The week gone by

Sunday was Mother’s Day and H-Dog’s Birthday.  Homer turned 27 for the 34th time   I really wish we could have been there to see the entire family, but unfortunately 3.75 a gallon and other commitments didn’t allow that to happen.  Hopefully we’ll be able to come down during the summer or at the beginning of the fall.  Who knows though… by then, gas might be 4.50 a gallon and a round trip there will exceed 250.00 for just gas.  That’s pretty ridiculous considering everything.  Just two years ago, we could have purchased airline tickets for 2 for close to the same cost as gas.  Take the cost plus time to go to and back, and it’s a 400.00 36-hour visitation.  Not economically feasible at this point.  But we’ll figure it out.

We’re starting to look at various other houses in Starkville.  I’m not a fan of the over-inflated housing market in Starkville, so we’re sticking to renting for another year or so.  We’ve realized, though, that we must have a fenced in backyard more than any other necessity.  With that, we’ll probably experience a bump in rent from where we currently are.  We’ll see.

I have 1 class this summer (4 9-hour days) and then 1 in the fall and poof… done!  At that point, I’ll begin finishing up classwork for the Econ program, but I will be searching for other education opportunities in the Economics field.  A 4.0 in a master’s program should be a great stepping stone to getting into a better Econ program than I currently am in.  I enjoy the coursework and I like the people in the program (faculty included), but I’ve been told repeatedly that I need to break away from the University to get my terminal degree, and I’m starting to believe that.  I’ve had some job offers from Virginia Tech University over the past few months, so we might start looking at going to Blacksburg, if the offers are still there.  Pretty much a lateral career move, but definitely a step up in educational institutions.  Who knows though….

Anyways, the Sox seem to be the streakiest team in the majors this year.  Nothing like a 6 game winning streak followed by a 3-game losing streak.  Seems to be the way of the Sox this year.  Buckholz looks like he’s got some NASTY stuff but just can’t seem to find his groove.  I didn’t realize the guy is throwing 95 mph heat followed by a wicked 76 mph 12-6curve.  INSANE.  And what’s the deal with lazy Papi?  I’ve never seen such a lackadaisical swing from such a great hitter.  It’s almost like he’s hurt and just won’t admit it.  Luckily Manny’s being Manny and playing up during a contract year.  He’s pretty much carrying the Sox on his bat, with a little help from Pedroia, Lowell, and last but not least, Drew.  He’s starting to slow a bit [Drew}, but he's still playing at a much higher level than he did last year, save for the playoffs.  It'll be an interesting year.

MSU is going to miss the SEC Tournament and the NCAA's in baseball for the first time since 1986.  That's 22 years where we've managed to squeeze into some and dominated others.  However, we are 13 games under .500 and 14 under in SEC play.  Polk is on his way out and it could not be more welcomed at this point.  He's also starting fires in the AD office on his way out, which isn't making anything any easier for the Athletic Department.  His retirement won't be here soon enough.

And lastly, the Road Warrior Boston Celtics [/sarcasm].  How is it that a team can be the best road team during the regular season, play lights out at home, and yet can’t seem to hit the broad side of a barn during the road playoff games?  Oh, and it’s been mentioned before, but I’m 99% certain I can beat Ray Allen off the dribble right now, even at my enlarged state   He looks like he should be playing golf rather than defending some of these people.  Wally Sczerbiack (SP?)??? Really?? Wally “Don’t ask me to do anything more than shoot wide open 3’s” S?  C’MON RAY, it’s called footwork!  And for all of these brilliant commentators (doesn’t include Mike Breen, he’s the man), Rajon Rondo was NEVER A SHOOTING THREAT! I don’t know what they expect to happen, but Rondo couldn’t shoot the ball at UK, and things won’t change in the NBA.  What I really want to know is why is Doc Rivers throwing PJ Brown out there?  What happen to Glen Davis?  He had several 20 point games over the season.  And why bother with Cassell?  Really.  Simple fact is KG is a more athletic Dirk, Paul Pierce shoots WAY too many contested shots (don’t even ask about the 3’s he took last night), and Ray Allen has been reduced to the old guy that plays ball at lunch with the out-of-shapers and jacks up 3s as his mainstay.  It’s painful to watch!  If the Celts can’t figure out a way to win on the road, they might not get past Cleveland.  I can guarantee they won’t get past Detroit should they win the Cleveland series.  Just sad!

Okay… this was a bit lengthier simply to catch up on things.  I hope we can come to see the fam some time soon.

Final Grades are in…

And it’s another 4.0 for yours truly!  At least the 1k that I have to fork over out of pocket each semester is coming in handy.  That makes 3 straight 4.0 semesters with each semester being 9 hours of class and full-time work.  I’m not normally one to pat myself on the back, but this semester has been the most daunting of my graduate semesters and tested every ounce of nerve I had in me.  One more semester and my 4.0 of my MPPA will be realized!

On another note, my grant activity is on tap again.  It looks to be a definite that I have a new project on line.  I will be the Principal Investigator with no Co-PI’s on this one.  I will work with similar colleagues as my other grants, but will be responsible for most everything from budget to personnel.  More details to follow.

It also looks like we might be going to Texas during September.  My birthday falls on a Friday, so we might head down to watch the RedSox vs. Rangers series over the weekend.  Plus, it looks like the ‘rentals might need some company at some point.

I’m out for now.  I have one guilty pleasure, and that’s American Idol.  So I’ll be watching my tivo’d CSI episodes and waiting for AI to come on when I get home.

THE MONTH WON’T END

What a crappy end of the month.  I am going to keep this as quick as possible, but I cannot wait until this night class crap is over with.  Just a quick note.

I’m crawling back in my hole.

It keeps getting tougher

to stay awake these days.  I’m working on very little sleep and it seems like these days just won’t stop.  I have finally filed taxes (that’s right… on time) and I had a run-in with my somewhat creeps of insurance folks.  They managed to tell me that my insurance would be higher because I was a day early in paying.  That’s not really what they said, but it’s the point they were trying to make.  I did, however, manage to lower my truck insurance down by 13 dollars.  It might not sound like much, but it puts it lower than any competitive quote I found by 8 dollars.  And that’s without having to change.

Speaking of change, it looks like Lacey and I will be moving at the end of the summer.  We can’t handle being in our house without having a backyard.  The dogs are getting out of hand and I just don’t have time anymore to spend all night with them.  I am in class too much and Lacey’s at work for a good portion of the evening while I’m gone.

But enough whining.  I’ve sent off FLAT STANLEY to Denise and Alex today.  It should be there tomorrow, but I wouldn’t cross any fingers.  It cost an arm and a leg b/c we are just too darn forgetful to do what we say we will.  Anyways, I think it turned out cute and I hope he gets to use it for his class b/c we put a good amount of time into it.  Unfortunately I’m the most scatterbrained person I know; next to the woman I married

The Sox, after a horrendous start at the hands of the bluejays, have turned their jets on and posted a come-from-behind victory against Cleveland last night.  Of course I was in class for the duration of the game, but I bet it was a great one (sarcasm off).  Hopefully Big Papi is done with the slump now that he’s back into the tenths decimal category.

I’ll be back.  Have to work for a few.

The week ahead

Well, it looks like my idea to have a blog has slowly dwindled from groundbreaking, to mind-numbingly painful in just a matter of a few months   That being said, I hope the posts will pick up as I have more time around the home and office as classes approach their end.   I have no true final exams this semester; paving the way for 3 very large final projects.  I’m not sure which ones I rather have, but I’m happy to almost be finished with everything.  As for work, I just completed another proposal and hope to have the ruling on that within the week.  Also, I was approved of my promotion to Research Associate II by both Doc and Dr. Schultz.

Mississippi State is undergoing some radical changes and experiencing the typical power struggle that accompanies change.  As of today, we have no president, 2 athletic director, and no baseball coach.  We have an overbearing athletic director that does not know when to step down and is showing he has no clue as to how to do so in a graceful manner.  We have a outward-bound president that apparently has managed to do “everything he set out to do in 4 years in a span of 2 years”.  I would like it also known that most of his “change” came from the work of presidents before his reign.  I would also point out that he did a terrific job in creating a more anal-retentive ticketing staff and angered more departments than any one president I can recall.

Stepping aside from the politics, get ready for another sub-100 ranked offense from MSU again this season in football.  Lacey and I both went to the MSU Spring Game over the Super Bulldog Weekend. Not only is our offense atrocious, it’s abysmal.  It’s pathetic, it’s embarrassing; it’s MSU.  I believe we will most likely be a 6-7 win team this year, thanks to a favorable schedule; also a first.  However, we are severely lacking in offensive firepower and our play calling appears to be on par with last year’s debacle.  Get ready for some very interesting and perhaps embarrassing games against the top-tier SEC opponents.

Those following baseball would be happy to know we are truly as bad as our record implies.  We lost another series, at home, again,  to a mediocre Georgia team.  We are currently 2-5 in the SEC and 10-14 overall.  Probably the worst start for MSU baseball since I was born… I would venture to say it’s time for Polk to go.

Well, the weekend was a blast.  I got to see some old friends and see some long lost fraternity brothers.  I had hoped to be awake for the active/alumni football game, but Saturday night was too much fun to get up at the crack of dawn (11am) and play football.  Besides, I’m not in quite the shape I once was.  As for the week ahead, it looks like this could be a little more relaxed with the possibility of a ton of school work coming my way…

What a crazy week

Well, we managed to survive the tornado that swept through HotLanta.  We went downtown and took about 200 pictures of the devastation.  It was quite the sight to behold.  Anyways, we decided to stay home for the NCAA’s; only because of the God awful prices the folks wanted for tickets.  For those not in the know… tickets cost students 52.50, and that’s just for the nosebleeds.  So for those people that think most tickets go to students and not to the alumni/regulars wanting to the see the game, you’re out of your minds….

But I digress.  MSU faces Memphis in what could be the best 1-8 matchup in the tournament.  I’ve been wrong before, but the scope of the game and the skill level of the players for each team make this an intriguing matchup.  Normally, I am pessimistic of the chances MSU has for success, but this week I just have a feeling.  I think Memphis is a truly talented team, however, I think they have a few flaws that could be exploited by MSU.  First off, they are a group of showboats.  Therefore, they have the tendency to play outside of their capabilities.  Also, they are poor free throw shooters.  If the game gets a bit out of hand, I say, play hack-a-shack on them.  Make them beat you.  Ultimately, it comes down to Jamont Gordon and Charles Rhodes making things happen.  if you have the opportunity to watch them, do it.  You won’t regret it.

Lacey and I are both doing well.  (from my pov anyways). Tootsie and the D man are still the same.  Not much has changed but we’re still pumped about msu sports.  If anyone wants to get in touch with us, you know how to do so

-DB

Testing… check one… testing

Another week is almost complete. My older brother from the same mother just received notice of his new and improved job with Tyco Intl. It’s only about time someone figured out that he’s got mad skillz and is being overutilized and under paid at his current (past?) job. Unfortunately though, he lost serious cool points when I found out that he’s got a PS3. He’s supposed to wait until his younger brother spends money he doesn’t have on something like that before doing so.

Anyhoo… I’m at the office right now. I have spent the last few weeks working on surveys and projects topped off by way too much time on class work. It looks as though I’m set up pretty well heading into the home stretch of the course work though. I am sitting around the all A mark as mid-term comes and goes. Also I just received my letter stating my promotion was okayed and would go before the big honcho of the university. I’m hopeful it doesn’t hit any snages on the way over there. It’s only been about 5 years in the making

Tootsie is doing well. Dex is a pain in the butt. Lacey’s managing to put up with me but I’m betting her patience is wearing thin; seeing as how I’m never home. I spent the better part of a week in DC, and am in class 3 nights a week. Top that off with having to work late for the next month or two and we might see each other for an average of an hour or so…

And if anyone’s watching it, American Idol is actually entertaining this year. I know, I know… I watch American Idol. I can’t help it. It’s like watching a car wreck. You know you shouldn’t watch it, but you just can’t turn away from it. The Australian guy can actually wail. The Cook guy (name escapes me) is good too, but the smirk into the camera is downright creepy. The little kid that sounds like he’s going to go hoarse is good, but I think a little overhyped. I think it will come down to the Australian guy and the little kid, but I’ve been wrong before. The girls on the other hand… I’m just not really impressed with many of them. The little Phillipine girl is pretty good and can sing very well. The others… ehh…

Anyways, I am going to wrap this up b/c I have to get back to doing some actual work. I haven’t posted in a while, so I thought I’d be proactive and get something done on this thing. I hope everyone is enjoying it. I’m going to post a bunch of pictures some time today or tomorrow before I go out of town. We’ll be on the coast for a couple of days but we’ll be back on Sunday. I’ll keep everyone posted and get up some good pictures when I get the chance.

db

The Dog Really DID Eat My Homework!

Well, it’s true.  Dexter decided that he really needed a small meal consisting of the cover and title page of my applied policy research book.  The problem: it’s not mine!  I borrowed it from a colleague for the semester and now I get the pleasure of buying a $50-100 book b/c Dexter decided he was hungry for paper.  The real catch: it was on the table where it was supposed to be.   Oh well.

Anyways, I have a presentation tonight to finally wrap up one of the toughest weeks I’ve had in years (and it’s only Wednesday).  Between work and class, this may eventually end up killing me before I can call myself doctor.  Lacey hasn’t seen me for longer than an hour in the past week, and I haven’t been able to relax since last Sunday.  That’s all going to change tonight though.  As soon as the evaluation class is complete, I’m headed to the Veranda and am going to relax for a while.  See you all there!

db

The Dal is back in town…

Ok, so I am kind of new to this so bear with me.  I’ve got to get used to sharing my business with other people b/c I’m not really the one to talk a lot about myself unless it’s about my husband & our cutie-patootie dog-children, family or friends. I’m usually the one asking the questions.

So anyway, my wonderful husband just got back in town and boy was I a happy woman when I saw him drive up.  It’s kind of corny, but it was one of those movie moments where you feel like music should be playing in the background. He really is my best friend & I feel so incomplete without him. He makes me feel so good about who I am & what I’ve done in life.  I am reminded every day of the blessings that I have been given in my life. I hope & pray that each of you out there finds that someone who makes you shine like the star that you are!

Headed to D.C.

I’ve got less than 24 hours until I’m walking around Washington D.C.  for a GIS conference.  During the past few days, I’ve been trying to determine whether or not I would also be making a Seattle trip in March, just before the SEC Tourney.  I’m not sure which direction I go with that one, but I’m pretty sure it’ll end up with me staying in the area.  I think there might be too much going on and I’ll need some of that extra time to catch up on school “stuff”.  Anyways, I’ll be in D.C. for a few days, so I will probably not be posting much during that time.  If I bring the laptop, I’ll get online; but it’s doubtful that the laptop will come with me.  Anyways, just a drop in for the daily dose.

-db