Tuesday, August 28, 2007

We're Off!


Today in the mail I received my Green Card. Now that we are legal to enter we will be leaving some time next week. I guess that means I have to go back to work and end my extended vacation! Oh well, all good things must end. As a wise woman I know likes to say, "Praise The Lord!"

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Mighty Leopard Cat

We are spending our second day with my Mom since we've moved out of our house. The cats have been kept separate for the most part with short introductions. The latest was between Indi and Remington (medium sized boy cat). Indi sat up to give him a sniff and was promptly hissed at. She didn't take it too well and chased him over then under the bed and right out of the room. Her wild streak must have scared him! I think she'll handle herself alright, hopefully the sheepish Sharptooth will handle not being the center of attention.

Oh, and as a side note....my permit was just approved! We're leaving next week!!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Yeah, that'll fix it.

What is going on in Deutschland? Extremism seems to be the way of the land. In a country where marijuana and prostitution are as legal as driving a car and clearly more accessible than a fire-arm, we see the same scope represented in the political and religious views of it's leaders. Anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders has recently called for the Koran to be banned calling it a "fascist book," and the leader for the "committee of former Muslims" has just been attacked fueling already tense relations within the country. How do you solve such ill-relations?? Bishop Tiny Muskens thinks a resolution would be accomplished if people of all faiths called God "Allah." The statement received quick praise from the country's Muslim community, however, 92% of those surveyed disagree with the Bishop. Well, what do you expect from a guy named Tiny?

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Y2K - Global Warming Connection

The DailyTech reports on how the Y2K hoax may have actually been more real than global warming. You can read the full story, but a brief synopsis is that while inspecting NASA's climate graphs, Steve McIntyre noticed a strange jump in the climate graphs centering around January of 2000. NASA would not provide him with the algorithm used to generate the graphs which was created by NASA's Reto Ruedy and James Hansen who became headliners when they accused the Bush administration of censoring there dire predictions. NASA has since released an updated version which shows that the hottest year on record was actually 1934 (not 1998) and that 5 of the 10 hottest years were pre-WWII. It turned out that a Y2K bug had corrupted the handling of their raw data. It seems that Y2K not only lead to pre-2000 panic over airplanes falling from the sky, banks losing all of their account information and economic destruction but can also be blamed for the current hysteria surrounding global warming.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

The beard is toast!

If I ever have to go into hiding I have many possible disguises.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

The Truth About Cats

I've always had a cat. When I was 2yrs old we lived out in the Tucson Mountians with nary another person around. My cat was my only companion (not to mention my intellectual equal!). This story is a reminder of why I'm a cat person.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Wisconsin Sickos

The debate in America is coming to a head and I've had numerous discussions with people regarding the potential consequences of converting to government run health care. It seems that we may not have to wait much longer to see the plan in action. Wisconsin's Democratic governor and senate have already passed legislation for such a plan which has been thus far rebuffed by the Republican run House. See the whole story here, but basically it will cost the average Wisconsin worker $510 more per month while becoming a haven for people who want free health care (you don't have to be employed to receive benefits) and driving out workers who can do the same job and save a big chunk of their check.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Birthday....continued


I just got the pictures from my birthday outing at La Paloma. Resorts are way cool. This one is at the base of the foothills and overlooks the city. We spent most of our time at the pool area which included about 4 pools and 2 spas that I saw. It also has a water slide!! I wasn't even the oldest person on it! One of the pools has a water fall into it and I'm pretty sure it is actively cooled. It took a little time to get in but it was really refreshing to get out of the hot sun. It was a really fun time. Can't wait to do it again!

Friday, July 06, 2007

Dentista

I just got done at the dentist. It was the first time in the last 4yrs that I had my teeth cleaned (sick I know). Fortunately I was cavity free. I am convinced after being there that the creators of horror movies like Saw received all of there inspiration in the dentist office.

I've always heard that you are never supposed to pick your teeth with sharp objects but the first thing they pull out at the dentist office is a tray full of sharp hooks. Can anyone explain that. I mean, it's like the NRA telling people that guns are bad! Dana got some numbing cream. Her insurance must be better because I didn't get that treatment. I'm glad it's over. Hopefully we'll find good dental care in Ireland.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Strawberry, AZ

We've been trekking around in the White Mountains area in a small town called Strawberry, AZ. I have yet to actually see any strawberries, though I did see some strawberry ice cream. Yesterday we took a little trip to a creek that was downstream of some hot springs (that we found out were "clothing optional"). The creek was NOT hot, but considering that even here it has been in the 90's it was refreshing. The exciting part was not the aqua blue water in the middle of Arizona, but the drive. It was a one lane road (ONE lane, not one lane each way) that was on the side of a mountain with a drop of about 500ft and no guard rails. Dana was white knuckled the whole way. It was really fun and beautiful. Pictures from the whole trip will be posted soon.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Birthday Time






It was my birthday this past Friday and my birthday gifts were spot on this year. Dana got me a traveling humidor and a DOT approved travel case for my lighter so I can pack it and it won't be taken out by the transportation dept. My Dad got me a camel skin briefcase/laptop bag so I can graduate from backpacks. Ryan got a marble ashtray that is awesome! Nancy sent a gift certificate to the Tinderbox which I've already put to good use and my sisters sent some spending money which was greatly appreciated.Still waiting to see what my Mom has in store. Supposedly I'll find out next weekend. Thanks everyone. 29 was great. 30 may be even better depending on where we celebrate. Who's up for a party in Paris?..Athens?..Madrid????

Friday, June 22, 2007

It's Official


We are officially on the market. The house was listed 2 days ago and we've had 1 family come to see it so far. Hopefully it'll sell quickly so we don't have to pay the mortgage for too long.

The New Neighbors



A new family has moved in to our back yard. We have a bird feeder that was left empty a little too long and has now become a nest for a momma bird and her two eggs. I'll have some new pictures of the little guys when they hatch. Any bird watchers out there are probably real jealous!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Thursday, June 14, 2007

The jig is up.


  • We just got back from telling the last of our family the BIG news. Everyone is pretty excited to come out and visit. I'm just happy that I can finally talk about Ireland without worring that I might let the cat out of the bag! I'll be working as a pediatric perfusionist at one of the world's largest (volume wise) children's hosptals. Surely this will be our great adventure.

    Friday, June 01, 2007

    The "New" old Gibson


    For Christmas 2 1/2 years ago my dad gave me his acoustic guitar that he had owned since the early 70s. The wood had cracked below the bridge and 30+ years of use had worn down the frets. Well, I got the cracks fixed a while ago and just got the frets replaced. I also found out that the guitar was made sometime in the early 60s. Now it sounds just about as good as any I have heard (as well as any the repair man had heard). Funny what can get passed down. No one really knows what it is worth, but being an heirloom, good luck getting away from me for any price!

    Thursday, May 17, 2007

    Bold

    JM covering Bold as Love...sweet.

    Friday, May 11, 2007

    Social Gospel

    I saw this article on the "Social Gospel-100 years later" and wandered who is ultimately responsible for social justice and reform. Being conservative I am in the camp that supports individual efforts while others see that as a governmental responsibility. Government waste surrounding programs designed to deal with social issues is the very reason many on the conservative side support the "Faith-Based Initiative" that has yet to find its wings. Providing means without bureaucracy makes sense.

    The article deals with other issues such as the dissociation of Christianity in its point of practice. I have yet to understand "liberal Christianity" in any sense. It seems like an entirely different religion to me.

    Thursday, May 10, 2007

    This morning I got the final signatures to ensure my status as a graduate, which may be better than the actual ceremony tomorrow night! After 7 years and 3 degrees I'm finally done...today. I have nothing left to do. Just show up tomorrow to walk across a stage. That's it.

    Life isn't exactly dull right now. Interviewing is exhausting. I've been home 2 days in the last 8 with long flights and early mornings mixed in. We still don't know where we're going but we've started accumulating boxes to pack up the house. At any rate, Sunday night is the big part-A. Feel free to send your congratulations, gifts and cash to Matt C/O......just kidding.

    Wednesday, April 11, 2007

    The Yard

    Now that we're going to have to sell our house I thought I'd finally include the pictures of the "completed" yard (and by completed I mean including Dana in her robe on the porch...sorry honey!)





    Tuesday, April 10, 2007

    The sky is falling

    I take offense to all the climate change talk that is suddenly headlining every media outlet. Let me preface by saying that I'm no climatologist and I don't pretend to have studied the science (and I do believe it is science) of changing global climate. I am educated and with the sword of logic I feel the need to tap into the fight - though clearly only to be heard in my local circle.

    We've been tracking and recording climate change for around 100 years which in my opinion makes it impossible to predict future events with any accuracy having no knowledge of climate cycling. For example, I've heard that we may be in the middle of warming trend that melts polar ice caps to a critical level, lowering ocean temperatures, which in turn leads to colder average temperatures and the reformation of the ice caps. This may or may not be true but I think its worth consideration.

    Secondly, I think the scare tactic that the poor will starve because of SUVs is pitiful. If you've followed the course of the headlines over the past few months you'll see that every new counsel, organization or whatever makes a greater apocalyptic forecast. First off, water does not vanish into space. I understand that small (very small) amounts are bound up and form another molecules but realistically if one place is in a drought, another is being flooded. It is just basic science.

    What we have are people who risk ruining global economies (which would truly lead to starvation) to add another signature to the Kyoto protocol.

    Monday, April 02, 2007

    Looking for work

    We (as in me) are still looking for a job. Prospects include: Florida, Virginia, S. Carolina and Ireland. Where should we go??? The idea of starting out in my field in a place that does things in a completely different way than I've been trained is admittedly scary, but it is exciting to apply everything I've been learning the last 2 years. I'll put a new poll to see where we'd get the most visitors if we move then we can know what to expect (and where to avoid!).

    Wednesday, February 21, 2007

    USA Blanks Mexico...again!


    Kick-off


    US goalie deflects Mexican cross.


    Landon Donovan hits the corner to Jimmy Conrad


    GOOOOOAAALLL!!!!!

    Wednesday, February 14, 2007

    War is Bad!

    There is a lot of debate about the military these days. My personal opinion is that it is obviously harmful to our young men as it can lead to this.

    Tuesday, February 13, 2007

    Strange white...stuff

    Better late than never right? Well here are the pictures of our yard after the "big snow." If you haven't seen snow in the desert (and you probably haven't) save these pictures. It'll be a while before it happens again!









    Monday, January 29, 2007

    Caption Contest


    What is this cat thinking? The best caption wins...uh, nothing really but my respect and admiration.

    Best of luck!

    Tuesday, January 23, 2007

    Pet-peeve #19

    I know this is a phenomenon familiar to most people but I just need to reiterate one of my (many) pet-peeves. I have often thought of making a bumper-sticker that is a play on the "I brake for (insert your favorite critter/cause here)." Mine will go something like, "I brake for no apparent reason." This is an endless cause for frustration on the road. I can't figure out what initiates the firing of the nerve that tells the right foot to apply the brake when there is no cause for slowing. One piece of advice, if the light is green look at the crosswalk sign. If it still says walk, the light is not about to turn red...don't brake!

    Tuesday, January 16, 2007

    Put a lid on it!


    This is why I love the lid. I know the lid is often shunned as a child's drink accessory but really it has so many qualities that to drink with out the lid is a chance I'm not willing to take. We'll move beyond the obvious advantage of not spilling your drink as readily. I know everyone has the memory of that Jack in the Box cup falling on the floor of your car when you hit the breaks and only seeing a small drop of sticky soda reaching the carpeted floor mats. This is clearly an advantage to the lid that can't be down played but I'll name just a few more.

    I hate guessing where my straw is going to be and I don't want to have to chase it around the cup. That's just silly. Not only does the lid keep your drink in, but it keeps all those nasty sneeze germs OUT! Think about all the yuckies that can and probably do get into your cup. SICK! Lids have little tabs that allow you to identify the contents of cup. And we can't for get about the additional insulation your lid adds to the warmth or coldness of that tasty beverage.

    Lid, I salute you.

    Tuesday, January 02, 2007

    Thursday, December 21, 2006

    Grow up, would you?

    It seems that being a kid just got a little more dangerous. Just ask 2 elementary school children (ages 4 and 5) who were written up for sexual harassment. The first hugged a school aid and rubbed his face in her chest. The second punched a female classmate in the buttocks in the school hallway. Needless to say, both boys' parents were aghast that their kids would now have sexual misconduct written on their school files.

    Did anyone ever think that maybe they were just being kids?

    Monday, November 27, 2006

    Leaving for Iraq

    The war feels a little different when you know someone going over to fight. I friend of mine leaves Wednesday morning for a 3 month stint as a navigator on the EC130. He is excited to do what he's been training to do and I hope he makes it back soon.

    Tuesday, October 31, 2006

    Where have I been?

    It has been a long couple of weeks. Work has been busy, I had a new class start and Dana was gone for 2 weeks and I worked on the back yard a little. Hopefully I'll get some pictures soon so that you can see what I've been up to.

    Wednesday, October 04, 2006

    Wednesday, September 27, 2006

    Defensively offensive

    Bill Clinton's tantrum seen here is a reminder of the roots of failure in fighting terrorism. The blame game is pathetic. There is documented evidence of terrorist activity aimed at American interests every year from 1993-2000 with limited if any response. It's time to admit it...you messed up.

    Wednesday, September 20, 2006

    Justin King - Solo Guitar

    Amazing acoustic guitar solo

    Wednesday, September 13, 2006

    CD Review: Continuum


    Let me start by saying that I was worried about this album. John Mayer has set the bar so high for himself that I thought this, his third studio album would be a huge disappointment. Every reviewer has pegged this as his "most soulful" album yet, which I didn't understand until I listened to the whole thing straight through. He deals with the usual issues of love, past and present (I'm Gonna Find Another You, Slow Dancing In A Burning Room), growth and change (In Repair, Dreaming With A Broken Heart), and his everpresent problem of growing older (Stop This Train). He includes Gravity and Vultures off of his live Trio album and a Hendrix cover Bold As Love. I was worried I would miss the "Pop" side of Mayer's songs but I don't. The depth is just where you would expect from a guy who has played with the likes of Clapton, BB King, Scoffield and Buddy Guy. The songs are all introspective and his personal thoughts are human enough to make us remember that he's just a guy named John.

    Tuesday, September 12, 2006

    Sympathy breaking

    Ever wander where those phrases come from that you mutter from time to time? Well this one came from me. You know when you're driving down the road in the middle lane and someone on either side goes to turn or break, causing others in that lane to break and for some reason the person in front of you brakes as well?...that is sympathy braking. It drives me crazy. Don't be a sympathy breaker!

    Wednesday, September 06, 2006

    1-0-0


    It's not often that anyone gets excited about being undefeated after the first game of the season, but then again it's been a long time since the University of Arizona football team has been 1 and 0 with out that 1 being some cupcake team. It wasn't a show of offensive beauty but we won a close game against a quality team. Good enough for me.