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