I'm afraid that I haven't been able to stir up any excitement about Christmas this year. I sent out my Christmas cards this morning and made a list of what I want to buy everyone, but that's it. No Christmas tree, no wreaths, no lights, nothing. Sad, isn't it? So I've put on some Christmas music on Pandora in order to inspire myself.

So, what else is new, you ask?

Well, I've recently discovered my love of the public library. It's fabulous. I've been checking out books for my bookclub, books I've been putting off reading, and even books on CD to listen to during my commute to and from work. Currently, I'm finishing The Pact by Jodi Picoult. Now, I've heard a lot of good things about this book, but there is the one character that I absolutely HATE. She just ruins the book for me. The book is about a suicide pact (well, sort of...it's much more involved than that obviously, but I digress) and the reasons this girl has for killing herself are just so STUPID. Stop here if you don't want me to ruin this book for you.

Okay...so this girl decides to kill herself because she finds out she's pregnant with her boyfriend's baby. She doesn't want to get married (because I don't think that she really loves this poor guy), but she can't bring herself to break up with him. Can't break his heart and all that crap. She can't bring herself to have an abortion because she was molested by a stanger when she was younger. Ok, fine, whatever. But this stupid girl can't even kill herself without enlisting the help of her boyfriend who desperately wants to stop her. I mean grow a pair and pick something. Quit being a wimp and choose something, don't bring your boyfriend down with you, you selfish twit. Ok...so obviously I'm not enjoying this book. I've never been accused of being too sensitive. Can you tell? I just can't understand certain points of view. It's not for lack of trying, but I'm very set in my ways, and stupidity just baffles me. I understand suicide to a degree. I've gone through a period of severe depression myself as a teenager, but I would have never taken anyone down with me like this character did. It's appalling, really.

Ok...If you stopped reading, you can pick it up here again.

I'm also listening to Confessions of a Shopaholic by *well, to be honest, I have no clue who wrote it.* This is typically a book I would have NEVER picked up in a thousand years. Greatly due to the fact that I am ungodly tight with my money and the thought of being addicted to shopping is something I cannot relate to on any level at all. But, when Rich and I went to see Twilight (a movie I was fairly dissappointed with, by the way. But the movies are never as captivating as the books, with very very few exceptions, of course.) and previews for this upcoming movie came on. It's definitely a chick flick and this book certainly falls into the category to chick lit, but the previews caught my attention and stuck with me. I grabbed this book on CD with the thought that if I just couldn't find anything else on the shelf that I wanted to listen to, I would grab this. Of course, there was nothing else. So I wasn't very excited about listening to this particular book, but it is so perfect for my commute.

I don't know if I would find it as funny if I were reading it off the pages of the actual book, but the person reading it on the CD makes it all worthwhile. She has a British accent and the way she says certain things and the emotion she puts into the book is priceless. The character is in deep debt and her thought process dealing with how to handle her debt and how to justify her purchases (EVERYTHING is either a bargain that just can't be missed or a very wise investment...lol). I don't know if the movie will be as funny because you won't be able to hear inside her head like you can when you read a book (this was one of the things that I felt was lacking from Twilight), but it has potential to be a cute movie.

The weird thing about listening to this book is that I find myself hearing my own thoughts throughout my day in the same voice and the woman on the CD. It's hilarious. I even throw in a few phrases like..."She is looking smart today." or "Oh, bloody hell." I'm also daydreaming like JD on Scrubs. My mind has been all over the place lately, but it makes for a very entertaining day. I keep trying to explain to people that is actually is fun to be in my head. lol

Well, I seem to have rambled on quite a bit. You're probably tired of reading this. I'm actually a little tired of typing, and I'm stumped as to what topic I'd like to move on to next. So, I'll end it here before I think of something to go on another tangent with. Until next time...

UPDATE:

• I finally purchased a vehicle to replace my dearly departed Toyota Camry (RIP 1997-2008). I got a 09 Nissan Versa hatchback. I don't have any pics, so just click the link if you have no idea what they look like. Mine is pretty basic. It's white and for the first time ever, I have a CD player and keyless remote. WhooHoo...moving on up, baby! Hopefully, I'll get some pics soon. Now I get to pay for this thing for the next 3-4 years...



• I saw Twilight last Friday night. It was decent. You must go into it realizing that there is going to be a certain cheeseball factor to it due to it being a teen romance in nature. I'm thinking of cutting my hair like Alice Cullen. What do you think? I also thought it was pretty awesome that Edward drives a hatchback (like me!) in the movie.

• I find that there are a lot of non-hatchback lovers out there. I can understand that to a degree because I thought they were ugly in high school, but how are they any different from a SUV or a van?
• I still want to see the new Bond movie. Daniel Craig is a hotty. :)
• I'm just getting started with my Christmas shopping. This year has gone by way too fast.
• I'm still undecided on whether or not I feel financially ready to purchase a house. Should I take another year and put some more money back? We've got a pretty decent emergency fund and I would rather not dip into that for closing costs, etc.
• I am so ready for Thanksgiving. We're doing the traditional dinner at the grandparents' again this year. Bring on the turkey...gobble, gobble.
• I've joined a book club. Last month we discussed The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. I read it last year. Our next book is Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris. It was a pretty good collection of short stories. Now I'm a couple of chapters into The Pact by Jodi Picoult. I hear she's good. I love the library. I also got Confessions of a Shopaholic to listen to during my commute. I eventually want to re-read the entire Harry Potter series. I might start that next.
• I have been knitting the same pair of socks since the beginning of the year. I'm almost finished. Why can't I just finish this second sock?
• Christmas cards have been ordered. That is really all I have accomplished for the holidays.

Ok...so I can't think of anything else to ramble about. Later.

I don't know if you've seen this on the news, but this has been keeping me entertained. Someone has a litter of adorable puppies that they are streaming live on the internet 24 hours. They're so cute, I just had to post.



I'm also going to try to embed this on my blog. Wish me luck.

Edit: OK...this link isn't showing up. I'll keep trying.

Happy Halloween!!!!

Good afternoon, all. I decided that since I've got a few minutes in between experiments here at work, I'd fit in a quick blog. Hold on...I need to measure some samples...

Okay...I'm back. Where to start? I'm still without a car. I have one picked out, but my insurance check hasn't made it yet. I have issues with buying a car without a downpayment, so as soon as the USPS decides to make it possible for me to finance my car, I'll go get one. In the meantime, my ever-patient co-worker has been bringing me to work and back this week. Thank you, Kelley!
We have this nifty little machine (Snap ID) for Western blots that we're trying out today. It uses a vaccuum to pull the antibody through the membrane instead of washing the antibody over the membrane and hoping that it binds. I can't wait to see this thing in action. It takes a process that usually takes a day down to an hour or so. Sorry, I think my nerdy side may be showing, but I really think this stuff is neat.
Tonight, we're going to M & J's and hanging with them. It will probably be an early night because Rich is running his first 10K tomorrow morning. Hopefully, I can drag myself out of bed to get some pictures. It's supposed to be 37* tomorrow morning, so I doubt I'll be in a pleasant mood standing out in the cold while Rich is running, but I know this stuff is important to him.
The rest of the weekend should be pretty standard...grocery shopping, knitting, reading, etc. (I'm pretty boring, huh?).
I recently read the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers. I am now addicted. It's a young adult series, but I can't help but be absolutely fascinated by the characters in the book. The movie comes out November 21st. I'm so there.
That pretty much covers everything I have going on. Later!

Argh! Car salesmen are so irritating. I only went to 2 places before I gave up and came home. The first guy wasn't very bad, but the second guy knew less about the car we wanted to see than I did. I think when I asked him about the optional antilock brakes on the Nissan Versa, he realized I was not some stupid little girl who just wanted a cute car in a pretty color. He had NO IDEA about what came on those cars. I hate how even though I'm the one looking for a car that I'll be driving, they insist on talking mainly to my husband. Like I don't bring home a paycheck and make decisions for myself. It's just so insulting.
I cleaned out my car out this morning. I cried a little. I wanted to buy another car to replace Rich's truck. I did not want to shop for a car like this. I miss my little car.
We might go troll some lots tomorrow when the vultures aren't stalking. Maybe that will be a little less stressful. I'm thinking about coming home next weekend and maybe trying to buy a car in Columbus. The salesmen there don't seem to drip with as much slime as the ones here do.
In other news, I read "Twilight" yesterday. It's a young adult book about a girl who fall in love with a vampire. I loved it. I don't typically finish books in a single day like I used to. This one I just couldn't put down.
Well, that's about it. I think I'll go mope around for a while and watch the Bama game.

A first...

I experienced something for the first time today. Unfortunately, it wasn't one of those enjoyable firsts like a first birthday or a first kiss. This afternoon for the first time ever, I was involved in a car accident that wasn't a minor fender bender in a parking lot. I rear-ended a guy (in a BMW, no less) because I turned my head to the left for a second. I still have no clue how it all happened. Everyone is okay. Thank God. I'm a little stiff right now, and I'm pretty sure tomorrow will absolutely SUCK. I've been sick for 2 days and left work early to get some rest so I can get over this cold, but now I'm still sick and have a sore neck and back to go with it. I will not be going in to work tomorrow. I'm pretty sure I've totalled my car. It's a 1997 Camry, so it won't take much. We'll see what the body shop says tomorrow. My insurance company (Allstate) has been awesome through this whole deal. I'm going to get something to eat now (I haven't had lunch and its 7:30pm). Hope everyone has a good night and drive safely.

So tonight I'm sitting here in my pajamas. I've cut the AC off and am listening to the sounds outside (and Rich killing some bad guys on his video games up front). I'm feeling pretty good. I talked to my boss today about not finishing my master's degree. There was no lecture, no yelling (which is something I became accustomed to from my previous boss, unfortunately), just some advice on how to handle my decision in future interviews I may have. He didn't ask for an explanation or anything. He just understood. I can't even explain how blessed I felt at that moment. So now I just have to tell my MP and drop off my stuff at my old lab. It almost seems simple now. I'd love to just get my MP on the phone and tell her exactly what I think, but I won't burn any bridges. I've not felt so at peace in a very long time. I'm finally doing what I need to do for me.
It took me a while to finally come to this decision. I've been grappling with it for a while. But yesterday, when I received 3 phone call and 2 e-mails within a 4 hour period asking about some samples that I had clearly informed those who still work there about their whereabouts, I realized that I just can't deal with these people anymore. Don't call me during work hours and expect an immediate answer. You don't sign my check anymore, so I'm not going to be at your beck-and-call during time devoted to my job or during my personal time. Deal with it. You used me for cheap labor for 3 1/2 years and I just took it, getting nothing from you in return. I had such a strong emotional reaction to this that I knew it was time to let it all go. I am, by no means, an angry person who is easily irritated, but yesterday just pissed me off. I haven't been that mad since I left S-ville. I know I've made the right decision.
Last weekend, Rich and I went camping. It was so nice. The weather was perfect for camping. I took a few pictures, but I haven't downloaded them to my computer to post them yet. Maybe I'll do that later this weekend. We also had a little get-together at my boss's house last Friday. It was so much fun. Rich finally got to meet everyone I work with, and I think that now he understands that the people I'm surrounded by are very different from those I was working with before. He actually wants to spend more time with them. At my last job, I had 2-3 people I actually trusted, but I really could have done without having to deal with several of them. They were all just so negative. But, I realize now, that it doesn't have to be that way.
This weekend I plan on taking it easy. I'll watch some TV, maybe do some knitting, I don't know. I've definitely got to make a Target run and go to the grocery store. Well, that about covers my week. Everything else has been pretty routine. So until next time...

Don't ask me why I've been in a blogging mood lately because I have no clue. Today was pretty easy going. Rich got up at the crack of dawn to go run a 5K. I always intend to go, but my Saturdays are really the only days I have to sleep in and not worry about getting anything done that day. So, I didn't go. I know, I know. I should be a more supportive wife, but I just don't feel the need to be up that early every single Saturday. If Rich enjoys it, fine, but don't try and drag me into it.
After he got home, we went to Applebee's to eat lunch and watch some football. Southern Miss lost to Auburn. :( It was so hard to sit in that restaurant and not make it obvious that I was rooting against Auburn. I've come to learn that not pulling for either Auburn or Alabama around here makes you seem strange to the natives. I guess that's why I get along with all the international people I work with.
That is something I absolutely love about my job. I am the only American in my lab. My boss is from the UK, Kelley is from Canada, Jai is from India, and Dario is from Uraguay. Trust me, it's a little different being a minority, but it really is fun. Discussing politics is especially interesting since I'm able to get opinions from people who understand the rest of the world's view of the US. That being said, I still have no clue who I'm going to vote for. I'm leaning towards Bob Barr seeing as how my political views are very libertarian-like. I really don't care for the Republican or the Democratic parties. I'm surprised at how many people don't know about the libertarian party. Just goes to show you how politics have gone to crap in this country. The media doesn't help either. We get to choose from 2 extremely corrupt parties and that's it. I want someone to represent my views and those 2 parties just don't cut it. Americans used to have a choice when there were several parties out there to choose from. Now we just have to settle with who we feel is the lesser of 2 evils. That's just wrong. Okay...I'm stepping off my soap box now.
Rich just let me know that MSU won their game. Yeah! Go Bulldogs!
So the past 2 weekends I have been desperately trying to find some shirts that are not t-shirts that I will wear to work. I would have thought that with all the places there are to shop here in the Birmingham metro area, that this would not be a challenge. I have been proved wrong. I seem to find that I have very expensive tastes in clothing, which may explain why my wardrobe is so very limited. I'll admit that I am considerably overweight (something I have been working on for a while. I've lost 16 pounds this year so far.), but I'm not obese, and I would expect to be able to find well-made shirts that look good on my body. I've always had trouble finding clothes I like and I've never been much of a fashion horse, but I'm just getting depressed about it now. I really want to learn how to sew so I can buy these shirts that are too big and alter them so that the fit correctly. Maybe once Rich and I are in a home of our own, I can set up a sewing area and take a class and learn how. I think I'll do some online shopping. Maybe I'll find something that way. Later!

So, I've been thinking...



Okay...so I feel like blogging. Unfortunately, I can't think of anything to write about. So, if you don't want to hear me spend a few minutes rambling about whatever pops in my head at this particular moment, you may want to stop reading here...


Still here? Wow. I can't believe it. You're probably pretty bored, huh? So, I've been thinking that I haven't been doing much reading here lately. I have a book to read, but I haven't started it yet because I got 3 magazines in the mail last week that I've been reading. But anyways, the book I will be reading soon (hopefully) is called Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson. I hear it's good, but I know absolutely nothing else about it. I haven't even read the back of the book. Ehh...if I hate it, I'll put it away for a few years and pick it up again to see if I like it any better. I do that a lot with books. I hated Wuthering Heights when I read it in high school, but when I picked it up for the second time in my 20's, I decided that it is one of my favorite books. Go figure. Maybe I should give Faulkner a 3rd try. I haven't read any since high school. I may like it now. I doubt it, but I'm willing to give it a try. Maybe later.

Still reading? That's cool. So, I've been thinking that I really have no clue how to dress myself so that I don't look like a college student. Technically, I've been in school my whole life with the exception of the past 5 months, and I think that has stunted the growth of my inner fashionista. I can't put a look together to save my life. If it isn't a dress that I can wear with either black or brown pumps or my personal favorite, seeing as how I hardly ever wear skirts or dresses, jeans and a slouchy t-shirt, I don't know what else to put together. My friends at work have even commented on this. I'm trying, but with having to buy Rich clothes because of all the weight he has lost, our budget doesn't leave a whole lot of room to improve my wardrobe. I also have this nagging little voice in my head every time I buy something saying "This money could be going to that house you hope to purchase in a few months." Ugh. Shut-up! You inner voice!

Okay...I'm pretty sure I lost all the guys on that last thought. Still reading? So, I've been thinking about how the hell people afford to have a child. Not only that, but how the hell do you afford multiple children? There's no way we could survive on 1 income here and daycare takes up half of my monthly pay. Hold on...I have to take the dog out...

Ugh! I can't wait to get a place with a fenced in backyard where I can just throw the dog out there when she wants to go out. Well, my thought process has been completely derailed, so I guess I'll call this blog done. Until next time...

The last 8 months worth of pictures....

So, as you can see, I haven't downloaded pictures off of my camera since before Christmas. I will now attempt to show you what's been going on since then...

First of all, we had our friends get together at our Starkvegas apartment to celebrate the holidays and a few December birthdays...

Then Rich and I celebrated our Christmas at home before we hit the road to visit the family. Delta got to open her presents first...

Then Rich and I got to open ours...

We spent the rest of the holidays travelling all over the great state of Mississippi. I have a few pictures of that, but for time's sake, I won't post them now.

After Christmas, I really buckled down and looked for a real job. I was miserable at MSU and was desperately looking for a change. Finally, mid-March I got a job offer at University of Alabama-Birmingham working in the the Pathology Department/Center for Free Radical Biology. I can't even tell you how thankful I was to get this job. Well, my boss and I decided that I should start April 1st. Holy crap! I had to find a place to live and move in 3 weeks! Well, we pulled it off. Rich stayed with my brother in Columbus, until he found a job and I went it alone in B-ham for a couple of months. Thankfully, Rich found a job in the Trust Operations department at Regions and started in June.

At the beginning of the year, Rich and I made a deal that if he got down to his goal weight of 210 pounds (down from 250 pounds), we would buy him a new TV. Well, I was very surprised at how he threw himself into running and blew his goal weight out of the water. He is now sitting at a very healthy 186 pounds. He has since then taken running 5K's and 10K's. He is currently training for a half-marathon this coming February. He ran 13 miles just this morning. Running's not my cup of tea, but I'm glad he's found something active that he enjoys.

We've also done a little camping...

We also spent a weekend at campmeeting and this weekend we went to Memphis to celebrate Rich's godson's first birthday. Of course, I forgot my camera on these occasions. Needless to say, we've been busy. I'll sign this off with our most recently family photo taken a few weeks ago. I hope everyone enjoyed the pictures. Later!

What I have to look forward to this fall...

I just found this on another blog and thought it was pretty on point with how thing operate in the Brandon household during football season. Here is a list of house rules from September until post-Super Bowl.

1. From the first weekend in September until the end of the bowl season, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. The remote control will be fingerprinted each night, any sign of your fingerprints and all shopping trips will be cancelled for a month.

2. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, for an important reason such as preparing snacks or getting the beers, I don't mind, as long as you crawl along the floor.

3. During the football season, read the sports section of the newspaper so that you understand who I'm yelling at during the season. As a tip, check the box scores for the referees' names too.

4. During the games I will be drunk as Cooter Brown. You cannot expect me to listen to you, open the door, kill any spiders, answer the phone, etc. It ain't gonna happen.

5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.

6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because my team is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, it's only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time." If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce.

7. If a great play occurs while you are in the room, you may be required to freeze or repeat your act for the rest of the game as good mojo. If my team wins, you will be showered with gifts for the next 6 days. If they lose, you will be blamed repeatedly for moving, blinking or secretly not believing in your heart of the power of mojo.

8. Tell your friends NOT to get married, have any babies, or any other social related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:I will not go, I will not go, and I will not go.However, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Saturday to watch a game, we will be there before the Coors Light bottles reach "Code Blue".

9. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the halftime score is pleasing me. College Gameday and the highlights on Saturday night are just as important as the games themselves. Even if I curse Lou, Herbie, and Corso like the anti-SEC, biased dogs that they are, I still want to hear what they say.

10. And finally, please save your expressions such as: "Thank God the football season is only during the Fall." I am immune to these words, because after this comes the NFL playoffs, the Pro Bowl, AFL, AFL2, the CFL, and the replays on the college sports channels.


I really don't have a strong team preference when it comes to college football. I support the SEC when they are playing non-SEC teams (unless they are playing Southern Miss...Go Eagles!). As for the SEC teams, having attended grad school at MSU, I feel obliged to pull for Croom's Bulldogs. Rich is an avid Alabama fan, so he is fitting in perfectly here in Birmingham. As far as the NFL, I don't think Rich really cares, but I LOVE MY SAINTS! (Geaux Saints!)
Well, I'll try and post some more later. I just saw those "house rules" and had to post them. I'm going to go hop in rush hour traffic and hopefully be home within the next half hour or so. Later!

"I'm not dead yet!"

I love that movie. Anyways...as you can see, I'm still alive and kicking. I've put off an update for weeks now because I've got some pictures and stuff I'd like to post, but that will just have to wait, I guess. I updated the layout of my blog and I think I like it better than what I had, but it's still not quite there yet. It'll have to do for a while. I'm still loving my job. I'm making some new friends which has always been a bit of a challenge for me. Rich and I have started looking into buying a house. That would be nice. I'm sick of renting and just having to deal with what I get because I can't change anything. There is a serious lack of closet space in my new apartment and I can't use my treadmill due to the fact that it would drive the downstairs neighbors crazy. I'm also not too fond of having people walk over my head all hours of the night. That's not something I had to deal with in my duplex.
We're still seeing our old friends a good bit. That has really made the move so much easier.
Rich is running up a storm. He's done 3 5K runs and is training for a 10K that's coming up. He plans to possibly do a half marathon early next year. He's down to 190 pounds and none of his clothes fit. We're having to completely start over with his wardrobe. He really loves running and I'm happy to see him looking so healthy. He's really motivating me even though I haven't really found the energy to get myself into shape. I'll get there. I just have to dedicate myself to it the way he has.
There's so much here to do. Friday night, I'm thinking about going to an art show at a gallery in Homewood after work. I just love going in there to appreciate the work even though I don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on art right now. I hope to make a couple of investments after we purchase our home.
We've only had satellite and internet for a few weeks, so I'm slowly reincorporating that into my schedule. I love DVR!! How did I survive all these years without it? I'm no longer tied to the TV or looking for blank VHS tapes. For the young kids who don't know...VHS tapes are something that played movies in a box called a VCR. You know, the early version of the DVD and DVD player. I apologize for the blatant sarcasm, but I've been feeling kind of old lately. I think it has something to do with the fact that Rich just turned 28 last Sunday and I'm beginning to realize that 30 isn't too far away for either of us. I've just got to take things one step at a time.
I think I've decided to not finish my master's degree, although, I haven't made anything official in that regard yet. I dread telling my boss. I really don't think he'd care all that much, but I can't seem to find a way to work it into a conversation without just blurting it out. It's so awkward. And before anyone decides to jump up and tell me that I'll regret this decision, know that I've put a lot of thought into this and I know that this is what will make me happy. I need to move on with my life. People told me I'd always regret not going to my prom. I can honestly say that 8 years later, I still have no regrets about that. I feel the same way about this decision. I've gotten everything out of that program that I can.
Okay...well, this has turned out to be much long than I had intended. I'll try and post some pics and more of an update this weekend. Later!

I was going to head home, but it seems that the bottom has fallen out of one of those summer afternoon thunderstorms. I don't have my umbrella and rush hour traffic in the rain doesn't sound like much fun, so I'm going to write a blog. Okay...what to write about...

Rich and I went camping with my parent's this weekend. I didn't get sunburned! That's always an accomplishment when I'm outdoors for long periods of time.

My parents had to neuter their dog yesterday. He's old and has an enlarged prostate. Or I guess I should say had. The vet said he should be fine.

I found out yesterday that my Aunt Doris has Alzheimer's (is that how you spell it?). Or as I used to call it when I was a kid Old Timer's. Even as a child, I thought that was a weird name for a disease. I was relieved when I found out it was pronounced Alzheimer's. Let's see...this is the fourth family member I've had with this disease. Odds aren't looking too good for me and old age.

Work is kicking my tail this week. I can't seem to get everything done in 8 hours, so I end up staying much later.

Well, looks like the rain has let up a little. I'm gonna try to make it to my car without getting too wet. Wish me luck.

I don't really have a point to writing this, but I haven't updated in a while, so I figured I'd better write something. I'm still loving it here in B-ham. There's always something to do. My friends are nearby and I'm still only a couple of hours from home anytime I feel like making the 2 hour trip. I've missed my husband, but he'll be joining my this weekend. This time for good. The past couple of months have been a little lonely without him.
He's managed to lose his wedding ring twice since we moved. And twice he has miraculously found it again. Hopefully, he'll put it somewhere safe and not lose it a 3rd time. He's managed to lose 50 pounds and the darn thing just won't stay on his finger anymore. I'm so proud of him and his weight loss. He's been an inspiration.
UAB is having a Walk UAB! Challenge over the next 9 weeks. I've signed up along with a couple of girls I work with. Maybe the 3 of us can get out of the building a walk a few blocks during the day.
I love my new job. It's been a little challenging learning some of these new techniques, but I'm learning. Slowly, but surely.
Rich will be starting his new job next week. I hope he likes it. He'll have so many more opportunities at this new job. His old job just didn't have anything else to offer.
For those of you wondering, Delta is doing fine. She's still adjusting to the move, but she's just as spoiled as she ever was.
Well, that was a quick and dirty of what's been going on in the Brandon household. I'll probably post more later, but I still haven't gotten internet hook-up at home yet. I look at it as a sacrifice that will get me one step closer to being a home owner. But, I'll talk about that another time. I'm going to get ready to head home. Later!

I just had to take a moment to bask in the glory of all the oldest siblings in the world being validated by this article. We've been speaking of this injustice we've had to endure for years, but no one has taken us seriously. Now we have scientific evidence.

Earlier this week, I witnessed a man dying on an operating table. I had co-workers ask me about it later, and I haven't been very successful in trying to put it into words. Really, all I did was stand out in the hall, watch the madness of nurses coming in and out of the OR, and pray for the man on the table whose heart was failing him. I could hear them charging the crash cart over and over, trying to get his heart beating correctly again. And then I heard the words, "Call it." It's one thing to watch ER or Grey's on TV and hear those words, and a whole other experience to be standing outside of a room and know that a person just died in there. I kept thinking about this man's family who was anxiously waiting outside to hear that the organ transplant was successful and how he'll heal and get to spend at least a few more years with his loved ones. The patients I see who go in for these transplants are so happy before they go into that OR. They've found an organ. They've possibly found more time.
The other thing that amazed me during this situation was how the doctors and nurses handled everything. There was a strange balance of urgency and caring, but at the same time emotionally distancing themselves from the situation. This would have to be necessary to survive those types of jobs, and I really don't believe it is a trait that is easily acquired in school. My view of doctors and nurses who have to sort through those types of feelings has been forever changed.

Sweet Relief...
It's been a while since my last post. I have relocated to Birmingham. Rich is still located in Columbus until the end of April. It makes for some lonely, boring evenings. Especially since I don't have cable or internet at home. This makes staying at work later easier since I can surf the internet here. That, and I can wait out some of the traffic on the way home. The commute isn't bad and I am absolutely in love with my job so far. I am seriously going back and forth on whether or not to finish my degree. On the one hand, my current boss is so attentive and helpful to his grad students, it makes me bitter and resentful that I didn't get that from my major professor. Being bitter and resentful about my research does not motivate me to pull my thesis back out and complete and defend it. On the other hand, I saw "Angela *******, MS" written on a piece of paper today. I thought to myself, "That looks nice." The other technician I work with has been here for 11 years with only a BS and is very happy. I wonder if I could feel that way too. I need to make a decision soon.
I have felt more at peace with myself in the last 2 weeks than I have in the past 3 years. It's quite refreshing.

So I'm not exactly sure what the point of this post is, so I just plan on rambling and see what comes out.
Interest rates have been cut again. Good for those who are buying a home. Bad for my savings account that is now at a 3.0% interest rate. Down from 4.5% a few months ago. Bummer. I hate that because I make less money. Oh well, maybe the rates will still be low when Rich and I go to buy a house so that we can benefit from all these cuts.
I'm still trying to win the Honda Fit that they're giving away. After this week, I've only got one more week to qualify. It'd be nice to win a car so that I don't have to go through the hassle of negotiating to buy one. Rich's truck is looking like it's on its last legs. It's been in the shop for 2 days. I knew it wouldn't last much longer due to the fact it has over 200K miles on it, but I was really hoping it would make it to December. The repairs are beginning to cost more than the truck is worth and I hate putting more money into it than we have to. I just need a little more time to save up some more money for the down payment (and to see if my mom and brother win the Fit and would like to give us a deal ;). My mom and brother have already qualified for the final drawing, so that means I've got a 1:50 shot at getting this. Not bad odds if you ask me. I guess I'll just keep my fingers crossed.
Rich and I found an apartment in B-ham. I think it will be nice. We never could have done it without M & J. They took us all over town for 2 days. We definitely owe them some major baby-sitting time.
We found out this weekend that N & K are also joining us in B-ham. It will be nice to have a group of people I already know there. I think it will make the transition to the area easier especially for me since I tend to be a bit of a hermit. I am desperately hoping that my transition into my new job goes better than the one I'm currently at. Let's just say that some people were more welcoming and helpful than others. It took me over a year to break into the clique here. If I hadn't come to this area with friends already in place, I would have been run off a long time ago. I don't expect everyone to like me. I'm not that naive. There are always 1 or 2 people that decide I suck for whatever reason without getting to know me first. These are usually the people I make an effort to bug the hell out of once I figure out what gets on their nerves. I know that's probably really mean, but its just how I deal. For example, when I figured out that my mere presence around this one person drove her up the wall, I made every effort to make sure I followed her out to every smoke break she went on. lol She finally got to know me and we have a pretty good working relationship now. I can't say that I trust her, but we're definitely on more friendly terms. If I were less secure with myself, I don't know that I could cope the way I do. And I don't look at people who don't like me as a person with a major character flaw. If you don't like me...that's okay. However, if I have to work with you, I expect you to put your personal feelings aside and at least be civil. I expect the same from myself.
We also recently found out that N & K are expecting their first child. I'm very excited for them. And even a little jealous. I'll admit it. I'm not ashamed. I would be bold-faced lying to you if I said I wasn't at all. Rich and I have always taken life with our own timeline. Would I have wanted a child within my first year of marriage? No. I always wanted at least 5 years of marriage with my husband before children came into the picture. I feel like that time is important. Especially, since I got married right before I turned 22. Sometimes I have to stop and realize that in the mist of all my friends having babies, I really am doing what I want to with my life. I never wanted to be a SAHM and still don't. I wanted to make the bigger paycheck and let Rich stay at home with the kids for a couple of years. I don't think I have the same maternal instincts as other women. That may change after we have kids, but I don't feel the need to have them now. I also feel that it's important to bring our future offspring to a home we actually own. I don't want to bring my child home to a place we rent. I don't know why I feel so strongly about that, but I do. I also don't want to get "knocked-up" during my first year at a job. I would hate for my employers to think that I am just using my job as a means to afford to have children so that I can leave the work-force later. I know that stereo-type is still circulating in the working environment. I don't want to do anything that will project that image.
I'm very excited about moving on to the next stage of my life, even though its a little scary. But really...what change isn't a little scary? I am now faced with the question of "Do I finish this degree or desert it?" As of now, I'm planning on finishing my thesis and defending it. However, I am still harboring some hard feelings about how my graduate student career has been handled. I also do not appreciate some of the things my major professor has been implying since I started interviewing for jobs. Others on my committee have been so supportive, and I feel like I'm just getting hostility from my MP. I feel like after 3 1/2 years of working on a Master's degree, I've put in more than enough time. I don't feel like at this point, all the blame for not being done can rest on my shoulders alone. I'll take partial responsibility, but definitely not all. When it takes 6 months to get feed back on 7 pages of my thesis. That's not my fault. And it's also not my responsibility to stay on your butt to make sure you do your job as my MP. You should do that because it is expected of you as a MP and not because I've called you about it 20 times a day. That is where you have failed. If only I could say that to MP without death as a consequence. I'm not looking to burn any bridges at this point. But I also will not be looking to MP for any future advice or guidance. MP has made it clear over the years that she is definitely less than interested in helping me.
Rich and I have been busying packing and getting ready to move. I don't know when my next blog will be, so everyone will have to be patient. I'm planning on moving March 29th and Rich will stay in C-town until the end of April. It's going to be a lonely month, but I've done it before. Until then...

Star Wars through the eyes of a 3 year old...

I just thought this was adorable.

Later Starkvegas!

I got the job at UAB! I'm so excited. I get to move to Birmingham. We'll probably be going apartment hunting this weekend. I'll update with more details later.

WhooHoo!

I've got an interview tomorrow at UAB. Wish me luck.

I'm beginning to become very discouraged. I'm starting to dwell on the fact that I've been in college for 7.5 years working on degrees that apparently have no effect on my ability to find a job. I really believed that I'd have at least 1 offer by now. I've given up on being picky and really am willing to take just about whatever someone will give me so that I can get my foot in the door. At the rate I'm going it looks like come May, I'm going to be working retail somewhere. I should work at Walmart. I hate that place. It will be just like where I am now. I've been looking for 9 months now. I've had 2 or 3 interviews and spoke with several recruiters who offer me the advice of "hanging in there" and "just keep applying". Lovely. Any pre-college kiddos reading this...word of advice: Go get a 2 year degree doing something in the medical field. DO NOT...I repeat...DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME GETTING A 4 YEAR DEGREE AND END UP IN GRAD SCHOOL. Unless you desire to become a college professor (In that case, I assume you are a crazy masochist), heed my warning. I regret my decision to go to grad school. The only comfort I have is that I haven't had to take out any loans for this. It's just not worth it.

Update: I didn't get the job. I'm still stuck in my own personal hell.

I know...I've been bad and haven't posted any Christmas pics yet. I spent most of my holiday at home cleaning like a mad woman...not that you can tell. But my filing finally got done and some recycling went out and my book shelf got organized (sort of...I read WAY too much and ran out of space for my books). I can't seem to pry myself away from the computer for very long because I've become obsessive about stalking my e-mail. On Jan 2nd I received an e-mail from a professor setting up a lab and looking for a Research Associate. *Ding ding ding! Hire me! Hire me!* The research sounded interesting and it's within driving distance of home. Also he contacted me after seeing my resume on Careerbuilder.com. *He wouldn't have contacted me if I didn't have a shot at the job, right?* Anyways, I've applied to it and sent him a personal e-mail, but I haven't heard back from anyone. Granted, it's only been 2 work days and everyone just got back from the holidays, so I realize that I'm being totally neurotic. But, I REALLY want to get out of here and get a new job. I'm tired of putting my whole life on hold and denying myself things (like a home and a family) because I'm waiting to finish this degree that may never happen. I...(Holy crap...Dr. X just walked in while I was typing this...lol...she reminded me that thesis deadlines are at the end of March...yeah right...that's totally gonna happen...lol). Well, I should probably do some real work. Just pray for me, okay?