Another Year Come and Gone

First of all, I would like to wish all of you a happy New Year. Welcome to 2007.

Speaking of 2007, can you believe that it really is 2007 already? Remember back to when 2010 brought up dreams of flying cars and teleportation devices? And now, just a few short years to go, none of our dreams for the future seem to be coming into fruition. But technology that was never thought up has been popping up everywhere. I mean, new cell phones that do email, surf the web, take pictures, play music, TV, and who knows what else that are small enough for me to lose consistently. And although cars do not yet fly, there are some running on cleaner fuels and getting obscenely high mileage numbers, have audio imputs and GPS navigators.

But despite all that, time is sure flying. It seems faster every year. And with more and more to experience with each year of adulthood I enter, faster time cannot be a good thing. You know, things like learning to keep track to bills, rent payments, insurance coverage are all still pretty new to me this year. And more new things are building on top of all that: retirement plans, filing taxes (gulp), figuring out major life purchases while still paying off student loans, grad school while working, well, the list goes on and on. And if you think about it all at once, adulthood feels very overwhelming like a big wave knocking you off your surfboard in the ocean. So I try not to think about it all at once...ever. No one likes to be knocked off their surfboard.

In the year to come I do have hopes, dreams, and goals of what I'd love to see take place. I'd love to get into UW-La Crosse's Student Affairs Administration program this summer and complete the degree in a year and a half to two years. I'd certainly love for Mr. Right to sweep me off my feet and put a ring on my finger. I have dreams of purchasing a car, but I'll settle for new furniture. I hope to spend more time with family and less time in a car. And most of all, I'd really love to feel a little more in control and a little less out of control in all aspects of life. That would be nice.

Anyway, happy New Year. Hope it's a good one.

Speaking of Aurora...

Last night, I was on the road for exactly four and a half hours...which, if you ask me, is way too many. But the most amazing part of the horrible drive was the faint hues of the Aurora Borealis...the Northern Lights.

Now, I have never, up until this point, seen the Northern Lights, so it took me a while to figure out what I was even seeing. At first I thought it was the moon shining ridiculously brightly over a long horizon of clouds. But that seemed strange since it was more like the entire north eastern horizon was glowing. And as I precariously drove down Highway 81 toward Platteville, I noticed that the glow was changing, growing, moving. Then it hit me...and my foot hit the brakes.

After nearly causing a few accidents, I pulled off the road to a gravel road, parked and got out. There I stood, in the middle of nowhere just staring at the sky. What a sight it was. It wasn't that bright or clear, but still...amazing.

So, if you're in a clear area tonight, be sure to look up that the north eastern sky and maybe you too can experience the wonder.

Subway Gets Ugly

This week, I have experienced the worst Subway ever. Seriously. Last night, I went to said Subway to get some dinner circa 9:00 pm. I entered to the sight of a very wide-like butt sticking up just over the cash register and a muffled voice saying, "Um...hi." (She was apparently picking up something off the floor...or possibly licking the floor...not really sure.)

I thought to myself, "Sweet. This is the local moron stop. Service should be great."
"We...um...don't have any bread."
"Excuse me?"
"Yeah, out of bread."
"Like for a few minutes?"
"Well, it could be at least an hour...possibly all night."

Wow. Can someone please explain how a sub shop, whose livelihood seems to be dependent on the amount of bread they sell, runs out of that one primary and essencial product? But, giving them the benefit of the doubt (perhaps it was a managerial oversight or an incredibly good sales night) I decided to go back tonight. I made a fairly major mistake however. I asked a few questions. Apparently, that was against the rules at this Subway.

I first asked if they perhaps carried any parmesan-oregano bread. Most Subways have stopped carrying this bread, but sometimes I ask just to be sure.

"Um...do you mean the Italian herb and cheese?"
"No, but that will work fine. Do you carry spinach?"
"Subway doesn't do spinach."

Ok, so at this point, I'm still doing alright. I mean, I am feeling a bit sorry for the person on the other side of the counter who was not the brightest crayon in the box. But I'm still pretty satisfied, that is, until the lady wouldn't put the peppercorn-garlic sauce on my sub. One little spit of a squirt, and then it was "This is all we have of this sauce," followed by a blank stare.

That was about all I could handle. I quickly finished my order and got the heck out of there. Could someone please notify management? Seriously.

Favorite Part

My favorite part of today: getting my chin cracked open with a remote control...thanks Megan.

Ok, so it wasn't my favorite part, but it did really happen...and it really did hurt. And all over a Simpson's episode.

The Norovirus Made Me Do It

So, this morning, I was driving from Eau Claire to Bloomer, about a 35 minute drive. On my way, I'm listening to I-94, the all holiday radio station. The DJ began the news with the following story:

"The town of Bloomer continues to battle its epidemic of the norovirus. Bloomer Hospital is currently admitting new patients, but the assisted living facility will only be admitting patients with the norovirus symptoms which include vomiting, diareah, and high fever...."

Sweet. Bloomer...where I'm going. A terrible virus in epidemic proportions which is keeping kids out of school and knocking out the old person population quicker than usual....and I'm headed into the hot zone: the K-12 school building.

So far, I feel darn good...I'll let you know how tomorrow goes.

Another Slow Day

It has taken some getting used to, but the Northwoods of Wisconsin are treating me pretty well. I enjoy the scenery as well as the nice folks I meet, but there's one thing that I haven't gotten used to just yet: the very few students I see. Now, some of my slow day ended up being circumstantial and very much out of my control (i.e. one school had a teacher pass away last week). I'm sure, too, that distance plays a big part. Platteville is at least three hours from the Wausau area...but that logic seems silly as ALL my schools are at least three hours from Platteville....hmm.

Today I tried to keep myself incredibly busy. I visited five schools between the hours of 8:00 and 2:00, but guess how many students I saw...Four. Four students in five schools. Icing on the cake - I saw three students at one school. You do the math there.

So now with just enough postcards to put off until tomorrow, no good magazine in my handbag, and no book to enjoy on this trip, I sit in a Green Mill eating my bread and herb butter, telling you all about my slow day. However, the great part about tonight is the Green Mill serves an incredible smoked chicken and spinach ravioli in a garlic cream sauce. This makes my belly happy....and my keyboard slightly greasy...but shhh...don't tell the boss. :)

Fa La La La La La...

It's that time of year again! And I must confess that I'm excited....and a little confused. Excited because it sure is Thanksgiving time (which also means it's also almost Christmas time), and confused because how the heck did the whole year disappear already?!? You know, you always hear it from those older and wiser that as you get older, time goes faster. I guess I never really believed it to be true. I mean, don't you remember summer break in elementary school lasting what seemed like years. I few days into break we were already bored. But now, summer? What summer? Did summer happen? I can't recall.

And now, here I am, in mid-November, working my first real job, complete with college degree and all, and all I wish is for time to just slow down a little. At this point in my life, young as it still is, I find myself looking back thinking, "I never thought I'd..." Let's recap. Mom and Dad, don't get too weepy over all the reminiscing.

In elementary school, I never thought I'd be anything but a teacher. I was going to teach any and all grades...I could never really narrow it down to my favorite age group. Little did I know that high school and my ego would change my mind down the road.

In high school, I never thought that I would fail engineering in college. I was the best in high school. I was the best at drafting, at tech. classes, at math and science. I thought I was the stuff and destined to be an amazing engineer, making loads of money. Let's face it, communications and public relations weren't even on my radar.

And one more: I never thought I'd be attending my 23rd family Thanksgiving without that special someone to enjoy it with. As long as I can remember, even the past year or so, I had a sort of "target date" to be happily married: 23. Silly, I know. Plenty of time, I know. But it's just the thought that lingered my whole life that a girl was supposed to be married at 23. Maybe by next year...

And a bonus: I never thought that despite all of the "never thoughts" that have taken place throughout life, that I would be as happy and content as I am. So here's a toast to "never thoughts" of the past and those that are yet to come.

That all being said, enjoy your holiday season. Enjoy your family. And take a little time to be thankful for all the "never thoughts" that make life so beautiful.

I Think My Foot is Broken

This week has been one of the slowest weeks so far in my road travels. Yesterday was extremely difficult to deal with. I met with three students...total. Out of four schools? Yeah, that's pretty bad. But, one for the books: I did talk with a student on the phone for about 20 minutes in a guidance office because the kid was home sick from school. Neat.

And the most unfortunate accident of the week occurred today at my last school. I somehow dropped my wheelie briefcase, stuffed full of intro. books, info. cards, all the heavy stuff (not emptied so much due to my extremely slow week) onto my left foot...directly on that bone that sticks up a little higher than all the rest. I actually had to sit back in the car for a few minutes while I dried the tears from my eyes and regained composure to be able to meet with students. And for the record, it really hurt.

On a happier note, I have so far successfully gone through two and a half days without eating at a McDonald's once. This is a record for me on the road this semester. I made four lovely meals on Saturday and froze them solid so as not to die from salmonella or ecoli. And that has made a lot of difference. And I've even worked out once! I know, exciting. But due to the recent foot injury, there will be no treadmill or elliptical for me tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

Bye Bye, Bad Habit

Ok, so pretty much my whole life, at least since I've had teeth, I've been a nail biter. And I'd have to say that it has not been much fun. More times than I care to recall, I've been caught in the act, and even complete strangers feel the need to point it out...as if that is some sort of motivation to stop doing it...yeah.

But back in September, I had a set of acrylics done. And for those of you not familiar with the subject of cosmetology (yeah, like I am really an expert...), acrylic nails are really bad for your real nails, really bad. And I had nearly no nails left once I removed those fake guys. I bought myself some nail growth polish in hopes that it would help the poor little guys grow a little bit, and funny thing, the stuff actually is kind of working. All my nails have white tips and a few of them are even clicking on the keyboard right now. (That doesn't happen very often.)

I think I can now understand why some girls freak out over a broken nail. I have become pretty attached to the little guys. If I broke one down real short, I think I might shed a tear over it. Here's hoping for nails that keep on growing...maybe even to the point where I'd have to cut them. (That has never happened before.)

Ok, after writing this, I'm sure that it was possibly the worst blog entry ever. Neat. But hey, Dad, at least you won't have to point out when I'm biting my nails over Thanksgiving...I don't think I will be. :) Feel free to leave congratulatory comments on my newly broken bad habit below.

The Gassy, the Witch, and the Pickup Lines

(A.K.A. Adventures in the Big Apple)

I would like to chalk this week up to being the strangest most random week of travels yet. A few schools really surprised me with a huge number of students, and some were pretty typical with one or two students...or none.

First of all, there is nothing like meeting with that weird kid...you know the type...one on one. It wouldn't have been so bad, I mean, I've dealt with the weird kids before, but this kid topped the cake. We had just introduced ourselves when the stinkin' kid broke wind. I didn't hear it at all; it was very sneaky but very stinky! Now normally I would make a big deal about it if it was a friend, but I had to hold my breath and bite my tongue until the moment passed. I was embarrassed for him, and I may have even blushed, but we survived the moment.

Another great moment of the week. I was at a very small school that reminded me of where I went to high school, and I was sitting in the guidance counselor's outer office (no guidance secretary for this school) when a young lady walks in to talk to me. She starts out the conversation with, "You guys have some engineering stuff and your school, right?" Never a good sign. She went on to say that she had some family that attended Platteville, and she's like to start there. After all, "Michigan Tech is just a little bit better than Platteville...you know." Um...right. The guidance counselor walked through the office and mentioned that we probably had scholarship opportunities. To which she replied, "Oh yeah, I'm real poor, and you need to give me a scholarship." Nice. That's all I've got to say about that. Nice.

Chillin' in line at McDonald's at around 9:00 in the morning, waiting to order breakfast, can be an interesting start to a day I came to find out this week. I was staring at the menu blankly, already knowing what I was going to order, when I construction worker came up to me and said, "Why hello. How are you doing today?" I said politely, "Fine, thank you." To which he came back with, "No, you're supposed to say flawless...Let's try again. How are you doing today?" Wow. I didn't know stuff like that really happened. I kind of figured that that was just the sort of thing that you saw on movies and stuff.

And to complete my random week, in a moment of desperation, needing an early morning jolt, I tried a cup of coffee. Turns out, I don't mind coffee at all. Weird. Didn't see that one coming.

The Big 2-3

That's right, folks. It's my birthday. And a birthday first for this kid: today I had 300 people singing Happy Birthday at the Pioneer Preview. A little bit random, but a whole lot of fun. Heidi kindly suggested it, and the whole crowd played along. Thanks Preview people!

Leave a birthday comment to brighten my day above the gloomy weather today! :)

Round-Abouts and Other Confusions in Green Bay

Can someone explain the purpose of a round-about? I mean really. You know what I'm talking about right? Those ridiculous substitutes for corners or four-way stops that require you to circle your way precariously around to the right on a very tight curve while simultaneously trying to avoid all the other cars coming in from three other entrances, exiting at random all at incredibly high speeds.

Now, what exactly is the point to all this? Is it faster than a four-way stop? I think not. Everyone still has to yield to that person on their left entering the circle while keeping a mindful eye on that car to your right that may slip in before you do. Is it safer than a four-way stop? Absolutely not! Everyone at least comes to a stop at a four-way stop! Round-abouts? No stopping required, occasionally it's a good idea, but definitely not required. Are they more cost effective than the stop? I don't see how. They require so much more pavement (the big circle is probably the equivalent of an extra city block).

In my opinion these crazy round-abouts are just ridiculous. Just ridiculous.

You know what else is ridiculous? Today, Green Bay got its fair share of snow sprinkles throughout the day, but the sun refused to give up. Every time that it snowed today, it was also sunny. I thought it quite strange.

Oh, and for the record, Green Bay-not so scary. I thought that it would be a little more big-city-ish. But so far, I've found it to be very nice.

Pot-a-wat-o-what?

(A.K.A. Happenings and Mishappenings in Door County)

Yesterday I took a trip to Potawatomi State Park here in Door County. Lucky for me, the rain held off, and it wasn't too cold for a good hike in the woods. I found a good spot to park on the farthest end of the park near a trail head where I was sure I would find no other human soul. I took a moment to bundle up in my favorite sweatshirt, a vest, and a stocking hat, ready to find an adventure. With park map in hand, I took off down the trail, not knowing exactly what to expect. I gave a quick call to Mom just to let her know I was ok, and I took off, confident that this would be a great hike.

I walked only about twenty minutes through some very thick timber when the path opened up right to the lake. Before I could even see it, I could hear the waves lapping up on the rocky shore. I broke a few park rules and left the well-worn trail to experience the shoreline a little closer. White-washed rocks, all square and flat were scattered for as far as the eye could see in both directions down the water's edge. I could have sat there all day...if I would have had all day that is. It was already nearly 5:00, and I wanted to get some more hiking in before it got dark. Fearing that I would get lost (which seems pretty difficult on a shoreline...you really only have two directions to go), I jumped back on the trail and walked a little longer. When the trail veered away from the shore, I decided to turn around and follow that beautiful rocky shore right back to where I had come from. The sound of the water was just too relaxing to walk away from.

Back into the thick timber, I walked slowly, satisfied with my adventure. I was deep in a daydream when I heard a twig snap. Jolted back to reality, I glanced around, worried suddenly that I could possibly be in some sort of danger. Instead I found a small and very pretty deer about ten feet from me in the path. There she stood, checking me out as much as I was checking her out. Then a second and a third poked their heads from around their trees to check me out, too. They all munched away, with one mindful eye on me and my every move. Finally, not wanting to disturb them, I hunched down to a squat and just watched. I watched until finally the deer got bored with me and walked on to better munching grounds.

And how better to end my day at Potawatomi than to climb a 75-year-old 100-foot wooden tower to view the lake and the treetops from above. God must love looking down at his creation all the time. Something so beautiful is hard to take your eyes off of.

Today was fantastic as well. Already feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, I decided to take off again for a new and exciting destination. This time however, the actual destination was unknown. It was the journey I was after. The cloudy skies had held back all day, not allowing a single drop to fall, but at about 2:30, just as I was leaving my last school, I saw one, then another, then a downpour of all the days saved-up drops...just trying to ruin my adventure. And they could have. All those little rain drops could have chased me right back to my hotel room where I would have hermitted until dawn. But I decided that there was adventure to be had, rain or not, I was off.

I took off north of Sturgeon Bay wanting to peek at as many nooks and crannies of Door County as were physically possible before dark. Heading up the east side of the peninsula, I followed a scenic route or two before I hit a double whammy of parks. Whitefish Dunes State Park and Cave Point County Park. These parks shared an entrance road except for one crucial difference: state parks cost money to enter and county parks are free. Carefully navigating by the road signs, I made sure to only enter this unknown territory of the county park. It turned out to be one main parking lot with a few picnic tables and an information kiosk. The rain was still coming down pretty good, but I couldn't really see beyond the picnic area, and I was curious to find out what the attraction of the park could be.

I debated with myself in the nice warm dry car for a bit before the curiosity was just too much to stand. Bundled up with that lovable hooded sweatshirt, hood up, I headed for the kiosk. I read for a bit, but for the life of me, I just couldn't figure out what the heck it was trying to tell me. There were diagrams and glacier talk that I just didn't get. Finally, before reading the whole thing, I took off to just over the small ridge when the most wonderful sound hit my ears. Water...not just water...but pounding waves, crashing up against...well, something.

Over the ridge there was, well, a cliff. But when I looked down, all I saw was water flowing under where I was. I walked around on the rocky ledge until the crashing was much louder when I could finally see what was beneath me. It was a beautiful cave...a whole shoreline of cave-like structures, all crashing and roaring. Oh, how I would have loved to climb down to the base of a few of the caves, put my feet in the cool water, and be engulfed in the majesty of the whole thing-the sounds, the smells, the feel of the waves. I could have chosen a smooth rock and perched there for hours just listening, maybe singing along with the waves' heavenly song. But after just a few minutes of taking in the grandeur, I had also taken on much water. My beloved sweatshirt was several pounds heavier than it had started, my hands a little colder than I would have liked.

Throughout the drive, I took many detours so I could remain as close to the lake as I could. I spent more time driving 15 miles an hour than any other speed, which couldn't have made me happier. Around every bend I found waterfront homes with their own personal beaches. Some of the homes were small and nearly worn out with pure love. Others were massive and regal, like mansions. But my favorites were the ones you couldn't even see. The timber was so thick in some spots that all you could see was a well-worn opening in the trees that wound around into the shadows. No pavement, no gravel, just a worn dirt path. Now, if the driveway takes your breath away, can you imagine what wonders the home at the end must contain?

After several hours of awe and admiration of many neighborhoods and timberlines, I decided I still had time to head north, but the farther north, the heavier the rains and the darker the skies. So, after making it as far as the shining little town of Ephraim, I headed straight back to Sturgeon Bay with no pit stops, detours, or park hopping.

This week has done more for my soul than I ever could have imagined. I began this week with feelings of loneliness and sheer exhaustion, and I will end it with a renewed sense of accomplishment and energy, knowing I'm in the right place, the place God that has put me for reasons that I don't have to understand. Who knew that all of that could have come out of little ol' Door County?

New Idea

Being the lonesome traveler that I am, I (with much credit due to my mom) came up with an idea that I think I will implement within the next few weeks...hopefully.

I think I'm going to organize a twenty-somethings group for us non-married folks that provides activities and events on weekends for people to do with other people. There is so much stuff that can be done for free or relatively cheap around the area that would be much more fun with other people. Even dinner...that would be more fun with others. Adventures of all kinds await groups of young folks like myself....I think I will find them. :) What do you think? Think it sounds like something to pursue? Express yourself in the comments so I know how you feel!

On a completely unrelated note, I am near Door County this week...and it sure is raining. The forecast calls for rain all week which completely blows my plans of a little work and a lot of Door County play. It's too bad really. I was in the mood for some state park hiking, cute shop shopping, and all that comes with the tourist spot that is Door County. And on another completely unrelated topic: Manitowoc has some of the most confusing intersections known to man. How do people find there way around this town anyway? I mean, seriously. I have a GPS system telling me my every move, and I still took like thirty wrong turns today. There is something seriously messed up about that.

Kohler?

I went to the town of Kohler, Wisconsin this week. Have you ever been to this town? I have to say that I was thoroughly creeped out. I mean seriously.

This town is like a movie set. I drove around with the extra time that I had before my school visit, and it quickly became a game to try to find an ugly house...an ugly car...an ugly person. But I lost at my own game. There were none. The town was so beautiful that it was almost disgusting. All of the shops and markets and the downtown were all of these beautiful brick building, new-looking with old-style charm. Many of the buildings had leafy vines crawling gracefully up the sides, and they were just starting to show the colors of fall. What a town.

My first thought was that if I ever made a whole lot of money, I would move there and boast of this most beautiful town. But I found myself, as I was playing my little ugly search game, saying out loud over and over, "What is this place?" And then I realized that the feeling I had was not an awe of its amazingness, but rather an overwhelming weirded out feeling, as if in the presence of some sort of strange cult.

So, in short, I do not feel like I will ever move to Kohler, Wisconsin, but I may go there again to gawk.

Oh Monday

Man, I love driving all the way across the state on a Sunday night to visit a high school at 8:00 am with no students (not to mention three schools with only one or two students). Man, what a productive day.

On happier notes, I get to see my most recently married friend Bridget Thomas (still takes me a second to get her name right) tonight. I get to see her apartment and get a meal. What a deal! :)

And possibly the scariest then funniest moment so far on this trip: My GPS unit was stolen out of my car...OK, well that's what I thought anyway. Actually, the suction cup fell off the front window because it got so darn cold last night. But when I walked up to my car and opened the door, it sure did seem like it was stolen. I first peed a little in my pants, then I shed a quick tear. But then I recovered and stuck the darn thing back on the window.

PS. My hotel this week is very nice. It's got a water park (of sorts), free breakfast, and a Citgo in the parking lot. Who doesn't need one of those?

She-man and the Nipple

For those of you who have small children in the room that can read, this post may not be completely appropriate. (As if the title wasn't enough of a giveaway for that...)

The best story I've got about my week of WEF's had to have been toward the end of the week. The WEF setting was pretty normal as far as WEF's go. I was at a table with some cosmetology school across the aisle from me. With only about five minutes to go before the close of the WEF, three students cruised their way over to the cosmetology school.

I clearly had a stunned look on my face as I caught a glimpse of the sight in front of me. The person next to me, out of the blue, said, "Yeah, I can't figure it out either." I blushed about ten shades of red when I realized that I had been caught staring. But truly, neither of us had a clue what we were looking at. Was it a man dressed convincingly as a woman? Or was it possibly a very masculine looking woman?

The representative at the cosmetology school table did a very good job holding herself together. I will give her props on that. She gave her usual talk, handed them their information, and sent them on their way. The students only got a few steps away when the rep quickly covered her mouth with both hands and turned away from her table. Curious as I was, I went up to her to inquire about the situation that had just unfolded. Before I even had a chance to ask about the she-man, she blurted out, "Definitely a man, but that's not all!" She went on to share that as she was talking to the students, one of them repeatedly pulled down her shirt to cover her midrif, but instead, she revealed much more disgusting and taboo body parts...her nipples. Um...nipples? You don't even see them on a beach or on TV...but at a college fair? Wow.

And so goes the tale of She-man and the Nipple.

My Dream Man Must've Gotten Confused

Day One of WEF's (Wisconsin Education Fairs), was a good one. I had exceptional luck with both the morning fair and the evening fair. Many people were complaining about a really slow night this evening, but I had a good hand full of students and parents stop by. I was excited by it. And the Assistant Admission Advisor from Ripon commented that I was doing really well at my table. That was good news for me since it's really the only feedback I've had on the road.

This morning, I was pretty convinced that I had met a possible dream man, and the coincidents that followed made me even more convinced. I spotted him from across the gym, a real looker. I mean, I really couldn't take my eyes off him. We didn't get a chance to meet then, but I saw him again at the evening WEF, and I was sure I wanted to meet him.

Amanda, a new friend also on the road for the first time from Loras, made sure to help me out. (Oh, and Stacie, if you are reading this, Amanda would be the slightly inappropriately dressed recruiter with the pipes...and yes, she was in gymnastics.) She ran up to him after the evening fair and invited him to join us for pizza. He joined us in my hotel room where I found out some interesting facts. He went to and works for Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. This would be a Reformed Christian denomination school (and I was raised Reformed), he new the Folkerts family (a family that I grew up with at church)...and there were a few other interesting things that we related to each other nicely.

I was nearly swimming in crush-ness by the middle of our pizza dinner when I received the crushing blow. He had a girlfriend...a girlfriend?!? Of five years. And she's in med. school. How can I compete with that? Ugh. So, Mr. Clint, somewhere along the line, you must have gotten confused and met up with the wrong girl who happens to be a genius and is probably beautiful. When clearly it should have been me that you are about to marry.

Someday my dream man will come along. Or maybe Clint will break up with his girlfriend.

Someday.

Wrapping Up Week One

Week One is almost over. And I must say, it's been thankfully pretty uneventful. I went to schools, did my thing, and talked to some pretty cool kids and a few nice guidance counselors, too. I laid around a lot in the hotel, took really long hot showers, sat down at the bar, and did some things that I didn't even think I would do. For instance, I went out to a nice restaurant by myself, and although it wasn't my favorite thing to do in the world, having my mom on the phone with me the whole time helped. :) I drove through treacherous Milwaukee several times...once to go to a mall.

I am, admittedly, a little behind on my postcards to students, but I have a feeling once the novelty of being in hotels and out to eat wears off, I'll be a workaholic. But this week, I decided to just be a pamperaholic. Ok, not really, but I did get myself a set of acrylic nails tonight...and at the price they come, I treated that hour of nail filing and shaping like a full body massage. I took all the pampering out of it I could. The moment was only slightly disturbed by the nail lady talking to me...mainly asking what I did, if I was single...if I was single...why did she have to keep bringing that up? Oh well. I shrugged it off, and closed my eyes, and dreamed of being on my honeymoon in the Bahamas.

The week started off with air conditioning and sun glasses but it's wrapping up with the hotel room's heat on and me wrapped up in my covers. This weekend will leave no rest for the weary as I have Bridget's wedding in Muscoda all weekend, then it's back on the road on Monday morning with a marathon of WEF's until next Friday. Meh. I'll sleep when I'm dead. :)

More to do...

The lesson I have learned today was for sure to bring more along to do on these trips. There are a couple of schools that have like an hour or so between visits, and I found myself driving around or chilling at a local park.

And I tried starting some postcards for students...but all of them sounded stupid and fake...so I stopped.

And now it's almost 4:00, and I'm done for the day, back in my hotel room, thinking about what to do next. Any suggestions for how to fill my time? Feel free to add comments...I need all the help I can get.

Otherwise, I survived the day with no major mishaps. I answered most of the questions that were thrown at me with no major hesitation. And, if I do say so myself...I looked pretty darn good doing it.