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!