My cousin is getting married.
Her announcement was in the paper today.
She’s as smart as they come, cute as a button, nicer than anything and in MY eyes, she’s still TWO!!!

When Dan and I were first married, we never had enough money. Especially at the end of the month when our paycheck ran out before the month ran out.
My uncle and aunt would always feed us and we’d have so much fun visiting them.
And Ashely was two years old and fun Fun FUN to be around.

They named our first dog, Murray.
They fed us for several months and made us feel so grown up.
They asked me to be Ashely’s godmother, and I was very happy to do that.

Dan had a picture of me and Ashely on his fridge at college and his room-mates thought she was my DAUGHTER because she had red hair!

She graduated from college a few years ago and is now working in Omaha. Her fiance has a great job, too. This is the next step.

Getting Married.
Megan and I are going to her shower this Saturday, and that will be great fun.

ohhhhhhhh. I can’t believe she’s getting married.
So exciting.

The governor was in town for breakfast. Lots of Nebraska issues to discuss. Everyone wants something and according to Governor Dave, we’re ALL gonna have to tighten our belts.

That is, AFTER breakfast!

The Blair School board is pro-active in planning the future of Blair schools. On the ballot in the Nov. 7 election will be a local bond issue to approve a 19.5 million bond issue to build a new elementary school, add on to a few other buildings, add a gym to the high school and renovate the music and choir areas of that building.

More about the bond issue here.
But I’m thinking about the people who are helping get the word out.

People ARE Campaigns.
There is no campaign without enthusiastic, vocal, involved people…on BOTH sides of the issue.
The committee working to pass this bond issue is unbelievable. One person volunteers to do this and another commits to do that and before you know it, yard signs are produced and speeches are given and tables at events are set up and the word gets out.

And the supporters of this effort are also very enthusiastic. When they talk about how great this is for the community…..and how being pro-active is pro-Blair. Families must keep moving into our community to keep it vital, and our schools need to be strong and READY.

My dad always told me his job was to do things people think just happen.
I am meeting people who make things happen.
And it is exciting!

Get informed.
And don’t forget to vote.

Fifteen Seconds…Seventeen Years Ago….October 17, 1989…..Pregnant with Matt……..San Francisco Earthquake.
Dan and I were there.

I watched a special about it tonight.
I haven’t thought of that event much. I was there. I felt it. I was affected by the earthquake.
But I don’t think of it much.

We were staying in a very nice hotel and they took great care of us.
So many people were there for a large convention.
We slept in our room that night, but were awakened the next morning by the hotel intercom, urging us to try to leave.
No electricity, no food, dwindling work force….you can imagine.
We were never charged for that event.
I can still remember that voice on the intercom. We were sleeping and his voice woke us.
He said something like we are all here and today is a new day. And he thanked God.

The day after the quake, we were scheduled to tour a winery near San Francisco. We never made it.

I hope to someday go back.
To the same hotel.
and thank them.

.And pay our bill

Although I am a growed-up woman, sometimes I feel a little small.
Sometimes, the negatives creep in, and the inner-voice can get loud, and the colors get faded.

And, at those times, you MAKE yourself do things.
And it is hard.

And, I just finished a week of doing things.
Eye Doctor.
Tooth Doctor.
Body Doctor.
All my parts are doing well, but I’ve got to start taking batter care of them. I’m only half done using them.

But I did something else today.
I had lunch with an old friend.
And we talked long into the afternoon.
We talked of our disappointments and good days and dreams and problems and we encouraged each other.
And it was easy.

And my children talk to me.
My daughter stops by to show me a great test grade.
And she calls to ask my advice on a store in Omaha.
And my son totally enjoys a special after school treat I made for him.
And he brings home a friend or two for a bit and I hear them laugh.

And I step out of myself.
And see the colors.