On your mark, get set...breath

So this week marks the beginning of my second semester in Graduate school. I did rather well last semester, even though I lost a lot of sleep and hair throughout. This next semester, I will be taking "Language Acquisition & Development" and "Semantics & Pragmatics." These are courses that I know will peek my interest and I look forward to seeing what they have to offer. On top of coursework I will be teaching my Structure of ASL class and interpreting everywhere and remembering to breath. I have to remember that I'll need to go week by week or I will definitely become overwhelmed. Practically every moment is already accounted for and I just need to barrel through. I'll see you all on the other side when summer arrives. :-)

Happy MMXI!

I can't believe another year has come and gone! Life seems to stream through rather than trickle by as it once did, but I guess that's how life works. A brief 2010 in review...I have successfully finished my first semester of entry classes to Grad school and did rather well. Kim is feverishly working on her book idea and doing so well. I am very proud of her efforts, her strive to think outside the box and get more kids interested in math. I have started running and have somehow been able to maintain on some semblance of a schedule, this is a miracle in and of itself. Other than that, I turned forty and I have been forced to address some life lessons, comes with the territory. I'm actually more thankful for it.

Kim and I returned from our Christmas excursion to Madison a few days ago and are now trying to catch up on rest and relaxation and all the other things we need to get done before the next school sessions start, but I think we're ready. Happy New Year everyone! Make 2011 what you want of it and may this year be more prosperous and bountiful then the last.

30 Second wrap-up after a long pregnant pause

I realized I hadn't blogged in a long while, so I thought I'd check in and give a brief update.

Kim and I are crazily busy. Kim is working on her book project and between work and school, personal time is a bit of a luxury for me. Graduate school is fascinating and challenging, but rewarding and I just need to learn how to budget my time. So far the professors are intelligent and judicious and sometimes eccentric, but they keep my interest most of the time. I really believe I've made the right decision and all I have to do now is see it through.

I think I'm going through a life change and it's not an altogether comfortable, but a necessity nonetheless. I think I'll come out the other side wiser, stronger and better equip to face life's challenges. Who knows where this journey will take me too huh?

Love to you all and know that I think of you often. I'll try to post more often and keep you abreast of life's little goings on.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Introducing Sconnie

So Kim and I have added another animal to our brood, Sconnie. She's 7-8 weeks old, deaf and adjusting quite nicely to us and our house. Her temperament can be very sweet, tender and loving at times, but she also has a spunky, rambunctious and spastic side. She loves to play with her toys, sleep in weird places and isn't afraid of the dogs. I don't know what the dogs make of her quite yet, but we are still slowly introducing them to each other. So far she ignores them as they try to stare her down.

I'm teaching her a few signs in ASL, Kim too, like "no" and "food" so we can communicate with her better. And the past few nights she has been keeping Kim and I up with her nocturnal antics, which we both hope will pass soon, but she is a kitten and the possibility of that happening is quite slim. It's so nice to have a kitty in the house again, it was missing that energy. Kim and I have fallen madly in love with her and I believe her with us too. And so it begins...

Hidden treasures in the Antelope Valley

I should explain that the "hidden treasures" are hidden to most as people in LA will not venture this way and or that locals would be too oblivious to notice them. So here are some of the local fair and flavor that I've discovered that were worth mentioning and definitely worth visiting.

5019 West Avenue M, Quartz Hill, CA 93536

If you want to get spoiled and pay for it, this place is the embodiment of self indulgence and pampering. They use Eminence, an "all natural organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables" skin care line from Hungry. I've been using the product line for a few months and have to say that my skin does feel better, but better yet was treating myself to this little luxury.

706 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534

If you want to try something a little different within the realm of American cuisine, you should try Bex in the heart of newly redesigned Downtown Lancaster. The portions are a bit out of control and service is in the fast casual style, but the flavors are fantastic and the atmosphere is something one must experience for themselves.

653 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534

Another fast casual dining experience and also in the heart of the new Downtown Lancaster is the Lemon Leaf. This restaurant offers Greek and Mediterranean dishes and delicious deserts. The chicken kabobs and pizzas are delicious and the open and tranquil atmosphere make for a wonderful dining experience.

39256 10th St West, Palmdale CA 93551

If you are a bit more adventurous and like a little (if not a lot) of spice then Malhi's Indian Cuisine is the place to go. This is traditional Indian food at it's best, offering mild to Indian hot tastes. The offer a daily buffet or sit down service, whatever you are in the mood for. The chicken tiki masala and shrimp curry are to died for. I must confess that Kim and I are regular guests and make this a weekly haunt.

Wisconsin Pictorial Highlights

Kim, TK, Cris, Shawn & I after Squeeze @ the Barrymore in Madison

Kim, Kristen, Jaime & I @ the Mermaid Cafe in Madison

Beautiful Shawn and Cris @ Squeeze in Madison

Kim and the Stordahl's in Lake Geneva

"More ketchup please" says Ivy @ the Harmony in Madison

Kim, Randy & Cris @ the Wind Point Lighthouse near Racine

The gang @ Summerfest '10 in Milwaukee

Kim and Kevin @ the Harmony in Madison

Kim and TK @ Squeeze in Madison

Our teddy bear

Yesterday, Kim and I said goodbye to our teddy bear, Spencer. We are heartbroken and heavy-hearted, but know deep within our hearts that it was the right decision. He had a old injury that, at his age, his body could no longer fend off. This caused chronic inflammation, pain and discharge, none of which medication helped. He no longer could get up with ease, romp around the yard with the Linus and Abby or go for long walks around the lake. Kim made the tough decision and he went peacefully last night.

So goodnight teddy bear, our Fatboy, I hope you are running around the skies chasing gophers and lizards with Punker-poo and that kitty is watching somewhere close by. You will forever be in our hearts and minds as one of the sweetest and most loving animals we ever knew. We will always love you and we will miss you dearly.