Ten on Tuesday

1. I survived last week, including my monstrous Diff Eq test! I put in lots of study time, and I am fairly certain it paid off for me. I’m not entirely sure because we didn't get the tests back before break, and our grades haven’t been posted yet. However, our professor did tell us that our class average was a 90, and the grades ranged between 80 and 97, so she was impressed by our performance! So, with that in mind, I can’t be too discouraged since the worst I could have done was an 80! Once she said that the highest grade was a 97, the guys in my class automatically said that I made it…not sure where that got that idea from…okay, maybe the entire history of our math classes together…at any rate, I’d sure take it if I got it! I really thought that I’d make it to Spring Break homework-free, but I ended up with a Diff Eq assignment. I wish I could say that I've gotten it done already, but I haven’t…oops! Maybe this evening!

2. Saturday was my now-former roommate, Kristynn’s wedding. It was pretty apparent that I wasn't enthusiastic about this wedding at all, but I went anyway, in the spirit of goodwill…and my friend Haley agreed to go with me. I must say that I now redact all previous statements I made about this situation, because the wedding was absolutely beautiful. I guess there’s something about seeing two people in love with life and each other that melts my sometimes cynical heart. Her dress was beautiful; the look on her groom’s face as she walked down the aisle induced tears from everyone; the reception was phenomenally planned; it really was beautiful. I am glad that I went, and I wish them happiness and blessings on their new life together!

3. Unfortunately, just after I left the reception, I was struck down by some form of a stomach bug that is running rampant through the area. I’ll spare you the details, but I felt like death for the better part of the last 48 hours. I am finally on the mend and have regained my appetite, so that is good. What isn’t so good is that I think I gave it to my dad, who ended up staying home from work today in unusually rare fashion. My mom is vehemently hoping that we don’t share it with her, because she has already fought with a similar bug back in November and January and doesn't want it anytime soon!

4. Guess who’s home today?! That’s right, after almost one month of being confined to the hospital, Mimi is FINALLY home! She has successfully completed her rehab/PT and her doctor deemed her capable of going home. I think she might have home health care for a while, to help her get acclimated to life at home again, but we’ll take it! Her big birthday party was supposed to be on Sunday, but we decided to postpone it for when she was released from the hospital and feeling better. There still was a little party with family, but I didn't make it because of my illness. (Sad face) From the pictures and stories everyone else had, it looks like it was a blast and a half! I’m glad that we’ll have another party so that I can do my darnedest to not be sick that time! I felt well enough yesterday to visit her at the hospital, which my mom said made her day because she was worried about my illness. (Isn't that ironic? Just a testament as to how wonderful she is!) The nursing/rehab staff brought her balloons and a piece of pie yesterday, and told her today that they wouldn't let her go, because they loved having her around too much! It warms my heart to know that she was in such good care! However, it makes me even happier to know that she has healed enough to regain the independence she so loves! Happy 95^th Birthday, Mimi!!!

5. I spent the evening with Emily’s boys on Friday. Thanks to the beautiful weather we had last weekend, we all spent at least an hour or so outside playing. The boys (and me, if we’re being honest here) are suffering from a severe case of spring fever, so this was just the ticket! Eventually, we all came in for supper and a movie night. Per their request, we watched “Herbie: Fully Loaded” and “Wreck-It Ralph”. In true Disney-Pixar fashion, it did not disappoint me! I also enjoyed snuggles with Cole, animal games with Kyle, and, after they fell asleep, Conversation Airplanes with Cody. (Writing notes on a paper airplane that Cody created) That is one of me and Cody’s traditions that I love, both from an aunt-nephew bonding angle, and from the educational angle. I believe that they will also be spending tomorrow at my house, although it will be sans Cole. Fun fun fun! (:

6. I finished my FAFSA today! This is really one of those times that I am thankful for the technological advances that have been made that make this less stressful. One more thing off my checklist!

7. How about our new pope, Pope Francis?! After only a day or two in the conclave, the cardinals chose him. Most aspects of his papacy thus far are defying tradition, which I find somewhat endearing. (Nothing against other popes, I just find it interesting.) For example, he is the first pope of modern time to be elected with the former pope still living, he is the first pope from the Americas (Argentina), he is the first Jesuit pope, and he is the first pope to choose the name Francis. It has been said that he is a man of humility, shunning the many conveniences that accompanied his previous role as cardinal, like using public transportation instead of a limo/private car. Shortly after his election, he went to settle up his hotel bill like a normal person, instead of coasting by on his new-found fame. Even now, it has been said that he drove his security staff crazy by wanting to walk through the crowds, greeting and interacting with his people. Although I can’t confirm or deny any of these stories, because it is what I have heard from various media outlets, I can hope that this is the beginning of a papacy of humility, normality, and, perhaps, simplicity. Far too often, dignitaries like popes seek lives apart from their people, but Pope Francis merely wishes to be seen as a humble man of God, living out His will. I admire that, and hope that this holds true.

8. Anyone else celebrate Pi Day? I sure did! I wore my snazzy math TOMS all day, and even had some celebratory pie! I was really craving a Hostess fried pie that day…fine time to remember that they went out of business. I guess you could say I reacted a bit…irrationally? Bazinga! (Math Humor, right there) Have no fear, I found the second-best option, a mini box of Edward’s turtle pie, with only 2 slices, since heaven knows I didn't need a whole pie! It was a good day indeed!

9. Yes, my birthday is this week! I am pretty excited about it, although I think I might be more excited if we make it to then without any more illnesses in my family! Right now, the only things I plan on doing are having a family supper on the day of (if we’re all healthy, that is), and a movie night with my friends at some point this weekend. Honestly, I’m not so concerned with what I do to celebrate, so long as I get to be with those I love! I’m happy and blessed to have lived through another decade, and hope for many, many more!

10. Today I sent in my registration for a 5K at the end of May. You might remember it as the first race I ever ran, so I am all the more excited to return to see if I have improved any since last year! This race is a “rolling out-and-back” course, which means that it’s literally uphill both ways. Yuck. Not really sure how to train for that, but I have about two months to figure it out and work hard! Also, when I get back from break, I will go buy my new running shoes, since I kept my promise to myself of working out consistently…I think I deserve it! This time I’ll be transitioning from an 8mm drop to a 4mm drop, which will hopefully go better than the transition from my old 14s to the 8s. Honestly, I don’t think it will be as bad, only because I have already transitioned from heel-striking to more of a mid-foot strike. I have been told that the 4mm’s make that even easier to do, so here’s hoping it’ll go well! I’d love to hear any suggestions for shoes, I have an open mind!

Have a great Spring Break week!!!