that flaunts its "old-time charm," which basically means, "We know our rollercoasters aren't anything like those at Geauga Lake, King's Island, or (especially) Cedar Point, but we want you to come here and have fun anyway." And, in fact, I did enjoy myself.

It was the first in a series of "Fright Nights," meaning that the park was supposedly fraught with spookiness. The rides had extra amounts of fog and lights, and there were haunted houses, graveyards, and even a fort throughout the park. After driving to Ben's apartment for dinner, he, Debbie, Brian, and I drove out to Kennywood at around 8 or so...I don't think it would've been much fun to spend an entire day there, so I feel as if my quota is sufficiently met. Anyway, we arrived and rode on a few rides. Allow me to explain, for a moment, why "Old Fashioned Rides" aren't conducive to tall people or people who aren't sticks. The rides just don't have room. Ben and I shared a car and Brian and Debbie shared a car on most rides (except when we rode the 'Matterhorn' sort of ride and Debbie and I so greatly enjoyed watching Ben and Brian smoosh each other that we insisted they ride together both times). Ben and Brian are both at least 6'4. Neither Debbie nor I wears a size 2. So, basically, we got to be very close last night, whether or not we wanted to. Although, it was sort of amusing that Ben felt the need to duck down really low on the roller coasters, for fear that he would otherwise be decapitated!

Amidst the fun of the rides, we thought we should partake in some of the more festive segments of the park, so we made our way to "Fort Despair." (*Insert bone chilling music and spooky voices here*). Now, I am a fairly jumpy person--I am ticklish and sensitive to touch, but I don't scare all that easily. I do hate when people invade my personal space without being welcome to do so.

That being said, people were led into the "fort" in groups. The four of us were the last in a group of about 15 who were going through together. We were all in line until we realized you had to be single file to walk through the doorway. Somehow, I ended up being last. So, naturally, the "dead people" ganged up on me. I squealed a bit at the beginning, but got over it quickly. Until Ben, being the "wonderful" guy that he is, said something along the lines of, "Don't be scared, Kristen." At which point, all sorts of ghoulish creatures out on a Thriller Night descended upon me and began whispering my name and screaming my name and chanting my name. And a couple of them (not touching me, at least) got right up in my face and, though I wasn't scared, it still made my skin crawl. I don't know these people. Blech. Anyway, it all became much funnier when someone (clearly not a veteran ghoul) started saying, "I had a dog named Kristen...it died." Um...so? Here is an abridged list of the problems I have with that statement:

1. You're a ghost. You're dead too.
2. Dogs die. It's not scary, only sad.
3. It's not like you were talking about Kujo. And really, how many dogs do you know named Kristen?
4. You're 16 and clearly did not think through your responsibilities. Rather than doing a "ghostly" job, you did a "ghastly" job. (Haha...I amuse myself).

Anyway, we had some good laughs. The one part that freaked all of us out was at the end of the fort, however, when we entered a pitch black room that was lit only by a red strobe light that flashed only once every 2 or 3 seconds. I did grab onto Ben's sweater then.

In about 5 minutes, I'm going to drive down to Morgantown for the football game, but not until after we (my parents and I) tailgate with several of Dad's frat brothers. Apparently, Joe called Mom yesterday and told her that his goal was to get her drunk. Then it came up that I was going to be there, and he said, "Oh, well, she can't tailgate with us, huh?" And Mom said, "Joe, do you realize how old she is??" And he said, "Well...she's still 4 to me." Haha...As Mom said, he'll be in for a surprise today! It should be fun though.

Ok, bye. :0)

Friday, October 14, 2005

opus.

Ah...Friday. And the crisp cool of autumn in the air.

It's a great day.

Yesterday was also good--I didn't do all that much, but it was just nice to have fun with people.

I had classes all morning and afternoon (and managed to turn in my midterm and give a little presentation in Doctrine), then I went home for a few minutes to change clothes, but ended up sitting on the grass with Mike Beckstrom and Dan Thayer for awhile, then finally left and worked out for awhile. I did the bike and treadmill. My knee was bugging me though, so I cut things slightly short...but a little bit is better than nothing.

I went home, showered, and my sister called. We talked for awhile--mostly we were just big dorks though. Everything from the "Miracle Mile" (I meant the "Magnificent Mile" in Chicago) to "themed wardrobes" to haircuts and colors to my attempts at explaining who the Bens and Brians are in my life. Also, I became the middleman in a conversation between Tom and J...mostly consisting of "Oh, Tom--he's the one who wears girly lotion, right?" and Tom responding, "It's not girly lotion!" (Secretly, it is girly lotion). I hope they get a chance to meet next weekend.

Anyway, then Tom, Nick, and I went out to dinner and caught up--almost a year to the day from when the three of us first went out and I laughed too hard to contain my cranberry juice, so it landed on Nick The Germaphobe's hand. Shoot.

We had a good time though--it's always nice to just sit back and talk about life and be weird. I was just making my way through the gate from campus to "The World Beyond" (read: my apartment), when my phone rang, and it was Ben! He was driving down 28, having just made a return at H&M, and we concluded that it was a good night for him to come hang out...so, 10 minutes later, he showed up...Fortunately, I had almost enough time to throw the ridiculous piles of clothes from their happy homes on my couches and dining room chairs, and managed to get them into my bedroom, where they could be safely enclosed until later when I was forced to deal with the terror on my own. Ben and I decided to get some ice cream, so we headed out to the Eagle, then, as we were getting back (I was at the gate again...what is it about that spot?), I got a phone call from Ashley, one of my college roommates. We hadn't gotten to talk in a couple of months, so we spent a few minutes getting each other back on track with our respective lives. Not wanting to be rude to Ben, nor wanting to miss out on any of the intricacies of Ashley's life (like her brother, Aaron, marrying Mildred the Mexican in February), I requested that we take a raincheck on further discussion. Ben and I talked some more, then decided to watch a movie. He picked Mr. Holland's Opus, which, in my mind, was a fantastic choice, as I simply love that film. Though I proceeded to cry...again...while watching.

Debbie and Brian called on their way home from seeing Wallace and Grommit... and stopped up at my place upon their return. The four of us are supposed to do something tonight, and we sought to make plans accordingly...we're still trying to make those plans today.

The movie ended at about 12:45, and everyone left. Being that I was wide awake, I opted to fall asleep to the "soothing" Ethics reading for my paper due next Thursday. It's not actually soothing--when I couldn't handle reading the UMC stance on the Juvenile Death Penalty, I switched to the reading on the global predicament of children...not light reading by any stretch. Despite that, I eventually was off to sleep, and I dreamt about taking an extended trip to England--but I was only at the airport saying goodbye to my family, making sure that I had everything, and wondering whether or not I was in the group that got to take a train in from the airport, or if I was in the boat group. Also, I (for some reason) saw on my boarding pass that, in fact, I had won a free eraser from Euston Station in London. Much celebration.

I have strange dreams.

Anyway, I was so sad at the thought of saying goodbye to all of my family (though it was nice of my sister and her family to fly in and surprise me!) that I woke up...So far today, I have reviewed about 75% of the reading I need for next Wednesday's NT01 quiz, I have read about half the Ethics reading I need for my papers (both due Thursday), I had some lunch, I ran out to the bank to make a big old deposit, and, upon completion of this blog, I will venture to define all the NT01 terms, read 100+ pages of my Education book (for a paper due Tuesday), figure out stuff for Sunday, work on my sermon, and begin to write my Ethics paper...all in 4ish hours. Hurray!

Tomorrow, I will head to Morgantown to hang out with Mom, Dad, and a slew of Dad's Delta Tau Delta buddies. We're going to see the WVU/Louisville game too...and Uncle Charles again! I'm driving back here Saturday night, then Ben and I discussed possibly hanging out, though I'm not sure if that will happen or not. Sunday, I'll have church, of course, then the Browns game, of course, then I will seek to finish everything that I don't get to today (i.e. writing my papers that are all due next week+ a sermon)

Monday, October 10, 2005

soliloquy

I'm listening to Les Miserables right now, and preparing to work on (and hopefully complete) my TH49 midterm. I don't know why I'm listening to this, as it always makes me one of two things: 1. Sad and wanting to sing along or 2. Exhilerated and wanting to sing along. Either way, I'm in the computer lab, and not allowed to sing along. At least I can sort of bob my head.

And type to the beat, which I just noticed that I was doing without even realizing. Thank goodness it was "At The End Of The Day" and not some other slower song.

Anyway, I can only delay the inevitable (i.e. homework) for so long by discussing Les Mis.

Bye :0)

Cure.

Things I'm supporting today in my wardrobe:

1. Breast Cancer Awareness
2. The Cleveland Browns
3. Kaiser Permanente
4. Race For The Cure
5. Columbia

I'm using my "Be Your Own Cure" bag from Race For The Cure (this past Saturday in Cleveland--the weather was shlocky, but it was still good to be there with Mom and Dad), which is sponsored by K.P. (which used to be my favorite medical facility in all of Cleveland because I liked the name so much). I am wearing a Columbia fleece over top of a brown sweater. And I'm wearing my new shiny brown shoes (they're like little ballet shoe thingees that are brown with brown sequins...I bet they sound ugly, but they're actually very cute) and my new Cleveland Browns winter hat. Which they said is "Youth" sized, but it fits over my melon quite nicely. And, I'm wearing my watch with an orange face.

Clearly, the Browns won yesterday. Hurray! Now if the Steelers happen to lose tonight against the Chargers (*crosses fingers*), we will be tied in the AFC North. How wonderful that would be!

I have class, then I have a multitude of papers on which I must work. Dave called last night, and I have been relenquished from CHUP-related responsibilities. Of course, this saves me some gas, some time, and allows me to go to a Community Life meeting I would've otherwise missed. So...all good things.

Also, Mom and Dad took me shopping this weekend (yay sales!) and I now have new fun things. And the Browns Backers have switched locations--we're now on Carson St. just across the bridge from Oakland. This is even more convenient. Yes!

Ok. Bye. :0)

Saturday, October 08, 2005

effects

I am in Cleveland this weekend for the first time in a couple of months. Chloe has been as purry as ever...she hasn't left me at all (and is laying right next to me as I type this, in fact). I haven't done very much today--I worked on my take home midterm for Doctrine, I finished up a mini-presentation for next Thursday, and I read a little bit for NT01. Also, I added somewhere around 450 songs to my itunes...to be transferred to my ipod upon return to Pittsburgh.

Apparently this is the weekend for activities. I have gotten 7 voicemails so far--3 from people who were rather random in their wanting to hang out. Brett, for example, called to play MarioKart sometime this weekend. I thought this was more weird until I recalled that Sarina (Brett's wife) is in Mississippi this weekend helping clean up. Also, Rus called and wanted me to meet up with the gang at Hemingway's. And April called about some shindig at the Kellers' house. Obviously, I'm here and uninterested in attending any events.

Race For The Cure is tomorrow morning...we will depart in the wee small hours...It's always a good experience.

Then, I'm going to head back to Pittsburgh, but not without stopping in Boardman for a couple of hours to catch up with Peg. I saw both she and Ash last night at Charge Conference (and met the new D.S., Orlando Chaffee), but a meeting doesn't exactly create a "catching up" sort of atmosphere. So, I'll stop by tomorrow, then get back sometime in the early evening. And, as Brian is out of town until Sunday sometime, Debbie and I are going to have a girl's night. A much-needed one. It's midterms, and everyone is feeling it.

I'm all for some sort of cheezy movie and comfy clothing and something dangerous for dinner. :0)

My sister and niece will be here in just over 2 weeks, and nothing is more exciting than that right now! I just can't wait. :0)

People on campus are funny. The type of interaction I have with some of the people on campus this year is markedly different from last year...for the most part, this is a positive thing.

Oh, and Tuesday is National Coming Out Day, which has the campus all in a frenzy. Apparently people are surprised by the fact that people disagree on the merit (or not) of this particular event. Um...duh.

Mom and I are now playing "Name That Tune" with my playlist. Soon, we'll watch a movie. Ahh...bumming around...

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

funny.

I got this from howieluvsus' blog (linked through Michael's, which is linked through mine). And I actually laughed out loud. :0)

Donald Rumsfeld is giving the president his daily briefing. He concludes by saying: “Yesterday, 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed in an accident.”
“OH NO!” the President exclaims. “That’s terrible!”
His staff sits stunned at this display of emotion, nervously watching as the President sits, his head cradled in his hands.
Finally, the President looks up and asks………. “How many is a Brazillion?”

Monday, October 03, 2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHEL!!! :0)

Happy 3rd Birthday Rachel!!! :0)



Where in the world has time gone? I can't believe how much has happened in three years--how quickly too. If life goes this quickly at 24, how much faster, then, must it go at 34, 44, 54, 64, and 74? Good grief.

I already had a meeting this morning, wrote some EOC/Mahoning District emails, and I have a wealth of things to keep me busy for the rest of the day.

Of course, the best part will be singing to Rachey! :0)

Anyway, no real reason to update, except to extend my Happy Birthday wishes over the internet.

Bye :0)

Sunday, October 02, 2005

sunburn.

It has been a very 1987esque weekend for me. After all, both the Buckwheat Festival and a Mountaineer football game? As I said to Mom and Dad, this weekend reminded me of what life was like 15 or 20 years ago. It was fun, despite the sadness that was the WVU/VT game, topped off by the Tribe not getting the Wildcard. Boo. :0( It was nice to see Uncle Charles, Aunt Kelley, and the girls again (they're SO tall!) There's a strong chance I'll be heading back to Morgantown in a couple of weeks to see the WVU/Louisville game. And Uncle Charles again (minus the rest of the family), and Joe Safety with his fiancee...and some other frat brothers of Dad's (Chevy, Steve Britt, etc.) Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to capitalize on the time spent with them, and I can hear about all of the stories of Dad in the Delt house. He did confess that, while most of his friends were plastered to watch every football game (in suit and tie, mind you), he never was because he enjoyed football too much. He also confessed that, instead, he just waited until after the game.

At any rate, I have enjoyed the past few days, even with some sort of allergy/sinus/cold thing going on--Mom thought I had a fever earlier today--I thought it was the hot chocolate I drank at lunch. Also, I'm sporting a sort of "Phantom of the Opera" look, as the right side of my face is bright red with sunburn (save the prominent line of white where my sunglasses sat).

I took Mom and Dad to church this morning, and they just loved it. It made me a little bit sad for them though--it's not like they're close by and able to just come every Sunday. Several people went up and introduced themselves--not even knowing that they were related to me!

Next weekend, I'm going back to Cleveland (it's been a couple of months since my last trip, I guess), and will participate in Race for the Cure with Mom and Dad. Also, I have to go to Charge Conference in Boardman...that will be the least exciting part of the weekend. I have meetings every night this week, plus another one tomorrow morning at 7:30. Yuck. But, as far as schoolwork is concerned, it's a fairly light week. Lots of reading, but I will be at Mom and Dad's all day on Friday, so I can get a lot done there.

Today has remained consistent with other Sundays, even sans Browns game. Steamboat Matt called, among others--it's been awhile since he and I have caught up. I actually got one phone call from someone who thought I'd have extra time to talk today purely because Cleveland did not play. Actually, the logic is pretty good.

Anyway, my niece turns 3 tomorrow. So finally she can announce to everyone that, "It's Rachel's happy birthday!" She's been waiting since Mom's (her Oma) birthday in July! :0) 3 on the 3rd...as J says, it's her "golden birthday." I hope she likes her gifts from me. :0)

I have things to do, cds to put onto my ipod, and football to watch (though the 49ers and Cardinals doesn't figure to be a great game--regardless of the country in which it's played). Bye :0)