Sunset Symphony

Just wanted to share some pics I took from my balcony:

April showers...

ok ok so April is known to bring rain, hence the phrase "April showers bring May flowers"... but here in Colorado April showers must mean April SNOW showers, because that's what it did this morning. Quite odd, only because yesterday it was sunny and 80 degrees, I was wearing a tank top and shorts... I am not surprised to see snow, but I am surprised at such a drastic change in temperature. Oh well, it's supposed to be 70 by Wednesday.

In other news- I have been volunteering as a personal training client for our Sports and Exercise program students. We have been meeting every Mon and Wed for 1 hour since the beginning of February. The first week we were put through all these different types of pre-tests (strength, flexibility, endurance etc etc). Today I did re-tests for the crunch test and push up test. On the crunch test you have to go up and down to the rhythm of a metronome and your hands have to stay flat on the mat and go out a certain distance with each crunch. The maximum number of crunches that can be completed is 75. Well I kicked that crunch test to the curb - maxed out! woohoo! Some guy was watching me do it, he was being re-tested after me... that sorry soul could not equal my crunching abilities hahaha!! On the push up test I had done 20 pushups before, today I did 35. I am definitely getting into better shape. Of course I have been working out on my own, not JUST doing the training in the class..... I'll have to see if I can volunteer for it next fall and tork on improving even more.

Ok, back to grading papers now... UGH!

Cat Calls

So there was a party tonight hosted by UNC's NSSLHA chapter to congratulate the graduating seniors. I was running late and wasn't even sure of where I was going or how dressed everyone was. I decided to go for dressed up casual. Wore a nice black shirt with some lace, jeans, and black strappy heels... it's amazing what a little dressing up will get you. So since I was late, I had to park 2 blocks from the place and raced across the street in my heels. (I don't wear heels that much, so I'm impressed that I was actually able to 'run' in them). So as I am walking to the restaurant I got whistled at twice. hahaha. guess I still got it. Maybe it was the outfit. (Those of you who know me well know that I tend to lean towards casual attire, but maybe I will start to spice things up more). Anyway I hadn't experienced any cat calls in a while, so that was entertaining.

Oh yeah, I need to give a shout out to my friend April. She is participating in this crazy (I only say that because it is over 500 miles long) bike race to raise money for AIDS. In addition, she will be racing in honor/memory of her mother that just passed away last week. I would like to encourage everyone to support her cause, I've already sent her my pledge money. You can contact her by clicking on the link to her blog.

Other news? I am starting to investigate possibilities of purchasing a townhouse out in Colorado. My lease will run through October, but there is a lot of new development in the area, so I am starting to do my homework now... it's overwhelming and exciting.

One more week of classes, then one week of finals... then I will officially have my first semester as a college professor under my belt. yay!

Hope y'all are doing well.

Shopping Anyone?

I couldn't go to Minneapolis without hitting the Mall of America... now I can say "been there, done that". In all honesty, I didn't think it was anything spectacular. The only attraction it offers is an amusement park in the center of the mall, and an aquarium in the basement. I have been to other malls that are just as big (in terms of numbers of stores) such as Roosevelt Field. In addition, The Pallisades Mall in Nyack, NY is (in my opinion) BETTER than Mall of America. There aren't any roller coasters (and yes I road a roller coaster in the mall), but there is a ferris wheel if you want to get an amusement park field. And if you don't want to ride that, you can skate at the ice rink. Either way, I can say I've been there (photo to prove it), but if you are ever visiting Minneapolis, unless you have never been to a big mall before, spend your time doing other things. =)

good times

Ok so I am in Minneapolis, MN right now at the American Academy of Audiology conference. Having a good time - this is actually a fun city. What's extra cool about it is most of downtown is connected by a maze of skyways, so you don't have to go outside to get around (came in hand last night when it was pouring rain). Had dinner with Tina Childress and Sam at a great Thai place... mmmmm yummy. Then after relaxing in the room for a bit, I went to an 'after party' with some USD people. (This was the party AFTER the big party)... sponsored by one of the many hearing aid manufacturers for our conference attendees who are all at LEAST graduate students... you would figure everyone would be of age to drink. The parties always have open bar, and usually not a problem to get a drink. Well the guy was carding, and I didnt have my license with me, so I was pissed off that I couldn't get a glass of wine. Some guy saw it all happen, and he got my drink for me, how sweet. Nice to know I've "got it" enough to get a guy to do that for me. heehee.

Saw an old friend who graduated from Memphis in 2002... she couldnt stop complimenting me on how great I looked, and how happy I seemed... it was refreshing to hear that from her (especially since she hasnt seen me in so long)... jeeeez, I'm starting to get some confidence back - I think for a while there at the end of the year last year I was pretty down on myself. Stressful moving and starting a new job, and was not happy that I had gained a bunch of weight. Well dedication and work ethic have begun to pay off, I actually am enjoying clothes shopping again, and not cringing every time I see my reflection. Nobody at AAA noticed (or at least nobody has said anything) but I don't really care all that much.... still got a ways to go, so maybe next time around I'll get the 'jaw drop' response.

Met Sam's group - the students and some faculty at USD. They are all fantastic people. I have decided I want to be adopted honorary faculty.... Anyway had fun with them and look forward to seeing them sometime if I get to visit Vermillion =)

I am tired, these conventions have a way of really wearing me out! I'm off to bed. Hope y'all are well.

In Memoriam (Again)

Well my grandfather died this morning... almost one month from the day of my grandmother's death. I don't mean to sound morbid, but I just knew that was going to happen... So how did it happen? Well he fell out of bed and broke his hip - went into the hospital for hip replacement surgery. He came out of surgery ok, but then had problems with bleeding that apparently the physicians couldn't stop. My poor Mom is very distraught, losing both parents so close to one another. What a trying time...

So what else? I have thought a bit more about my situation with Greg. I don't know why someone with so much education and intelligence (at least I like to think I'm on the intelligent side) has been so stupid. It's like I'm punishing myself or something. There is no reason to want to be with Greg. Did I love him? Yes. Do I love him? I think part of me will always love him. Is he for me? No. If he was, it would have worked itself out by now. Why should I want to be with someone who let me walk away without a fight? With no explanation, without so much the courtesy or respect to communicate with me how he feels? Of course I asked Greg to think about how he feels and let me know one way or the other... but I think deep down I already knew the answer, I was just hoping that maybe he'd have the balls (for lack of a better way of saying it) to talk to me about it. Greg if you're reading this I guess you can feel relieved, the "pressure" is finally off you... I give up... I'll just continue to try to move on with my life.