I love popcorn and beer.

The title is simply a fact I thought I'd share. I'm eating it now actually. However, the content of this post has very little (in fact nothing) to do with the title. That's just the way I roll.

Here are the necessary updates on my life as of now:

My Grandma Schultz is in the hospital. She's been in and out the past few weeks with fluid in her lungs and a spot on her pancreas. After being moved to a nursing home last week, she went back in yesterday with what looks like a series of small strokes. She's pretty weak, so we're all kind of on edge and wondering what the future hold. Prayers are welcome!

In other news, I'm dating a guy named Brian. He's the cousin of one my coworkers at Marion. She's been saying for about a year that we should meet, so when I called her on it, she made it happen. He's 29, lives in Urbandale (outside Des Moines), works at Wells Fargo, Catholic, Irish, pale and blonde, funny, super nice, and a breath of fresh air. So far things are going really well. A guy who goes to church but is ok with going out for beer...finally a balance! So, so far so good. I'll keep you posted. Don't want to jinx anything...

In school world things are going pretty well. It seems like I'm serving on a million committees as comes with the territory I guess. I"m actually getting student teacher in January from Coe, so that will be interesting...Meanwhile, I'm losing faith in future generations. Not in the extreme sense and there is typically a phase I (and probably all teachers) go through. But my students this quarter are so unmotivated and seemingly apathetic towards all things - school and community/life related- that it's very depressing. I sent a student to the office yesterday (straw that broke the camel's back) for basically commenting on not caring at all and thinking that it's stupid to donate to the holiday giving project our mentor groups are taking on this year. It was sad. What is happening to empathy!? Anyway, we're working on it. Such is the nature of the job I guess. Where's the love, ya'll? I don't know...

Ok, well, there's my update as of now.

Is it Christmas yet?

Love, Sarah :)

Rachel, Thanks for the blog. It was great to hear a bit about you on passaround... I'm sorry for your loss the other weekend, but I have to say I was quite happy that the Badgers won. Also, the Packers. I do miss watching the games at Luther on Sundays, and the Norse games on Saturdays (oftentimes hung over).

I'm sure you are a vital member of the NICU. But don't work too much! You could try to send in your Xmas at Luther request, although I fear it may be too late. We may have to wait in line if we want tickets, or see if any pop up!

Everyone else, hope all is well! Finally a relaxing morning for me.... Midterms are done, except for my Greek exam due by Saturday. My job sucks and I would like to quit, but my people pleasing mentality and fear of failure hold me back from making the final decision. Most likely it will come at a breaking point of stress and anxiety. But it would be delightful to see all of you in December!

With Love,
Jami

Hey Girls!

Yes James, I did say I was going to blog last week, and then I definitely didn't. Oops. :) So here I am, writing this little blogitty blog while watching the vikings - packer game. I'm really unsure of who to cheer for but I'm still watching. I do have quite a few memories of watching football on Sundays at Luther. That was so much fun. How did we ever get our homework done?!! Love the fall!! I am still a little brokenhearted from the Iowa Wisconsin game yesterday. It was a good game, but its still sad to see the good guys lose. I had a couple of visitors here for the weekend (my good friend from high school and her husband). It was fun to have people here and to do a little catching up.

I've been working like a crazy woman lately and picking up lots of overtime. The NICU is bursting at the seams and we don't have quite the number of nurses as we would like. The good part is that I'm getting tons of great experiences and the nurse manager has my number on speed dial. (mostly because of my inability to say no!)

Otherwise, not much else is new. I'm just loving this awesome weather and am so thankful it hasn't turned cold yet.

I love and miss you all!

Also - I am not as irresponsible as I once thought and do have my form for Christmas at Luther tickets. Not really sure if its too late to turn it in now... Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Rachel I thought you said you were going to blog last week!! J/K
Hello all......... Please post updates on Homecoming for those who attended.

Also, Rachel and I lost our Christmas at Luther mailings... So we are in need of tickets. Is anyone planning to go? If so which day.

Love you all.
Jami

Homecoming?

Hey Ladies!!

How are you all doing? I hope everyone had a nice weekend and your weeks are off to a good start so far! I just returned from my first road trip of the season which was in Fond du Lac, WI for a college fair. I drove out there on Sunday and the fair was yesterday morning. It was clear I was in Packer territory---all the students had their jersey's on! I was just looking ahead to my schedule for next week and realized I am gone ALL week! So I thought I should touch base with you girls now to gage who might be coming for homecoming? I'll be arriving back to Decorah sometime that Friday afternoon from Platteville, WI. So I will for sure be around over the weekend. Let me know what you girls are thinking!

I miss you all so much and can't wait to see you again soon!

Love,
Jenna

Happy Weekend!

Hi Girls!! Just wanted to say, "Have a great weekend!" I love you and miss you! I will write more later..........:o)

Jill- I am so sorry to hear about your Grandma. She will be missed. I am thinking about you and your family and keeping you in my prayers!

Sarah- thanks for the school update. Glad to know the future of music education rests in your hands.

Sarah and Jenna- Thanks for following my blog! You rock!

Rachel and Sara- hi

Nice Day!

It is so gorgeous out! It's almost crazy how nice it is outside today. I feel the pressure to figure out how to truly take advantage of it. So far all I've done is sit on my porch to enjoy it (Bo is lying in the sun taking in deep breaths every so often...as he should.). I figured it was about time for another update on here, since the definition of the Pass Around is to take your bite when it's been passed. ;)

Regardless, school is definitely underway. In fact, we're already almost halfway through first quarter. It's kind of crazy to think that this is our fifth year out of school and therefore my fifth year of teaching, but I'm embracing it because, dare I say it, it might have been the smoothest beginning of a school year yet. It has helped that I've had a lot of my AP students (in fact all but one) before as sophomores. They seem to already know what I expect and are less inclined to complain/think I'll give them a break, which makes all the difference in that class. I also have freshmen this quarter, who I haven't had for two years, so it's been interesting to re-experience that. I forget how much they really are like middle schoolers at the beginning of the year! They're overall a pretty good group, with a few "Chatty Kathy's" - boys, of course, as often is the case at that age - but I enjoy their energy. There is some drama amongst the girls and with one in particular who is certainly trying my patience with perhaps the most negative attitude I've ever encountered. I really wasn't sure if I was going to make it through Friday's class with her after a 5-minute "calm tirade" on my part regarding why the negative attitude needs to go (namely that I'll freak out if it doesn't...hehe). Anyway, I'm sure I'll make it, but she keeps me on my toes, for sure...Otherwise, like I said, the year has been good. I have my own room, seem to have most things kind of figured out, and am even mentoring a 2nd year teacher in our building (choir teacher..random but true). What I could use is a reprieve from papers, however. I have a larger AP group this year, and I'm feeling it! I can barely seem to get my head above water (ok, paper) before another load comes in. I know that it's my own fault for assigning it, but that is the nature of the first quarter of AP. I must get through Pride and Prejudice and then I'll get a break with poetry...

Bo has been on a mission to add to the stress of life with his separation anxiety since school has started. He officially ripped his way out of his wire kennel, with only a scratch thankfully, to tell me how much he hates my job. After much deliberation, I decided to put him on some separation anxiety meds. Between that and spending his time in my garage instead of a kennel, he seems to be doing better. He's still not a fan when I leave, but at least he's not destroying anything or hurting himself. He's still super cute. Who can blame such a cutie for just wanting to be with others? Sara's parents dropped off a heated dog house yesterday in case I want to continue with the garage plan when the weather cools. I have yet to see him get in it, but we'll see as time goes by...

Otherwise, that's about it, I guess. The Tim adventure is over, which is a good thing in the end, but wasn't exactly my favorite occurrence. The beginning of school is always crazy and while it's been an easy start there, I have been feeling the stress of a busy schedule in addition to the trials of daily life and look forward to not feeling like a bit of an emotional basket case at times with all that seems to be happening at the same time. The beauty of the day today is welcome, and I'm going to do all I can to not feel trapped by the horrific freshmen essays in my bag. I charge you all to do the same with whatever might be your version of horrific freshmen essays. :)

Love you all and am always thankful for such wonderful people in my life.

Well, it's been a tough week for me. Last Sunday night while we were in Iowa City for Labor Day weekend with Bryan's family my mom called and told me that my grandma had passed away. It was my Grandma Reha, who I think most if not all of you have probably met at one time or another since she went with us everywhere. Interestingly enough, tomorrow is the 27th anniversary of my grandpa's death. It's hard to believe my grandma lived that long all by herself. Rachel, thank you for allowing me to come over on Monday morning...a little girl time is exactly what I needed!

So, I took both Thursday and Friday off of work, and since I didn't work Monday, it was a really short week. I drove out to my parents Wednesday after work, as other family was starting to come into town then. Thursday we had visitation, and Bryan joined me then. The funeral was Friday morning. Although I'm still very sad, she lived all but the last two months of her life completely independently, and she was 94 years old. We knew it would probably happen in the next couple of months, we just didn't know it would be this soon. Although I think it was for the best, because I don't think any of us would have wanted to watch her continue to decline.

Considering the circumstances, the week has been very good for family time though. Every family member (3 kids and spouses, 9 grandkids and significant others, and 9 great-grandchildren) all made it back. We've had a great time reminiscing, going through pictures, and just spending time together the last few days. My grandma got to see everyone also within the last month even though several members live in other parts of the country. Today we worked on cleaning out her house, sorting through stuff and then got together to watch the Iowa game. Bryan and I just came back tonight and are beat!! I'm heading to bed very shortly!

Hate to be a bummer, but I thought I would just share that news.

Hope the rest of you are all having great weekends!

Hey Everyone!
I am in St. Paul right now. Its been a whirlwind of a couple weeks, but its exciting. Be sure to become a follower on my blog. (I don't have that many yet, so it will look better!) I've also put a couple of pics up.

Sarah good luck with your school year and Jenna too! Its always exciting to have the students back!

Thinking of you all! Love, Jami

Good afternoon, girlies!

I have a few minutes of down time so I thought I'd try to write you a quick note! I am definitely around for homecoming weekend this year (I made sure I don't work on that Saturday!) so I hope you all can make it! It doesn't matter to me if your significant others want to come.....I'll let you girls discuss that :o)

Today is the first day of classes! The new school year is officially in full swing! I can't believe it! My fall travel season will begin towards the end of this month--I am not sure I'm ready for that!

Jami, I've been thinking about you this week as you begin your new journey! How is orientation week going??

I hope everyone is healthy and happy! I miss you all and can't wait to see you soon!
Love,
Jenna

Hey hey hey ladies!

Jill, I'm glad to read that that you had a fantastic birthday! That Italian restaurant sounds delicious (YUM)! I'd love to try it when we come and visit you sometime. We'll have to pick a date to make a trip to your neck of the woods.

Speaking of trips - who's in for homecoming?! I'm planning on it and I might work on the Bobster to come too, if we're thinking of including the men. It could be fun to invite them along if they want to come. Maybe... ;) Thoughts on that? Anyone going to try to get Xmas at Luther Tix? I got my postcard in the mail! Woo hoo!

Jami - how exciting! I hope orientation at Luther goes well!! That definitely makes me think of our orientation. Wow - that seems like forever ago. And yet, it seems like yesterday. Funny how time works... Regardless, Jami I hope you have a great week! Keep us posted on how things go. Sushi as a send off dinner sounds awesome (I've been craving it for weeks now!).

Bob and I took a whirlwind trip to Chicago this weekend. GreatAmerica works with Bank of America on a regular basis, and B of A invited several of the GreatAmerica folks to a suite at US Cellular Field for a White Sox v. Yankees game. It was sooooo fun! We drove over with a Mitch, another GreatAmerican, and yesterday morning, checked into our hotel (a Hyatt we got on priceline - love it!), changed and headed to the game. The suite was very nice - lots of yummy food and drink, and a dessert cart came around with DELICIOUS cookies, bars, pie, cake, ice cream. Mmmm! The game was close, 12-9, and the White Sox had a chance to tie it up in the bottom of the ninth, but unfortunately, the Yankees won. We had drinks at the hotel bar afterward and then went to a piano lounge downtown... until 3:30 am! I haven't been up that late in a LONG time! Needless to say, I should be heading to bed soon. I dropped Bob and Mitch off at a golf course in the Quad Cities on the way back this afternoon, met my parents and Brett and Heather in IC for dinner and now I'm lounging with kooks, blogging on the coolest blog on the planet! :)

Whew! That's all I know. Ooo - and I also need to think of a good birthday present for Bob. I've got a couple ideas - noise cancelling headphones he wants, or... maybe... a puppy! We'll see about that one... If anyone has any brilliant suggestions, please let me know.

Have a great week ladies! Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend - keep me posted on any fun plans around CR. We'll be here there and everywhere Saturday and Sunday, but around on Monday. Talk to you soon!! Love and miss you!

Jill, it sounds like you had an awesome birthday. You're making me jealous with all the talk of wine and pasta. :)

Yes, moving in to Brandt was a fun adventure... I will be moving in to a small dorm on monday, I can't believe it! Another Luther campus. Thankfully I can reuse all my Luther gear.

Chad and I are going to celebrate tonight before I leave him for a week for orientation. I will let you know how it goes. I hope wine and pasta will be in the picture. Or maybe sushi.

Love you all.

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes! We didn't do anything too crazy, but it was good. Since my birthday was in the middle of the week, Bryan came and took me out to lunch which was nice to get out of the office. That night my parents were supposed to take us to dinner but there ended up being 18 people there. My grandma isn't doing the best, so a lot of family has been visiting recently. The dinner was fun, but chaotic too since all of my nephews and my niece were there.

We had a wedding in Waterloo last Friday night which was really fun. The reception went until 1:30am, which I'm pretty sure is the latest one I've ever been too. The party was hoppin'! I couldn't believe it though... the reception was at a country club, and the first hour was supposed to be open bar with provided beer and wine after that. The bride's dad decided part-way through the cocktail hour that it was his only daughter so that there was going to be open bar ALL NIGHT. Unbelievable. We were trying to figure out what the bar tab alone was, and my guess it was at least $15,000-$20,000.

Saturday night Bryan took me out for my birthday to Cafe di Scala. It's an Italian restaurant that is in an old Victorian home. We've been wanting to try it for a long time, so this was the perfect opportunity. It was absolutely fabulous (food, wine, ambience, service)! It would be a great place to go for great food and wine if any of you come to visit.

Other than that not too much to report... we're looking forward to football season, so starting next weekend we'll be in Iowa City quite a bit.

Hugs to all!

Jill, I am dying to know what you and Bryan did to celebrate your birthday this year! I hope it was fun! Ryan and I just got back from a week in Door County, WI---it was beautiful up there! If anyone is looking for a fun place to vacation, I would highly recommend it!

New students move to campus this Saturday---do you remember when we moved into Brandt?? Those first few days went by in such a blur! The new cafeteria is almost done! The next time you're all in town we should all go eat there! Homecoming?????

Yeah for the Pass Around! Happy Birthday Jilly Jill!

So excited for this lovely fall weather! Hope everyone is having fabulous weeks!

Hey Girls!
This is awesome. Jill hope you had a wonderful bday!
Just wanted to post something quick b/f I go to work.

Happy Birthday, Jill!

I hope you had a FANTASTIC birthday today! You are a wonderful friend and I know I speak for the entire Pass Around gang when I say that we're very lucky to have you in our lives!

Love love love you all, and hope to see you and celebrate Jill's belated birthday sometime soon!!!

Sara

PS - This is my first post! Did I do it right? ;)

Monday Monday

Hi girls,

How was the weekend? It was a hot and humid weekend in Decorah! Ryan and I went to see The Other Guys starring Will Ferrel on Saturday. We both thought there were some really funny moments, but it was definitely not my favorite Will F. flick---it's not one I'd like to watch over again like Anchor Man! :o) Other than that we didn't really do much--which felt great! I finished reading a book called The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova. It's sort of a mystery that revolves around a 19th century female artist in France---it was sort of a slow read but good. Sara, how is Gone With the Wind going? I hope you're all having a great Monday----I'm a bit sluggish today as I couldn't sleep through the crazy T-storm last night! Ugh. I miss you all and can't wait to see you soon! Homecoming will be here before we know it!

So excited!

I love it, Jenna! Looks great, and I love the StoryPeople quote on the side...perfect! I'm back from Nebraska from my cousin's wedding, and my parents have left to go see my sister in Pennsylvania and then attend another cousin wedding in Indiana. However, Bo and I are here in Iowa for the duration, and it's back to school - dare I say it - tomorrow! Luckily it's a completely rainy and disgusting day, so I might actually get some stuff done here at home. Ok, well this is a little post and just really to say how excited I am by the site! Yay! Good work, Jenna! ;)

Welcome!

Hello Ladies! Welcome to our new blog! Now we have a fun and new way to keep in touch! Sure, there's always facebook and e-mail, but this is a great way to keep all of our stories, updates, photos, etc. all in one place. I have invited all of you to be "authors" to the blog so we all have the same editing rights. And this is a completely private blog that only we as authors will have access to. I'm excited to read all of your posts!