This is just embarassing

A shortened version of this story appeared in the Daily Gamecock today, our campus newspaper. I am so embarassed for my alma mater! If you haven't already, read it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/15/education/15baylor.html?hp. I will spend the rest of the day hanging my head in shame. Ugh.

PS If you don't have time to read the whole thing, it's basically saying that Baylor paid freshmen to re-take their SAT's, some think in order to boost the US News and World Report ranking. Boo.

Fall is here!

Today was a great fall day here in Columbia! Finlay and I woke up early to volunteer at our church's pumpkin patch. Finlay was the portrait of perfection - he got compliments on his behavior all morning!

Afterward Finlay went to Diva Dogs for a little grooming and I went shopping. I got our dining table all ready for fall. Enjoy the pictures!

It sounds like Nick should be coming home on Monday night so keep your fingers crossed. Have a great Saturday everyone and Sic 'Em Bears!!

Voting Absentee

Mom, our conversation tonight inspired me. I've just downloaded my absentee ballot request from McLennan County. I always wondered who actually did those, especially during the 2000 elections when I was glued to MSNBC and they kept talking about waiting for all of the military absentee ballots to come in. Well, now I'm doing it!
I don't think it will be much of a surprise to any of you that I will be voting for Barack Obama, and I'm aware that my little blue voice will probably be drowned in Texas' big red tide, but if I didn't submit my vote I wouldn't be doing my civic duty. Although I declared democrat on my application (Daddy, I can hear you cringing) I'm still an independent at heart, and will be trying to read up on the other candidates in other races in McLennan County and Texas. Your help (links, etc.) would be greatly appreciated! I do intend to be an informed voter.

More Chicago Pictures

I'm home safe and sound from Chicago! Here are a few more pictures from the conference.

Lauren, Dana, and I near our hotel.

Fabulous dessert at House of Blues Friday night. I shared it with Chris and Veronica!

Picture Time!

I'm in Chicago this week at the NACADA conference (national academic advising association), and I've got a few pictures to show you! Now, I know this is a lot of me, but Nick told me today that he's been checking the blog for pictures so please indulge me for his sake. By the way, all is well in Qatar, aside from the fact that he's sleeping in a shipping container. Please continue to pray for his comfort, his stamina, and his safe return in a few weeks.

Spouses get-together Tuesday night. We made pottery!

At the top of the John Hancock building - Chicago skyline.

Close-up of me and tall buildings!

Melissa - world's greatest supervisor - and I getting some deep dish pizza at Gino's East!

On the Road Again

Please pray for Nick tonight. At about 11pm EST (10 for you Central time zone folks) Nick will leave the comfort of the posh Crowne Plaza in Bahrain for Qatar and life in a tent. He won't be flying direct since he's traveling on military aircraft so he'll be in the air for most of our nighttime. I'll let you know when I know that he's made it safe, but it could be a few days until he has phone access. Just assume that no news from me in the next few days is good news :)

Quick Update

When you live solo, there aren't a lot of photo ops. However, I firmly believe that blogs get boring fast without pictures. So...here's a picture we took of Finlay at the beach this summer. Enjoy.

And yes, he is sitting on the beach chair. He really does think he's a little human.

In other news, I find it really helpful to dwell on positive things when Nick is gone on trips. Maybe having "whatsoever things are good,whatsoever things are honest, etc." drilled into my head so many times paid off! At any rate, here are some things I'm thankful for this week:

First and foremost, Trenholm Road UMC. Nick and I have decided to join this church, and the people there are really reaching out to us. I'm really excited to get more involved with this church!

Second, phone cards. While Nick has been in Bahrain he has been able to call me every day, and trust me, hearing his voice and being able to communicate with him while he is so far away makes a huge difference.

Speaking of huge differences, I'm very thankful for our new apartment. While it is overall much nicer than our old house, what I really like about it is the sense of security I have in my home. I'm not afraid to walk Finlay at night, and I've been able to sleep!

Fourth, I am thankful for my new job. This one probably deserves to be higher up on the list. Not only is it a means of paying the bills and a reason to get out of bed in the morning, I get to do what I love all day every day. Add to that a fantastic supervisor (who I also count as a good friend) and a staff and faculty I couldn't enjoy being with more, and work is a great place for me to be!

Finally, my new car. I actually try to think of reasons to go places because I enjoy being in it so much! I guess if you've got to get a new car, you might as well have one that you love, right?

I hope you all are feeling just as blessed this Sunday evening. Have a great week!