New Landscaping

Thanks to my Dad, we now have some beautiful new landscaping in the front of the new house. Dad and Paul both put in many hours of hard labor to get this accomplished and I think it looks great! All of the bushes and trees in the front left of the house are new. I picked the white birch because it's my favorite tree. My Dad chose and arranged everything else... I love the design of the planting and also the varied colors and textures of everything.
We also have small planting of hostas and ferns and impatiens underneath the maple tree now and a few plants on the left side of the walkway. Unfortunately, the deer have started eating the hostas already! We have to figure out some way to stop them.
Zoe loves her new yard and runs around and plays outside every day. She has the best time chasing away birds, rabbits, squirrels, and even turkeys.

Turtle

Last week, I saw a porcupine on my porch and watched him scurry down into the woods before I could manage to grab my camera. I immediately called Paul to tell him because I couldn't believe it. Ever since, Paul, my Dad, Ryan, and everyone else have been teasing me because they don't think I could have seen a porcupine. I am somewhat insulted because I think it would be incredibly hard to mistake something else for a porcupine.

This incident has inspired me to try to chronicle some of the creatures that I see around the new house. So far, the porcupine hasn't been back, but today Jess and I found a box turtle in the yard!

All smiles

Brody always has a big grin for everyone. :0)


But he grabbed onto this little fish a few days ago in the bath tub and now he won't put it down (at all). Just try to take it from him and you'll get an earful!

By the way... thanks to Susan for the pictures.

The Journey

I read Google's quotes of the day today and loved this one:

"Whoever ceases to be a student has never been a student." ~George Iles

It just seemed appropriate for me to read today. I officially (and successfully) defended my dissertation on April 16, 2009, earning my doctoral degree in Information Systems and Communications from Robert Morris University. But even though I'm done with the program, I've always had a love of learning and know that I'll never stop seeking to learn and understand more. Plus, with my newly formed research skills, I know I'll continue to actively research in the future (formally or not).

While it's a huge relief to be finished, there is a part of me that's a little sad that it's over. Our advisors always say that getting a doctorate is "all about the journey" - and I think in many ways they're right. There's definitely a feeling of pride and accomplishment in finishing, but it was also fun to look forward to learning new things and having new (and repeated!) intellectual debates and discussions at each doctoral weekend. Plus, my program was cohort-based, and the others in the cohort that have gone on this journey with me for the past 3 years have honestly become great friends. It's hard to think that we won't see each other as much anymore... although I fully expect the Pittburghers to keep getting together!

I'm looking forward to the graduation dinner and the commencement ceremony in May. I just wish that Mom could be there too. I know she'll be with me there in spirit, but I can't help wishing for more.

Mom

My Mom passed away on April 8, 2009. She was surrounded by her four daughters, each of us holding her hands, her husband, her sister, and her closest friends. It's the worst thing that's ever happened in my life, and I miss her so much I can't even explain it. I'm not sure if I will want to write more about it here or not, but I found this poem that I wanted to share.

OUR MOTHER

IF WE COULD HAVE A LIFETIME WISH
ONE DREAM THAT WOULD COME TRUE
WE WOULD PRAY TO GOD WITH ALL OUR HEARTS
FOR YESTERDAY AND YOU.
A THOUSAND WORDS CAN’T BRING YOU BACK
WE KNOW BECAUSE WE’VE TRIED.
AND NEITHER WILL A MILLION TEARS
WE KNOW BECAUSE WE’VE CRIED.
YOU LEFT BEHIND OUR BROKEN HEARTS
AND HAPPY MEMORIES TOO.
BUT WE NEVER WANTED MEMORIES
WE WANTED ONLY YOU.
SO QUIETLY TODAY
YOUR MEMORY WE TREASURE
THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS
AND LOVING YOU FOREVER.