A Week in the Neighborhood

     It's been another week in the Rice neighborhood.  Nothing terribly exciting; simply enjoying the little time we have left before another school year is in full swing.  I finally got back into a morning running routine this week.  If I am out the door by 7:00am, I can usually withstand the heat and actually enjoy my run... err... jog.  After 8:00am, it's not worth the heat.  Andy started back to work this week.  He had drug testing for the athletes all day on Monday and Tuesday, and official cross country practice started Wednesday morning at a lovely 6:00am.  He was supposed to have CPR re-certification and a coaches meeting on Thursday, but that was cancelled and moved to next week.  Needless to say, he's been pretty worn out by the end of the day since we're not in "school shape" yet.
     I have been absolutely obsessed with watching the Olympics!  To be honest, I have never really gotten into the Olympics before.  I don't know if it was my age and a lack of appreciation or that my parents really didn't watch them.  Either way, I'm addicted this year!! 
     I enjoy watching the "prime time" events in the evenings because those are focused on the USA teams, but I have LOVED the morning and afternoon sessions because of the different events.  Let's see... I have watched archery (teams and individuals), table tennis (a glorified name for ping pong - lol), mens/womens beach volleyball, mens/womens volleyball, mens/womens water polo, mens/womens kayaking, mens/womens rowing, equestrian, and of course gymnastics and swimming. 
     I think the most fascinating sport to me has been water polo.  It just amazes me that those athletes tread water while fighting off the opposition from punching them, dunking them, kicking them, and not to mention controlling and throwing a ball.  I knew the sport was tough, but gee, it's vicious.
     Today was the official start of the track and field events!  I am super stoked about these and can't wait to see some records broken.  I am especially looking forward to watching Shalane Flanagan run the marathon.  I know it's a marathon and sounds boring, but having run a half marathon myself, I feel little connection with her.  Hahaha! 

Go Team USA!!

     I did some more cardmaking this week while Andy worked on his custom fishing rod (pictures to come when it's complete).  I have really enjoyed making cards because there's a quick final product.  Andy's mom is eventually going to set up her own craft booth, and I may just happen to sell some of my cards.  Here are a few of my creations...

My new favorite!

     Thursday Andy and I went to the golf course.  I drove into Humble to do a little shopping while he played the first nine holes, and then I rode in the golf cart for the back nine.  There are times that I really think he should have pursued a golfing career instead of a teaching one.  But he is where he is for a reason.  Today I went to The Woodlands with my friend Joy, and we went by the new Teacher Heaven store.  Oh my!  It's fabulous!  Teacher stores are never as good for the high school teacher as they are for the elementary, but nevertheless, it's still "fun" to look at posters, pens, bulletin board borders, etc.  Tomorrow evening we have Andy's class reunion (yes, it's a year behind) at Pappa's on the Lake.  I am very excited about seafood, and Andy is a little indifferent about seeing some of his classmates.  Either way, I think we'll have a good time.