Hmmm...What Next?

My journey as a graduate student is nearing its end and I will soon hold that diploma in my hot little hands. But the closer it gets to being over, I find myself thinking: "Well, what's next?" I have been pondering this question and know without a doubt that the answer is not "Now get my doctrate!" NO MORE SCHOOL! I was thinking the other day about how I would love to write children's books. I don't know the first thing about writing books or anything about the process it takes to get publihsed but it was a thought I had entertained in my brain and thought to myself: "I am going to look into this more. Later. When school is out, etc, etc."

Well, last week we had the TAKS test going on all over campus and I went into the interpreter's office to visit with Karri after she had finished giving the test. As we were visiting, I went into the closet in that office and found lots and lots of teacher books, old student workbooks, textbooks, and right in the middle of the shelf, right at eye level was a book titled: "How to Write and Illustrate Children's Book and Get Them Published" by: Treld Bicknell. I took it from the shelf and began leafing through it. I couldn't believe I was just thinking about this exact thing and there was a book right there, telling me how to do it...spooky huh?!? Now, the book is old and outdated but it was the sign I needed to know that just maybe I can become a published author...how cool would that be? I took the book back to my classroom and am reading through several of the chapters. Anyways...I think that is my next big goal. I am going to write a children's book. I am currently thinking about what kind of book I want to write. I will keep you updated as I move forward on this new journey.

Sweet Smart Dreams....

Andres' car finally bit the dust. We had hoped it would hold us through summer but we weren't so lucky. We have been throwing around ideas about what to get next. I have wanted a Smart Car since the first time I saw one. I think they are so cute, and fun, not to mention totally gas efficient. Well, I think that I might get one! I have sweet Smart Car dreams...ha ha. I think Andres is going to keep driving the Altima and I am going to try and find a used or "orphaned" Smart Car. I can't wait! Check that baby out!

Interview Time

Right after we returned from Austin, we received a notice in the mail from USCIS scheduling our interview. This is another huge step in the process. We will go to Irving on March 12th for our interivew. We will answer questions about ourselves, provide proof and pictures of our life together, etc. It is a nerve wracking thing to think about but we have nothing to hide and are just excited to get going. After our interivew, Andres will get his permant resident status card, yay! One step closer!

On the road to recovery...

It has been a while since I have updated...there has been a lot going on lately. On January 19th, my beloved doxie Oskar had to have emergency back surgery. We had gone to Austin to visit my dad and Brenda and also to pick up my bridesmaid dress for my friend Rachel's wedding. While we were gone, Oskar started acting like he really didn't feel well. By the time we got home Sunday night, he was very wobbily in his back legs, super lethargic, and hardly able to stand. By the next morning, he was totally down in his back legs. We went into the vet that morning and on directions of the doctor, continued on to Dallas to see a specialist. Dr. Bertrand, in Dallas, agreed that Oskar was an excellent candidate for back surgery to repair his ruptured discs which were pushing on his spinal cord and causing him to lose feeling in his back legs.

Oskar had surgery on Monday and was able to come home on Wednesday. Since he has come home, he is healing really well. As part of his recovery he must stay in a pen during the day, sleep in a crate at night, and be on full rest while sitting with me on the couch for 8 weeks. It is a long time but will hopefully ensure Oskar is back and raring to go.

To all Doxie lovers, please keep those little rascals from jumping, on and off furniture, keep their back aligned when they are being held and carried, and also avoid letting the climb stairs.

Cooking and Working Out??

You read right...and Hell hasn't froze over. With the new year came New Years Resolutions. I am finally committing to getting my weight under control, I am tired of fighting it. I am doing Weight Watchers Simply Filling technique. I love it. I am not hungry, feel good, and am eating delicious, healthy foods. So where do these delicious foods come from....my kitchen of course. You heard right...I am COOKING! I never liked to cook before but I have found a new passion. I am constantly on the Weight Watchers boards looking for new recipes. Andres even likes the food...you would never know it is "diet food". I feel so good being able to prepare healthy foods for he and I...I cook and he cleans the kitchen...its a win win!!! Ha! So in the same vein of losing weight came the dreaded exercise. I HATE exercising. I had some Christmas money and decided to give myself the best gift I could...I hired a personal trainer to help me get started with a fitness program and on the right track to LOVING exercising. He is awesome; Aaron. I really am starting to love exercise. We meet once a week and he gives me a routine. I follow it for the week and then we meet again the the end of the week and I get a new routine...I am loving lifting weights and feel so good that I am doing something for me and taking care of myself. Andres is working out too. Tonight, we even tried spinning class...ouch! The seats are entirely too small for my hiney but I think they would be for anyone over the age of 8. We only made it about 1/2 way through the class but I will definetly go back and try again. I did feel good with my sweat soaked hair and shirt! We will keep you posted on our weight loss journey.

Have you missed us?

It has been a great start to the new year, definetly busy. Andres got his work permit right around New Years Day...it was a glorious day. It felt so good to have 1 thing behind us...it was complete and we are on the track to getting his Greencard. He is actively looking for a job now. He got started back in school and is having a great time. He gets to play tennis everyday - he has a good time. I am back at work; it's busy but good. I love my job and my students so that is a blessing. Hope you all had a wonderful New Year and are enjoying 2009 as much as we are.

School Boy

Andres is going back to school! YAY! Since we are in process of obtaining his green card, he can now qualify for in state tuition...whew! As an international student, tuition was around 1500 for 12 hours, now as a local, in state student, his tutition is only 764 for 12 hours. He got all registered and is gearing up for being back in school. I am really excited for him.