Well, it's finally over.

Well, this has been one LONG month, but as of today...my classes are over. I have just left the final class in School Law and in a few hours I will attend the last session of the Intro class. What is it about finishing a task that totally drains a person? I mean really. I have been gettin my rear out of bed at 5AM every morning for a month in order to be here on time. I have had days where I thought I was going to nod off in the middle of law class (but I am pleased to announce that I did not.) and yet today I am THE MOST TIRED I HAVE BEEN! I think the pressure is off and now my pavolvian response is that I must rest. The problem, as I see it is that I still have one class to go today! lol Anyway, on to other things for my summer, eh?

We are getting pretty excited for the trip back my old stompin' grounds next week. I am fairly certain that will be a blast for us to have a few days away and to share in the joy of celebrating 2 lives coming together as a new family while we are there. I have been trying to think of a few ESSENTIAL things we could do in the Chicago area while we are there for one day...any suggestions for us?

Interesting Article

Drew would be the first one to tell you that I do not read the news as much as I should. I get bored. I know, I know how irresponsible that is....BUT, today I read this article and was moved. What a horrible situation for this woman and she has been blessed so much by her choice.

Inventions

I was thinking today as I was ROASTING outside of all the the inventions and discoveries for which I am grateful. I decided that I would share them with you since I haven't made a list in a long time....so, here ya go:

1. Air conditioning
2. Popsicles (Or ice cream) - Because it is so soothing to the palette! (and mind...and soul...and)
3. Computers - because I store practically my whole life on one!
4. Air conditioning
5. Microwaves - Because it makes light of hard work
6. Printers - Wow, can you imagine typing a 20 page assignment?
7. Air Conditioners
8. Toilet Paper - Seriously...imagine the alternative.
9. Toothpaste - Again...the alternatives are ground rats (Really...look it up!)
10. Air conditioners

And those are just a few...what about you? For what are you grateful?

Sorry we haven't been around

Wow, I CANNOT believe how busy I have been this week! Seriously noW. I know, I know... it's graduate school...AND that it's supposed to be work....yadda yadda... but I am tuckerin' out! :) Anyway, it has been hot, hot, HOT around here. How 'bout at your place? We went over and tried to do some more weeding on the massive garden that we are growing over at the farm. Seriously, it's massive. I think I was out in the hot (well, not so hot really) 11:00 AM sun for about 15 minutes before I was sweating so hard I couldn't even hardly stand it anymore. Then, I got a blister from using the garden hoe. Yes...a blister. I can hear all of your sad violins playing as I type this... In a way, I like battle scars...it just means that I worked. However, there is a very very real side of me that is just a big weenie when it comes to any kind of pain...and blisters bring out out.

Anyway, we have been getting geared up for the two weddings in 2 weeks for us this summer. First up to bat - Drew's brother is gettin' hitched in Colorado this weekend and that will be fun. Then Becca and Andy are tyin' the knot the first weekend in July and that means a long anticipated vacation for us. Whoo hoo! I am so excited to celebrate in these marriages and to get away for a few days.

Anyway, homework awaits. I just didn't want you to think that I had forgotten all about you! Adieu for now...I shall return to you soon.

Book Fun

Okay, so I was reading over at I Should Be Folding Laundry and she was doing a meme. I copied the questions and will answer them below. I thought it would be fun if you did the same and aswered in the comments section of this post. Here are the rules/steps:

1. Grab the book closest to you
2. Open it to page 161
3. Find the fifth full sentence
4. Post the text of the sentence to your blog (Along with the title of the book)
5. Don't search around for the coolest book you have, use the one that is really next to you.

The closest book to me is School Law and the Public Schools: A Practical Guide for Educational Leaders by Nathan L. Essex 4th Edition (since I am up to my EARS in course work this month!) Okay....let's see... page 161 is in the middle of the chapter for laws concerning Individuals with Disabilities. The fifth full sentence says: "Children with ADHD may be eligible for special services if they are found to have a specific learning disability, be seriously emotionally disturbed, or possess other health impairments." Yeah, I know...it's riveting.

Update

I have been so blessed to receive words of encouragement and lots of prayer from many of you because of the pneumonia. I am pleased to report that I am almost completely better now. I am still taking the antibiotics and such, until they are gone - of course! The coughing has slowed and now is only a problem at night. Thansk for all of your advice about tea and rest, I appreciate it! So, I am almost 100% again. YAY!

A Chance for you to Make a Difference!

Okay Ya'll, my friend's husband is running a 50-mile ultramarathon in an effort to try and raise money for the Lupus Foundation. If you are not familiar with Lupus, click here to read more. This is a great cause AND you can win new sunglasses. For every $5 you donate, your name is entered into the raffle to win! So, if you are willing to donate, simply click here or visit brianruns.blogspot.com found on the right!

Donate Now!

School

Yesterday was my first day of class for summer classes at UNK. I am taking a School Law Class and an Intro. class. The school law requires me to be reading a lot of cases and write briefs. It is so interesting to me and I am really learning a great deal about our legal system in the U.S. and how schools fit into that system. I am keeping up fairly well and the biggest change for me is that most of the other students are guys and I am not. (obviously) They talk alot about sports and such and I feel kinda stupid because I can't interact on that level. I guess I better start studying up! I do feel blessed to be in classes and to have such a wonderfully supportive husband diring this process though.

Weigh In - Week 4

This week had neither a gain nor a loss. I had some setbacks with the pneumonia. I am really not in the condition to be out exercising strenuously. I am just praying the infection goes away and I can get back to feeling normal and getting on with the challenge.

Bruises

On Friday I was cleaning the bathroom. Like, REALLY cleaning...scrubbing the floor with a brush on my hands and knees, etc. I decided to scrub the shower and boy oh boy...what an adventure. I was cleaning the back wall when all of a sudden my foot slipped (the one still on the floor) and I fell side first into the side of my bathtub. OUCH! I thought I had broken something, seriously, but alas after a few minutes the pain went away. Then, saturday morning I noticed this nasty bruise on my stomach/side. Today it is all purple and gross...it looks like I got hit with a bat or something. I would take a picture and show you, but who honestly wants to see my pasty skin and belly? Not even me. I have never had a bruise as large or as purple as this one is...it's kinda cool. (I know how sad that sounds, but it's still cool.) The inner clutz in me is starting to rear its ugly head again. Tell me you have had similiar expereinces!

And the Doctor Says...?

As you know, it has been a little quiet around here lately due to that fact that I just haven't felt well. I told you it started with a runny nose, cough, and sore throat, remember? Well, I kept hoping and praying that it would go away and I have been medicating myself to try and control it, but last night was the final straw. I was awake over half the night coughing my lungs out. So, I promptly called the Dr. first thing this morning. He listened to my chest, took the blood pressure, and poked around a bit. Then he announced the 5 words I have the most disdain for at the doctor's office. "We need a blood test." So, off to lab I went. When it all came back, the verdict was given...drumroll please...pneumonia. I am not totally shocked since I had a bad case of pneumonia that landed me in the hospital for over a week about 5 years ago. The doc told me then that I was very susceptible now and I have to be careful with respitory stress. So, the good doctor gave me some of "the good stuff" and sent me home to get well. I proceeded to sleep most of the afternoon away....so nice. I am again asking for your prayers for a speedy recovery. I start my classes on Monday and don't want to go feeling like a sickie. Thank you, in advance, for lifting me up in your prayers.