It is Almost Time for Football

Eric, Me, Dustin, and Sarah

Three years ago Eric's boss graciously bought us 50-yard-line tickets to watch Notre Dame play football against UNC. I have always been an ND fan but Eric has always cheered for UNC. I am lucky because one of Eric's co-workers is also a huge ND fan. So, the boss decided to buy the tickets - UNC for Eric and ND for Chris. Ever since that faithful day, Eric has been in love with ND football.

Eric, Me, Dustin, and SarahNotice how small the stadium is. Also how bundled up we are. It was cold to say the least.

Most people absolutely hate ND, mainly because they are ND. But I challenge anyone to go to a game in South Bend and not fall in love. The following year Eric and I took my brother and his wife up to Notre Dame for their birthdays. This was more for Dustin than Sarah. She is such a good sport.

Eric and I. Again, it was very cold.

We had so much fun that the next year Dustin and I bought Mom and Dad (he is the reason Dustin and I are even fans) tickets to a game and made it a family trip. We had a blast. So now it is a Kosak (my maiden name) tradition. This coming weekend we will be heading up to northern Indian again to watch the Irish open the season against Nevada. Hopefully I will have some great pics to share. But, before I blog about the big trip, I would like to share some things that I look forward to each year we go to ND.

Yes, that is me about to run a route.

1. Little kids in jerseys playing football on campus.
2. Watching the players walk from pre-game Mass to the stadium.
3. Throwing football with my husband. I know this is a shock for some of you.
4. Watching the Irish marching band.
5. Seeing the gold helmets through the tunnel and out onto the field.
6. The food - I always enjoy a good grilled hamburger.
7. If it is cold, they have the best hot chocolate.
8. Cheering so loud that I lose my voice.
9. Spending too much money in the bookstore.
10. Spending the weekend with my entire family.

Not a Good Friday Afternon

I just completed my first full week with the students for the 09-10 school year. I was ready to come home Friday and get my weekend started. Well, God has a way of letting you know that you are not in control of your life. I got in my car to go get Eric. I was looking forward to a nice dinner with my husband. Then, the car didn't crank.

I handled this pretty well. I texted Eric to let him know that the car wouldn't crank then called AAA to have them come jump the car. No problem. My evening would just have to be postponed for about an hour.

Maybe not. The car had to be towed. At this point, I am starting to get nervous and on the verge of tears especially since I am going to have to ride with a stranger to the repair shop. Once the car was dropped off, I walked over to McDonald's to wait for my very amazing in-laws to pick me up. See, Eric's battery in his car is dead. So, we had no car.

Eric's wonderful parents picked me up then took Eric and me to Wal-Mart to get the necessary parts for Eric's car to be fixed. After a dinner, a battery change, and a tire change, Eric's car was good to go. I can't thank Eric's parents enough.

My car is still in the shop. We were lucky that the damage is only around $100.00. I get to pick her up Monday.

Let's get week number two started.

Apologizes, School Days, and Zombies

I have truly been neglecting my blogging duties. So, I apologize to my millions of readers who have been dying for me to post something about my oh so interesting life. The past couple weeks have just been hectic with school starting and getting back into a routine. Today was the first full day with students. I have to admit, I am starting my 6th year teaching, and I still get nervous for that first day of class. For those not in education, here is a list that will describe what it is like for me (and I think other teachers as well) each fall...

1. Worry about what to wear the first day of school

2. Can't sleep the night before the first day of class because I wonder what my new students will be like or praying what they won't be like

3. Get excited about new school supplies (this one may just be me)

4. Nervous about meeting new people (at my school, there were over 20 new people)

5. Look on the calendar to see when fall break is

6. Endless lines at the copy machine to make copies of letters to parents and my syllabus

7. A sore throat from talking so much the first few days

I am sure there are more. And, if you are a teacher, please feel free to add to this list by posting a comment.

I do want to mention one last thing. I recently purchased the book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith. It starts out as follows,

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in

want of more brains."

No, I am not making this up. It is actually a New York Times bestseller. I just couldn't leave it on the shelf. I am currently about 100 pages into the book. So, keep your eye open for a

future blog about Elizabeth Bennet saving Mr. Darcy from the flesh eating zombies.

Who Lives in a Pineapple Under the Sea?

My cousin Nic celebrated his 4th birthday this past week. I have not missed one of his party's yet. I just can't say no to cake and family. This year was especially exciting because his party theme was Spongebob Squarepants.

I love buying presents for little kids. Before the party, I stopped by Toys r Us and ended up with a bag full of Spongebob toys...

• Ants in the Pants game - Spongebob theme
• Spongebob book
• Krusty Crab play set
• Spongebob Candy
• Spongebob Memory Card game

As you can see, I am a person who likes to stick to the theme.

I am going to admit on of my secrets right now...are you ready? I love Spongebob Squarepants. Now, don't start thinking I am crazy (Amy). I do not own anything with Spongebob print on it. I just really enjoy the show. It is actually my favorite show to go to sleep to at night. If you haven't seen it, try it. If you don't like it, I don't blame you. It can be annoying at times, but I have fallen in love with the characters. Squidward wants to be miserable and cynical but Spongebob won't allow it. Patrick isn't smart and he is fine with it. Spongebob loves life. Simple characters, simple stories.

My favorite quote from the show is said by Squidward to SpongeBob, "in case you've forgotten, here's how things work. I order the food, you cook the food, the customer gets the food. We do that for forty years and then we die."

You now know one of my deepest, darkest secrets.