Hello again. I must admit that I've been doing a very poor job of keeping the blog updated. We're now at the end of Sorrento trip and about to move on to Rome tomorrow afternoon. Sorrento had probably been close to my favorite place so far. We are right on the coast of the mediterranean, and it's absolutely gorgeous...nothing like the beach at home that everyone rants and raves about. Today was extremely busy and filled with all types of traveling. We started off this morning taking a bus to the Meta station and then got on a train to pompei--definitely a huge tourist attraction but wonderful to be in the midst of so many Americans. We walked miles and miles across the ancient ruins in the extreme heat with very little shade and not very much water (at least not cold water--ice isn't very common here). but it was actually very amazing, obviously filled with tons of history. it actually made me feel like i should have been studying before i went so i would know what all i was seeing. that seems to be one of the themes of this trip: not having a clue what we're looking at but knowing that it's something really important. After we finished at pompei, we got back on the train and rode down to sorrento. from there we hopped on a hydro-foil (big, fast boat) and rode along the coast to positano. The ride alone was worth the trip, even though positano was thoroughly incredible as well. as soon as we get home, i'll have to post some of the amazing pictures we took. Anyway, we're now back in surrento, planning to spend an actual night out since we don't have such a rigid schedule tomorrow (perhaps an english pub? we did't actually make it to one while we were in london). So, wish us luck finding out way around rome tomorrow, and please continue to keep us in your prayers!
bunches of love,
jessica

hello from italy!

hello everyone! sorry it's taken me this long to post something about our trip. we've had a terrible time trying to find internet cafes since we were in london. anyway, everything has been going very smoothly so far...london was absolutely incredible, and italy has been amazing. i wish i had time to go into detail about some of the insane/hilarious adventures heather and i have had since arriving in italy, but i do believe that my time on this computer is about to expire. i mainly wanted everyone to know that we are safe and surviving the challenges of the trip with some wonderful triumphs. heather has been absolutely brilliant with this whole italian business, and we've gotten really good at figuring out how to buy train tickets. anyway...i miss you all. we're thinking about you lots. keep praying for us...especially that we get on our flights back to atlanta....talk to everyone soon!
much love,
jessica

87 days to June 02, 2006! Yes,I am counting down, and yes, I am well on my way to being severely infected with senioritis. I'm trying to break up this semester into 3 sections. March is the month of many scholarships (i find out about teaching fellows on the 10th), so if I can measure this month by how many deadlines I have left to meet, then it should go by fairly quickly. Prom is the first or second weekend in April, and right after prom is Spring Break...the last couple of weeks should begin all of our senior meetings, academic awards banquets and honor society initiations. Once we hit May, time will fly...thank goodness! Senior awards, baccaleureate and graduation are all within a week of each other. But for now, i'm still sitting in good old Georgetown counting the days until i'm galavanting across Europe!

Betty Lives

Mmm...let's see, I'm not sure if I've told any of you about my recent car troubles, but it should make for an interesting story. Betty has always had some odd little quirks since I've had her, but she's never given me a lot of trouble. Last weekend when I was up in Myrtle Beach, she decides that she's not going to start...for anything. Thankfully, we had a group of about 20 people with us and we were lucky enough to have a few guys who knew (or pretended to know) some of what they were doing. Well, we got her started and all was well...we stood around the car and cheered, and then headed off to the restaurant. Sticky Fingers is right next to the mall, so we didn't even need to get on to the main road and it's a good thing we didn't! I was driving along happily when we went over a speedbumb...the lights in the car flashed and the automatic locks went on and off...we rolled a stop sign and betty died. As I was flipping out, not knowing what to do, Morgan told me to put it in park and try and start it again, and it actually worked...so i kept on driving toward the restaurant. In my distress, i missed the turn and ended up driving the wrong way down a one way street and almost ran into the cement median in the process. That was great fun. After that night, she hadn't given me any trouble. We drove home and she was just as "healthy" as can be...until tuesday. I was already late for school...my essay wasn't saving to my computer and our printer was out of ink, so I was leaving without my essay that was due that day and i was leaving much later than normal. Well, i was crusing along, listening to the radio. I got in the turn lane at a major intersection (lots of traffic) and all of a sudden, I heard the automatic locks go on and off, and poor little betty died again...this time at a green light with a big semi-truck behind me and cars backed up down the street. It took two police officers and a trucker to push me across the street to a tire place where i waited for don to come and pick me up. Betty had to be towed to the mechanic and they ended up replacing the alternator. When I got her back on Friday, I was thrilled. I hadn't realized how much I depended on that car. I had plans to go up to the beach that evening after work, so when 5:00 came, I was out of that office as fast as i could be. Sadly enough, betty died for the third time in the Nationwide parking lot. Fortunately, Don is related to everyone in Georgetown somehow or another, and the mechanic was his first cousin, so they came and rescued us...I'm not sure what he did, but I had her back thirty minutes later and haven't had any trouble since. Yay! My poor little car has survived!

The New House

I though it was about time I posted some pictures of the new house. It's really strange being back in Indiana where hardly anybody knows I'm moving. Big things, like this house, are happening and I don't have anyone to share them with. I keep having dreams that it is the last day of school and I stil haven't told anyone and then right before the final bell rings I tell my kids, "By the way, I'm not coming back next year." It's all very strange.

Anyway, Doug and Stan and Amy and I drove by the house this weekend and it is starting to feel real. Doesn't it look like a grown-up's house? Despite the fact that I'm practically 30 (it's looming okay?) I sometimes find it hard to believe that I'm really a grown up. I think this move seals the deal.

Anyone else watching the Golden Globes tonight? I should be boycotting them because Lauren Graham was denied yet again, but I'll watch nonetheless.

Senioritis

Oh my goodness! I am so sick of Georgetown, I don't even know what to do with myself! I went through a couple weeks there where the college scene seemed extremely scary but I just recently found my roommate and I am thrilled! Whitney and I have been in a lot of classes together but we really don't know each other all that well...so it won't be like rooming with a best friend and then turning out to hate eachother :) Anyway, I'm so excited i just can't stand it. I want to get in my car right this very minute, drive to rock hill, and never come home!

BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!

Hello my sisters! We got home this morning and I wanted to quick throw a little post on the blog and tell you all that it was so nice to spend Christmas with my sisters. Hopefully we will be able to get together more often than every three years! I loved spending time with you all and I know ken had a good time. Sorry for Lucy and her spastic behavior. She needs a playmate and some stronger social skills. Thank you for the wonderful gifts! All of them will be cherished! I love you sooooo much!

Kristin

Its bed time now!

BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!

Hello my sisters! We got home this morning and I wanted to quick throw a little post on the blog and tell you all that it was so nice to spend Christmas with my sisters. Hopefully we will be able to get together more often than every three years! I loved spending time with you all and I know ken had a good time. Sorry for Lucy and her spastic behavior. She needs a playmate and some stronger social skills. Thank you for the wonderful gifts! All of them will be cherished! I love you sooooo much!

Kristin

Its bed time now!

Dave Matthews and friends CRUISE!

So I was watching VH1 today after work and I saw an advertisement for a contest they are running. If you win the grand prize you get to spend the superbowl weekend on a cruise with Dave Matthews band and friends (I don't know who his friends are but I don't really care either!) there are tons of concerts and two private island stops, one with a concert on the beach with Dave!!!!!! Can you believe it? That would be the ultimate for Dave fans!!!!!!!! Wish me luck!

Kris

I Feel Like Clark Griswald

I was told when I started with AVIS that there would be a Chirstmas bonus. This was exciting as I've never had one before. Then I heard through the grapevine that it would be given out at the Chirstmast party. I have been anticipating that party for 11 months waiting to see how much it would be for. I planned to do all my Christmas shopping with that check including presents, a tree, and food for all the family that will be staying with us. Dec 9th finally arrived, the day of the Christmas party for AVIS. We had the party at "The Melting Pot", a very nice restaurant! We played blackjack, had a drawing for prizes with our winnings, and then I saw them. The envelopes were layed neatly on a table, one with everyone's name on them. I was SO excited. I knew that the year before the average bonus was $1500. This was not the amount I was expecting, I would be happy with $100 and so forth. They passed out the envelopes after they thanked everyone for a great year we all opened them. How much was the bonus.....$25.00 gift card to Target. I almost passed out. I wanted to cry and leave, but I stayed put and ate dinner. At the end of the meal the owner gave a speech about traditions and company philosophy and then told us that our Christmas Bonus's were in the mail....(huge sigh of relief), but it still hasn't come. I check the mail at work, at home, it's driving me nuts, and I really haven't done any Christmas shopping. I hope it's worth the wait... if it ever shows up. Can Ken be cousin Eddie? I expect some help with this.

Amy

the dishwasher

Ok, don't take this as a complaint because it was a very sweet and huge and thoughtful gift but...ken's mom and dad bought us a new dishwasher to replace the broken one that has been collecting dust in our kitchen. The new one is black...our stove and fridge and microwave are white. The only black appliance is a can opener. Not enough to match. So my eyes are trying to adjust to the huge black dishwasher. Like I said, its nice and new and works and I am so grateful to not have to "wash" dishes anymore but its such a mismatch. Oh well...not the end of the world by any means!

KF

Yay for me!!!

I've been accepted into Winthrop!!! Yay! I'm sooooo excited!

Puppy Pics

Reply to All

Hello Everyone,
I just read Kristin, and Heather's response for pajamas. I thought it was really funny. Stan is excited to buy Doug pajama's although he think's it's a little weird. I also thought it was hilarious that Ken would like Nascar, or Steelers garb, and Doug would like a manicure. I think Stan is somewhere in the middle. It just makes me realize how much I love all of you, and all our significant others. I'm trying to decide which Christmas movie is a must see for us. Christmas Vacation or Christmas Comes to Willow Creek. Heather, do you know where you're staying and when you'll be around. I know things are hard with Margies birthday. We're also planning to go to Sprinz on the 23rd for Stan's birthday. It's WI version of Dave and Busters.

Jessica officially has a plane ticket!!!!! She will fly into ord on the 23rd and back to MYR on the 27th. Thank you Heather and Doug for picking her up and dropping her off.

Kristin, you can ship any Christmas presents you want here, it makes no difference to me. They will just go in the present closet.

I LOVE YOU ALL

Amy

amazon wish list

I am posting this as a real posting because I am afraid that if I don't you won't notice it. Amy, I looked for your wishlist on amazon and could only find a listing under Amy Foxworthy and everything on it was posted in 2000. Heather, yours was very short and everything was posted in 2004. Are these really the wishlists? Can you put some ideas on the blog so I don't have to go to my least favorite site on the internet?? (CURSES TO AMAZON! THE ROMANIANS CAN HACK THEIR SITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!) anyway...that aside, Jess, congrats on raymond! I am sure you a way excited! Amy, we will be wrapping up a case of 90 shilling for Stan (how much more Wisconsin can you get for a Christmas gift?) I posted stuff on the amazon wishlist but there were old items on there that I could not remove. Ok...nothing else to write. Hope you are all well! Lucy says hi!!!!!!!!


kf

amazon wish list

I am posting this as a real posting because I am afraid that if I don't you won't notice it. Amy, I looked for your wishlist on amazon and could only find a listing under Amy Foxworthy and everything on it was posted in 2000. Heather, yours was very short and everything was posted in 2004. Are these really the wishlists? Can you put some ideas on the blog so I don't have to go to my least favorite site on the internet?? (CURSES TO AMAZON! THE ROMANIANS CAN HACK THEIR SITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!) anyway...that aside, Jess, congrats on raymond! I am sure you a way excited! Amy, we will be wrapping up a case of 90 shilling for Stan (how much more Wisconsin can you get for a Christmas gift?) I posted stuff on the amazon wishlist but there were old items on there that I could not remove. Ok...nothing else to write. Hope you are all well! Lucy says hi!!!!!!!!


kf

Report Cards

It's Halloween and I am avoiding the trick-or-treaters at home by staying late at school and working on report cards. They are due on Friday, but since I am leaving Thurs. morning I need to have them done by Wednesday. I HATE doing report cards. When I was in third grade I would never have imagined how difficult it would be to determine report card grades, I'm sure I would have thought it would be great fun. Just like in when I was in 5th grade and I would sometimes get to go help one of the younger grades teachers grade papers. I LOVED it. Now I hate that too. The thing that kills me is when students could accomplish so much more, but if I were grading based only on what they actually turn in, they will get terrible grades. I know how hard it is for some of these students to do homework. I know what they have going on at home. Yet it is hard to justify giving a grade based on what I think the student could do. Well, I guess I better get on with it. Soon it will be over and I can start the new nine weeks fresh. I will chase down kids with missing work. I will grade papers as soon as they are turned in. I will not let stacks accumulate on my desk!

Raymond Rocks!!

Yay, I got season two of Everybody Loves Raymond! I know I've been putting it on my Christmas list, but the opportunity was just too good to resist. I figured that if anyone had already gotten it, then they would have gotten season 1, so here I am with my wonderful boxed set of humor. There's still three other seasons in case any of you are still wondering what I'd like for Christmas!
Love Y'ALL!! (hehe)
Jessica

Christmas Plans

So I was wondering if we all wanted to chip in and buy a pre-paid cell phone for Grandma and Grandpa this year. I thought they might need one and that way they aren't stuck with a plan they won't use etc. If anyone is interested let me know.

Be prepared, you are all going to have some Martha Stewart-esque gifts this year. They aren't lame. I promise. Nothing like the magic towel and silly socks Christmas...Amy I know you loved that monkey puppet despite what you say!

Can we please do burritos on Christmas Eve? I am assuming that the coffee cake is a given on Christmas morning. Amy let me know what we can get for Stan in the way of Bronco gear and are there any microbrews he misses that he can't get in WI? Heather...we have no idea what to get for Doug. Any ideas on the in-laws would be appreciated! Jessica, thanks for putting a list up...that will help a lot! Do we want to "draw names" to get Christmas Jammies for each other? I thought it might be fun so we can all wear our new pj's to bed on Christmas eve...and jeddy red reddy...we will call to make sure you have yours on too! ( I wish you were coming! ) Amy, do you have TABOO or do I need to bring it with me? Ken will also want to play MONOPOLY...be prepared. He may pack his Dale Earnhardt Monopoly board. ( you don't need to say it I already know...IF YOU OWN A DALE EARNHARDT MONOPOLY GAME...YOU MIGHT BE A REDNECK!)

NOVEMBER 18 is when Harry Potter~The Goblet of Fire comes out in theaters! Ken and I will be there! I can't wait for it to come out! I saw a preview for it today and it looks great even without the old Dumbledore. (the new one is lame). The one bizarre thing is that apparently there are no barbers in Hogwarts. Harry and Ron have hair that reminds me of Uncle Jesse's twins on Full House! It's long and shaggy not at all flattering.

Otherwise, not a lot going on here. I miss you all!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristin

Christmas List...as promised

Hello Everyone! This is mostly for Heather who wanted to know what Christmas gifts she could buy at Borders this week with her special teacher's discount. SO, here's a list of some great books and stuff.

These, you can find in the Christian Fiction section; they're all by the same author, and this is just a list of books I have not read from her...I don't necessarily want all of them.

Ok, books by Francine Rivers: Redeeming Love, Unafraid, The Scarlet Thread, and The Last Sin Eater

Movies: Everybody Loves Raymond (of course!!) or The Phantom of the Opera (wonderful movie!!)

That's all the Border's merchandise I can think of for now...so I will leave it at that. Y'all need to get your Christmas lists up here, so we can get started early!
Love you guys!!
Jessica