Happy Birthday!

To my always and forever roommie! Sending my love to Michigan...Have a great one, Caitlyn :)

Randomness in the past 24 hours

Since returning to Columbia yesterday, I have yielded to a pedestrian on horseback and witnessed a student in a neck brace riding in the back of a pickup. Seriously folks, I don't even live in the country...downtown Columbia!

More about the wedding and weekend with the fam soon...happy Monday!

The countdown is on

Just three days away from Mom, Dad, Uncle Tim and Aunt Sue's arrival in Columbia! And five days until Erin's wedding in Asheville...to say I'm excited is an understatement!

Only a few things to do before I get to enjoy time with family:
1) Class facilitation in Org, Admin and Gov.
2) Paper for assessment class
3) Reviewing 77 proposals for Annual Conference

Busy busy :)

Fall Break

So today is the first official day of fall break here and despite not having an exciting trip planned, I am so so happy for a long weekend. It's amazing how quickly days fill up with classes, work, practicum and reading so a respite from that craziness is very welcome!

We started the break last night with a get-together at a local establishment which was a lot of fun. It was quite the crowd of HESA folks and was really great to catch up with friends. Despite taking classes and working together, it is rare to have real quality time during the busy weeks. And I've already made my first trip to the airport of the weekend...this morning, I took roommate Melissa as she's flying home to Michigan for break.

These next few days are sure to be packed full of excitement...a haircut, working on a project, meetings, reading...the list goes on and on :) Don't worry though, I will spice up the weekend hanging out with friends and relaxing. And the State Fair is happening this week and I can't wait to go. The fairgrounds are literally down the street so depending on the quality of fried food, multiple trips may be in order!

Day in the life: One of the prettiest spots on this campus is the Historic Horseshoe. This is the Maxcy Monument in the middle of it...enjoy!

So scary it's funny

So normally, I stay away from anything political but Sarah Palin has sucked me in. I'm no political buff, but the thought of this woman running the country scares the crap out of me. At least we can all get some laughs, right?? Thanks, Tina Fey...

Wisco Connections

Driving home from church on Sunday, I found myself behind another Wisconsin license plate...very rare down here so I was quite excited! My friend, Lauren, and I shared a laugh when we noticed the moo cow bumper sticker mixed in with the other clutter. (Dad-- you would have loved all those stickers ;)

Another reminder of home came yesterday...a new editor started in our office and we got to chatting about how she ended up in South Carolina. She's lived on the west coast for a long time, but she grew up in - of all places - Wauwatosa! After discussing some Wisconsin fare and traditions, she let me know about a great place to get custard. Unfortunately, its not in Columbia, but it is in Asheville so I'm thinking a stop is in order when we're there for Erin's wedding!

Small, small world...have a great day!

Photographic evidence

The rumors are true, folks...I really did wear a dress to the USC game this past weekend. And I actually have photos to prove it. Before you all get too disappointed in me, I want you to know I thought very long and hard about the wardrobe choice. I even tested out the shorts and t-shirt option on our porch that morning before ultimately deciding on the dress. And as much as I hate to say it, I'm so glad I went with the dress. It was RIDICULOUSLY hot that day...up over 95 degrees! Tailgating and watching a game in that weather was a new experience. (Disclaimer: Graphic material) I should have known it would be a long day when I had sweat through my dress (for the first time) before arriving at our tailgate spot. Yikes! Here's a bunch of the girls in my program who went for the dress option:


These were taken early on in the tailgate...before a ponytail was an absolute necessity and the term "hot mess" was an understatement.

Roomates Melissa and Emily, buddy/coworker Spencer and me

Some favorites...Spring and Jenn

This girl cracks me up...Mary :)

Caitlyn- This one's for you...

PBR SIGHTING!!!!

My first glimpse of "Cocky" in the stadium...isn't he cute?

Not quite as ferocious or entertaining as Bucky, but what can you do?!?

Despite the heat, it was a fun day and great introduction to SEC football. Although, nothing quite compares to the Badgers being in the top 10! All of you attending the big game in Michigan next weekend better cheer hard :)