Hello Wisconsin!!!

So Wisconsin rocks. All I've truly known about Wisconsin, I've learned from That 70's Show, so this trip was truly enlightening. I flew from CLT to MKE, only after some re-arranging due to a cancelled flight. All I have to say about the airport stuff -- there's just as many issues as standby but now the issues are more expensive to me. All ended up well -- Loud and I discovered Milwaukee's Little Mexico, managed to wander our way into downtown and proceeded to eat dinner and experience a little bit of Milwaukee; I was happy I got to have my Bratwurst & Knackwurst!!! After our excursion, we picked up BBR with no issues and headed to Madison.

Saturday morning, we woke up and started our day at The Hubbard. It was everything I wanted and expected it to be. I love diners!!! We then headed out to see Epic. That place was amazing -- what a ecclectic work environment. You'd find something new there everyday!!!
Saturday p.m. we headed to dinner in Madison & went for after drinks at Frida's -- the little Latin restaurant that turned hip-hop come 11pm. Some of Loud's friends from work dropped in and the night was full of energy. Madison is definitely a cool town!!

Come Sunday, the fun began -- Loud tells the story well, I just had to add in a visual of the drunk hostess.

Christmas at the Rouse's

It was Reese's first Christmas and she had a blast. Toys, treats, food, food and more food.

She was a blast to watch all day, a pure ball of energy, playing with toy after toy, messing with Maggie (the resident Rouse dog), running laps in the muddy backyard resulting in a towel bath from her Mama and Grandma -- too funny!!
Big Daddy Rouse and I seem to take this same picture every Christmas at the Rouse's.

The Rouse Family -- Mr. Roger, Mama Jane, Big Daddy and Maggie

The Mouse-Rouse Family Pic

Christmas was different this year -- we woke up at 10:00am, it was crazy!!

I missed everyone immensely but I had a good day nonetheless.

Ate some improvised Shrimp & Grits for breakfast.

Spent the morning opening some presents -- a vest jacket, some cool socks, wine, jewelry

and some much needed spending money for my upcoming visit to Wisconsin.

And of course, we watched A Christmas Story - Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra.

Biltmore on Christmas Eve

Brad and I woke up early to leave for Asheville and head to Biltmore with his parents. I can't ever remember going in the past, so it was wonderful for me. It was completely amazing to walk around this house and see how the Vanderbilts lived.

My future child will marry a Vanderbilt, I am willing this to come true. Mama Jane and I doing the classic picture pose.

A great Rouse family picture!!

In perfect Mouse-tourist-fashion,
I had to rub the cherub belly.

I had a wonderful day!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVERYONE!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

I MISS YOU!!!

It's a crazy feeling -- I have 2 weeks off and I'm getting paid and not taking sick leave or vacation, it's just part of the gig. That's just amazing to me. Last night, it felt like a Friday because I knew I didn't have to wake up at the butt-crack of dawn to head to school. It's was an awkward feeling really.

In general

So life is alright lately. I realize that I never just post random thoughts -- mainly that's because I feel like I have nothing to say. Overall, my life is actually boring but that's alright I do love my boring life.

I've spent the day trying to relay to my students the notion that if they want to bring their grade up -- they have to TRY!!! Today, progress reports went out and students kept wandering up to me -- "Miss Latham, what can I do to bring up my grade??!!" Hmm, let me think -- "DO YOUR WORK & STUDY". Amazing concept, don't ya think??!!

Also, I've begun my first blanket. I'm really loving this crocheting stuff. I'm planning the blanket size out, figuring out my pattern, how many granny squares in what color -- what has happened to me?? But really I can't say that, I really do like this. It's the first time I've really had a true hobby...it took me long enough to find one! What I like about it is working with a logical routine and seeing progress -- that's biggie for me. Thanks Gamma for teaching me!!!