Just an update...nothing fancy.

This is just a brief update of what's been keeping me busy lately, so you can keep up with the tour!

8/18 - Joshua and I went to College Station, Aggieland. The road to college begins....

As a Red Raider (GUNS UP!), this was pretty difficult to do. As a mom, bittersweet.

There are 5 or 6 universities that Joshua is looking at for next fall because of their architecture programs, where he ends up is dependent on acceptance, affordability...and location, location, location. The list includes Rice (YIKES-expensive! competitive application acceptance!), UT (hard to get in just because of the number of those who want to), A&M (do-able), and Tech (do-able but "far" from home).

I'd love to see him attend Tech to keep the "legacy" going, but am I just being selfish? Probably. The real "downside" about Tech is that from here it's a 6 hour drive (or more) and the 90-minute flight isn't as cheap as it used to be. If something terrible were to happen while he was away, God forbid, getting out there could pose some problems...whereas the drive to A&M would only be about 60-90 minutes. As for its program, I don't think it's ranked as high as it has been, but still a strong choice. A&M is ranked higher. As for UT, its program is pretty strong, too, and being in town makes it convenient, but I think it'll be difficult to get in because of the numbers that apply.

We've still yet to visit Rice and will probably do so at some point before the holidays. Rice is ranked #2 in the NATION for architecture and I don't doubt that he'll get the education we pay for...because it will be pricey. This is where he REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wants to go. I guess I'll have to start playing the lottery and praying for the big payout!

We'll see what happens. In the end, as a mom, I want wants best for him...wherever that may be.

8/22 - Joshua gets his driver's license. The worry continues...

Not that he's a bad driver...he's actually pretty cautious...so far. Let's hope it stays that way. This is also a bittersweet event. As a mom, I've been the taxi to his games, social outings, and errands. That all changes when your "baby" grows up and gets licensed! Relief!...and yet worry as well. I know it's silly, but I even shed a few tears last night when he left for the movies...he's becoming more independent, more his own person, more the man I'm not yet ready for him to become. I couldn't be more proud of him though.

8/25 - Had a guy come to the house to design a pool for us.

This is actually pretty funny to me. Keith got a wild hair to see about building a pool. Keith ...doesn't...swim. Regardless, we called a guy and he came out to measure and look at our backyard. He then sat down and basically designed a pool area while we said what we "wanted." We really didn't know what we wanted...we pretty much just winged it. We also asked him about tiling our back patio and adding an outdoor kitchen, which we've always wanted to do since we moved in to this house. A couple of hours later, we had a great design with an outdoor kitchen, a pool, a hot tub, a fire pit, the works! We got the plans and proposal with all the costs last Friday. I think our eyes were bigger than our budget...I've always had champagne taste on a beer budget! We'll do a little tweaking and see what we end up with...even if it's a plan to do part now...part after the lottery win. Watch this space.

8/26 - First day of the last year of high school for Joshua. Where did the time go??

Funny how I have a lot of friends with children beginning Pre-K or Kindergarten. I don't feel old. Much. I've read all their emails and blogs about the big milestones in their children's lives. It makes me feel old to think while they're all heading for school for the first day ever, or the first day of middle school, my son is entering his first day as a senior. He's really looking forward to being a senior....and to finishing it...to getting on with college. I remember that feeling. I know now I should have really savored it...my youth...but I'm also glad I've lived my life...and have been blessed with a son so I can share in his.

8/31 - The end of the first year that our business has been on contract. Wow!

We made it through our first year! Without problems or major hiccups! Whew! We started with a team of ten and ended with a team of fourteen and two others that had finished their work with us before year's end. Pretty good, especially considering the current economic climate. (Did I really just say that?? What do I know?) Anyway...

I didn't really know what to expect when we decided to become "business-owners" in March of 2007. I feel like everyday since has been an education in something whether it's payroll, taxes, health insurance, etc. Things I never thought I'd have to worry about so much. Believe me, it's been a pretty easy year, but definitely not a stress-free or worry-free year. It's a lot to think that not only do MY bills need to be paid, but we're responsible for paying others so they can pay THEIR bills, too. Yikes! Is that an ulcer forming as I type?

Anyway, I look forward to this new year with a bit more confidence, but I'm still going to worry. I can't help it. I'm a worrier.

That's really it for now. Just waiting for Keith's parents to visit at the end of this month and a trip to SPI next month. That should keep me busy, huh?

What's new with YOU??