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.