Things are going well today

And for the past week for the most part.

I got back and focussed on thesis work after last week;s distractions. I'm making progress, and actually enjoying the process. This "sabbatical" was the right idea -
I really was dreading it to some degree. I thought I would really miss teaching (I do) and find myself squandering the time while wishing I was in the classroom. But this uninterrupted time has been very beneficial. I have a hell of a lot of work ahead of me, and may eventually go nuts form the day to day isolation. But for now, things are happening, I'm making progress, and looking forward to meeting with my advisor as I actually have accomplished stuff and have lots to discuss. Also, because I am not doing daycare and drop-off for the most past (thanks Roni!!!!!), I have more time in the morning and afternoon. I get an earlier start on my work and have been exercising in the late afternoon. Man, I am seriously out of shape! But at least it's a start. I've been going to the Hopkin's Homewood gym. It's a really nice facility, but I am happier doing things outside. I look forward to non-sub-20 weather in the spring so I can walk, run and bike outside.

Boy am I babbling. But, like, whatever. Oh, and this past weekend we had some fun. On Saturday we drove down to Tacoma Park to chill with Jim and Lily. Their boys Joseph and Loren entertained Micah and Emmet (and us!) as we got to meet newest family member Isabelle - a cutie. We dined on Peruvia style chicken and yuca from a local carryout, hung out a ton and didnt hit the road home until late. We ended up getting home around 8 pm, and Micah and Emmet were beyond tired. A lot of melting down followed, but it was because we had such an awesome day, so I ain;t mad at 'em. Unfortunately, I had to miss the ping pong tournament at Brian's house, but now at least I can talk smack about how I would have obliterated everyone in competition, since there is no datato dispute it. On Sunday morning we drive 45 minutes north to the "Maryland House" rest stop to meet up for breakfast with Bubby and Pop. They were in Wilmington visting Debra and Aaron and welcoming Lily home. (yes, Lily finally came home from the NICU - unfortunately she had to go back today because of a stomach condition - hopefully she'll recover and be back home soon - poor Debra and Aaron this has been a hellride for them). We at at Bob's Big Boy - I haven;t been to one of those in 4ever. Let me tell you the menu stays the same- grease, fat and more grease. Afterall, Bob didn't get big from gulping down fat-free yogurt. It was a fun visit and good to see them. Afterwards we came back to Bmore to attend a birthday party for one of Micah's friends. It was at a duckpin bowling alley. If you have not seen a bunch of 4 year olds bowling, you;ve missed out. No less than 3 balls on a lane at once, resets happening al the time, and finer pinchings abounding. Micah and Emmet had fun, but were tired and growing increasingly melt downable as finger pinchings proliferated. We stayed long enough to have cake and then set sail for Hampden, jets on.