Abbey

To say that I am obsessed with my dog would be an understatement.

Abbey, at almost three years old (officially on December 15th) has me wrapped around her paw.

I grew up having a family dog, a Dalmatian named Pepper, as well as a few dogs in college (a black lab named Reagan, a chocolate lab named Sadie and a Peek-a-poo named Maggie). That being said, it was a normal thing to have a dog around.

However, once I bought my house, I knew that I wanted to get a dog. It had been years since Reagan, Sadie or Maggie had been around, and I was really missing the companionship of a dog. I had been living in a loft in the Old Market (downtown Omaha) and knew I wasn't home much. So, I got a cat. Murphy (a Persian) has been with me for five years, and was NOT excited when Abbey arrived.

But come on, she is so cute how could anyone resist?

It was cold Sunday in February when I made the drive down to Kansas to pick-up Bea (her name at the time). As the snow covered the highway, Bea cuddled on my lap, burying her head in my jacket. It was at this point, I knew I had made the right decision.

Her name didn't stick, but she had already become quite familiar with it. Being a Sunday night, and an avid TV watcher, I knew Downton Abbey would soon start. While on the drive home, it all clicked. She already knew her name, and Abbey (as in Downton) was my favorite show. Thus, I give you Abbey.

The first few nights I didn't sleep and spent the majority of my time outside (at all hours of the night) trying to get her potty-trained. Soon after that came leash training and puppy school.

Puppy School was a total nightmare.

She was too young to be in the class and was easily bored (in her defense, I was as well). The dogs weren't allowed to interact and we spent much of the time on eye-contact. See, now you know why it was so awful.

As the months went on, and I started to get some sleep, I realized just how lucky I was to have Abbey. Even Murphy, the cat, came around. The two now spent their days sunning on the rugs and chasing each other through the house.

As I sit here, writing this blog, Abbey is sleeping at my feet.

It's funny what a dog can really bring to your life, your home and your family. It makes all those sleepless nights and dollars lots on chew toys she instantly shredded all worth it. 

Now, I just have to talk myself out of getting another one...at least right now. 

state football

On Tuesday, November 24th, I traveled down to Lincoln, Neb. to watch my employer (Millard West) take on my alma mater (Millard North) in State Football.

This was an all too familiar feeling. During my senior year (circa 2002) the same two teams met at Memorial Stadium to battle for the State title. The game ended in a heartbreaker for the Mustangs, and the Wildcats outplayed them for the win, and another trophy.

Our seats were just up from the 50 yard line and for late November, the weather was quite cooperative. With temperatures in the mid-40s, and a warm Runza and hot chocolate in hand, I was ready to watch the game.

The only problem was who to root for? Do I root for a place I called home for four years, the place where I have made so many great memories with friends? Or, so I root for the place I have called home the past seven years, a place where I have taught many of these athletes?

My decisions: I would be okay with any outcome, as long as it was a good game. And for most of the game, it was Millard North's game to lose. It wasn't until the 4th quarter that the Wildcats would answer back, scoring both of their touchdowns within minutes of each other.

As the clocked ticked down, the game ended with a 21-14 Mustang win over the Wildcats, giving them their first loss of the season. As players cleared the field, tears were shed from both teams. Some of satisfaction, others of disappointment. Regardless of the outcome, both teams saw great successes this season, and proved they both deserved to play.

Dirty Dancing

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending 'Dirty Dancing' at Omaha Orpheum Theatre with one of my best friends, Laura.

My parents are season ticket holders, but are currently in Ames visiting family and attending a play at Actors (Ames' community theatre).

We jumped on the tickets, and looked forward to a fun afternoon together.

First, we went downtown for lunch (and margaritas) at Roja. Fun fact: I put almost all our change in the wrong parking meter and we were concerned for much of lunch that my car wouldn't be there when we returned.

After some appetizers and libations, we were ready for the play. Navigating the OPPD parking garage before showtime is crazy. Once we found a spot, it was a sprint across the skywalk before finding our seats in the 4th row.

For over two hours we were transformed to the 60s. The dancing, the singing and the acting was so on-point and they really put on a great show.

During intermission, it was a quick trip to say 'hello' to other friends and co-workers I spotted in the audience before returning to our seats for the second half.

Side note: If you have an aisle seat, I think it' almost implied that you might be inconvenienced and have to get up every now and them to let people through that are sitting in the middle of a row. Again, a perk of having an aisle seat and something that can be done without much grumbling.

Walking out of the theatre, we got to talking. It has been ages since I have seen the original 'Dirty Dancing.'  Since our talk, we've made it a must on our priority list, and something we can plan for an upcoming evening.

Love supporting the arts.

analytics

So, this morning while at the gym, I came across some notes on a white board. This was in the manager's office (yes, I work there and I have access to the office) and it was among a list of things to start working on and implementing at the gym.

When I walked by, I almost had to do a double-take. Thankfully, I had my phone so I could take a photo and send it to my manager. From there, we had a little discussion about how the gym (Pinnacle Fitness Club) is going through a re-branding and one thing they are really looking into is their website traffic and impact of social media.

The website contains important information on membership, gym amenities and class schedule. The same information is often shared via social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter).

After our conversation, I am eager to help use the knowledge I now have of Google Analytics.

The magic that is Disney

I couldn't leave the Magic Kingdom without watching the evening show, complete with fireworks, and see the magic that is the evening light parade.

(photo courtesy of Kelsey Chastain - co-woker and fellow chaperone). 

The 10 p.m. fireworks were breathtaking.

As I looked around, tears were streaming down the thousands that filled Main Street to catch of glimpse of one of the largest evening fireworks displays on Disney property.

Music played, people sang, and the sky was light up with vibrant colors that covered the sky as far as the eye could see.

This is something I won't soon forget, and made this magical experience even better.



Below are some photos from the evening parade featuring some Disney favorites.

magic kingdom

While in Orlando for a journalism conference, I am managing to do some sightseeing and have some fun. It's been years (since 5th grade to be exact) that I last visited the "happiest place on earth," and it was great to be back.

From the moment I walked in, I was teleported back in time, and felt like a giant kid. The sights, the sounds, the happiness. Thousands and thousands of people all there experiencing the magic, and Florida heat, was all I needed to know I was going to have a good day.

After making my way down Main Street, I found the castle, and a show on-stage featuring various Disney characters. I watched the show for roughly 10 minutes before the adrenaline kicked in and I knew I was ready for some rides.

Space Mountain and Splash Mountain were among my favorites, and as the lines dwindled down later this evening, I took advantage to ride them multiple times.

My only complaint: long lines.

Space Mountain was an estimated 85 minute wait time and the Snow White ride was over 100 minutes. With wait times like this, one can spend much of the day standing around waiting.

All in all, it was great to be back. I can see why so many people visit Disney and return many times after.

Orlando - national journalism convention

Greetings from Orlando and the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association's Fall Convention.

Over 6100 student journalists, advisers, and various colleges and representatives have all converged at the Disney Swan and Dolphin for five days of keynote speakers, break-out workshop sessions, contests and sightseeing.

At 2:45 a.m. Wednesday my alarm sounded and my trip began. With a connecting flight through Houston, we arrived (myself, a co-worker and 13 students) in Orlando around 2 p.m. Our shuttle driver was waiting to take us the 30 miles to the hotel (see photo above).

Gary, our driver, was a character from the start. He had spent much of his life driving shuttles and vans for professional athletic teams, had 9 dogs in his house, and spent those 30 miles talking about the two 'gators' in his backyard and the numerous other close-encounters he's had since living in Florida.

And it's hot here. Really hot. Orlando is experiencing above average temperatures and has just broken a record for consecutive number of days with temperatures above 90 degrees. When we arrived, it was 94 degrees and sunny skies - and tornadoes, snow and wind back in Nebraska.

Since being here, we have done some sightseeing around Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney), walked along the boardwalk and beach (near Epcot) and attended the opening JEA/NSPA sessions.

The Boardwalk

The beach (near Epcot)

Opening JEA/NSPA session

Today will be filled with student/adviser workshop sessions, a second keynote speaker (from Sports Illustrated), student contests, and then I will have a judging meeting and judge the contests tonight.

Magic Kingdom is the plan for tomorrow (and the temperatures are forecasted to be in the low 80s).

Sunday, Sunday

I want a Sunday Funday.

I want a Sunday where I am not trying to play catch-up from the past week and prepare for the coming week.

I was to enjoy Sundays, like I used to.

Here is what my typical Sunday looks like:

1. morning walk with Abbey (the dog)
2. the gym (I will just pretend like this happens every Sunday)
3. errands (grocery store, hardware store, furniture store, etc)
       -I am still trying to furnish my home
4. house work (laundry, cleaning, etc.)
5. family dinner (when my family members are in town)
6. lesson planning and grading
7. homework

I realize I am an adult, and many of these things just come with the territory, but come on.

So, how would I ideally spend my Sunday Funday? I don't know?

1. morning gym?
2. walk with Abbey?
3. an afternoon movie or shopping with friends?
4. afternoon drinks or lunch with friends/family?

Who knows what I would do. I just want a break from this hectic schedule, even for just a day.

BATMAN

Two years ago, I got my first up close and personal encounter with a bat ad since then, I can't seem to escape them. For as long as I can remember, I've been afraid of birds. To get over this, my friend Jane thought I should attend the annual bat release at Joslyn Museum in downtown Omaha. Reluctantly, I agreed to go.

I was miserable.

Hundreds of bats being released back into the wild wasn't for me (especially since we were flying directly into the place we were sitting). Most of that night I spent under a blanket, screaming, and begging for us to leave. The only take away I had from the night, besides a reinforced fear of anything that flies, is that 80% of the bats released end up finding their way into buildings and houses.

Fast-forward 3 months, and I have my first bat in my house. It was a Tuesday night and I had just returned home from my bocce ball league (and celebratory winning drinks in Midtown Crossing) and a bat flew down my chimney and I went nuts.

I immediately started screaming, hid under a blanket (again) and called a friend that I knew had dealt with a similar situation a month earlier. In an attempt to settle down, and waiting for the Humane Society to arrive, I made myself an adult beverage and hid out in my sunroom.

What seemed like hours (I think it was close to 45 minutes) the Humane Society arrived and the bat was removed.

I thought I was done. I couldn't have been more wrong.

So the leaf I thought was stuck to my shutter for months, was actually a bat. A dead bat. If you're counting, this makes #2 (the fact I haven't yet died of a heart attack is a miracle in and of itself).

After two close encounters with bats (one alive and one dead), the 'batman' nickname began to stick. Plush bats, rubber bats, and bat stickers started to appear all over my desk at school, in my teacher mailbox, and in my classroom.

Then, I came home one day and someone had been putting bat clue in my yard (see photo below). Sidenote: I have yet to figure out the person(s) behind this.

Just when I thought it was done, I give you bat #3. My best friend, Shelby, was in from Phoenix visiting the week of Labor Day. We had just returned from dinner when I came across #3 flying around the dining room. The dog and cat were both jumping around, and again I was screaming.

My friend Shelby couldn't hold back, and filmed much of my freak-out. With umbrella in hand, I called the Humane Society (again) to report this nasty critter. To make matters worse, a lovely woman came to remove the critter, laughing at my inability to compose myself near the bat. 

I still look around before entering a room. I am still afraid of bats. 

World Series

This World Series has me at the edge of my seat and I can't stop watching. And I'm normally not a huge baseball fan. There have been some late nights last week, and I rarely stay up to watch Fallon on the Tonight Show, but I am glad the past three games haven't gone into extra innings.

What gets me is the excitement of it all, and the proximity of Omaha to Kansas City. So, yes, I am rooting for the Royals as they battle the Mets, in hopes of them 'taking the crown.'

Tonight, Game 5, is live from New York. Ideally, the Royals would win at home in KC, and many of my friends and family that live in KC would be able to witness this.

It's true, I don't know many of the players, and haven't been following their seasons, but I have attended KC Royals games in the past.

We need a team to root for in the midwest, especially with the sad state of Husker football this season. So why not root for the Royals?

It's crazy that these pitchers are throwing 95+ miles per hour and the fact that baseball is being played into November.

Whatever the outcome, I'm rooting for the Royals. I know a movie didn't predict a win for KC 30 years ago, and as far as I know there isn't a known 'curse' on this team, so my fingers (and toes) are crossed.

#NationalCatDay

This past week America celebrated a 'long-standing' tradition: National Cat Day. I say this with some sarcasm, as it seems that every day we are celebrating a different day, but come on, it's cat day.

Now before I get to sound even crazier than I am, I must admit I am not a cat person. In fact, I don't really like cats, especially other peoples cats. That being said, I do love my little Murphy.

Years ago I was living in the Old Market in downtown Omaha, and I really wanted to get a dog. Against my better judgment I was highly considering it. I even went as far as contacting a dog rescue organization to set up a home visit. When I finally came to my senses, and I realized that I wasn't home much, I decided against it.

So, as I sit here writing this blog post, yours truly (Murphy) is still on my lap, and making it almost impossible to type.

He's 5, I think. Six tops. (Okay, I don't really remember, but I have his papers upstairs somewhere in my file cabinet). I just remember getting scolded this summer at the vet's office for not throwing him a party.

Murphy is a Persian, and one of the most beautiful cats I have ever seen. (This is really not helping my case that I am not a crazy cat person). Funny enough, I was actually added to this email group at work years ago for 'cat lovers.' I never responded to any emails, or added anything to the conversations, but I also never removed myself.

This cat has been on quite a journey with me (three apartments, one rental house, and the past three years in my own home). He survived a puppy and over the past three years has developed a friendship with Abbey (she will be mentioned in a future blog post).

So, as I sit here with Murphy, I am reminded of the cat I got when I wanted a dog, but one that has been such a calming influence on my life. He might shed on my black pants when he insists on laying on them, chew the corners of books, and occasionally bite, but I love this flat-faced little fur ball.

MOUSE!

There is a mouse at work (an no, I am not talking directly about the mouse in the above photo). Have I mentioned yet that I am terrified of every rodent and pretty much everything that can fly? Well, I am.

I can't explain this irrational fear of mine, other than I think rodents are gross and will never quite understand the desire to have one as a pet. So, you can sympathize with me when I tell you there have been reports of a mouse (or more) at work.

It started a week or so ago, rumors of sounds of mice scratching behind our desks. This quickly escalated to mouse droppings and fur on the traps, popcorn bags eaten into, and mouse teeth marks over laminated posters I had sitting on the floor.

I went into full-panic mode. I cleaned my desk from top to bottom and threw all food items in the trash. I wasn't going to risk a close encounter.

A strange smell and a dead mouse later, my fears were confirmed, we indeed had a mouse. Or had a mouse. But my problems didn't end there.

More mouse droppings, more half-eaten paper, more fears. Many of my co-workers join me in this fear, but others have resorted back to taunting.

Sticky traps have been laid, yes more, even though they have yet to catch a little critter. I did, however, almost step on one before parent-teacher conferences. As I was grabbing by bag today to head out the door, we noticed our missing laptop mouse next to the mouse trap - clearly the only thing it can catch.

Kinky Boots

This past week, Omaha was treated to Kinky Boots. While I wasn't able to see Kinky Boots while it was in Omaha, I did see it last March on Broadway while I was in New York City. As someone who has seen a few shows, I like to think of myself as someone who knows a thing or two about a Broadway show, and I LOVED Kinky Boots. 

From the moment it started, I was at the edge of my seat. The music, the dancing, and the costumes were so spot on I was hooked. I couldn't get enough. 

I first learned of Kinky Boots from my uncle the year prior while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. The show had stopped on the green carpet in front of Macy's to perform one of their signature songs. I knew that once I arrived in the Big Apple, I had to see it. 

TKTS, a discounted ticket booth in Times Square was selling tickets, and after waiting in line for over an hour, the ticket was all mine. I was up in the seat dancing (yes, literally) the entire time. Once it ended I called my uncle (and my mother who was texting me non-stop) to tell them how much I loved it.

So, when I saw it was coming to Omaha this past weekend, I knew my parents had to attend. After visiting with them this past Sunday, I was able to confirm what I already knew: they loved it. 

Everyone I know loves it. Great show with a great message of acceptance. This March as I venture back to NYC, I hope to make my second trip to theatre. 

2015 Nebraska Journalism Teacher of the Year

On Monday, October 19th, I was named the 2015 Nebraska Distinguished Journalism Teacher/Adviser of the Year at the Nebraska High School Press Association's Fall Conference at UNL.

This was a total surprise.

I was nominated last year at State Journalism in Norfolk, Nebraska, by the journalism teachers from Omaha North and Omaha Marian. At least four other people were nominated.

All journalism teachers in Nebraska voted, and it was quite an honor to have been their selection.

I also need to mention this was a total surprise and I had no idea I had won. Our NHSPA President, is someone that I student taught for eight years ago, and it was special that she was able to give me the honor. She started off her speech saying that the adviser that won had no idea, but that all the other journalism teachers in the state did. She then went on to say she knew this adviser personally, and had invited their parents to attend this ceremony. After that, she asked the students of the winning adviser to please stand. You can imagine my shock when my students stood in unison.

I was then called to stage to the sounds of a standing ovation and cheers from my students. Before I knew it, a video began to plan with testimonials from current and former students talking about why they felt I had deserved this award. On stage, in front of over 800 people, I tried to fight back the tears. I was successful...kinda.

After accepting the award, and thanking everyone, I returned to my seat to high-fives and cheers of my students and hugs from my parents (who before this were sitting in the back).

Then came the awards portion of the morning and the 2015 Millard West Prowler Yearbook won its 4th consecutive Cornhusker Award for having the top yearbook in the state of Nebraska. We also took home the Golden Kernel Award for Photography (see photo below).

The afternoon was filled with congratulations from colleagues and journalism teachers.

It was a great day, one that I won't soon forget. It's quite an honor to be selected as the 2015 Nebraska Journalism Teacher of the Year.

celebrity encounter

While in Minneapolis this weekend (yes another post once I returned, but the Internet access in the hotel was spotty - I tried) we came across a wedding happening in the lobby of the hotel. What made it even more exciting - it was officiated by Hoda Kotb.

Sidenote: I am not a big Today fan, but I do love me some Hoda. She seems nice, like a real people-person.

Upon returning from Mall of America, my mother calls down from the 7th floor to tell me to run to the balcony and tell her if it was in fact Hoda she was hearing on the microphone. I rolled my eyes, remember the time she saw someone in a red track suit in Vegas and thought it was Santa. But, much to my surprise, she was right. It was Hoda!

We learned later than night from the mother of the bride that the Today show was doing a segment on weddings and was there filming the entire thing. While Hoda ran out to catch a flight directly following the wedding, Today crew members stuck around all weekend. The bridesmaids had been flown in from California and the Hawaiian honeymoon paid for.

While I didn't get to personally meet Hoda, we did yell her name from the bar as she ran out. She stopped, smiled and waved. This has to be better than the time I met Raven Symone in St. Louis circa 1998.

Please enjoy my paparazzi photo from the 5th floor the Embassy Suites Hotel.

my new favorite place: IKEA

I am still not sure how I made it 30 years without stepping foot inside an IKEA, but my life was forever changed this weekend. This past few days I spent in Minneapolis visiting family, and since I was within a mile of an IKEA, and I knew I had to experience it.

Walking in, I thought I was going to feel overwhelmed. My family and friends had told me there was just too much to take-in, and there was no way I was actually going to enjoy my first visit. Boy, were they wrong.

The moment I walked in, I was in heaven. Walking through the rooms that were set-up and staged with furniture gave me so many remodeling ideas, and when I remembered I probably couldn't afford to do most of these idea, some envy. 

From what I have been told, there used to be a maze that IKEA required you to follow, but this is no longer the case. I was free to graze amongst over-priced throw pillows and cork board tables (that I am still unsure why someone would actually buy). My cart was soon full, and my bank account empty.

For my first time, I feel like my finds were successful. I purchased new dishes, glasses, clothes hamper, planter, candles, and an ice cream scoop (fun fact: I don't each much ice cream, but the scoop was less than $5 and I liked it). Knowing that I drove with my family to MN, and there wasn't much room in the car, I had to pass on the light fixture I had been eyeing all afternoon.

The good news, Kansas City has an IKEA (three hours closer) and I have also learned you can now order their items online. Confession: I have already visited their website to look again at some yellow armchairs I had been looking at as well as some art work. 

Now that I have had a taste of IKEA, I want even more. 

I often wonder why I didn't find a profession that allowed for more travel as it's my favorite thing to do. The idea of leaving home and exploring new places is something I never get tired of.

Last month (see Dallas blog post) I went to Texas for the first time. Later this week, I will embark on a little road trip with my family to Minneapolis. I don't think my entire family is has been in such quarters in quite some time, so I expect it could get interesting.

As I prepare to leave, I needed some advice on packing. I tend to over pack, scratch that, I tend to way over pack. We're talking kitchen sink over packing here. 

So, I am challenging myself to plan ahead, check the weather, and save some space in the car. 

USA Today gave '10 Tips' for packing, many of which I have found very useful. Rolling your clothes, instead of folding, and making a list ahead of time, have proven valuable for me.

Hopefully, you can use some of these when you travel next (if you aren't already). And yes, please stay tuned for blog posts from Minneapolis. 

Creighton Women's Volleyball

Born and raised in Omaha, and having attended both UNO and UNL, I am Husker fan through and through. However, I am not one to miss out on an opportunity to do something different or have a little fun.

So, when a friend of mine had an extra ticket to the Creighton Women's Volleyball game this afternoon, I couldn't say no. That being said, let me make it very clear that I didn't wear any blue or white, but I did root on the Bluejays as they took on Marquette.

Walking in, we were instantly greeted by our former school resource officer, and current Douglas County sheriff, Chad Miller. After catching up for a few minutes, we made our way to our seats. Good seats.

The D.J. Sokol Arena is pretty small and about 3/4 full for today's match-up. I was sitting on the aisle, and surprised how many people tripped as they walked up and down the stairs. I digress.

One of the reasons I was so excited to attend was a former student of mine, now CU student, is on the roster. Admittedly, I was not a huge volleyball fan until a few years ago. Now, I can't get enough. It's a fast-paced, and quick game that keeps my focus the entire time.

The atmosphere was contagious. The CU students dressed with blue and white ran the flags, started numerous cheers and dances, and threw shirts out to adoring fans. Couple that with a concession stand hotdog and lemonade made my afternoon was set.

This was my first collegiate volleyball game, but it certainly won't be my last. Seeing a former student play the collegiate level was also a first, and such a rush. I understand the rules, am learning all the positions (this libero is tricky), and call myself a fan. Now, to get down to Lincoln to watch the Lady Huskers.

The Bluejays swept Marquette in the first three games.

Here is the link to the Creighton Women's Volleyball Team (including highlights from today's match). http://www.gocreighton.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPID=68

the lone star state

Howdy, I am writing this blog post from the land of cowboy hats and belt buckles: Dallas, Texas. But before I get too far, I need to clarify that I have actually seen very few cowboy hats or belt buckles on this trip, a real letdown and game changer to my mental image of Texas.

I am in Dallas to attend the Balfour Intensity Workshop with some of my yearbook editors at the Taylor/Balfour Publishing Plant. Balfour, our yearbook publisher, paid for myself and my students to fly down to attend this three-day workshop. Our goal: further develop the theme for our 2016 yearbook and work on the page and cover designs we started this summer. With two workshop days in the books, our designs are really taking shape. We brought along some magazines to use as inspiration (GQ, Sports Illustrated, and Wired) and have been pouring over hundreds of yearbooks for different layout ideas. Yesterday, we met with a graphic designer to discuss our preliminary cover ideas. She was quite impressed and didn't recommend any changes. This afternoon, we went on a plant tour. This being my third tour of a yearbook plant (Topeka, Nashville, and now Dallas), I was a little underwhelmed. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. My students, however, were thankfully more impressed. If nothing else it served as motivation to work harder while giving them a glimpse as to what happens to the pages once they are submitted.

The highlight of this Dallas trip, so far, has been the Texas State Fair. Known as being one of the largest state fairs in the country, it didn't disappoint. From turkey legs and corn dogs, to fried cheesecake and hand-squeezed lemonade, I was in a food heaven. To make it even better, the fair had some of the best rides short of Disney World I had been on in quite some time. Always seeking an adrenaline rush, I was buying ticket after ticket to ensure I hit almost every ride.

The fair wasn't the only "tourist" thing we did. A quite ride downtown led us to the exact place where JKF was shot. The museum had already closed, but thankfully, some locals were outside and gave us the rundown. They even suggest a great place for dinner, Ellen's, which feature "southern-style" cooking. (Now that I have gained 10 pounds this trip from eating, I think one of my next posts needs to involve a new exercise routine).

The downfall here, the bugs. While riding on the DART (Dallas' version of mass transit) my leg became a feeding ground for the mosquitos. Now, I can't stop itching. And it's hot, Texas hot.

It's getting late and tomorrow will be an early morning. I am enjoying my first trip to Texas and will be sad to leave.

Wishing everyone a great week. See you soon, Omaha.

here goes nothing

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to start a blog. The problem - finding time. So, when I learned this semester we would be required to blog, I was quite excited. However, this presented a new problem - what do I write about? After going back and forth (and realizing I already post way too much about my dog on Facebook) I decided to write about my experiences: the good, the bad...the unforgettable. Truth be told, I actually went as far as setting up a blog over a year ago, but never made a post.

You might be asking yourself - what can I expect from this blog? Well, I hope a little bit of everything. Think of it like a buffet (even though I tend to think of buffets as trough feeding). There is something here for everyone.

I want to write about my travels, long and far. I want to write about my 100-year-old house and the updates I have made (or the updates I paid a contractor to make). I want to write about my dog, and cat, and how we almost failed out of obedience school. Anyone else working full-time and going to grad school? I want to write about the struggle of finding time to balance the two, while trying to maintain somewhat of a social life. My desire to be a better writer, photographer, teacher, and friend will be documented here as I constantly try to better myself, and others, along the way.

But before I hit publish and make this blog official, let me tell you a little about myself. I'm a 31-year-old high school journalism and oral communications teacher from Omaha, Nebraska. I am working on my second Master's degree, in Journalism and Mass Communication, at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. I live in an old house, have crazy pets, and live for new and exciting experiences. I am not sure what the future holds, or what I want to do when I grow up, but I'm enjoying the journey.

So, here goes nothing.