Countdown to SoCal!

I'm still in the hinterlands of Minnesota, and my time here is winding down. It's been a blast, and is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This time next week I'll packing up, hoping to find a place for the small bits and pieces I've picked up while here. I've already begun trying to find a place in my memories for the time here and friendships I've made. A bit sappy, I know. ^^

So, since I seem to mention the weather every time I post, I'll mention it now. It is hot. It's about 76 F outside and I'm going without a shirt.. and still too warm. We have all the windows open and an occasional breeze passes through (joys of 3rd-story apartmenthood) but even so, it's very warm. I guess I found my winter blood just too late. Acclimation has gone to pot. Ah well. Which makes me wonder, how it is going to be when I get back to sunny SoCal next week... impending heatstroke?


A brief or not-so-brief mention about smileys aka emoticons. So! You'll notice a few changes in how I make emoticons. I've had my own style of it for quite a while. The classic Luke: (c: Well, not everyone understands that.. after all, it is upside down from the norm: :) . Confusing I know. But prepared to be MORE confused. Some people add noses the other way, :-) (my mom does those) and even more confusing is the Asian (Korean?) smiley: ^^ (can you see the eyes?). I know emoticons aren't very professional, but they are an easy way of conveying an otherwise silent feeling. This is a whole 'nother side of the conversations on the internet (and text messages). How about laughter? "Ahahaha" "Heh" "lol (laugh out loud)" "kkkkkk (Korean giggling)". It's a confusing, emotional web-world.

It's been Spring break here since last Friday, so I've been on break as well. I'm actually kind of sad that we don't have school, 'cause it was a singularly productive time of the week and I miss that. The new found free time has been put towards finalizing all the necessary documents for overseas work. It looks like all is a go, but I'll wait until it is "in stone" to place a declarative statement here on the blog as to where, when, how, what, who, and.. uhm.. why (I knew there was one more). You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get an apostille certified copy of a diploma. It is really hard (impossible?).

This past weekend was a blast as the Michigan Shacks came up to affirm brother House on his wedding day. P&A stayed here at the apartment, while D&B stayed at the Larson place. Any Shackelfordian confluence is cause for celebration and it was great to see how the nieces and nephew have been growing. K is adorable. Then again, all fifteen of my nieces and nephews are at least a few steps above average. (c: /proud uncle