So a few things of note have happened in the past two days. First, we have already had some questions about whom we will support now that John Edwards has withdrawn from the race. As some of you (Bec) guessed, I will be supporting Obama. While I am deeply disappointed to see Edwards, and especially his poverty agenda, out of the race, I feel that the candidate I most align with now is Barack Obama. I cannot speak for Nick, however, so you will all have to wait and hear his opinion once he comes home.

Yesterday, as much bigger things were happening in the great wide world, I was handling one of my biggest projects of the year: the Spring Organization Fair. Basically, I was responsible for managing a fair for about 110 of our 300 student organizations. The organizations start signing up months in advance, and we always have a waiting list. The fair happens on Greene St., right in front of our student union. It would not have happened without the help of my co-GA, Tara, and a couple of incredible student volunteers.

Watching the fair happen yesterday really reminded me why I'm in higher ed. I got to facilitate outreach for organizations, which in turn offers so many growth opportunities for my students. I got to stand around and chat with new students I don't know as well, and I got to watch some of my older student leaders in action. I was so impressed! This is why I'm here!

Oh, and Nick's phone is broken so if you've been trying to call him you haven't been successful. He has ordered a new one, though, so just give him a few days and try again.

Blogging from the Office

I am blogging today, for the first time, from the office! No, I'm not on company time - I'm just in between work and "after-work, work committments." (Tonight I'm helping with the mandatory meetings for all of our candidates running for student body offices). There's not much to report today, but I did want to let everyone know that Finlay is feeling back to normal. So, for those of you who were worried, you can rest easy!

What a Monday

Today was one of those days when I had to keep reminding myself that when God created me to be Nick's partner He equiped me with the tools I need to get through big challenges when he is gone. In the last few years I have been challenged so much, and I have seen my faith grow by leaps and bounds because of it. There has never been anything put before me that was insurmountable. The Lord always provides faithfully for me and is true to His word when he tells me that He will never give me more than I can handle.



It was thoughts like those that got me through this morning. You see, I awoke at 5am to Finlay getting sick in the bed. I will spare you most of the details, but Finlay was having diarrhea that, by the time I had him into the bathtub appeared to only be blood. Of course I was terrified. I mean, Finlay has been my constant companion, a true Godsend, every time that Nick has been away. What would I do now if something happened to him?!



So I put him in the car and rushed over to the emergency vet. Poor Finlay was so sad and scared, and he just sat hunched over and shaking the whole way there. Once at the vet we were seen to quickly. As it turns out, there was nothing horribly wrong with Fin. In fact, the vet thinks that he has IBS. Who knew that dogs could get that? He did have to get poked a few times, and a treatment called subcutaneous hydration. He's on a few meds, and he had to get a bath, but he seems to be feeling much better. I tried to feed him Pedialyte ice cubes, like the vet suggested, but he is not crazy about Pedialyte (can you blame him)?



So this story has a happy ending, but for a few hours this morning, it was pure terror. Here's hoping that tomorrow is a little more sedate.

Happy Saturday!

Fin and I want to wish everyone a very happy Saturday! We have had a great day already. We woke up this morning and took a trip to campus, when I took Fin for a long walk. After that we stopped by 3 Dog Bakery and picked up some treats for Fin. He should be stocked for the next week or so. Later on today I'll be seeing 27 Dresses with some friends. Hope everyone's Saturday is as good as ours!

A Good Day

Today was a good day. I have been praying, as have many of you, that I would have courage while Nick is gone. It was a struggle at first, but I am slowly getting braver. Today I took Finlay for a walk around our neighborhood, something I have been hesitant to do by myself. Finlay was very happy!

I am determined to have a positive attitude for the next several weeks so today I did a few other things to spiff up my Friday. For instance, I shopped at my favorite grocery store here, Earth Fare. I picked up some tulips (picture below) and some dinner - lobster ravioli! I am also baking Chex Mix as we speak. I know it's not exactly healthy, but hey, when she's home alone a girl needs some comfort food!

In Nick news, he will have an MRI on his ankle Monday. The orthopedic surgeon he saw in San Angelo found his x-rays from the base clinic to be inconclusive so they are going to delve a bit deeper. Fortunately he is out of his poor excuse for a half-cast and is now wearing a boot splint. Cross your fingers that the doctor finds that it is just a bad sprain!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Dwight and Lauri Edwards

Nick and I, taking a tour of the resort
Nick and I at the reception
The happy couple!
Nick and I with my parents
Sisters!

This weekend friends and family gathered to celebrate the wedding of Dwight and Lauri Edwards. We had a blast hanging out at T-Bar-M with all of the aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, parents, and friends, and the Dieterts threw a fantastic party! Hope you enjoyed the pics. We'll be posting to snapfish as soon as we can synthesize all pictures from the event.

It's Snowing!

It's snowing here, big, yummy flakes. Take a look! Oh, and don't worry. It shouldn't stick!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

To quote Annie, "I love ya tomorrow, you're only a day away!" Tomorrow I will be en-route to Lauri's wedding reception via a short stop in Waco. I can't wait! And for those of you concerned about Finlay, he will be staying in his own house, and Tara will be house-sitting along with her precious girl Addy. I can't wait to see all of my family, and especially my husband! Yes, Nick and I will be spending the weekend together, thanks to Dwight and Lauri Edwards. I can't wait!

Uninspired!

As you may have noticed I have been somewhat uninspired since Nicholas left. That has led to a serious lack of blogging, and for that I apologize. There's still not much going on around here, but there were a few landmarks today. For instance, this was my first day of class. This evening I had Research. Boring. My most monumental accomplishment today was going to the gym. Now, yes, I concede that simply making it to the gym is pretty good, but not monumental. The big deal is that I was at the gym by 6:15 a.m.! Knowing me, you must understand how big a deal that is! Keep your fingers crossed that my good work continues.

On a sadder note, Nicholas hurt his ankle today at P.T. so everybody say a little prayer that it feels better very very soon!

And for those of you in Texas...I can't wait to see you this weekend! Yay! Just 2 more days to wait...

Miss You, Nick!

Today was my (Lindsay's) first day back to work. While I didn't get much actual work done, it was great to see so many friends that I haven't seen since mid-December. Maybe tomorrow will be better!

Speaking of tomorrow, that's when Sonitrol will be installing our new system - yay! Now everyone can sleep soundly.

The biggest story from today is that Fin and I are sad...we miss Nicholas. The blog may seem a bit more geared toward him until he gets back here so we apologize, but it will be a great way of letting both him and all of you know what is going on back here in Cola.

Also, thanks to the many of you who have been commenting on our posts. I know we are not the most interesting bloggers out there, but it's so exciting to know that you all are still reading it! I am especially impressed with those of my friends who actually sat through the Christmas video. Wow. And Bobo (for those who don't know, Bobo is my maternal grandmother) way to go, learning how to post the comment! You may be even more tech savvy than some of Mom's friends!

Oh, and last thing, I have started my official countdown to my visit to Texas for Lauri's wedding reception. Eight days and counting!!! Mom and Dad, I can't wait to see you!

Sad Times

Well, as most of you know today is a sad day at our house. Nick will be spending the next 2 months at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, TX so Fin and I will be holding down the fort here in South Carolina. We had a really hard time while Nick was gone last time, but with a new security system and the help of some great friends this time around should go much more smoothly.

We're sorry we haven't had a ton to blog about since Christmas, but with Nick working and Lindsay being out of school and off work, there hasn't been much going on around here besides housework, and there hasn't really even been much of that!

We hope everyone had a great weekend! Bye for now.

Caucus/Primary Fever!

I'd be shocked if anyone who read this blog didn't know that Nick and I, especially Nick, are very interested in politics. So it should come as no surprise that we would give our two cents, politically speaking, in our own little forum. We think everyone should make their own, informed, decision for the '08 election so we are doing our part and have linked the website of our personal presidential hopeful. We know this might be a bit early, especially since most of you won't be voting in the Texas primaries until March, but being in South Carolina we can't escape the primary fever and we wanted to spead that energy and excitement to all of you. No matter who your choice may be, we strongly encourage you to participate in your state's political activities. As a military family, we have seen first-hand the immediate implications of presidential decision making and are grateful for the opportunity to have the freedom to have a voice in this great process we like to call democracy.

Our personal congratulations go out to John Edwards, who miraculously came in second tonight in Iowa, and we hope that all of you can get just as excited about your candidate of choice.

Have a great night, and happy primary season everyone!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2008 everyone! We hope this new year brings you blessings. We have started off the new year by dog-sitting. As we mentioned earlier, we currently have Rocket Rinehart visiting. She'll be going home to her mom and dad tomorrow. She's had a good time, and we have enjoyed having her. She has certainly given Finlay a run for his money in the yard and there's nothing like a little dog curled up in your lap as you read a good book to warm your legs and your heart. And although it has been a bit of a challenge accomodating two dogs' needs, and especially their wants, we are glad that Rocket came to visit.

Tomorrow we will transition from Rocket to Addy Kermiet, whose parents will be traveling to Miami to cheer on the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Orange Bowl. Addy is a precious baby shih-tsu. You can see her blog at www.addykermiet.blogspot.com to find our more about her. She'll be here through Friday or Saturday.