Summer happenings for Al Pal.

I know it has been like a month since I last wrote on here....it has been a busy month! A quick run - down: administering final exams, grading final exams, attending graduation, seeing Dirty Dancing at the Pantages for Krista's birthday, visiting with a friend who moved away, a week in Boston visiting my new nephew Charlie, officially welcoming Alexis into the family, and attending a Spanish conference in Las Vegas. Whew.

Graduation was a good time - listened to my friend/co-worker Nate give the graduation speech which rocked, then I went to some grad parties with Krista and Sara. I felt kind of weird going to these parties, since they are my students - and I would be going to their houses....but then I just thought back to Mr. Hevern and Mrs. Tschida and all was well!

To celebrate my roommate Krista's birthday - a group of us saw Dirty Dancing in Los Angeles at the cute little theatre called the Pantages. I had never seen the movie, but I promptly watched it that evening and I now love it!

My friend Sonja was in town for a few days before I left for Boston, so I was able to hang with her and catch up. She and I climbed Half Dome together two summers ago.

Boston was amazing. I met little Charlie Kleinsasser - he's the sweetest, cutest nephew I have ever seen in my entire life - and I am not biased at all. :) I also got a tour of Harvard and the Boston Common with my cousin Noelle. (we also spent MANY hours watching episodes of Gilmore Girls season one so my parents could understand my obsession...and it worked! Listening to my dad laugh in every episode = priceless.)

Alexis Cole - not technically the newest member of our family, but we all rejoiced with H&N when they heard the good news! I'm a big fan of adoption...

Las Vegas was .... hot. A few teachers and I went for a Spanish conference, which was pretty good - but all we really wanted to do was lay by the pool and nap. I decided I should probably think about getting some continuing education credits (yuck), so I am going to do some follow-up work with all the great stuff I learned at the conference.

Today - I went to my dad's cousin's grandson's son's birthday party. Did you follow that? Let's just say it was my cousin's party. His name is Noah and he's two today. I got to show off pictures of Charlie like a proud aunt and confirm H&N's adoption news with everyone too.

Tomorrow and Tuesday - I'm doing something .... pretty big. Let's just say it's a once in a lifetime opportunity I cannot pass up - and it will make for a good story...I'll tell you about it when it's all over....so you can just wait with anticipation. :)

Amidst the craziness of June - I have somehow found time to make it all the way to Season 6 of Gilmore Girls. I think I have figured out one of the biggest reasons I love the show: Luke Danes. I know, I know...he's grouchy and only wears flannels. But, let's face it: I am a sucker for the normal, down-to-earth type guys. :)

Until Wednesday....:)