sorry...we're still developing our new habits!

So as Brian stated, we have failed at our new year's resolution. But, lots is going on and now of course, I'm sick with a horrible cold. Anyway, here's the catch-up.

Last weekend we had some friends (Shawn & Shawn) from Wisconsin come down for a visit to balmy Ohio. (I grew up with girl Shawn, and we met boy Shawn over the weekend.) They came down by train late Thursday evening and after Brian's classes Friday we travelled to Cleveland for some exploring. We had an excellent dinner at the Cleveland Chophouse Friday night, had some drinks at the bar, and went to sleep. I was fast asleep, Brian even had to take my glasses off for me. Around 2:30am, we were awakened by obnoxious yelling in the hall coming from the D1 basketball player that was on our floor. Brian bolted out of bed, threw open the door, only to be confronted by an empty hallway. (thankfully) He channeled his half-asleep rage to call the front desk and complain nicely. The next morning we found out it was actually a UW-Milwaukee player. oops. Here are some views from our hotel.



Saturday we started off by going to A Christmas Story house. We didn't actually go in, because it seemed like a rip off. BUT, we went to the gift store like any good tourist. Here's a picture for you.


After that we went to the Historical Museum, which had lots of dinosaurs. And, they had an outside zoo-like area with a few animals. Our favorite animals were the bald eagles, but not to feel bad - the eagles that were caged were crippled, so they wouldn't have survived in the wilderness. Pictures:




After our trip down historical lane, we went to the Great Lakes Brewery restaurant. I had a mac n cheese dish to rival Rock Bottom Brewery's - there was pancetta in it. Then we checked out the local market (found awesome cheese counter, but still not as awesome as Shorewood's Sendiks). Last but not least we checked out Lake Erie. We didn't have enough time for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, so we scoped out the gift shop and toured around the lakefront - nice skyscape. pictures....




Then we left The Shawns in Cleveland to catch their train the next morning. On Sunday, Misty and I made a homemade pizza and played BoomBlox on the Wii while Brian was at school.

In other news, Brian is officially ranked #7 in his class, and therefore gets inducted into Willis Society, which means he finished in the top 10 of his class. (yay! resume builders!) And, as a teaser for those of you that don't know - Brian's off to Rwanda in August. Watch for more details!

laaate

New Year's Resolution fail - I know - it's on me. Janet is going to pick up the slack soon with photos from our day in Cleveland, and possibly my near-altercation with a D-1 bball player.

At least our lives aren't boring....

So it's my turn for writing this week, and I have much to report. Brian got a few more grades back, but he's still waiting on some. BUT, so far so good! He has been busy with law review and he entered a national writing competition, so that has been keeping him busy until he goes back to school tomorrow. (I'll let him write more about all that next week.)

I made my television debut on the noon local news program to talk about Ohio State Lima's Super Science Saturday program, which is a partnership between OSU, Time Warner Cable and the Lima Public Library. Three times a year, we have a free science program for kids K-2nd grade at the Library. The first one was on nutrition, this last one was on astronomy. (Thankfully, I didn't say astrology.) Basically, we set up 3-4 "stations" throughout the Library and kids rotate through. One station is led by OSU faculty, one is led by the Library staff, one is by a community expert, and one station is a Starlab portable planetarium - which looks like a giant inflatable igloo. Kids have to crawl in, and it's pretty impressive. Anyway, my tv appearance was all very last minute because the person that was supposed to go was sick. Thankfully it was only a few minutes, and it seemed to go alright.

Saturday's program went very well. We had a HUGE turnout, many more than were registered and more than double than the first program. Check in was a bit of a mess, but we can fix that for next time. The rest of my Saturday I planned to nap and read while Brian did his paper until we were to go pick up some friends at the airport.

We left for the airport maybe around 6:30 or 7pm, and were just about 10 minutes out of Ada in a tiny neighboring town when we saw a dog frantically chasing cars in the middle of the street. Because Brian and I tend to leap into things, we drove after the dog, pulled over, opened our car door and started yelling for him. Well, the dog jumped right in, so we drove back home and dropped me and the dog off and that's where our plan ended. Unfortunately. While Brian went to Columbus, I set up the dog in the garage. Towelled him off, put a furry rug out with food, water and a tiny space heater. I called the police department, and they asked if we didn't mind that we keep him overnight, because they only have an outside cage that is all snowed in.

Now it's Sunday, and I've called EVERYWHERE and nothing is open to take him. So, now the big danger is here - I find this doggie adorable!! He's very affectionate, rarely barks, has not showed any signs of aggression at all. I think he can do tricks. He does pee when he's scared, but hey, who doesn't, right? I gave him a bath, and he might have some flea hanger ons that haven't quite frozen, so I was careful to only let him in the bathroom (for washing) and the laundry room (for drying.) Even after his bath, he's still stinky. And while Brisco doesn't chase and nip at him, Brisco is angry that there is a guest in the garage and he's acting out (with his only weapon - his bladder! Everytime I turn around he's getting more to drink, so he's got more ammunition.) I'm going to try to get a picture of our visitor to post later.

We're hoping one of our classmates will adopt him - we'll keep you updated!
UPDATE: Our friend Tyler is going to take him. He is out shopping for doggie supplies right now! All it took was for Tyler to see how adorable and friendly he is!

Christmas and NYC

The semester is over, and I am anxiously awaiting grades to come in. We celebrated by heading to WI for a brief visit. If we didn't get to see you (which is a distinct possibility), we're sorry we missed you. The highlights, in a nutshell, involved dinners with friends at Lake Park Bistro and Nanakusa. After visiting with family, we left Wisconsin on the 27th at 4:00 a.m. for Ada. After a short layover I met up with my friend Kyle, who accompanied me on a three-day road trip to NYC. The purpose of the trip for for an interview with the Nassau Co. Prosecutor's Office, included with it a day in the City.

NYC was amazing! Kyle and I were fortunate to meet up with a law school classmate who grew up in the city, and whose brother lives there now. After meeting, we walked around a bit, saw some touristy sites like time square, ate a hot dog, and found the most delicious pizza place (http://www.artichokepizza.com/node). We saw Central Park, ate cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery (yum), ate some falafel (also yum), and had drinks at a bar near the Empire State Bldg. at a rooftop bar (and it was only $9 beer night!). After a stop at a Mexican restaurant for more beer, and yucca chips with guacamole, we ended the night at The Summit Bar (http://www.thesummitbar.net/) - and drank the most unique cocktails (check out the drink menu).

The interview went well enough, and We made it from long island to New Jersey in one hour at 4:00 p.m. We were told that this made us true New Yorkers. While I don't know if that's the case, I would have found it quite ironic if I would have gotten a ticket immediately after an interview with a prosecutor's office!!!

In any event, the road trip went well, and Kyle was a fantastic travel companion, with a TON of music on his iPod. The most interesting part of the trip was checking into the Red Roof Inn in long island (Red Roof Inn - NEVER AGAIN). The lesson learned was when you are asked "do you mind a room on the first floor?" - the answer is ALWAYS "YES!!!". After saying no, and discovering a window that did not close or lock, we arranged for a second floor room, convinced that there was a plot between the desk worker and the scary security guard to kill us in our sleep! Fortunately, we lived to tell the tale.

Bloggin' Ahead

A pact was made - Brian and Janet will alternate, and by each Sunday a new blog will be posted.

With Brian's recent trip to NYC - he will be the first. Look for it by tomorrow, 11:59 p.m. EST.

Happy New Year.