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I don't know if you heard about all the conterversity in Wi this spring, Karla, but what you're going through at your school is exactly what our governor was trying to avoid. By weakening the bargaining power of the unions it frees up the local school boards to determine wages, thus avoiding lay offs. of course, it's all theoretical, which is why it's such a hot topic! Times sure are changing! Well, sadly, Candice and Peter have moved on . They're heading a bit south to Indiana, and then I think they'll head on home. We are just so blessed to have friends like them! I don't have to do a thing--they made sure the house is ready for the onslaught this weekend. I actually took a nap after they left--so spoiled am I.

I've been feeling a LOT better the last couple of days! So thankful for Candice and Peter's visit. They've really lifted my spirits and helped more thank they'll ever know. It's good to start feeling human again and go shopping and think beyond myself. I think it'll be down hill from here! Candice has been making sure that I take my Tylenool before the pain gets too bad. Why didn't I think of that? It really helps. Phyl-- not much from you. Hope that knee of yours isn't getting you down. Janet--happy to hear about Melissa. You'll be good support for her--lucky girl! Denise--I can not wait to meet you in person. Candice is still mimicking your accent and telling us about the great time they had with you. I think the next 7s reunion will have to be in New Orleans! Karri--Az sounds promising. Looks like things are coming together for you. Any ideas on what research you will be doing for you doctorate? Karla-- is your class over yet? Will you be taking classes this summer? Did you get a fill, and did it make a difference? I have to go to graduation on Saturday and my boys and Nicole will be coming Sunday for the big party so it'll be another chaotic weekend. It's all good!

Haven't forgotten you, just had a wild weekend. Did I tell you guys that my son, Luke and whis wife, Nicole were in an accident a couple weeks ago? So, of course my DH had to get the car so he could fix it, thus allowing Luke and Nicole to pocket the insurance money. They live in Minneapolis, so early Saturday am we took off. It's about a 6 hour drive. Mel was able to get the car in a somewhat drive- able condition Saturday afternoon, so we all went out to dinner. After ordering drinks, Nicole shoves a Mother's Day card in my hand. I opened it to find an ultrasound picture and recording of their baby's heartbeat! Yup, another grand baby in November. From that point on, Luke never stopped smiling for the rest of the weekend. Oh sooooo happy is he! If your counting, that's number 3! We drove back yesterday afternoon/evening, and I was sore and tired, but it was a good. They'll be coming here next weekend for my retirement party; I'm getting spoiled getting to see them so many times. Still using the cane, and restrictions are still in place, but the good news is that my doctor gave me another month of work release, so I guess I'm officially done. Feels good, but I feel guilty at the same time. I didn'T Think I would be off this long and I would have been able to finish things up. Guess not.

Oh yeah, OBL: hard to celebrate the death of someone, but I can't say that I'm sorry. Just hope we can deter any retaliation. Wonder what will shake out in the next couple of days in terms of details.

I've gotta start eating better-- hair is falling out, and I need more protein to heal. Got some protein shots although Walmart didn't have grape. At first I blew Tim off when he warned me about taking Narcotics, but now that I think about it, I probably am going through a bit of detox because I was taking Vicodan daily for some time prior to surgery just to get to work or sleep after a busy day on my feet (like shopping). I was pretty weepy and dismal all weekend. hope that's the end of that! Phyl--home yet? New computers working out? How's the knee? Janet-- feeling better? You got a lot done this weekend. Loved your prayer on Facebook, and couldn't agree more. Prayers for Karri. Lots on your plate this week. Karla--are you sure you NEED a fill? I only ask because being too tight makes it harder to eat solid protein ad easier to rely on sliders. If you're at maintenance, it might be more of a head issue now. I do think that being too tight contributed to my weight gain after my hernia repair. Now I struggle with the solid protein issues. Denise-- hang in there girl. I don't remember what kind of work you do, or much about your family. Sorry. When I was working I didn't keep up very well. Steph-- what's up? Candice--where are you today? How do you resist trying all the different foods along the way?

I watched it all and then some! The hads were crazy! What were they thinking?

Just finished a short walk outside. Too cold and windy to stay outside very long, but the fresh air was good and I made it around the cul- du-sac, so that's progress. Candice, have you ever been anywhere that you didn't love? You just seem to find the best in everything and enjoy being in the moment. Your joy is infectious. Lucky Denise to get to show you around. She sure sounds like she'd fit right in the next time we all get together. Denise, stay connected! Janet, did you call the doctor? Karla, I'm trying to learn how to bead--Phyl got me started, I might feel up to it next week, I was just too tired and doped up to concentrate on anything. I have a couple of books i'vve been wanting to read too.

Hi, karri: glad that surgery is scheduled. I really hopes it gets you where you need to be. You've been through a lot-- it must be hard to know what "normal" is. Candice: Sounds like another great trip for you. Are you going to be able to watch the wedding and get caught up in the patriotism of it all? I'll be watching as there isn't much else I can do these days. Janet: waiting to hear about test results. I hope you get definite answers and a plan to start feeling better. Karla: it's bogus when these profs dock grades for dumb stuff like formatting. You looked so good last July. How more weight do you want to loose? Phyl: keeping up with your travels on Facebook. What are your plans for your knee? How are you liking your iPad? Which apps are you using? I'm just very, very tired. I think a 24 hour road trip with kids wasn't the best idea, but it was good to celebrate Easter with some if my kids. I am definitely not overeating. I might feel better if I could get some decent food, but honestly, I'm just not up it. I need a mom or sister who understands what kinds of food I need and would make some for me. I am cutting down on the narcotics, so maybe that will help too.

Hi everyone, Yup, 2 1/2 weeks since surgery. I think you heard the highlights about the surgery itself. Dr. said that there was a lot of bone to repair before he could even put in the artificial joints. Guess I had quite a bit of blood loss b/c my hemoglobin level, which should be over 12, was only 6.3 the day after surgery. So they kept me an extra day and gave me 4 transfusions to get it up to 9. Needless to say, I've been pretty tired. So I went home on Thursday, and was doing pretty well with the walker, Not getting much rest b/c there were kids everywhere (all except Tim came home). They finally all went to church on Sunday morning, and that's when I did something--not sure what--that started pain like I've never experienced before in my life! It was like a constant charley horse in my claves, buttock, and back. I took all the valium and narcotic pain meds I could, but it didn't start to touch the pain. Mel was home, and I was begging him to call 911. FINALLY, after 15 minutes, he made the call. (I think he just froze up and couldn't function.) It took a while for even the IV's that they gave me to start relieving the pain--it was that horrible. X-rays showed that everything was in place, and no infection, so they couldn't explain the pain other than to say that I MUST take the medications as ordered. I had not been taking the oxycotin that I was supposed to be taking every morning and evening,I was relying on oxycodone and valium every 6 hours or so. Well, the point of the oxycotin was to prevent pain, not just deal with it when I needed it. So what happened that morning was that the spinal patch that was put in place during surgery to manage pain had worn off and I was feeling pure pain. I've been perfect about taking my medicine since then and have avoided another episode like that! Yesterday, I started using the cane that my "Nurse" friends gave me, and while I don't feel secure using it, it's sure easier than the walker. Believe it or not, but Mel and I, along with Andy and Penny and the kids are pilling into Andy's Explorer tonight to drive to Arkansas. The doctor approved as long as I get out every 2 hours and walk, and he gave me extra pain pills and sleeping pills. We're staying till Monday. I'll let you know how it goes. I could rant about Mel, but I'll spare you. Suffice it to say that care-giving is NOT his gift. What he does, he does with an attitude, and he just can't seem to be able to think ahead. OK, got that out. Phyl, With any kind of luck, I'll have my I-Pad in a couple of hours. I know it's at our local distribution center,and Andy's going to try to pick it up during lunch! We'll see. I'll go back and get caught up with the reading. Just want to keep you all up to date for now

Oh Phyl. Besides all that, you've been in almost constant pain and can't get around as much as you'd like. Then there's the whole ongoing "Foods I want to eat, but shouldn't" issues. Of course you have days when you just want to run away! I get that! I'm glad that you can come here and just vent away! Hugs girl! Hopefully Cabo will send the blues away! Is there any way that you can negoitate an "allowance" from Earl that is just for you to spend any way that you want to and he is not allowed to ask about it? I can see where having to answer for every little thing would be beyond annoying! It would be way hard for me to be "polite" about it! Karla, I know that your grandchild is going to be born in a less-than-ideal situation, but I just want to assure you that you cannot imagine the amount of love you will feel for that child when s/he is born! Just allow God to work it out. You'll see! As for the bladder leakage, did your doctor tell you to expect that? If not, I'd be making a bee line to the office, because your surgery was supposed to correct that. Now Mindy would be the first to tell you that you shouldn't be using pads designed for periods. According to her, you're much better off using Poise or Depend which are designed to absorbe urine; Kotex is designed for periods. And she would tell you to buy them at Walmart! Mindy texted me yesterday that Tim did not get any of the internships he applied for. He hasn't told us. I feel so badly for him. This will set him back another year, and then he has to go through all this again. Applications, Interviews, waiting. . . In the meantime, his younger brother is being fast-tracked through his program. That's gotta be hard for Tim. I know, God will work it out--right. But it's hard to watch your kid struggle--especially when he's been working so hard. He did book his flights for Easter, so we can spend a little time with him then. All the other kids will be home this weekend. So Candice, Hope Peter liked the new duds! Are things warming up yet? Apparently it was "warm" while I was CA, but now we maybe'll hit 40 this week??!! The only good thing is that when I left Sal Army last night at 7:30, it was still light outside. What a kick that was! How are you doing with food? Janet--Vertigo can be a symptom of something more serious--especially if you've never had it before. If it persists, you really need to get checked out. I hate to say it, but at our age, we tend to develop health issues. . . Went to TJ Max this morning with Cora. They must have just gotten a shippment b/c I bought about $100 of clothes (including a dress for Cora) and a bathing suit. Hopefully they won't get too picked over before Mindy gets home on Friday, so I can go back with her. I can't imagine what damage I'd have done if you and Candice were here! I went there just to buy a pair of slippery athletic shorts to wear in the hospital. (The hosp. recommended slippery shorts for moving around the first couple of days when I have PT and OT and all of that.) Yes, I did find some. . . Kari--good to "see" you. I'm glad you're still working on your degree. Are you finding the classes meaningful? The girls told me that you are waiting to convert to a by-pass? I hope that you get a date soon. I am supposed to be drinking protein shakes big time this week. Yeah, I should get on that. . . . I'll do it next week, but right now, I just can't bring myself to do them. I am taking my calcium and antibiotics, putting antiboitoc ointment in my nostrils, and washing with PhisoDerm every day. Phyl--did you have to do all that too? Luckily, I don't have to get unfilled!

OK, one more week left. I can do this. Right? I'm leaving a mess behind, but not my problem--Right? Candice--What do you wish you that you didn't buy? You got a lot of stuff at some really good prices, and by-passed a lot of stuff that you wanted, but felt wasn't a good buy. You need clothes for performing, and IMHO, you got some things that make you look as good as you are. Peter buys guitars; you buy clothes. It's all part of the deal! Janet--Maybe your vertigo was just your body's way of relaxing. You put so much of yourself into pampering us last week. You needed some down time, and this was your body's way of telling you to let go. I hope you have a nice restful weekend, and have some alone time to recouperate. Karla--It's too bad that you couldn't be with us. Sounds like you need some "Sister" time too. I totally recommend Janet's in the spring, but to be honest, Wisconsin is a better option in the summer. I have lots of room (Just ask Candice) and you are welcome anytime. Check on air fare to Milwaukee (MKE) or if that's too much, Chicago Ohare (ORD). We have some plans for summer, but I think we can work something out to distract you a bit. I'm hoping I can entice the others as well. Phyl--Well, I got the chunky Barbara Bush done, still made it too big! Clasps take up more room than I thought. My next "project" is to make a little bracelet for Cora--if I can get the needle threaded with 0.5 mm stretch cord. Any suggestions? I took Cora to Michales and she picked out some beads--pink of course--her favorite color! So cute!! I sure wish I could find a class or something. Maybe when I have more time this summer. . . Your beads and jars are in the mail. Hope you get them intact. If not, let me know! Woa! You got a new laptop AND an 64 3G I-pad! You better be really good to Earl Have fun with that! Well, Penny is upset with me again. I had Cora on Tuesday and Thursday, and we had a wonderful time. It's true that when Cora's here, i sit and play with her, and I am patient with her 2-year-old-"NO's," so when Penny comes to pick her up Cora cires and doesn't want to go home. Penny tells Andy that I am too easy-going and don't discipline Cora enough. But dang! I do discipline her when she needs it. She just doesn't need it that often (compared to her daddy). I just live in fear that Penny will limit my time with her.

I'm sorry, Karla. You have a lot on your plate and I can't begin to understand. I have some of the same issues with students who think that it's everyone else's fault but their own. I hear you on that, and thankfully, I only have to deal with it for a little while longer. I don't know what happened to personal responsibility, but it no longer exists. As far as dealing with your daughter, I am at a loss except to say that she is making her own decisions and needs to live with the consequences. It 's hard-- I know. I have 4 "adult" kids too. Janet--you are the best. Thank you again for your hospitality. If we decide that the next "reunion" will be in Wisconsin, I hope I can be as good a hostess as you were. The only thing is that it has to be in July, which in my opinion is too long to wait--unless we're talking about THIS Jyly! Candice-- love you amiga. I'm so glad we got to reconnect. Phly-- I made a chuncky version of Barbara Bush today to go with a dress that I bought in Palm Springs--the turquoise one which you didn't see, but Janet and Candice did--and it turned out pretty cool. Thank you again for teaching me. I Pad: I ordered a 32 gb with 3G from Apple today. I'll let you know whem/if I get it. So much for Best Buy. . . Steph and Karii--They said that you're back. Goodie! I'm glad. In a few weeks I hope to be a regular again as well.

Did last week really happen or was it a dream? I am so sad.

Hi. I't's me, your AWOL friend. Thank you Phyl for reaching out. I've been walking thorugh a dark time. Way too stressed out at work last fall. It's all a blurr now. But besides that I needed to make two emergency trips to Arkansas in Nov/Dec. The second time was to spring Mindy out of the hospital where the police took her after I called them b/c she called me from her car, in her garage, with the motor running. I found out that access to Psychiatric care is not the same in Arkansas as it is here. Spent a week trying to get her set up with a psychiatrist and counselor and work out insurance issues. She is involved with a man that in my opinion, and the opinion of all my kids (including the psychologist) is psychologically abusive and in general, bad news. She came home for Christmas/New Years but spent most of the time with him. He is from Milwaukee--an hour from here, so he was "home" too. Yet, we never saw him. It's quite convoluted: They both work for the same national company. He transfered from where he was working in the Chicago office to Wisconsin to work with her. When she moved to Arkansas, he managed to get a position there and followed her. At first she blew him off, but now they're involved. Except that no one in the company is supposed to know that they're a couple. I could go on and on. It's been quite draining. My response to all of this has been to just get by. I've withdrawn from just about everything and everyone else. I still babysit two days a week when I can, and do enjoy the time with the babies, but to be honest, my hip hurts so much, some days I can barely walk from one room to another carrying the baby (he's 7 months now). I have an appointment with the orthopeadic guy next week to get more pain pills and talk about surgery. The problem with that is that I am also in a study for Luke (DS#3) who is researching the effect of radiation on bone loss in post menapausal women. I had to fly to Minneapolis earlier this month to be injected with radioactive calcium which is depositing into my bones, and as my bones age the calcium will be excreted in my urine. By measuring the rate of excretion over the next year, and measuring my bones with a DEXA scan (test for osteoporosis) they can compare me to women who are undergoing radiation. If I have hip surgery, it will screw up the study. On the other hand, they would be interested in how surgery will affect my bone loss, so if I dedcide to have surgery it would be interesting to them as well. Speaking of kids, I just picked Tim (DS#2) up from the airport yesterday. He has internship interviews in Rochester MN, Madison, WI, and Milwaukee next week, so he came here to pick up my car and drive about. It would be good to have him back in the midwest (he lives in Pasadena now). I hear him comming, so I better go. Sorry to be such a bad friend. You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to running away in March!!!!! It is so good to have you to look forward to! So, yea, that's the tip of the iceburg (pun intended) here. It's cold, dark, and lonely. I'm so pissed off at Mel, I can barely look at him somedays. As usual, he has nothing to contribute to the Mindy drama, and just goes about his life as if nothing is happening.

Karla--You rare not stupid to consider the possibilities. Of course we always worry about the "What if's" but here's where faith comes in. I believe that ultimately we are in God's hands, and nothing will happen to us that is not part of His plan. We take risks every day of our lives. You need this surgery. Yes, there are always risks, but when the benefits outweigh the risis, you make a reasonable, intelligent decision to move forward. Thankfully, you were there to encourage your coworker to seek medical atteniton. She'll be OK--thanks to you. As for you: Do your the leg exercises post op. Keep 'em moving every couple of hours. Get up and walk, walk, walk. . . Candice--HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Lucky Peter to have you this long! Phyl--check facebook! Keep the instructions for the bracelet so you can teach me how to make one in March. Janet--how's your sister? How's Andrew? Did you take off for the week of 3/14?

Oh Hi, Coming home was a slap in the face. So much catching up to do. Technically, students were on a break while I was gone, but that didn't stop the emails etc. as they were trying to use the time to get caught up. I guess it's good, but keeping up with them just leaves me so tired. Then there are the babies, who I love dearly, but it is different when they're not my own. As you know, my parenting style is different from my dil. . . Plus, I'm not 20-something anymore! Cora had a sleep-over here on Sturday evening, and she woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't fall back asleep. She was so cute! I'm getting a little worried. I have a lot of esophageal--almost pain--definitely discomfort. I probably should have another scope done to see if I'm working on some ulcers or something. I hate to admit it, but the only things that feel good going down are coffee with cream, ice cream, and cheese, and as we know, that is NOT GOOD! I can't drink any alcohol without almost doubling over in pain, and anything spicy isn't much better. I've got some Sucralfate left over from the last time I was scoped. I'm going to get that refilled and see if it helps. I sure have had my share of issues with this band! I'm beginning to think more seriously about making an appt to talk about converting to RNY. So that's my story, ladies. I've got papers that I put off grading all weekend, so I better get to it, and then get to work. Thankfully my first class on Mondays is at 11.

Hi, Just a quick post to let you know that I'm back. Punta Cana was wonderful. Beautiful property and beach; food not so good, so I didn't overeat; but drinks, well, that's another story Staff much friendlier in Mexico. Overall, I prefer Rivera Maya--a lot shorter ride all cramped up in an airplane. Yesterday was a rude awakening--back to work--millions of emails and all of that. . . I hope to be able to "catch up" on your posts from last week. I do know from FB that Candice had a sad week, I'm so sorry. It was just about a year ago that we did the same to Katie. Soooooo sad. Didn't you have Woody put down last year too? Phyl--sounds like you're still having issues. Now a fever? What about your grandson who was injured playing FB? I caught a bit of the Packer game in the airport in Punta Cana--not so many points for Aaron this week? At least it looks like he wasn't injured too badly. What about the Vikings? Brett pulled out, and yesterday I head they let Randy Moss go. Not that I like the Vikings, but THAT was a good decision! Janet--how are things going with your sister? Are we still on for March 14? I better start looking for flights. . . Always gotta have something to look forward to! Karla--how are your classes? Still struggling with APA? And your daughters? What's up with them? Are you still wroking outside, or is it too cold now? I must say that while it's in the 50's here, it was refreshing after 90's and 100% humidity! Actually, the weather was tolerable at the beach, but our room was musty-smelling and no air movement at all except for the barely working AC. It was beautifully decorated however.

Yup, so I booked mine too! Arrive on Firday 1/2 hour after Candice, but I have to go home on Saturday morning. Costs a whole lot more to fly on Sunday, and I have to be at work on Monday. Yiippppeeeee! Cora's still napping. I think I'll go wake her up. Here's a pic from her Hallwoeen parade at my school today (If I canremember how to post a pic. . .)

SISTERS! AAARRRGGG. I've got two of them, one lives close and the other in PA. Hardly ever talk to either of them. Can't imagine either would shed a tear at my passing. You guys are my sisters. Hold on with your plans for March. I was checking a school calendar for something else and according to that calendar, spring break is a week earlier! I've got to check for sure on Monday and will let you know! Hopefully Candice didn't book flights and Janet didn't take the week off yet. . .??? You guys, I am really losing it. I just can't concentrate on anything. Pretty much lived on liquids all week. Thankfully yesterday I was able to take it easy and managed to eat a slice of pizza for supper which did not reappear and I was able to sleep. I know that I need to slow down, and thankfully in a couple of days I will be able to do just that. We are going to Punta Cana for 5 days--Tuesday-Sunday. I hope that will be enough--it's all I can do right now. Well off to church. I have exams to grade this afternoon, then Andy, Penny and the kids are coming over for supper. Tuesday is my birthday and Cora didn't like that idea. She thinks that she's the only one who should have birthdays (Her's was in August), so I bought myself a little cake and I told her that I would share my cake with her. Yesterday she told her mama, "Grama birthday--Grama share with Ra-ra." I wish you could see her. Just too cute, and smart! Counts to 10 in English and spanish! OK, enough bragging!!!

Dang Karla! Why does work always get in the way? I'm sorry. But this is in addition to, not instead of July--right guys? Yeah, all I can do is the 14-18th ; tickets about 1/2 price. I'll get to work on flights. If anyone finds a good deal MKE/Palm Springs, let me know. Also Toronto/Palm Springs for Candice. I sure hope she can make it. Janet--when are you going to see your sister? I'm so glad that you're making the effort. It's going to be hard but we've got your back. Keep us posted. Phyl--so Earl made it! Hope he's being a good little patient--if not, put more codeine in his coffee! :wink2: Cora will be here in 1/2 hour, then we'll go to "grandma's work" and the "playroom" (not to be confused with "Day care" which is at "mama's work." I only have one class around noon, then I'll pick her up from the playroom and then go to day care and pick up Levi and take them both home with me until 5 at which time one parent needs to be here so I can go to the Salvation Army Clinic. Phew--makes me tired just thinking about it. But when it comes to the babies--I LOVE IT! Hopefully Cora will take a nap in her "Dora" bed at grandma's house, but Levi? you never know with him! He's such a little doll--very smiley and responsive. I just put him on the floor and talk to him and the time flys by. He's 5 months already!

Seriously Carla? We don't have spring break at the same time? What's with that?! Mine is March 14-18. Could we make it the weekend between? If the timming works, I"M IN. Candice?

Karla--a thought: How about staying unfilled from now until your surgery? It's best to be well nourished before surgery--you'll heal quicker. So lots of protein, vitamins, etc for a month. Then after surgery, you can get refilled. Waiting for Cora to come so I can stick her in my day care while I make the rounds visiting students in clinics. She'll take a nap there and I'll pick her up for a few hours until I have to go back for an advisory committee meeting. Nice day for a ride through eastern Wisconsin. . .

Hey--it looks like everyone's on right now! Probs like me, just not logged off. East works for me. NYC could be a lot of fun. . .shows, shopping, night life. Yeah, I could handle that in July. I'm also thinking about a long weekend in Palm Springs in March--Candice, Carla? I bet Phyl could find us a trailer to rent, or maybe Janet has enough room with Andrew gone??? Get me--inviting myself! Papers finally graded. Now I have to wait for the revisions.

Finally, a bit of time for a check-in. Phyl--Sinus surgery--uggg. Best wishes to Earl. Too bad about your hip. Hope you're not looking at yet another surgery too. Sure sucks getting old! But hey, you're in a lot better place than you would have been without the weight loss! Every time you post a pic of Zoe on FB it reminds me of Katie. It's been a year since we put her down--I miss her--except when we want to go away. Carla--papers, papers, papers. I'm putting them off, but pretty soon I've got to just sit down and start working on them. I think I'd actually rather write them than grade them! Will you have some help after your surgery? What kind of restrictions will you have? Janet--Sounds like fun helping to furnish an apartment! I like poking around at resale shops and stuff, but there's no need for me to do that. I've got more than I need as it is. I'm not surprised that Andrew has some of the same qualities that you have. You've taught him well! He'll figure it out. Candice--Mel's healing. Still pretty scarred and bruised, but his stamina is back--sleeping better at night too, so that's good. I am so jealous of your trip--all places I want to go to someday. I'm going to be watching FB for pics while you're gone! Is "the rash" under control? Now fleas?. . . what a pain. Steph, Karri? Anyone hear from them besides what's on FB? Overwhelming week last week. Hopefully next will be better. My coworker should be back on Tuesdy, but it's going to take time for her to get caught up. I can help some, but what she teches is so specialized (medical lab technology) that I can't teach it. The good news is that she was able to quit her other job at a hospital and will be with us full-time from now on. Tim's birthday was yesterday. He's so far away. He's applying for internships in the midwest for next year--even some in Minneapolis, Rochester MN, and WI--so we're praying that he'll get one and be a little closer. Only one more year of internships and then maybe he can start making money instead of spending it! I miss my Mindy. I think she's in a relationship--at least we hardly ever hear from her so she must be busy. I know that she plays on two soccer teams and coaches another kids team. I'll see her on the 26th as we both have layovers in Charlotte NC on our way to Punta Cana! Well, that's my story. Eating: totally out of control. It's wierd, but I'm really angry that I have to work this year. There are just so many other things that I WANT to be doing. My passion for my job is just gone. I'm angry that for so long I have not been able to do the things I want to do. I could see the sense in it when the kids were around and even to help with college, but now WHAT AM I WORKING FOR? Oh yea, Health Insurance. So why can't we just get it through Mel's work? It's all part of his sceme to save a few bucks. BUT IT MAKES ME MAD. OK that's it for me. Going to a bad place. See you later!

Full day of classes and stuff today, and the rest of the week for that matter. Papers to grade this week--I hate that most of all. It usually takes me 1/2 hour per paper, and I've got 36 of them! When did they stop teaching writing in high school? I admire Karri for all her innovations, but honestly, I just wish my students could write a decent sentence and use the metric system. sorry! gotta run. . .