
Monday, December 31, 2007
St. Sylvester

Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Ohio TRIVIA!!!!!
What happens Friday at noon?*
*note, there are many answers, but one correct answer...
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Time to assimilate!
Today, I got my BuckID - this means I can now buy Ohio propaganda at a better rate and get sports tickets. And, some of the other offices at the school are seriously covered in Ohio stuff from floor to ceiling -- I might have to purchase a few items to fit in.
Thanks for all of your well wishes!!!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
In other news, I start my new job tomorrow! I'll be working at Ohio State University - Lima campus in the development office. It's a state school so the benefits are great! And, the staff in the office seemed really nice, so I'm excited to get more people interaction. And, I quit the retail job, because I wanted to keep my sanity.
Also, we got another car so I don't have to hitchhike to work. It's a white, '96 Chrysler Sebring LXI. It's in really great condition, and seems to be running okay. And, we got a pretty good deal on it.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Lots to talk about!!!
In other news, I have 2 more interviews this week. One tomorrow for an accounting assistant at a factory and one Wednesday for a program assistant in the development department at Ohio State University - Lima Campus. I'm hoping the one on Wednesday goes particularly well. In addition to these interviews, I also got a part-time job! It's at Elder-Beerman (like a Younkers or Boston Store), and is only a sales associate position, but it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!
And lastly, worth mentioning - over the weekend the Badgers were vindicated for their loss to the nutty Buckeyes. The #1 ranking OSU team fell to Illinois.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
My new favorite internet video...
By an English animator called Simon Tofield and it is actually called 'Cat Man Do'. He works for an animation company called Tandem Films.
Politikin'
See this op-ed piece in the NY Times from NY Senator Schumer for a well written explanation why I disagree with WI Senators Feingold and Kohl for their disapproval of nomination of Judge Michael B. Mukasey for U.S. Attorney General.
Yes - this is one of those rare times that I agree with Bush 43rd. NPR has some good reporting on Judge Mukasey when he was announced as nominee, and my opinion hasn't changed since then (and I have to admit, that I am slightly surprised with Kohl on this one...)
Saturday, November 3, 2007
In the lion's den
WHAT A GAME - that is, if games only lasted three quarters. I actually started to believe that I'd walk through this pub from the back outdoor patio where we sat, passing two hundred CRAZED Buckeye fans, smiling clad in cardinal W's. Well, if you haven't seen the score of the Badger's game, sorry for the spoiler, but they (we) lost.
It was fun, and I only got heckled badly by one "fan", who was wearing his buckeye gear. He offered me a dollar for my Badgers hat, and I retorted he should keep his dollar, and buy five Buckeye hats. It was completely lost on him, and the "badgering" of the Badger fan didn't bother me so much, since OSU was favored to win.
The moral of the story - OSU fans are seriously, seriously, crazy!!! I vow not to assimilate, and will continue to be a Badger booster.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
employment difficulties....

Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Catch up!
We're a little behind in our blogs, but have much to report! Two weekends ago, we had a great visit from Jeff & Mary! They arrived on Friday evening, and we had an activity packed weekend. We went to the Red Pig Inn for ribs and came back to our apartment for games galore!
Sunday afternoon we went to Tiffin, to do some exploring (and really so I wouldn't get lost going to an interview.) An update on my employment situation - I've had several promising interviews in the last 2 weeks, so I'm hopeful. I particularly liked some of the people I met at Tiffin University and at Owens Community College. We'll see what pans out.
Another update coming soon about Brian's Fall Break. (I'm always on Break!)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
What's in a name?

Sunday, October 14, 2007
Weekend Last
Friday, October 12, 2007
at the races...
Two weekends ago Janet and I attended one of the marvelous activities ever to transpire at the Hancock County Fairgrounds - the Annual National Dachshund Races! Yes - "wiener dogs". They raced, people cheered, and the stakes were almost as low as the racers were to the ground.
All in all it was a fun time - the race itself took place in one of the event halls - otherwise known as a concrete barn. There were bleachers set up around the 25 foot raceway (sprint), and a stage on which a very annoying emcee announced the events, and made jokes that only he seemed to think were funny (and some double-entendres that would conservative censorship gurus to have been on fox news the following morning calling for his head - and honestly, we thought a few comments were a bit too risque for the children...)
Digressing, we stayed for the younglings - up until about 1 1/2 years old, and then saw the senior races. Very rarely would they just tear off from the starting blocks to their respective handlers, making for a competitive race. In reality, it was more like "dumb dogs walking around sniffing the astro turf seeking treats." It was highly entertaining though, however, pretty clear that the event, which I'd say garnered about 400 spectators, has outgrown it's facility, and there is a need to expand, perhaps next year have a jumbo-tron for better viewing capabilities.
Below is a video clip that shows some racing, for a second at least, from the beat vantage point I had with our digital camera!
This weekend we're graced with the presence of our friends Jeff & Mary, who are presently on their way to the Yuckeye State - oh, sorry - that's the Buckeye state (see Kevin, I'm still retaining my Badger heritage!!!!!)
Next blog - also retroactive - about last weekend's trip to Wisconsin for a visit with friends, family, and my goddaughter Grace's baptism!!!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Breakfast...
There - a blog - I'm under fire for not blogging in a while - and as Janet reminds me - it's my turn, because I have all the photos from the Daschund races.
So, tonight, there will be substantial blog material!
Peace!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Shear cheer!

Monday, September 24, 2007
Would you like cheese with your whine?
When we first got there we ended up meeting someone's husband, Lance, who is from New Orleans. He works on a ship that basically maps the ocean's floor looking for oil. He's home every other month and told us some ship stories. Then I got to meet Brian's property professor. She's new to the school this year and is from Indiana, and brought her son. She was very nice. After that we started talking to one of the LLM students, Austin from Malawi. He has travelled more in the US, than most of us probably have, and has a very sincere appreciation for the US government. He even named his son after Jefferson, because of his political writings. When he told us that he named his son after the 3rd president, Brian said Jefferson, and Austin said that Brian is the FIRST American to get it correct!!! Isn't that horrible? So, anyway we talked more and it was very inspiring to just go home and learn more about our government, which we often take for granted. And of course, to learn about other countries. We also met Fred, from Kenya, who invited us to someday visit him. He left before we could talk too much with him. But Kenya has taken in a large number of refugees and has worked hard to keep fighting in Somalia from coming into their country. Both of these issues have caused a big strain on the government and resources. Again, a reminder of how lucky we are. We also got our pictures taken with Fred and Austin which may make Brian one step closer to his ultimate goal of being one of the "models" on the giant ONU outdoor billboard on the way into Ada.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Driving Tests and Doggie Doors
We've got a puppy! Brisco is his name-o. He's a 1 and 1/2 year old Shih Tzu , and a gooooood boy! Nice to have a little more company, especially for Janet while I am at school!
He likes kibble, long walks on the blacktop, and having the hair out of his eyes so he can see things!
Still getting used to his new house, but he's settling in nicely.
In other Ohio news - Janet and I both passed out driver's test!!!! That's right, in order to get an Ohio license, we had to take a 40 question multiple choice test, showing that we wouldn't join all the other maniacs on the road. From my perspective, the test needs to be given to all the others living here, with the first question dealing with how to use a turn signal!!!!!
Classes are going well. I've joined a law fraternity - Phi Alpha Delta - and will be inducted next week (this is a professional organization people - no hazing jokes please.) Classes are going well...5 weeks in already.
Janet had a job interview this week, that went well, and has another next week - so good luck to her!!!
Stay tuned for more trivia soon.....
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
WI news...from OH...broadcast to the World!!!!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Your Dose of Ohio Trivia...
Ohio is rich in its civil war history, though, throughout the course of the war, there was only one significant battle fought here.
Question: On what date of the battle and what was the location of the battle (also by reference the name of the battle)?
Bonus Question: What three notable figures in American History are said to have been present at the battle?
(Rules for this trivia: first person to post correct answer to the Question receives a prize. First person to post correct answer to Bonus Question receives a prize (if it's the same person, they get a prize upgrade!) The Ohio Experiment trivia winners are not eligible to win back to back questions (Sorry Heidi, but we need to spread around the cool prizes!!!)
Monday, September 10, 2007
An addendum.
And they had a HUGE miniature train display that was amazing. They had all sorts of tiny little people posed all over and even "underground" and they had stories for all the different settings.
Thanks again dad for coming to visit!!
Living the Ohio Dream...
Last weekend we had the pleasure of hosting Rick (Janet's dad for those not in the know). he arrived Saturday morning, and after he and Janet bummed around town and I studied, we drove a 1/2 mile down the road for the "festival" taking place at the Northwest Ohio RR Preservation Society.
It was an annual festival with food (notably homemade ice cream from some type of John Deere contraption, see photo); a 1/4 scale steam locomotive offering rides; a large and impressive train layout; tour of an old caboose many tractors and other old-timey tractors and steam engine powered stuff. the coolest part for me was the modestly sized civil war reenactment encampment, while Janet loved the alpacas!



We had a nice dinner, and went to see the film 3:10 to Yuma, which was GREAT!!!! I think I can speak for all three of us that we highly recommend it. Also, we found a wonderful new bookstore in Findlay, The Stately Raven, which is housed in a beautiful old church, recently renovated for its new purpose. We'll likely be spending much more time there in the coming months...
Sunday was relaxing, mixed with studying, and watching (but mostly fast-forwarding) the recorded Badgers and Packers football games. We're determined to "buck" the system, and not become "Buckeye" fans just because we're Ohians...Ohioans...Ohionites...um, people who live in Ohio. And, just to make our friends in Italy jealous, we also enjoyed take-away from Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner!
Coming soon - more fun Ohio trivia...stay tuned.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Our Columbus weekend!
We got home Sunday afternoon and vegged out. On Monday, we went to Kohl's which was great for Brian, depressing for me. I'm too tall for petite size pants, but too short for normal size pants, which led me to the conclusion that I just need to buy more super high heels. And, we went grocery shopping...where we saw a giant Ohio State University football sign made out of seven-up cases. In Wisconsin, you would maybe see something similiar regarding the Packers, but not for the Badgers, unless maybe you were actually in Madison. But we're nearly 2 hours from Columbus - home to OSU. It's really an interesting phenomenon.
Today, I'm doing laundry and made some more banana bread. I've also been watching the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet....so at least my television viewing is educational. And, I finally finished reading the book The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, as recommended by Angie and Laura. I liked it a lot and am mailing it to Charlotte to read!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Happy Labor Day weekend!
On Wednesday, Brian had the day off of school. We were going to go hiking, but it was in the 90's, so we decided against the fatigue and dehydration. Instead we opened up a checking account! Since the bank was downtown, we saw some of the flood damage and clean up efforts. There are just piles of debris (carpet, insulation, wet dryall) in front of nearly every store front. The post office is still not up to full functionality - we couldn't even get postage there!! The library is closed indefinitely due to extensive flood damage. (So much for joining a book club!) And due to the flood Brian and I are now hesitant to buy a car in Findlay. There were a few lots downtown and we're just not sure if those cars were half underwater, or the underwater ones were moved to different lots. What happens in that situation? Does insurance cover the damage to the cars on a used lot?
This weekend we're going to Columbus to visit Bill, Melissa, and Emily. Brian and Bill have been planning, so I think it's going to involve a number of nerdy games. There may be a game store involved, so this could mean trouble!!
Have a safe weekend everyone! And, if you're by the river, go kneeboarding for me as it's one of the last weekends for water fun!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Ohio trivia! Prize for the winner!
This weekend was quiet. We're finding that the most popular things to do in Findlay are go to the movies or the mall, which is making us feel a little like we're back in high school. This Wednesday Brian has no morning classes due to some school wide in-service type thing, and he normally doesn't have any afternoon classes, so we may do some exploring of the area. I'm trying to talk him into going hiking at one of the area state parks.
Last Saturday, we checked out the very close by antique mega-store. It was ginormus!! We got lost in it, and didn't get through the whole thing because Brian got antsy. (Which I really thought would happen to me before him!) But we did find all sorts of red dishes for tick & janel. We also found Grandma Evie & Grandpa Vernie's dish set. (Grandma - if you need any extra plates, or anything, just let me know. Also, some of your dishes were quite pricy!)
And we went to the mall to play with the puppies at the pet store. This was a mistake. Now we just want a puppy. We played with a shitzu and a maltese. I preferred the peppy little girl shitzu and brian preferred the timid little boy maltese. (The maltese peed on me a little.) No puppies for us now, but that may be revisited once I get a job.
TRIVIA!!!
And now, it's time for the long awaited trivia game. The rules are simple. We give a question and the first person to respond with a suitable answer gets a prize mailed to them.
We've been driving along and noticed Ohio licenses claim to be the "Birthplace of Aviation." Why does Ohio get this claim, instead of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina?
We'll watch for your answers in the comment section! Be sure to sign it with your name, if you post as anonymous.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Doxie derby
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Ohio Countryside
Normal day, left at 8:15 a.m. to go to a brief tutorial of a legal research program, and to the library to study before my 10:00 a.m. Property class. Leaving the driveway for the apartment complex, I saw a mini-van parked oddly in the road "that's a very strange place to park, I wonder AHHHHHHHHHH!" I thought. Flooded road.
Stop, turn around, go the other way.
After a while I figure out how to get onto I-75 south, and make my way to school. About 1 mile from the exit to Ohio Hwy. 235 (which leads right to campus), traffic stops. "Crap" I say to myself. After avg. speeds not exceeding 10 mph, I exit, and head south towards campus.
"Well, at least traffic isn't too bad here;" I say to myself "it seems that AHHHHHHHHHH!"
Crap.
Yes, flooded, several roads are, the majority that I could find in fact. Tediously long story short, I drove to Upper Sandusky (far east of campus), took some back roads, and finally found my way to campus, and did in fact make it to my Property class - 2 minutes before it concluded. Fortunately for me before I lost mobile phone range, I was able to call the professor, who was very understanding of the situation.
So, that's that. I wouldn't call things "devastating" per se, but the flooding is worse than I've ever seen in Milwaukee, or the Creek for that matter. Fortunately, from what I've heard from asking people so far, this doesn't seem to be a regular occurrence, so that's a good thing!
As it turns out, things are actually quite serious! The Findlay Courrier is reporting that non-emergency vehicles found on southern roads in Hancock County will be ticketed - looks like I'm going to have to find an alternative route home! Crap in a hat!
As for my classes, I'll be general and brief. i like them, and all the professors seem nice. Having worked for Scott Taylor when he represented a Marquette Student who was heavily punished for blogging about students and professors at the MU Dental School (Scott prevailed by the way) - I will keep my coments to a very cordial and vague minimum at this point!
Okay, really it's that I have to study, because I'm already 2 hours behind my planned library time, and I want to be able to watch 1 or 2 episodes of season 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Janet and I started to re-watch the series before we moved, but now we're clipping along at a bit slower pace!)
Monday, August 20, 2007
Stardust & deals
Today I'm "pounding the pavement" in that I'm really getting into this whole job hunt thing. I've been a little bored not working, but on the other hand, I've kind of enjoyed being a housewife...our house is cleaner than ever before. (which is really saying something since we've just moved in.) And, I've been honing my cooking skills - I made homemade banana bread, which turned out to be quite tasty! I've also been working out with my new found freedom from work. The workout room at the complex is SUPER tiny, which would be awkward if someone else came in, but so far, it's just been me. (Thank goodness!!)
Brian emailed me after his first class - it went well. He'll probably blog about it later, so I don't want to steal any thunder with details.
And for any visitors coming out (Danny - I have to call you back!) if you stay at the Country Inn, you should say you're visiting a university student and you'll get a deal on a rate. And, they have a really good continental plus breakfast....other hotels may do it too, so it doesn't hurt to mention it.
Friday, August 17, 2007
I'm All Orientated!
In any case, to the studies - I've got 5 classes, for a total of 14 credits. Civil Procedure, Torts, Contracts, Property, and Legal Research & Writing. Classes officially start Monday, and I've got loads of reading and case briefing to do before then! (Case briefing is law school speak for summarizing cases, and being prepared to discuss them in class - at times perhaps against one's will.)
Tonight Janet and I took a little break and saw the movie Stardust - which...was...AWESOME!!! Highly recommend it. The rest of the weekend will likely be devoted to study, though we may take a trip tomorrow evening to see the Balloon Fest in Findlay.
Janet will probably post soon, but I wanted to make a little contribution too!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Ohio residents = buckeyes = nuts
Tuesday, we did a LOT of exploring in Findlay. We found a Papa John’s that delivers and a sushi restaurant. And, best of all, we found Menards!!!! We said if we’re homesick we’ll just have to go there, because it smells like home. They even have Sprecher root beer! We also found the local mall, which includes what we think is a budget theater and a book store. After our excursion, we went home and I repotted a plant and planted a mum on a roller pot for outside our door….unfortunately it’s a little shady by our door, so I scooted it out closer to the outside, so it gets enough sun. It looks a little funny just sitting over there, but it’s cheerful.
Wednesday, we did a lot of putting away and stayed in because we were supposed to be getting our internet/tv connection in. By 3:30 we were getting stir-crazy, so we called and apparently it was actually scheduled for today, Thursday! Ooops!
Wednesday night we had our first Ohio thunderstorm. When we got up on Thursday – we both looked at each other and said “do they have tornado sirens in Ohio?” My guess is yes, based solely on the Helen Hunt movie, Twisters. And my mum plant did not roll away in the wind, in case you were wondering.
Brian had orientation today. It went well. He met some of the other students. He got his student ID, which will get me discounts on cute clothes at the women’s boutique! And, his picture is a good one – very slimming, no weird expression! J I stayed home and waited for the Internet guy, who didn’t come until 5:30. But I was productive.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Moved in!
Special thanks to our movers and shakers:
Dad, Rod, & Aaron
Jeff & Angie
Emily & Kevin
And, shout out thanks to our cd makers that made our drive even faster - Tick, Janel & Kate!
More pictures to come! We're "borrowing" a neighbor's internet connection!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Write to us!
1161 Claudia Lane, Apt. #B
Findlay, OH 45840
Here's a floorplan of our place. And once we're settled, we'll post some pictures of it!
