Hello Again!!!

Well, after a long stint away, I have returned to tell you that I will be away for a while AGAIN. Dave informed me that I had been gone A LOT lately, then I informed him that I was gone a lot lately because once school starts and I start my masters, I won't have the opportunity to be gone anymore. With that, he understands that I want to get some Lizzy and other family time in before I am stripped of my freedom. As for a recap of what's been going on...

From July 11- July 20, I was in the Centerville/ College Station area for the birth of our niece, to visit my family (mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, brother, sis-in-law...), to visit with hometown friends, and for my cousin's wedding, which by the way was gorgeous. While there, I was also able to see my good friends James and Jessica who were visiting from Virginia. I also took every opportunity to have lunch with people, drink Starbucks, and dine at local restaurants. I really am amazed at how many different choices big cities have to offer as far as eating out is concerned. Seriously, how do you narrow it down to one??? Needless to say, the weight watcher's program that I had started went out the window because "I was on vacation!" Anyway, I am really glad that I chose the profession that I did not only because I like teaching, but also because I have the opportunity to take a week or two to visit my family in the summers. It is at times like these that I LOVE my job.

Last week, July 21-25 was spent with my little cousin Katie here in Del Rio. I invited her to come stay with us for a while this summer, so we got some really good girl time in. Our time was spent doing things like shopping, watching movies, bowling, sleeping late, staying up late, going to the lake, and Dave was even able to get her a red carpet sim, so she got to see what it is like for Dave at work. All in all, it was a great time. On the 25th, she and I drove to San Marcos to meet my mom to do a little shopping at the outlet mall there. Katie also had a softball tournament the 26th and 27th, so the 26th was a day FULL of watching her and her team play all five of their games. That's right, FIVE. They won the last one so that meant that we got to stay another night so her team could play on the 27th. Unfortunately, they lost that game, so by 1:00, we left the fields on a mission to do some last minute shopping. Well, we acoomplished that mission, then we parted ways and I headed back to Del Rio. While I was spending the weekend watching softball and shopping, David was busy flying. He was doing his first cross country as an instructor to Houston and College Station. He went with a fellow IP (instructor pilot) so he could make sure he knew what to do as the instructor when he flies cross country with a student. While on his trip, he was able to spend some valuable time with Kelly, Jamie, his dad, and Virginia, his step mom. All I really know is that they ate some, they probably drank some, and played lots of Wii. I anticipate Dave suggesting we get a Wii somewhere in the near future, but I'm just going to keep quite until then. Wii's however are quite fun gaming systems I must say. Anyway, other than flying, Dave also got to eat at some of our favorite restaurants in College Station (i.e. J. Cody's) and he also got to meet our niece Elizabeth. He said as soon as he got to hold her, he pretty much felt like he couldn't move a muscle or he might hurt or wake her. Apparently, he is a quite comfortable pillow because all Elizabeth did when he held her was sleep. Better than a few alternatives as far as I'm concerned. Dave also said that Elizabeth was REALLY cute and sweet, but that it did not make him want one (a baby) just yet. AAAhhh, sigh of relief from me. :) Anyway, after his visit with Miss Elizabeth, he and Ken, the fellow IP, went back to Houston and played more Wii. They made it safely back to Del Rio about an hour before I did on Sunday.

As for this week, July 27- present, Dave has been flying with BRAND NEW STUDENTS whom he claims try to kill him every second of every flight. He also seems to think that going over to Iraq might actually be a little safer than what he is doing right now. I really don't think that is true, or at least, it is not the most pleasent option of the two. I quite like him being here with me most nights thank you! Apparently the are doing good for this stage of training though, who knows really... He also seems to think he might have accomplished the goal of flying the most hours for their squadron for this month, but we shall see the results of that in a few weeks or so. Apparently this is a really hard award to get, so keep your fingers crossed for that. All positive awards will do nothing but help Dave for his assignment after Del Rio. While Dave has been flying, I have been spending my time doing errands, refinishing a piece of furniture, yard work, house work, and also diong some sewing. I have always been able to find little odd tasks for myself to do. My mom taught me at a VERY young age not to say or even act like I was bored, otherwise, she would "find" me something to do. Usually meaning cleaning something she didn't want to or pulling weeds or something terrible like that.

So, for the leaving again part. Tomorrow, I am going to venture back to the Centerville/ College Sation area again for some more shopping, Lizzy and family time, more visiting friends, possibly a hair cut and a truck tune-up, and another wedding. After the wedding on the 8th, I shall be headed back to Del Rio to enjoy my last week of freedom, to finish a few projects, and to start setting my classroom back up. BLAH!

So, until I type again, be safe, have fun, and try fried pickles if you haven't already. If you have, go eat some, cause they are DEEEELIIIIIIICIOUSSSSS!

-Lana...and Dave too!