After an awesome long weekend, I managed to catch this yucky sore-throat-congestion-bug that kept me up for quite awhile last night and has now pinned me to the couch. It really stinks...I have lots to do at work but I know I need to take care of myself.
So about this great weekend: I did have to go to class on Friday and Saturday (not so swell) but we went out to dinner at the South Lyon Hotel with my family, spent some much-needed time relaxing on the pontoon boat with Matt, went to a wedding shower for my cousin's bride, watched Gran Turino, rode both Island Lake and Maybury, and all-in-all, had some wonderful family time.
Because I was going to be down there for so long (Friday-Monday), I took Chip with me. We used to take him down to my parents' all the time when we lived in Cadillac, and he got along fine with their old dog. Well, they got a new puppy last summer and she's a big sissy. Chip was leery of her at first, but now he follows her around, sometimes stalking her and sometimes just curious. She, however, wants nothing to do with him and will quickly exit a room if he gets too close! It's so funny for such a big dog (she's a black lab) to be owned by a little kitty cat.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The fireflies are back!
OK, so this post has nothing to do with fireflies...I just love starting to see them light up the fields at night, and I've had two "late night outs" so far this week, giving me plenty of driving time to notice them.
Last week was wonderful. Because the weather was rainy and business was slow, Mitch got to come home on Tuesday evening and stay the entire week! He did a lot of riding while I was at work, including one day where he rode to Alma and back (70 miles, round trip), and in the evenings we just got to spend time together. I miss the little things when he's gone...
Our weekend was another whirlwind: an Alma friend's lovely wedding on Friday, dinner with Mitch's parents on Saturday, and Father's Day with my family on Sunday. That was my first late night: I stayed at the cottage 'til around 9 pm, cleaning up, playing Scrabble and riding in Dad's Chris Craft.
My second late night was yesterday: I drove to Ella Sharp Park in Jackson for a team ride, followed by a lengthy trip to the ice cream parlor. Yum! We were having such a good time, though, that I didn't get home until after 10:30 pm. Since I need my sleep, I'm kinda dragging today! But, in a very cool development, we might be going on a bike trip with some of our teammates after the Boyne Marathon in July...
I realize I haven't done any updating on grad school this term. Let's put it this way...I'm not particularly motivated when it comes to my classes, but luckily, the material is not all that challenging. One of my classes is marketing, which is an area of interest and experience for me. The other is management information systems, which is really a course in e-commerce. Needless to say, there's a lot of overlap and though the e-commerce class requires weekly assignments and quizzes, they're not all that time-consuming. Also, a lot of the work seems individual but my teams seem to have some strong members so I might get to take more of a back seat this time. I do have residency in Flint this weekend, though, so I have to get moving on a couple of things so I'm not the slacker teammate!
Work is going well, too. The viewbook text is with the graphic designer, and I've started writing a new publication on campus life. We also just finished interviewing for some open rep positions, so we should be bringing in some new staff members soon - always exciting! We had a phenomenal pool this time, so it's going to be a tough decision.
Well, time to get back to work - thanks for reading!
Last week was wonderful. Because the weather was rainy and business was slow, Mitch got to come home on Tuesday evening and stay the entire week! He did a lot of riding while I was at work, including one day where he rode to Alma and back (70 miles, round trip), and in the evenings we just got to spend time together. I miss the little things when he's gone...
Our weekend was another whirlwind: an Alma friend's lovely wedding on Friday, dinner with Mitch's parents on Saturday, and Father's Day with my family on Sunday. That was my first late night: I stayed at the cottage 'til around 9 pm, cleaning up, playing Scrabble and riding in Dad's Chris Craft.
My second late night was yesterday: I drove to Ella Sharp Park in Jackson for a team ride, followed by a lengthy trip to the ice cream parlor. Yum! We were having such a good time, though, that I didn't get home until after 10:30 pm. Since I need my sleep, I'm kinda dragging today! But, in a very cool development, we might be going on a bike trip with some of our teammates after the Boyne Marathon in July...
I realize I haven't done any updating on grad school this term. Let's put it this way...I'm not particularly motivated when it comes to my classes, but luckily, the material is not all that challenging. One of my classes is marketing, which is an area of interest and experience for me. The other is management information systems, which is really a course in e-commerce. Needless to say, there's a lot of overlap and though the e-commerce class requires weekly assignments and quizzes, they're not all that time-consuming. Also, a lot of the work seems individual but my teams seem to have some strong members so I might get to take more of a back seat this time. I do have residency in Flint this weekend, though, so I have to get moving on a couple of things so I'm not the slacker teammate!
Work is going well, too. The viewbook text is with the graphic designer, and I've started writing a new publication on campus life. We also just finished interviewing for some open rep positions, so we should be bringing in some new staff members soon - always exciting! We had a phenomenal pool this time, so it's going to be a tough decision.
Well, time to get back to work - thanks for reading!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Starting the week off right
For three weeks now, I've been trying to ride home from work. It's somewhere around 35 miles from Alma to St. Johns, on a really easy route with very little traffic. My first attempt was foiled thanks to a last-minute meeting at work and evening plans that would not permit a late start on the ride. My second attempt never even got off the ground, because I couldn't get my mountain biking tires off my Race Lite wheel set (it was my first time trying to change tires since the upgrade). But the third time is most certainly a charm: after checking the weather last night and seeing sunshine and calm conditions, I made some logistical arrangements with my carpool friends, loaded up the bike and hit the road at the end of the day.
It was a wonderful ride. My legs were a little tired and I could definitely tell I hadn't ridden last week and partied with the Captain and junk food on Saturday, but about 10 miles in I hit a nice groove, which continued for 10 more miles before it started to become hard work again. Being out in the middle of nowhere, I saw some deer in a field and a whole crew of pheasant chicks - tiny little puffballs!
Now it's time to get started on some homework. Thank goodness we have a staff retreat tomorrow and food will be provided, because I'm too tired to go to the grocery store and I'd be scrounging to find a decent lunch to pack!
It was a wonderful ride. My legs were a little tired and I could definitely tell I hadn't ridden last week and partied with the Captain and junk food on Saturday, but about 10 miles in I hit a nice groove, which continued for 10 more miles before it started to become hard work again. Being out in the middle of nowhere, I saw some deer in a field and a whole crew of pheasant chicks - tiny little puffballs!
Now it's time to get started on some homework. Thank goodness we have a staff retreat tomorrow and food will be provided, because I'm too tired to go to the grocery store and I'd be scrounging to find a decent lunch to pack!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sun-kissed!
Finally, I've started to get rid of my biker tan! Summer has officially arrived once I've started spending weekends lounging on the pontoon boat, soaking up the sunshine. It lifted my spirits, as did all the time we spent together and with our wonderful friends.
First, we revisited Mt. Pleasant-style shenanigans with Ray and Kristy. They came up to South Lyon and we grilled, went sailing with the Captain, and played games until 1:00 am. You have not known fun until you play tipsy Twister with people unashamed of close butt-to-face contact!
Second, we took advantage of Sunday's beautiful weather and went to the lake. (After making a side trip to Target so I could pick up a new bathing suit, which will stay at the lake, in all its clearance-rack glory, for the times I forget to bring a suit!) Rehydrating after our night o' fun, the four of us went swimming in the brisk water and hung out as long as possible.
Third, we headed to Lansing for dinner and a movie with the rest of the Alma crew. Our friend, Bruce, announced his engagement, and then we all laughed throughout The Hangover, making jokes afterward about his eventual bachelor party!
I'll be taking this next week one day at a time and praying a lot. Last week was rough (as you could tell from my last post) but Ryan reminded me how much I need to turn to God for strength and ask His forgiveness for my failure to trust in Him.
First, we revisited Mt. Pleasant-style shenanigans with Ray and Kristy. They came up to South Lyon and we grilled, went sailing with the Captain, and played games until 1:00 am. You have not known fun until you play tipsy Twister with people unashamed of close butt-to-face contact!
Second, we took advantage of Sunday's beautiful weather and went to the lake. (After making a side trip to Target so I could pick up a new bathing suit, which will stay at the lake, in all its clearance-rack glory, for the times I forget to bring a suit!) Rehydrating after our night o' fun, the four of us went swimming in the brisk water and hung out as long as possible.
Third, we headed to Lansing for dinner and a movie with the rest of the Alma crew. Our friend, Bruce, announced his engagement, and then we all laughed throughout The Hangover, making jokes afterward about his eventual bachelor party!
I'll be taking this next week one day at a time and praying a lot. Last week was rough (as you could tell from my last post) but Ryan reminded me how much I need to turn to God for strength and ask His forgiveness for my failure to trust in Him.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Just lettin' it out...
Let me tell you what I know:
I know God has a plan for me, and I know this is all part of it.
I know He wants me to have faith in Him and turn to Him, always.
I know we're blessed that Mitch has work, even if it's temporary and out-of-town.
I know we are blessed with love and family and health and countless other things.
I know it's abhorrently self-pitying and pointless to cast blame for our situation.
I know life's not fair, nor is it easy.
I know we are better off than many, many people right now.
I know there are all sorts of folks who will do everything right but will still struggle longer and harder than we will.
I know we'll get through this.
But you know what? Here's how I feel in my current over-emotional state:
I’m tired of pretending I care about anything but bringing him home to me. Everything else I do is just a way of distracting myself from the fact that he’s gone. Work, school, chores, riding…I do it all wishing something would consume me but failing to lose myself in anything. I pretend everything’s fine when he calls, because it doesn’t do either one of us any good to spend our infrequent interactions bemoaning the situation. I pretend everything’s fine when he’s home, but I’m really unreasonably angry at him for having left in the first place. I don’t want him to sit at home without a job, but I don’t want a job to take him away from home, either.
Damn this crappy economy. Damn all you irresponsible decision-makers – political, corporate and individual – for making honest, hardworking, responsible people pay the price for your short-term thinking and lack of accountability. Damn the unfairness of it.
I know God has a plan for me, and I know this is all part of it.
I know He wants me to have faith in Him and turn to Him, always.
I know we're blessed that Mitch has work, even if it's temporary and out-of-town.
I know we are blessed with love and family and health and countless other things.
I know it's abhorrently self-pitying and pointless to cast blame for our situation.
I know life's not fair, nor is it easy.
I know we are better off than many, many people right now.
I know there are all sorts of folks who will do everything right but will still struggle longer and harder than we will.
I know we'll get through this.
But you know what? Here's how I feel in my current over-emotional state:
I’m tired of pretending I care about anything but bringing him home to me. Everything else I do is just a way of distracting myself from the fact that he’s gone. Work, school, chores, riding…I do it all wishing something would consume me but failing to lose myself in anything. I pretend everything’s fine when he calls, because it doesn’t do either one of us any good to spend our infrequent interactions bemoaning the situation. I pretend everything’s fine when he’s home, but I’m really unreasonably angry at him for having left in the first place. I don’t want him to sit at home without a job, but I don’t want a job to take him away from home, either.
Damn this crappy economy. Damn all you irresponsible decision-makers – political, corporate and individual – for making honest, hardworking, responsible people pay the price for your short-term thinking and lack of accountability. Damn the unfairness of it.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Book Recommendation
So a few years ago, I saw this book called gods in Alabama. It looked good, so I put it on my book wish list. (One of my favorite things to do is to go to bookstores, browse the shelves, and write titles and authors in my pocket calendar, for the next trip to the library or, better yet, for the next time I MUST have a new book.)
I eventually bought it and fell absolutely in love! It's by an author named Joshilyn Jackson (the "h" is silent, or so I learned from her blog), and with her next two books, Between, Georgia and The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, she became one of my favorite authors. I own all three books and am anxiously awaiting her next novel, due out not-soon-enough.
Anyway, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming is now out in paperback and if you're looking for a good read (Charlotte, you come to mind!) I highly recommend you pick it up. To save you time, here's a link to it's Amazon listing! :)
I eventually bought it and fell absolutely in love! It's by an author named Joshilyn Jackson (the "h" is silent, or so I learned from her blog), and with her next two books, Between, Georgia and The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, she became one of my favorite authors. I own all three books and am anxiously awaiting her next novel, due out not-soon-enough.
Anyway, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming is now out in paperback and if you're looking for a good read (Charlotte, you come to mind!) I highly recommend you pick it up. To save you time, here's a link to it's Amazon listing! :)
Hanson Hills
Contrary to what my Facebook status may have indicated, I am not a fan of the Hansons. MmmBop is a terrible song. But I DO like Hanson Hills, the trail in Grayling at which we raced on Sunday!
We had been looking forward to this race for a long time, because we've ridden the trail before and had a wonderful time. The initial plan was to camp on-site Saturday night, with an easy pre-ride that day, and hang out with the rest of the On 2 Wheels team. Well, the weather forecast got worse and worse, so we made the call on Saturday morning to forego camping and just drive up on Sunday morning. If we were going to have to race in the rain (which looking like a distinct possibility) then I did NOT want to spend the night before shiverring in a tent.
As it turns out, the rain came Saturday night but was gone by Sunday morning. It was still cold when we got there - probably 45 degrees by the time we raced - but it only sprinkled a little bit once I finished. The trail was damp but not slimey, though it's a good thing it was mostly climbing and non-technical riding, because my tires packed up pretty good within the first few miles. I kept thinking they looked like chocolate donuts...sometimes with sugar on them.
When all was said and done, it was a decent race for the DeYoungs and a pretty good day for the team. Nichole and I were the only racers in our category, so out one-two standard finish is still in place. This was definitely a course that played to her strengths, with lots of climbing: she finished the 21 miles in under two hours. It took me almost two and a half. I didn't really have a goal, and there were so few people on the course that I couldn't get any adrenaline flowing. To me, it felt more like a ride than a race, but I would definitely do it again.
Mitch came in fourth and was a little disappointed in his ride. He was feeling strong after a week of good riding, but that was one of the problems: he rode a ton, too late in the week. He also had a loose rear cassette, which made shifting difficult. The outcome of this ride has played a big part in his decision to ride the Boyne Marathon in July, a race he wasn't sure he wanted to do again. I think he's now chomping at the bit to prove his strength, and Boyne is definitely a venue that will test him.
The big bummer, though, is that Jake hurt his knee and had to call it quits after his first lap. Here's hoping he heals up soon!
We had been looking forward to this race for a long time, because we've ridden the trail before and had a wonderful time. The initial plan was to camp on-site Saturday night, with an easy pre-ride that day, and hang out with the rest of the On 2 Wheels team. Well, the weather forecast got worse and worse, so we made the call on Saturday morning to forego camping and just drive up on Sunday morning. If we were going to have to race in the rain (which looking like a distinct possibility) then I did NOT want to spend the night before shiverring in a tent.
As it turns out, the rain came Saturday night but was gone by Sunday morning. It was still cold when we got there - probably 45 degrees by the time we raced - but it only sprinkled a little bit once I finished. The trail was damp but not slimey, though it's a good thing it was mostly climbing and non-technical riding, because my tires packed up pretty good within the first few miles. I kept thinking they looked like chocolate donuts...sometimes with sugar on them.
When all was said and done, it was a decent race for the DeYoungs and a pretty good day for the team. Nichole and I were the only racers in our category, so out one-two standard finish is still in place. This was definitely a course that played to her strengths, with lots of climbing: she finished the 21 miles in under two hours. It took me almost two and a half. I didn't really have a goal, and there were so few people on the course that I couldn't get any adrenaline flowing. To me, it felt more like a ride than a race, but I would definitely do it again.
Mitch came in fourth and was a little disappointed in his ride. He was feeling strong after a week of good riding, but that was one of the problems: he rode a ton, too late in the week. He also had a loose rear cassette, which made shifting difficult. The outcome of this ride has played a big part in his decision to ride the Boyne Marathon in July, a race he wasn't sure he wanted to do again. I think he's now chomping at the bit to prove his strength, and Boyne is definitely a venue that will test him.
The big bummer, though, is that Jake hurt his knee and had to call it quits after his first lap. Here's hoping he heals up soon!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Why Today is Great
The apartment is clean, the grocery shopping is done. Went for a nice, easy road ride, then had dinner with David and Amanda. The Wings are smoking the Penguins. I get to snuggle with Mitch tonight.
Life is wonderful.
Life is wonderful.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Newsy Bits
*On June 1, the Admissions Office hit 400 net commitment deposits for this fall's incoming class! The technical goal is somewhere around 420, but hitting 400 is still a milestone for two reasons: first, Alma has never had three classes of 400+ in a row, so this is another record. Second, many of our peer institutions (like Albion) are unlikely to meet their first year enrollment goals, but we're still likely to do so. This is a HUGE tribute to the efforts of everyone at Alma!
*Yesterday, Alma's president announced her retirement, effective in June 2010. Here's the story, if you're curious. What's not in the announcement: she told my VP that she had no intention of being a lame duck president for her last year. "And if anyone treats me that way, I'll fire 'em!" Rock on, President Tracy!
*My big project at work for the next couple of months is writing new text for the admissions publications. I love it - such fun! Let me give you a draft of the intro, just for a taste:
Redefining: you
Don’t get us wrong – we like you just the way you are. But going to college gives you so many new opportunities to learn and grow beyond who you are at this moment. At Alma College, we’ve seen our students enter eager to pursue or discover a major and emerge having found new dimensions of community, of success, of passion.
The pages that follow contain photos, stories and information so you can see just how Alma redefines pieces of the college experience. Pick them apart. Pull them together. Start to imagine what your next four years could be. Start to redefine you.
(Yes, I am a phenomenal nerd for being so excited about this...)
*I had two good road rides this week: 20 miles on Monday and 10ish on Wednesday. I was supposed to ride home from work yesterday (33 miles), but I had a commitment in Lansing at 7:00 pm and my plans to leave the office at 4:00 pm were foiled by a meeting. Oh well...I'll make the trek next week!
*We have our third race this weekend: Hanson Hills XC. Should be a fun one!
*Yesterday, Alma's president announced her retirement, effective in June 2010. Here's the story, if you're curious. What's not in the announcement: she told my VP that she had no intention of being a lame duck president for her last year. "And if anyone treats me that way, I'll fire 'em!" Rock on, President Tracy!
*My big project at work for the next couple of months is writing new text for the admissions publications. I love it - such fun! Let me give you a draft of the intro, just for a taste:
Redefining: you
Don’t get us wrong – we like you just the way you are. But going to college gives you so many new opportunities to learn and grow beyond who you are at this moment. At Alma College, we’ve seen our students enter eager to pursue or discover a major and emerge having found new dimensions of community, of success, of passion.
The pages that follow contain photos, stories and information so you can see just how Alma redefines pieces of the college experience. Pick them apart. Pull them together. Start to imagine what your next four years could be. Start to redefine you.
(Yes, I am a phenomenal nerd for being so excited about this...)
*I had two good road rides this week: 20 miles on Monday and 10ish on Wednesday. I was supposed to ride home from work yesterday (33 miles), but I had a commitment in Lansing at 7:00 pm and my plans to leave the office at 4:00 pm were foiled by a meeting. Oh well...I'll make the trek next week!
*We have our third race this weekend: Hanson Hills XC. Should be a fun one!
Monday, June 01, 2009
Halfway there!
I'm halfway finished with my MBA - wahoo! This last term was challenging in terms of workload, time management and motivation, but everything still turned out surprisingly well. Now I have a whole week until my fourth term begins - it's so awesome not to have homework! Last night I actually ironed clothes, so I can be decently dressed at work this week rather than scrambling to find something that isn't dirty and wrinkled. This week, I plan to go one quite a few rides - including a ride all the way home from work - and go shopping for a few new work outfits. I'll also get to play volleyball for the first time in forever, because I won't have to study at lunch tomorrow. I'm lovin' the little things!
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Brother's Love
When you look at photos of me and my brother, you can definitely tell we're related. We share a lot of the Eccles genes:
In some ways, we have similar personalities and act very much like each other. For example, we are both the "cuddlers" in our respective relationships. Before the boys took their work trip to Ohio, Mitch and I were snuggling in my old bedroom and Bobby and Andi were doing the same in Bobby's. Mitch was lying on his back and I was on my side with my head on his shoulder and my arm wrapped around his torso. When it was time to leave, we went into Bobby's room and found him and Andi the same way, only role-reversed. We both take family responsibilities very seriously and we share a lot of the same likes and dislikes.
In other ways, though, we're very different. Much of my personality seems to come from my dad. My parents never worried about anyone taking advantage of me; they sometimes worried that people (especially girls) would take advantage of Bobby's selfless nature. I'm independent and ambitious; Bobby is more laid-back about almost everything. We both like to be generous, but I'm more conservative with my money whereas Bobby seems to love surprising those he loves with gifts. (He bought me my clipless pedals and mountain biking shoes "just because he thought I should have them.")
Our current situation means that Mitch and I are separated for most of the week, spending time together only on the weekends. It's hard...I miss him so much and I live for the moments we have with each other. But it's doable. I'm not distraught or totally unhappy, and I recognize this as a temporary hurdle from which we will learn and grow. Life isn't always easy and actually, I feel we are blessed that Bobby has given Mitch the opportunity to work - even if it's just painting lines in parking lots and patching potholes - rather than trying to fill his days while he searches for a permanent position.
But my brother confessed to my mom the other day: "I feel like the worst employer in the world, because I'm making Mitch and Laurie be apart. I'd be miserable if it were me." Wow. That really underscores his good heart and shows how we see the situation differently. I consider Bobby a saving grace for us right now: by providing Mitch with a job, he's actually helping our marriage because Mitch would NOT be happy if he didn't have work to do. And I would not be happy because Mitch would not be happy. Neither one of us is thrilled to be apart, but it's better than the alternative and it's something with which we just have to deal.
In some ways, we have similar personalities and act very much like each other. For example, we are both the "cuddlers" in our respective relationships. Before the boys took their work trip to Ohio, Mitch and I were snuggling in my old bedroom and Bobby and Andi were doing the same in Bobby's. Mitch was lying on his back and I was on my side with my head on his shoulder and my arm wrapped around his torso. When it was time to leave, we went into Bobby's room and found him and Andi the same way, only role-reversed. We both take family responsibilities very seriously and we share a lot of the same likes and dislikes.
In other ways, though, we're very different. Much of my personality seems to come from my dad. My parents never worried about anyone taking advantage of me; they sometimes worried that people (especially girls) would take advantage of Bobby's selfless nature. I'm independent and ambitious; Bobby is more laid-back about almost everything. We both like to be generous, but I'm more conservative with my money whereas Bobby seems to love surprising those he loves with gifts. (He bought me my clipless pedals and mountain biking shoes "just because he thought I should have them.")
Our current situation means that Mitch and I are separated for most of the week, spending time together only on the weekends. It's hard...I miss him so much and I live for the moments we have with each other. But it's doable. I'm not distraught or totally unhappy, and I recognize this as a temporary hurdle from which we will learn and grow. Life isn't always easy and actually, I feel we are blessed that Bobby has given Mitch the opportunity to work - even if it's just painting lines in parking lots and patching potholes - rather than trying to fill his days while he searches for a permanent position.
But my brother confessed to my mom the other day: "I feel like the worst employer in the world, because I'm making Mitch and Laurie be apart. I'd be miserable if it were me." Wow. That really underscores his good heart and shows how we see the situation differently. I consider Bobby a saving grace for us right now: by providing Mitch with a job, he's actually helping our marriage because Mitch would NOT be happy if he didn't have work to do. And I would not be happy because Mitch would not be happy. Neither one of us is thrilled to be apart, but it's better than the alternative and it's something with which we just have to deal.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend
We weren't really supposed to have any plans for Memorial Day Weekend: just spending some much-needed time together, plus setting aside some study and exam time for me. Turns out, we were pretty busy!
Jon and Mim wanted us to come up to Lake City for a day or so...the weather was supposed to be nice and we've all been wanting to ride the motorcycles together, so Mitch and I rode up Friday after work. We did a little cruisin' on Saturday, but I was a good girl and studied while Mitch helped with various cottage projects. The best part of the weekend was our Saturday night bonfire - started my Mim and me, with one match!
Unfortunately, I had volunteered to work on Sunday morning when we thought we weren't going to have any plans, so we woke up at 7 am on Sunday and rode down to Alma. It was cold, windy and pretty uncomfortable by the time we got there, but I had my breakfast with a group of students there to perform at the Highland Festival and then we were on our way to Mitch's parents' house for a belated Mother's Day lunch. For some reason, I was exhausted when we got home, so we put on Shrek and promptly took a nice little snooze on the couch. We woke up in time to see the Wings smoke the Blackhawks (ouch!), but the game was such a blowout that we walked downtown for ice cream during the second period.
We also wanted to hang out with Matt since he was up in the area, so he came over for dinner and then he and Mitch went to see the new Terminator movie. I stayed home and studied...all for naught, really, because frankly, my operations management final exam did NOT go well this afternoon. But it's done and I will pass the class!
Right now, I'm sitting on the couch listening to Mitch play guitar...I just love World's Apart, and he's playing really well. He gets to stay one more night with me before heading back downstate for work. I'll miss him, as always, but this week is a blessedly short one.
On the menu for this week: study for and rock my business and society exam, effectively finishing my third term in grad school; getting back to the gym; going for at least one road ride; and continuing to pray for the right employment opportunity for Mitch!
Jon and Mim wanted us to come up to Lake City for a day or so...the weather was supposed to be nice and we've all been wanting to ride the motorcycles together, so Mitch and I rode up Friday after work. We did a little cruisin' on Saturday, but I was a good girl and studied while Mitch helped with various cottage projects. The best part of the weekend was our Saturday night bonfire - started my Mim and me, with one match!
Unfortunately, I had volunteered to work on Sunday morning when we thought we weren't going to have any plans, so we woke up at 7 am on Sunday and rode down to Alma. It was cold, windy and pretty uncomfortable by the time we got there, but I had my breakfast with a group of students there to perform at the Highland Festival and then we were on our way to Mitch's parents' house for a belated Mother's Day lunch. For some reason, I was exhausted when we got home, so we put on Shrek and promptly took a nice little snooze on the couch. We woke up in time to see the Wings smoke the Blackhawks (ouch!), but the game was such a blowout that we walked downtown for ice cream during the second period.
We also wanted to hang out with Matt since he was up in the area, so he came over for dinner and then he and Mitch went to see the new Terminator movie. I stayed home and studied...all for naught, really, because frankly, my operations management final exam did NOT go well this afternoon. But it's done and I will pass the class!
Right now, I'm sitting on the couch listening to Mitch play guitar...I just love World's Apart, and he's playing really well. He gets to stay one more night with me before heading back downstate for work. I'll miss him, as always, but this week is a blessedly short one.
On the menu for this week: study for and rock my business and society exam, effectively finishing my third term in grad school; getting back to the gym; going for at least one road ride; and continuing to pray for the right employment opportunity for Mitch!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Rockin' the Beer Gut
Mitch gave me some afternoon laughs by having me listen to this song...I made it even funnier by finding the video. Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Zoo de Mackinac 2009
For the third year, my family rode the Zoo de Mack, a 51 mile trek from Harbor Springs to Mackinaw City. Here's how the day went:
It was cold and drizzly for the start. Dad, Andi and I were in first group to start; Mitch and Bobby were about half an hour behind, because Mom had to make multiple trips to get us all to Boyne Highlands. For the first half of the ride, I cruised along with Andi 'til Bobby caught up with us. Then Dad and I picked up the pace for the last eight miles or so, until lunch.
Mom met us at Cross Village with lunch. It was so cold that all six of us crammed in the Explorer to scarf down our sandwiches. Cold and sore, Bobby and Andi drove to Mackinaw City while the rest of us (plus Mom!) continued on.
We finished the day at the Dixie Saloon in Mackinaw City. Foregoing the ferry ride to the Island, we had our drinks there and retired to the hot tub for the rest of the evening.
This is my favorite photo of the weekend - don't we look great in our Alma Scots jerseys?!?!
It was cold and drizzly for the start. Dad, Andi and I were in first group to start; Mitch and Bobby were about half an hour behind, because Mom had to make multiple trips to get us all to Boyne Highlands. For the first half of the ride, I cruised along with Andi 'til Bobby caught up with us. Then Dad and I picked up the pace for the last eight miles or so, until lunch.
Mom met us at Cross Village with lunch. It was so cold that all six of us crammed in the Explorer to scarf down our sandwiches. Cold and sore, Bobby and Andi drove to Mackinaw City while the rest of us (plus Mom!) continued on.
We finished the day at the Dixie Saloon in Mackinaw City. Foregoing the ferry ride to the Island, we had our drinks there and retired to the hot tub for the rest of the evening.
This is my favorite photo of the weekend - don't we look great in our Alma Scots jerseys?!?!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Appreciation
In Admissions, the reps get all the credit. We are highly visible on campus and when we bring in good classes, we get most of the credit and praise. That's nice, but there is a group of people who are essential yet under-appreciated: our support staff.
In our office, support staff run the front desk, schedule complicated individual campus visits, handle the incessant mailings, run complex data reports, process applications, and do all the little things required to keep our office functioning. Without them, we'd be up a very large, fast-flowing creek without a paddle.
So this week, all us reps spoiled the support staff with daily surprises. We wrote them each little notes telling them what, specifically, we notice about their work. We gave them flowers, brought in a masseuse to do chair massages, took them to lunch, bought them car wash gift certificates and made them breakfast. They were so surprised and loved everything!
But the best part was a comment from our sweet, conservative data specialist:
"Flowers, massages, lunch...are we going to have to put out at the end of the week?!?!"
In our office, support staff run the front desk, schedule complicated individual campus visits, handle the incessant mailings, run complex data reports, process applications, and do all the little things required to keep our office functioning. Without them, we'd be up a very large, fast-flowing creek without a paddle.
So this week, all us reps spoiled the support staff with daily surprises. We wrote them each little notes telling them what, specifically, we notice about their work. We gave them flowers, brought in a masseuse to do chair massages, took them to lunch, bought them car wash gift certificates and made them breakfast. They were so surprised and loved everything!
But the best part was a comment from our sweet, conservative data specialist:
"Flowers, massages, lunch...are we going to have to put out at the end of the week?!?!"
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
My Mom is SO Cool!
We like to do nice things for my mom on Mother's Day. Breakfast, dinner, maybe a trip to the zoo. Last year, we were supposed to go to the Toledo Zoo but it was raining, so we went to the Kensington Petting Farm instead. It's fun to spend time with her and show her how much we appreciate all she does for us.
But this year, Mom gave ME a gift: when we asked her what she'd like to do, she said, "I think I'd like to try mountain biking."
Imagine my delight!
So we put a set of Pythons on her cruiser and took her to Island Lake, where we rode the blue loop. Mitch and I rode ahead, waiting at the tops of hills to cheer her on, and Dad rode behind her to coach. She did AWESOME - made it up most of the hills (though we picked blue so she wouldn't have to tackle too many) and was smiling at the end.
And the bow on the top of this beautiful gift? Mitch and I rode TOGETHER, which never happens. Since this was a family ride (and because he was going to be out striping lots all night long, so it was best for him to not use a ton of energy), he took this opportunity to watch me in some of the more technical sections and provide me with pointers and compliments.
Back to my mom...she's the kind of woman society tells us it's impossible to be - at least without a Ritalin habit. Without ever seeming overwhelmed or stressed, she excels in her career but was always completely involved in whatever Bobby or I were doing. She still makes a lunch for my dad every morning (and one for any "kid" who happens to be there, which currently includes Mitch and Bobby) and puts home-cookin' on the table each night, no matter how trying her day has been. Her house is always clean and put together - and so is she, except when she's outside, sweating and operating a jackhammer on the patio. In short, she's Super-Woman!
But this year, Mom gave ME a gift: when we asked her what she'd like to do, she said, "I think I'd like to try mountain biking."
Imagine my delight!
So we put a set of Pythons on her cruiser and took her to Island Lake, where we rode the blue loop. Mitch and I rode ahead, waiting at the tops of hills to cheer her on, and Dad rode behind her to coach. She did AWESOME - made it up most of the hills (though we picked blue so she wouldn't have to tackle too many) and was smiling at the end.
And the bow on the top of this beautiful gift? Mitch and I rode TOGETHER, which never happens. Since this was a family ride (and because he was going to be out striping lots all night long, so it was best for him to not use a ton of energy), he took this opportunity to watch me in some of the more technical sections and provide me with pointers and compliments.
Back to my mom...she's the kind of woman society tells us it's impossible to be - at least without a Ritalin habit. Without ever seeming overwhelmed or stressed, she excels in her career but was always completely involved in whatever Bobby or I were doing. She still makes a lunch for my dad every morning (and one for any "kid" who happens to be there, which currently includes Mitch and Bobby) and puts home-cookin' on the table each night, no matter how trying her day has been. Her house is always clean and put together - and so is she, except when she's outside, sweating and operating a jackhammer on the patio. In short, she's Super-Woman!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Teenaged Angst and Facebook
Or: Why I'm Glad I Went Through High School without Facebook
So I've gotten to witness, over the past couple of months, some standard high school drama between my little cousin - a sophomore - and her former boyfriend. Thanks to Facebook's practice of showing me what everyone is writing to everyone else, I've seen their embarrassing wall messages and their angsty status updates. It all looks cringingly familiar...
Like most high school girls, I had crushes on boys who didn't know I was alive, felt neglected by girls I thought were friends, proclaimed my undying love for a boyfriend or two, and just had those days where I thought no one understood me, blah blah blah. And like most girls, holding all that craziness inside just wasn't going to work: so my friends and I made up code names for our little crushes and doodled their names on our notebooks. I kept a copious journal and poured my little angsty heart out on paper. I started journal entries with cheesy song lyrics about love, which I thought I understood as a teenager (and about hurt, which I also thought I understood).
In short, I did all the same things as my cousin and her friends - and all high schoolers, probably - but I didn't do them for the whole world to see. It just wasn't that way. If I wanted to (and sometimes I did), I could destroy the mortifying evidence of my immaturity. Notes burn and names can be scratched out on folders. But these public Internet messages are there for all to see and comment upon! Oh, the horror! Thank goodness I was spared...
So I've gotten to witness, over the past couple of months, some standard high school drama between my little cousin - a sophomore - and her former boyfriend. Thanks to Facebook's practice of showing me what everyone is writing to everyone else, I've seen their embarrassing wall messages and their angsty status updates. It all looks cringingly familiar...
Like most high school girls, I had crushes on boys who didn't know I was alive, felt neglected by girls I thought were friends, proclaimed my undying love for a boyfriend or two, and just had those days where I thought no one understood me, blah blah blah. And like most girls, holding all that craziness inside just wasn't going to work: so my friends and I made up code names for our little crushes and doodled their names on our notebooks. I kept a copious journal and poured my little angsty heart out on paper. I started journal entries with cheesy song lyrics about love, which I thought I understood as a teenager (and about hurt, which I also thought I understood).
In short, I did all the same things as my cousin and her friends - and all high schoolers, probably - but I didn't do them for the whole world to see. It just wasn't that way. If I wanted to (and sometimes I did), I could destroy the mortifying evidence of my immaturity. Notes burn and names can be scratched out on folders. But these public Internet messages are there for all to see and comment upon! Oh, the horror! Thank goodness I was spared...
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Fort Custer
The evening after a race has a distinctive feel. I get home dirty: dried sweat on my face, dirt on my legs, maybe a scrap or a bruise or a bump here and there. Crawling out of the car after a (usually) long drive, my legs remind me how hard I've worked them. After a few groans and grunts, Mitch and I get the bikes and gear up the apartment stairs. Showers are the number one priority; then it's time to unpack our leftover food, put everything away, make some dinner and retire to the couch for the evening. If we do have to get up for something like small group, we float through the evening with a sense of tired euphoria.
And so went tonight. The race at Fort Custer was another great time, and rather successful, too. The weather was perfect...I might even be a little sunburned! For this race, I had to do two nine-mile laps. The first lap went all right, but I got abdominal cramps and fell behind within the first couple miles. They only lasted for a mile or so, I think, and even though I thought I was probably too far back to catch anyone from my class, I kicked it up a notch. About three miles into my second lap, I caught the racer in second place (there were only three of us, and Nichole was long gone!) and passed her in a tricky section called Granny's Garden. She passed me again a short while later and tried to pull away, but I kept her in my sights and overtook her when we got back into the woods. From there, I just put the hammer down and tried to stay ahead. I ended up finishing fifteen seconds before she rolled in, both of us exhausted but happy with the race.
On the podium, with our pint glasses!
Mitch did extremely well, too. He also finished second and was happy with his time. To his left and in fourth place is Rick, his friendly competitor.
Full results for our team are as follows:
Expert Men 40-49:
14th - Karl Grieve
Sport Men 19-29:
2nd - Mitch
11th - Brad Potter
Sport Men 30-34:
7th - Jake Pangle
Sport/Beginner Single Speed:
8th - Aaron Osburn
Sport Men 35-39:
13th - Rich Marr
Sport Women 29 and under:
1st - Nichole Baker
2nd - Me!
Beginner Women 15-29
4th - Nicole Daugherty
Here's part of the team at the end of the day. We all have a lot of fun together!
And so went tonight. The race at Fort Custer was another great time, and rather successful, too. The weather was perfect...I might even be a little sunburned! For this race, I had to do two nine-mile laps. The first lap went all right, but I got abdominal cramps and fell behind within the first couple miles. They only lasted for a mile or so, I think, and even though I thought I was probably too far back to catch anyone from my class, I kicked it up a notch. About three miles into my second lap, I caught the racer in second place (there were only three of us, and Nichole was long gone!) and passed her in a tricky section called Granny's Garden. She passed me again a short while later and tried to pull away, but I kept her in my sights and overtook her when we got back into the woods. From there, I just put the hammer down and tried to stay ahead. I ended up finishing fifteen seconds before she rolled in, both of us exhausted but happy with the race.
On the podium, with our pint glasses!
Mitch did extremely well, too. He also finished second and was happy with his time. To his left and in fourth place is Rick, his friendly competitor.
Full results for our team are as follows:
Expert Men 40-49:
14th - Karl Grieve
Sport Men 19-29:
2nd - Mitch
11th - Brad Potter
Sport Men 30-34:
7th - Jake Pangle
Sport/Beginner Single Speed:
8th - Aaron Osburn
Sport Men 35-39:
13th - Rich Marr
Sport Women 29 and under:
1st - Nichole Baker
2nd - Me!
Beginner Women 15-29
4th - Nicole Daugherty
Here's part of the team at the end of the day. We all have a lot of fun together!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Hills
I've found that taking half a day off during the week leading up to a race and heading downstate to hit some trails really helps me out on race day. Since I'm fortunate to have a boss who doesn't mind my last-minute vacation requests - which are always dependent on the weather - I got to make a trip down to Poto yesterday afternoon to ride with Mitch, Nichole and Aaron.
I was totally intimidated by the Potawatomi. In my mind, it's always been this unattainable, killer trail. A couple summers ago, I rode it and struggled miserably through the whole thing. The second time I attempted it, I broke my chain three miles in and had to walk out. Mitch loves it; I fear it!
But Nichole rides it all the time and convinced me that it should be my race-week training run. So the four of us met up yesterday and to my surprise, I had a great time! Sure, the first four miles we're pretty rough. But after than, my legs remembered how to work and I started to enjoy the trail. Some of the hills were still pretty challenging but I made it up most of them!
Of course, my legs are nice and tired this morning. I'd like to get down to the Rec and work out over lunch, but a few friends and I are going out to bid farewell to a coworker who's moving on. I might get some good stretching in this evening, but I have lots of homework and a neglected apartment to tend to. Since Mitch has been staying with my parents and working with Bobby all week, basic housecleaning is falling by the wayside!
Speaking on Mitch and jobs, I don't have any real updates. He's done a couple more apps this week, but his schedule with Bobby has kept him pretty busy. It's so nice that he can go down there and actually work, because he hated sitting around the apartment...still, I miss him terribly and hope he can find something permanent soon.
I was totally intimidated by the Potawatomi. In my mind, it's always been this unattainable, killer trail. A couple summers ago, I rode it and struggled miserably through the whole thing. The second time I attempted it, I broke my chain three miles in and had to walk out. Mitch loves it; I fear it!
But Nichole rides it all the time and convinced me that it should be my race-week training run. So the four of us met up yesterday and to my surprise, I had a great time! Sure, the first four miles we're pretty rough. But after than, my legs remembered how to work and I started to enjoy the trail. Some of the hills were still pretty challenging but I made it up most of them!
Of course, my legs are nice and tired this morning. I'd like to get down to the Rec and work out over lunch, but a few friends and I are going out to bid farewell to a coworker who's moving on. I might get some good stretching in this evening, but I have lots of homework and a neglected apartment to tend to. Since Mitch has been staying with my parents and working with Bobby all week, basic housecleaning is falling by the wayside!
Speaking on Mitch and jobs, I don't have any real updates. He's done a couple more apps this week, but his schedule with Bobby has kept him pretty busy. It's so nice that he can go down there and actually work, because he hated sitting around the apartment...still, I miss him terribly and hope he can find something permanent soon.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Cat and the Computer
I really like how Chip keeps me company while I sit on the couch and write papers. He curls up next to me and snoozes while I type, and sometimes I reach over to scratch his soft ears or kiss his furry little head. It's a nice little presence to have.
Often, though, the cat is not content to simply sit near me and accept scraps of my attention. More than likely, he'll end up on my lap, pushing my computer from my thighs to my knees and causing my arms to jut out at odd angles in order to reach the keyboard. If I rest my hand on the mouse touchpad, he'll nose at my hand until I relent and scratch his head. Then he'll purr louder and louder, until his little motor gets s squeak in it. By the time I stop, he's lying half on the computer and obscuring the touchpad that steals my attention away from him. Eventually, he makes it so difficult to work - stretching his paws out on the keyboard - that I either have to kick him off or take a break from typing...which is the stage I'm at right now...if there are typos in this post, blame the cat!
Often, though, the cat is not content to simply sit near me and accept scraps of my attention. More than likely, he'll end up on my lap, pushing my computer from my thighs to my knees and causing my arms to jut out at odd angles in order to reach the keyboard. If I rest my hand on the mouse touchpad, he'll nose at my hand until I relent and scratch his head. Then he'll purr louder and louder, until his little motor gets s squeak in it. By the time I stop, he's lying half on the computer and obscuring the touchpad that steals my attention away from him. Eventually, he makes it so difficult to work - stretching his paws out on the keyboard - that I either have to kick him off or take a break from typing...which is the stage I'm at right now...if there are typos in this post, blame the cat!
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