Reality Hits!

Hey Guys!

Thanks to everyone who has officially become a follower. Sorry it has been so long since we have written a post, but the title says it all. We got all settled in at our schools and one class began meeting and we thought, hey, this is no big deal. Then - BAM - all three classes began meeting with weekly readings and assignments in addition to daily teaching and people started talking about oral exams and case studies and advocacy presentations - whew! Word of advice - never say you are bored!

In the midst of the week when everything really started rolling, Nicki got a little overwhelmed and had to get it all organzied in order to feel some control. Thus we now have the wall of organization. The assignments are all on color-coded post-its and placed on their appropriate due dates. She also was given a dining guide and went just a little crazy writing out all the restaurants in alphabetical order.

We are continuing with our alphabet dining tour of Columbus. Since the last post, we have been to Betty's (yummy ravioli in pesto and seafood pasta), Carsonie's (homemade stromboli), Digger and Fitch (deep fried pickle spears and fish and chips - plus bread pudding), and Elevator Brewery (filet medallions on smashed red potatoes and crab cakes - plus creme brulee). Next up - Figlio's. Hopefully we will continue to make it down to the fitness center at the apartment complex or we will end up with way more than the 'freshman fifteen'!

Speaking of food, everyone in Theory class (aka Killer) signed up to provide snacks (the class meets from 4:30 - 7:30 on Monday nights). Nicki took the first slot and apparently had flashbacks to providing food for the cast at DCA. There was fruit and cream cheese dip, nuts, candy, homemade cheese wafers, and sock it to me cake. Greta's turn is coming up next week and, not to be outdone, she is planning for a Halloween theme.

Two of our favorite finds so far are Robek's smoothies and Al's popcorn. Just ask Jared about the Columbus mix from Al's. Nicki sent him some in a 'care package' and it didn't last long.

Reality hit in another unfortunate way this week. Nicki came down with the flu. She is feeling much better today, but it caused her to cancel a long-anticipted trip home. We will have to look forward to Thanksgiving. Greta thoughtfully went by her house and got her winter coats for her. The weather up here has already hit 32 for the low at least twice.

There is still time for fun in the midst of all this chaos. We scored tickets to the OSU football game last weekend. It was an awesome experience and a great game. We figured out why there is so much food out on the streets prior to the game - the food in the stadium is less than stellar. The band is really a big thing here. The 'skull session' prior to the game was unbelieveable. The entire basketball stadium was filled to the rafters with fans. There is no flag team or majorettes or dancers. The focus is totally on the music and the drum major dude is quite the showman.

We better go now. There is sunshine pouring in the sliding glass door and we need to soak it up. We promise to try to update the site a little more often. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support as we continue this adventure.