Margaritaville

My daddy is a musician (and he's modest- he won't tell you how awesome he is- so I will!)  He's been a fan of the Mayor of Margaritaville as long as I can remember; that's one of the first songs I remember him playng and singing, and I can't remember not knowing the words.  So tonight- we are headed to see Mr. Buffett himself!  I bought tickets for my parents as an early anniversary gift (34 years next week!) so we could all enjoy it together, and I am really looking forward to it.

Because of Dad, there was always music in the house, and he's not too picky- he plays a little bit of everything, from Willie to Led Zep (he rocks a mean "Stairway").  So I grew up listening to a little bit of everything.  I don't know if Daddy realizes what a big influence his music has had on me and my musical taste- I tend to stick to the older stuff.  Beatles?  Yes, please- bet you can't find a song I don't know the words to!  How about some Kenny Rogers?  Of course, and throw in some Dolly for good measure.  I am  well acquainted with The Who and The Highwaymen, Led Zeppelin and Leadbelly, Wings and The Eagles, Rush and Robbins (Marty).  I know my way around Luckenbach, Abline, San Antonio and El Paso.  Daddy started me on the trip, and I have enthusisatically explored and made turns down unmarked roads and come out on the other side with a wider view of the world.

I've been very lucky that I've been able to repay Dad in some small way- together, we've seen Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and tonight, Jimmy Buffett!  It's always a special experience to share music that has made it's mark in our lives, sometimes for the same reason, sometimes for different ones.  Never fails, though, that when I hear a Buffett song, I think of my Jimmy- my Daddy.  I am very much looking forward to this evening, when both Jimmys are in the same place at the same time!  I love you Daddy!

(And I love you too Mom!  I am glad you are coming with us this time!)

Killin' Time....

So when you work with college students, and they're gone for a couple of weeks between semesters, what do you do all day?  Well, yesterday I cleaned my office, reprogrammed my phone, web surfed, sent some emails, and then looked at the clock: 11:00am, and I work 'til 5:00.  Hmmmmmmm.....

It's that time of year when I realize that as much as my students drive me crazy sometimes, I miss them when they are not here.  I love my job- mom says it's perfect for me 'cause I get paid to tell people what to do!  I also have a store of funny stories about my students; they really do brighten up my day, and when they succeed, I succeed.  We just graduated our largest group ever last week, and I like to think that I made a small difference, played a small part in that.  It's one of the things that gets me out of the bed each morning (and anyone who knows me knows I like my sleep); it's what drives me to check and respond to emails at 10:00 at night, to work on the weekend.  Each time I get that "thanks" email from a student, I know I have helped them along their path to Teacher of the Year!  It's a good feeling; kinda addicting.

Now.... what to do with the rest of the time until they come back?   Time to get creative!

***UPDATE*** I have answered my own question.  I have spent more time than I care to admit trying to figure out the dadgum slideshow over there on the right.  Go watch it, will ya?!

What have I gotten myself into?

So now I have a blog.  I'm not arrogant enough to think people want to know every little detail of my life, but I do have some funny stories.  (Granted, I'm no Dooce...) but my life is a little nuts sometimes... and I have to tell someone about it!  So here goes...

A little about me, if you care... I'm 32, and most days I act like it... but there are days I regress to about 12 (that also happens any time the word "fart" is mentioned.  It's a funny word.  I went to Copenhagen on spring break this year, and our bus company was called Turistfart.  I had a field day.) I work with college students on a daily basis, and sometimes they seem about 12 too.  But I love them... mostly.  Some of them, I wonder when they will win their Darwin Award.  It's a miracle they've gotten this far!  I'm also a photographer, and this fall I will be teaching some of these genius students to take better photos they can promptly upload to Facebook. 

I grew up in a small town in East Texas; I went to high school in a larger town in East Texas.  I like East Texas; when you speak with me, you will know I hail from there.  My family still lives there; it's not a bad place to be from.

Aside from advising and photographing, I read (LOTS) and I cook and I chase trains.  I love trains, so much so that I went all the way to Ely, NV (one end of the lonliest road in America) to drive one last summer.  BEST. DAY. EVER.  Well, maybe second best; the day I married Thomas was pretty damn good, too.  There was a lot of champagne.  He's awesome.  Even my dogs like him, can't ask for more than that, right?  I love to travel, and I've been fortunate enough to go to some awesome places and contribute to their GDP.  Dream destination: St. Petersburg, Russia.

So that's me... hop on board and let's see where the trip takes us... hopefully, not off the rails!

PS- the photo at the top- taken last summer on the Grand Canyon Railway somewhere between Williams, AZ and the South Rim of the Canyon.  Another great day; Thomas was involved in that one too.