Rainy Day

I can honestly say that I have lounged around this house all day long without doing anything constructive. The bulk of my day has been devoted to eating candy and other junk foods and researching for my next cruise which is still over 9 months away.

In case I haven't talked to you, we had the time of our lives on the Oasis of the Seas. We made some great friends on board and are considering a return trip aboard the magnificent vessel sometime soon. We may, however, have stumbled upon a problem. Should we have busted our cruise hymen on board the largest cruise ship in the world? Our next cruise is on board Norwegian Cruise Line's Epic. Yes, she still is the 3rd largest class of cruise liner on the sea, but she is 70,000 gross tons smaller than Oasis (yes, that's the same size as Carnival's Fantasy class, and yes Amanda B., you did get gypped). So, are we going to have another great time? Well, we are cruising the Mediterranean so that will help. But, as for us being size queens, will we be impressed? We will have to wait and see. From what I have noticed online, Epic is a beautiful ship and should dazzle us with some innovations that Oasis does not have. Will we ever go on a smaller ship than Epic? Probably not. So that leaves us cruising RCCL Oasis class and Freedom Class ships until somebody comes up with something bigger.

For those of you who have never boarded the Oasis or Allure, you must do so. Once you try it, you will understand.

If you haven't checked out my pics, please do so on Facebook and let me know what you think.

I'm off to finish Tosh.0 and eat some more. Until next time...

What's going on

I just wanted to post a quick blog giving you some insight into what has been happening in my world lately. Well, I started back to school on August 23 and cannot believe that I have completed almost 2 weeks. In fact, I have 2 tests next week. Only 13 weeks left this semester then I'm off to the Caribbean.

I can't adjust to having a schedule. After all, I was out of school from May 3 all the way until August 23. That's a long time to develop habits like sleeping until 11 everyday. I miss hanging out with my children each day but I absolutely LOVE Radiation Therapy! I have a great time and really enjoy seeing the same patients each day. I know that my job wouldn't be for everyone, but I feel like I am actually making a difference.

I have tried to get out of Jonesboro for a weekend at least once a month all year, but somehow managed not to during August. So, I'm really looking forward to getting away from this crazy town for Labor Day. We are heading up to our usual choice for a weekend getaway, Branson. I actually do need to do some shopping and haven't been to Silver Dollar City this year. Apparently I'm going to give the Vigilante Ziprider a whirl. I'll let you know how that goes.

That's all I've got for today. Y'all have a GREAT weekend and stay safe!!!

Have This Problem?

Do any of you have a wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend/whatever that while they are working won't stop calling you? I cannot complete any task around the house without receiving a phone call about something that is completely unimportant.

Most of the time, the conversation revolves around food. Here's a little information. Skinny people don't think about food all day long!!! Leave me alone! I don't care what's for dinner 10 hours from now! I just woke up and the thought of food makes me want to vomit! When I'm at work, sometimes I'm so busy that I forget to eat. I'm not about to call and bother you asking, "What's for dinner?"

A lot of the time the conversation is, "What are you doing?" Well, I'm at home doing your laundry, cleaning, taking care of your children while you sit on your ass at work because I don't have a job and you won't buy me a nice vehicle.

When I go to work, I work. It's that simple. I'm there to do a job and not call home all the damn time. I have peoples' lives in my hands. The odd thing is that he does too! You would think that would require his complete attention.

Now, here's the kicker. The pharmacist gets home and hardly says a word because he is glued to the couch and watching television. Drives me fucking crazy!!! Sometimes I just want to take a baseball bat to the television. I don't sit around on my lazy ass watching television all day long! With 3 dogs and a large house, there's always something to do.

The moral of this story. If you have a job and don't actually do it and feel the need to call your significant other all the time while at said job, stop it! Your significant other will probably appreciate it!

Week in Review

I hope that all of you have had a pleasant week. I know, I know. It was hotter than hell and it's only going to get hot again next week. I've always stuck by my belief that Summer is the worst season and people who just love the shit out of it and then complain about how hot it gets are complete and utter morons. Guess what folks; it's the South, it's going to get hot EVERY Summer no matter what! If you say, "I can't wait until Summer," and then complain about the heat, I'm going to tell you to eat shit because you are stupid.

Last weekend I attended a wonderful wedding in Mississippi. I must say, that it felt warmer down there than up here. Maybe it was because I actually went outside while I was there and pretty much stay indoors in Arkansas. Who knows? All I can say is that the wedding was first class and the exact way that I prefer it. No tacky crap, great food, wonderful floral arrangements (I won't even tell you how much they cost), great entertainment, and of course more than one open bar. I was able to get some great ideas for my own ceremony if that actually ever happens.

As for Mississippi, Jesse loved it. I knew that he would. He loved it so much so that he wants to move there. I can understand his enthusiasm. Hob-nobbing with senators is a far cry from growing up in crystal-meth city Harrisburg. However, what in the hell would I do when I got there. I refuse to move anywhere with a population smaller than that of Jonesboro.

I finally got the bathroom painted. Originally, I was going to hire somebody to paint it and the bedroom. However, I have become insanely bored sitting in this house and decided that I could do it myself. Well, I did and I'm trying to get used to the color. I'm going to have to wait until the wallpaper is up to decide if I like it. I've picked a Candice Olson design that will look lovely and should make my master suite feel like a "Divine Design." I'll share pictures only when I'm finished.

Mother decided to get away for the weekend, so I'm keeping Sophie. Needless-to-say, she is driving my dogs crazy. I have to give it to Liesel. Sophie bites the hell out of her playing and Liesel doesn't get mad. She gently plays back with her knowing that she is much bigger than Sophie. I love my sweet girl and will miss her when I start back to school in just over 2 weeks.

I hope that you all have a fabulous weekend. I'm home alone for this one. Until next week...

How's Your Summer?

I officially have less than a month before I begin a new life and start the Radiation Therapy program at ASU. I have really enjoyed being able to rest and recuperate after 4 solid years of school. While I do work a couple of days this week and have a wonderful wedding to attend this upcoming weekend, I don't plan on doing a whole lot until I start back at ASU.

I know that most of you will be happy that school starts again soon so that your children won't be constantly bothering you. However, I am friends with a lot of teachers who I am certain are not ready for a new year to begin, especially one who will be leaving her new baby for the first time to return to work.

As I mentioned in my last blog, I'm cruising on Oasis of the Seas this December. I also mentioned that my next cruise will be aboard the Norwegian Epic, and it will. We booked that cruise last week and do not set sail until October 2011. Why so long you ask? Well, when I begin ASU in late August, I will be in school continuously (except Christmas and Spring Break) until the August 2011 when I graduate. The other reason; Epic moves from Miami to Barcelona next summer and after the research I have done, the best time to take a Mediterranean cruise and avoid the long lines at tourist destinations and the sweltering heat is October.

Norwegian really did us well! Not only did they upgrade our stateroom category (a promotion for Epic's Inaugural season) but the 7-day cruise is cheap! In fact, the price is half what we are paying for our Caribbean cruise on board Oasis. Now, we did splurge for a great room on board Oasis, but Oasis does have higher prices than any other cruise ship. I guess they have to pay the $1.8 billion somehow. And still, Epic is the 2nd largest cruise ship by gross tonnage (it's not as tall or long as the RCCL Freedom Class ships) and has the same wonderful choices of restaurants and entertainment.

We ventured to Paula Deen's buffet Saturday evening and as usual I gorged myself to the point of pain and didn't do any gambling. Once, a friend of mine spent about 30 minutes in the bathroom after eating at Paula's buffet. I won't mention the name, but we got worried about that person when we realized that they hadn't returned from the restroom.

P.S. I wanted a rotisserie chicken for dinner but both Walmarts are out. How the hell do both run out? I don't care for the Kroger chickens (they smell funny).

All for today! TTYL!

On the Open Seas

For years and years I have resisted hopping on board a cruise ship to take in the sun and see what these floating hotels have to offer. There are several reasons for my hesitation including the fact that I hate the beach, hate the heat, and it is on a boat. I have been terrified of boats since my parents dragged me on one, kicking and screaming I might add, to speed around Lake Barkley in Kentucky after they promised that we would not be going fast. Since then, I haven't been fond of getting on boats. Alas, I will get on slow moving marine devices such as those that have a paddle wheel or peddles.

However, I have been intrigued with Royal Caribbean since they invented the mega-ship over ten years ago when they introduced Voyager of the Seas. The ship, then the world's largest and currently tied for 10th largest cruise ship, fascinated me with the indoor Royal Promenade and ice skating rink. After briefly losing the world's largest cruise ship title to the Queen Mary II, Royal Caribbean introduced the 3 Freedom Class of ships starting in 2006 to retake the title of world's largest. But now Royal Caribbean has outdone itself yet again. Late last year Oasis of the Seas was launched and is currently the world's largest cruise ship. Her sister sets sail this December. These ships are over 75,000 gross tons larger than the 2nd largest cruise ships. There is room on board for over 6,000 guests and over 2,000 crew members. Yes, Oasis and her sister Allure are massive. Royal Caribbean holds 9 of the top 11 spots for largest cruise ships. The only non-RC ships in the top 11 are the Norwegian Epic (5th largest) and Queen Mary II (6th largest).

So, being not easily impressed, I decided one evening to break my cruise hymen and booked a cruise on board Oasis. Inside stateroom, hell no! I purchased a balcony suite on the top floor and can't wait! We are sailing to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. I can't wait until they open up restaurant reservations for my cruising, which happens 90 days prior to sailing, so that I can be sure to eat at the over 15 specialty restaurants I want to when I want to. After all, I will be fighting with 5,000 or so others to not eat simply eat in the dining room.

You might ask, why not sail on the new ship. Well, there are two reasons. I don't particularly think that a ship that is brand new with over 2,000 crew members that have no idea what they are doing on a massive ship is such a great idea. I'm pretty sure she will need to some time to work out her kinks. The other reason is that her maiden voyage, which sets sail the day after we set sail on Oasis, visits ports in Mexico which I care not to visit. As Charlotte says after refusing to eat the food in Sex and the City The Movie, "It's Mexico."

That's all for tonight! In my next issue, why Norwegian Epic will be my next cruise. Off to the grocery store!

Is it over yet?

When will all of this uninteresting sports news end? First, it was the damn World Cup. Who really gives a shit about soccer except for foreigners and kids? Don't get me wrong, I don't prefer American Football over soccer, it's stupid as hell too. The only football team I support is the Arkansas State University Red Wolves not only because I attend ASU but my neighbor across the street coaches for the team.

After the World Cup crap was beginning to wrap up, that Yankee bastard decided that he needed more minutes of fame and would hold the world hostage while he decided which NBA team he would join. Yes, I'm talking about Labron James. And what the hell is this King James bullshit. The last time I checked, the United States of American doesn't have royalty and he sure as hell didn't write a version of the Bible. I heard a person say, several years ago, that he doesn't have a "big head" and is "down-to-Earth" and doesn't care about the fame and money. Bull-fuckin-shit!!! Anyone who wants to have an entire program on ESPN to announce a decision wants everyone to look a them. That asshole only cares about fame! Plus, what does he think he can do in Miami that he couldn't in Cleveland? He didn't help Cleveland win any so is he really that good? I say not. Go back to Ohio.

Finally, we are overwhelmed with actual Yankee news as George Steinbrenner died yesterday. Sad, on some levels. Yet, this "news" belongs on the who-gives-a-shit level. I can't wait to see what his family does with the Yankees, more importantly the $1.5 billion worth of Yankees, now that he's gone. Take my word, it's gonna get nasty!

In household news, I'm going nuts!!! I don't know how much longer I can sit at home every day. I thought I would enjoy having free time to do whatever but there is no way in hell that I can be a full time housewife.

Today's China discussion involves sports. China is very proud of being a world powerhouse when it comes to athletes. I once saw Yao Ming play basketball against the Memphis Grizzlies and while I was unimpressed with him as a player, I was very impressed the first time that I saw the "birds nest."
I first saw this impressive structure the day that I visited the Great Wall. Honestly, I was more impressed with the stadium than the wall. Maybe it was because the wall looked like, well, a stone wall. Or maybe it was because the stadium was flashed across the screens of televisions worldwide during the most impressive Olympic Games ever! One thing I noticed was that the stadium, like people, appears much larger on television than it is actually. It was impressive nonetheless, as was everything on the Olympic Green.

That's all for today! Until next time...

Crazy Crap

I had just fallen asleep last night when a crop duster decided to fly what sounded like 10 feet above my roof. It scared the crap out of me. After a minute, and hearing it again, I realized what they were doing. Fourth in the Forest is tomorrow in Craighead Forest Park and they were spraying for mosquitoes. But the question I would like answered is why in the hell were they flying so close to my roof and countless other people's roofs who live beside Craighead Forest at 11 at night. Why not 9 or so?

I watched a lot of the Travel Channel yesterday and saw one commercial over and over that I couldn't stand. It was advertising the next episode of "Bert the Conqueror." Apparently he goes "noodling" with some white trash women in Tennessee. In one of the preview scenes, one of the women is below the muddy, nasty water and comes up holding a fish and apparently had her mouth open because she blows the nasty ass water out of her mouth. Now, let me tell you. I have never been the kind of person who likes to go to "the lake" or "the river." Honestly, I feel that it's beneath me. Do you have any idea what is floating in that nasty water? No, I have no desire to sit in stagnant water, get drunk, and look like an idiot. Plus, when these idiots around here go to "the river" I get confused because the river that I grew up next to was the fuckin Mississippi that you don't need to be swimming in. Yes people, Spring River is nothing but a shitty ass ditch.

I don't read any of these stupid ass "Twilight" books and I could care less about those stupid movies. The people they cast are not exactly attractive. I mean when I watched that one bitch in "Panic Room" I thought that she was a boy for half the movie. Plus, in the new Volvo commercial that has something to do with "Twilight" I see her kiss two different guy, one pale ugly one, and a hog nosed Mexican looking boy. I don't know what you call a girl who likes to kiss more that one guy but around these parts we call her a filthy whore. So take your "Twilight" wierdo self and keep away from me! I'm team William Faulkner cause that old bastard knew how to write books.

I hope that each and every one of you and your families have a very happy and safe Independence Day! Happy 234th Birthday America!

Come on, Really?

Is there some written law that states to be nominated to the Supreme Court of the United States of American one has to be horribly ugly? Noticing how pig-faced Elena Kagan is, I decided to navigate myself to the Supreme Court website and peruse through the photographs of the current justices and noticed, yes, they are all fugly. Besides poor Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena has to be the ugliest. Yes, I'm including her because she will be confirmed soon much to my dismay. There's something I don't trust about her, but I can't put my finger on it. No, it's not the fact that she prefers to eat pussy. "I don't agree with the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy." Seems fishy to me, although with her love of vagina, she'd probably eat it.

I just had the pleasure to watch the dash cam video from the West Memphis officer shootings, although I don't know why I did, even though I'm sure it will be on Region 8 News this evening. If you haven't watched it, have no fear, you can't see those poor men actually shot. Yes, you do see one lying on the ground dead, which is a bit un-nerving but I do see dead people often working in a hospital so I wasn't that shocked. I really feel sorry for the families of these two men, though. I hope that they don't have to watch the video.

In household news, Liesel is still bleeding from her cooch. The last time she had her period was around the same time mother burnt her house down. She bled for OVER 3 WEEKS! I don't know if it was the stress of having the family staying with us or what. Well, she's been going now for 2 weeks and while it hasn't been that much of a problem, it became one today. Liesel wears these cute little denim panties in which we place a human maxi pad. I chose heavy flow because that's what she has every day. I ran out of them last night. I had told the pharmacist to bring home some yesterday since he works right inside the place you buy such things. Well, as usual, he forgot. So Liesel is without and I can't make myself get ready to go to the store and buy feminine pads for my dog. What would I do, get on the phone and say, "Yes, I'm buying Liesel's puppy pads right now," as I'm checking out? I don't feel like dealing with that mess. So, I'm dealing with Liesel's mess. She has 3 pairs of her washable panties and I'm allowing her to just wear them and I'll wash them later. The sucky part is that Jesse is working at the Blytheville pharmacy today because apparently nobody wants to work over in that town anymore, though I can't imagine why, cough, cough, and he won't be home till late! I don't care cause I'm not going to the Dollar General down the road anyway.

Today's Chinese discussion involves diapers. About half of the Chinese population choose not to use disposable diapers for their children. They do, however, slit holes in their kid's pants crack so that when the kids do go to the bathroom it will come right out. They simply squat the kid wherever they are and let them take care of their business. Yes, poop, pee, whatever. One thing odd is that they start potty training at 8 months! Can you believe it?!? That's something we should do. And it's not only the youngsters that pee and poo everywhere. Grownups do too. I saw more pee and poo on the Great Wall of China that I did in a parking garage near Beale Street during the Beale Street Music Festival.

Later bitches!!!

Lazy Monday Afternoon

What a great weekend! I attended a couples shower honoring Clay & Shannon for their upcoming wedding and enjoyed seeing old friends again. It rained a little here in the southern part of Jonesboro but not enough to matter. I watered the lawn, yet again, yesterday and found myself discouraged that I am destroying the environment to ensure that my lawn looks the best in the neighborhood. CWL, the company that supplies our water, has suggested, after a recent day of water usage, that houses with odd number addresses, which we fall under, water only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. So, I'm going to at least stick to that plan and hopefully help the environment a bit. However, it would be nice if the environment would give us a little rain in return. The sky is cloudy as of right now so hopefully it will rain the afternoon and not pass us just to the north or south as previously.

My three children spent the morning having an orgy. Taco, who is fixed, tried having sex with Barkley, who is also fixed, as Barkley tried having sex with Liesel, who is coming off of her period. I, meanwhile, vacuuming tthe floors with my Dyson as Reggie vacuumed the carpet with, well, himself.

I've been pestering Jesse to move recently as I am getting quite bored sitting at home doing nothing and do need a new project. I'm sure that I will not get my way until next year when he will break down and let me buy what I want. I actually had him inside a new construction the weekend before he purchased his overly expensive truck. With that purchase, my dreams were smashed. Oh, well. I'll just finish decorating the Master Suite and start on the Study.

I'm off to watch some televison. Sorry that I don't have much interesting to discuss today, my brain is mush. Until next time...

TV & My Life

I used to talk a lot about television in my blogs. However, I have not done so as of late. So, I thought I would catch you up on all the crap that I watch. I have a strong feeling that I don't watch as many television shows as one of my friends does, who shall remain nameless, as she told me once that she didn't want to get involved in another new series because she already had to devote so much time to the ones she already watched.

Most recently, my new favorite television show has been Justified. I'm loving this blossoming of Southern drama series. Memphis Beat premiered last night and I started it but decided to record it and watch this afternoon while I'm home alone and have nothing to do.
Of course I love the Real Housewives series and watch every episode of NY and NJ. Atlanta will be returning later this summer. Also on Bravo, I have to watch Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List, Top Chef DC, and Bethenny Getting Married.
Over on USA, I love, love, love Royal Pains. And on sister network WE I can't miss My Fair Wedding.
On HGTV it's all about Design Star even though I haven't had time to watch this past Sunday's episode.

As for the television series in which I eagerly wait for a return are Nurse Jackie, Parenthood (my favorite network drama), Project Runway, Big Love, Flipping Out (coming in August, finished filming Monday), Dexter, and RuPaul's Drag Race. I really hope that no other television series begin that I want to watch because I won't have the time.

Today's China discussion involves television as well. CCTV is the main provider of television in China and is government controlled, surprise. So, when you turn on the television, most stations are CCTV; for example, CCTV1, CCTV2, etc.... In fact, CCTV constructed a beautiful new architectural masterpiece for their new headquarters. However, before the adjoining tower opened which was to house a Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the building caught fire during a Chinese New Year's celebration and destroyed that tower. You can see the CCTV building on the right although Google it for a better picture to see how striking the building really is. Safety was of concern so the CCTV building cannot be occupied. Just like the Chinese to spend a ton of cash and not use something. Alas, because tourism is blossoming at a huge rate there are some English channels however they are nothing that you would ever watch such as CNN International which cares more about events in Europe and the Middle East than the good old USA. So, if you plan on visiting China, take a computer with DVD player or prepare not to watch and video/tv while there.

That's all for today. Until tomorrow.

Cleaning

I clean my house immaculately every Friday whether it needs it or not. And with 3 dogs living in the house, plus it being a new house in a new neighborhood with lots of dust flying it needs it. However, every-other-day I try to vacuum. I stick to the concrete floors and let my robot (Reggie) vacuum the floors with carpeting. The only rooms that have carpet are the bedrooms and Reggie can get underneath the bed and tables and such, something I cannot do without moving said items. He's fun to watch, in fact I'm watching him do his magic right now. Here is a picture of him working:
The best part is that when he's done and tired, he drives himself back to his home to recharge!

So as for this cleaning jazz, I've been hounded by a certain pharmacist for months now to hire someone to do the cleaning so I won't have to. Well, there's a few problems with this scenario. First, he did find someone, but it was one of his employees and I didn't think that it would be such a good idea since I'm so picky (have you seen Jeff Lewis on "Flipping Out"? Well, that's me, no, not an imitation of me, that's me in every degree; well, without the lips). I asked a couple of friends and they told me that they both, who don't know each other, have Hispanic women who clean their houses, go figure. One of them actually hired an illegal, although she didn't know it until her husband, who recommended the women, told her. I just can't see myself being happy with anyone cleaning my house perfectly the way that I clean. I would have to fire a lot of people, I'm afraid. So for now the robot and I will tackle it. I really enjoy cleaning actually, especially the feeling after my house is spotless, until someone comes home, that is. And it's not like I'm doing anything all summer anyway.

So, today's China discussion involves cleanliness. That country is so filled with smog it's awful. Here's a picture from our hotel room in Beijing in the early morning. You can't see the buildings a few blocks away.
After 2 days, I felt like I was smoking a carton of cigarettes each day, and I don't smoke. No wonder so many people walk around with those surgical masks on in China. There was one day with blue skies. It had rained during the night and washed away the smog. That lasted until noon. Note to self: when returning to China, smoke cigarettes for a month before going to acclimate self.

That's all for today! Happy Birthday pharmacist! I love you! Until next time...

Liesel

My baby girl Liesel started her period today. We got lucky last year because she didn't have one until she was 1 year old. But when she did, over the holidays, it was a gusher. I was taking the sheets off the bed this morning to wash them when I noticed 3 red spots. Blah. Poor baby is wearing her denim panties now with heavy flow pads. She's dragging herself around the house and can't quit pacing. She goes outside and sits and comes back in. She does this over and over and over. Then, since it's hotter that hammered Hell, she lays on the concrete flooring on her side. I feel so bad for her. :(

I am so sick of watering my yard only to see that it isn't helping. I water a part of it each day. There are 3 high spots in the backyard that are crispy. I really need to inquire on a sprinkler system. The new tree isn't doing so well either. I water that damn thing several times each day and it's leaves won't quit drooping. The professionals came to look at it the other day and said it needed water. No shit?!?

I'm simultaneously watching the news and Ryan Vaughan said that the coldest high for the next 7 days will be 97 on Tuesday. I want to punch that bastard in his face. I'm glad he will be on vacation next week. He could at least lie and say we are going to be under a Winter Storm Warning. Hell, I wouldn't mind if we were under a Tornado Warning. Then it would mean that it's about to rain. It hasn't rained at my house in weeks.

Today's China discussion, the Great Wall. If you have ever visited the Grand Canyon you can understand my view of the Great Wall. Once you see the Grand Canyon and have been there for about 5 minutes, you are over it. It's amazing but that amazement doesn't last long. The Great Wall is very much the same. Couple that with the fact that the Chinese really don't care to keep the wall tidy as it is littered with piss (people will squat and piss anywhere on the damn thing that they choose) and trash (there are several vendors who bring drinks and snacks to the wall and sell them from the top; oddly enough the thing they want to sell the most is beer, and no there is no drinking age in China).

I'm off to shower and prepare myself for dinner. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend. Stay cool!

It Just Seems Odd to Me

Apparently, tomorrow morning at 2 a.m., an inmate in Utah who was convicted of murder will be put to death through the use of a firing squad. The killer was sentenced to death after he shot another man. Now, I've always been supportive of the death penalty and have often mentioned that those convicted of awful crimes should be treated exactly as they treated their victims. However, this firing squad scenario seems odd to me. When I looked at my iPhone, I was allerted that it is indeed 2010 and not 1895. However, they are known for some crazy shit out in Utah. What I found more odd was that the convicted murderer picked this form of execution. Give me the lethal injection anyday. I just want to go to sleep and never feel it. I mean, what if they miss and hit him in the lung or something else?

Since capital punishment was reinstated by the United States Supreme Court in 1976, this will be the 3rd time this act of execution has been performed, each time in Utah. At least 9 others on Utah's death row would like to die in this manner. However, a law passed in 2004 banned this form of punishment in Utah, but it is not retroactive. So, only 2 of those remaining on death row can choose this punishment. Apparently, this murderer will be placed in a chair in an execution chamber and a target will be pinned over this heart. He may choose to have a black hood placed over his head.

As with yesterday, today's China discussion will follow the same lines as my main discussion. China is a very safe country. While I was there, I never once felt threatened while we were walking alone (Jesse and I) in the streets at night. Maybe it was the officers posted on the street corner holding semi-automatic weapons. Most probably it was due to the fact that people are terrified to commit crimes. When a person is sentenced to death in China, the punishment is carried out within a year. Everything from corporate crime to drug trafficking to rape to murder is punishable by death. Some are executed by firing squads but the main course of action involves a single bullet to the head which may entail several onlookers present. I think China has something on us here. As of now, there 27 people have been executed in the state of Arkansas. However, there are 42 on death row here. China doesn't have the problem of over-populated prisons. They have the problem of over-population in general. Maybe this fast execution method can be adopted in the U.S. to clear out our growing prison population.

That's all for now. I have to return Sophie to her parents today and I must say that I will miss the little angel. Talk to you bitches tomorrow!

Does anyone care?

I started thinking today, while watching yet more of the continuing Gulf oil spill coverage, does anyone care about Haiti anymore? I mean Anderson Cooper spent weeks there after the earthquake reporting while simultaneously wearing Prada and Gucci T-shirts. Now the gray-haired hottie is reporting from the Gulf nightly. It seems that we are in a new news cycle. To be honest, I was done with the trials and tribulations of the Haitians.

Now, I am sick of the Gulf shit! Why don't we just understand a few simple things about the situation: BP cares about nothing but making a profit. As a public company, that's their job, get over it. The United States government is headed by an idiot who has several idiots working for and around him. You think George W. was unprepared for Katrina? Wait until some massive infrastructure destroying act of God occurs to see how this ill prepared dumbass reacts. Finally, I could give a shit about the Gulf of Mexico. In my opinion, it's a just a step above Lake Norfork, a giant swirling cesspool filled with feces, trash, and now oil. Don't get me wrong, I do feel awful for the animals. But that's about it. As long as the globs of oil stay away from the Virgin Islands (where I'm crusing this Fall) I'll be fine.

Jesus Christ it's hot. I hate all you bastards who constantly wish for summer. Summer sucks a big dick in my opinion. Give me Alaska any day! I would like to move to a climate that stays below 60 degrees year-round. Get over this summer shit folks. Crocs and flip-flops look like hell.

I'm keeping my mother's dog Sophie while they are in Hot Springs. I must say that having 4 dogs inside the house isn't much different than have 3. I've decided that once you pass the third it's all the same. When we move out of the city I'm going to have several animals. I'm most excited about having goats. Yes, goats. They are just so damn adorable. Screw horses; the damn things sweat and that makes me sick.

Today's China discussion: The city of Beijing regulates air-conditioning. While we were in China during May, temperatures soared into the upper 80's. Well, since it was not time for the government to allow air conditioning yet, we roasted. One member of our group called the front desk to complain that her air wasn't working only to be told that she needed to open the window. I hope to hell they get over that soon!

That's all for todays ramblings. If you disagree with anything I type, suck a big one. It's my blog, get your own!

A bit of a change

Where the hell have you been?, you might ask. Well, to tell the truth, I have been to China and back. I was one busy little sucker the past few months but all of that is behind me now. It is now my goal to return to the blogging that I once loved. Below you will find a list of reasons, although not complete, for my absence:

Twitter. Twitter is my thing. I really, really enjoy it for 2 reasons; 1.) It's where I get my news. All of the interesting news stories are twatted to twitter so I know what is going on when it happens. 2.) It's not facebook. I can see what other people are doing without being invited to join Farmville or Fuckville or whatever the hell is going on. Truth be told, I only log into Facebook to play Family Feud. I'm adicted to that shit; thanks Sarah! In short, I spend my time twatting what I am doing on Twitter and don't have to sit down and tell you what's going on, b/c you already know via Twitter. And for you facebook people, my twitter automatically posts to facebook.

School. I finally graduated from that damn school. I started ASU almost 11 years ago and it took me 6 fuckin years to get my degree. And the shitty part is that I'm going back this fall. Yay!!! I'm a fruitcake. Call Art because I do need a reservation at the nuthouse.

China. I toured all over that damn country for 10 days. Let me tell you, 10 days is a long vacation anywhere but for China it's an eternity. I'll tell you all about my little trip to the Orient over the next several blogs. There's so much to talk about that I decided that I would tell one interesting thing per day. Today, we are going to discuss the toilets. All of the cities that we visited were very westernized. For the most part, there was a choice of western toilet (ours) and eastern toilet (theirs). I found several things odd about their toilets. The first was that they preferred to use their toilet over ours. The damn things are squatters. Here's a pic:

The second odd thing was that the damn thing was made of porcelain and had a tank. Why not just make western toilets? It's the same thing without a pedestal to sit the bowl on. Everywhere we went, the squatters were nasty. If you are a lady, I feel for you if you have to go in China and there isn't a western toilet.

That's all for now. I'm hot as hell in my office and hungry too. Talk to y'all later!

Finally!!!

Well, I arrived at the Olive Garden in Jonesboro shortly after 4 p.m. last evening (yes they opened the doors at 4) and waited for an hour and 45 minutes to get a table and had an absolutely wonderful meal. I'm not a huge fan of chain restaurants, but I always enjoy the Olive Garden and am delighted that I don't have to drive over an hour to eat at a location. The service was great, even though they were all nervous. The restaurant seems much smaller than other locations in which I have dined. I'm heading back in tomorrow night to celebrate my mother's birthday. Jesse actually asked me this evening if I wanted take-out tonight. That seemed a bit much to me.

If you haven't seen the Jonesboro Sun obituaries today (http://www.jonesborosun.com/obituaries.php) you should do so as you will find a bit of levity amongst the sadness. Both a Lucille Ball and a Betty Davis died.

School is back in full swing. The Red Wolf Recreational and Wellness Facility opened this afternoon and I honestly couldn't find the results of nearly $18 million worth of construction. Yes, it's nice, but not that nice and there are no swimming pools (a big argument for building the facility, after stating that the current pool facility was falling apart). Nevertheless, I'm actually thinking of taking spin class starting next week.

I'm off to do more school work. Just over 13 weeks until this semester is over and it's coming fast!

They Should be Prepared

At long last, The Olive Garden finally opens at 4:00 p.m. on Monday here in Jonesboro. This marks the first major chain restaurant to locate here and this town will be crazy. For over the past 2 weeks, the staff members at the new Olive Garden have been working to prepare for opening. They are dressing in full uniform and I assume cooking and taking orders. Hopefully they will work out all of the kinks before I walk in the door on Monday.

If you live under a rock, then I will tell you that there was an earthquake in Haiti. That's all I'm going to say because, no matter how grief stricken you may be, I am quite frankly sick of hearing about it.

The Jonesboro Police Department has a new website that allows citizens to view where the crime is taking place within the city. Oddly enough, all of the crime seems to be located in one general area and none of it south of the bypass. I wonder why? http://www.jonesboropolice.com

I'm off to get dinner as Jesse prepared a dish that has to refrigerate overnight for dinner tonight and didn't fully read the recipe. So, I guess we will have that tomorrow night. Tata for now!

Back in the Saddle Again

After nearly a month-long vacation, I returned to the campus of Arkansas State University today to continue my studies in the wonderful world of Radiology. I was very happy to see my fellow classmates this morning but even happier once I realized how "light" my schedule will actually be this semester. For the first time in my collegiate career, I am taking less than 15 hours (now this may be deceiving considering that I am in clinic for 6 hours 2 days a week). Add the fact that the classes that I do have seem to be the easiest since I began the program and I feel that this semester will be smooth sailing.

Yes, for the 3^rd time, I have been placed at Great River Medical Center for clinic. I don't know why I am so lucky, lol!!! Out of all the clinic sites that I have visited, it is definetly the slowest by far ( we had 1 procedure before lunch yesterday). Oh, well. I enjoy the people that work there and have a good time.

Since I'm still getting into the groove of school again, I'll stop here. Just want to wish the Hoxie Mustangs luck this week for Homecoming!

My Last Weekend of Freedom

Well, today is Friday and Monday officially marks the beginning of another semester at Arkansas State University. Considering that this is my last semester and that I will indeed have to find employment after said time this is my last weekend of doing nothing for a long, long time. I mean, think about it; I will be either in school or working somewhere or looking for work for the next 30 years or so. Blah. Blah. Blah. I have really enjoyed this spending time at home alone with my 3 babies. I need to look for ways to make that a permanent arraignment.

Since I cooked every night for 5 nights, because Jesse worked for 5 days, he cooked dinner tonight since he is off. Well, being lovers of Godsey's Grill (if you haven't been, you definitely need to try) he thought he would recreate their "Taco Burger." Unfortunately, it lacked the taste and all-together appeal that their burgers do. I'm not telling him this, but we will not be having Taco Burgers made at home again, at least if he makes them we aren't.

Although it has been bitterly cold, our furnace has turned itself on maybe 3 times all day long. And I keep it at 70 degrees. I have to say one good thing about this house; it's insulated like Fort Knox. During the summer when it was hot outside, our electric bill (including water, sewage, and trash pickup) never got above $110. And I have to keep this place cool in the summer for somebody who isn't me (as I'm emaciated, or so I'm told).

That's all I've got for this week kiddos. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and good luck for a wonderful semester for all you college attenderers!

Rosetta Stone is Expensive

Several of you have asked, yet I have failed to answer. I will be traveling to China May 5, 2010 – May 15, 2010. Jesse will be joining me and we will be part of a group of medical professionals headed by my Radiology Program Director at ASU. I am super, super excited about this trip! While we are there, we will visit 2 hospitals, a nursing home, 2 pharmacies, as well as important Chinese tourist destinations. We will see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the cities of Shanghai, Beijing, and Xian, and take an overnight train ride. As one cannot simply choose to go to China (you have to be invited) this will be a trip to remember. I will be missing my graduation ceremony, but I could care less. Sitting for 3 hours to hear my name called, or taking a trip to the other side of the world? Hmmm; what would you choose? Seriously, when am I ever going to get another chance to visit China.

However, today my travels take me to the great land of Mississippi County. Hopefully I will be in an out as quickly as possible. Lol!

Questions & Commentary

I wonder as I lay in bed with two of my babies (why doesn't Barkley like to join us?) what Liesel is thinking about as she admires the artwork above the headboard. She looks at me, then above my head, then me again, etc… Maybe she is much smarter than I previously thought. Maybe she sees the motion in the swirls of stainless steel as a symbolism of Earth's movement through the cosmos. But then again, she did get out of bed last night and vomit in the floor, so this probably negates my theory.

Last night I prepared Parmesan Chicken for dinner. I thoroughly enjoy cooking and always have great success with my Parmesan Chicken. The recipe is quite simple and can be prepared quickly, so I thought I would share:

Lightly beat 1 egg and mix with ½ cup of milk. Pound 3 or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to a thickness of ½ in. Coat the breasts in the egg/milk mixture then cover both sides with Parmesan bread crumbs (I use Great Value). Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over med-high heat and brown the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side. Place the breasts in a casserole dish and cover with shredded Mozzarella cheese. Then cover the chicken with a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce (I use a blend with mushrooms). Finally sprinkle more shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Place in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted.

I am finally catching up with the television programming that I recorded on my DirecTV DVR over the holidays. This won't last long as a few of my favorite television shows begin again next week. "Big Love" begins on Sunday, "Project Runway" returns a week from Thursday, and, of course, "American Idol" season 9 premieres a week from today. Suckily enough, I return to class and clinic on Monday so that will hinder my television programming. However, this is my last semester!!!!

A Sunny Monday

Day two of lying in my bed with two of my babies. As I posted earlier on Facebook, I'm so thankful that I attend Arkansas State University and am no in high school or elementary school because I have one week left of my vacation. It's going to be a pretty lazy week around here. My mother, stepfather, and Austin are all back in school so they won't be over. My friend Max returned to work following his 6 week leave after surgery, so he won't be over. Jesse works every day except for Friday, so the house will stay clean.

As I lay here I hear the gentle roar of the insulation pumping truck in the pseudo driveway of the house being constructed next door. Needless to say, Barkley has been upset by said roar since about 10 this morning. Alas, I have another day of barking/yelping to contend with. Each day, that child teaches me more and more that I named him correctly; even though he was actually named after one of my favorite vacation spots, Lake Barkley in Kentucky.

I have a few projects to complete around the house, so let's see how many I will complete today. Nothing major, just organizing the utility drawer in the kitchen, repainting a tray I purchased last week while antiquing, and painting those damn flowers in the hallway. We got them months ago and have been procrastinating with the "paint job" ever since. I had planned on having them painted by the time Thanksgiving came. Well, that has since come and gone and I now plan to have them painted by the end of my Christmas break. Check back in March and maybe I will actually be done with them.

Note the white flowers on the right; they are supposed to match the painting on the left (explaining the one flower that has been painted)

I guess I'm back to watching "Samantha Brown's Passport to Europe." I hope that the rest of you have a wonderful Monday and a great first full week of 2010!!!

A New Year; A New Blog

After nearly 3 years of blogging on MySpace, I made the conscious decision to move my blog to the Blogger website. This will allow me to blog directly via Microsoft Word hopefully allowing me to blog daily like I did once-upon-a-time. In addition to the new space, I am changing gears with my blog and am going to give my posts a different feel. I hope that you like the changes that I make and look forward to your comments. Without further ado, let the blogging begin…

It's a lazy day around my house. 2 of my 3 babies are in lying in my bed as I type and I'm watching the wonderful programming of HGTV as usual. Jesse is working so the house is quiet and most importantly impeccably clean. We successfully made it through the holidays and our house survived its first holiday party season. I don't generally like to toot my own horn, but I'm thinking that this house is absolutely gorgeous. I still have a few projects to complete before it is a finished masterpiece, but that's ok with me. Oddly enough, we started discussing building last night at dinner. There are two problems with this scenario. 1.) We just moved here 8 months and 10 days ago, and 2.) Where to actually build. I'm kinda partial to having a house by itself somewhere in the country, yet still on Crowley's Ridge. Having grown up in the flat-land of the Mississippi Delta, I could barf thinking about having to move to another piece of barren, flat, disgustingly ugly land. The gentle rolling hills of Jonesboro provide a much nicer vista and are far less depressing. However, Jesse has fallen in love with a relatively new neighborhood called Plantation Oaks. The house lots are larger than what we currently live on, are outside of the "Jonesboro" yet are technically contained within the city limits, and have the types of houses that we want to construct with our next project. My problem with Plantation Oaks is that is located beside and connects to Ridgepointe. If we are going to live there, why not just move to Ridgepointe and enjoy golf course views. He doesn't want people trampling through our backyard. Oh, well, I don't plan on moving for about 5 years so I'm not going to think about it anymore.

Apparently it snowed quite a bit about an hour west of here this morning. I woke, at 9:30, to sunshine and flurries falling. I would really love to see some snow and to see how Liesel and Taco react to the rare white precipitation.

That's all I've got for today. I'm going to try to keep these blogs shorter than my old blogs became. I also plan to blog tomorrow, so I need to save some topics for then.