And I'm still kicking

So, it's been a really long month.  Janelle and I have been exchanging email with our dad and we talked to him on his birthday.  That was pretty cool...and weird...and cool.  We're slowly getting to know him and our newly discovered siblings.  It's going to be a long and slow process because we've got almost 33 years of catching up to do.  How's that for nuts?

School is going well, though there have been some glitches with the online classes.  I have to say I really like not having to go to class and can just do the work, but I actually really miss the class discussion aspect of it.  That has always been my favorite part of any class.  I'm hoping to be able to take a literature class next semester, in person, with all my lovely and entertaining comments for the whole class to enjoy.  : p

The last week in particular has been a hard one.  One of Jocie's favorite teachers was killed in an ATV accident.  She did everything right, including helmet and safety gear and a controlled speed.  I guess that's what makes it an accident.  She was one of those amazing teachers who brings her subject to life.  That was obviously evident at the memorial service on Friday.  Students going back as far as her classes from the 70's came to say goodbye to a teacher they still remembered with fondness.  That's testament to the lives she touched and changed over 38 years of teaching.  She will be missed.  It's been hard for Jocie, because this is the first person she has lost in life and the suddenness of it has really thrown her for a loop.  It's been hard for me to see her so upset and know that there is nothing I can do to take that pain away.  This is part of life and she'll just have to grieve.

Well, folks, that's about all for now.  I wish I could be slightly more entertaining for you today, but my dog kept me up until after 1:00 last night and I didn't even take a nap today on my extra day off.  I see an early bedtime in my future (well, right after Castle anyway).