Life Changes
by Sara on March 27th, 2009
Hello to all! I apologize for the lack of interesting updates in the past week or so; I’ve been busy. Spring break certainly hasn’t provided a break for me, as I’ve been working half days and writing my thesis, as well as preparing for a government test that looms ahead of me in just under two weeks.
Here’s some exciting information: my brother Brian received ESD All-Conference honors for his efforts on the basketball court this year! He also was honored by his teammates with the Best Defense Award, the Best Field Goal Percentage award, and the Most Improved Award. I’m a proud sister, as expected.
In other news, the date for my thesis defense (or, in Latin, viva voce) has been set: in the afternoon of May 7, 2009, I will be defending my thesis with all I’ve got to a panel of three faculty members at Augustana College. As the date approaches, I will let you all know more information. The viva voce process is free and open to the public. I’m nervous but excited to present my hard work to the academic world, and I welcome you all to come, unless you’re going to make me nervous :)
Also: the end of Spring break marks the final time I’ll have to take midterm exams as an undergraduate. YES!! :) I’m anxious to receive my grades in the next few weeks, and see where I’m at so far this semester.
My last round of midterms also means that graduation is approaching, and I feel very proud to announce that I will be graduating Augustana College with a double major in English and journalism, a minor in philosophy, and a distinction in English (pending my thesis approval). I will also be graduating Magna Cum Laude, an honor that I worked diligently for and am so excited to earn.
I’ve also obtained a full-time job after graduation! As some of you know, I’ve been working as the Administrative Assistant for the American Coalition for Ethanol, a non-profit organization that I’ve interned at twice over my college career. I’m excited to take on new challenges as I transition in that position from part time work to a full time commitment, and can’t wait to see what lies ahead of me in my time at ACE.
A few prayer requests, if you don’t mind: Jordan and my friends, Eric and Jill, who are enduring difficult times; my brother Brian, for guidance for his future; my Aunt Laurie, for guidance for her future as well; and for all graduating seniors, both high school and college, who are trying to find their way.
Blessings,
Sara
The Rolls-Royce Claytons :)
by Sara on March 22nd, 2009
Hi!
So last night, I participated in my very first fantasy baseball draft. I’m in a league that Jordan’s been in for six years, and I took over a team, renaming it The Rolls-Royce Claytons, after one of my favorite Cardinal from back in the day, Royce Clayton.
Because I took over a team from a manager that wasn’t interested in playing fantasy this season, I got to keep three “keepers.” With $5 to spend on keepers, I kept pitcher Francisco Liriano, outfielder Grady Sizemore, and pitcher Ervin Santana. I would be overjoyed, if Santana wasn’t hurt, but whatever. It’s nice to have access to a few excellent players.
Going into this draft, I had two strategies: 1. Draft outfielder Josh Hamilton with my first pick (sixth overall). 2. Pick ZERO Yankees. I like my players to have moral quality.
Here’s the players I ended up with:
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Love that name!)
C Yadier Molina (Keeping up my Cardinals pride)
1B Prince Fielder (He was, like, born to play baseball with that name)
1B Casey Kotchman (I know nothing about him)
2B Rickie Weeks (Again, I know nothing)
3B Edwin Encarnacion (I really wanted Juan, but he’s pretty much done; love the last name!!!)
3B Pedro Alvarez (Again, I know nothing)
SS Rafael Furcal (He was the best left when I was looking for a SS)
SS Miguel Tejada (Using him as my utility player)
SS ROYCE CLAYTON!! (He’s a free agent still, but he’s my team’s namesake, so I felt that I had to pick him)
I have an amazingly deep outfield roster; here’s who I have:
OF Josh Hamilton (talk about moral character!)
OF Hunter Pence (I think he’s cute!)
OF Lastings Milledge (Don’t really know him)
OF Adam Jones (Cool!)
OF Denard Span (He had a great end to last season)
OF Grady Sizemore (Keeper)
I’m not necessarily disappointed with my pitching staff, but I’m not totally pumped, either. All of the really great pitchers went as keepers, and while I have two keeper pitchers, I still would’ve liked a few more recognizable names. Here’s who I have:
SP Adam Wainwright (Go Cards!)
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka (My one Boston player, and oh, it pained me)
SP Randy Johnson (Classic)
SP John Maine (I don’t know a thing about him)
SP Francisco Liriano (Keeper)
SP Ervin Santana (Keeper)
For relief pitchers, I have:
RP Brad Lidge (He’s a Phillie, so I’m assuming he’s decent)
RP Brian Wilson (I don’t know anything about him)
RP Chad Qualls (Again, I know nothing)
RP Jason Isringhausen (I recognized this name, so I picked him)
That rounds out the Rolls-Royce Claytons. I’m excited to see what this season brings (hopefully lots of home runs!).
-Sara
Update on Wyatt
by Sara on March 18th, 2009
Hi all,
Well, Jordan and I have had Wyatt the Yorkie for 5 days; I’m sorry I haven’t been able to blog for the past few days, the doggie has been keeping me busy!
He’s a joy to have around; he’s so playful when he gallops around the house, and so cute when he sleeps. Wyatt is always hungry for attention, and will whine if he doesn’t have my full attention, or Jordan’s full attention. His whines are really feeble and cute for about a minute, and then he gets loud and more high-pitched…I don’t let it go that long anymore :)
Our main struggle has been trying to potty-train Wyatt; he has good days and bad days, but on the whole, he’s still struggling to know where to go to the bathroom! Any tips, anyone?
Also, Wyatt isn’t a big fan of his kennel; any tips on how to help him get used to sleeping in there/being in there when we’re gone?
This weekend we’ll give him his first bath; hopefully I’ll have pictures to post, or even better: a video!
Take care,
Sara
Fetch!
by Sara on March 15th, 2009
Click below to watch Wyatt and Jordan play fetch!
Wyatt’s Homecoming Video!
by Sara on March 14th, 2009
Click below to watch a video on Wyatt’s Homecoming!
Wyatt the Yorkie :)
by Sara on March 14th, 2009
Hi all,
So it’s finally happened; I have a dog of my very own!
This morning, Jordan and I drove to Estelline, SD, to pick up our 8-week old Yorkie, Wyatt. He’s the most adorable dog I’ve ever seen (I am biased, but still); he’s so, so small and full of rambunctiousness. He’s still teething, we learned today, as he likes to chew on everything (the seatbelt in the car, my sweatshirt, my scarf, the carpet, paper, a towel, a blanket, etc.).
I feel so blessed to finally have a dog in my life; he’s a lot of work already, but it’s hard not to love something that runs to you when he’s scared and looks you in the eyes with such love.
I’m so happy today :)
Shoutout to the Lynx boys:
by Sara on March 6th, 2009
Thank you for allowing me to enjoy watching you all play basketball over the years. You all have grown into strong men, and I’m so proud of the drive and the gumption that you brought to the game of basketball this season.
Thank you for always putting your heart into every game you play. Thank you for playing hard and making the bleachers the best place to be each game night. Thank you for pushing each other. Thank you for being confident winners and gracious losers. Thank you for the tenacity with which you play each second of every game. Thank you for the way you work together, the way you graciously acknowledge one another, the way you win as a team and lose as a team. That’s what playing a team sport is all about, and you should feel proud of yourselves for the unity you’ve found together as a team.
I am very proud of all of you; you all have a lot to be proud of as well. You’ve all grown into your own this season; you were finally given the floor, and you commanded it, each in your own way. You should feel especially proud to be viewed as role models for all of the little kids that come to the games. Win or lose, those kids think you’re the best, and so do I.
Here’s to a great season full of memories, sparkled with moments of pride and accomplishment. Let the difficult struggles fall to the side; you boys have nothing to be ashamed of, and everything to be proud of.
-Sara