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

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

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

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,

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

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....

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

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!

"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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Marines



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

BIG TIME UPDATE

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)

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

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

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."

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.

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

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

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."

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.