Pat's Journal

February made me shiver, with every paper I'd deliver

It's time to bring this blog into 2010. So what have I been up to this year so far?

-- A breather at work

Everyone and their brother wanted to have their projects completed by the end of the year in 2009. Since we're in the new year, now there are few deadlines. I've been able to take vacation days off that I worked on in December. I still have enough things to do, but it's at my own pace and schedule. No large projects yet, but I have heard about a few that could be interesting.

-- Sharon's brother finally out of the hospital

Sharon's brother in California went in for surgery on 11/19/09, and due to a series of complications spent over two months there. This was emotionally draining on him and his family, who were at his bedside almost full-time. Sharon had a few days off of work on MLK weekend, so she flew out to L.A. to see him, cheer him up, and give some relief to the other family members. Her brother finally went home for the last time this past Saturday (1/30). He's doing better and is resting at home.

-- S's college options

My son S has been accepted by MSU-Mankato and MSU-St. Cloud, and was put on a waiting list for acceptance at Marquette (my alma mater). He also decided to apply to UW-Milwaukee, since he'd really like to attend a school in a big city away from home. We haven't heard from them yet. Right now St. Cloud is the backup choice, so we're starting to look at financial aid and housing options there, and filling out the FAFSA forms.

-- Vikings disappoint again

With the addition of Brett Favre to the Vikings and HDTV's to our household, we have watched more football this season than in recent memory. I had no high expectations for the Vikings to win in the playoffs, but after the way they pounded Dallas in the first playoff game, I was hopeful. Then the Saints game came along, and even though the Vikings made numerous mistakes during the game, they still had a chance to win at the end. Of course, Brett Favre, who had thrown very few interceptions all season, decided to throw one at the critical point in the game. The Saints capitalized on his error and won. Now on Sunday all I'll get excited about watching are the commercials.

Other than those headlines, we're following our usual winter routines. S is playing rec basketball, K is skiing at Afton Alps, and Sharon and I are rehearsing with the orchestra. Our next concert is on Feb. 28th. More details to come.

posted by pat @ 12:14 PM