My favorite laptop died this week. I knew the end was near when a few months ago it exhibited some sickly symptoms . . . audible whirring and noticeable sluggishness. Tracy then wisely rescued all of my important documents by putting them on the external hard-drive. I have tried to revive my laptop (by pressing really hard on the "on" button), but it is all to no avail. The end was inevitable and its death seems final. So for now, Bryant shares his school computer with me . . . good thing he's the amiable, sharing type.
I know I really can't complain . . . my computer had a good life (probably about eight years). Contrast that with my mom's new laptop (not even a year old) which melted in a house fire! Yes, a few weeks ago, the house I spent my teen years in caught fire in the middle of the night (darn that old wood burning stove) and essentially burned to the ground. We are so grateful for an alert neighbor who shouted and pounded and finally woke everyone. The house is destroyed, but Mom, Rick and Kris are safe and sound. Thank heavens! Little things like computers really don't matter in the big scheme of things.
For the sake of family history, should I still give a recap of little, quasi-important events?? Okay, here goes . . . Christian completed his internship at the library, made the Heidelberg HS soccer team, and put the finishing touches (base guitar and xylophone) on an original song entitled "Memory." Lissie finished her performances in Footloose -- overall, a positive experience (see attached newspaper picture - she's on the far left). Her singing and dancing were a joy to watch -- so fun that we had a really hard time watching the lead performers. Bryant has read several book series in the past month or so -- Percy Jackson, Ranger's Apprentice and Eragon, but he is still refusing to read Harry Potter . . . sorry all you HP fans!
I'll be making a trip to the states in a few weeks . . . first to see Marie and family (meet sweet little Juliet - due TODAY) and then on to Utah for Lauren and Emily's graduation ceremonies (Go BYU, Go LDSBC!). Matthew has even promised to meet me in DC during my long layover at the airport on my way back -- the perfect way to top off my whirlwind trip.
Of course, Christian, Lissie and Bryant all have valid reasons why I should be taking them with me --
Christian: "You should take me so I can get my driver's permit!"
Lissie: "This could be a girl's trip - mother/daughter bonding time!"
Bryant: "It's MY turn for a trip!"
But alas, my skymiles ticket plan fell through . . . I wish I could bring everyone, but I'm going to have to do this one alone. I hope, however, to get a chance to see many of you while I'm in Utah (15th-23rd) and passing through Idaho (23rd-24th).
Oh, and by-the-way, I think this will be my last official newsletter. I've decided to graduate in April (from newsletter to Blog - haha :) . . . Marie (my blog hero) is going to tutor me . . . more to follow!
Love to all,
Lisa
The house (or what's left of it) . . .
