Random Items...

1. Public restrooms. Given multiple stalls (women's rooms), please do not elect to use an open stall adjacent to a stall currently in use unless absolutely necessary. Please alternate. Potty patrons are not better off by concentrating such olfactory pleasantries and audible delights - especially for those of us who suffer public performance issues.

2. My parents met Mike's mom yesterday. It went well...

3. Maddie is nearly 7 and has yet to loose a tooth. She has one that's been slightly wiggly for a couple months, but not loose enough to pull. All in good time, I suppose.

4. Christmas was fun this year. I actually had a good time with family and friends - sans gift-giving. I recommend to all that obligational gift-giving be tossed out the window and replaced with time spent together playing games, reminiscing, etc. We're a society who buys what we need and want immediately - we don't need an excuse to exchange more stuff (because sometimes taht's what it seems to be - just stuff).

5. I met my brother's girlfriend Kiley over the holiday week. She is sweet as can be and gorgeous - a real-life Snow White. They've been dating just over 4 weeks and all seems well. In case you didn't know... this is a big deal.

6. New Year's Eve. Mike and I spent the evening with his friends in Dubuque drinking local wine, eating prime rib (yum), and playing games. We watched the ball drop with Dick Clark as he attempted to be the ageless man he'd been in the past; however, he suffered a stroke not long ago and the symptoms were evident. I feel saddened that it seems a tradition may be lost, but I respect him for persevering despite his hardships. Humbling, indeed.

7. I had an interview Friday morning and will probably accept the offer [when] it comes within the next two weeks. This is a tough decision because I know it will be a high-stress career that yields a high salary. I know, going in to this job, that I will not like it for many months. I feel that I'm selling out... just a little. However, I think I'll still pursue my Masters Degree in Education so that I can one day become a high school english teacher. Prayers requested and accepted!