It's Official...

...I'm a golfer! I got my clubs in yesterday and they are looking simply gorgeous. Due to Ernesto, I will most likely not be playing this weekend, but I'm looking forward to enjoying them soon. Fore!

This is my snazzy putter -- the newest from Nike.

They discontinud the one I wanted, so I got a free upgrade - holla!

My Partial Set of Irons

Hahahahaha

Dave and I had a lovely date on Saturday visiting our local arty cinema The Manor and enjoyed "Little Miss Sunshine" - if you haven't seen it and you enjoy dark, smart comedies you must go! I love this picture of the cast on their road trip...

Just like a dream...

Well, I've officially been back in work for 4 days and my class is dreamy beyond dreamy! Lin and I feel like we could video them on what this philosophy of education is supposed to produce....for example, when asked about what our reader's workshop should "sound like" they said: "pages turning" and when asked what it should feel like they said: "peaceful, restful, understanding, like your mind is in another world, and powerful." Hehe! I am delighted. I am under no illusion that all days will be this fab, but if this is any indication, it's going to be a fantastic year in the 5th grade! :)

I cannot, however, take any credit for this as I've had them 4 days, so I'd like to give a shout out to the teachers K-4 that have created such amazing learners.

Ok, cheesy teacher exuberance over. Enoy the pics...

Our "foyer" area when you enter the room...oh so tidy!

Reader's Workshop

Guess Who's Pregnant?

Not me! But Laura is and Frank and Laura are officially parents to be! Isn't she the cutest mom in scrubs you've ever seen?!

Our First Outing

After all the long hours at golf school and full swing lessons, it was finally time to show my stuff this weekend and get out on the course! Dave and I headed out to a public course in town at played at the "twilight" tee time (cheaper and not so hot!). Much fun was had by all and we are excited to keep playing together.

A question for the brothers Rietz: Dave was looking pretty good out there - could the cup be making a trip to Charlotte in a few weeks????

"Our" Score Card...

Best golfing tip for beginners I've had thus far that really works: Tee off from the 100 yard marker every time and you'll feel successful every hole! :)

Arrrgh!

I have a sad admission to make to my readers...today I locked myself out of my home for the 2nd time in a month - arrgh! It's a long story, but after about two hours of work and a big gulp of humility I was finally able to get back in thanks to a few friends who saved the day. Morals of the story: 1) always double (maybe triple?) check for your keys when leaving the house 2) wear gloves while getting back in to avoid painful finger injuries.

I know the pic is kinda frightening, but I wanted to show off my injury...it really does hurt..:)

Saddest part of all was that I was making haste to see "Monster House" with my friend and her son - the only people in town that were willing to see it with me with - and missed it - arrgh!

Sweet Nana

Family update for you all...last weekend we spent time with Dave's grandmother Nana listing and sorting things from her apartment as she transitions into a nursing facility full time. She is truly amazing - and at almost 96 years old looking lovely in pink! We also spent time with Dave's aunt and uncle and mom - we left feeling thankful for our time there, albeit brief and emotional. I might get some grief for posting the pics, but I hope you enjoy.

"The 30th Year of Life"

Cheers to the Birthday Boy

Grant poses for the Cover of our Wine Club

handbook entitled "It tastes so sweet..."

Happy belated blog birthday wishes to the husband! He turned 29 at the end of July and we had fun celebrating with the Colemans and the Browns at Il Posto followed by "The Devil Wears Prada" (sorry again, Melissa!) ... over dinner Byron reminded Dave that he is, in fact, entering his 30th year of living - rock on, babe.

READ THIS BOOK!

Another tidbit I gained from my journies to Wisconsin was the encouragement to read a truly wonderful book: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. The head guy's wife organized a book club around it and we had great "book talk." The novel chronicles the history of the friendship of two "laotongs" (old sames) in China in the 1850s. This was the era of footbinding, major oppression of women, truly terrible class conflict and civil revolution/rebellion. I learned a ton and definitely connected to the characters. I am not one to push books on folks, but this one is worth it - even for the "non-readers" in my life (ellen and liz, you know who you are)!!!

Umm...

Can you believe this photograph? Hilarious, right? This just goes to prove that "Footloose" inspires great dancing at all times - and a bit of attitude apparently. I just had to share...thanks to Andrea's photographer for clearly catching me at my finest!

Yellow Jacket Schmacket

SO...we've got some flying friends in our back yard and David believes they are a nest of yellow jackets! I am, of course, freaking out because I detest insects with stingers and also destest things I have little to no control over (shocking, I know...ha ha!).

Any comments on treating would be appreciated...