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

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

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

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

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. 

I fought the law and I won! :)

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.  : )

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

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. 

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

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

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

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.

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

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...:)

"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

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

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

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. 

Back from my Blogcation

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?

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!!!

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. 

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! 

"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...

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.