News from Tim

Some of you know over the course of the last week or so Sonia and I have been struggling with some illness, Sonia more than me I think. Still it has been rough on both of us. Sonia has been able to take a break from work to rest up of which I'm glad, she works so hard and I think it's great that she can take some time for herself to get better and feel better.

Classes have been in full swing for me as I'm taking and teaching this semester. It's been quite the experience to teach a course in animation and I must say that I'm really enjoying it. I have 14 students this semester and it's been great to see them progress over the course of just a few short weeks.

With the economic struggles ahead of us ASU has not been immune to the effects. All ASU employees have been put on a 2 week mandatory furrlow. For those who don't know that means we basically have to take a 2 week vacation without pay, it translates into quite a chunk of change taken out of my annual income but we're in a good position to soften the blow for us. Some at the university are not so lucky and will be claiming unemployment benefits during this time of trial. We have really been blessed so much with great jobs and wonderful opportunities to progress and advance ourselves.

I'm looking forward to some time off and spending time with family in March, I get to go and visit my family in Houston and that will be great, plus I'll get a couple of days to myself at home to relax and prepare for teaching the next few lessons of my class. It's true the old adage of "When you teach, you will learn more than your students".

All in all we're happy and can't complain, we are grateful to all our friends and family who support and love us and we hope and pray that they feel that same love and support from us.