Life on the Runn...

This weekend was a big "first" for our very-much loved and long time family friend, Elaine.  It was the first time she visited Camp Randall Stadium. Most people who know me know that I've spent my entire life with two last names; before I became an Unti-Runnells, I was a Jarvis-Unti.  Elaine's mom, Maureen, and her two sisters, Lynn and Anita, all took turns babysitting me and my brother as we were growing up.  Every member of the Jarvis family has been a very big part of my life, and they're as much family to me as my own blood-relatives.  They've been part of all of my big milestones, and it was great to be with Lainey for a milestone of her own (or at least it is a milestone in my mind). A Badgers game in Madison is an event like no others.  The city becomes a sea of people dressed in red on football Saturdays.  This Saturday was no exception, and as has become the traditions for the 2010 season, we started the morning with a visit to the Big Ten. ...

I realize that it has been a few days since I've posted.  I had a post all ready to go on Monday or Tuesday, and I planned to add some awesome pictures of our afternoon in Madison before I posted it.  Too bad it was half gone when I checked the draft. I am so annoyed that I have to step away from my computer and devote my attention to Grey's Anatomy.  I will work on some posts very soon...it will be another Saturday in Madison, so I'm sure I'll have plenty to chat about.

I had recently noticed a slight leak in our kitchen faucet, but was relieved when it seemed to disappear.  To keep him informed, I reported the incident to my hubbers and immediately focused on some other cleaning/organization project. Well, just the other day Brian mentioned that leak again.  It turns out that the leak had gotten a bit worse.  Moreover, our water was taking some time to gain pressure.  Solution:  new kitchen faucet. I'm really liking what I see.  BR sure does have some handyman skills.

Well, it was another beautiful weekend full of fun and football for the Runnells clan. The excitement began Friday, when the whole gang came by for a bit of festivities.  We had spicy meatballs, taco dip, pizza, and brownie banana splits (a brownie curst with nuts, chocolate syrup, banans and strawberries on top).  After having plenty to eat and drink, we headed to the game.  There, we cheered the Red Devils on as they dominated the Knights of Oak Creek. After the victory, everyone returned to our place for some more eating and drinkin'.  Eventually, we had to call it a night.  We had an early morning the next day.  Mike and Lisa, my brother, my cousin, Evan and Matt (Bird) all met us in Delafield to make the trek to Madison.  We met by 9 am and were in Madison just after 10.  Celebration commenced shortly thereafter when we arrived at Meg's apartment.  The whole group had a whole lot of fun.  Thanks to our driver, Matt, we had plenty...

Well today it began.  Grad school, that is.  This is my last official graduate course aside from Thesis writing, and I am very excited about that. After class, I met up with my friend Amanda, who was working on some graduate work of her very own.  She and I were chatting as we walked toward her car.  Mid-conversation Amanda interjected, "Uh, is that a....?", and at that point, I saw what she was seeing.  I answered, "Yes.  Yes it is."  IT was a skunk.  Yes, a skunk was in the parking lot.  More specifically, it was directly in front of Amanda's car. How were we to get to the car without upsetting the skunk and causing it to spray noxious skunk fumes at us?  We tried to give it a minute to move along.  It did not budge.  Then I attempted stomping/clapping sounds much to the entertainment of Amanda and any passerby.  Again, Mr. Skunk stood perfectly still.  Next we looked for things to throw at the skunk, and when ...

Sadly, I was not at last weekend's football extravaganza in Las Vegas where the Badgers destroyed UNLV.  Upsetting as that was to me, I recovered from the disappointment and certainly enjoyed Saturday's game where Wisconsin beat San Jose State 27 to 14. After spending four fabulous years in Madison and making regular visits to Camp Randall, I miss the atmosphere and excitement.  Having tickets this year (a longtime dream of mine), I plan to be the biggest, best Badger fan - rain, shine, snow, you name it. Yesterday it seemed that I would have to deal with at least one of those above elements.  It rained nearly the entire drive to Madison but cleared up just as we arrived at Meg's apartment.  She and Matt were ready to go, and we hopped into the car and drove toward the stadium.  Anyone who has ever been in Madison on a Saturday during football season understands that parking can be tricky.  Thankfully, Brian and Matt took care of parking duties and dro...

As I was planning dinner Friday evening, I received a phone call from Brian.  He and I had been invited to dinner with some of our high school friends.  Our friend Bobby, now a resident of CA, was in town for the weekend, and the chance to spend a bit of time with him and some of the other boys (and not have to plan/cook dinner) was greatly appreciated. We met at our friend Rob's house and walked to the restaurant, A.J. Bombers.  Dinner and drinks were great.  Being able to make the three-block trek from Rob's place to the restaurant was also great (and was excellent practice for Saturday). On the way out, I had to use the giant chair outside of the restaurant as a purse rest while I put on my jacket.  The boys enjoyed how small the giant chair made me look, and with their encouragement, I decided to try the chair out.   Not a bad fit, ha?

Along with travel and surgery, my summer was filled with lots of lessons in baby-growing courtesy of my pregnant friend, Star.   Many a lunch dates turned to talk of all things prenatal. There were so many eye-opening tidbits that I could not keep that information to myself.  Jenny, you'll remember the Bacon Scare of June.  I was informed, via Star, that bacon intake had to be limited if not eliminated during pregnancy - not a pleasing bit of information.  I shared this with Jenny and she and I jointly grieved for our future days without bacon. But just when I thought I had sworn off pregnancy in this lifetime and any subsequent lifetimes, I met baby Emma, who was born last Friday.   As soon as school was out, my friend Amanda and I  retrieved Star's boys from after-school care and took them to meet their baby sister.  What an awesome experience to be included in. Emma is absolutely gorgeous (pictures forthcoming with Star's permission).  Beca...

On days as nice as the past few have been I typically like being outside as much as possible.  A nice hike, a day of climbing, a run or a long walk tend to be my favorite activities, but I am not quite able to do any of those things just yet.  But I needed to get out of the house and enjoy fresh air, so Brian and I decided on the next best thing.   We pulled the bike out of the garage and went for a long ride.  It was the perfect way to be outside without having to put any stress on my ankle.  I just sat back and enjoyed the scenery.  To make things even better, Brian won some major husband points by suggesting a stop at an ice cream shop.  What a delicious treat after a wonderful ride.  Not a bad way to spend a Sunday, I would say!  Enjoying my root beer float (and dodging the bees)