battletoads!

While picking up pizza to celebrate our successful belt tests with I.V and Chelsea, Ron found a game from his childhood. We played it together and had a lot of fun. I think the pizza girl thought we were such a cute couple, which we are!

Ron calls us Charlie's Angels.

Miss I.V., myself, and Miss Chelsea-I.V.'s sister. Miss Chelsea will probably be helping with the after school program next year.

I.V. and I

This is Miss I.V. and I. She was the highest ranked instructor, and just received her red belt at the belt test. She unexpectedly had to move, and I will miss her! However, she will be in town some weekends, so we'll be able to get together sometimes. 

In case you're wondering why I referred to her as "Miss I.V.", it's because all the kids are required to use that surname for us. At work, I am "Miss Jo", which suits me just fine. Actually, I was pretty thrilled. And I.V. doesn't stand for anything. We're not sure why, either.

Receiving my yellow belt.

Here I am receiving my yellow belt. And NUN-CHUCKS!! They are fun.

Belt test

For those of you who have been demanding it, here is the proof. I really do karate now! Can you believe it? This is me, testing with the five year olds to get my yellow belt. I still need to work on my kicks, but boy can I look fierce otherwise! 

For those of you who may not know, I now work as an instructor at Central Texas Family Karate. Most of the kids I work with are elementary age, and I have really been enjoying my job. Summer camp just ended, and my school year schedule is noon to about 7:15. During that time I attend the private class with the other instructors, pick up kids from school (more on that later), help instruct their class, and attend a night class during which I may or may not help instruct. The night class allows other students to help instruct, as well. So that's 3 hours of karate in a day, which keeps me active!

I am also learning to drive a bus. I was going to be a backup driver, but now I'm going to be the main deal. The woman hired to drive my bus route discovered (the day before school started and we start pick-up) that she couldn't drive due to 5 of her prescriptions. Any one of them alone wouldn't allow her to drive. So it was very inconvenient timing, but we're making it work! I'm studying this weekend for my written test, and I've already been behind the wheel. I'm a bit nervous about one of the school's set ups where I will be picking up, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I have been thrown into a lot very fast, really! I had to test for my yellow belt within a week and a half, I am now training to be the dependable bus driver, and now I am the highest ranked instructor since another girl just unexpectedly had to move. Being a yellow belt and highest ranked is sad, and puts even more pressure on me to advance quickly. I can only teach my belt and below. Things are working out, though, and will continue to. Like I said, I am honestly enjoying the job! 

dear husband

All of  you know him. He's my wonderful husband, Ron. This is him, taking care of me as he drives us home. I just like to look at him.

Me

This is me sporting the cowboy hat. I should've just bought it, but instead I just live vicariously through moments like this at convenience stores. Only with hats, however.

Visiting Matt.

Ron and I got to visit Matt Earleywine before he headed off to Colorado. He and his brother Kevin actually stopped and visited us in Waco on their way. It was good to see them.

El Chico

There's nothing authentic about this Mexican Restaurant, but it's our favorite. I'm told the Tex Mex around here is better than the authentic stuff, anyway. We'll have to see...

The Riesel Fair

Ron looks so astonished here because he didn't think I could take a picture with the ferris wheel showing up. This is the grand Riesel Fair. We were in the happening place that night, with Riesel only consisting of a gas station, Subway, and an antique shop adjacent to a karaoke bar. We had a wonderful time there, and Ron got to experience his first ever ferris wheel ride. It was a really fun date night, and yes... I broke a beer bottle with a baseball :)

Georgetown

This is part of downtown Georgetown, where we stopped. It was so quaint, we're planning to head back there for some of the local festivals, including a Christmas festival complete with carriage rides. yay!

Ron

This is Ron, having to get a picture taken in a fun little cafe we stopped at on the way home from San Antonio. Or, as they tell me down here, "San Anton".

Taco.

This is Chris' dog Taco. Ron enjoyed playing with him, though I think he secretly wanted to try punting him.

Ron's little pile.

This is Ron's little pile of goodies that we emptied from his pockets after a day out with Chris and his family. It looks like a little kid's treasure pile, which is how Ron treated it, too :)

Chris and Josh

This is Chris Nicolas and his baby, Joshua. Josh had the cutest smile, but wouldn't show it for any photos!

This is Chris and Ron at the Alamo. 

Another Riverwalk photo. I took this one because of the Air Force woman. We saw a lot of Air Force and military there, of course, and it made me think of Mom and wonder what San Antonio was like for her when she was there...

Ron and I on the San Antonio riverwalk. 

I liked the pretty lights and shiny things.

This was the fun Mexican style bakery at the front of the restaurant we ate at.

For only 4 dollars you, too, can be personally serenaded. 

San Antonio

This is from our trip to San Antonio. We went there to visit Chris Nicolas and his new little family. He has a beautiful wife and baby. It was hot this day, as most July days in San Antonio must be...

The Burchells!

The Lad and the Dad.

Justin and Ron, reunited at long last...