Volleyball, physics and Applebees

It's been a busy couple of days--working yesterday--trying to complete a few projects that have been on hold as we prepared for our Office Open House. After work Tim & I had supper at Applebee's while Pete and Christina drove up (in traffic) to Christina's volleyball game. Though they were 15 minutes late, she still got to play. It was fun to watch, even though her team didn't win. They put up a good fight, though.

Today we decided at the last minute to go to a Homecoming activity at Bethel--"Class Without a Quiz." Tim picked the physics class, which was very exciting. We got to see a ping pong shoot through a PVC pipe at a very high speed, we watched a tube with propane flames on top dance to different volumes and sound waves of music, and we witnessed a large barrel implode after being heated up (water was inside) and then cooled off. I think Tim explains things more clearly on his blog.

This afternoon was absolutely beautiful, so Tim and I went for a bit of a drive visiting friends and relatives. We ended up at cousin Terry's, then joined him for another supper at Applebees.

Now I'm home after a stop at Cub Foods. Tomorrow is our church potluck, so I'll need to bring our standard fare: Cashew Chicken Salad. Yum, yum.

Till next time,


Suzi

He's arrived!

Mark called at 4:30 am.

"I'm in the car on my way to John's grandma's house."

"Flight was great, didn't seem too long."

It was good to hear his voice, especially after looking at nwa.com to try to find when his flight left NYC. The website said it was on schedule but never gave the actual departure time. So, of course, I called to check. They left the gate about 45 minutes late, but they made up time in the air and actually arrived in Amsterdam ahead of schedule.

John's (Mark's best friend and traveling companion) dad said if they run out of money at the end of their trip they can ride the rails and stay in a sleeping car. Right now their plans are to stay in Germany for a week, then hit either Venice or Barcelona. So they'll travel through France and Austria on their way to Spain and Italy.

Ah to be young and footloose!

Till next time,


Suzi

Parking and parting

Yesterday I arrived on campus a little before 11--my scheduled time for work that day since our Open House was from 2-4. I went to my usual parking area--but it was full. So, I perused the next lot. The main lot there was full, so I moved on to the small adjacent lot. Full. Finally, on up the hill, by the new sports center, I found a spot. Whew.

I gathered up my balloons (three mylar helium "Welcome" balloons) and set out on my trek. I got to the office and realized that the walls were still bare. Facilities management had not had a chance to hang our pictures yet. Ah well. I went to secure the balloons outside. I was pleased to see that the wind was blowing the balloons from their spots toward our office area, pointing a welcome to all our guests. (The balloons were secure, just nodding to the north.)

Once inside, two of the faculty members decided to move our pictures off our meeting/soon-to-be-food table and set them out of the way. Then we decided one last plea to facilities management couldn't hurt. Putting on my sweetest voice, I thanked the office manager in FM for all they had done for us in our new space. "We are just getting ready to move our pictures out of the way for our open house at 2, but thought we'd check to see if someone was scheduled to come up to hang them before that." "I'll see what I can do,"replied the FMOM (facilities management office manager).

In a matter of minutes, Dave was up to hang pictures. He worked hard, and even though he had one emergency in the middle of his hanging, he got ten pictures hung with about 45 minutes to spare before Open House time. He was even able to stay for treats. I noticed Josh from FM came for treats as well--he built and hung my coat rack/rod & shelf for our entry way. Thanks guys!

Meanwhile, I decided I should finally feed my unsightly cords through the black plastic thing that FM had delivered before (and had cut a hole for). I had just finished, I thought--and had worked up quite a sweat crawling around under my desk--when I realized that the Bach CD I had been given for background music wasn't playing. Finally I figured out that I had left the cord for the speakers unplugged. I fed that through the hole and we were in business.

The party went very well. I think we had almost 100 people come through--which is exactly what we had planned for. I left happy and tired.

I went on to Christina's volleyball game where Tim and his parents had already gathered. The team played well--they won two of the five games.

Today Mark left for Europe. (Sniff, sniff) He is living for three weeks out of his backpack. When we got to the airport, we discovered that the regular parking lot was full and we'd have to park at the international terminal (even though he was traveling to Europe, his plane was first stopping in NYC and was leaving from the domestic terminal). So, we drove, following signs given to us at the domestic parking as well as highway signs. Finally we parked on the 7th floor of the Humphrey terminal parking. We took the elevator downstairs, got on the large shuttle bus, got off the large shuttle bus, hopped on the tram, walked to the escalator where we met Mark's friend John at the top (thank goodness for cell phones).

A very nice lady helped the boys check in all the way to Germany. They didn't have any bags to check, so that made it easier. She got them better seats on the flight from NYC to Amsterdam. The flight from Amsterdam to Nuremberg was full.

So, I watched the boys get through security (Mark proudly displayed his travel-sized shampoo, liquid soap and toothpaste in his ziploc bag) and then headed back to the tram/shuttle/parking. I didn't even get lost. (It helps, I've found, to walk backwards when you're coming somewhere new so you will be able to find your way out.)

Now I'm home for the day and if I go out I'll just hop in my car parked in our attached garage. I really shouldn't complain about parking elsewhere when it is such a snap at home. When I was in grad school I had to park my Pinto at a spot near a small garage at a grocery store across the street from our apartment building. I remember trying to get it out after a snow storm with my small shovel.

Mark even commented on the way to the airport that he was relieved he wouldn't have to drive for three weeks. Funny how things can change in two years from the time our teenage boy was chomping at the bit to get his driver's license...

Till next time,


Suzi

Office Open House

Today is our Open House at the Anthropology & Sociology department. The faculty moved from the main campus to Townhouse space (former student residences), so now we are advertising and celebrating our new space with food and fellowship.

Food is planned and today I bought a couple of balloons. We should have flowers, white linen table cloths, and elegant refreshments. I suppose I should dress up a bit.

It should be fun!

Till next time,


Suzi

A great getaway

This weekend was wonderful, stretching, challenging, fun and exhausting all in one. We had some great teaching with Susie Larson who shared her amazing testimony of God's healing and growth in her life. I had the opportunity to work her book table after meals and chatted with her a little bit. She is a gracious and vivacious person, and the impact of her words and the presence of God within her will stay with me for quite a while.

But now it's Monday morning and I've got to make my lunch and Christina's lunch and head out the door to school/work. Tomorrow is our Open House at the office and Wednesday Mark leaves for Europe.

That's okay. I like being busy. But I think I'll try to sneak a nap in somewhere.

Till next time,


Suzi

Weekend getaway

I'm getting ready to go up to camp for the Women's Retreat this weekend. It will be fun to get away, even though I think the forecast is for wet and cool weather.

Tim's Uncle Danny & Aunt Jeanie (both in their 70s) were in a car accident last night on slippery roads. They are still in the hospital--Danny with neck injuries and Jeanie with a broken leg. Danny wasn't paralyzed but they were being very cautious in keeping his neck immobilized. Don't know yet the results of scans. Please keep them in your prayers. Danny is my father-in-law's brother.

Meanwhile, my mother-in-law's brother's funeral is today. I'm sorry that I won't be able to attend. He lived in Florida for the past several years, but most of his children (7) are in the Twin Cities.

I will be in prayer for these loved ones who are hurting and prayer for safety on the roads as much of our nation is experiencing bad weather. At least we don't have snow in MN yet!

Till next time,


Suzi

Trouble shooting day

Today at work was a fix-it day. The copier was not working, so I learned who to contact to get that taken care of, and now it is up and running! Also I found out that I didn't have speakers in my computer, so IT came over to plug in some new ones for me.

Now I have to pack and clean to get ready to go out of town tomorrow for the Women's Retreat. I think it will be cool and rainy, but it will be nice to get away. I'm hoping to do some reading and some napping. The fall colors should be starting up north, too--so it will be beautiful!

Till next time,


Suzi

A morning at home

Mornings alone at home have been a luxury lately--with work, running errands, etc. Mark's been home lately because Tim is handling the work load pretty much by himself, but the past couple of days Mark's working on a drywall job by himself.

In a week Mark will be off to Europe, so I'm glad for time we have with him at home. It's still an adjustment not sending him off to school each day. But it's been sort of nice to take Christina to school each day--giving us some time to chat and giving her more driving experience around town.

We have a departmental meeting later this afternoon, so I'll pick up Christina after school and then head to work. She doesn't have volleyball practice today--last night was her first game, and though she played valiantly, their team was soundly beaten. Maybe next time.

Now I should get off the computer and get some tasks completed at home!

Till next time,


Suzi

Weather and the weekend

There were some bad storms rollin' through here on Saturday night. Fortunately for us, we just had a little wind and rain. Others northwest of us didn't do as well.

Though rain was predicted for most of the weekend, it didn't rain that much during the day. We enjoyed a lovely evening at one of the professor's homes in my department on Saturday. It was fun to introduce Tim to my new friends at work, and he enjoyed meeting them all. I think his favorite job would be full-time student. He loved listening to the teachers talk shop.

On Sunday, it was nice enough for Mark and a friend to ride their bikes from here all the way to Minnehaha Falls (about 10 miles one way, I'm guessing). He was pretty tired when he got home. In a little more than a week, he'll be doing more traveling--this time back across the Atlantic. Mark and friend John plan to do three weeks in Europe--splitting their time between John's grandma's home in Germany, Italy, and Spain. Wish I could join them!

For now, I'll enjoy the travel from home to work to Christina's school to church and around town. And on a chilly rainy day like today, it's nice to hunker down at home.

Till next time,


Suzi

Breakfast

Today I joined "the guys" for breakfast.

Beckie had invited me, since she was playing hostess. She and her fiance Dale prepared a lovely brunch of fruit, yogurt, waffles (courtesy of Nate) and quiche.

Yum yum.

These guys gather frequently on Saturday mornings and plan how they can help the Minneapolis northside neighborhood. Today we had breakfast in that neighborhood and someone joked how those hours (around 8-10 am) were the only two hours the neighbhood slept.

It's exciting to see lives being touched as dreams become realized in conversations with neighbors and work on homes.

This morning, it was good to be in fellowship with the Saturday gang and eat and pray for the precious people around us.

Till next time,


Suzi

Off we go

It's Friday, and I'm off to work after fiddling with my insulin pump. Everything is fine, I just forgot to take off the needle guard, so I needed to reinsert the catheter and it didn't stick as well so I've got part of it taped down. I did this once before--you'd think I'd learn!

Christina is at an overnight retreat for school so I've got a bit of extra time this morning. But I'm making my lunch, Tim's, and it's garbage day (plus I walked Raven and did the insulin thing) so it's still busy!

Looking forward to the weekend--I'll be teaching Sunday school for the first time in many years...

Till next time,


Suzi

My siblings

Having just (in the past month at least) been with two of my siblings, I thought I'd post pictures. The one of Roger and me is from Christmas time. I guess we didn't have the camera ready when he was with us this week. In Lori's picture, she is not with me, but I think I'm in the room somewhere and she may be opening a present from me in that pile (it was Christmas time). My sister Cheri and I were wearing pink to celebrate our sisterness as she took her youngest off to college. Little did she know that I would be off to college again soon as a staff member (not student). I think we were looking away from Tim's camera because Pat was snapping pictures too. I got a hair cut since then in case you're wondering.

Till next time,


Suzi

Sooooooo tired

Busy day at work today--finally feeling like I'm getting a bit of a handle on things, though. We had a lovely dedication of our new building space--dozens of people attended. The hours flew by.

I stopped by to see my "old" college mate and fellow newspaper staffer Holly on my way out. It was fun to see her in her position as Publications manager (not her exact title) and catch up a little.

Christina was tired after volleyball practice, but had another good day at school. We stopped in the library on the way home, had a quick dinner (Tim actually had set the table and had the food out and ready) and then Tim and I went off to vote and to a parent meeting at Christina's school.

Now I'm ready to crash but I might get in a little of Gilmore Girls which I taped tonight. Still two more weeks before the new season starts....

Till next time,


Suzi

My brother

Tim and I scooped my "little" brother from the curbside pickup at the airport. We loaded his bags in our Highlander and dashed off to the nearby Mall of America--where every traveler from far and near wants to be.

Roger, who is easy going and good-natured, complied. We walked and walked, and finally arrived at Tony Roma's where we ordered lunch. It would be another 30 minutes or longer till our kids arrived to join us, but it was fun to have a big group. Roger had had two cheeseburgers in the Chicago airport a couple hours prior, but he joined us in ordering lunch.

We walked and walked around the mall, showing him the amusement park (we declined going on any rides) and lots of shops. We waiting outside of Victoria's Secret while Christina got some sports clothing for volleyball. We traipsed through bookstores (we left Tim in one for two hours) and got turned around once (surprise) but ended up getting lots of good exercise.

After we got home and let Raven out (he had survived our long absence) we proceeded to show Roger off to the Nelson gang. A lot happened in the 20 years since Roger was last in Minnesota. Tim's brother Greg grew about 6 inches, got married and had three kids. Brother Jeff married and had two children. Roger got to meet everyone buy Alex, who was in bed when we arrived at Greg and Kari's.

We even visited Luke's house and introduced Roger to Omar and Kosmos (the cats). It made Rog a little sad--his Kitty is now with the Lord.

We got him back to his hotel before 11 and today we plan to meet him for a quick lunch in between his meetings. This visit is all too short--I'm working tomorrow and he'll be leaving in the afternoon after morning meetings. Maybe someday his whole family will come for a visit--in about 20 years????

Till next time,


Suzi

It's cool...

I think Raven is finally experiencing some relief from his allergies. Temperatures dipped to 50 degrees F this morning, and with the windows and doors closed, there is less pollen flying around.

Just two days ago we were sweating it out with 80 degree temperatures (I resisted turning on the a/c). Now I'm thinking of making hot chocolate and wondering how soon we can turn on the fireplace.

The cooler weather also makes walking on campus more enjoyable. I hike the equivalent of several city blocks just to get to and from my car. It's an enjoyable walk, but nicer if it's not in the blazing heat. I know, soon I'll be complaining about freezing temperatures, icy roads/sidewalks, and snow coming in my shoes/boots and freezing my legs/pant cuffs.

Seasonal changes are fun. I know it wouldn't be great to live in eternal winter or eternal summer. Living at the 45 degree latitude definitely has its perks.

Till next time,


Suzi

Job & school rank high

The work day flew by today--I was in the office from about 9 to 3:15 today. My most challenging job is prioritizing the list of things to do. So far I haven't had any real "down time" but I enjoy being busy. Walking around campus--to the bookstore, PO box and copy center--brings back memories of college days and helps keep the blood sugar down. I'm also getting my exercise walking from the parking lot. So far I've had to park the equivalent of 1/4 to 1/2 mile from my office--but with the weather cooperating, it hasn't been bad at all. I might be complaining in January, though!

Christina was a happy camper when I picked her up from school today at 5 pm. She stayed after for volleyball practice, and the coached asked her to be a co-captain! She has also made a friend that she's been hanging out with. (Can you end a sentence with out with?) Anyway, she said she really likes her new school, which is a huge thing coming from our daughter, who tends to be very selective about what she likes!

Tomorrow I'll be in for another 5 hours or so. Our office chairs are scheduled to arrive then, and I'm very excited to be in a comfortable, tailor-made chair. Plus it's Friday. Even though I really like my job, I still look forward to the weekend.

Till next time,


Suzi

Amazing

Two amazing things happened yesterday: Tim posted a blog for the second day in a row, and I got a call from my brother.

Now, my brother does call once in awhile--on my birthday or before we meet in the summer for Cornerstone. (I must confess I'm not much better about phone calls.) But the news he gave me was really earth-shattering.

"Hey, sis, I'm comin' to Minnesota in a few days!"

Now, the last time Roger was here to visit was about 20 years ago. I am really looking forward to seeing him and introducing him to our home, and especially to our dog Raven. His visit will be all too short--he arrives Sunday afternoon and leaves Tuesday afternoon and has business meetings in between--but it will be good quality time.

**************

Beckie and I had fun at the store registering her for bridal gifts. It's so cool how you can register now--the store clerk gives us a scanning gun and we go around the store "shooting" prices of items to put on the registry. We got most of the kitchen finished, but had to leave to run some more errands and pick up Christina after school. We'll have to wait another day to go scanning for bath, bedroom and other items!

Christina's first day at school went well, though it will take some adjusting for her in the new school. She's looking forward to having a laptop for school work. No homework last night--which is another amazing thing for yesterday.

Till next time,


Suzi

New beginnings

Last night Tim and I went over to Bethel so I could show him my new office. My computer has arrived there, so when I go in officially tomorrow I should be able to be up and running!

This morning I brought Christina to school and attended chapel with her. (She actually sat with me!). It was a very moving service--several returning students read blessings for each new student as they stood (briefly) so others could meet them and pray for them.

I got to meet some parents and teachers too. I think it will be a wonderful year for Christina.

Now I'm off to do some wedding planning with Beckie!

Till next time,


Suzi

Summer's end

Cooler weather has arrived--we've been enjoying temperatures in the 60s for the past several days. Yesterday it rained quite a bit, but the sun is out today. It's a great day to relax and enjoy the outdoors before school starts tomorrow.

I won't have to work till Wednesday, so I plan to go to Christina's new school tomorrow and attend the morning chapel service. (I'll try not to be too visible so I don't embarrass her.) Then my friend Beckie and I are going to register her and her fiance at local stores--fun fun!

It's strange to have only one child to send back to school. In two years we will be done! We'll have to cherish the time we have now and be glad our kids are all still at home or close by.

Enjoy rest from your labors today, if you can, and look forward to a pleasant autumn!

Till next time,


Suzi

Another good day

Well, yesterday was another good day at work. I came home tired, (after only working in the afternoon) and Tim gave ways to my plea for dinner out (50's Grill).

I walked from one end of campus to the other--to the PO Box, the library, the Academic Center where Printing Services is located. I am so happy to be getting such good exercise, but I may need to invest in some more comfortable shoes that are still a bit dressy. Any ideas out there?

Still waiting for my computer at work, but IT (computer specialists) is working over the weekend so I should have it by the next time I work which is Wednesday.

I'm hoping to convince Tim to take us to the Fair either tomorrow or Monday, and see if we can reach nephew Daniel to join us. I believe he's got soccer today but maybe he can squeeze in some time with relatives before Tuesday.

Till next time,


Suzi

Thanks and wow!

Thanks for all your comments, thoughts, well-wishes and prayers about my new job. I have to say that my first day exceeded my expectations. It was really terrific, though I was pretty tired by the end of the day.

I got to campus early because it was arrival day for new students. The area where I had been told to park was blocked off. When I approached the Bethel security people, he explained that I needed top park elsewhere, directed me there, and when I told him I was a new employee, he gave me a cheery "Welcome to Bethel!" I saw him later in the day and he asked me how my first day was going (this on a campus with hundreds of people).

I was early, so I walked up from the parking lot and planned to tour a little bit. As I was walking along, I saw an old classmate, Wayne (I've seen him his wife, also a Bethel alum, at reunions). It was nice to be greeted by a friendly face.

As I looked around I saw preparations of all kinds going on--balloons going up, people in Bethel t-shirts and Bethel polo shirts running around everywhere, directional signs being posted, people stationed in strategic spots--all to welcome the new students and their parents to campus. I felt myself getting a little choked up as I remembered being welcomed in a similar fashion exactly 30 years ago when I was a freshman at Bethel. Where did the time go?

I got up to Human Resources (HR) and sat for awhile until Sara, whom I was meeting, saw me and directed me inside to begin paperwork and a brief orientation. I didn't realize all the perks of working at Bethel--training on everything from website stuff to how to run the copier. I got a list of places that would give me discounts as a Bethel employee--from Tires Plus to Northwestern Bookstores.

I met with my department chair and we discussed my job duties. I went down to purchasing to talk to someone about getting fitted for a chair. This gentlemen not only fitted me with a chair, he showed me all the ways to adjust the back, the seat, the height and it seemed like several other things. He also showed me an adjustable monitor contraption for my computer and a keyboard/mouse holder that could be moved for my comfort level. No back/neck/wrist strain at Bethel!

I saw Jeremy, my computer friend (IT) that I mentioned in my blog. He was having lunch in the coffee shop with some friends. Then I went back to the office, and after lunch at my desk I headed over for some administrative assistant training with Pam. She was really terrific, and walked me through many things like how to work the phones and she went down to the campus bookstore to help me purchase some things for my desk.

It ended up being a much longer day than I had anticipated, so today I'm only going in for a couple of hours this afternoon, and then take off on Tuesday. Oh, I also saw a student who had attended our church last year and was back on campus briefly before she leaves for a semester abroad in Spain. And as I was walking out to the parking lot, I saw my good friend Kathy who I haven't seen in a couple of years--she was bringing her daughter to campus.

Can't wait to see what happens today!

Till next time,


Suzi