I think Bill Gates reads my blog...

I think Bill Gates read my blog post about my IT class, went down to the school and talked to my professor. I think he said, 'Hey, look- Rochelle is just a shopper at heart, trying to get her Master's degree. Cut her some slack.' And I think my professor said, 'Yeah, I can do that.'

Translation: Last night's class was MUCH better. The prayers must be working.

Just What the Dr. Ordered

Even though my parents live 2 hours away, my mom can always tell when I need a hug. My parents are coming today and this is just what I need to take my mind off school for awhile. Andy and Scott usually find a game to watch while my mom and hit the pavement- retail therapy! I can't wait to see them!

And so it begins...

I feel like I've been slapped. Hard.

After 2 nights of classes, I'm ready to say, 'to heck with the fact that I already have my graduation announcements...this is insane.' This semester is going to be very trying. And as my last one- shouldn't it be my easiest?

If anyone can help me out- I need Bill Gate's phone number so he can tutor me in "IT and E-Commerce." Ugh- I just broke out in a rash.

Pray for me!

Success!

The basement is complete! After hard labor on the part of Baldy (Scott), Andy, and the poor furniture repairman, we finally have a finished basement! If you're in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by and check it out! P.S. Andy and I are throwing in the towel on DIY projects. -Ha!

I Am Legend

So I finally coaxed Andy into taking me to see this movie today. We both left crying and speechless. I didn't expect it to be so - dramatic, depressing, incredibly horrific. I didn't even want to finish my popcorn! No appetite- and we're still thinking about it tonight. (I think Andy is downstairs, preparing an emergency kit as I type this!)

The Price of Education

Wow- just left the Drake Bookstore $385 poorer. The price of books is crazy! And this year, I won't get reimbursed for them. Since I've been in grad school (2005), the price of classes has gone up by $200 additional for each class. And since I have a $5,000 annual reimbursement cap, I'll be paying out of pocket this year. I guess I can't complain- the majority has been reimbursed by my company but it just amazes me the cost of education. I'm blessed to have had parental support during my undergrad years and work support through my grad school years. Mark your calendars- I'll be officially done with school at the end of July! WOOHOO!

Good Eats

I met some girlfriends out for dinner last night at the Gateway Market- http://www.gatewaymarket.com/. I have to admit, it was my first time there. And I loved it! The atmosphere was very cool, the food was amazing and a great price. I will definitely be going back! Possibly for sushi before class as I'm supposed to be doing the New Year diet thing. -Ha!

AAACHOOO!

Okay so yesterday I woke up not feeling the best. I thought for sure a cold was coming on. Stopped by Target yesterday for some Zicam http://www.zicam.com/
and Zinc tabs. So far, I still have the sniffles. Hope this goes away before classes start next Tuesday night!

Playland was a success!

We had a blast babysitting Friday night! Jack loved playland and quickly found some buddies to run around with. After playing, we met 'Uncle Pun' at McD's then on to our house. After a fun night of playing hard, we settled down to watch Meet the Robinson's. A great night was had by all. We can't wait to do it again!

I see HappyMeals in our future...

Andy and I get to baby-sit our nephew Jack tomorrow night! I can't wait. It's always good times and great laughs with Jackie. I think our itinerary will include a trip to the playland, McD's for supper and then on to our house to build a 'fort' in our newly remodeled basement. So much fun!

And the runner-up is...

Okay so after another run to the furniture store tonight, we've selected a runner-up for the basement. Hopefully, it fits this time! But the good news is, it does have a queen-size sleeper bed. Our basement remodel is almost complete!

Disappointed...

Well, after dealing with the delivery guys for a half hour...the sofa is a n0-go for the basement. It was just too wide to fit down the stairs. So on to Plan B- we'll head to the furniture store tonight to pick out something with better measurements. This project has been so drawn out! I can't wait to be done with it. How do people have the patience to 'flip' homes?!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy anniversary to my parents!

I'm so blessed to have such wonderful parents- who will drop anything to help anyone at anytime (even with a broken hand, right Scott?) Their love for each other is a great inspiration for me and Andy. We're so lucky to have such great parents! Love you guys and enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday Jen!

Happy happy birthday to my good friend Jen! She is the type of friend who is always there for you, no matter what. Always willing to lend an ear, give sound advice and stays positive. She is a great mom and is so warm and caring. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend!

High's and Low's

Well, my first time caucusing warranted some high's and low's.

High:

Low: This is the process by which has predicted the Presidential nominee or President elect for the past 25 years?! A room jammed packed with 2 people out of 500 trying to counts 'hands?' And then recording the number on a yellow note pad. The counts were off, after 6 re-counts people were starting to get visibly upset, some people left at the wrong time... I have to say I was a little disheartened. It was definitely not what I was expecting.

But hey- it was my first time and I'm glad to have the opportunity. May the best candidate win!

Do your part

Whether Democrat or Republican- it's time to do our part. Don't forget- caucus tomorrow night! It's my first time and I'm so excited!

Go Hill!

You know you're getting old when...

...You're home, in bed, asleep by 12:30 a.m. on New Year's Eve!

We had a fun time though. Pre-party appetizers at our place

and then on to our neighbor's to ring in the New Year!

Hope everyone had a safe, fun time last night.