The Kassel Family Project Life 365

This kid. This is my newest Thanksgiving decoration. She never ceases to amaze me.

While Andy was at the Sigma Chi Chapter meeting this morning, I took a walk around campus. There were so many memories and things that made me smile like this sidewalk advertisement. It brought me back to the days of my Freshman year. If you wanted to go to a party, you paid attention to the sidewalks.

This is Simpkins Hall. I earned my primary Bachelor’s Degree in this building. It is where I became a published editor and author. Don’t ask… My published story is awful and I will never share it, but I spent many hours editing in this building to make the papers, stories, and books better for everyone else.

Of course, I had to visit the Alumni Center. While standing on the steps, I could picture my time in the WIU Marching Band and almost see us belting out “Georgia on My Mind” to the cheering alumni on Homecoming weekend.

I smiled at the paws on the road and laughed when a passing car honked at me with a thumbs up as I stood in the opposite driving lane to get this picture.

And, finally, I took a picture with one of the Rocky statues. This particular one sits in front of the Alumni House. Back in my day, there was only one Rocky statue on campus. He would get a fresh coat of paint every year right before Homecoming and, by Homecoming day, he would be repainted in some funky pattern. Those were the days.

Today showed me that you can always go home. Always.

It was a day of memories. We watched Leatherneck Football from the Memorial Union. “Georgia on My Mind” by the WIU Marching Band still gives me goosebumps.

There were lots of great laughs and old stories with brothers.

This is my old house at 126 Chandler Boulevard.

We hung out at the Sigma Chi House…

…while we enjoyed a cold Keystone!

And I got to hear “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” at the banquet. It was a great day spent with old friends. It doesn’t get much better.

Andy and I are spending the weekend at Western Illinois University.

Sigma Chi is turning 30 and the celebration is this weekend. I am very much looking forward to seeing old friends and enjoying the festivities!

Laura walked into the kitchen this morning in a zombie-like state. She sat down at the counter and then laid her head down. The following conversation ensued…

Me: Good morning, kiddo! What would you like for breakfast?
Laura: I don’t know.
Me: OK. I’ll give you a minute. (Pause for a minute.)
Laura: I would like breakfast.
Me: Ok. What would you like for breakfast?
Laura: Breakfast.
Me: Um… Anything in particular for breakfast?
Laura: (Giggling) Did I just say breakfast for breakfast?
Me: Yes.
Laura: I might be tired.
Me: (Laughing) Let’s start this conversation over. Shall we?

I spent the evening doing a walking tour of the MU campus and at dinner with, hopefully, the next director of my office. He is insanely qualified and would just be a great fit. He asked all the right questions. Also, he was very happy to know that the office has an Assistant Director that can handle the day-to-day operations, so he would be able to focus on growing our office. Tomorrow is the all-day interview. Cross your fingers for me!

It is one of my favorite times of the year. I finally got the decorations out now that it feels like fall.

Our dining room table

Fireplace in the living room

Our wine shelf

And, these little guys hang out in our plants…

I love this time of year!