Boy, I do not miss those days

Rec Hall Chronicles:

I've been working out up at the rec on campus since we moved here. It always provides me with a few laughs. Mainly because it reminds me of my own good times in college or how ridiculous the late-teen/early twenties years can be. Oh to go back to the times when you were boy crazy, or girl crazy, working out (possibly) to pick up guys, or guys working out in order to look good for the ladies. Oh man. It is fun to watch. Let me just give you the lay of the land, if you will. There are 4 rows on circuit training machines on the bottom floor, on the north side end of the bottom floor. On the south side of the bottom floor are the free weights and crazy weight contraption machines. The gender profile of the circuit area is pretty mixed. The free weight area/weight contraption thingy area only has a few girls/mostly guys though competin' wit each other. Row #1 in the circuit area is mostly lower leg machines, like inner and outer thighs, hamstrings, calfs. Now, let's be honest, this row is mostly full of ladies. It is the one row where the ladies could possibly bench more than guys on a consistent basis. We like this row. If you see a guy in this row, either, he is an old guy, a wrestler, or a skinny, courageous boy trying to pick up a lady. You can pick them out every time. Row 2. Mostly ab machines, a few leg machines. This is def a mix. Okay, yesterday, working in Row 2 on the legs, Skinny-Premature Beard Boy trying to figure out how to change the weight on a hamstring machine in Row 1. Minding my own business, I notice SPBB glancing around then looking at me. Didn't think much of it. Thank GOD I was wearing my wedding ring. I concentrate on my reps, then look up and realize he is looking at me again. I move over to some ab machines down the row. I'm working along side some early 30's guys in the abs area. I look up in front of me and see a girl sit down on the inner thigh machine. Yes, you know what's going to happen. SPBB sits down in the outer thigh machine, pulls the "not sure how to work this machine" maneuvers to get the attention of the girl next to him. And just when she looks over, "Do you know how to work this? (nervous chuckle)" "Oh, there you go. Do you work out here often." Oh no, the worst line ever. He begins to go into this long conversation with the girl (trying to work out without distractions) about how his major is Psychology TOO. And how he just realized as a going to be SENIOR that he never took "that first psychology class you take, Psychology 101? How lame." He goes on and on. At least she was very polite. They went on for a few minutes while he tried to squeeze the weights as he talked. Oh man, it is so awful to watch. And she ended it, "Well it was nice talkin' to you, have a good one." And as both get up to leave, 30 yr old male in the machine next to me says, "Wow, was he working his magic or what?" I replied, "Boy, I do not miss those days."

Rome and London pics

I just realized that I never posted pics from our trip to London and Rome over Thanksgiving. For those who are still interested, here is an album that includes the highlights. If you see a palm tree, don't worry, there are some non-europe trip pics included too. Also, our friends Ryan and Jess went on the trip with us. Jess is an awesome photographer. Her PICS of the trip are great!!

It's WARM!

Howdy, again! Sorry, it has been a while. But I'm back on the horse again trying to be more consistent at this blog thing. I've been busy being obsessed with my new favorite daily reading, The Pioneer Woman and getting form letter emails from campus about how I didn't get some paper-pusher job. Yep, I am still without a job (since July). I didn't really expect things to happen this way. But so it goes. Hopefully God has big surprises ahead! I do feel I've tried everything: actually being offered a job but never hearing from the employer after being offered work, trying contract work amidst a slowing economy, 21 resumes on campus (11 rejection letters so far), plenty interested people in my experience/ability but on a hiring freeze, receptionist positions, given the "Uh," response from the temp agency in town. It has been a long road. But I know God is good, and He hasn't dropped us yet! Currently, I do have an interview for an actual job position, in lighting, at that. So if you pray, or think good thoughts, think and pray on June 2nd. Meanwhile, I've been trying to keep myself busy!! My sister got married in March. I did the flowers for the wedding and it was a nice time seeing family and friends in Dallas that week! When I got back, I dove straight into trying out this whole gardening thing. More posts to come soon. Luckily my plot neighbors are very experienced and have been giving me tips. I always hope they are out there when I go so they can ID for me all the little seedlings in my plot. I'm not experienced enough to tell what is a weed and what I want to keep! I tell people that I'm more comfortable with gangs than gardens since I grew up in Dallas! But it is fun. J is finishing up the semester as we speak! He is getting more and more comfortable with the whole PhD thing and is really beginning to find his place. I always enjoy hearing about what J is reading about. In April, we got to meet some of our beloved friends in DC to see the cherry blossoms. It was a great time! We played Settlers of Catan till late and then got up each morning to tour the sights. What more could you ask for? Here are some pics. Friends are great! Hopefully, soon, we will get to see more of everyone (not living here).......I need a job first.