we're not dead

Mikel wanted to make sure everyone knew this.

Things have been rough here for the past few weeks. Nothing in particular but it's more "real-life school and work" and less "fun vacations with family".

Mikel went hunting last weekend and, although he didn't get anything, he had fun out with his friends. He is going again soon and definitely looking forward to it! Unfortunately, he doesn't generally take pictures so we have no visual documentation.

I have worked two more football games (vs. Notre Dame and Northern Colorado) and never fail to be astonished by how crazy the students are. The Notre Dame game is always a big ordeal here in East Lansing and this year it was a night game which made it even more special. It was a great game (but FREEZING in the stands) and we won on a fake field goal touchdown. The football team was ranked #25 this week after that game! Unfortunately, Mark Dantonio (our coach) had a heart attack after the game which is obviously really scary. He's doing fine now and "recovering comfortably" or something like that. They won yesterday against a much inferior Northern Colorado team and were able to work out some kinks without him on the sidelines; hopefully he is ok and can get back to action soon!

This is from the game yesterday... this is the 40th anniversary of the Alumni Band at MSU and they played along with the current Spartan Marching Band at halftime...

I also have continued to work with volleyball which I definitely enjoy! I got to travel on a day trip to Toledo and see how the team travels! Here's a picture from practice in the University of Toledo's recently renovated gym. It was beautiful!!

Toledo has proven to be a dangerous team but MSU took care of them in straight sets. This weekend they opened Big Ten play this weekend in the Breslin Center (where basketball generally plays) and went 1-1.

Teaching has been great-- lots of grading and prep work but I like being in front of the class so I'll take it! My freshman have their first exam this week so I guess that will tell me how class has gone this far! I've also gone to a couple of really good seminars put on by the graduate school here at MSU about things like finding a job and the different types of universities!

Other than that, Mikel and I are looking forward to a visit from Josh in a couple weeks! He's been out here a couple times and we love his visits!