Random Things in Omaha

First, I have a little shout out for my good friend, Kyle. He is boarding a plane this Saturday morning for Micronesia, where he will be serving with WorldTeach this year. I already put this up on my Facebook after asking his permission, of course. "This guy right here is one of the best friends I have and originally told me about WorldTeach. After returning from a year as a volunteer teacher myself, he is heading off for his year of teaching. Federated States of Micronesia, be good to him. You will be lucky to have him. Go get 'em, Mr. Eagen!" I know he is looking into starting a blog, and when he does I can post the link on mine. May not write as much as I did while I was on the island, but it may interest some of you.

Went with Cassie and Kyle to "Half-Price Books", which was super fun for me. I bought 5 books for an average of $2 each. Woot! I added them to my shelf with the books I had picked up thrifting with my parents last weekend. I have a whole bookshelf at home that is pretty much full, but these are just a few to last me for a while. I'm really trying to put some reading from a book back into my daily activities. I slacked off for a while in that department.

I was looking through the photography section in the bookstore, and my eye was caught by this book. I recognized the author mentioned "Louis L'Amour". He is famous for some short stories, poems, and novels. This actually is a non-fiction book he wrote about the American Frontier accompanied by some beautiful photographs. I will definitely be perusing the text of the book one of these days, but I started by flipping through most of the photographs.

I hung a few pictures up on these tree and leaf wall hangings that are currently in the room I am staying at in the Omaha house with the Eagens. Having many pictures on the wall is just something I do.

We girls are funny some times when we try to figure out what everyone else is wearing to a gathering. Are we wearing dresses? Just going in shorts? Are we going to be taking lots of pictures together while there? This is one with Sarah. We went for the dresses that night.

I joined Jessie and Tyler to help Cassie organize some of her books in her classroom. She wanted to put little library cards in all of them so she could keep track of which books students were using more. We spent a couple of hours in there. The night before Kyle and I helped fold the little card holders. Wednesday morning, then, I wrote titles and authors on cards as Jessie and Tyler taped the card holders into the books. We had a good little system, and the time went by pretty quickly. It was also fun to be a part of the teacher discussion. All three of them teach here in the area. Cassie's classroom is actually in Council Bluffs.

Cassie treated us to lunch afterward for helping out. She took us to this little place called Cellar19, where she recommended their sandwiches and salads. I went for the veggie crisp sandwich on a baguette. Pretty good, but there was some sauce in there that was quite potent and strong. Woo doggy. I tried avoiding it on the second half of the sandwich. Good stuff, though. Nice little sophisticated feeling place, too.

We are off to Syracuse tonight, where Karena lives, for a little ladies' craft night. After the little craft project with Cassie and Sarah the other day, I had to start looking up ideas for what to make while at this party. While I was doing such, I stumbled upon this way of transfering my own photos to canvases. I've always wanted to buy one, but I haven't ever decided which one to spend the money on. I gave this method a trick, and I'm pretty happy with the results. This is just a 5x7" original photo by Jessica Boschen. You don't quite get the full effect looking at this photo, but it turned out well. Been in this crafty mood. We shall see how my project goes Thursday night.

I've been pretty good about doing at least a 30-minute workout 5 days a week these past few weeks. I did my 99-workout on Monday morning while incorporating some jump rope, after my mom sent me home with one from home that hasn't been used much. Past couple of days, I've pulled out the Insanity Cardio Recovery workout, which focuses on some strength. Still break a little sweat, and it sure has made my muscles sore. Working them in ways I haven't in a while. I think I'm going to try that out for a few weeks.

Spent two afternoons at the pool over at Cassie's apartment complex. Tuesday, Kyle and I spent 3 hours over there with her. Wednesday, Sarah and I joined her for about an hour and a half. I've got a little tan going on. Most wouldn't think so, but I have some pretty white skin to begin with. haha. Hanging out at the pool all afternoon has never really been my thing, but this has been fun and relaxing. I usually read my book while there and chat some. Wasn't as warm out Wednesday afternoon as it was Tuesday.

Hope you all are having a good week!