Confessions of a Mad Professor

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself. Andy Warhol

2011-09-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Lot’s has changed at Casa IPG since you have last checked in! And since IPG last checked in. I guess the biggest change would be that we have a new addition. He is 3 months old and 2 feet tall! I will post some pictures of him up shortly.

One of our members has been evicted as well. Brother in law moved out last February. He had a new son of his own who is 3 month older than our new addition.

SD is in high school now. If you can believe it… She is doing well, adjusting to her classes! She made the volleyball team. Note to self post some pics of her in her uniform. She also stays with her dad and I a lot more than she used to do.

So let me jump right in. I don’t want to be one of those moms that brag incessantly about their kids. Yawnville. However and this is just between us. Airplane (Dear Son) has recently started smiling. He also is so much more alert now. He was 4 weeks premature so he had to find his voice so to speak. Today he looked in the mirror and smiled at himself the first time. I could die it was so cute.

Dear Twins

2010-10-28T09:34:00.003-07:00

Dear baby(s):

I believe you are in there growing things. I know the tests said no, but I don’t believe it. I know you both are there producing toenails maybe. You are smaller than rice at this point I think. I know you guys managed to bury into my lining. I know you have. I have to believe it.

I had a manic insane day and I just know you are there. I know you are waiting for the right time for me to find out about you. Darling twins please be alive. Please be healthy. My beautiful boys I love you. Please pull through for mama.

The decades have not brought me here.
The way was unmarked. No amount of signs
would guide me to this place — well, why not just say it
— to you. I am all in. You are what I’ve come for.

Update-Airplane was born on June 9 2011 at 4:03 PM Pacific Time he managed to make it. His twin did not implant.

Silence is golden ... but duct tape is silver. Unknown

2010-09-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

This is what I did today

A dirty bird can't fly with a broken wing! Who dat!

2010-09-17T00:13:00.001-07:00

So what I do is I make sure that everything is all in order with work. Then I furiously research my little endeavor. I am pretty excited about this new business. I am ready to get the legal paperwork done so that I can get this business off the ground. I love when I get excited about an idea. I try to draw everyone in and get them to feed on my excitement.

I was running around the house like a Heisman Trophy today. I had so much on my plate, and I had so much to do. This is not the first stressful day now that the fall semester is in the full swing of things, and I am sure it will not be the last.

I am off in a puff of smoke to Hawaii on Saturday. Family time! I get to spend some time with the ‘rents.

I need to take a second to Kvetch a teeny bit about my brother in law. My brother in law was laid off in September, 2009. And by February he had not been able to find a job in Texas. My husband and I believe in doing the right thing. We do the right thing even when we don’t want to do the right thing sometimes. We both operate under the belief that for those God has given much he expects much. And my husband and I are blessed. We have a beautiful marriage, a wonderful life, a healthy (step) daughter, financial stability, fulfilling careers, our own health, a fabulous family, and an amazing home…just to name a few things. Anyway, we asked my brother in law to come live with us until February, 2011 to help him get on his feet.

Now mind you he pays no rent, no bills, and does not buy food. We provide all of that. Generally speaking he helps out around here when we need some help, but not always. NOW comes the whining part my brother in law cannot handle his business. He can’t prioritize. He is unable to accomplish what needs to be done to get ahead. And while this should be none of my business this drives me INSANE! I am not sure where my brother in law will be moving when February 12, 2011 rolls around. But when he does I will be happy to stop worrying about folks that do not take care of business.

Because I missed him this weekend

2010-09-13T12:20:00.004-07:00

The best day wasn't
that Thursday when you met me
That was just a start

Day of wedding bells
when you promised to love me
That was the best day

Your dreams my hopes- ours
pursuing goals chasing dreams
We did it together

Five years of marriage
Thousands of I love yous now
And we still love each other

Beautiful world, ours
Loving everyday together
In our own bubble

Then you say to me
I could never be happier
We are so lucky

It was your idea
The wonderful life together
I am glad you asked

I see a pattern
You love me, I love you
Doesn't matter which

Trying to explain
to everyone else around us
They can’t understand us

It will always be
Just you and me together
Loving each other

Mixing the personal with the professional a bit

2010-09-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new business. I am wrapping up all the legal legwork that I need to incorporate. Once all the lawyers say I am good I need to hire an artist. If you or someone you know would be interested in being the artist for my project then I have an ongoing contract for you.

I am looking to build a business relationship for an ongoing project that has major potential to expand nationally. If you are interested please send me your portfolio in addition to your resume for review. If you do not have a portfolio I am going to need to at least see samples of your work. This is a telecommute position. This position will start in early October.

Here is what happens…your body gets older. But your mind stays the same. Maybe.

2010-09-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

I was out tonight. Bey is out of town. And I am busy running around going out like I am in college. (not really) Example 1.) I left the house at 8 o’clock (at Auburn I never went out before 10:30) . Example 2.) I went to dinner first (at Auburn I could not afford to go out and go to dinner). Example 3.) I am already home (at Auburn it was a bad night if I was home at 12:45 AM. Nevertheless let me live my dream. I decided while I was out it is a strange strange strange world we are living in.

Call me naïve but I have never seen one of those crazy vapor cigarettes before. I was mesmerized and asked a million questions about them.* Additionally I met the band that was playing live out tonight. They played some classic rock that I did. After their set I talked to them. In the past I would have been too busy running my mouth to talk to the band. BUT tonight was surreal. I couldn’t help feeling like it was last summer and Bey was going to be stuck in Mississippi. That is how it felt all last summer. Surreal and frustrating. It shouldn’t feel like that now since my life is perfect. Bey is here, we have a wonderful home, and we are never going to be separated for a long time ever again. So it was crazy I felt like that. Overall the evening was a success. Perfect time for getting together with all of my friends.

*Ridiculous since I don’t even smoke, but I was fascinated by the blue light!

Always kiss like it is the first time and the last time ♥

2010-09-11T08:45:00.002-07:00

I miss my darling boy. He ran off to the Auburn game without me. In all fairness he asked me to go. I have been too exhausted and have piles of work to do. I am developing some classes which means I have extra piles that I do not generally have. No big deal, but it makes it difficult to travel.

One of my BFF’s called off her wedding last week. She and I have not had the opportunity to really dig in to what is going on with that although to be fair I should have seen it coming. My other BFF is getting married October 16. I just got her invitation my dress should be done being altered on Monday.

I hate Bey being gone. I miss him and it feels like last year when he was stuck in Mississippi and I was stuck here. He will be here on Sunday, and it can not come soon enough.

There Are No Good Girls Gone Wrong - Just Bad Girls Found Out ~ Mae West ♥

2010-09-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

The refi is almost done. I got our appraisal back, and who hoo! I believe we will close at the end of the month. Here is the deal. Last year we got a 30 year mortgage with a 5 percent interest rate. It was a great rate at the time, and I was pretty happy. However I stay on rate alert, and last week 15 year mortgages came at 3.65 percent. So I said to Bey…let’s refinance. A 15 year mortgage at 3.65 percent is way better than a 30 year at 5 percent. We decided to go ahead and put another chunk of money down on the house and ta da the payment is almost the same!

I did the math ( right now Bey and I are on target to pay off our home September 2013). Based on that target we will save 16,000 dollars by doing this refinance. If we were to wait and pay the house off in 15 years we would save over 169,000 dollars in interest over the 30 year loan.

Other than boring finances Bey leaves tomorrow to go to Mississippi. I am buried and leaving for Hawaii soon so no Auburn football for me.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

I fought the law and I won! :)

2010-09-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Two exciting pieces of information one I believe I mentioned that we fought Maricopa County in court and won on our Tax valuation. It helps to have a lawyer for a daddy. The second important piece of information is that the news is going to come out and interview me at my lovely home because of my accomplishment. It was very easy. Fighting and winning against the big bad county, but several people have tried and not everyone wins. I will be on the Thursday night news being interviewed and asked to explain my process. I am pretty excited. This is the second time I have been on the news since being in Phoenix. The first time I was on Fox news at 4, 5,6 by myself and 9 and 10 with the lovely Bey. We were on the news because we are Saints fans living in Cardinal country.

Of course as soon as I found out that I was going to be interviewed I called my daddy and thanked him again for his help in all things legal in my life. : )

Things have been ok for me except that I'm a zombie now. - Jonathan Coulton

2010-08-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

This week has been an improvement to last week. I have spent the entire week kicking it via the phone to my BFF. I wish we lived closer. However it is great to catch up. Our roommate from college had a baby this week. Of course we talked about all those "glory days" when we were at Auburn. While I have to say that I am pretty high up on the happiness Richter scale these days nothing compares to those carefree days at Auburn. Best times of my life.

Speaking of good times at some point is all of our adult lives we have to start growing up. Unfortunately that time is getting close for me awfully soon. I have enjoyed all this Peter Pan time....now it is time to grow.

My interest in life comes from setting myself huge, apparently unachievable challenges and trying to rise above them. Richard Branson

2010-08-16T00:23:00.000-07:00

This is why it is fantastic to be a stepmom. You listen to teenage girl angst. You pay very close attention. You nod your head solemnly and you smile like an ancient wise soul. You place your hand under your chin as you ponder strife you could not imagine could occur to an upper middle class teenage girl. Then you sigh and say with authority. Go Ask Your Father. It is a fabulous power really. I wish I could exercise it in all aspects of my life.

SD had her first boyfriend last year. Or perhaps crush is the better word. It was obvious to me. Here this little girl who I could barely get to take a bath with tears, threats, gnashing of teeth suddenly became exceedingly interested in her appearance. It was a crush! Of course the only thing that could change behavior like that would be a BOY. Unfortunately this boy is unfantastic. And I am so glad her interest in him has disseminated.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…no not Christmas. The time when the munchkin goes back to school. I love having her here, but I have to transition to my fall busy schedule. No more of my summer lazy schedule.

My bridesmaid dress came this weekend for my BFF Sally’s wedding. Sally and I have been BFFs since 1995. Fifteen years. Oh my. We met at Auburn when we were just munchkins ourselves. After complaining to her that I am not feeling great lately, that I am struggling with some of my own personal demons. She suggested that I go back to Auburn. Pretend I am 18, rush my sorority again, and get our buddy Matt to make me a fake idea. See this is why she is my BFF she always has the best ideas. Unfortunately because of some of the events going on I may not be at the wedding. We talked about it this weekend and she was so supportive of where my journey is.

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

2010-08-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today I want to talk about Bey. When I met Bey in October 2002 he was dating someone very seriously. I was engaged. We did not see one another again until February 2003. By February 2003 I had called off my engagement and Bey had put his ex on the road. Yet we still did not start dating. In February, I met a fabulous man that was all wrong for me! I had to spend some time pursuing that insanity. Then came the inevitable break up. Finally late May 2003 we went on our first date. We have been together ever since.

But that is not what I wanted you to know about Bey. When I met Bey he was a lot of fun. I was not ready to get married. But he will tell you. He knew I was it for him. He pursued me with a dogged determination. He came by my house and spoke of how he saw his future. He urged me to talk about my future. Eventually we started talking about our future.

Then we got married. Marriage is a funny thing sometimes. It takes two people that know each other pretty well (we had been dating a year and a half after all), and turns them into two strangers that now live in the same house. I started my doctorate 10 short days after our wedding. I like stress. Kidding. Although you would believe that is true if you watched a movie of my life Drew Barrymore should play me I think. We had a miscarriage early in our marriage. We had regular stress of bills, and adjusting to life in Mississippi. Then I got sick. We had to face down chemo and radiation.

We moved to Arizona and we were separated for 5 months. During all of this time, I may have been the rock in our relationship, but Bey has always been the foundation. He loves me. He loves me so much I can relax. I can take deep healing breaths around him.

Lately with some of the things that have gone on not only have I needed my foundation I have needed a rock. He has been all that and more. I have to say that I appreciate him. This blogs for you darling.

Lord Chesterfield -, “Persist and persevere, and you will find most things that are attainable, possible."

2010-08-09T16:29:00.002-07:00

Is this always the best path? Is this always the way to go. I have never not once in my entire life ever given up on anything that I wanted. Once I decide I want something it is as good as mine. I stalked the neighborhood I wanted to live in ran spreadsheets and data until I found the perfect house that we could afford. Then at the perfect time I pounced like a cat on my goal and I had the house.

Point 2 I fought Maricopa County. I sued them and won. I had the guy by the tail. Hours of phone calls and faxing, and I won. We settled out of court and they had to cover my fees.

Point 3 when I was coming home daily crying about my Ph. D. crying because my professor or even some of the other students were horrible male chauvinist pigs; I did not once falter. I did not once stammer. I kept going.
I fight till the death to get my way. But today I am faced with a crossroads. Actually I won’t be faced with this crossroad until Wednesday so I am sort of borrowing a bit from Wednesday’s crossroads, but I digress. Do I need to keep persisting and persevering? Or is it time to lay this burden down? When is enough… enough? And why oh why do I have to put my Faith on the line about something I have no control over.
Persistence Perseverance my two best friends are you the ones I should be listening to? Bey and I have been married over 5 years. On our fifth wedding anniversary I asked him to tell me five things about me that he cannot live without. The second thing he listed was my dogmatic pursuit of my goal.
So as I sit, looking around my beautiful home filled with beautiful things, and as I wonder and cry. Do I fight or sit this one out?

When the world says "Give Up," Hope whispers "Try it one more time."

2010-08-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

I miss my ‘rents. I live too far away from them. It is hard sometimes not to resent Bey for moving me all the way over here to this city so far away from people that love me. Of course Bey loves me, but I still miss the ‘rents. Daddy just bought a new boat, and we had a fun taking the boat out on Lake Lanier. My entire family likes to be connected to the water.

Since my parents have retired I have gotten to spend lots of quality time with them. It is so great to see them so relaxed. I am so grateful that my parents were young enough to retire at 57. It has allowed them to enjoy their retirement. My mom and dad both are in good health and just are really enjoying their lifestyle.

And then there is SD. I took SD with me to Atlanta this week. I came upon SD whispering conspiratorially with my mom. SD was trying to convince my mom to let her stay in Atlanta until school starts. I guess so. If I was spoiled like SD over there I would want to stay too! :)

“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

2010-07-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

Life is short...wear red. - International Party Girl

2010-06-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

We had an outstanding weekend at Casa de IPG. Friday was Bey’s work from home day. So we all spent some time hanging out and being a family. Saturday was spent working, riding bikes, and swimming in the pool. We went tubing down the Salt River a few weeks ago, and I believe we want to do that again pretty soon. I have luckily had several classes end so it is kind of a slow week so I feel like I am a free bird. : )

I have been trying to get Stephanie Meyer’s book about Bree Tanner read via the Internet. I might have to break down and purchase it on my Kindle though.

SD is at her grandmother’s this week so the house is quiet. I have suddenly become sick of soccer now that the US is out. Guess that is all in news…

“May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine.” Frank Sinatra

2010-06-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful man I have ever known. To my husband, my best friend, my partner in crime, my confidant, my shoulder to cry on, my warrior of spiders, my biggest fan, my bed buddy, my caretaker when I am sick, the reason I walk around smiling the world would not be wonderful without you in it. Have a wonderful birthday.

“Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.” Shaq

2010-06-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

I need to commit to writing here more often. Life love and appreciation just flow at my house. Why isn’t that easy to write about? I just forget, and I am busy. I guess those are crappy excuses but it is what it is.

We sold our boat, our refrigerator, our grill, and some sinks from our house. This is because we are buying a new boat, we bought a new French door stainless steel fridge (my new baby), we had an outdoor kitchen installed at our home and our grill connects directly to the gas line, and we put granite in all our bathrooms so we had some leftover sinks. We sold everything on craigslist in 2 days. The wonders of modern technology…we sold our boat in 45 minutes leading me to wonder if we had it priced too low. :)

Now if anyone has a jet boat that seats 8 in good condition from 2005 or beyond I would appreciate a phone call. :) Since I am buying. We are boatless, and I don’t like it. AND as annoying as this is to believe every boat I keep finding is out of state. Poor Bey looks like I am going to drag him away this weekend after all.

SD finished out the year with straight A’s so no homework for her this summer. I am however having her participate in the summer reading program so that we can all go to a Diamondback game again this year. We did it last year, and it was a lot of fun. SD and I were also planning on going to see the release of the new Twilight movie Eclipse, but she will be visiting her grandma at that time.

Today is movie day at our house. This involves watching Gone With the Wind, and Auntie Mame. Those were the movies selected for this year’s annual movie day. We will also be having Thanksgiving in June tomorrow on Bey’s birthday. Finally we decided to add something new to our list of fun stuff we like to do in the summer. We will be hostessing our first annual High Tea at the Case de IPG. Everyone is going to wear hats, and drink tea and eat scones and maybe talk with British accents (this has not been decided on yet. SD votes yes, and I vote no).

Finally I am busy busy planning SD’s fabulous birthday extravaganza. I came up with the idea in FEBRUARY. And I have managed to keep it a secret all this time. It is a major accomplishment for me. Since usually I just spill the beans everywhere. :) It is a big huge deal and she is going to DIE when she figures out what it is. I am really very excited about it! Thankfully I don’t have to keep it a secret much longer.

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland

2010-06-20T09:53:00.001-07:00

This is dedicated to the 2 best dad’s in the entire world: my dad, and my husband.

My dad says I love you many different ways, but growing up I did not get to see him as much as I would like. However even though he worked, and worked hard for our family I learned my values from him. I learned to see that he was the kind of man that works hard for his family, and loves us all very much.

I married a man very much like my own sweet daddy. He is a wonderful man that loves me and his daughter very much. His heart is as open and as kind as anyone’s I have ever met. His little girl loves him with all her heart, and I do too.

To daddy, and Bey I love you. Thanks for being the fathers that matter so much to me and SD.

A stepmom is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan

2010-06-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

Hosted my very first stepmom group dinner party at my house on Friday. I have been getting together with these ladies since November for a little dinner, and a little discussing life in a blended family and all that it entails: the skids, the husband, the bio mom etc.

Sometimes in recent months it has become my life raft. It is so good to hear that even when things are not perfect at my house that they are not perfect at anyone else’s house either.

On Friday I kicked my family out so that I could play hostess. My family went to the movies while I dished with my girls about the life and times of this not so wicked stepmom. Usually our meetings only last an hour or two, but Friday stretched all the way until 11. In fact my family had already returned home by the time the last stepmom left.

The evening was a roaring success. I am pretty excited to be hostessing July’s meeting as well.

Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith. – Margaret Shepard

2010-06-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is here. The pool is warm. We are selling the boat. Bey is working from home one day a week. My paper is almost done, and life is good. I have some adorable pics that I need to get posted.

Work is still busy. I hate doing these drive by posts, but wanted to get something in...:)

“"I lose my temper, but it's all over in a minute," said the student. "So is the hydrogen bomb," I replied. "But think of the damage it produces!” Spencer Tracy

2010-05-18T08:05:00.001-07:00

SD obviously worked hard today at school

I should not blog and say "Nothing new to report."
Actually that is totally unfactual. I have a myriad of new things to report the gravamen of the issue however is that the new material I have to report is dreary. Chapter 1 is done, Chapter 3 except for 2 problematic paragraphs are done, Chapter 4 needs work, Chapter 5 needs a bit more work. None of it is properly formatted. However I feel real progress in my bones. I feel dare I say accomplished?

“If it weren't for electricity we'd all be watching television by candlelight.” George Gobal

2010-05-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

So last night SD was at our place, but I am not there. :( SO Bey had made her a delicious dinner of Lobster and King crab (Fry’s had them onsale last week so I bought a bunch.

SD said to Bey…”I am going to start calling IPG the not evil stepmom.” Bey said, “Yeah she is pretty good to you.” SD said, “Yeah she is great.”

I turned in the final copy of my Chapter 1 to my advisor today! THIS is the sound of relief!!!

"Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, i would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station." Anon

2010-05-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

What all has been going on? LOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First and foremost I should mention I am once again out of town. Out of the country. Out of my mind. One thing I have just recently realized is I hate being separated from the man. Bey is an outstanding man! I can’t believe how much I miss him.

Let’s see I believe I mentioned I bought a new truck, and the pool was finished. Work has been hectic and fun all at the same time. My parents came for a visit which was nice to see them. I can’t ever spend enough time with them! It is so great that my dad is now retired. I have never seen him so relaxed.

Bey and I have been having a great time. One thing that has been a lot of fun is settling in to our schedule. Having SD every other weekend allows us to have alone time. We are able to spend some quality couple time.

We went to a crawfish festival back in April. It was nice to listen to Zydeco music and eat Jambalaya. It was even nicer to spend the time with our friends and hang out with people from Louisiana that have been transplanted in Phoenix like us!

SD was inducted into the NJHS (National Junior Honor Society). We are so proud of her! She looked so pretty at her induction ceremony. I was so proud seeing her standing there with her candle.

SD has been attending Bible study at church. She is very dedicated and enjoys the study. She has also made quite a few friends at church.

My stepmom group is going well, and I have been enjoying getting to know my fellow Stepmom’s in the valley. On Saturday, we went and painted our own pottery. Not really my thing, but I still had such a blast with the girls.

I’ll have some new school stuff to report directly. Additionally now that all the projects are done around the house Bey and I can just settle in to our little love nest. J

“A good review from the critics is just another stay of execution.” Dustin Hoffman

2010-04-13T23:20:00.001-07:00

My mother has been visiting and she thankfully has been keeping me sane in a week destined to blow my cool as a cucumber austere. It all began so quietly yesterday.

I received an email that my faculty review was in. Excited was I because I knew that I had hit this one out of the ball park.

So, I hastily opened my form that gives me my news. I just knew I had received the coveted Exceeds all Astronomical Projections and Expectations or (EAPE) for short.

I opened my evaluation and see that I was given a Meets Ridiculous Amounts of Expectations (MRAE). Seriously. I become livid. All the comments point to a EAPE not a MRAE. So I did what any sensible Southern girl would do. I call the nimrod that was evaluating me. BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP.

The moronic man that reviewed me was chauvinistic, ridiculous, and unbelievably misguided, “Do you have any idea how arduous the review process is?” To which I NATURALLY respond, “It would be less arduous if you could actually fill the little letters out correctly.”

I go on to explain why the MRAE is completely, utterly, and insanely unacceptable and the reason why I deserve an EAPE and how ridiculously wrong he was. It was if he was reviewing some other class. I provide graphs, proof, spreadsheets, and tables created from those spreadsheets. It is unbearable, and unbelievable to listen to this buffoon try to tap dance around the fact that he completed the review wrong.
And the verdict? (Mr. I-am-smarter-than-you and a jerk did not ever admit to being wrong). Unfortunately for Mr. IASTY I have the phone numbers for the People that Make Things Happen. I know these people. I know their Banana Republic suits and their ability to send emails that cut right through the egos of these peon Mr. IASTYs…I went over his head.

Anyway, the SECOND person I talked to said:

Person in Charge (PIC): “Ugh yes Mr. IASTY is rather difficult, but I can’t do anything until he changes his score.”

Me: “He won’t, but he won’t admit he is wrong. I have graphs and charts. I can prove with out a shadow of a doubt that he is W-R-O-N-G” (For those of you that have never met me in the flesh I have an uncanny ability to argue. I learned it by growing up a superb lawyer’s daughter. I also am always right. I could explain how to always be right. Here is how it goes. Make sure that you are right before engaging in an argument. Ensure that you have facts and figures to back it up before engagement. This is the best way to always be right. If you are not 100 percent sure you are right then don’t engage. Rinse. Repeat. You get the drill).

Pic: “You made graphs and charts?”
Me: “Yes doesn’t everyone?”

PIC: “No wow I am impressed! I am changing your score in our system post haste.”
Me: “Whoop Whoop!”
And that is how I got an EAPE on my review.

I will be likely moving this blog. To those that are followers I will send out the new URL. :)

I don't have time to wear makeup every day. I need that time to clean my rifle. - Anon

2010-04-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how wonderful my life has been lately. I got a new truck, the pool is finished, my parents are in town, and everything else has just been rocking along perfectly.

Everyone is being their perfect selves. Bey and I have some fun trips planned in the upcoming months. For example it looks like we are NOLA bound once again. We are planning a trip to Turkey in the fall. At some point this summer we are going to Belize.

I suppose we don’t have to go anywhere really because the backyard is an oasis, but I have the need to cruise on out of town. ;) We are expecting some big changes in our lives this year so we …or rather I need to get some of the traveling out of my system. :)

Work has really been keeping me busy. I got put on about 4 extra projects which of course brings in a few new piles of extra money. The trade off is that I have been working and working and working and working. I can’t get out from under all the work I have.

I need to post some pictures of the pool and vehicle, but I have already posted many of them on Facebook.

SD is doing well. She is making straight A’s. Additionally she has gotten really involved at church. She has made a number of friends near our house. She is signed up for her first lock in at church. :) She is very excited about going.

Finally my cousins are all in town visiting my aunt so it was nice that we had SD this weekend as well as my parents.

Monday Madness

2010-03-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to spend your Monday is working your butt off getting your grades in, but it is all totally worth it!!!! I am going to be mostly off until April 5! Definitely reason to brag!

Hubby had to work late tonight, but as soon as he gets home I am going to meet him with a hot dinner, a cup of coffee, and a trip to our new hot tub!

I hate that he is back at work. I wish he could work from home.

“A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.” Bill Watterson

2010-03-21T22:44:00.002-07:00

We bought a new Dodge Ram Laramie this weekend. It is a 2010, black and tan, and gorgeous. Good Riddance to our old truck. I put the entire truck on my credit card, and then I came hoem and paid it off. In that one quick purchase I earned enough air miles to go to Bali. Now it is time to plan. ;)

One of my most favorite songs to make myself smile.

Sometimes you feel like a Snark- IPG

2010-03-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

Check out the progression of the backyard Oasis

Additionally I want to share the pictures of the lake that I was enjoying in the boat today! I will have some more personal pictures taken by me and my family in a bit, but is this not the most amazing thing you have ever seen? And only 45 minutes from my house (including boat hauling time)! WHO HO!!!!!!

I almost got away with it. - international party girl

2010-02-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all you know that I am always up to something. Whether I am running off to Russia, moving across the country, or redesigning my backyard, I am almost always getting into trouble. It is no wonder my nickname has almost always been Trouble.

THE POOL IS SO MUCH FUN. Everyday they are doing something. The granite guy is going to be in here to install the granite countertops next Monday! Whoot! Can’t wait.

I guess the thing that made me want to blog was I had the most perfect Sunday this past week.

Me, my handsome man, my brother in law, my SD, my aunt, and my uncle all sat around and played family game night. It really was perfect and fantastic to have my whole family all together.

“When it comes down to it, I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I'm already better than them anyways.” Marily Monroe

2010-02-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

I owe you all an apology. I have not been as active as I typically try to be. I have been getting my house in order and digging a beautiful pool. Turning my wonderful home into a place none of us will ever want to leave.

Back from my Blogcation

2010-01-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

I admit I have been crap lately. No blog updates for almost a month. Wow! I have been keeping my regular journal and writing other nonsense such as checks for bills. I just had not had a chance.

That is not quite true. I guess I have been adjusting. I had a hard time when I first got married. Everytime I turned around and Bey was there I was like WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? and he resonably responded "I live here." I have sort of been going through that again but on different scale. Don't get me wrong...I love SD, and I love Bey. I always want to talk to them and hear how they are doing. But it has been an adjustment for me now that Bey is here and we have SD.

I just can't seem to hit my supergirl stride. I know for a fact it has to do with juggling all the things I am juggling. And by things I mean...finishing the Diss, work, unpacking and organizing my house, being the domestic Goddess I am, doing a MAJOR remodel to the house think 2000 square feet of tile.

I finally found a gym I liked and joined it. However I can't seem to hit my stride there either. I did happen to find a Yoga instructor that both challenges me, and suits my needs in that area so mark that down as a resounding success. In this category I guess I have to include Belly Dancing. I have started taking it. I am not so good, but I enjoy it!!!

I have found two stepmom groups that I have joined, and enjoy meeting and dishing with those nice ladies. We have also found a church we will join. So all of that is great.

Oh and my precious Saints made the superbowl! Who dat?

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan

2009-12-31T18:34:00.002-07:00

I need to do a wrap up of 2009 but I will probably do just one great big resolution/ wrap up post over the weekend. I have been enjoying my time off, and will get around to those chores this weekend. :)

In the meantime here is a collage of my statuses in facebook for 2009.

"Please let me be. Please go away. I am NOT going to get up today!" - Dr. Suess

2009-12-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

I have a lot to do to recap 2009 in the next few days. However I did want to mention that my blog secret Santa gift came and I love love love it. I love to cook so the book will be helpful. The card was kind as well. I will be updating pics directly. I had to give credit where credit is due. Props for the gift secret Santa.

I am sick. :( This happens when I travel. I am also giving Bey dirty looks because I feel like being a whiney baby, and he is not giving me the proper amount of attention. I guess I should be kinder though he did already buy part of my valentine's day gift today. I won't pull his nomination for hubby of the year yet. ;)

To the Black and Gold

2009-12-21T08:38:00.001-07:00

Here’s to the boys in black and gold,You’re nothing like the “ain’ts” of old. You showed us grace, you showed us style You showed your hearts, to make us smile.You changed our city, You changed our lives You changed football widows Into football wives.Yes, we know you are thirteen and one But we also know that you aren...’t ......done. Geaux Saints…..Bless You Boys! WE STILL BELEIVE!!!

Dear Bey,

2009-12-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever ...meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake

Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas. - Johnny Carson

2009-12-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

I participated in a secret Santa via the mail this year. I am excited to see what my secret Santa will send. I am still sick, and that is unfortunate because I have mounds of things to do today. But the show must go on. I have just been feeling so grateful for all the wonderful blessings in my life lately. My handsome man, and all that we have been blessed with. We are starting our next big adventure, and that is so exciting!

And now I am sick....

2009-12-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

It has been such a busy busy week. A friend of mine had surgery, and hubby and I have been settling in for a our routine. We leave on Friday for the ATL so there can not be too much settling. The house is not in order yet, but we are getting there.

We had a slew of holiday parties this weekend Thursday, Friday, Saturday. We also went out last night enjoying spending some quality time out and about enjoying each other. It was our weekend to not have SD so we enjoyed being kid free. It is something that we will have to get used to now that we live in Phoenix. In Mississippi we either had SD or we didn't, and when we had her we only did family stuff. So now we are planning dates and one on one time on our other weekend. It is a lot of fun, and we had quite a long talk about how happy we are in a our new life on the other side of the country. (I could do with a bit warmer weather though...I move to Phoenix and it is freezing and overcast everyday).

Then this morning I woke up sick as a dog. Head cold from the looks of it. SIGH.

Dashing through the Dome, on a 3rd and 1 pass play, See ol' BUSH run, TOUCHDOWN all the way!! HA!HA!HA! Sharper intercepts, Defense gets a sack. Bush flies in the air! Oh what fun it is to see their QB on his back! OH! 13 &0, 13 &0, Undefeated all the way! Oh what fun it'll be to watch the SAINTS Sun-day! Have a Happy ......Saintsmas! WHO DAT NATION .. Good Job!!!

“But I, being poor, have only my dreams. I have spread my dreams under your feet; tread softly, because you tread on my dreams.” William Butler Yeats

2009-12-08T00:05:00.002-07:00

I try to spend a lot of my time volunteering to help those that are less fortunate than I am. For example, I work in soup kitchens or visit nursing homes. So lately I have been doing a study on Poverty. In reading the research on poverty I ran across this quiz. I know I have a lot of bloggy buddies that follow. I would be interested in hearing some of your thoughts on this quiz by Dr. Payne. Call it my academic mind or whatever you like...

Please take the “quiz” in Dr. Payne’s book, Could you survive a day in poverty? by reading and thinking about the following:

I know which churches and sections of town have the best rummage sales.
I know which rummage sales have "bag sales" and when.
I know which grocery stores' garbage bins can be accessed for thrown-away food.
I know how to get someone out of jail.
I know how to physically fight and defend myself physically.
I know how to get a gun even if I have a police record.
I know how to keep my clothes from being stolen at the Laundromat.
I know what problems to look for in a used car.
I know how to live without a checking account.
I know how to live without electricity and without a phone.
I know how to use a knife as scissors.
I can entertain a group of friends with just my personality and my stories.
I know what to do when I don't have money to pay the bills.
I know how to move in half a day.
I know how to get and use food stamps or a government debit card for benefits.
I know where the free medical clinics are.
I am very good at trading and bartering.
I can get by without a car.

How did you do?

I did miserably by the way. I would be hard pressed to survive a day of poverty apparently.

Having a Happy Who Dat Day!

2009-12-07T09:56:00.001-07:00

"On the twelfth game of the season Coach Peyton gave to me 12 Romped Redskins, 11 Punked Patriots, 10 Battered Bucs, 9 Ragged Rams, 8 Pounced Panthers, 7 Dirty Birds, 6 Dunked Dolphins, 5 Shrunken Giants, 4 Wrecked Jets, 3 Beat up Bills, 2 Tame Eagles, and a Lion Sauce Picante!"

Hoopin' it up with SD

2009-12-05T18:07:00.003-07:00

“Never slap a man who chews tobacco.” Williard Scott

2009-12-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

It is truly amazing that I am not incarcerated. Seriously. This probably warrants and explanation for those of you that do not know me personally….for those happy few that do… you know that it truly is a miracle that I am not caged. ;)

Perhaps I should take this time to elaborate… onward and upward eh?

My day began early. IPG is a lark and leaps happily out of bed humming and singing while forest animals chirp around her a la Cinderella. No really I am a morning person. HOWEVER hubs is NOT. He thinks that hitting the snooze button is an Olympic sport…since he has to get up earlier than IPG…she on occasion finds this behavior annoying.

IPG had to return an enormous (6ft) sconce to this snotty boutique that she frequents. (This whole thing is probably IPG’s fault as she should stop frequenting snotty boutiques). The sconce was the perfect width, but expensive, and the mirror on the sconce was scratched. Upon arriving to the snotty boutique the festivities begin. A snotty member of the help at said boutique tries to give IPG a hard time about returning the sconce. IMPORTANT NOTE HERE the sconce is 1 week old AND IPG has her receipt. Enter the incarceration portion of the evening.

On occasion some people need a swift smack in the face. Just. Right. In. The. Face. IPG wanted to smack this clerk. IPG resigns herself to just rolling her eyes at the snotty clerk.

Blah blah blah…SC suggests some ridiculous suggestions to IPG. Blah blah blah.

IPG: “Here is the receipt. “

Snotty Clerk (SC): “Maybe you just can’t make the mirrors work.”

IPG: “Despite being from the south I am fully capable of operating a mirror. I look in the mirror…I see my reflection. That is how mirrors work. However this mirror has a big scratch on it. I do not have a big scratch on my face. That would be a scratch on the mirror.”

SC: Maybe you would like this nice vase.

IPG: That vase is lime green and it is a vase. Not something to …HANG ON THE WALL.

SC: Perhaps you would like this table.

IPG: Perhaps I am not speaking English. How shall I put a table on the wall?

SC: I don’t know I was looking for something in a similar price range.

IPG: How would that help my decorating conundrum? (Note to self: don’t use large words like conundrum with snotty clerks).

SC: What about this wet bar?

***And here is where I think that I should be allowed to smack with dispensation. A wet bar? Really? It is bad enough SC implied I could not use a mirror as if I am some sort of Vampire, but what in God’s name does a wet bar have to do with a wall decoration….meanwhile back at the ranch.

IPG: Give me my money back. I am growing dumber by the minute.

Exit IPG

“If somebody thinks they're a hedgehog, presumably you just give 'em a mirror and a few pictures of hedgehogs and tell them to sort it out for themselves.” Douglas Adams

2009-12-02T08:30:00.024-07:00

Here are a collection of random pictures from my family's visit to Phoenix. The top two pictures were snapped at Tortillia Flats. The next two were at Canyon Lake. The one that is really too dark is IPG, Bey, and SD looking at Christmas Lights. Then comes my aunt and uncle with Mickey. Then my mom and dad at the country club. Then my mom and dad with SD. My dad was giving SD bunny ears and she was telling him to stop. :) Then comes Bey and his brother, our puppy Shug...my sister dad and mom looking at Christmas lights. Then my mom, sister, and SD in front of a large cactus. Finally it is SD in Tortilla Flats.

Who Dat?

2009-12-01T11:48:00.002-07:00

Twas the month before Xmas & no sign of snow.But N.O. doesn't care cause the Saints are 11 & 0. Dinkins scored a touchdown, Sharper intercepted a pass & the Who Dat Nation cheered when Brady was sacked on his a**. Sunday the Redskins, to D.C. we'll go & when the Black & Gold are finished we'll be 12 & 0! Go Brees, Go Bush, Go Harper & Ellis, our teams UNDEFEATED & the others are jealous!

http://www.wordle.net

Dear Santa, I can explain

2009-11-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well it is that time of year again. I am on Santa's naughty list and proud of it. :) LOL One of my sorority sisters told me last year that she would be so disappointed in me if the day ever came when I didn't make it on Santa's naughty list. :) Funny.

My sister left yesterday. My SD left this morning. My brother-in-law leaves tonight. My dad leaves Wednesday. My Mother In Law comes Friday, and my mom leaves next Tuesday. So the holiday is winding down. But the dahling Bey stays here. :)

Tonight I am watching my saints with all the saints lovers in Phoenix. Who dat? Tomorrow it is back to business as usual I guess the festivities are over for a short time.

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. ~Edward Sandford Martin

2009-11-26T08:50:00.002-07:00

Have a happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

A homemade card from my darling Bey. He made it for me while he was gone.

From One Who Stays

How empty seems the town now you are gone!
A wilderness of sad streets, where gaunt walls
Hide nothing to desire; sunshine falls
Eery, distorted, as it long had shone
On white, dead faces tombed in halls of stone.
The whir of motors, stricken through with calls
Of playing boys, floats up at intervals;
But all these noises blur to one long moan.
What quest is worth pursuing? And how strange
That other men still go accustomed ways!
I hate their interest in the things they do.
A spectre-horde repeating without change
An old routine. Alone I know the days
Are still-born, and the world stopped, lacking you.
-Amy Lowell

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

2009-11-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I have a beautiful family...a happy healthy family. A lovely new home filled with brand spanking new furniture. My husband and I are happy and in love and ecstatic to be reunited after a long stretch of geographic separation. My husband got a fantastic new job that was a promotion in one of the worst economies this country has seen in a generation.

So on this time of thanks I have found many reasons to be grateful. My cup literally runneth over. I am so lucky to have my loving parents here to share this very special thanksgiving with me. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving on Friday with SD. It feels surreal that we are finally together as a family!

I have been so naughty I am putting myself in timeout.

2009-11-23T10:08:00.002-07:00

Ok I am just being funny. I haven't been that naughty. Maybe just a little. Mostly I have been working my little tail off.

However here are a few pictures I have been meaning to share...note I have some better pics but these are the ones I have handy. These two pictures prove once and for all why I am not a photographer by trade. Actually I just took them with my Blackberry and although my phone takes outstanding pictures these turned out grainy. This is SD's first cheerleading game. :) She is the one I circled with the big black oval. I promise that I will put some better pics up. My mom, dad, aunt and uncle all went with me to cheer on the fabulous SD at her first game.

These next two are scenes from Tortilla Flats and Canyon Lake. The boat needed to stretch its propeller yesterday so I had to give in to the urge and take it for a spin. I couldn't resist snapping some pictures along the way it was just so beautiful there!

Probably the most exciting news is Bey is destined to be here TODAY. Which is fantastically exciting! I can not wait to see him. Let the festivities begin!

I have signed up to participate in a gift exchange. If you are interested you have to respond by November 25, 2009. I am excited about the prospect. You are supposed to describe yourself to help your exchange partner shop for you. I have modern tastes and like neutral colors. I love flip flops, New Orleans, Auburn, and football. Hope that helps. :)

I pledge allegiance to The Saints, and to the great city of New Orleans; and to The Super Bowl, for which we will win; One city, below sea level, under God; with Mardi Gras & alcohol for all. AMEN!

"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey." -- Fitzhugh Mullan

2009-11-20T17:09:00.003-07:00

Bey is in the car. Packed up and driving towards me as we speak. Oh let the count down begin. My precious man is IPGZona bound. We are so very blessed. I can't wait to welcome him back to our beautiful home.

Walk carefully in the beginning of love; running across fields into your lover's arms only comes later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip

2009-11-18T16:52:00.004-07:00

Today in the mail...
I received a package of letters. A journal really.

A chronicle from my husband spelling out the days he has spent this past five months with out me, and why he never wants to do it again.

He had written an entry every single day. I was amazed.

So blessings come by mail as well...

“I can't do literary work for the rest of this year because I'm meditating another lawsuit and looking around for a defendant” Mark Twain

2009-11-18T01:30:00.002-07:00

Bey and I are going to court!

I can't believe I wrote that whole long post, and forgot to mention our law suit. Now neither Bey nor I are particularly Litigious. I do have a daddy that is an attorney, but that doesn't mean I run around suing folks. However I am going to take on Maricopa County.

That is right. Bey and I are going to take Maricopa County to court. :) It sounds much more dramatic than it is. But we will be fighting in small claims court that our tax assessment in too high. For the cost of 142 dollars I can argue that my house was overvalued by the tax assessor's office and the value needs to be lowered for taxing purposes. I am gathering all the evidence I need...most notably my closing papers. I believe that proves quite handily what the fair market value for our home is. Since that is what we paid. :)

Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody. Ben F

2009-11-18T00:49:00.002-07:00

Pics of my sister meeting Stephen King...whoops I accidentally cut the KING out now I am going to have to ask my mom for the pic again. Sigh.

SD's first basketball game was tonight. They cheered for the boys and the girls team, and she looked so great out there cheering! She looked happy! It made my heart hurt that her daddy is not quite here yet. I took my mom, dad, aunt, and uncle, and of course myself to see her so she had quite a turn out.

It is so awesome having my parents here. I don't think we have spent this much time together since I lived at home when I was 17! I am having such a fantastic time. WOW! Really a lot of fun.

So the count down is on for Bey he only has 3 more days of work until he heads west. I am so excited. I don't ever want to spend another second apart.

I have cheer pics, but am too tired to get them up tonight. I will get them up in the morning.

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…”-Ralph Waldo Emerson

2009-11-13T23:07:00.004-07:00

I want my money back. It has been cloudy 4 days in a row. I moved here for the sunshine. :) Actually I moved here for precious SD, but some sunshine would be nice as well.

Darling Bey leaves the great state of Mississippi a week from today. They are throwing him a large going away party that is is a secret I believe. He will have a great time, and I am glad they are honoring him this way. I don't know what his poor boss is going to do with out him.

My sweet daddy is spending the night in my old stomping grounds...El Paso, TX. He should be in Phoenix either tomorrow or Sunday. I am so grateful that we are going to have such a large group at Thanksgiving. I am also excited that I will be able to share my new beautiful home with my family.

My sister met Stephen King today. I am VERY jealous. I love him. He is one of my most favorite authors. It is pretty exciting that she got that opportunity.

Work has been washing over my head like waves. I am so over worked it seems. Now is the last big push until the end of the year. This is not a problem, but I would just like a break.

I saw the movie 2012 with SD and mom this evening. During the movie I realized I have burning desire to go to Tibet. So I will probably be planning something along those lines in the next year or so.

The car search has stalled. Mostly because I have been in mad preparation for family. Hubby has gotten a much better position and a substantial raise so I may bump up my desires a bit more.

I believe I have blogged before on our desire to live a debt free life. Other than our mortgage Bey and I are debt free. So I won't be buying a car that we can't pay for outright. If I were to sit tight for a month or so more I could afford a bit more. But I don't really care what I drive. Mostly if it has four wheels, an automatic transmission, and cranks when I put the key in I am pretty happy.

My dissertation has stalled. My advisor emailed to find out if I was among the living. Thankfully I had something to report and could answer in the affirmative.

What the world really needs is more love and less paper work. ~Pearl Bailey

2009-11-12T15:03:00.002-07:00

Did I mention my hubby found a job? Did I mention the 5 month long separation that has been my life for the last 5 months has come to an end? Did I mention that I am ecstatic?

My mom is here for a one month visit. My dad is on his way realizing his dream of driving across the country. The house is beginning to look like a home. OH and the 12,000 dollars of mine that Bank of America lost…has been found!

Interesting TIDBIT they ran a background check on hubby. He had his identity stolen back during his tenure in the Marines. Apparently while he was stationed in Kuwait munching on camel meat he was ALSO being arrested in Denver. It didn't affect his job offer because we had documented the theft, and had his orders from the Marines.

What a great day here in IPGzona! SD’s first cheerleading performance is next week. My mom and I intend to go and cheer for her!

Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share. Ned Dolan

2009-11-10T08:09:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday Marines

(this is for all the Marines, but mostly my sweet dahlin' Bey)

BIG TIME UPDATE

2009-11-09T15:49:00.001-07:00

HUBBY GOT A JOB!!!!!!!
Turned in his two week notice today. So he is AZ bound as soon as his notice is worked out.

SO EXCITING!

Ah, Joie de Vivre! (The Joy of Life)

2009-11-01T23:18:00.006-07:00

Mon français est pourri, mais je reconnais la grande nourriture cajun. Et nous avons eu un temps fantastique à la cajun Cookoff à Phoenix aujourd'hui.

(My french is rotten, but I do recognize great Cajun food. And we had a fantastic time at the cajun cookoff in Phoenix today. )

Sorry about the crappiness of the pic with SD in it. She was busy scarfing down Gumbo. :) So I had to get my snaps in when I could.

I also got some great shots of her on Halloween last night. :) I have more but these were sent to me by SD's BFF's mom.

God governs the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable than an empire can rise without His aid? BF

2009-10-30T08:48:00.002-07:00

My mantra for the day. :)
Rumors are confirmed SD made the cheer leading team! Go SD. Can't wait to see those cute uniforms.

So tomorrow night I am going to be a Gold Digger. My costume is complete. I can't wait...it is going to be a riot. LOL

Halloween here I come.

"Success doesn't come to you…you go to it."Marva Collins

2009-10-28T06:01:00.003-07:00

SD heard a rumor that she made the cheer squad at her school. That is SO exciting. I am hoping it is true. Will update when I know for sure. I am packing up and heading home. Flying from east to west is so nice. I get home the same time I leave. :)

I have a busy few days ahead of me:
Get home
Get the rest of my belongings out of the rental
Get the maid over there to get it clean
Pick up SD
Halloween (SD is spending the night with her besties and I have a party)
The Great Cajun Cookoff on Sunday
Monday night football with all my lovely Saints fans in Phoenix
Pick my mom up from the airport

Busy busy schedule!

Proverbs 18:22 - "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD."

2009-10-26T13:05:00.003-07:00

Just a little reminder to Bey. LOL. I am blogging from Atlanta. My parent's dog died. I came to spend some time with my mom cause she is having a hard time.

I go home Wednesday then my mom comes out for the month of November. My 'rents are retired so they can do whatever they want. My dad is coming too but instead of flying he is driving because, "I have always wanted to do that."

Bey came over for the weekend and spent some time with me. We enjoyed a good weekend of quality family time. The leaves are changing and my parents new home is so beautiful. I believe I made it here for the peak fall foliage weekend.

I have gotten to see my friends that live in Atlanta, and just have a good time in general. Bey has some testing and interviews in Phoenix coming up. He is testing with the Police Department and some school district positions. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

My plane points west on Wednesday, and I will be desert bound once again. It is hard to believe that I have already been here a week. When I return back to IPGzona I have to get the rest of our stuff out of our rental. Then I will be living in the Barbie dream home full time. :)

SD made straight A's on her report card, and today she is trying out for the cheer leading squad.

You are the same today that you are going to be five years from now except for two things: the people with whom you associate and the books you read.

2009-10-12T08:43:00.002-07:00

I have had some requests to see some of the letters I get from Bey. Here is a partial.

Darling wife,

Another weekend has passed that we were separated. I know it has been as difficult for you as it is for me. All that you go through for me. You are such a strong woman, I wouldn’t trust anyone else in this world with what I place in your capable hands.

May your day be free of the nagging worries that have filled you lately. I ache that I can’t help you with your chores so that you could lay your angelic head down and relax. Keep in mind that this time is not forever. I know it is hard to hear but you just need to endure as we both know you can.

Do you remember that book we read together about napoleon? Do you remember how he told his lover to not bathe he was coming home? We laughed so hard thinking that it could take him a month to get to her how gross and completely French that was. That memory just ran through my head today and the price I would pay to see and feel you laugh like that beside me is a cavern and it is filled with ache.

I believe I discussed this with you but at least our separation is temporary. At least we know that this will end. Sooner rather than later. Imagine if we were separated by something more traumatic such as divorce or death. Angel face a day with out you is a day not worth it.

This past week I have been slammed. I got SD Tuesday...and Wednesday because it was an early release day. I also got her this weekend and it is Columbus day so no school.

That will keep anyone busy. She had a sleep over Friday, and then she hung out with her best friend on Saturday. Then it was spending time with my family and having a nice relaxing weekend.

“You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!” Dolly Parton

2009-10-03T05:39:00.002-07:00

On tap today:

Coffee at 6 AM with Morgan
Unpacking and what not at the new house
Cleaning and what not at the rental
Work-grades, posting, wrapping up some course development
A few quick errands
Auburn Football with the Auburn club
Girl's night out with my Phoenix girls and friend that is here from out of town

I am exhausted already and it is only 5:40 AM. Also on the list locate my Auburn gear and Auburn shoes and Auburn beads so I am correctly attired for the party. Locate my LBD, boots and cowboy hat for girl's night. You may not think that boots and cowboy hat go with an LBD, but I like it. It works for me.

Talked to my friend Mike who is moving to Phoenix last night for 3 hours. (It had been awhile). He will be here this month for a little visit. Can't wait to see him!

The 'rents are coming soon. I am pretty excited and can't wait to show them the new Casa de IPG.

All my furniture was delivered yesterday and can I just say AMAZING. Literally gorgeous. I swear I am going to post some pics as soon as there are not boxes coming out of my ears.

Little SD is sick. She has chronic stomach pains so the doctor is running tests. She found out they needed a stool sample. She asked her mom what stool was, and when she found out she was mortified. Feel better SD!

Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry. Mark Twain

2009-10-01T20:46:00.003-07:00

Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkkkk
I have been up since 4 AM working. I will probably be up a few hours more. Give or take 5 or so. Sigh. This project WILL NOT END. WILL NOT...sigh.

Anyway, tomorrow my furniture comes for my barbie dream home. YEAH! :)

So I know this is crude, but saw it on an Auburn blog and had to share. :)

I am going to take pics of the house tomorrow with the new gear. I also wish I had made Bey leave his little HD video camera. I could have taken some video.

Thanks to all the well wishers. I appreciate you ladies.

"Why do blessings wear disguises? If I were a blessing, I'd run around naked."

2009-09-29T09:53:00.003-07:00

I was whining to my mother about my life this morning. I need to mention here this probably has more to do with PMS than any actual problems I have. :)

My new home is starting to take shape and look like an actual house. My dining room is finished except for a giant mirror that has to be mounted on the wall. My guest bathroom is finished except for this funky piece of metal wall art that goes there that I have not located yet. The man room is almost finished except for the electronic stuff that is all Bey's. I won't even pretend I know how to do that. The living room is finished except for a couch that is coming Friday. The boxes are not unpacking themselves...sigh. I took the boat out Sunday night for a tiny spin. It just felt good to drive it and have the wind in my hair. I also did a quick swim in the lake and it was so warm. I had bought chicken for dinner and I sat on the lake in the boat eating with the dog and watching how beautiful the sun sets in the desert.

My husband is pretty romantic. He writes careful loving cards and letters to me all the time. And during this period of being apart we have both been mailing each other packages and cards to say that we care. I need to mention here that his cards always put mine to shame. Mine are always along the lines of I miss you. I love you. Whereas his are always pontifications on our perfect future in our wonderful new home with SD. Really I should take a class. The other day however I came up with a fantastic idea. I called one of my best friends in Starkville. I gave her the ingredients and my specific cooking instructions and she made Bey his favorite meal from me. Cooked exactly like he likes it. A long distance hug of comfort food.

“The best way to be boring is to leave nothing out” Voltaire

2009-09-28T17:51:00.004-07:00

I am going to catch everyone up on the most boring stuff first.

OK FIRST...

School dissertation work will recommence on October 1, 2009. Blah. I haven't got much left to do, but I have been putting it off for a few reasons. First of all I can keep health insurance through Mississippi State as long as I am a student. I was concerned for a bit that I might have to insure both Bey and I (spouses count t00). However it doesn't look like that is the case. Bey will be staying put until he finds his perfect job. So there is no need to lolly gag.

Work

So much work I could scream. Life is too full. Too much going on. I have so many classes and they are all starting like NOW. :) October is always like that! ;) Anyway, most of my course development wraps up at the end of next week. SIGH. Relief.

Furniture

I ordered an entire house full of new furniture and it is all being delivered on Friday. The furniture is contemporary and some of it is custom so the only place to find it is in IPG's home. For example I have a six foot long wall in my foyer that needed something and so IPG's sweet Daddy agreed to build her a fascinating plant and indoor water feature to her exact specifications. Once the house is finished it should look like a show place. Will definitely post pics.

Family

My dad retired in May and has been furnishing his own retirement casa. He and my mom are planning a much anticipated trip to IPGzona. They should be staying between 3 and 4 weeks and we plan to see much of the state as well as just spend some great quality time together.

Sad Stuff

The family dog (not my dog Shug)...my mom's dog Licorice has been diagnosed with cancer. This has delayed my parent's trip. They do not know how much longer they will have with their sweet dog. So they obviously need to spend time with him.

Bey has turned down a few job offers that just were not a good fit for our lifestyle and this family. So the job hunt continues. I am happy I got to spend time with him, and although I know that this separation is difficult it has also made me appreciate some things.

1. Some women are not loved their entire lives as much as my husband loves me. I am not bragging or trying to be mean. I just know that I am the very center of my husband's world. The two of us together create a universe. Not having him here has made me appreciate that in brand new ways. Knowing that our bond is that strong means it is ok that we are not together right this second. We will be, and when we are it will be great.

2. Having a man around the house is handy. I am all for a little girl power, but my goodness when it comes to lifting 150 lb boxes of patio furniture from Home Depot. It is nice to have some muscle around (and it doesn't hurt that it is DELISH) lol

Car

The time has come to get rid of this piece of crap in my driveway I call a truck. :) We are considering some vehicles. I haven't had a chance to go check them all out. So here they are in no particular order....

H3
Mercedes GLK
Jeep Liberty
Dodge Ram
Chevrolet Silverado
Saturn Vue

I have gone and seen a few of them, but haven't had a chance to work through the entire list. I am pretty systematic and will have to just work at my own pace. Notice there is not a BMW z4 on there.

Upcoming events

My social life in Phoenix has expanded. I have met people through Auburn clubs, and Saints clubs, and sorority events. It has been fun getting to know different people. Bey and I have even gotten to be such good friends with a couple here that we have planned a trip to Vegas with them in February. It is a surprise for the guy's birthday. We have all told him we are going on a couple's retreat to Napa Valley. It should be pretty funny when he finds out we are actually planning a trip to somewhere way more fun than Napa. :)

Big 5

So Bey and I started planning our 5th Anniversary trip. We were thinking about going back to Belize where we got married, but have sort of decided to do something different. I will give you a hint it starts with a capital A and is continent!

Regarding Dropping off the face of the earth

2009-09-27T23:00:00.002-07:00

So IPG has been a little busy. Lots going on. Lots to talk about.

First I am home safely from Russia. I hardly even caused any international incidents. Those are always entertaining. Per my usual I did sit by some insane people on the air plane. Which suits me fine because how else can I have entertaining stories about insane people?

Bey has been in town, and it has been wonderful. I won't give you all the details but it was a much needed time for us to spend together. He left this past Wednesday, and it has perked my spirits up significantly.

We closed on our IPG dream home, and she is all ours. All of our belongings are out of the rental and have been suitably moved into the new address. ;)

We are considering purchasing a new vehicle and have been diligently shopping and test driving cars. Or IPG has been shopping and test driving and Handsome Bey has been sending her links of completely inappropriate cars. For example, I may have mentioned in passing that I wanted a BMW Z4. I took one for a little test drive...just for fun. :) Bey got all excited sending none stop links. However this car is not practical we should probably purchase a vehicle that we all 3 can ride in it at once. Not to mention if I bought one the very nanosecond I purchased it I would accidentally get pregnant by pollination or some such, and would have to get rid of the car.

The car search continues. I really should trade my truck in and just buy a full size truck, but it is my turn to get a new car, and I kind of do not want to waste my choice on a truck. (Even though I like trucks...I am more of an SUV kinda girl). :)

“The duality of St Petersburg and Leningrad remains. They are not even on speaking terms.” Joseph Wechsberg

2009-09-09T16:30:00.005-07:00

We have finished up Moscow and moved on to St. Petersburg. It is AMAZING. I really like it here a lot better than Moscow. Things are so strange. I have also picked up quite a few words in Russian. I will be able to annoy others with it when I return home.

The first is a picture of the cathedral in St. Pete, the second of a church built to atheism, the third is St. Basil's in Moscow, and the fourth is Lennin's Tomb.

Have good night (it is 3:46 AM here!)

From Russia with Love

2009-09-06T09:48:00.002-07:00

Hola from Moscow. It is hard to believe that I am fixing to go to bed, and everyone I love is just getting started this Sunday. :)

It is amazing here. SO amazingly beautiful I wonder why it has taken me so long to get here.

Ordering lunch was a challenge. We stopped somewhere that did not speak English and had no English menus. Luckily I ended up with a steak and some vegetables. Jet lag is getting to me although I got some excellent sleep on the plane.

For tomorrow Red Square...

xoxox

"My wings are a thousand books." — Gill Robb Wilson

2009-09-05T10:05:00.002-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am blogging via the airplane. I got a coupon for free Wifi on board. And of course I so used it!!! Whoot! Fun stuff! I am blogging and flying.

I am en route to Atlanta. SUPPOSEDLY our flight is oversold by 13 seats if everyone shows. We are going to give up our seats and get 750 bucks and an upgrade to first class tomorrow if that is true. The best part though is that Bey is in Atlanta and I could stay at my parents. YEAH!!!!

I really hope we get bumped because I want the 750 bucks and I want to see Bey and the 'rents.

“Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Winston Churchill

2009-09-04T20:42:00.002-07:00

I have been busy. I am leaving to for Russia tomorrow so I have been getting all the ducks in a row because I close on my house September 15th and I roll back into town on September 12. So I have been a busy girl. :)

But the best news!!!!!!!!!!!! The best news....is Bey is going to be here September 12 - 20th!!!! I am so excited. We will have SD that week with us. So I am very excited. I am going to do cartwheels.

Thank you to Eyes Wide Open for providing my blog with an award!

I will be blogging next week from Moscow and St. Petersburg! :) Stay tuned!!!!

“Home is the place where it feels right to walk around without shoes”

2009-08-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Quick Video of the house!

If my mother put on a uniform that wasn't the same as the one I was wearing, I'd run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother." Bo Jackson

2009-08-24T07:18:00.005-07:00

It is that time of year again. That very special time of year that just gets your juices going. Especially since the Auburn tigers did so craptastically poor last year. No I am not talking about Christmas or anything...I am talking about Football. It is time for football once again.

I am literally on the other side of the country from where I would like to be at this point. I need to be close to Auburn, AL. The Tigers need me. How will they get by this season with out my charming spirited cheering?

Another thing that is quite a bummer is that no one here talks college football. And if they do it is all Pac 10 this and that. First of all, I have to mention that they are not talking about their alma mater they are not bragging about the Sun Devils of Arizona State. Oh no! They are bragging about USC one of their biggest rivals. As God as my witness, if you ever hear me bragging about the SEC and using LSU as my example please slap my face.

I had a lively conversation with a lawyer on Saturday night. After rollerderbying which is very fun and I will talk about in a bit. Said lawyer was arguing with me and a girl from the Big 10. First I think he was aghast that I knew anything about football. Then I believe he was shocked that I could quote statistics to him and knew coaches. But the bottom line was he was arguing about the abilities of the Pac 10, and he did not mention his team once. Not even ONE TIME.

Sigh. I also hold a slight grudge against ASU. Every single year I pull for them to beat USC and every single year they leave me downtrodden and broken hearted. Granted I am a fair weather fan, but you would think they would at least try to court my loyalty. I can purchase season tickets to the Sun Devils for 100 dollars. I have told everyone I know from Auburn about this. At Auburn I am waiting for someone to die and not deed his or her season tickets to their family before I get my tickets...trust me I have already tried donating money to the school.

For a bit I thought I would buy charming Bey and I season tickets so we could go if we liked to ASU. Then after careful consideration I thought...why would I do that. I will stay home and watch some real football!

War Eagle!

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." — Marilyn Monroe

2009-08-20T05:22:00.003-07:00

They accepted the offer on our house. Or as SD says HOOOSE (like that lady on HGTV).
Here are a few pics of the home. We have to put in a pool. At first I was like BUMMER. But now I am excited because it means I get to put in the pool the way Bey and I design it. Which means it is all ours.

Here are the pics of the new casa de Bey and IPG. Our little love nest if you will.

“The one who loves you will make you weep.” Argentine Proverb

2009-08-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning out my closet today when I smelled it. Where was that coming from? I took a whiff and there it was again. My husband. I could smell him. Let me be clear no one else on earth smells like him. He smells like a clean piece of paper. The kind you used in kindergarten with the big lines. He smells like fresh air and sunshine. You get the impression when you are with him that not only are you the only person in the world, but you are the only person in the world that matters. And part of that is his eyes, but most of it is how he is big. Not in size. He is really a small man, but he is takes up a whole room. He laughs big deep laughs. He smiles with his eyes kind and open. …but back to his smell. I realized he had hung one solitary shirt in this rental house closet. I had brushed past it, and I could smell him. I grabbed the shirt, and sat on the closet floor and rocked myself and wept into it. I hope he doesn’t mind that I Sephoraed all over his favorite Auburn shirt. Life’s no good without him.

I sighed as I stood up and hung the shirt back up. I should wash it, but can’t bear to wash his smell out. I vowed to myself I won’t ever take him for granted again. When I see him, I intend to wrap my arms and legs and heart around him, and never let go.

Another tidbit of information that has to be reported…I did the round trip school run for SD yesterday and this morning. It was my first time picking her up from school, and I was excited. It was really neat hearing about her day and her teachers…her homework. She looked so pretty! Better than all the other little girls…not that I am comparing. It was fun taking her to school this morning too. We talked and listened to ‘80’s. I got her there WAY early. :) But that was ok too. I sort of felt today like for the very first time that I am a pseudo parent. That is kind of odd to say. But it kind of felt that way. Like ok IPG you are not longer crazy single IPG you are now an ADULT!!!!

It doesn't help...

2009-08-19T13:04:00.004-07:00

to write to congressmen that already agree with you.

Dear International Party Girl,

Thank you for contacting me about universal healthcare.

The rising cost of healthcare is truly a major problem. As you know, over 45 million Americans are either unable to acquire health insurance on their own or simply choose not to have coverage.

I believe that all Americans should have access to affordable healthcare, and the federal government can achieve this by making the market as open as possible and encouraging health insurance companies to offer a wide variety of plans that cover a wide variety of health conditions. The key to meaningful reform is not more government intervention, but rather to allow the free market to control costs and improve quality through choice and competition.

For those truly unable to acquire health insurance, government programs like Medicaid and welfare are available to qualifying individuals. Medicaid is a health insurance program jointly funded by both the states and the federal government. The United States welfare program provides assistance to qualified low-income individuals and families.

Waste, fraud, and abuse are prevalent in government programs, and we owe it to all taxpayers to ensure that only those who truly need assistance are the ones receiving it. Expanding the government's role in healthcare will not create access to affordable healthcare but, as we have seen in other countries that have nationalized their healthcare systems, will only create delays, rationing, and increased overall costs. Instead, a free market system will lower costs, encourage innovation, and empower individuals.

I believe that Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a successful example of the free market system encouraging individuals to obtain health insurance and control where their health care dollars are spent. Millions of Americans are now taking advantage of HSAs, which allow pre-tax dollars to be used for health care expenditures. I support the expansion of HSAs, so that more Americans will have the freedom to determine the direction of their health care dollars.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to do so again in the future. I also encourage you to visit my website, which may be found at http://flake.house.gov/.

Sincerely, JEFF FLAKE Member of Congress

AND...
Dear Ms. Wife of the YUMMY BEY:

Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.

The U.S. health care system is the best in the world, spurring advancements in new medical treatments and technologies. Such innovation helps physicians treat and prevent diseases better than ever before, eradicates once fatal epidemics, and helps Americans lead longer, healthier lives.

Despite these advances, millions of Americans struggle to find affordable health insurance options. From 1999 to 2008, the average cost of a family health plan increased by 119 percent from $5,791 to $12,680. Meanwhile, workers' wages increased 34 percent during the same nine-year period. Ensuring access to quality, affordable health care is a laudable goal. I support targeted solutions that lower health care costs and improve health care by building upon, not completely dismantling, our health care system.

Unfortunately, many of the proposals being considered in the U.S. Senate will make health insurance more expensive, jeopardize Arizonans' current coverage, and expand the government's control over health care. While you will not find the words "ration," "withhold coverage," or "delay access to care" in the pending plans, that is what will result from the web of federally-dictated insurance reforms, new legal obligations, and provider reimbursement schemes that are part of them. Such policies centralize the power of medical decisions with politicians and bureaucrats, not patients and doctors, and they will result in the delay or denial of care.

There are three main problems with the Majority party's proposals: the implementation of a government-run insurance plan, the use of comparative effectiveness research, and spending.

Government-Run Insurance Plan

First, the Majority's proposals would create a new, government-run health insurance plan to compete against private insurance plans. The argument is that a government-run plan would give consumers a better range of choices and make the health care market more competitive -- "keep the insurance companies honest," as the President put it. However, well-respected, independent analysis provides evidence to the contrary. For one thing, a government-run plan would be subsidized by the taxpayers, giving the government plan a huge advantage over competitors. Yet, even government resources are not unlimited. To save money after tens of millions of people are added to the public plan, the government would cut reimbursement to doctors and hospitals, exacerbating the difficulty Arizonans' already encounter in trying to schedule doctor appointments. To make up for low government reimbursements to providers, insurance companies would have to charge more for private insurance, making it less attractive than the government plan.

Over time, there will only be room for the government plan according to the respected Lewin Group, as 119 million Americans would lose their current coverage. Remember, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were designed as independent "government-sponsored enterprises" to complement the private mortgage market. Now, Fannie and Freddie account for a combined share of 73 percent of mortgage originations in the second half of 2008. The two "government-sponsored enterprises" are now effectively owned and run by the federal government, after having sustained losses of over $100 billion last year alone. A Washington-run health care plan will do to the health care market what Fannie and Freddie did to the housing market.

Comparative Effectiveness Research

Second, the Majority's plan would create a new research entity to conduct so-called comparative effectiveness research (CER). CER is a mechanism used by medical professionals to provide information on the relative strengths and weaknesses of various procedures and treatments. In the hands of doctors, medical researchers, and other health professionals, CER can help patients and their own doctors make informed health care decisions. However, in the hands of government, CER can become a tool to delay or deny care. For example, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Effectiveness in Britain uses "cost-effectiveness research" to make health care decisions. By basing treatment decisions on cost rather than need, Britain prescribes fewer cancer drugs than any of the other big five European nations; its patients therefore have the lowest survival rate according to a May edition of National Review. The UK's system provides only half of the care for end-stage renal disease patients that we do in the United States. Obviously, such rationing of care is not something we should replicate in the United States.

It is telling that none of the Majority's proposals in Congress would bar the federal government from using CER to deny access to care. In fact, when I offered an amendment in April to explicitly bar the use of CER to ration care, it was defeated on a near party-line vote. I have now introduced a free standing bill to ensure that any information obtained through CER cannot be used to deny access to care. The Preserving Access to Targeted, Individualized, and Effective New Treatments and Service (PATIENTS) Act of 2009 (S. 1259) will protect the doctor-patient relationship and ensure access to the highest quality medical care. I will fight at every opportunity to ensure that any health care reform plan the Senate considers later this year protects patients' access to care.

Cost

Finally, the Majority's plans would cost between $1 trillion and $2 trillion, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. But even that may understate the true cost. Consider that Massachusetts enacted near universal health insurance in 2006, and costs have exploded, doubling from $630 million in 2007 to an estimated $1.3 billion just two years later. To deal with those costs, the state has decided to slow enrollment of beneficiaries and eliminate dental coverage for its poorest residents. A special commission, which was established by the state legislature, has now recommended limiting coverage to those health care services that government deems to be cost-effective -- just like government-run health systems in other nations such as Canada and Great Britain do.

Furthermore, the plans would be financed by a combination of new taxes and cuts in Medicare spending, hurting seniors' access to care. The Medicare Trust Fund is expected to reach bankruptcy by 2017. Taking money from one program with urgent solvency problems, such as Medicare, to fund a huge expansion of health care benefits for others is not sensible.

I believe in the right of every American to choose the doctor, hospital, and insurance plan of his or her choice. No Washington bureaucrat should interfere with that right or substitute the government's judgment for that of a physician. Any health reform proposal should adhere to these principles.

I appreciate your sharing your thoughts on this important issue. Please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

JON KYL

United States Senator

P.S. If you wish to share additional comments about this or any other matter, please visit my website at http://www.kyl.senate.gov/contact.cfm.

On a side note...made an offer on a house. Cross your fingers. :)

Joy is the best makeup. Anne Lamott

2009-08-16T18:41:00.004-07:00

Sometimes joy comes in the strangest packages.

Picture it…bummed out IPG. Crying on the phone with her mom. Lonely in Phoenix. Sad to be away from the handsome Bey. Bling Bling Bling. Goes her blackberry. And to her surprise is an offer for some more course development and some more money. This makes IPG feel slightly better.

Then covering up with her blanket IPG spots a baby lizard. The tiniest thing she has ever seen. He really is SMALL! So IPG catches him and releases him outside to roam in his backyard dominion.

Finally IPG logs on to Facebook and sees that one of her friends has mentioned Matthew 6: 33. For the purpose of this post (Matthew 6:25-34)

²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.“

I have to stop talking in third person or I will be unable to make this post make sense. But basically after seeing that and reading that verse I realized a small miracle occurred in my house today. That tiny lizard made me think. I worried what if I hadn’t seen him and he starved to death in my home? Or what if I had accidentally sat on him? But then I read Matthew 6:33 and I remembered that everything happens for a reason. I don’t know what it is. But my darling husband will be here soon. We won’t be separated forever, and that right now I need to not worry. That isn’t my job.

In other less exciting academic news…I am snowed under with course development. I am literally snowed under with them. I love the work, and the money it brings, but today I just wanted to play hooky!

“If you see a friend without a smile; give him one of yours.”

2009-08-15T17:22:00.002-07:00

For crying out loud…can’t IPG get a break? What does it mean in our lives when things don’t go perfect perfect perfect? For the most part my life is a picture perfect dream out of a storybook. Bey and I are financially secure and well on our way to achieving our dreams of early retirement. We are very much in love, and I only know one other couple that loves each other the way we do. In fact I can’t even describe it. I love him like he is something that is just a part of me. LOL I love him like he is the marrow of my bones. The essence of life itself is found in his embrace. I just finished reading the book Julie/Julia and she describes how bone marrow tastes, and I remember reading her description and thinking Bey and I love each other like that.

I know this move was the “right” thing to do. But why did our house sell so fast if he wasn’t going to get a job so fast? (Granted it has only been 45 days…I never said I was patient). Why should I have to spend one nanosecond separated from him?

If you ask my friends they will always tell you I have led a “charmed” life. My nickname has always been Midas. I can touch anything and usually turn it into gold. So why oh why can I not find Bey a job by force of will? Why are we separated? Why am I having to wait on him? This open ended waiting waiting waiting is killing me. Where is your job Bey? I am ready for you to come home.

Got this response

2009-08-12T11:36:00.001-07:00

Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns and opinions. If you have an urgent matter and would like to request immediate assistance, please contact my office at 480-833-0092.

Congressman Jeff Flake

Notice he does not answer my question AT ALL. ....But maybe I will get a follow up letter.

What I have been up to....boring! I know.

2009-08-11T22:17:00.002-07:00

I have been writing my Congress and Representatives about Healthcare reform. I know I don't usually get political on the blog. But here are the fruits of my labors.

August 11, 2009

The Honorable Jon Kyl

Dear Congressman Kyl:

I am writing to let you know that I OPPOSE HR3200 and the government hijacking my private healthcare decisions. I do not want the government to have more control and influence over my health care.
I also have a few questions for your Congressman Kyl. My first question is do you support Obamacare? My second question is it is my understanding that Congress will be exempt from Obamacare. If that is true; then why is Obamacare good enough for me, but not good enough for you?

I oppose the plan to nationalize our health care system and urge you to oppose it. There may be good intentions behind the legislation, but the unintended consequences will be massive and destructive to our economy.

Here are a few reasons why ObamaCare will be destructive to our country:

* Healthcare rationing: Government takeover of health care also would allow Washington to use "comparative effectiveness research" to dictate to doctors which treatments they should prescribe and how much they should cost. That in turn would lead to rationing of health care services. (Page 29 - rations healthcare; essential benefits are defined and there is an annual limitation of $5,000/individual and $10,000/family).

* Government decisions about what healthcare benefits you can receive, even from your private employer: (Page 30 – the "Health Choices Commissioner" will decide what treatment/benefits you receive.) It ultimately would transform legislators into quasi health care practitioners. Legislators would become quasi medical practitioners because they would lead and guide the government-controlled medical boards, personnel and policies that would oversee the program. That would include abortive and end-of-life counsel and services. Federal politicians would rely upon relatively few chief physicians (appointed mostly by them), who in turn would oversee and implement the medical policies and procedures that they felt were best for the country.

* Family Planning Services (code phrase for government funded abortion Pages 769-770) – --every version of ObamaCare currently being discussed includes the devastating Abortion Mandate that will REQUIRE me and other pro-life Americans to fund abortion with our tax dollars! THIS IS WRONG!!! Why should we be required to fund abortions when we are morally against it. Government Funded Abortion is not a "right" guaranteed in our constitution.

* This legislation also requires euthanasia counseling - the frequency of which increases with age and illness. (section 1233 of the legislative proposal) This deals with a government requirement for an “Advance Care Planning Consultation.” One of the most shocking things is page 425, where the Congress would make it mandatory absolutely that every five years people in Medicare have a required counseling session. Dr. Betsy McCaughey who is a former New York state officer and health expert said. “They will tell [them] how to end their life sooner.” The proposal specifically calls for the consultation to recommend “palliative care and hospice” for seniors in their mandatory counseling sessions. Palliative care and hospice generally focus only on pain relief until death. That section may place seniors in situations where they feel pressured to sign end of life directives they would not otherwise sign. This provision may start us down a treacherous path toward government-encouraged euthanasia if enacted into law.

* ObamaCare is an economic suicide pill for our faltering economy! It will add to an already ridiculously high deficit. This legislation clearly would drive our country deeper into debt and cannot be paid for without massive across the board tax increases. America cannot afford the $1 trillion price tag of socialized health care during these difficult economic times. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the Senate version of the health care legislation "would result in a net increase in federal deficits of about $1.0 trillion for fiscal years 2010 through 2019." Is that what you call good fiscal responsibility within an economy and government that already is bordering on bankruptcy? I flatly reject any health care proposal that increases costs or imposes new taxes on any American.

* This legislations will kill small businesses under a mountain of taxes, regulations and other cost. It will NOT save money, but will increase the rapid rise in healthcare cost in the country.

* All Employers will be required to auto-enroll all employees in ObamaCare with no options. Businesses will be pushing workers onto the government run plan, driving up costs, and shutting down private insurance. ObamaCare ultimately would limit the competitive market of health care. You don't create competitive markets by creating monopolies, yet that is exactly what government-run universal health care would prevent: competition. If government should do anything, it should crack down on medical insurance monopolies. If government wants to regulate one more thing, it would be better to regulate the medical insurance companies, not the American people.

* Mandated audits of the books of private companies: -Page 22 - mandates the government will audit the books of all employers that self-insure

* It also requires A National Health ID card, complete with government access to our personal information and even our bank accounts.

* It mandates counsel to "increase the frequency interval" between pregnancies (in other words, bureaucrats will tell us when we should have a child). And, it even requires taxpayers to pay for "sex change" surgeries!

* Other mandates: Page 317 – government can prohibit a hospital from expanding, Page 341 – gives government the authority to disqualify certain plans, i.e. Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part B), Page 353 – sets limitations on enrollment of special needs individuals

And what about the taxpayers who would pay for the program? Would having universal health care encourage their future productivity? Further taxing members of the upper class (which would mean further penalizing their productivity) certainly would not provide incentive for Americans chasing the American dream. And their added taxes obviously would trickle down to consumers, as well. Or do we just assume they would pay 47 million Americans' universal health care out of their surpluses?

One needs only look at the failed and deeply flawed TennCare in Tennesse and Massachusetts’s government run health care plans to see that Government-run Universal Healthcare is a bad idea that will end up devastating our nation.

Canada and Europe already have proved that national health care translates into national nightmares, with a plethora of new government regulations and new systems of rationing medical attention. Under government-run services, personal health care would transform into more impersonal harassment.

I urge you to stand against the loss of personal freedom, the skyrocketing tax increases and the healthcare rationing that will result from H.R. 3200, "Obamacare". Please know that I am watching your actions on this bill. I urge you to take time to listen to your constituents during the August recess.

Respectfully,
International Party Girl

“Happiness consists of living each day as if it were the first day of your honeymoon and the last day of your vacation”

2009-08-10T21:37:00.001-07:00

I am still here in Palm Springs. I shouldn’t still be here although if you know me at all you should not be in the least bit surprised. I do adore a vacation.

My BFF and I have been having a great time! I might not go home tomorrow. She has to leave on Wednesday so surely I will head back then! LOL :) However she is going to be back here in December so yeah!

The most fun about this weekend away is that she and I have gotten to plan our upcoming trip to Russia. We will be leaving September 5 and be gone until September 12! YEAH! The only scary bit is that she and I probably are going to have a hard time finding something to eat while traveling.

Upon returning home on the 12^th I am going to drive down to Auburn from Atlanta, and catch the Auburn Mississippi State game. Then I will head down to spend a week at the beach with my parents and the long suffering Bey. THEN I will come home, and promise to be good and stay in town for at least 10 days at a stretch. :) I have to find out if I can take SD out of school for that amount of time…HOPEFULLY everyone deserves a week at the beach!

Sometimes you need a hairbrush

2009-08-08T09:56:00.003-07:00

On my way to Palm Springs for a short Vacay in San Diego. I made sure to capture the empty passenger's seat signifying my childfree weekend.

2009-08-08T01:35:00.001-07:00

San Diego a wonderful city. Hitting the beach and enjoying catching up with my BFF! I miss miss miss her and wish I could replicate her world wide. Lol!