Goodness.

I swear I'm alive, fear not, friends. Class started a week ago, and I am already going full-force. My classes are going to be pretty intensive, but I think they'll be pretty interesting. I started my GA position on Tuesday, and I really like it. I even arranged it so that I will have Fridays "off" (studying, basically), which means I am reallllly busy the rest of the week. So, sorry for being a bad blogger. I am going to try to catch up on some reading this evening (can you believe they already gave me some??). ;) Hope all is well. I'll be back soon!

Here ya go, Mom and Dad. My first day of school!

Here it is... my stand-on-the-front-porch back to school pic. Ha ha ha ha. Instead of my lunchbox, I have my giiiiiiiiinormous Professional School Psych book. It weighs a trillion pounds. ONE trillion.
Class yesterday went very well. I had my advanced developmental psych class, and I think it's going to be really interesting. I get to write a "developmental autobiography." Talking about myself for 10 pages. I can do that. :)

Aaaand (duh duh duh DUHHHH!).... I bought a laptop yesterday with that wonderful thing called credit. It's little and cute and fast and I love it. It's my very first laptop. I'm a big girl now, I tell ya.

My "real" schedule starts next week, when all my classes start up. Wish me luck! Statistics is going to killllll me. Word.

Rock on, Charlie!

Tuesday (this post is a little delayed!) I went to go visit baby Charlie and awesome new mama Anne. I gave Charlie the baby blanket I've been working on for quite some time (admire the hoodie blanket... it's the cutest). He appears to like it cause I think he's saying, "rock on!" But seriously, how pretty is that blanket? The baby all wrapped up tight in it ain't too bad either! He is the sweetest thing ever too... I held him for like an hour. Hooray!

Welcome Numero Seis!

Those wonderful Tuckers have greeted baby numero seis into the world! He arrived Friday afternoon, and he's just beautiful. Here's a picture of the proud mama and one of Jeremy holding the little guy. Congrats to an amazing family! Love you guys!
Other updates:
*School starts Thursday, and I have orientation on Wednesday. Hoorah!
*I have ordered and received some of my books- GOOD LORD they're large.
*Financial aid stuff has worked out good, I think I can actually make it. Big sigh of relief.
*We went to the RIVER for the first time of the summer (last summer we went all the time??), and channel 7 did a very close fly-by while we were on the sandbar. So look for us on the news sitting in the ol' dirty. Ha ha ha ha. Don't judge me. ;)

Bye, bye, bye

Here are some last and final pictures of Claus in Arkansas (sniff, sniff). We'll miss you, you crazy Dane!

Today I will be ordering textbooks online (eek!) and trying to get financial aid in place (double eek!).
PS, don't you hate that Kleenex commercial where they sit people down, hand them a box of tissue, and ask them about their moms? That's just mean, people. MEAN to make people cry like that. I love my mama... sniff, sniff (again).
They just showed a Felicity clip on GMA, Annie... I thought of you.
Have a good day, all!

Wine o' the week

From the website:
Mo Zin, Sonoma County 2003
72% Zinfandel, 23% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah 1,050 cases produced. Mourvèdre, a blending grape used in French Rhone wines, provides a marvelous raspberry and leather aroma that works nicely with the blackberry flavors of our Dry Creek Zinfandel. Petite Sirah adds a touch of peppery spice. Made to enjoy now, this will also improve and gain complexity in the bottle for 3 to 5 years after the vintage date. This matches well with everything from grilled ahi tuna to Italian red sauce dishes to lamb and red meats.

When you’re out of Zin you need Mo Zin!

750 ml $20.00

Mmmmmm.... you know how I love 'dem mixes! And what a FABULOUS name for a wine... ;) Melissa gave me a bottle of this for working on something for her firm for her, and we had tried one a while ago. It's fantastic. And named so well! Support the Spanns out in Sonoma County, they seem like good folks. I think all Spanns are.

Feels like old times, except now I have digital photos, we have jobs, we're not in Karl's downstairs.

MSM-CHS c/o '99 reunion was a tremendous success! It was great having (ALMOST) everyone back together. Turns out we're all pretty much the exact same when we hang out again- it felt like 8 years hadn't passed... Thanks to Karl and Kat for hosting- the slip and slide was an ingenious idea. I like how our group has expanded... everyone's done a really good job. I'm a proud girl of us all. ;) I went a little camera-crazy, so keep scrolling, and have a great week!

Mommmmmm, it's too hot out there!

Pooooor pups, they're miserable. Actually, right now, they're soaking up the AC while in a deep, deep, trance-like sleep. I particularly like this picture because it looks like Zoey is about to strike, but she's not.
Update time again! I got the G.A. position that I interviewed for at UCA yesterday! The job sounds great- the state hired 2 psychologists to "improve schools" in AR. I will be assisting these psychologists in said endeavor. I'm sure they have more specific goals than that, but I don't know details yet. I will work about 20 hours a week, and it seems that they will be really flexible with my schedule. I also enrolled for classes yesterday, so I am ready to go! Yessssssssssiree! Things are lookin' up for Miss Elizabeth.

The question to ask is not "Will my cat dance with me?" but rather "Will I dance with my cat?"

In my internet surfing this a.m. (don't ask, because I'm not sure how), I was struck with the strange desire to relive memories of Dancing with Cats, that book we used to laugh at A LOT in college. So here are some pictures and some frequently asked questions, just for your future reference, when wanting to dance with your cat. And who wouldn't want to do that, I ask you?

What if my cat won't dance with me?

Well you have to accept that some cats, like some humans, just don't dance. But a lot of the time cats won't dance because people expect almost instantaneous results. They think they can stroke their cat a bit, then put on the music and puss cat will be boogieing with them in no time. It's not that easy. You have to put hours of time in to the pre-dance energy alignment exercises, like mirroring, remote stroking, mutual purring and so on, before most cats will dain to join you in the dance — and then it's often for only a brief moment. The other problem people have is not being able to relax and let go of their doubts. Cats are extremely sensitive to our moods and people who are even slightly skeptical can easily put the cat off.

Does catnip help cats to dance?

Some people claim that drugs like catnip or valerian really get their cat going, while others claim they have the opposite effect. Detractors say the cat may indulge in some initial high energy activity but it tends to be short lived and it will very quickly end up flopping about and going to sleep. I think it depends on the cat, and provided you have no ethical objection to your cat taking performance enhancing drugs, I definitely think they're worth a try.

....It appears to me that some of these people have also indulged in some "catnip" as well, yes?

Lookie, lookie!

Look who Trent gave a shoutout to! Go visit Pink (at the bottom of the Saturday post) to see it better. ;) She's famous- I always knew she would be! He said, "Chandle, who is in Nepal working to end child labor, sends in a pic from Elephant Bath time in Chitiwan"

Weekend update: Friday, we finally finished Twin Peaks Season 2. Sigh....... I have been hoarding it for months now because I didn't want it to end. It was amazingly terrifying and good. So sad it's over. Come on, David Lynch- make another series!
Saturday, we took the doggies swimmin'. Zoey swam for the first time (really swam, not just waded in the water). Not sure if she was a big fan, but she was really good at it. She (VERY quickly) paddled above water and made big splashes. Hee, hee.
Sunday, we went to the Rave to see "Hairspray," but the power was out and the whole theater was emptying out as we pulled up. So instead we rented "300." Oh.my.goodness.gracious. It was amazing.
I have an interview on Wednesday for a G.A. position with the Department of Education in their special education division. Keep your fingers crossed- if I get it, I could get a big chunk of tuition paid. Eek!

Wine o' the week

This week's wine is the 2005 Twisted Zin (California Old Vine Zinfandel). Here's what it says on the website:
"Have you ever had a blackberry jam spread on sourdough toast, topped with nutmeg and chocolate-covered cherries with a ripe plum chaser? Experience it with our Twisted Zin!
Perfectly matched with grilled meats, spicy ribs, and hearty pasta dishes."
Melissa... this one's for you- it's spicy and smooth. Sarah would probably NOT enjoy it. ;) It's around $13 for a magnum, not a bad deal. They also make a Merlot (Twisted Lot), Pinot Grigio (Twisted PiG), and Chardonnay (Twisted Chard).
The website also has some tongue twisters (get it? twisted?- har har) for funsies. Try this one.
"A twister of twists once twisted a twist;
A twist that he twisted was a three-twisted twist;
If in twisting a twist one twist should untwist,
the untwisted twist would untwist the twist."

Now go have a good weekend.

Fun with the kiddies

Since I am officially NOT a teacher, and they started back at work on Wednesday, I got to hang out with the Hartmann kiddies (ages 2, 5, and 7) the past two days. It was a lot of fun- the days were spent going to parks, watching Bambi and Charlie Brown, and playing lots of Mario Party (I miss Mario...!). It's weird being available to babysit while the teachers go back....
I heard from my adviser, and I'm still not entirely sure when school starts (this might be some information I should find out soon, you think?). I DO know that I have an advising session on the 20th and an orientation the 22nd. So... any guesses? Yours is as good as mine.
The weekend outlook is good- it's going to be H.O.T. so I will looking to do something perhaps in the water. ;) No real plans though, and that feels pretty dang sweet. I'm going to go jump on that elliptical now and head to lunch after that. Hoorah. Have a good weekend, all!

I agree.

nataliedee.com

I am a Jedi.

Slightly belated weekend update....
Friday night, Kristen, Leah, Blue, and Erica and her hubby came over to hang out (and Katie came right when everyone was needing to take off). It's been way too long since we've seen Erica, and it was really nice to get to catch up a bit.
Jeremy and his boys were in Biloxi, MS, for Ryan's bachelor party. Sounds like good times were had by all. Since they were gone, the girlies got together on Saturday night till WAY too late. ;) Those girls dragged me to the dang ol' Electric Cowboy, can you believe it? I had lots of fun (it's shameful but true, ha ha). Before the Cowboy, we went to Ernie Biggs, where I proceeded to dominate the crowd in some Saved by the Bell Trivia. The last question: what was the name of the band they formed? Pleeeeaaaase, gimme a little challenge or something, people!
Allllll Sunday was spent knitting and watching "Dawson's Creek." Incredible.
What I'm doing now: Jeremy bought The Revenge of the Sith X-Box game... and it's completely amazing. We have been flinging our sabers at the foe and going over to the Dark Side. Check it out if you have an (archaic) X-Box. Funnnnnnn stuff. There is more to come.
The eye dr. thinks I was allergic to the silicone in my contacts, so I've been switched to something else. Weird, huh? I am also in the process of applying for a G.A. position at UCA. Yeehaw. Have a good week, all!

More updates, as per usual

• It is hot and sunny today, so Jaime invited me to go with her and her nephews to the WRC, yo! I am sunburned, and it feels great, I tell you.
• Miss Erica is in town tonight, and we're supposed to hang out, yay!
• The boys are out of town for Ryan's bachelor party, that means girls' nights all weekend long...
• I went to the Fresh Market today, Leah. It's a dreamlike world.
• I found out that only 7 or 8 people get into my program a year. Something I am GLAD I didn't know because I would have freaked out even more than I already did, ha ha.
• Chandle's coming home oh-so-soon!
• I finished Harry Potter... who wants to discuss? ;) Kat is borrowing the book TODAY.
  
• It's the weekend! Everyone behave yourselves. Talk to you soon!
  

And....!

I had my interview this afternoon for the school psych program, and I just got this email (an hour after the interview):

Dear Elizabeth

I just wanted to let you know that the school psychology committee would like to offer you a position in our masters program. You will be getting an official letter from Dr. Simon, but I wanted you to know now so you could plan accordingly. Congratulations and welcome to our program. If you need anything, let me know.

Dr B

Updates all around!

*Meet Charlie Henry, my wonderful friend Anne's new arrival. He has had to stay in the hospital a little longer than they expected, but they got to take him home Friday, and he's doing great! What a great lookin' fella! Congrats to Anne and Sean- love you guys!
*Harry Potter is phenomenal.... everything I expected. I am not nearly as far as I'd like to be, because...
*Saturday we packed up those doggies and hit up Lake Ouachita. We camped on an island and let Parker and Zoey run free. They LOVED it, and the weather was amazing.
*Something very yucky is going on with my eye. It's red and burning and watering like crazy and I can barely open it. Going to try to go to the doctor today. If I have to wear a pirate patch to my interview, I am going to be one upset lady.
*My cousin is doing much much better- he's been moved to another unit and is responding much more! Thanks for all the well wishes!
*Chandle has 11 days left- yeehaw!
*I'm going to call my eye dr. now.... Aaaaargh (she says in her best pirate voice)!

Good news...

Think of me at 12:30 on Wednesday... I have an interview for my program! I just got a call. Hooooooray!

Wine o' the week- a two parter!

A few months ago, Jeremy and I went to one of Bruce Cochran's wine classes (he's the local wine expert around these parts- he offers classes. Visit the website here and try one out!). We went to Satellite Cafe and did his cheap wines class, and this one was one of my favorites that he recommended. This week's wine is Chateau St. Sulpice's Bordeaux. I couldn't find a picture of the label, so you'll just have to do with the description. It has "layers of aromas - green peppers, raw oak, orange peel and leather. The greenness would go away if you waited long enough. In the mouth, it was very dry with berry fruit as opposed to cherry. It had a long finish." It retails around $10.99- go see JR and pick it up and Colonial!
Second, I am recommending a wine chiller for your home like the one pictured above. Melissa bought us one for Christmas from Sharper Image, and we've really enjoyed it. It will keep your bottles at an even temperature, and it's great for these summer months!
Today is Wednesday wine day at Colonial and Sullivant's and Cork and Bottle. Go try something and tell me about it.

Hello, all

Today is Wednesday, that means we're halfway through the week. Good job, everyone. You deserve a break. I have nothing very exciting to update today, if you can believe it. Zoey has been recovering nicely from her lady surgery. She still just wants to play alllll the time with Parker anyway. For the two days Zoey wasn't here, Parker was anxiously awaiting her return. It was sweet.
I have been checking the mailbox compulsively to see if I've heard from UCA... any time now, any time. But seriously, they could tell me now and I'd be just fine with that.
I was going to make curtains yesterday with my ma, but I got overwhelmed by all the fabric choices, and had to postpone. I couldn't handle it. :) Soon, though, I'll be just like Leah. HA.
Ooh, we went to Beaverfork on Sunday. It brought back old, wonderful memories of times in Conway... It's very close, and we should go again. I floated on a raft all day long. Yay.
Have a good day, everyone!

nataliedee.com

I realize I am teetering on the edge of obnoxiousness, however...

... I don't have a job. What am I to do besides completely obsess about how we have one week until the next and final installment of HP. So here's how I've been filling my days:
1. Get up, drink coffee.
2. Maybe clean a little, or try to talk myself into cleaning a little.
3. Check all blogs. What's this?? Erica commenting on my blog? Claus is returning state-side?? Holy goodness!
4. Pop in the 6th HP on CD.... I rented it from Blockbuster (and shhhh I will be making a copy of it). I am listening constantly while doing #s 1-3 now.
5. Try to do something otherwise productive (while still listening). This week it is knitting. Next week my mom is teaching me to make curtains.
6. Obsess more about Harry Potter and how it is being delivered on Saturday, and check the mail relentlessly (starting Monday) for my interview letter for school pscyh.

Yup... that's pretty much it. Sad, huh? Or is it awesome? I think maybe it's awesome.

Wine o' the week- not so much a suggestion as a bit of hmmmmm....

I saw this on Good Morning America today....
Charles Shaw wine has been picked as the #1 Chardonnay in California, becoming a gold medal winner. The kicker is... it retails at a whopping $1.99. It's otherwise known as "Two Buck Chuck," and it beat out Chardonnays that cost over $100 a bottle. Another bit of interesting info... the silver medal went to a $17 bottle of wine. Just goes to show you, the price tag isn't everything when it comes to picking a tasty wine.
Unfortunately, we can't get ol' Chuck here. They only sell it at Trader Joe's grocery stores. But you can check out the Wiki here.
Now it's your turn. What's your favorite cheapo wine? ;)

Dance like a hippie!

Here we go with all the mad updates....! I shall bulletize them for you for easy reading.

• I went to my very first Widespread Panic show on Tuesday. I've always been pretty skeptical of the jam band.... you know, one song in two hours type of thing. But shhhhhhhhhhhhh..... I had a great time. Those hippies are adorable! I think Julie said it best. "Smell that? Patchouli and b.o. Ahhh!" Reminds me of our college acquaintance who smelled like patchouli "on the inside." Regardless, it was a lot lot lot of fun. The rain was welcomed. They made me take my camera back to my car. Boooo, security.
• Zoey had her lady surgery yesterday. She is a little sore and making baby noises, but she's doing well- she's a pup so she's bouncing right back.
• I WENT TO GO SEE HARRY POTTER LAST NIGHT. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamazing. I think it was the best movie so far. Not my favorite book, but I think the movie was really really well done. Dumbledore and Voldemort fought with their wand light sabers. Innnncredible, but I'll hush now for those of you who haven't seen it.
• I realized (via my counter over there....) that I have 8 days till #7 comes out. I am going to check out #6 on CD from the library today, listen to it alllllll day and knit. I'm unemployed!!
• Sunday (the 15th) is my school psych deadline, so that means I should be finding out any day now. I'm definitely doing the right thing, people. I'm pumped.
• Oh, my. Sam Champion from Good Morning America is riding a mechanical bull. Ohhhh my, my day is complete.
• I talked to Chandle this a.m. Felt like old times. Except she's a million miles away. 20-some days left! Yay!
  
• I'm going to eat a biscuit now. Peace out, loves!

Update! I'm a genius! I got an A in my summer class! :D