The Wrights

Be My Baby

2009-11-30T08:00:00.001-06:00

Jarvis was singing the song, "Be My, Be My Baby" to Caleb and he was CRACKING up. But he also sings old hymns to him, and he laughs at that, too. I just think he likes to hear singing...even my made up songs. I'd like to say he tries to sing but mostly he's trying to match our voices. He's a funny character.

Changing Daily

2009-11-24T23:26:00.000-06:00

Who does he look like? It's different every day. Regardless, he's still pretty darn cute!! Love this dude!

The Fall, the Forest and the Creatures

2009-11-17T10:22:00.005-06:00

So, yeah, we're in the South. Not many people think we get to "really" see the leaves change colors but we can witness that right in our front yard and even in our back "yard." As you drive down the main street of our subdivision, you can see a great picture of what looks like the Alabama National Forest: beautiful trees, stacked on a hill/mountain, all changing colors. In our front yard is a tree that blooms nicely (pictured here), and when the leaves change color it's pretty beautiful. I always said I'd get a picture as it was full, but Hurricane Ida came and blew most of the leaves to the ground or down the street, so what I got isn't as beautiful. I thought for a second, "I'll get a picture when they grow back," but duh! The leaves are dying b/c it's getting colder. So, I just got it while I could. Our actual backyard doesn't have any trees, but beyond our fence is a hill and at the top LOTS of trees. I like to call it the Alabama National Forest, as I did earlier. While the trees are beautiful at this time of year, what has descended from that forest into our backyard and home is not so beautiful. For some maybe but for us NOT! We've had mice, every little bug you could imagine and even a baby rattlesnake. Cane took on the rattlesnake and got bit, and Jarvis took on the mice...along with a broom and some mice traps. Because of the mice, I now sleep with two night lights. Because of the snake, I won't stay in the backyard long. We like to say that every creature came to meet Caleb b/c we didn't have any of these problems the whole year before he was born. Thanks for coming by, animals and rodents! But please stay away from this day forward.

Cane is still here

2009-11-11T22:23:00.007-06:00

Cane Diggity is still around. He's definitely acting like the first born who's jealous of the new baby. He spends days outside and barks a lot...but he probably barked a lot when I was at work during the day. I just wasn't here to hear him. Unfortunately, I hear EVERY bark now. My ears are super sensitive to everything, especially while Caleb is napping. Caleb knows Cane exists but of course doesn't know what he is or that he is his pack leader. He watches him run around like a crazy dog. Cane knows Caleb is here but hasn't figured out what he is yet. He does try to give Caleb toys so he can play fetch with him. LOL! Earlier in the summer Cane was bit by a baby rattlesnake that somehow made its way into our backyard (another post on that later). We got him to the emergency room within 30 minutes, so all was well...hundreds of dollars later. He came back just as happy with some antibiotics and pain meds.

We had to put one of Cane's "friends" to rest (in the trash). He'd had Penny since he was about 6 weeks. Penny started out as a white stuffed dog with black spots. He liked to do "strange things" to Penny like he knew she was really a dog. She became a dirty white dog with black spots and a bit hole in the middle. The stuffing had subsequently been removed by both Cane and us. We got tired of picking up cotton and just took all the stuffing out. He loved Penny, but he seems to have survived. Kong toys are the best creation for dogs. I promise. Here's the last picture of Penny. R.I.P. Penny.

5 Months and 2 Teefs

2009-11-06T15:36:00.014-06:00

He's growing!! Caleb is 5 months (last Friday). He is finally able to sit up...almost unassisted. He's growing like a weed! He's not able to turnover just yet, and while Jarvis would like him to, he's unable to walk. Let's let him take his time on that. He has quite the reputation at the gym and church daycare. He's the chillest kid on the block. We've heard stories of babies "turning" into the total opposite at some point. Hopefully, he will stay a little sweet. Oh! I almost forgot! He has two teeth on the bottom (look closely in the picture to the left). He got one in one week and the other the next week. We didn't even know until we saw them breaking through one day. He's a tough guy. He's a pretty happy baby and for that we are thankful, but even if he weren't, we'd still be thankful. He also likes Baby Einstein Lullabies (even if it won't make him a genius) and hoodies.

LSU Football Schedule

2009-09-19T10:49:00.017-05:00

This is strictly for my benefit.

Sep 05 Washington 9:30 p.m.
Sep 12 Vanderbilt * 6:00 p.m.
Sep 19 UL-Lafayette 6:00 p.m
Sep 26 Mississippi St. * 11:21 a.m
Oct 03 Georgia * TBA
Oct 10 Florida * 7:00 p.m
Oct 24 Auburn * 7:00 p.m.
Oct 31 Tulane 7:00 p.m.
Nov 07 Alabama * TBA (War!!)
Nov 14 Louisiana Tech 7:00 p.m.
Nov 21 Ole Miss * TBA
Nov 28 Arkansas * 7:00 p.m.

Gearing up

2009-08-11T13:12:00.000-05:00

We're ready for college football season. We're getting Caleb ready, too. Which side will he choose?

These are his only two choices. We will do our best to shield him from the knowledge of that "other place." To him, it won't even exist.

I'm a slacker

2009-07-29T19:10:00.015-05:00

Well, I guess I have that right. After eight weeks, I've finally figured out life with a newborn. LOVE IT! Caleb is the best...even more so when he's fed :-) Let's see. He loves the water. He loved the paci but is showing preference for a finger. We're trying to reverse that. He loves 4am. I don't. Hopefully, that'll end soon. He loves to smile at something behind my head but gets afraid when I laugh at him. He loves to hear me sing the Caleb Song (Caaaaa-luuuub...).

He loves Daddy's voice. He stops everything (even crying) when he hears it. He loves to put his hands in the air...like saying "Touchdown LSU!" He also likes stretching when he wakes up. I believe he gets that from me. No, I'm sure he does. He doesn't like Mexican food. I found out the hard way.

More Caleb

2009-06-10T18:50:00.007-05:00

Our Sweet Blessing from God

2009-05-30T17:27:00.002-05:00

He's here!! Some of you may already know, but Jarvis and I wanted to thank you all for your prayers during this special time. Our sweet Caleb Lucas Wright was born on Saturday, May 30 (one day before his due date). He weighed a whopping 8 lbs and 4 oz (not the 10 lbs we expected) and measuired at 21 inches. From all accounts, he's as healthy as can be!

Once again, thanks for your prayers and we ask for your continued prayers as we start this wonderful journey together.

Now, I'm confused

2009-05-27T19:18:00.004-05:00

So, my doctor, Dr. D, was pregnant and due to be induced Friday, May 29. Her baby came on his own Sunday, May 24. Because of that, I had to see another doctor today. We'll call him "Bill." Bill was funny. He talked to my belly, telling the baby to come out. He calmed my fears about the "shape" of my belly (HAA!) but he also said, "Your due date is June 3." I said, "No, May 31." He looked at the chart and then pulled out his little wheel measurement thingy. He calculated June 3. Then, he looked back at my ultrasound from December 30. From the time indicated on there, he determined that my actual due date is May 27...TODAY! Haaa!! He said he'd stick with May 31 since that's what Dr. D told me. So, when am I due?! You know what? It doesn't matter b/c I haven't dilated. He said don't listen to all the "old wives tales" because the only thing that will get this baby moving is prayer. So, I will pray...that he comes when it's time. I will also pray for relief. My back has had enough.

10 days to go...before he's "due."

2009-05-21T20:13:00.004-05:00

Let the countdown begin. Officially, baby boy Wright is due May 31, and it'd be nice if he came on that day. But from the looks (and feels) of it, he's not coming then. He likes the right side of my belly right under my ribs. In this week's doctor's visit (my second weekly visit), I have not dilated ANY. She said it's a "fingertip." But this week, there was progression. He had moved south. So, he DOES know the way out! He gets his smarts from his father. The creative way he moves around in my belly, he gets that from me :-)

My doctor did say we could induce after 39 weeks (this Sunday), but I'd rather he come on his own; however, she also said they wouldn't let me go past 41. So, does that mean we can induce after 40 and before 41 because I'd be willing to do that! I can honestly said this has been the perfect pregnancy. I was having some issues with my blood pressure a couple of weeks ago, but that was only for about 3 days. Don't know what sparked that other than the constant tornado warnings in the area. But it has been near perfect, and I'm hoping for a nearly as perfect delivery. It's starting to freak me out, just a little about Stage 1 labor. I learned all about it in my prenatal class, but what I want to know is why don't they tell you about this stuff before you get pregnant?! That one stage can last for hours! Jarvis doesn't think I have a big threshold for pain, but I'm gonna show him!!!

Your Spending Account (Tax Saver Account)

2009-04-23T13:40:00.008-05:00

Two years ago, we thought it'd be a great idea to put money in a "spending account" that we could use for prescriptions. We pay a lot for prescriptions and rather than create a cash "envelope" for it, we just took it out pretax and it goes onto a prepaid Mastercard provided by Hewitt and our insurance company. It worked the last few years and we've run out of money both years. So, this year we put more on in anticipation of the end of the year expenses. Well, at the start of this year we discovered the convenience of the mail order prescriptions and how inexpensive they were. Not all of our prescriptions were discounted via mail order but the most expensive ones (mine) were...which was NICE. Well, now we're taxed with trying to figure out what to do with the money we're gonna have left over because we won't get it back...WHICH I find weird b/c after all it is OUR money.

We went onto Hewitt's site and logged in to find out what we could buy with the money on the card. Man! We discovered we could buy so much. One thing we really wanted to buy was a breast pump for use when nursing the little one (when he arrives). And if this is TMI for you, I apologize. I won't be here long. We looked and saw that breast pumps are covered...or at least we thought!! I went on there today and discovered that they are NOT covered unless prescribed by a doctor. I called Hewitt and they said that the doctor could fill out a form indicating that it was medically necessary and would therefore be covered. I'm sorry. When has an OB/GYN had to prescribe a pump? Why do I have to "prove" it's medically necessary?!! It's used to provide the means by which to nourish my child! I was SO MAD...even more so when I read further the things that ARE covered without "proof" of necessity. Check this out the eligible expenses that do not require proof of medical necessity:

Acupuncture (What the...!!)
Arch support
Chiropractor
Christian science practioner (Medical expenses paid to a practitioner for medical care)
Crutches (I understand this but why THIS and not a breast pump??)
Diapers (adult)
Dietician services
Eyeglasses
Eyeglass tenting or coating
Fluoride treatments
Humidifiers (good to know...)
Hypnosis (are you KIDDING me?!)
LASIK surgery
Orthodontic fees
Sterilization or Reversal

And these over the counter meds (there are tons but these "stood out" to me):

Antifungal medications
Athlete's foot cream, lotion, or powder
Cold sore medication
Wart remover
Allergy medications
Head lice medication
Hemorrhoid treament (but no breast pump?? these kinda go together...well, maybe not)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Cotton balls (My gosh!!!!)
Antacids
Tylenol, Aleve, Advil (I took advantage and bought 150 Tylenol Gel Caps today)
Blood Pressure Monitors (I took advantage of this too for...someone in my house)
Motion Sickness Medication
Pregnancy test (wish I would've known 35 weeks ago)
Smoking Cessation Aids
Femine itch products (it says the actual words, but I figured I'd already crossed the line)

But I have to shell out $200+ of my own post tax money rather than use $200+ of my pre-tax money so that I can provide my little biscuit with nourishment??!!! I was gonna say, "Who can I talk to about this," but I REALLY don't need to talk to anyone else at this time.

Dave Ramsey and Lester

2009-03-23T16:32:00.009-05:00

About 18 months ago, we joined a small group at our church (when we lived in the Phenix City/Columbus area) called "Financial Peace University." It was facilitated by our dear friends Reynold and Danielle Counts but ultimately taught by Dave Ramsey on DVD's. For those of you who may not know Dave, he's all about getting rid of debt and is famous for his "envelope system" of budgeting. Now, we didn't have a "whole lot" of debt but enough to make us realize we needed the class. Alright, alright so the major debt we had (in addition to the house) was my student loan. It was a $53,000 loan that seemed like it never went down...even when I'd paid on it for 3 years!!

Financial Peace University was definitely our answer because we wanted Financial Peace!! So, for 18 months, we used our envelopes, saved money and paid on "Lester...the Loan," the name given by Jarvis that day back in 2007 when we realized we needed to tackle him. Everyone in the class knew about Lester and subsequently anyone we could tell about Financial Peace knew about Lester. Well, we are happy to announce that as of Friday, March 13, Lester is paid in full!!! Woohoo!! Bye Bye Lester!!! I checked the other day just to make sure I didn't have like $10 in interest to pay, and it said, "Paid in Full." What an accomplishment!! Now, while our next debt to tackle should be our house, we probably won't be in it long enough for it to make a difference. I just know we haven't "landed" in Sterrett, AL. Anyway, here's a few shout outs:

The biggest shout out goes to the Almighty God! No joke. We thank him everyday for providing for us and giving us the means to pay off Lester...especially in this economy.

Shout out to Dave Ramsey. We don't know him personally (although he did send us a Christmas card this year), but really wouldn't have had direction on the "how to" without him.
Lastly, shout out to Reynold and Danielle for opening their home, keeping us on track, encouraging us and just setting an awesome example! We love and miss you guys!!

BYE BYE LESTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Things you just don't say to a pregnant woman

2009-02-25T09:53:00.008-06:00

OK, so I had a doctor's appointment yesterday which has left me a little bummed. Everything is PEACHY but just something they wrote on the chart had me a little bummed. OK, it was my weight but I'm the biggest I've ever been in my life, so I guess it's never gonna be good...and will only get worse in these last 14 weeks. But this visit capped off two weeks of, well, insults from people about how I look! Don't people know that pregnant women can cry at the drop of a hat? I didn't cry...then, but I just felt compelled to write a blog about the mean things people say to pregnant women. I have several other pregnant friends who have told me the horrible things people have said to them. So, I thought I'd list them. Just know all these weren't said to me. Nonethless, they're MEAN AND EVIL!:

You're REALLY pregnant
Gosh, you didn't get that big with your first child
You look like you just can't take it anymore
"My gosh, honey, was I ever that big?"
You look like you're ready to give birth
You're gonna be huge when you're 9 months
You might have gestational diabetes
Are you having twins?
You'll never get that weight off
I'm surprised you've made it this far

Just added:

You better get your sleep now, b/c you won't sleep at all once the baby comes.
Nursing is natural, if it hurts you're doing it completely wrong.
The epidural hurts like crazy, and mine didn't even work.
Should you be drinking/eating that ___________?
You look really pale.
You got you a butt now girl.
I would do anything to prevent a c-sec. They are horrible!
You have gained so much weight I didn't recognize you!
Honey, you poor thing how old are you? (the lady thought I was 15).
Your stomach is going to look just like this after you have the baby
Doctor says, "You look like the Michelin Man!"

I'm sure there are worse ones, but just don't do it, people! You should tell pregnant women how beautiful they are even if their nose is big, they've got dark splotches all over their body, and they walk like Fred Sanford. She's beautiful just because of the miracle going on in her belly. So, if you know a pregnant woman tell her she's beautiful today (this is not a ploy to get people to tell me I'm beautiful, but it won't hurt). She might cry , but it'll be tears of joy.

(That pic is NOT a pic of my belly, obviously.)

The Fort

2009-02-02T13:17:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, I talked about the new pillow I bought. Jarvis calls it a fort b/c it's really like a wall. It's called the Snoogle Original Total Body Pillow. It was heaven. My back pain magically went away when I used it...correctly...or in certain positions. As you can see, there are several positions. The position I used mostly is the Tummy Tuck, except I maneuver my own pillow under my head and neck b/c it's softer on my head and my neck than the pillow. It's quite a feat and the other night, the softer pillow kept hitting me on the top of the head because of how it was positioned. It takes a while to get just right.

The first night I got the Snoogle, I tried the Back to Back.

Now, either I did it wrong or it just didn't work because my back felt like I had been bent over for 3 hours. It's a shame because it would've so much easier to switch from side to side and go right into that position. You can only sleep on one side for so long. NOW, I have to switch the pillow from one side to the other and readjust the softer pillow under my head. I've tried it again since then, and it still doesn't work. Then, occasionally I slip to sleeping on my back which is my preferred position...but Lord knows when I wake up from a just a moment on my back, I want to cry. It even hurts so much to sit up and watch TV.

I might try The Swirl position on the weekends when I'm catching up on Live with Regis and Kelly. Maybe I can bring it to work and swirl it...Lord knows it'd made things so much more comfortable. But it's HUGE.

The Nest Rest would be good as I read my "What to Expect while

You're Expecting book." It's never ending...or is she really napping after reading?? That'd be me, too.

And I've really tried to write this post without talking about the "models" in this picture because there's so much I want to say, but I reserve comment...well, I will say that the lady wearing the silk pajamas couldn't really be sleeping with this thing because she would be sweating bullets and soaking wet by 2am. The others would be too, but I think this silk set would be the first to go.

Historic Moment

2009-01-20T13:13:00.001-06:00

I watched the inauguration in my co-worker's office on her computer monitor. I will never forget this day.

Halfway There!

2009-01-15T08:28:00.000-06:00

...Livin' on a prayer!!! 20 weeks down, 20 to go. Where'd the first 20 go? Everyone always asks, "How are you feeling?" And I'm feeling great. Mama's Boy (his name b/c Jarvis won't commit to one) is kicking regularly with his long legs. He will definitely be 5'4" by the age of 4 like his father. LOL! I don't think he was 5'4" by the age of 4. I was having pretty regular back pain but I bought the Snoogle Original Body Pillow and it has made all the difference. Jarvis said it's like a fort b/c it's so big. Anyway, we appreciate your prayers and messages. It's great to know people are thinking of us, and it's great to have so many friends who give such great, godly advice. WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Celine Dion

2009-01-14T10:01:00.001-06:00

OK, so um...a friend of mine asked me to accompany her to the Celine Dion concert tomorrow night in Birmingham. I used to dance with her and tease her about her love for Celine (and Jim Brickman but he's not coming to town). I do like Celine's music and have danced to a number of tunes but never bought a cd. I like hearing her talk, too. But what do you do at a Celine Dion concert? Do you dance? Do you sit and listen intently? Do you sing along? Do I need to buy some Celine cd's today and familiarize myself with her not so well-known tunes? Will they sell hot chocolate at the concession stand b/c it's supposed to be about 34 degrees tomorrow with a wind chill of 0 at times. What will that make it at night??!! And most of all, will I be the only black person there??? Now, while I'm used to being the only black person in a lot of situations, this one will be by far the funniest.

It's a boy!

2008-12-31T09:40:00.000-06:00

There's no denying it. I guess ballet and tap shoes are out of the picture. He's probably gonna be a soccer player or a long jumper. He appears to have some long legs and not much room to stretch them out =)

Holiday Visits

2008-12-29T20:53:00.001-06:00

My friend Leon (Jenn) came to visit!! The Saturday before Christmas, she and Sam (her GPS) drove through from Atlanta on her way back to Columbus...I know, long detour, but it was nice to see her. She had the pleasure of experiencing Surin and the Thai Barbecue Chicken. I had it, too, but I'm sure she enjoyed it more. I just wanted the crab angels.

AND...my friend Wendy was here!!! What a great Christmas present. I only got to see her for about an hour the day after Christmas, but it was an hour more than we've had together in the past 3 years! Maybe she'll give me that hat. I'll need it about Friday when my hair just won't work with me.

Update 12/31/08--It has been brought to my attention that I forgot the time we spent with our friends George, Lisa and Little George. It was a lot of fun to see what will be us in a year or so. Such a sweet little boy! (George told us he reads this...and he's probably the only one) Then, we also spent time with Josh and Kimberly, Jarvis' roommate from college and his new fiancee. Also along were Anthony, Bonita and their sons Jackson and Cooper. We played a neverending game of Yahtzee. I didn't know they still made that game. Josh was the only one that got Yahtzee but didn't seem to excited about it.

We Elfed Ourselves

2008-12-22T20:11:00.000-06:00

Our friends Dereck and Becca send us these every year. They sent us one this year that had me laughing out loud. I had to use the same template because it was the best one! Click here to enjoy our elfed selves.

Christmas Baby Bump

2008-12-22T07:52:00.000-06:00

Just in time for Christmas, a baby bump mysteriously appears. I swear it grew overnight. Perhaps it was my realization after many years of dancing and instructing at the gym that I no longer had to suck in my stomach. Ahhh, relief.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T12:54:00.001-06:00

There are so many things to be thankful for this year...but there's one that's most important--My husband. He's been the best husband ever these 14 weeks!! I'm thankful that he:

goes downstairs to get me ginger ale when the nausea comes at night
hugs me when I cry because I feel like I'm getting fat
goes downstairs to get me water when the ginger ale leaves a disgusting taste in my mouth
walks the dog because I'm too tired
plays with the dog when I'm too tired to play with either one of them
cooks because (he's hungry and) I don't feel like it
vacuums the floor because I don't make the nice lines like he does
goes downstairs to see what that smell is (that only I can smell) coming up from downstairs could possibly be

Many have said that all husband should pamper and "worship" their wives while pregnant. While, I won't say that he's "worshipped" me, he has treated me like a queen. I hope I can return the favor someday and treat him like a king.

Ephesians 5:22-28

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Cane's Surgery

2008-11-19T11:02:00.000-06:00

OK, so Cane had "surgery" on Monday...the one that takes away his puppy-producing stuff. We were hoping it would calm him down but were prepared for it not to work because its not guaranteed. I went to pick him up on Tuesday, and he was still a ball of excitement. Anyway, in the car I noticed he was licking the incision. So, when I got home later that night, I called our friend Melissa Teeples, who's a vet in Columbus. She told us to buy an Elizabethan Collar...which is the collar that looks like a lampshade. I was SOOO upset but it was the only thing that would keep him from "licking" it. He was not happy. He couldn't eat. I had to feed him out of my hand this morning. But he was still trying to lick it and while he's not reaching it, the collar is irritating it when he tries to lick it. So, I called our vet here. She said to put boxers on him. While that sounds funny, it doesn't look so funny to a hormonal pet mommy. Anyway, we figured boxers would be too big and too much work. So, instead I went to Ross and bought him some little boy sweat pants...cut some of the leg off and cut a whole in the back. He seemed ok with it. He didn't buck like a wild horse as he did when the E-collar was placed on him.

We're Having a Baby!

2008-11-16T18:27:00.000-06:00

Yes, that would be us. Many of you are probably saying finally. We'll be sure to give you plenty of updates. But as of today, we've made it through the first trimester. Right now, there's plenty of nausea (mostly at night but with no actual blowing of chunks), a swelling belly, joint pain and much sleep! I bought my first "mommy" sweater and am wearing it right now. I'd like to have delayed it but I guess all my sweet cravings have made that happen quicker. I love McDonald's Sweet and Sour sauce. So, how long does this supersonic sense of smell last? How long will I have this disgusting taste in my mouth? I will take all words of wisdom...but I will go and get my "pregnancy bible" ("What to Expect While You're Expecting) to make sure you're not leading me astray :-)

I Witnessed History...

2008-11-12T16:38:00.000-06:00

...albeit from my bed watching CNN for 6 hour straight, but I did! I know that most of you that read this blog are Republicans, but this is my blog, and I'm gonna celebrate (so keep your "remarks" to yourself)!

Mostly, I'm celebrating the sovereignty of God over racism and injustice. Whatever you feel about Barack Obama and his election as President, there is no denying that this event (which I am a week late in posting about) is a day to rejoice and be glad. Why? Because black children are no longer limited in their dreams. "I want to be President of the United States when I grow up and make a difference in this world" is not a far-fetched dream for them anymore. While many of them are probably taught that God can do anything, it's nothing like seeing God's work. Countless people have marched and prayed for decades in hopes that this day would come. Many never thought it was possible, but God's word is always true. And through it all, we certainly know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. The little children of God smiling with renewed hope and confidence in his love is definitely a good thing.

Political Junky

2008-10-15T17:31:00.000-05:00

It's official. I have become a political junky. I read CNN.com, MSNBC.com and abcnews.com at least once an hour (not FoxNews. They claim to be fair and balanced but their scale is a little off). It's an exciting time to be involved in the democratic process but it's also nerve-wracking. Jarvis isn't a political junky at all. Yeah, he's gonna vote but he won't talk too much about it. I'm always talking about it and reading and fuming. But I blame it all on my friend Wendy.

Wendy is one of my bestest friends, and I think we've been friends since maybe like 2001 or so (she's gonna kill me for this pic, but the only recent pic I have of her is her smiling, holding a binder with some man). We became friends through her brother, but most of our relationship has been over email or the phone. We've actually seen each other like maybe 5 times, and she happens to be from Birmingham. But she moved to St. Louis before we became friends. I'm not even sure how she became such a political junky but God knows she was one way before I was. I know she worked in D.C. for a little bit, but I'm not sure if that was the start of her addiction or obsession or deep love for the political process. But now, she's drug me along with her. We text during debates and tv interviews. We text when we hear stuff on the radio. We email each other articles. It's madness. Jarvis has asked what we're gonna do when the election is over, and we have NO idea. She thinks she's gonna take a vacation day after election day. I would if I had some vacation days, but either way we won't know what to do! Maybe we'll meet for the inauguration. That way we have SOMETHING to look forward to and we can see each other again.

But I don't think I'll have to wait that long to see my precious friend. One of the reasons I DID look forward to coming back to Birmingham was because I knew I'd get to see her more often and with the holidays coming up, maybe the two junkies will get together and detox. I'd love that! So, if you're sick of me and my politics (Jarvis), then blame Wendy. It's all her fault, but if you met her you couldn't blame her for any wrongdoing! I can't wait to see my fellow junky in politics!

Walking the Dog

2008-10-06T16:42:00.000-05:00

Why didn't anyone tell us how hard it'd be to walk a puppy. You'd think a leash would be all you need. WRONG! Cane still thinks he's the pack leader in so many ways. I don't watch enough Dog Whisperer. Don't get me wrong. He is the sweetest puppy ever but sometimes, he likes to rev up like a bull about to attack...and he attacks. I guess he's playing but it can be a little frightening and funny at the same time. Anyway, we had him in puppy training in Columbus which he passed. The instructor LOVED him...and why wouldn't you? He's so smart. He had no trouble controlling Cane's rambunctious-ness (definition: marked by uncontrollable exuberance) and even gave us instruction for teaching him to walk by our side. Well, we never really worked on that. We'd look like idiots in our subdivision doing it. But I'm positive it would've worked.

Well, we come here and put him in Level 2...or Basic Training, and the trainer (who deserves her own blog post where I rant) tells us that he has to learn to walk by our side by the next class. She gives us a technique which doesn't look so crazy but I didn't necessarily have confidence in it working. Well, friends of ours with a lab recommended a training collar that has prongs on it. This collar would pinch him if he moved away from our side. Let me just say that when I heard about this, I instantly knew I'd hate it for him. And when I saw it??? Oh man...

Well, I bought it and brought it home. I told Jarvis he had to put it on him. And when he did, Cane bucked like a wild horse and ran away from him even when he tried to take it off. He finally let Jarvis take it off, but when he put it on again I had to walk away. Little Cane was sadder and madder than mad...but he got it! Jarvis walked him around the yard with the collar and he eventually figured that if he moved away, he'd get a pinch. Now, for all you out there who think we're just cruel animal owners, I'd like to see YOU try walking a 5 month old lab puppy with more energy and attitude than 3 children together. We walk him around the neighborhood and he stilll sometimes tries to get ahead but he's got the hang of it, and the evil trainer said he's doing much better. So, we're gonna keep it up, even though we haven't walked him since class on Thursday.

I have a job! WooHoo!

2008-09-20T07:55:00.000-05:00

Like you couldn't figure that out! And there are probably only 4 of you that read this blog, and I've told you all. Anyway, I applied for an Editor position in the newspaper like a month ago (8/17). They needed someone to edit and assist in authoring articles for major publications, coordinate and edit regular columns for online and print publications, Design and edit brochures, promotional materials, and workbooks for workshops. Hello! Right up my journalism alley.

They called last Wednesday (9/10) and asked if I wanted to come in to see if I liked it. I jumped at the chance because I had been on four interviews and heard nothing back...and I'd actually get paid to "try" it out. Well, I went in, tried it out and really enjoyed it! It's a small office with lots of work to do. At the end of the first day, they told me that they'd let me work another week to get a real idea of how things worked and would let me make the decision then. Say what?! I told Jarvis and all he said was, "What? No background check or nothing?" Such the optimist.

Now, the next week was no piece of cake but I never thought twice about taking it. On Friday, they asked me if I wanted to come on board, and I said YES!! I have a job! I have a job! Now, I will always say that nothing will ever compare to CrossPointe but this one will be good in its own way. I have a journalism degree and have always worked in Marketing where I have learned a lot. It's just so good to get back to your roots...even if it is in Birmingham. One good thing I'll give Birmingham is that the job is exactly 10 minutes from home. We live so far from the main part of the city that you usually have to travel a distance to get to work. Not me!!! (Sorry Jarvis) Anyway, I am now the NEW Content Manager of the ROI Institute. That site can probably explain what they do better than I can. Just know that I'll be reading a lot and using up a lot of red pens. LOL! And then, one official day on the job and I get sent to Scottsdale, AZ for a WEEK in mid-October to get a better picture of the ROI Methodology. I guess that sounds like fun...

God's hand is so evident in this opportunity because only He truly knows how much I hate interviews. Only He truly knows how much I love writing and editing, and the whole process was just not "ideal" in the corporate/working world. But it was ideal for me and obviously crafted by Him. I thought that knowing other people in the other places I interviewed would help me out. All I needed was Him, and I can't thank Him enough (especially for getting me out of this house).

News!

2008-09-16T07:51:00.000-05:00

I've got news to share but I can't share it until Friday... when it's definite!! :-) I will say that I DID get that phone call I waited for ALL DAY last Wednesday (See previous post). I just want to make sure I don't make any mistakes before Friday. HA!

How many more interviews??

2008-09-10T12:27:00.001-05:00

OK, so I realize posting this could be risky, so I won't say anything that could implicate me in any wrongdoing/saying with any potential company. But I'm so sick of interviews. I've had four interviews in one month. Two interviews each with two separate companies. As I sit here and type, I'm waiting on a phone call for another interview with another company. Then, next Tuesday, I have another interview scheduled with someone else. And do you know something, I have STILL not heard any results from the first four interviews. I absolutely hate interviews. I feel like I've done 60 minutes of cardio after they're over. I walked out of one interview two weeks ago and am sure that the interviewer could look at me out her window and see my posture start to fall as I walked across the street. So draining. But I have to say that I prefer the phone interview to the face-to-face. I can sit here in my sweats and wild hair (until someone walks up to the door trying to sell me magazines and asks me if I'm 16 years old) and not feel the added pressure of my suit looking sharp. Maybe one day I will be a professional interviewee and start a blog on it...not interested. I need a real job. I do have a semi-regular job at the gym. I am officially on the schedule. 5:30am on Mondays. I was excited about that. Who knows? Maybe I'll get a job that allows me to work from home periodically and I'll be able to teach more. We'll see. God is Sovereign. He knows what I need and what's coming.

I hate Hurricanes!!

2008-08-31T18:29:00.000-05:00

I think the worst part about being from New Orleans is that I will always be deathly afraid of hurricanes. I remember tracking hurricanes as soon as I knew the words longitude and latitude. I tracked Hurricanes Helena and Juan, both little pip squeaks compared to Katrina and now Gustav. I am in North Central Alabama and still tracking hurricanes. Growing up in New Orleans, you always hear, "New Orleans is due for a big hurricane." And it's so sad that in a couple of days, they will have had two "big ones" in three years. My dad was coming to visit us this weekend for vacation. Now, he's here for shelter. He is here with us and other family is nearby. We can't help but watch the weather channel day and night. We want to know exactly where it's going and when it's going to get there and what it "might" do. I hope and PRAY that the people that govern the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana have done what is in their power to make sure the outcome is not the same as before. And honestly, it appears as if they have. Please help me in praying for the people of the city of New Orleans and all over the state of Louisiana...anyone in harm's way. God's will ALWAYS prevails but I pray they will feel His presense and know that He has not left them in this literal time of storm. I know I would need that prayer.

Long drive for friends

2008-08-29T21:15:00.000-05:00

This morning, I jumped in the car and drove two hours into another time zone...I guess that would make it three hours since it was the eastern time zone. I went to have lunch with a friend or two...or four. My friend Caron came down to Columbus from Virginia to see her family over the holiday (Picture: Jamee, Kimberly and Caron). And since I don't know when I'll ever see her again (and I have NOTHING ELSE TO DO), I hopped in the Camry and drove on down (and for all of you upset that I didn't see you today, we will be back in a few weeks!!). I also had the chance to check the mail at our old home. The mailbox was STACKED. Why aren't they forwarding the mail?? I mean like important stuff is still being sent there; bills, magazines, magazines that are mistakenly delivered but that I really wanted anyway and dvd's! Either way, it was a good trip. I got to see Caron and I got to check the mail. Then, I came home and made cupcakes for Jarvis' bday. He said he only wanted a Fish Filet from McDonald's, but I thought I'd make him some cupcakes, too. Happy Bday, Jarvis!! He shares a birthday with Michael Jackson and John McCain. He's not as old as John but probably wiser...

Ask and you shall receive...

2008-08-28T12:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I wrote a blog asking for prayer because I was sick of being in the house. Well, I also said how I was gonna go to the gym. Boy oh boy was I up for a surprise!

Last night, I did venture to RPM (cycling), and it was fun. I was excited to be back where I belonged. LOL! So, this morning I was planning to go to Pump at 9:30am. Well, I got a call two hours prior asking me if I'd like to teach the 8:30am RPM class. I said, "Sure." What else was I doing?? So, I took the long drive down there to teach RPM. The stereo and mic were out b/c there was a leak during all the rains this past week. So, I had a little sound system with little speakers and no mic to work with (my throat is scratchy as I type). Right before class, another instructor asked me to teach Pump for her at 11:45 that morning but I told her I couldn't.

So, after I taught the RPM, I walked down to take Pump at 9:30 with this instructor everyone raves about. I didn't see him. But I saw people setting up for class. I walked in and planned to set up in front of a mirror but changed my mind and went on the other side of the room in front of another mirror...but I didn't make it there. The Group Fitness Manager asked me if I could possibly teach the class because something had happened with the instructor. At 9:26, I was asked to teach the 9:30 class. Well, what else did I have to do, right? But Pump requires some preparation!! Internally, I was freaking out. Then, this guy is the instructor whose class everyone wants to take. He's a nice looking guy with nice muscles and curly hair. And here I come with my doo-rag on (fashionable of course), my wet pants from the class before and running eye liner. How would I measure up??!! Well, good thing I have an arsenal of Pump tracks in my brain. I made the most of it and they LOVED it. However, I am now pooped. I went to Chick-fil-A and ate everything on the menu. But I got out of the house!! And the mail lady's here, so I think I'm gonna get out of the house again!

(Me in my doo-rag with Jesse Rae in Columbus)

Nothing much

2008-08-27T12:30:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in two weeks...and that's because nothing much is going on :-) We're pretty much settled in. All of the boxes are emptied and waiting to be taken away by the moving company. How nice of them to pick up our trash when the trash company won't. But anyway, I'm settled too...in front of this computer searching for a job, reading emails, tracking hurricanes, chatting with friends. I am bored OUT OF MY MIND. I will probably go to the gym today so that I can at least fit into my clothes when I do get a job. I've been running with Jarvis 2-3 days a week, but I need some RPM and some BodyPump. My body is missing it but instead is enjoying the cookies. Please pray for me, people! I'm ready to get back to work.

I did discover Hobby Lobby this Sunday. Our friends Heath, Krystee and Pierce came through on their way back to Columbus. I was supposed to go to the cleaners and to Super Wal-Mart prior to their arrival. Well, Hobby Lobby is near the cleaners. I went in and had trouble getting out. I only bought 3 things but it was hard to settle on just 3! But it helped with the decorations. Here are a couple of rooms we've decorated...but I am FAR from finished.

Cane Doggy Dog

2008-08-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

Until we have children, I am going to talk endlessly about my dog...it's the first dog I have had for longer than 12 hours. He's really like my child. I get sad when I have to leave him for long periods of time. I get sad when I have to put him into the now too small travel crate. He is more or less our child right now.

Little (Sugar) Cane, our yellow lab, was born on May 1 in Birmingham. He joined us in Phenix City when he was 6 weeks old on June 13, and boy has he grown! For a good 5 1/2 weeks, it was just me and Cane. Jarvis was working in Birmingham during the week and would come home on the weekends. We didn't have a fenced in backyard, so the bigger Cane grew, the harder it was to keep him from venturing to the front yard. I knew that we had to buy a house with a fenced in yard just for Cane Doggy Dog. Well, we did but couldn't move in for a good 3 weeks after we closed. That was probably the longest 3 weeks of my life. He ran from the backyard to the front yard, across the street and jumped on a little old lady...TWICE in two days. I was sad for him, not for her. He wanted to play and she told him, "No." So, it was just me and him playing in the kitchen and the bedroom. He grew bigger and bigger and heavier for me to carry out of situations like that. We struggled with the potty training and boy was it a struggle. But one day it clicked, just like everyone said it would. He's still not too crazy about the crate though. Hopefully, that'll click one day.

We went to obedience school for 6 weeks, and he LOVED the other students/puppies. But he was the teacher's pet. He got everything so quickly. And the day we moved, he graduated from obedience school just in time for his big backyard with the fence! But an even bigger treat was the doggy door that came with the house. At first, he didn't know what it was but one trip out of it and one trip inand he was hooked.

Now, he goes in and out of the door like pro! And he goes to pooh, pee and play! I don't have to worry about him running out and jumping on anyone except Jarvis, and he's ok with it.

Cane can finally be the doggy dog he was born to be, frolicking to and fro eating grass, sticks, hummingbird feeders; pouncing on frogs and bugs; jumping into the fireplace and bringing back evidence.

And occasionally he'll run into the crate and take a snooze without us looking...or so he thinks.

But I think he prefers the comfort and coolness of the floor.

I guess us moving here was good for something.

Smack upside the head

2008-08-10T16:19:00.000-05:00

This morning we visited a church, it being our first Sunday here. The church was HUGE and we sat so far back that we had to see the pastor on the screens. But even that didn't detract from the message that I felt spoke directly to me. This was the first in a series of messages on Job and suffering. But ultimately, the message was "God is Sovereign." Yes, Brad, you've hammered that home to us so many times and I thank you immensely. But at a time when I'm having my own private pity party, it seemed to really spell it all out for me. It was this one verse, "...The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."Job 1:21. I've often wondered in the past three months how God could give me such an awesome job, us an awesome church and a cute little house and then put us back where we didn't want to be again. It's been such a struggle to leave there and come back here, but this morning it was...comforting, I guess, to know that God is sovereign over ALL of it. The speaker said that God is honored in honest expressions of grief. Granted, no one died but I have truly felt like something was taken from me and have been grieving over my loss. But like He did for Job, I'm sure God will restore what only He could take away. Blessed Be His Glorious Name.

Things I missed about Birmingham

2008-08-09T17:16:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer: This post in no way indicates that I am "warming up" to Birmingham. It just means that I'm making the most of it.

When we left Birmingham in 2005, I was excited to go to a new place, but there were a few things I was sad to leave. Over the past few years I'd forgotten what most of them were but rediscovered them this week, whether it be just by passing by them or actually visiting. I've included links just in case some of you decide to come and visit.

Surin West--My Gosh! I never forgot Surin. Every time we came back or every time we ate Sushi I remembered Surin. It's where Jarvis introduced me to sushi. I know...big, black man eating sushi is just not something you see often. But perhaps it's one of the reasons I love him so much. He's quite multi-cultural. He'd probably respond, "I must be because I married you." Anyway, we haven't been to Surin since we got back last week, but they've opened up a new location not that far from our house. The original location is about 10 hours away close to downtown Birmingham. I don't think we'll be visiting that location together soon. But the Hwy 280 location should expect us to visit any day now.

Zoës Kitchen--I totally forgot about Zoe's until Jarvis ate there 12 times a week while he was in temporary housing. Zoe's is a little Greek cafe that serves food that's good for you...but is DELICIOUS! I was so jealous, but I had the pleasure of eating there this afternoon and enjoyed their delightful chicken roll-ups, slaw (a little different than regular slaw) and chips. So yummy!! And we got to eat outside b/c it was so nice out. A nice, breezy summer's day. Imagine that in the South.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro--I think we might make a visit here after we visit church on Sunday. Man, the BEST orange chicken in this part of Alabama. The little dive "King House" in Phenix City takes a close second. Of course PF Changs is a chain and there are many around but there were none in Columbus or Phenix City. You guys down there need to talk to someone. You're missing out. Chef Lee's is no comparison. And the crab ragoons??!! OMG! They give you more than Surin does but less than Mandarin Cafe (next to The Pointe)...but oh so good.

Roly Poly--I think these people created the "wrap" or "rolled sandwich." There are so many on the menu. All I remember is one with chicken, bacon, cheese, onions and barbecue sauce. I think it's #52 Hickory Chicken. And when we left Birmingham, I wasn't eating meat, so I haven't had one in a LONG TIME. I MUST check them out. Luckily, they're not too far either.

The Gap--Yes, I'm well aware that there are Gaps in about every city in the country but this location is HUGE. Anyone who knows me very well knows that 90% of my closet is Gap clothing. I am sitting here wearing a gap t-shirt...along with other parts of my wardrobe :-) Anyway, this Gap is 5 times the size of The Gap in Peachtree Mall. I'd get mad walking in there, which is why I probably shopped there a total of 10 times and did the rest of my Gap shopping online. I have to keep up my wardrobe. And last but certainly not least...

SuperTarget--It killed me to have to leave SuperTarget behind. We shopped there every other Saturday, bought Market Pantry water and didn't drink much else. This past Tuesday, I was determined to go shopping for decorations for the new house. I went to Ross, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning, Home Goods and Stein Mart. All I came back with was a lamp and a box of cookies (that I ate before the night was through). Later that afternoon, I went to SuperTarget and spent it all (not all of it but enough of it)! I guess I went to the other stores to look for a deal, but I didn't get the deal I wanted...just the right decor I was looking for. Thanks SuperTarget!!! I'll see you soon!

Now, here're two things I didn't miss about Birmingham:

The Hills--What a great way to tear up a car! I'm gonna have to take my car in for brake repairs. This is ridicarus! Of course, had I had them serviced prior to moving, they wouldn't be so bad, but I have to blame something on Birmingham.

Hwy 280 Traffic--You'd think after 3 years, they'd figure something out. They haven't!! My poor husband drives home in 280 traffic everyday. Why did we move all the way out here again? It probably had something to do with me. If so...well, I'll just say it's Birmingham's fault again.

We're here...I guess

2008-08-05T07:56:00.000-05:00

Well, we're here to stay...for the moment. But not before an awesome send off by CrossPointe Church. The love shown was really unimaginable, and they will forever be in our hearts. And after they said goodbye on Sunday, I had to go back to work for one last day on Monday and say goodbye again. The hardest thing ever. I pray for God's leading in this transition because I don't see where he can take me after such an awesome experience.

Currently, I'm sitting in the home office surrounded by boxes and a dog on the floor chewing on something. I have a meeting with the Group Fitness Manager at Gold's Gym and hope to at least have an opportunity to teach. Of course, they'll be no Jbone, Leon (Jenn), Jesse Rae or even Cbone. But I'm sure I'll find a way to survive. God knows I need to be in a gym. I've eaten so much since last Wednesday (last workout) that I don't know if I can fit in my shorts! Anyway, that's all for now. I'll send more later when I'm not keeping Cane out of boxes!

The time has come

2008-07-28T13:25:00.000-05:00

Moving day is creeping up on us, and I'm not looking forward to it. And not because I have to move anything because we are fortunate to have the company supply us with a moving service, but it means we actually have to go. We've been "going" for three months, but Thursday will come like a thief in the night. I knew it was gonna be a sad week, but I had no idea! First, my friends from the gym showed me some love and we cried like babies.

(Me and Jenn aka "Leon")

They'll never know how much they mean to me especially after these past 8 months of crazyness at that place.

(Jbone and Leon)

Then, at church on Sunday I realized I only had one more Sunday left and they'd be saying goodbye to ME. Then, this morning I sit at my desk in my own personal office, with the colors on the wall that I picked...at the desk I helped build, at the computer I helped pick out, and I'm losing my mind. Where will I be sitting at this time a month from now? My home office? On a stationary bike in a gym? I have no clue. I have only one reassurance and that's God, and He was nice enough to give me Jesus, Jarvis and Cane. Those things make me smile, give me hope and make me feel a little better about it all.

(Jarvis and Cane)

Uh Oh...

2008-07-23T12:54:00.000-05:00

I said I would never blog and here I am...with a blog (thanks Hollie and Courtney!). But there is so much going on in our lives right now and so many people we have to keep updated that it would take too long to send a million emails. So, here we are!

In just a week, we will make our grand exodus from the great Phenix City/Columbus, GA area on our way back to Birmingham just 2 1/2 hours up the road. We have loved it so much here, our church, our jobs, our cute little house. And it pains us to have to leave, but we are sure that God has a plan for us (at least Jarvis is. I'm still waiting for direction. LOL!). I'm sure I will cry a couple of days (weeks) and stress out over trying to find a job, so look forward to hearing me gripe! I have an interview scheduled with a recruiter next week. If any of you know me, then you know that I absolutely hate interviews. But who really wants to look for a job after having the best job in the world!! OMG! I want to cry just at the thought of it. But in the end, we really are confident that God is directing us. It may be a struggle readjusting to a place we never really intended to return to long term. Howver, I believe that's God's gifting us with new friends, a new home in a new area and a new addition--Cane Doggy Dog--will make the struggle easy to bear. Now, we've just gotta find a new job (for K), a new church (bye bye my awesome CrossPointe), new docs for us both, new place to shop for groceries. OH! The agony. Yes, I'm being dramatic...so I will end it here.