Empty Nest in Lenexa

Well, it is official - we have an empty nest. Shelby and I left Thursday afternoon to make the drive to Clinton, IA and the start of her college career. She drove the first half (the longest she has ever driven at one time) and I drove the second half. Tim got her a Garmin nuvi for her car so she had no trouble at all. When we got to Clinton, we checked into the hotel and then drove around Clinton and hit the Walgreens (can't believe we sent her off to school and forgot ibuprofen). We had dinner and then collapsed.

On route to Clinton, in Bethany MO

We got up bright and early Friday morning but took our time getting ready and missed the free breakfast so had to hit McDonalds for a smoothie. We went to the campus to find out if any of her textbooks were available on her Kindle (only one) and then went to move into the dorm. This is the largest freshman class for Ashford so they had to buy the Best Western hotel and convert it into a dorm which is where Shelby is staying. The volleyball girls helped us carry everything in and the Shelby and I made quick work of organizing and putting everything in its place. Her two roommates are from Canada and are soccer players so they were at practice and Shelby didn't get to meet them until after their team dinner. We finished up in time for her orientation. Tim arrived with the refrigerator and off we went back to campus. Tim and I attended the parents' session (very informative) and then we hit the book store again to get her books (and some Ashford bowling t-shirts). 

Shelby in front of her bed

Shelby in her room

After lunch at Applebees, we went back to the dorm and I got printer/computer duty while Tim got Wal-Mart duty. Tim and I got our last hugs and Shelby handed me a box of Kleenex and off we went. I did not open the box...I used my shirt. We got home at midnight and Hannah was glad to see us but has gone into Shelby's room looking for her quite a bit.

I can't wait to hear all about her first day of school Monday but told her I would not call or text until she does first (unless I haven't heard from her in a week in which I will start the mother guilt voicemails).

So now, along with Go Braves, I can say Go Saints!  I miss my Shelby but I think I wouldn't mind the empty nest as much if it was clean...Guess I should get on that.

China and Bangkok Travels

So, after the Win for KC Triathlon, I rushed home, showered, packed my suitcase, and headed to KCI to hop on a plane for a short (2 day) ride to Beijing.  B&V actually has some project work in China and our regional office needed training in OneSpec.  I hadn't been in Beijing since 2005 and can report that while the air quality was somewhat better, it still is poor at best.  Did not see as many panhandlers (was rumored they were gathered up and relocated before the Olympics).  Since I had done all the sightseeing the first time, I just spent my time working and visiting with the new professionals there.  What a great group of people - completely engaged and easy to train!  Only downside was no dragonfruit at the hotel - egads.  However, I managed to find a fruit vendor on the street so I could get my fix!

How is it I am the shortest person in this picture?

Love my dragonfruit

Outside the Pearl Market

Peking Duck

The Place - neat shopping area

After a week, we then flew to Bangkok, Thailand to train the staff there.  Since I was last there in 2008, not much had changed - still a wonderful place and got reunited with a number of friends.  We did go to the Teak Mansion - gorgeous mansion made of all teak wood.  Of course had to hit the market for shopping and yay - dragonfruit every morning for breakfast!  Was glad to get home in time to get Shelby off to college!

Teak Mansion

View outside my office - elephant building on the right

Hotel Room

Scott, Atasit and his wife 



Pawin



Win for KC Triathlon

Martha and Larry came to town so Martha and I could once again participate in the Win for KC Triathlon at Smithville Lake in Smithville, MO.  Being somewhat analytical, Martha had created an excel spreadsheet with our previous times and then computed what we should do this year.  I felt she was quite ambitious with some of her suggestions, but as I am always one for a challenge, I agreed with them and we set them as our goal for the tri.  This was of course before we got to the lake and the heavens opened up and the torrential downpour started.  Standing around 800 women in a sausage casing is not the most comfortable thing to do; however, standing around in a cold downpour is really not fun at all.  There was really no shelter until my sweet Shelby found us with Larry's big golf umbrella (Larry, Mom, and Dad of course were smart and waited in the car) and she did her best to keep us warm.  Martha and I were thinking that they would cancel (and at one point secretly hoped that they would) but then the rain stopped and they starting sending us into the water.  Our team sponsor Kansas City Chiropratic once again gave us great goodie bags (as well as our tri tops).  The team grew this year as 3 additional Chapter MOers - Heather Carter, Heather Nickel, and Michelle Wilson - joined in on the fun.  I am happy to report that Martha and I exceed her expectations (which was to finish in 1 hour 45 minutes).  Unfortunately for me, I think she is already computing next year's goal (makes me tired to think about it).  Chapter MO has caught the tri fever as we are expecting more members to join the fun next year.  So if you ever need a chiropractor, my I recommend Dr. Lynn McIntosh and Kansas City Chiropractic.


P.E.O members at the tri



Chapter MO triathletes with Dr. Lynn McIntosh

 

Medal

Shelby Heading to Ashford University

It's official - Shelby has been accepted to Ashford University and will be bowling for the Saints!  Registration and orientation is scheduled for the weekend of July 15.  We are so very proud of her and just can't wait to see her bowl in college.  Look forward to big things!  Congrats, Shelbs!

Canada Fishing

The Three Ts made the annual fishing trip to Canada.  Tom had a fall requiring 3 stitches, but that was the only mishap.  They caught lots of fish and Tim caught the biggest (of course).

Graduation Pictures

Shelby was quite quick to point out I needed to blog about her graduation so better late than never.  Martha and Larry came to town (before our Katy Trail ride) to watch Shelby graduate.  We got a surprise appearance by Garnett cousins, Carolyn, Wesley, and Emma and of course Brother Brenton and his girlfriend, Cady came into town from Tulsa.  We had lots of rain and were keeping our fingers crossed that it would stop as the kids only got 5 tickets if they had to move graduation inside the gym.  It was rather chilly, but managed to stay dry so everyone got to witness the ceremony.  Brenton kept me from crying by making me laugh (he is quite funny) and Shelby looked quite beautiful (as always).

Brenton, Shelby, and Cady

Me, Shelby, and Tim

Martha, Shelby, and Larry

The Family without Brenton and Cady

Me and Shelby

Poppa, Shelby, and Dee Dee

 

Clowning with her brother

Great American BBQ

While I was riding a bicycle built for three along the Katy Trail, Tim was busy with Jacks or Better BBQ at the Great American BBQ Contest in Overland Park.  For the second year in a row, they were named Grand Champions of Side Dishes.  They got 1st place for beans (no surprise from this girl), 3rd place for potatoes, and 7th place for veggies for an overall 1st place finish.  Their ribs also placed 15th.