Birthday at a Holiday Inn Express

Today is my birthday. At this point, I am enjoying it by watching the first few games of March Madness in the Holiday Inn Express in Mineral Wells. Some of you may be asking why I would be at a Holiday Inn Express a few miles from my home — the answer is simple really — my house has a gas line leak.

Yesterday, while installing a new gas meter, the gas guys discovered that our gas line has a really small leak. Thus, they shut off our gas, and Jeff decided that it would be best for us to spend the night at a hotel since the house would be really cold and we wouldn’t have hot water. Good call by my husband!

So, I’m watching basketball in a hotel room while he and several male friends are digging a long trench and putting in a new gas line. They expect the job to be completed this afternoon, and after securing an extended check-out, it appears that I will (thankfully) escape the male-bonding experience that is occurring in my front yard. Think about it — soft ground, guys with shovels and other tools, lots of grunting over a job well done — it’s just way too much “manliness” for me on my birthday.

By the way, thanks to everyone who has expressed “happy birthdays” via email, Facebook, and telephone. I appreciate all of you!

Have a great day!
Becky

The Dean’s In the House, but the Students Are Not

Upon seeing me enter a room, one of our students often says, “The Dean’s in the house.” Well, I am in the OVU house today, but none of our students are here because they’re on Spring Break.  

Logically, I understand why we have Spring Break at this time of the year — it’s mid-point in the semester and everyone needs some time away. However, I think it’s a bummer that Spring Break is early March because you can’t ever tell what the weather is going to be like in WV at this time of the year. Take for instance, yesterday…it was 70 degrees and sunny, but today…it’s 40 degrees and raining and the forecast indicates that the rain will turn to snow tonight and the rest of the week will be cold. So, in sum, we only had one day of “Spring” Break.

Of course, many of you don’t mind, because you’ve sought fairer weather at the beach; or you’re wearing the blue and white in softball, baseball, or golf competitions in the southern United States; or you’re performing mission work in England with Dr. Mike Moss; or you’re spending time with family and friends.

Whatever you’re doing over break, enjoy it. And return to “the house” safe and sound!

Take care!
Becky

Expressions! 2008 and Homecoming Court

Jeff and I (along with one of our friends, Amy) watched Expressions! 2008 last night. From Colonel and Kelly’s romantic song to the hilarity of the social club skits to the crowd participation in the Players’ vignettes, the show was great! I enjoyed every moment. Congratulations to all the performers and to the director, Erin Kahoa. You made Homecoming 2008 weekend a blast.

Also, congrats to all the Homecoming Court participants. Anna, Randy, Sarah, Walter, Allyson, Clint, Megan, Korey, Bridgette, Van, Mandy, Tom, and “Queen Audrye” and “King Carl” — you are very deserving of the honor provided to you by your fellow students. Our campus community is proud of you!

Have a great day!
Becky

Austin, TX

I’m heading to Austin, Texas on Monday. My task in Austin is to project employment patterns in the years 2012 - 2014 for a global company. I’m pumped about this opportunity. If you have a chance, please pray that I travel safely and that I represent myself, and OVU, well on this trip.

Thanks!
Becky

Holiday with the Family and New Year

Jeff and I spent the Christmas holiday with my family in Nashville, Tennessee. It was great to be with my parents, brother, sister-in-law and nieces. And, of course, it’s always nice to be with Jeff. We visited for eight days, but when we left on Saturday morning, it didn’t seem like enough time. I guess that’s because we don’t visit with my family often. Even though the drive is only 8 hours, we rarely have time to make the trip. Maybe 2008 will be different — I’d like to see my family more.

Speaking of 2008, tomorrow is January 1 — the first day of the new year. I hope that it brings you health and happiness.

God bless!
Becky

Procrastinating

I’m supposed to be grading finals right now. I’m procrastinating. I have no idea why. It’s unlike me to do so. The only reason that I can identify is that it feels too much like work and I don’t want to work right now. I guess that means updating my blog doesn’t feel like work. Interesting.

Jeff is watching “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” which is a show that Wayne Brady hosts. The guy is singing an Elton John song, but he doesn’t know the required words. They just went to commercial and he has to decide if one of his back-up singers can help him. They don’t look like Elton John fans, so I’m guessing they won’t be of much assistance. Oh well.

I spent the first three days of this week in Austin, Texas. I thought that it was very flat there, but a guy from New Mexico assured me that it was “pretty hilly.” I guess it’s all about perspective.

Well, I better stop procrastinating and start grading. Bummer!

Have a great night!
Becky

Christmas Shopping

A few days ago, Jeff and I received our Christmas club check and determined the amount of money that we can spend on each person on our Christmas list, so it’s time to shop. I’m excited about Christmas shopping, which may be strange for those of you know me because you know that I don’t like shopping at any other time and I don’t like crowded stores and malls. I guess despite those facts, I think Christmas shopping is worth it because it’s about finding a gift that will put a smile on the faces of friends and family members. I hope that you enjoy your holiday season…I know that I will!

Have a great weekend!
Becky

Making Sense of Things

OVU lost a member of its community last night — a young man who played on the soccer team and was only a sophomore. He was a great guy and will be missed by all his teammates, friends, and the entire Fighting Scot family. As I reflect on the last several hours, I’m trying to make sense of things. It’s hard to understand why people are taken from us so quickly — especially so young. Although I don’t understand everything right now, and may never, I do know one thing — God is in control. God will give peace to our friend’s family and He will bring comfort to the OVU community. And it’s our responsibility to embrace each other in this difficult time and be the human expression of God’s love.

Love each other!
Becky

World Mission Workshop and Homework

Campus is a bit quiet right now because we have a ton of students attending World Mission Workshop. I think it’s cool that students are interested in this event — that they care about the world around them and find ways to share God’s word with those who don’t know Him.

On a completely random note, I sometimes wonder whether students realize that teachers have homework too. And I don’t mean grading papers, I mean homework — reading the textbook, analyzing the material, and preparing for class discussion. No matter how well you know the material, it’s still important to read the text again and think about all the possible questions that may be raised in class discussion. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it when a student “gets it.”

Speaking of homework, I still have some to do for tomorrow’s class, so I’m going to “sign-off” for tonight. Whatever you’re doing with your weekend, have fun and be careful.

Becky

Mid-Term

Mid-term grades are due tomorrow and, hopefully, that will relieve some of the stress that students have been experiencing. This part of the semester is difficult. It’s been quite a while since a holiday, and several more weeks before Thanksgiving break, which typically means that students are getting a bit tired. Plus, campus activities have increased over the last few weeks, and many students are struggling to find the proper balance between academics and social life. If you’re a student that’s having trouble, stop by the Student Life office and talk to us. We want to help with any struggle that you might experience at OVU. And, if you’re a relative or friend, how about giving your college student a call to make sure that he/she is doing okay?

Have a great day!
Becky