Christmas Survey!

I always get random surveys from friends to fill out all of the time. I thought I would share the results of two of them put together.

1. Christmas tree up yet?
No, we don't put one up because of the kitties

2. Any Christmas decorations up yet?
No, I haven't done x-mas decorations in the new house yet. I still feel like we aren't unpacked.

3. What are you asking for for Christmas?
Restaurant gift cards and Menards gift card. It amazes me how your priorities change as you get older.

4.What do you usually do on Christmas Eve?
We head to my mom's house on x-mas eve. It has been the tradition since I was little.

5. What do you usually do on Christmas Day?
Now, we head to Lee's grandma's house. We've started a new tradition for Christmas supper - Chinese buffet. They are always open on x-mas, and I'll be darned if I'm cooking. We aren't the only ones there either!

6. Do you own any christmas clothes or jewelery?
Christmas socks, and I wear them throughout the winter

7. Do you use white or colored christmas lights?
I used to do colored on the tree before my kitties came along

8. Do you bake Christmas cookies?
Nope, I let my mom do that.

9. Do you buy Christmas presents for your whole family?
For Lee's family - yes. For my family, we have a x-mas exchange among the adults, and then everyone buys for the kids and pets.

10. How many friends do you buy presents for?
2 - Sharla and Sara

11. Is there a Santa Clause?
It would be nice, but then why doesn't he buy me presents :-).

12. Favorite Christmas Carol?
O Holy Night and Carol of the Bells

13. Would you rather it be a white Christmas, or a warm Christmas?
White - Christmas isn't supposed to be warm outside

14. Was last year a good christmas?
I had a migraine on x-mas eve, so that wasn't so good. Christmas day was nice though.

15. Which Christmas color do you like better? RED or GREEN?
I prefer green throughout the year, but on x-mas I like red.

16. Do you get a real Christmas tree, or is it artificial?
I have an artifical one in my attic.

17. When you get older, will you get a real or artificial tree?
I'll keep my artificial one.

18. Do you hang stockings?
Used to, but not since we got in the house.

19. When opening presents, does your family all open them at the same time or do you take turns?
At my mom's we open one at a time. At Lee's grandma's, we open all at the same time.

20. What is usually in your stocking?
Lee's mom gives us a stocking each year filled with smaller presents, candy, and fruit. My mom usually gives us small presents.

21. Do you get up early on Christmas day?
I try not too. I enjoy the day off from work.

22. Does your family eat breakfast before or after opening presents?
We usually don't eat breakfast. We have lunch at Lee's grandma's house.

23. Do you have a favorite ornament you hang on the tree?
I love my ornaments! I wish I still put up my tree. One day again I will.

24. What Christmas movie do you like to watch the most?
I have three I like to watch - Home Alone, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story.

25. What do you like better, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
They are both special in their own way for different reasons.
______________________________________________

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Bags are easier and more often than not what I choose, but occasionally I do wrap.

2. Real or Artificial tree?
Artificial. (See above)

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually don't anymore (See above)

4. When do you take the tree down?
Since I normally don't put one up, I get to save this step.

5. Do you like Eggnog?
I have never tried it.

6. Favorite Gift you received as a child?
My big teddy bear that I still have and isn't so big anymore

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
I love the nativity scene I have, but I haven't decorated in a couple of years.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
Taylor - I want to make her happy, and she never knows what she wants.

9. Easiest person to buy for?
My husband because we get each other something for the house.

10. Worst Christmas gift ever received?
Those darn popcorn tins.

11. Christmas Cards...Snail mail or E-mail?
Snail mail

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
I have 3 (See above)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I used to be super-proactive, but the last two years have been difficult. I have been shopping up to the end.

14. Have you ever 'recycled' a Christmas present?
Several times and other gifts as well became x-mas gifts

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Mom's cheesecake

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
I've done colored in the past.

17. Favorite Christmas Song?
I have 2 (See above)

18. Travel at Christmas or Stay Home?
Usually traveling

19. Can you name Santa's Reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph

20. Do you have an Angel or a Star on top of your tree?
When I put one up, I have an angel.

21. Open the Presents Christmas Eve or Morning?
(See above) My mom's house on Christmas Eve and Lee's grandma's on Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
The Christmas songs that start in October!!!!!

23. Shopping...Mall or on-line?
Depends how easily I can find it online. I usually do half-and-half.

24. Do you decorate outside for Christmas or just inside (or at all?)
Neither really - not this year

25. Favorite Christmas cookie?
I'm not really a cookie kind of girl.

26. Do you own Christmassy clothing or jewelry?
(See above) Socks

27. Do you believe in Santa?
(See above) I hope that there is, but he doesn't visit me :-)

Thanksgiving Traditions

This year's Thanksgiving was quite a bit different than Thanksgivings past, but at the same time, it was a great 5-day break from work.

Wednesday night we got to pick up Taylor and see her for the first time in 5 1/2 weeks. We got to spend almost the entire 5-day break with her, which was great!

Thanksgiving was full of family time. We first went to Lee's grandma's house for a short time, so Taylor could see her grandmas on Thanksgiving. We then headed off to Basswood, where we once lived, for Lee's dad's family Thanksgiving. It was a large turnout and had the most kids there in years. It was great to see the family, which we generally only see one a year. For the Lee family (my family) Thanksgiving, we did something quite different. We hosted! Generally, the Lee family Thanksgiving takes place at my mom and dad's house. Last year, my sister hosted in Indianapolis for the first time. This year, we hosted. We cooked our first turkey which is pictured above. Not everyone could be there due to other commitments, but as a whole, it was a new twist to an old Thanksgiving tradition.

Friday Lee, Lee's mom, and I took Taylor to see Enchanted. It was a great movie!!!!!!!!!! The theater was packed, and people of all ages were laughing and having a great time. Two thumbs up!

Saturday we took Taylor to the library. She has been asking to go for months, so we read two books about "Dumb Bunnies". I think she enjoyed herself. Lee's sister, who lived with us for a time, came back home for a funeral. She moved to Phoenix several months ago. It was good to see her as well. We also painted primer on the hallway walls. We have been doing a lot of renovating and replacing items in the last month, which is why I haven't posted. She enjoyed helping us out. At night, we watched E.T. Taylor had seen part of it on TV a few weeks ago, and she wanted to watch the whole movie. So we curled up with blankets, turned down the lights, and enjoyed the movie. Sunday, she had to go home. The funny thing is that within hours of being back home she had emailed Lee and I and called us. I think she missed us, and we sure did miss her.

All in all, it was a great 5-day weekend! We got to enjoy time with each other, with family, and with our little Taylor. Next time we see her will be for Christmas. Sometimes it seems like it doesn't come soon enough.

Yes, I'm German

My husband makes fun of me (in a good way) about my heritage all of the time. I was born and raised in southern Indiana, where many of the residents have German Catholic ancestry. I am not much different. I do have other blood running through my veins, but my primary heritage is German. You can see the German stubbornness and hot-headedness within me and certain members of my family. It is hard to deny where we came from, although I try to fight it often.

Being German is such a prevalent and proud heritage where my hometown is, that it is hard to get away from it. When I was in high school, you could choose from two foreign languages to learn - Spanish and German! Now, outside of Dubois County, I don't think there is much calling for the knowledge of the German language in the U.S., but who knows!

In Jasper, a neighboring town and the county seat, the German heritage is even more visible. Each year, Jasper holds the Strassenfest (street fest), where the Germanness of the area shouts out. German flags are seen everywhere and people dress in German attire. It is quite a sight.

Jasper also has one of the few German restaurants (pictured above) I have seen in Indiana - The Schnitzelbank (carving bench). It has been in business since 1961 and is well-known for its German and American cuisine. It prides itself on serving food such as Wiener Schnitzel, Goulash, Spatzle, Kassler Rippchen, German Fries, etc. I have only been there a few times. However, this weekend we celebrated my hubby's birthday, and his gift was a trip to The Schnitzelbank.

Although Lee may make fun of my heritage, he truly loves the German girl he married and where she comes from. We have always talked about going to the restaurant, but it is quite pricey, and we never have time to stop when in town. So this weekend we made a special trip just to eat at the Schnitzelbank. Yummy! My husband had the Wurst platter - Bratwurst, Knackwurst, and Bockwurst with German fries. He loved it! I am not a fan of German food - go figure. I had the Channel Catfish Fiddlers platter. Never in my life have I seen catfish this huge. My word! But, they were yummy!

So, if you are ever in Jasper, Indiana and want to try some good authentic German food, I suggest The Schnitzelbank - well worth the money you will spend!

FP Got 3rd!!!.....and more news

This year's ISSMA state finals took place in the RCA Dome - for the last time. Beginning in spring the RCA Dome will be demolished. What a sad time :-(. Next year's finals will be in the new Lucas Oil Stadium, which should be completed summer 2008.

As I promised news, the Forest Park Marching Rangers received a 3rd place finish in Saturday's state marching band finals. They did a wonderful job, and I did not realize how nervous I would be. I wasn't nearly as nervous as the proud mom (my sister), who I sat by, but still nervous nonetheless. It was a great time.

Lee videotaped FP's performance and the award ceremony. We are going to create a DVD that includes a picture slideshow of pictures my sister and I took along with the videotape. I think it will be great in the end, and I can't wait to see it.

In other news, I registered for my last class last week. Registration began last week, and since I am graduating (FINALLY) in May, I got to register for my very last class. I am so excited!

And finally, I have begun taking multivitamins and calcium supplements to get my body ready for a baby. We haven't officially started "trying", but we are preparing!

We're Going to State!

My niece, Sabrina, has been a member of the high school marching band this year - a big accomplishment for someone in the eighth grade. She plays the clarinet and is the small one in the middle of the picture above. Anyway, this weekend the marching band participated in the regional band competition and next weekend will be marching at the State competition.

I couldn't be happier and prouder of Sabrina. She voluntarily missed her family summer vacation to Florida to join the high school band one year early and go to band camp. Now, as an eighth grader she gets to have the moment of her life (so far) and march at the RCA Dome against the best marching bands in the state. Lee and I will be there cheering her on!!!!

As a kid, we went to the State marching band competitions nearly every year. There is no other sound on earth as the drumline sound reverberates throughout the RCA Dome. However, this will probably be the last year, as the RCA Dome will probably be out of commission next season.

I'll keep you updated on how the band does. I went to the district competition a couple of weeks ago. I must say that their program is beautiful. I almost cried! They are doing the music to "A Beautiful Mind", and it is stunning! I hope they do well, but as my sister (the proud Mom) says, "At least we are in the top ten!" True, very true!

This weekend Taylor also came up for a visit. She was on fall break last week, and so on Thursday night Mem-ma Cheryl picked up Taylor, and we met them in Louisville. Friday Taylor and I spent the day running errands. Saturday I was supposed to go to the regional band competition but was fighting a cold. So as not to miss work and the state competition, I stayed home and Taylor and I played games ALL DAY! It was great to get to spend time with her, and Lee and I miss her dearly!

Also since the last time I posted, Lee has started his job at the Center for Survey Research here at IU. He works on the 3rd floor of the building I work in, and we commute to and from work together and usually have lunch together too. I am so happy for him and proud of him, and I hope this leads to bigger and better things.

Ta, Ta for now :-)

5 Year Anniversary

Today I have officially been working at Indiana University for 5 years. Boy, the time sure flies by. Prior to IU, I had never worked at any one place for more than 1 year and 9 months, and here I celebrate 5 years at IU.

I never imagined 5 years ago where I would be today. I am now married and a homeowner. I am nearing the end of my master's degree, which I never would have started without working at IU. I make more than double in salary from what I started out making just 5 short years ago. (I don't think I can repeat that in another 5 years.)

If you would have questioned me on October 1, 2002, none of these things would have been on my radar. Thank you, IU, for all of the great years so far. I look forward to many more!

Whew!

At the request of a good friend who I miss dearly, I am updating my blog. Miss you Jenny!

It has been a hectic few weeks, and I am glad that September is coming to a close. In the last few weeks, I have had three recruitment fairs. One at Depauw, Rose-Hulman, and Purdue. Since Lee isn't currently working, he came with me to the Purdue fair. Lee had never been to Purdue before, and I think he really liked it.

The weekend of September 15, we got to see Taylor after one month of not seeing her. With her school, our schedules, and the distance between us, it is getting harder to see her. I hope we can at least keep it at once a month. I know she misses us as much as we miss her. While she was here, we went to Rock the Quarry, which is a totally free event sponsored by Rogers Group Quarry. We had a really great time together.

Last weekend I went to my 10-year high school reunion. I didn't get to go to my 5-year reunion, so I hadn't seen many of my classmates since the day we graduated. It was great to catch up and see everyone again. It was also nice to connect with those I do keep in contact with - Melissa, Renee, Tami, and Amy (seen above), and those new connections from MySpace. I'm glad I went. Lee also had a good time hanging with the husbands. I think he had a better time than he thought he would.

This coming weekend we are going to the ISSMA District band competition. My niece, who is in 8th grade, is a member of the high school marching band. She plays clarinet, and I couldn't be prouder of her. She is competing at the district level this weekend, so we are going to cheer her on.

Our good friends Jeff and Sara are also visiting Saturday night on their way to the Colts game on Sunday. We haven't seen them since May (see Much Needed Weekend post). It will be great to see them again.

And perhaps the best news of all is that my hubby has a new job. He will be working at IU at the Center for Survey Research. Coincidentally, he will be working in the same building I am except I am on the 10th floor and he will be on the 3rd floor. We hope to commute together to save on gas and mileage. He has to pass the standard background check, but barring any issues, he should be starting work within the first few weeks of October.

Well, that is it for now. Like I said, it has been busy for us the last few weeks. Hope all is well for all of you!

Niagara Falls & Canada

With all of the news of last week, I didn't get the chance to post a blog about our Labor Day trip. We visited Niagara Falls and Canada. It was a wonderful and much needed time away.

We left Saturday morning at 4:46 a.m. I have only gotten up that early twice for as long as I can remember. The other time was when we drove to Orlando six months ago. By mid-afternoon we were in Niagara Falls, NY taking in the sites.

The following day we went to Niagara Falls, Ontario and enjoyed the Canadian views and sites. I must say, even though there were hundreds to thousands of people surrounding us, watching the falls was one of the most peaceful and tranquil moments of my life. Nothing can explain going there and seeing them in person. It is much like the Grand Canyon, where we went on our honeymoon. Pictures and words just can't describe it.

Pictures and words also can't describe the Maid of the Mist boat ride into the heart of the falls. You will get wet, but you will also never experience anything quite like it. The roar of the water, the wind, the movement of the boat - it was all unforgettable.

Labor Day we drove home via Canada (AKA "the long way"). Lee wanted to drive back through Canada so I obliged. It was quite a beautiful trip, and we got to come back to the U.S. via Detroit. However, it was also a long trip home that day.

In all, during our trip we visited Niagara Falls State Park in NY, Niagara Falls, Ontario, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Skylon Tower, Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, Queen Victoria Place, Lake Ontario, Buffalo, Windsor, Detroit, etc, all in 64 hours.

If you would like to see pictures, please email me, and I'll send you the link. You can also see pictures on my MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/rachel_81404.

A Death Always Changes Your Perception of Reality - Part 2

Today I discovered someone I once cared about had passed away. John Thacker and I dated through most of my college days. We met in the summer of 1999 and soon moved in together. John and I stayed together until the spring of 2001, when we realized that our relationship was not going to withstand the test of time. There were many ups and downs, and our relationship caused much grief with my family as well. It wasn't necessarily a healthy relationship, but it lasted for nearly two years nonetheless. The last time I saw him was in the fall of 2001.

In 2002, I moved to Bloomington, but John and I kept in touch - emailing every few months. The last I heard from him was at the end of July when he told me he was planning on moving to Indianapolis soon. I had wished him the best of luck.

Today, I was looking at his MySpace page. We weren't "friends" on MySpace for various reasons, but I still checked in every once in a while. The comments left by some of his "friends" had me concerned. I then checked the Evansville Courier website and searched for his name. I found his obituary. I couldn't believe it!

Here was this person that I had shared two years of my life with, and I was reading his obituary. I've had family members pass away, but I've never had a friend (or ex-friend in this case) pass away. I shared a lot of time and experiences with him and memories started flooding back - classes we attended, dinners we shared, conversations we had, trips we took, etc. I just couldn't believe it!

I called Lee, who knows everything about me and my past, and even he couldn't believe the news. He asked if I was okay, and I honestly didn't know the answer. I emailed my family and my best friends. Sharla immediately called and asked the same question. I didn't know quite how to respond.

I don't know the circumstances surrounding John's death. His obituary says that he died at his residence. He had muscular dystrophy, and I'm not sure if that was a factor or not. I have sent his mother and nephew a card, and I hope they shed some light on this terrible situation. John always told me that he felt as though he would never live long. He felt that something was going to prevent him from growing old. I always thought he was crazy but in the end he was right.

When someone that you are close to (or once close to) passes away, your perception of reality and life's problems change drastically. Lee lost his job due to cutbacks on Thursday. I've been nervous and worried about it, and I still am. But, at least he is here with me. Everything else we can work around and through.

Please enjoy the times you are with people and never take their presence for granted. They may not be there tomorrow.

In Memoriam:

John Harlan Thacker
9/3/1970 - 8/27/2007
May you rest in peace!

Gil's New Home

First of all, we learned this week that Gil is a boy as we thought. He will be getting "fixed" next month sometime. We also got the bunny a new cage yesterday. He outgrew his cage quite awhile ago. We had been trying to determine what to do, so last night we finally bought him a new bigger cage. This new one is so big that the old one can fit inside of it. Gil loves it!!!! He has stopped chomping on the cage wanting out; he can hop from side to side easier; he can stretch out without touching the sides. He is a much happier bunny!

Not Broken, Just Badly Bent

I found out Tuesday night that my foot is not broken. However, I ended up hurting it still fairly bad. You can see from the picture how I bruised and how much I swelled. My toes were pretty puffy here, and the left side of my foot swelled too. I am still having trouble walking great. But, I will survive. I just wanted to keep everyone updated.

Sorry It's Been So Long

Yep, it has been quite awhile since I posted a blog. We have just been keeping on keeping on.

Taylor started 2nd grade on August 9 in Tennessee. It is hard to believe she is that far along already. Wow!

Lee and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary on August 14. We didn't do too much because we are currently planning a trip to Niagara Falls over Labor Day.

This past weekend we celebrated Taylor's 8th birthday, even though her "real" birthday isn't until the 26th. She got to have 2 parties - one for Lee's family and one for my family. We had A LOT of family over!!! She got quite a few clothes, games, and the pink pillow pictured above. She had told me about a month ago that she has always wanted one but never got one. So, of course, we made sure she got one.

One of my big duties in my new job is to plan, coordinate, and implement our Informatics Department Graduate Orientation. That is taking place this whole week (August 20-24). I have been very stressed about it, but today was the first day, and it went off without a hitch. Whew! Only 4 more days to go!

And, some very interesting news - I "may" have broken my foot. I fell down the stairs last night, and I haven't been able to walk on it since. I went to the doctor today, and they took x-rays. They think my fourth metatarsal may be broken, but they can't tell. So, they are sending the x-rays to a radiologist. I should find out more tomorrow. Right now I get to wear a post-op boot and keep my foot elevated and iced. Woo-hoo!

I start classes again next week. My summer class went pretty well, even though it was an online course. I have one class this fall, and one class in the spring. Then I will be officially done :-)

Gil, the bunny, is getting bigger and more persnickety. He is adorable, which saves his hide a lot. The kitties are still doing good too. They are my little angels. :-)

Well, that is a quick update on us and our lives. We are doing pretty good, and I hope it continues that way. Here's to wishin' for the best!

Fourth of July 2007

Our 4th of July was super busy this year. I took off of work most of the week because Taylor stayed with us from Tuesday to Sunday - long visit now that she has moved. We kept her very busy and showed her the best time we could. Here is a run down of our week.

Tuesday I took Sabrina and Brandi, my nieces, with me to pick up Taylor. Wednesday (4th of July) we spent the day at Lee's grandma's with his family. Wednesday night we set off some fireworks during a rainstorm reprieve, but it didn't stay dry long enough to do much. Thursday Lee's mom took Taylor on the town and spoiled her - go figure! Thursday night the weather cooperated and we got to set off the rest of our fireworks. We had a good time! Friday I took Taylor swimming for 3 1/2 hours! We both got sunburned, but she finally rode the water slide at Bryan Park Pool. Friday night we went to Bedford to see their fireworks show. It was really nice outside and a good time. Saturday, Lee's dad, Lee, Taylor, and I went to Lee's other grandma's house. Lee scanned some of her old pictures like her senior picture from the 1930s so that they are preserved. We hadn't visited her in quite awhile, so it was good to see her. Then Sunday Taylor went back home.

Let's just say I needed a vacation from my vacation, and I was somewhat happy to get back to work. We had a great holiday week, and I'm really glad Taylor got to spend some good time with us. We should see her again at the end of the month. Happy Summer!

Has it really been a year?

Yep, one year ago Lee and I signed our life away (at least 30 years of it) and became homeowners. It doesn't seem like that much time has passed. We have been through so much this year between renovations, job changes, Taylor moving, going to Disney, and so much more. Time is just flying.

I hope this post finds you all well. Remember to stop and smell the roses along the way because you never know what tomorrow brings. I've noticed that as I get older time goes by faster and faster. As a child you think summer vacation lasts forever. Christmas and birthdays never come quick enough, and you want to be a grown-up so badly. As an adult you realize how good you had it as a child - no bills, no responsibilities, no "real" worries. Time flies by quicker than you can blink.

We've now had the house for a year. We will be married three years in August (my goodness!). In the fall, I will be starting my fourth and final year in graduate school. Amazing how all of this seemed to begin yesterday.

Enjoy today and live for tomorrow!

We're Proud Parents - Again!

Lee and I have never gone to the Bloomington Fun Frolic as a couple. Taylor's mom always took her, so we never worried about going. Well, since they moved to Tennessee, they were no longer in town to take her, so we did. Boy, what an adventure!

We played the “Win A Bunny” game thinking we would never win. You have to throw a ping pong ball into a bowl floating in water. Who wins that?? Well, we did. Here is a picture of the new member of our family. His/her name is Gillham (for the street we live on). We’re calling the bunny Gil for short, and it is 7 weeks old. The kitties have been sniffing the bunny a bunch, but Gil doesn’t seem to mind them at all. He/she just hops right by. We've been keeping it in the cage for most of the day and letting it out for 1/2 hour here and there for playtime. I think it likes it's new home. If it gets to be too much to handle, we will find it a new home, but for now, we'll give it a shot!

We also learned that Taylor is quite the expert at darts. She won a little blue dog and won her Aunt Gloria a picture by popping balloons with darts. Even Aunt Gloria herself couldn't hit one. Taylor also got to take her first ride on a Ferris Wheel. She loved it!!! I couldn't believe she hadn't been on one before. We've ridden much scarier rides at Holiday World and Disney. All in all, it was a fun day at the Fun Frolic, and we now have a new member of the family.

Out of the Ashes, A Phoenix Will Rise

This morning I awoke to a phone call from my mom. It seems the church in my hometown burned. For some this may not be a big deal, but to me a large part of my childhood rests in that church.

I come from a small town in southern Indiana. St. Anthony is a town with no stoplight, no McDonald's, no school, one gas station, and a great big Catholic church, which it seems the town is built around. The church itself is well over 100 years old and was built in the mid to late 1800s. It was currently undergoing its first renovation in more than 50 years, and my guess is that something went wrong with construction and started the fire. The fire was noticed at 3:30 in the morning, and six fire departments responded. I'm sure we'll know the exact cause in a few days.

I am no longer a practicing Catholic, but a lot of my growing up surrounded the Catholic faith and holds great memories for me. I was deeply affected when the Pope died, and when I face hard issues, I still revert back to my Catholic faith.

This church itself holds a lot of memories for me and my family. My parents were married there in 1969. My sister was married there in 1992. I was baptized there, had my First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation all in the church. My nieces were baptized there as well. I attended several funerals in this church including the funeral of my great-grandmother, who died when she was 105 years old, and my grandfather's funeral. I even worked there as a small child. My sisters and I would do odd jobs around the church, and I got paid in pennies :-). As long as I could count them, I could have them. During our high school years, my sister and I were lectors in the church. My, what memories that building holds!

I know one building shouldn't be the end all and be all, but for me it holds the memories of my childhood, my family, my hometown, and my faith. I never thought this incident would affect me so much, but in part, it is like a death in the family. However, "Out of the ashes, a phoenix will rise." I believe this, and I know the citizens of St. Anthony will push on. I pray for them and my thoughts will be with them.

Last Week of May

We had a great Memorial Day weekend. Friday night we took Taylor to see Shrek the Third. The Shrek babies and the Dronkies were quite adorable. My friend Sharla came up from Jasper to help me de-wallpaper our living and dining room. It took us between 10 and 12 hours, but we finally finished. Only the foyer and kitchen to go!!!

Sunday we got a little rain with a little sunshine which allowed me to take the picture above. I haven't seen a rainbow in quite some time, and this is from right outside our front door. I love our view!!

Tuesday night was Taylor's last night with us on a full-time basis. Lee and I made her a gift. We put together a 10 minute slideshow (http://vimeo.com/204052) of many of the pictures we had of Taylor growing up. We included three songs "Wait for Me" by Bob Seger, "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack, and "Home" by Chris Daughtry. We also put together video well wishes from my family, Lee's family, and the two of us for Taylor to take with her. The whole DVD was about 20 minutes long or so, but she loved it. She called us last night on her way to Tennessee to tell us that she had already watched it three times!!!!!! The next time we'll see her will be Father's Day weekend, so we don't have to wait too long.

As we lost Taylor, we gained Gloria. Lee's sister is in between leases right now, so she has temporarily moved in for the next few weeks. Her stuff is taking up half of the garage, and she has moved in to Taylor's room while Taylor is away. She is also bringing her kitty today, which should be interesting for my three cats. I can't wait to hear the hissing and growling when I get home :-).

Anyway, I start my summer class soon, work is going well, and life will be getting back to normal. I can't believe May is already over. Whew!

Much Needed Weekend

So this weekend was a much needed weekend of fun. Lee and I visited our friends Jeff and Sara in Evansville. We haven't been to visit them in nearly a year just because of how things have worked out with all of our schedules, but I'm so glad we made it down there.

Friday night we went to Cheeseburger in Paradise and had a nice dinner after dropping off Taylor with her mom for the weekend. After a late night and a late start to Saturday, Lee realized that his wallet was no longer on him. So I proceeded to call every place we had been to since we arrived in Evansville Friday night. We kept checking our account online and no purchases had been made. Lee called his dad who has a key to our house, and bless his heart - he found Lee's wallet at home, but not until midnight and we had been worrying all day!

Saturday night we went to Fast Eddys - an Evansville bar with good eats that are cheap - and then made our way to the boat - Casino Aztar. Unfortunately, we got carded, so since Lee didn't have his wallet that idea was a bust. So instead we went to Jillian's - which we equate to Chuck-E-Cheese for adults. It has pool, games, bowling, a bar, restaurant, etc. Lee and I decided to step into this photo machine that takes your picture along with your significant other and creates an image of your future child. Above you will see the the result - isn't he a cutie?!?!? We'll keep this until we are done having kids and see just how accurate it was. Lee and Jeff also had a rough game of air hockey where injuries and potential lawsuits were a likely possibility :-). We then went back to Jeff and Sara's for a smallish party of friends, good times, and the Nintendo Wii. Competitiveness took the better of some of us, but it was good to spend time with friends.

Sunday we bought a new fountain for the outdoors which was my birthday present - 3 months late, but better late than never. We had a great cookout before we left Evansville and headed back to reality. Although it doesn't seem like much, it was nice to get away, spend time with good ole' friends, and get our minds off of life for awhile. Perhaps we should do that more often!!!!!!

This next weekend we are taking Taylor to see Shrek the Third, and my good friend Sharla is coming up to help de-wallpaper our living room/dining room/foyer area. Her birthday present to me this year was her for a weekend. Taylor's last day of school is May 30, and then she moves back to her mom again and we'll resume some sort of visitation schedule. Life is constantly changing, but at least it is a good life to have!

Taylor

Well it has been almost one year since I started this blog. I can't believe how time flies and how much life has changed in one year!

We've been very busy this past month. Lee's new job is going well. He is really enjoying it and couldn't be happier. We are getting more things done on the house. This summer we are hoping to get even more done. My job is going well. Same old, same old. I have officially finished the spring semester, and I only have 3 more classes to go to finish my degree!!!!!! The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer and closer.

For the last few weeks and until the end of May, we have had Taylor full-time. Her mom and stepdad have officially moved to Clarksville, TN. Her stepdad joined the military in October, and Fort Campbell is his first duty station. Taylor is staying in Bloomington with us until the end of her school year.

It has been quite a change for us. I have adjusted my work schedule so I can take her to school in the morning. She stays with a friend after school until Lee can pick her up. We have been traveling every weekend (either to Ft. Campbell which is a four hour drive one way or we meet in the middle) to make sure she sees her mom. Our nights now consist of fixing dinner, showers, homework, play time, and bed time.

The interesting thing is that I have really fallen in love with Taylor all over again. It is much different to have her full-time than to have her every other weekend. We have been able to bond much better, and I think it will be hard on all of us when she officially moves. We are still going to try to see her every other or every third weekend, but it won't be the same as it is now. However, I am really glad we've had this time together before she moves.

7 Months

Almost 7 months to the day of Lee losing his job, he is back employed full-time on a permanent basis. Within one week he applied, interviewed, and was offered a job at Sternberg's. Sternberg's is a truck place (for lack of a better term) here in Bloomington. They were started in Jasper (my neck of the woods), and they also have an office in Evansville (my other old stomping ground).

We couldn't be happier about this change. For the last four months, Lee has been working a full-time temp job; however, his schedule has been less than desirable to say the least. His work week was from Saturday to Wednesday, and the hours were from 12:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Working during the weekends was quite the struggle, especially when we had Taylor. She didn't get to see her daddy as much as she would have liked and vice versa. Now all of that gets to change.

With his new schedule, we will also be able to get more renovations on the house completed. Our latest has been installing new attic stairs, and we have begun replacing our interior doors. He is finishing it up as I type.

Due to some scheduling conflicts, I won't be able to go on my first recruiting trip like a posted a time back. But, really, it is okay. There were lots of signs pointing to me not taking the trip, so I'm glad I cancelled it. I'm sure there will be other chances for me to travel, so no worries!

Well, Lee and I are hoping that our good news continues. Perhaps our luck has finally changed.

MySpace

Well, Lee and I have finally gotten MySpace pages. It is a good way for us to keep in contact with friends in addition to email and our blogs. Lee also started a page for his business to get more contacts and networking.

Rachel's Page - http://www.myspace.com/rachel_81404
Lee's Page - http://www.myspace.com/llawmaster
Lee's Business Page - http://www.myspace.com/lmlvideoservices

Of course, Lee also still has his blog - http://magic.rox.com

Feel free to visit them!

Disney 2007

This past month as been quite busy and exciting. For Spring Break, we took Taylor to Walt Disney World. Animal Kingdom, Epcot, MGM, and the Magic Kingdom in 3 days!! Yikes! We drove down too, so it was also a 16 hour car ride. We also stopped at Ormond Beach just north of Daytona and took in the Atlantic Ocean. It was a great trip, and I'm really excited that we went!!

We also have been doing more work on the house. This week we put in a new heat pump. The old one was original to the house (33 years old!), so it was high-time we purchased a new one. Now hopefully our energy bill will decrease - for the past few months it was out of control.

I also got news today that I will be doing my first recruiting trip in less than a month. I am headed out to California for a week in April - visiting four Cal State University campuses in hopes of recruiting more students for the School of Informatics. So, I'll keep you updated on that. Very nervous, but I think it will also be fun!

What a First Week!

So last week was my first week at my new job! Monday was crazy busy. Within an hour of my being there, I had to attend my first Administrative Council meeting (1 1/2 hours long), then I had to meet with my supervisor, set up my desk, etc. By the end of the day, my mind was exhausted. As my sister said, "You go from knowing everything to knowing nothing." And, boy, do I agree.

Then came the ice storm. I missed work both Tuesday and Wednesday, and IU actually closed the campus for half of Wednesday. As you can see from my picture, our poor pine tree suffered quite a bit of damage. Many of its front limbs fell off Tuesday due to the ice. We lost power for about 1 hour Tuesday morning and then we lost cable for another hour Tuesday afternoon. We were lucky! Our neighbors, who are on a different electric company than us, were without power all day Tuesday. It took Lee 1/2 hour to get into his truck to go to work Tuesday night. By Wednesday, the roads were really bad, but the sun cleared many of them by afternoon.

So, for Valentine's Day, we went to Olive Garden for dinner. It was very nice and wonderful. We decided to rent a movie and just stay in the rest of the night. Little did we know our power was going to go off for another 2 1/2 hours due to a tree on the power line. So, there we are sitting by candlelight on Valentine's Day. Not a bad prospect, except that we had no heat either. My husband used his noggin and set up our portable DVD player with our battery charger kit, and we got to watch a movie anyway. It was an interesting but wonderful Valentine's Day!

I went back to work on Thursday and Friday and kept busy as well. I went to an IT Career Fair and got my first taste of recruiting. I think this job is going to be challenging, interesting, and a great opportunity for me. I can't wait to experience more.

Then Saturday came more snow. It wasn't that big of a deal except that when I pulled into our driveway, I kind of missed it. I got hung up in our ditch. I went inside to get Lee to help and before we got back outside, a slew of neighbors came out to help. They got me out - I love having neighbors!!

Well, down with one week and many more to go!!

Reflection

Okay, so I hardly ever post this close together, but I have a lot of things on my mind.

Yesterday was my goodbye party at my current job, and it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. My office took me out to Irish Lion, and we had a great time...until Jim stood up to say a few words. Jim has always been a big supporter of mine. He wrote one of my recommendations to get into grad school; he was at my wedding; and he is just an all-around great guy. He said some great things. Then I had to say a few words, which I didn't get through without crying (and if you know me - I never cry). Whew! Now, I just have to make it through Friday!! Tonight my grad assistants are planning on taking me out for food and drinks at Cheeseburger in Paradise. That should be a good time.

This weekend I went to visit my parents on Saturday to go through some items I still have at their house. To my suprise, I got a little treat. My great-uncle passed away last month, and my father had received some old family pictures on Saturday. It was amazing to look at some of them. I had never seen a family picture of my father's family. Wow!

You see, I never knew my grandparents on my dad's side of the family. My grandmother died from ovarian cancer just weeks after my dad graduated high school. My grandfather died six years later in 1966. My parents didn't even start dating until 1967, so we never had a chance to meet them. So, these pictures were wonderful.

In addition, for those of you who know me and my family, you know my father has a prosthetic leg. It was amputated in 1950 when he was 7 years old due to cancer. Well, some of these pictures were taken before that time when he still had his leg. To see my dad as a little boy was just wonderful! I love that stuff.

Anyway, enough for my sappiness. It has been a rough emotional week already, and it is just starting. What a good time for reflection!

Lots of changes ole' Max, Lots of changes

January has been quite a month of changes for us. We have now gotten our new dishwasher, which has been a great addition to the house. It is much quieter than any other dishwasher we've ever had.

Lee has been on a few job interviews this month, but nothing has panned out. He is still working for First Lease, although, he continues to look for new work. His business/obsession/passion is now an "official" business. Check out his new website at http://www.lmlvideoservices.com.

We have decided to take Taylor to Disney World this spring break. I haven't been to Florida before either (it just never worked out), so this will be a great vacation for all of us. She might be moving away this spring, so we will make it a vacation to remember.

I found out yesterday that my sister and brother-in-law got tickets to the Super Bowl. They have been Colts fans and season ticket holders for years, so I'm glad they get to go. Off to Miami!!

The best news of all is that I have been offered a new job. I currently work in the MBA program at IU, and beginning February 12, I will be working at the School of Informatics. My new job title is Manager of Graduate Admissions and Graduate Studies Office. With the new job comes some perks such as a significant pay raise and 6 weeks paid time off a year + holidays! Whew! I also get to finally quit my second job after 8+ months.

January has been a great month, so I hope the rest of the year follows. We'll keep in touch!!

Welcome to 2007!

I must say I have deeply enjoyed the last week and a half of my life. I enjoyed being off of both of my jobs and school. I enjoyed spending time with my husband and step-daughter, and I enjoyed no major crisis except for the dishwasher dying and yesterday's small flood in our basement. The good thing is that we knew the dishwasher was on its last leg. It is original to the house, which is now 33 years old. So, we asked for Lowe's gift cards for Christmas. We have enough for our dishwasher without having to spend our own money. New purchase next week.

Christmas went well for our home. We got to see all of our family. Taylor got many new presents and being the big girl that she is donated A LOT of her old toys to Goodwill yesterday. We're so proud of her! She is really starting to grow up and think of others before herself is a great start!

Thursday Lee and I got away for some time and went to the French Lick Casino (and Sonic!) for the day. We didn't get the chance to spend the night, but it was well needed time for ourselves anyway.

New Year's passed without much fanfare. Lee had to be at work at midnight, so I spent New Year's with my kitties. At 12:08 a.m., my best girlfriend Sharla called, and I'm glad that she did. We're meeting up on Saturday to exchange x-mas gifts and so I can also give her birthday gift to her. It hasn't been that long since I've seen her, but she always puts me at ease when life has me stressed.

Sharla and I were roommates freshman year in college and have stayed the best of friends ever since. We lived together off-campus for a year after she returned from a semester abroad in England. We were maid/matron of honors at each other's weddings. I don't keep many "close" friends, but she is the best one (next to my hubby). I can always count on her!

2006 brought quite a few challenges our way: a new house, a lost job, numerous floods in our house (most brought on by us), etc. But as Lee and I always say, "We'll make it through. We always do."

I hope 2007 brings good luck, not only to us but to all of you. Here's to a new year, a fresh slate, and well wishes!