Monday, December 29, 2008

Pittsburgh 2008 update

Randi and I are staying this evening at the Hampton Inn in Monroeville, PA that we all stayed in this summer. As you can see from the photos the remodeling project in the lobby and breakfast area has been completed.









Ian-Christmas 2009 gift idea


As you may recall Ian did not post any ideas for Christmas '08 on the blog. At Aunt Donna's yesterday he mentioned that he would like a giant remote for the TV like the one pictured here. My foot is in the photo for size reference only. Happy shopping.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Happy 23rd Anniversary, Uncle Steve and Aunt Cindy!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas in Forest Hill

Uncle Steve did a great job as the chef while Aunt Cindy was out on call. After having dinner we started in with the gifts.

Nick was the last one in the door so he got to "give" his gift first. Erin was the recipient of this gift. She'll love it!! Erin then "gave" her gift to Uncle Steve. Moving on he gave a gift to Ian (the only one not to post suggestions on the blog.) He looked great with a box of coal. Ian then presented to Aunt Donna, who gave a gift to Uncle Mike, who gave a gift to Linda, who gave a gift to Ali, to then presented a gift to her buddy Nick.

At this point since Nick had already given his gift we moved to the right on the couch and Uncle Bob gave a gift to Kevin (a stained glass Chevy emblem with Kayla in the center). Kevin gave a gift to Sean (he'll like his gift, too) and "Sean" then gave a gift to Julie (nice slippers), who gave a gift to Aunt Randi, who gave a gift to Pop, who then gave a gift to Liz (she'll "sew" like it). "Liz" then gave a gift to Aunt Cindy, who then gave one to Uncle Bob.

Being stuck once again, Matt then gave a gift to Aunt Robin who then gave a gift to Matt. Being stuck again, with only Kim and Uncle Carl left, they gave each other a gift. Kim was last so next year she gets to be first.

Emily also got some gifts from Matt (along with enough hugs and kisses to keep everyone happy.

Quite the day, with games after gift giving, and a good time was had by all. We missed Erin, Sean, Liz and Dave. Also-save your $$ for the 2010 Christmas cruise to celebrate Uncle Steve and Aunt Cindy's 25th anniversay. They're buying drinks at dinner the first night out. Honest!!















Monday, December 22, 2008

Down in Bawlmer, Hon

Last night, Mom, Dad, Aunt Caren, Uncle David, and I traveled to Hampden in search of some Christmas lights. We sure did find some on the famous 34th street!

We parked across the street from Cafe Hon and walked the rest of the way to get the full effect. It was really cold but totally worth it.

Pictures! Click to enlarge.




Dad with his least favorite. Blue lights.
A record tree.








The old people being weird.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Graduation, con't


Here's the visual proof of our trip to Kirt's graduation. Hopefully he will find a job at a golf course where it's warm.

Wintery Graduation Adventure!

Sean here, with your Graduation weekend extravaganza news!

My cousin Kirt graduated from Ferris State University on Saturday with a degree in Professional Golf Management. We've been getting all of the wintery precipitation before it moves onto the mid-Atlantic so here is the story of how all the Rouhiers made it from Ohio to Big Rapids, Michigan.

Liz and I planned to leave on Friday morning from Columbus, but on Thursday her Dad and my Dad called (within 2 minutes of each other) to warn us of the incoming ice storm. So, Liz and I packed our things very quickly and scooted up to Toledo to say with her dad late Thursday night. Then came Friday morning, after all the ice had landed and changed to 4-5 inches of snow in Michigan. My father has done the calculating and we averaged 37 miles an hour from NW Ohio to Big Rapids, Michigan. Not a plow hit the Interstates there until probably 1 PM. It was very icy, impossible to know which lane you were in and altogether unsettling. A journey that should have taken about 3.5 hours actually took 6. Keep in mind that Kirt had to be out of his apartment on Friday, so Nancy and Steve Mowery took a commercial van and a Dodge Durango to move Kirt's stuff.

We made it in one piece on Friday before learning that much more snow would be coming late Saturday night. So we went to graduation early Saturday morning. Oh, I forgot to mention that we all had our gifts with us for FAMILY CHRISTMAS! So, after graduation we opened our gifts, packed up our cars, and retreated to the (relative) security of Lansing, Michigan for graduation dinner at Bennigan's. (The story of how we were lost trying to find Bennigan's will be told another day). Eventually we made it back after dinner to reminisce over Christmas past and celebrate Kirt's graduation with the fine Scotch that was in my stocking!

The family is moving back to Ohio today through wind gusts around 25 mph and blowing snow. Everyone except Liz and I left around 8:30 and we're leaving here around 10. Hopefully, everyone will be safe and sound in Ohio by dusk this evening. Post any comments or questions that cross your mind!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Happy Birthday Linda!

Hope you have a great day.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

"Oh...the weather outside is..."

AWFUL! Depending on the various TV, radio stations and websites: 1-3"; 3-5" of fluff - mixed w/freezing rain and sleet. Take your pick.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Late Christmas Ideas

I know these are late, but if anyone still needs ideas for me here they are:

Apples to Apples
Gift cards to Barnes and Noble, Old Navy or Walmart
The 1st and 2nd books of the Twilight series
Any sweatshirts or sweatpants from colleges-size XL
Or just surprise me!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

I Spy...



with my little eye,
a Blue Jackets hat in July.

I love you, dear.

Friday, December 12, 2008

X-mas Ideas

Am I the last one for X-mas ideas? Not certain....

I could use a "new" Orioles hat just like Michael C. I'm not sure when the team re-did its logo but it looks pretty sweet in the latest incarnation. Even I know it is silly to wear a BlueJackets hat in June.

Apart from that, I'm always in need of drumsticks or foam ear-plugs which are pretty easy to find for the band. The sticks I usually play are size "5A" but anything will do...I'm in a hardcore band after all.

Gift cards to bookstores are always appreciated.

You can't go wrong with blank CD-Rs or Wool socks either.

cheers from all of us at the Royal Forest Jones residence. My vacation starts on Monday and by that time I will have worked 16 days in a row at Northstar!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Good Morning and......

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY, Ali!!!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

I know you have all been waiting on me...

Christmas ideas for me include...
-Gift card-Panera Bread, Dicks, Best Buy, etc
-Any type of golf memorabilia
-Joe Flacco jersey
-Season 3 of It's always Sunny in Philadelphia
-A new tie (I got a winternship so I have to look professional)

So now you all can finish your Christmas shopping. I hope everyone is well and I can't wait to see everybody soon.

List

Sorry this is so late. I'm pretty easy as far as Christmas goes:
Gift certificates - Papertrey Ink, Cornish Heritage Farms, Target, Kohls, iTunes
Fun patterned socks (must fit my giant size 10-11 feet)
referrals to my webstore (this is only sort of a joke)

I don't need much, so it's rather short. I gave Sean most of my ideas. If you need something else you may want to ask him. I hope this is sufficient.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Christmas Dinner

Well most everyone has left a list,(people who haven't may not recieve a gift)so now we can all get together to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

Cindy and I would like to invite everyone to our house on Christmas Day. We were thinking around 2:00pm would allow everyone to celebrate at home and then come over.

The only catch is that Cindy is on call all day, so we will need a little help with the meal. We will have the turkey, ham, potatoes and drinks. If everyone could bring a side dish that would be great.

Also if everyone could let us know who can attend that would help.

Christmas will be here before we all know it and Cindy and I can not wait to celebrate with everyone.

Ideas

I'm really bad at this Christmas idea thing. I can never think of anything that I need, especially since I already have a boyfriend. :]

I would ask for a treadmill, but I think that's a little bit out of the price range...
Sooo, I'd like a Sigg waterbottle. [Linda had a good idea!] They have tons of cool designs.
I could use a new photo album to put some of my many photos in.
I like penguins. And mugs, hearts, flowers, music, and purple.
Also, I can never have enough light weight zip-up hoodies. I'm normally a medium.


Because I have such a horrible list, I'll leave you with a picture of Jane. I found her inside of a box full of garland today. Why she was there? I do not know.


And also, here is Pounce aka Monkey, napping on my bed. Mom recently renamed him to Chunky Monkey because he's getting so big. He weighs more than Jane now!


And lastly, just because she's cute, here's Meredith sprinkling the Christmas cookies that we made last week:

Hey Everybody...

Poshta is picking up and someone in Baltimore ordered a desktop calendar from my webstore. I've made it to the east coast!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Finally!!

Here's my list of Christmas ideas.
Apples to Apples (A game)
Loaded Questions (A game)
Body Lotion (not too fragrant)
Warm, soft turtlenecks or sweaters (size m white, navy, pink, purple)
A simple silver bracelet
A cruise to somewhere warm
Early retirement
Hope this helps!

Time to "Show What You Know"

GOOD LUCK Linda, Kim, Julie, Matt, Ali and Ian on whatever exams or projects you have to finish up this 1st semester!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

A Good Morning Joke


Hey Mom!

What do you call eight Latinos standing in quicksand?

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Bob's Christmas ideas

So believe it or not I am going to give everyone some ideas this year.
Now you all know that I really like my automotive hobby, and I have learned that I can do a lot of mechanical things that I did not know I was capable of.
Having said that, here goes:

A battery tender, which keeps the battery healthy even though it sits for long periods of time.
It does't have to be this one, but here is an example on the attached website.
http://www.motosport.com/harley/product/Battery-Tender-Jr-Battery-Charger-12Volt/?pssource=true&psreferrer=http%253A%252F%252Fsearch.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%253Fp%257Cequalto%257C12%2Bvolt%2Bbattery%2Bmaintenance%2Bcharger%257Camp%257Cfr%257Cequalto%257Cyfp-t-501-s%257Camp%257Ctoggle%257Cequalto%257C1%257Camp%257Ccop%257Cequalto%257Cmss%257Camp%257Cei%257Cequalto%257CUTF-8&prodId=208326&segment=badger-harley
I have no idea why this is so long, hopefully it works.

As an artist I really like old magazine ads and they way they show a product.
There are many of them on e-bay under 1962 thunderbird.
I frame them as you have seen, and like collecting them.

FYI- most of them have a heading which start with "Thunderbird something"
So here are the ones I already have"
"Thunderbird Hush", " Thunderbird Spell", "Thunderbird Turnpike", "Thunderbird Hour",
"Thunderbird Landau", and one which is a two page ad which says " for '62 four new thunderbirds"

From here on it is up to you.
Bob

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

KEVINS CHRISTMAS IDEAS

ok so i got a couple idea

1. is anything john deere
2.is anything dodge
3. is another calender (like kim got me)
4. and last is that if uncle bob happens to have me then could he make me a stain glass thing of a chevy logo with the word kayla in the middle

thank u and im excited to see all of you

P.S. uncle bob i was wondering if you didnt have me for christmas if you could still make me the stain glass chevy logo and kayla in the middle and if you could give a price range for it THAT WOULD BE VERY NICE!!!

Becker Christmas ideas

Here are some ideas for the Becker household:

Carl - These movies to finish his James Bond collection
You Only Live Twice
Quantum of Solace

Antique cameras

Gift certificate to Home Depot or Lowes

Donna - Book "The Last Lecture"
CDs (no laughing please, I don't laugh at your taste)
Mac Davis, Glen Campbell
Small desk clock for my office

Sunday, November 30, 2008

check out my website

Hi everyone,
So, my wife and kids think that I may have a problem remembering things. I am beginning to think that they are correct. My brain often goes in many different directions at one time, not always a good thing!
I have been meaning to tell you all about all of my birthday gifts. Firs.t, I am writing this message while wearing my very warm and comfortable slippers from Kim. Last weekend I enjoyed my first real camping experience as scoutmaster while camping with 18 boys. I made great use of my new hiking boots thanks to Ian's contribution to the fund.
I was treated to a great dinner at Linda and Nick's house. It's really fun to visit your daughter and son-in-law's house for dinner!
Here was the big surprise! Robin suggested it, and Nick and Linda did it! Check out my new website at pegasusstainedglass.com. Now believe me, I can appreciate how much work this was!
first they had to sneak my photo books out of the house. Then they had to scan all the photos. And last, but certainly not least they had to create the beautiful website. I will be creating a logo to put at the top, something I haven't gotten to yet ( but it is already done in my brain). We also have to figure out the whole payment aspect ( certainly new to me ) and then off we go.
Thanks to everyone for all the hard work. Enjoy the site!
Now I know that I don't respond as I should, and a really apologize for that. After sitting in front of a computer at work for 9hours a day, I don't always do much on the one at home (although as Robin says I do seem to look for t-bird things. Sorry!
I can't wait to see everyone at Christmas ! Sometimes it seems as though everyone is really going in a 1,000 different directions. I for one am still struggling with a quiet house!
Love to all,
Bob

Game day!

Oh man, the Ravens are in your neck of the woods today, Aunt Randi!

May the best team win! ;)

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Herbert Gift Ideas

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving! Nick and I just got back from visiting his family in North Carolina. What does a NC Thanksgiving entail? Good food, fireworks, and puppies!

Here are some gift ideas for us.

Nick:

Card/board games: Dominion, Agricola, or Race for the Galaxy. Nick says these can't usually be found in stores, so you may need to check out a website such as amazon or boardgamegeek.com.

Giftcards to shoe stores, like DSW or Foot Locker. (i.e., places that have tennis shoes)

Fun toys for his cubicle


Linda:

Serving ware, specifically the following:

Butter Dish

Oval Platter

Three Tiered Server

I'm also interested in the following books:

The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell

A Mercy by Toni Morrison

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Across the miles

HAPPY THANKSGIVING one and all!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Nick's company featured in a video

Hi everyone!

Breakway Games was featured in a video about modeling and simulation. Check it out! His company is in the last quarter of the video. See if you can find Nick! (Hint: he's wearing orange.)

http://simtv.org/section.cfm?s=53

Sunday, November 23, 2008

OOP'S I Did it again!!!

Someone who shall remain anonymous has forgotten who he has for Christmas. If everyone could be so kind as to call Karen blah, blah, blah.

Just kidding, I know who I have.

Cindy and I went to see The Eagles the other night in concert. The show was excellent. They can all really play. It was Joe Walsh's Bday. They said he was 61, but he doesn't look a day over 85.

On that note he are a few Christmas ideas for yours truly:

"Long Road Out of Eden",the latest CD from The Eagles. It may be only available at Wal-mart.

The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life. Warren's new book. Maybe then I will understand where all our money has gone.

Also anything from the Ryder Cup. I know there was some shopping done there.

Hope everyone is well, We can't wait to see everyone at Christmas.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Poshta Design Makes the List

Last weekend at Tiny Canary one of the editors of Columbus Alive came around taking photos of "Great gifts under $20." I just checked the Columbus Alive website and there it was, a photo of my bookplates at the very top of the article! I haven't gone looking for a paper copy of the magazine yet, but I will be sure to check for one tomorrow at the library. How exciting! You can see the article here. I also just updated the Poshta webstore with all of the new items I debuted at the show.

Edited to add: I just picked up a print edition. My bookplates are not the first gift item on the list, but they are still in there at number 16. There's a great photo and everything!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

diabetes

One of my patients was recently interviewed by a local newspaper about a diabetes walk he participated in at his school. Here's a link to the article if you're interested.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11132008/bowinew120915_32479.shtml

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Christmas Wish List

As per Robin's request I am posting my wish list for the upcoming Christmas festivities.

I do not have an "official" golf hat from Kutztown, Delaware, UMBC or Essex (is that the right name Kim?). I also do not have a golf shirt (size XL) from any of those fine institutions nor do I have one from Salisbury.

Here are some possible books: Adobe Photoshops Elements 6.0 by Steve Johnson; Downhill Lie by Carl Hiaasen; Edison by Matthew Josephson.

Another posibility is a "new" Orioles hat.

Finally, if the individual who has my name wishes to contact me directly I would be more than willing to provide some additional ideas!

Happy shopping.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Part 2

And Happy Birthday, Dad!

Veteran's Day

Happy Birthday Mom!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Thanksgiving Saturday

Everyone is invited to the Beckers' house in the woods on Thanksgiving Saturday for food, fun and games, beginning at 2:00. Bring your favorite game(s) and a favorite snack or dessert. For those Ohio folks - if you want to make the trip in for all the fun, that would be great. If not, then we would be happy to accept the food by mail!
If any one would like to spend the night, the basement and living floor are always open and a pancake breakfast will be served the next morning by Uncle Carl.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

YAY OHIO!!!!!!!

Election Day

Happy Election Day!

I waited at the polls for 1.5 hours this morning before heading into DC for work, but it was worth the wait! You could just feel the excitement. I only wish Nick and I were registered in the same district so we could have voted together.

No matter who you're voting for, this is a great day to be an American! I have no doubt that if (when?) I have children, I will tell them about my experiences today.

How long did all of you wait at the polls?

Monday, November 3, 2008

Ho Ho Ho!

Since I heard Christmas music in Wal-Mart on Saturday and saw all of the displays I figured we should post some ideas of what we might like our Secret Santa to bring us this holiday. So everybody make a list and check it twice! Some of us might want to take advantage of recession sales.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Did you have a nice Halloween?

Hi everyone! I can't resist posting a picture or two from Halloween this year. Nick and I, as well as three other friends, decided to dress up as zombies and terrorize the Fells Point area. We even found a Michael Jackson to celebrate with us. Good times.



















In other news (very very unrelated), Nick and I created a website for my research lab. Check it out! I even did a substantial portion of the html coding myself!

www.umbc.edu/psyc/peds

Friday, October 31, 2008

Dela Where?

So does anyone know where Vice President candidate Joe Biden went to college?.............Here is a hint he spoke at his old stomping ground today and I was there. I will leave my political preferences out of here but I how often do you get to see the possible future vice president. Anyway there were crowds and protests all over and that was just in the dining hall. But seriously the secret service was everywhere and all of my classes within 10 blocks of memorial hall were canceled. This semester is flying by and is going well. The intramural soccer season is going well with both The Blue barracudas (coed) and How Now Brown Cow (mens) in the playoffs this week. Also my suite mates and I have been looking for housing for about a month and on Wednesday we signed our lease for next year. It is a 4 bedroom house technically off campus but it couldn't be much closer to campus. I hope everyone is well and I cant wait to see you all very soon.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

SWING

The area's all a-buzz....McCain's coming to Defiance on Thursday........Our marching band has been invited to participate. I think I'll stay home!!!!!

Monday, October 27, 2008

HOMECOMING

OK I no this is a little late but thats ok. But on October 18 ,2008 me and my girlfriend went to her schools homecoming. It was a lot of fun (and i can dance very well). So i can dance and you can ask kayla yourself when u see her. And on the last dance me and my friend decided to be cool and rip our shirts off but then i remember that my shirt had buttons and his shirt has snap on stuff, so i lost all the buttons on my shirt. but all in all it was well worth it and i had alot of fun.

so hear is a picture or us three but there is someone in the middle and i would like everyone to guess who it is (just look close he kinda looks like me)

so have fun

kevin

Hello.

Sean is not back mowing, he's done mowing for the season. Raking will begin soon. Lizzie was a Miss Fix-It last week by putting new weather-stripping around our front door. The difference in temperature is quite noticeable. We may insulate the attic after talking about it for 2.5 years or so.

Northstar has been through the roof busy from July until...last week. We may finally be slowing down for the winter without the patio, but our Saturdays and Sundays are still brisk. Believe it or not, Liz and I are headed to the farm tomorrow and then we'll have another round of picking in two weeks! Their season is long and productive as you can tell.

The Jackets are off to a 3-5 start. Michael C. and I are now 6-game season ticket holders (his idea!) I'm determined to make it double-digits in live games this year. At least they're better than the Bengals. Sorry mom.

My band play a show last week and may start recording a demo soon. Right now the only thing we have "released" on the internet are some live mp3s. Liz has been hard at work getting ready for the upcoming craft fair, Tiny Canary. She's also been doing some design work for her Chiropractor and perhaps working another school craft fair in early December.

I'll leave you with a photo. Cheers from the Royal Forest Joneseseses.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Guess who at Northstar today....



Allright everyone, who is going to put the first comment up revealing the identity of our special guest at Northstar today?? He has now been in the building three times in the past three weeks....I think he's hooked!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

freshman year

So, this is just to let everyone know how my first semester is going so far. I seem to be doing fine in most of my classes, studying hard during the week. Today, for example, I had a 10 to 11, 11 to 12, 4 to 5, and 5:30 to 6:45 classes. Between 12 and 4 I had some time to relax, but then after my 6:45 I proceeded to work on engineering homework for the next 3 and 1/2 hours with a few fellow students. I then went to the commons to eat dinner and then to the library to get a movie. After this I helped some fellow students study and hung around. I'm going to bed now, 2:30, after a long day. My wednesdays are about the same difficulty only with a 1-3 class thrown in. My other days are no where near as hectic, and the weekends are pretty relaxing. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted on any new updates from UMBC.

Ian

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Tiny Canary


I just received word that I have been accepted into the Tiny Canary Indie Design Market for this year. Tiny Canary is an art & crafts event thrown in November as a place for people to purchase handmade gift items for the upcoming holidays. This event drew thousands of people over the course of two days last year and I'm hoping this year will be even better (as it is the 2nd year for the show). I have a lot of work ahead of me to get ready in time, but I'm super excited!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Yes We Can

I went to the Obama rally here in Columbus today. The mood was jubilant and the message was positive. It was a great experience though I should have worn sun screen. I currently resemble a radish...





Thursday, October 9, 2008

Happy 26th Anniversary Robert and Robin!

Hope you have a great day! Do something fun!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Knee, continued

Arrived at the surgery center at 11:10 this morning. Didn't have to wait long to be called in. The surgeon was running about an hour ahead (yes, I said ahead) so I was wheeled in a little before 1:oo and after having a spinal I laid back on the operating table and watched the whole scope. Didn't take more than 20 minutes. Then I had to wait in recovery and the initial waiting area for the effects of the spinal to wear off so I could put weight on my good leg. We finally left around 5:00.

I don't have to do any physical therapy; just some in-house exercises 4 or 5 times a day. I have already done one set tonight. I go back a week from Friday for a follow-up exam.

And Donna-I know how to use the crutches-I believe that I learned to use them when you were about 9-can you remember that far back at your age?

Monday, October 6, 2008

Poshta is Live



I listed several invitation designs and a couple of greeting cards to the Poshta webstore today. I will keep adding to it as I get items created and photographed, but it's a pretty good start. Thanks for all of your support!

You can tell the Election is Heating up....

Because this weekend we had both Rosie Perez and LUKE PERRY in the Northstar Cafe. That's right ladies, Luke Perry from 90210 ate a cookie with some coffee in the middle of Sunday Brunch. I can only imagine that the celebrities in town going door-to-door will get even bigger and better as we get closer to Election Day. Bruce Springsteen played a free show on OSU's campus yesterday, but he didn't come in to eat.....

Knee

Mike's arthroscopic knee surgery is scheduled for 2:00 tomorrow. Will let you all know how things go.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Smith Island Cake

It is now official. The state of Maryland has now named The Smith Island Cake the official state cake. I like to think this was accomplished because of my superior acting ability. I am sure you will all agree and will no doubt join me at the Oscars when I receive my award. Thank you all for your support.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Another rave review!

Another rave review for North Star!

One of my friends currently on post-doc at Nationwide Children's returned to Baltimore to defend her dissertation this past week. When I saw her she immediately asked me about Sean and told me that the North Star veggie burgers are the best she's ever had!

I told her to keep her eye out for you, Sean, at the Short North restaurant and to say hi if she sees you. (Her name is Lindsay.) :)

Friday, September 26, 2008

Teacher of the Year


Congrats to Randi for being selected Teacher of the Year by the Wal-Mart on Stellhorn Road in Fort Wayne.
Each participating Wal-Mart takes nominations and apparently a lot of people from Ohio, and obviously Paulding Elementary, shop there. Anyway, Randi got the most votes so today she and her principal were off to the Wal-Mart where she got this certificate, a $100.00 gift card for herself, $1,000.00 for the school, lots of other goodies and a gift bag for each teacher in her building. She even got to be on Fort Wayne TV and was interviewed (which she was not expecting).
Since she won this award Randi is now entered in the national Wal-Mart teacher of the year contest.
Way to go Randi!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Happy Birthday Steve!

Happy Birthday, young man! At least compared to others in the family. Hope you and Cindy had a great day together.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008


The Ryder Cup
Randi and I left Paulding around 4:00 P.M. Tuesday afternoon for Louisville, Ky. to attend a practice round for the Cup at Valhalla Golf Club today.
We arrived at our hotel at 8:30 P.M. The alarm was set for 5:45 A.M. this morning, we checked out at 6:30 and headed (by hotel shuttle van) for the Expo Center for a shuttle bus for the golf course. Before we could get on the shuttle we had to go through security (imagine that?) where I had a choice-take my Swiss Army knife with a 1" blade (a real danger to us all) back to the car or throw it away. Since we took a shuttle van to the Expo Center you know where my knife ended up.
We got to the course at 7:15, visited the small gift shop, and then walked the course. A marshal at the combined 5th and 8th tee was kind enough to take our photo. We saw all of the U.S. team (they were in gourps of 4) practice on two holes and one European team practice on the 18th green.
Then it was time for more shopping (at the large shop and the small shop), waiting in line for a shuttle back to the Expo Center and a 10 minute walk back to the hotel. We left around 4:00 P.M. and arrived home at 8:30 P.M.
Total time spent to Louisville and back: 28 1/2 hours; souvenirs purchased-many (possibly a Christmas gift or two?-maybe); walking the golf course, taking 200 photos, not having to work today-PRICELESS!
Later.

A Storm Story

Erin's having some internet trouble so she can't post this, but she sent me an email asking me to do so for her. This is an email she got from a friend about their power troubles this weekend:

Friends in Whitehall...and their trials & tribulations after the storm. Wasn't funny at the time but when looked at this way, it's hilarious.
Lisa

~*~*~*~*~*~
Okay, I'm finally together enough to tell last nights tale. Yes we now have power and yes everyone and everything is safe.


Sunday
power goes, a 1/4 of one of the oak trees hits our power lines and is tangled in them. Right over the wooden privacy fence and 15ish feet away from the local transformer (the one on the pole). and follow around the house is a huge portion of another oak tree leaning on branches of another tree inches away from that set of power lines.
Four hours later we get thru to AEP to report the hazardous conditon and say, don't turn the power on. They have it noted. Maintenance said they talked to aep and they were to be out on Mon.
We make sure the light above our bed is on to notify us of the power returning.

Mon
Paul stays home to watch things. No news, nothing. Since his cell was dying I called AEP to check things out and give them my phone # as well. and clarify it is not to get power turned on but to keep it off until the hazard is cleared. Emphasizing my concern over fire. their advice, if that does happen call the fire department ... well gee thanks, I couldn't have figured that out without you.
needless to say I didn't ask the nitwit what the fire department was supposed to do about the electrical lines vs water issue. I didn't want to have to explain.

Tues
We both are at work, and needless to say I'm not happy that the cats are home alone. After work I teach meditation and during the fabulous conversations after, my sugar crashes and anxiety sets in hard and I need to get home. Unusual feeling even for me. we get to the bob's in reynoldsburg, eat and fly home. Home long enough to check the tree, the cats, feed them, strip and crawl into bed.
Power flips on, we race to the back window. A min later I'm downstairs calling 911. somehow in 4 min flat We've talked to 911, shoved cats into carriers, dressed and shoved, cats and wallets into truck. Okay essential taken care of.
amazing response time by whitehall.
we now spend the next 45 minutes watching the tree burn, chatting with the fire department. we had to wait for it to burn off and drop. apparently the top line is the highest voltage and the really dangerous one. lower lines not so bad, so once its off there you should be fine a tree typically smolders out. okay great .. unless the power lines snap when the tree goes down.
then what
we call aep
anyone else feel like they are in a bad rendition of who's on first?
watching tree burn our firemen get a house call and off they go
leaving us and our two neighbors to watch the tree
it drops from the upper to lower voltage
lines stay put, although after seeing how wildly they swung, i"m amazed
babysit smoldering bits on ground, they go out
chatting with neighbors to wind down
power goes out
again check tree, its okay finally decide to try and sleep
flip light on over bed
20 minutes later
you guessed it, we have power
again out back watching tree
after about 20 minutes we feel safe enough to try to go to bed... thank god because I don't think we could have found the cats again to get them out of the house
spentt the next half an hour finding reasons to get up and check the house out
was around 2 by the time this was all done

Ike - Day Three

Handwritten note at the top of the Northstar Cafe Short North Chalkboard today by your's truly:

"You may charge your cell-phone here today, but we will auction off orphaned cords to the highest bidder."

Northstar Clintonville is still without power and we are having record days.

Monday, September 15, 2008

IKE

Things in/around Columbus are not good. Erin, Sean/Liz and my sister/family went 14+ hours yesterday/Sunday with no power. Power came on today for about 12 hours and is now off again. Erin worked, but Pacer was operating on generators. Sean's working now because "his" cafe gets their power from a co-op. Schools/businesss were closed today and possibly all week. Crews who could/would be restoring power were sent to TX earlier in advance of Ike.

We fared better here in NW Ohio. Some wind; lots of rain; no loss of power.

Monday, September 8, 2008

address

Sorry it took so long to post it, been prettttty busy with classes and homework.
My address is
PAT 113
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Hanna

Any storm stories?

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Wood

HAPPY 5th ANNIVERSARY Sean and Liz!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Welcome to college, Ian and Ali!

Welcome new college freshmen! Hope you enjoy your year. Please make sure to send us your email and snail mail addresses. That's the only way packages will find you.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

August birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Matt!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

A Day of Hail

A couple of Sundays ago, the Chase and Forest Hill Joneses visited the Beckers for a farewell-ish dinner. The weather was kind of crazy that day. As soon as we left Chase we drove through some ridiculous hail.


As you can hear, Mom wanted us to pull over but Dad didn't agree...

So we finally got to PA and enjoyed some delicious food. The lights kept going on and off while eating.

Ali was scared.


We experienced some hail there as well.


After the weird storm we noticed that a big tree had fallen down in their yard. So do you think Uncle Carl waited to cut it down? Nah, he jumped right on that!
Here are some entertaining videos of Uncle Carl, Kevin, and a Sawzall.




And there are some interesting conversations going on in the background. Including Ali talked about her paid one hour of entertainment that brought her mother to tears.

Enjoy!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Back-to-school

Good luck to all of you/us headed back to school this week:-)

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Happy Anniversary !!!


Happy 32.

We hope you are having a great day!

Friday, August 8, 2008

The Votes Have Been Tallied

After the dust settled there was a winner...Nancy Cienfuegos is the 2008 Gallery Idol Champ. It was a lot of fun and a great networking experience, so I am not too terribly disappointed. I want you all to know how much I appreciate all of your amazing support. It was incredibly humbling to see so many people take an interest in my work and success. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I can only hope that this experience will usher in bigger and better opportunities. Thanks again!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Picture CD

Thanks for the pictures, Steve and Cindy!

The Final Round

The final round is here! I ended up sticking with my Halloween idea. I really like the way my card turned out. If you would like the details about my card click here.



To see all of the entries click here.

To vote click here.

The voting ends at 12:00 noon MST on Thursday. I'll let you know how it goes.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Top 5!

I made it to the Top 5! The challenge this round is to design a card around a silhouette. This will be the last round and will determine the overall winner! You guys have all been great. Thanks again for maintaining enthusiasm over the last several weeks. I'm off to try and discover a super cool shadow for inspiration...

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Masters publication

Hi everyone!

I am so excited right now because I literally just found out that my masters thesis was accepted for publication!! That means that in a few months I will officially be a published author- and a first author at that!

So, in case you're wondering, the title of my article will be "Perceived history of anaphylaxis and parental overprotection, autonomy, anxiety, and depression in food allergic young adults" and it will be published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. Not to toot my own horn (ok, maybe to toot it a little bit), but this is a really big deal in my field. It's rare that a masters thesis is published, so my advisor is incredibly excited for me as well!

Just wanted to share my joy!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Pittsburgh Pics

Here are a few pictures from this past weekend.
It was awesome to see and hang with everyone.
Donna, Carl, Julie and Kevin, we all missed you.
I will be sending out discs with all the rest of my pics.












Here are some of the texts from the ball game. I don't know if any of these were sent from us, but if they were,

I love you too!!!
Thanks for all the fun and laughs.
Especially the circle!!!