2011, Week 21

This weekend I met up with 3 friends at White Rock Lake and went kayaking. Of course, I took Brodie, and I think he really enjoyed it, though he wasn't too sure about it at first. He fell overboard twice, but I quickly scooped him up and he was fine. We had a great time out on the lake, with nice weather, a gorgeous sunset, and good friends and fellowship. This week was also finals week at school, so the schedule was a little different, especially on Monday when exams were cancelled due to no power at the school! Graduation was Thursday night, and Friday was a very welcome and, I think, much deserved break.

2011, Week 20

What a gorgeous weekend! The weather was absolutely phenomenal - cool, clear, sunny, and low humidity. The perfect weather to set my table up on the balcony and write, write, write! I spent most of the weekend right in that same spot. Brodie did his best to distract me - even climbing up on the table and settling himself right next to my laptop so I couldn't help but see him. He's a little jealous of the laptop! The rest of the week was spent finishing up my last week of classes at school - I have officially completed my first year of teaching. Let me tell you, this was a rough class. But I made it, and it appears I'll be teaching NT to 8th graders again next year. But first, summer! I'm ready for a break from school and much more time to write, especially with such an adorable co-author as the little guy in the picture below.

2011, Week 19

This week, I got motivated! (I know, it's about time, right?) I did some good work on the dissertation on Saturday and Sunday, made some deadlines for myself that will hopefully allow me to graduate in December 2012, assuming that I work hard and my supervisors are timely as well. Sunday was also Mother's Day - I wasn't able to spend it with my mom, but I did get to celebrate my own first "Mother's" day with my baby. Brodie has been so good for me, and I'm very thankful for him.

2011, Week 18

This week started with continued worry and concern for those in Alabama, especially my grandparents and the entire city of Tuscaloosa. Thankfully a friend in Alabama sent someone to check on my grandparents on Sunday, and we found out they were doing fine, just without power. Their power and phone service were restored early in the week, which brought a great deal of relief. Other than that, I spent the week working hard to finish my notes on Revelation for my class - I can't believe my 8th graders have made it all the way to Revelation this year. I don't know how much they'll get out of our discussion, because they have a severe case of spring fever and make me want to tear my hair out! But the school year is almost over - only two more weeks of classes and then final exam week. Summer's almost here! I did take advantage of a couple of somewhat cooler days to take Brodie on long walks down the canals. Once it gets really hot, our walks will be necessarily shortened because he can't seem to handle the heat too well. As it is I have to carry water for him, and he takes breaks in the shade and cool grass. Anyway, I realized I don't have any pictures of the two of us on our walks, so I got creative, and this is what I ended up with. I think I kinda like it!

2011, Week 17

Wow, what a week, full of major highs and lows! I spent the Easter weekend in Fort Worth, attending the Good Friday service at Wedgwood, scrapbooking with Genny, going to my first Rangers game of the season, and worshipping my risen Savior (though I'll admit it wasn't the most joyful Easter I've ever had). We had some big storms here in the Dallas metroplex, but nothing like the tornadoes that went through the southeast, especially Alabama. Parts of my college town, Tuscaloosa, were just decimated - places we used to eat were completely wiped out. So many people were killed or lost everything, and many more are still missing. And then, in contrast to all the grief and dread related to those storms, we had the joy of watching the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Princess Katherine. It's really hard to reconcile all the highs and lows, but one thing is true - it was definitely an eventful week!