Merry Christmas-New Years!

2015 is shaping to end well.   It is now December 27 and we are still spending time up in Waukon.   Mother Nature will determine exactly how much longer we are here but it's been a good visit.

A little bit of a change related to first meeting at LeAnn's on Christmas Eve Eve rather than coming directly to Waukon.   It made sense due to Mom's work schedule.   It was nice to eat a good meal together, watch our waiter run around like a crazy person, snack on goodies, and watch TV together.  
We did our usual 8pm Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve and watched a Christmas movie afterwards.   Alissa and LeAnn did a spectacular job ushering at the service.   No one was burned with wax this year.  

Christmas was wonderful like usual.   The reduction of presents and gifts didn't seem apparent.   The gifts were thoughtful though.    I have enough black licorice until March.   I was more concerned about Gavin liking his gifts as he's difficult to shop for and I still feel bad that I couldn't get my hands on his Xbox One.   Let's hope I can get one before his birthday.   Considering he's attached to his new furry blanket, apparently that was a good purchase too.

The Smith Christmas was a little bit lackluster energy-wise compared to other years.   I was the vocal side to the White Elephant gift exchange.    Alissa's boyfriend (Michael) joined us for the event.  

I'm still thinking about my New Year's resolution(s).   I would like to do something less predictable (e.g. lose weight, be more active, etc.).    And yes I need to work on those too, don't get me wrong.   I may try to do something more social in nature.   Developing a hobby or getting involved in a regular activity of some sort.    Just not sure yet.  



That's it for now!   I'll write a more in-depth meaningful entry in January.

The start of my 33rd year...

I have some time to kill before heading to a social gathering on campus.    Let's see if I can post a quality blog entry in 15 minutes.  

My birthday was great.   It was nice to be home and see family and be lazy.    I wasn't bummed to not stay overnight at Ron and Elaine's.   I slept much better going to Mom and Dad's on Thanksgiving Eve.   I also got to see Nicole while up in NE Iowa which was nice and she brought the fiance along too.   I wasn't a complete bum and did some work while in Waukon too.   And 33 feels no different than 32. 

I have made good headway with grading.   I finished some major assignments today.    I have about 65 unit plans to grade in the next two weeks.   My DMACC students also have to turn in their handbook assignments.   I'm fairly sure not all will submit the project too which will make grading less strenuous.  It seems that about six students have "checked out" and decided they were done learning for the semester.    Enjoy your Fs!

Finances are starting to worry me a bit as we end the year.   I had hoped to have more in savings by now but extra expenses have ruined that goal most months.   My main concern is Gavin turning 16 and our insurance changing for the car.  Not to mention that he does need his own vehicle too because my Ames schedule is progressively conflicting with his schedule. 

I sent some questions to my supervisor at the Red Cross and I am indeed laid off from all teaching opportunities at the Red Cross.   No more Babysitting Training.   No more CPR/First Aid.  They have fully contacted paid instruction to an outside company but instructors can still teach but only if they volunteer.    I still will teach classes at Iowa State University.   I need to ask more questions about how I'm supposed to be aware of updates and trainings so I'm still active for our needs on campus.   I have a feeling the answer may not be great.

I thought I had more enthralling topics to write about but I guess I don't.   I am excited to get a start on my new grading tasks this weekend as well as decorating for Christmas.   I wasn't fully into it last year due to the move and my emotional state.   I wish I had a Christmas tree.   I refuse to buy one at full price though. 

Time to head out!   And for your visual pleasure....