Meet Me In St. Louis

So, we made it to St. Louis safely. Even a separated tire (yes, our tire practically blew out on the interstate in the middle-of-nowhere Missouri) couldn't hold us back! We're staying at this really nice hotel in the middle of downtown, and right across the street from the arch.
So, here we are (most of us) just before dinner tonight. Isn't that a nice picture?! After this crazy-boring speaker (dude took, like 45 minutes!), we walked across the street to:
The Gateway Arch! (I took this pic earlier this afternoon.) Isn't that just soooo purty?! Especially with the amazing, clear, blue sky!!
Once we got over there, we got plates of various foods (the ribs were awesome!) and sat around listening to live music (a guy playing some kick butt saxophone)!! I think that is one of the Greatest Pleasures of life: enjoying good food with live music!
After eating, we went on up to the Top of the Arch! See, here I am posing at the top (630 feet)! See that little window at the bottom corner of the sign?
This is the view from that window:
Wow! Just Wow! You can see Busch Stadium, where the Cardinals play. And see that lit up building (toward the bottom right), that's the Old Courthouse. Our hotel is on the corner of the block at the far right corner of this pic.
My presentation went well today (I'm so happy to be finished), and I got a LOT of great info on possible job opportunities. Now the rest of the weekend is all fun and games! Really, it just means that I don't have to impress anybody! I'm having a great time, and the people here with the MSU group are a really great group!
Well, it's getting late, and I'm getting very sleepy...so I'll call it a night.

Mind Your MANRRS

Yes, I know that’s spelled incorrectly. MANRRS is an acronym for: Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. And I am a member. Bright and Early tomorrow morning I will begin a long journey (not really, it’s “only” about 8 hours) to St. Louis for another conference. Now, if you look at the first two links, you might notice (especially the 1st) that most of the people in the pics are black. Uh, oh. I’ve never talked about “race” on my blog before. Anyways, it doesn’t matter to me. See, the group name is “Minorities” not “Blacks.” And, such that I AM Hispanic (still a Minority in Mississippi) and a woman (a Minority in my field), this group is applicable to me.
Anyways, I’m pretty excited about this conference. Seeing as how it’s not in “Rajin Cajun” country (i.e. Lafayette Louisiana), it can’t be all bad. And, my Gratest Hope/Wish is that I will meet someone (preferably from Montana, Wyoming, or Colorado) who has Just Been Looking for a 25 y/o hispanic woman to fill The Perfect Position.
But, being true to my natural character, I have to find something to complain about. So, in case you don’t remember, I HATE getting dressed up (see: But I don’t wanna wear a dress)!! Well, I was checking out the website for a schedule, and none was to be found (Uh, hello! SOME PEOPLE like to have a PLAN). More importantly, though, was the notice that there is a Closing Dance “A Black & White Affair.” Furthermore, we are expected to dress in formal to semi-formal attire (black & white only) for this banquet (there will even be a picture booth for those who are interested in buying pictures of themselves)! What? Is this like prom or something? The only “formal to semi-formal” anything I own (that is black or white) is my Wedding Dress!!
On top of that, we were told that we need to pack light/small because there are 9 of us going in one van (15-passenger) and there may not be enough room for “extra” stuff! So, say I had this hypothetical “semi-formal” attire. Where the heck would they expect me to put it? Oh, and don’t forget the shoes, purse, extra makeup, shaving utensils (you know, I’d have to shave my legs…oh, AND wear pantyhose), and etc??
I guess what I’m trying to say is: Wish Me Luck!

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

So, yesterday was R's 25th birthday. I know, "a day late, and a dollar short," but here it is... A photo guide to the wonderful man I call my husband:

(Nov.2000) Much to my happiness, R no longer "plays bb guns" with his friends. The gun looks real, doesn't it? Well, believe me, it was a pellet gun. Oh, and they wore lots of protection (goggles, ear plugs, gloves, etc).

(Dec.2002) R, the conquerer! At Black Canyon, NM. Oh, how this man LOVES rocks (finding, inspecting, climbing).
(Dec.2001) "Male-bonding" with my dad. Note: Dad doesn't like computers, and especially doesn't like being interrupted while watching TV. :)

(Nov.2002) R driving the old tractor at his parents house (we were visiting them for Thanksgiving).

(Dec. 2002) Now he's Clyde. But, which of my sisters do you think is Bonnie?

(Dec.2002) Sledding the the Sandias. Aww! Look at my cute "little" sisters! (Be gentle with him!) Look how silly he is (has his pants inside his socks to keep the snow out)!!

(Dec.2005) Look how good he is with those adorable cousins of his! I think he'll be an Awesome Dad!!

(Mar.2006) Here's another pic of him in the rocks. This was at Dismals Canyon (Alabama). He has no fear when it comes to exploring (rocks, caves, caverns)!

An Imperfect World

So, I've talked about all the construction going on around campus...but, today I'd really like to share my favorite project.

Once named "Malfunction Junction," this intersection is at the heart of Mississippi State University. Here is a picture taken last summer (according to their records) from the north, and facing south. The funny thing about this picture is that I don't know of a single time when I drove through and there were only 4 cars (well, 3 cars and a bus)! The angle is kind of funny, but what you can see is that this is a Major Intersection of 7 (yes SEVEN) roads leading to and through campus.

This is an aerial view of the same intersection (the top is north). See the green stuff? That's "Malfunction Junction" as it once was. A real mess, right? Now, you see the stuff outlined in red (and the blue stuff)? That's what's currently in place. Yeah, a lot of roads are missing!
So, I took this pic yesterday (looking northwest). On the map, this is the "sideways T" at the bottom of the blue part. See, there's the edge of the stadium.
Finally, here's looking due north, head on to the stadium. The whole purpose of re-constructing "Malfunction Junction" (well, besides getting rid of the "malfunction" part of it) is to create this HUGE field/park/tailgating area! That way the University has another way to charge alumni BIG $$ to "rent" a space, grill, and get drunk before football games!
Or, as I see it, destroying a Perfectly Imperfect part of MSU!

Summer Plans

If you're interested, feel free to check out these links. These are some of the places we're looking at going this summer when we go to New Mexico (to visit my family). Momma, I thought you might like to look at some of these. Oh, and we'll have this little apartment to stay in Santa Fe for a few nights, too!
Santa Fe
Enchanted Circle
Mesa Verde
Cindy and Michael (their personal trip to the Four Corners area)
Chaco Canyon

It's in the Bag

So, over at PaperNapkin, I read about the fascination with being curious about what women carry in their purses. And, being the nosy person that I am, I took the bait. Here is my contribution:
Wallet, Checkbook, 2-Year Planner, Calculator, Fat Little Notebook, mp3 player (w/ headphones & spare battery), Compact Mirror, Nail File, Winterfresh gum, peppermint, $2.61 in change, a receipt, Eye Drops, Post-It tabs, a Random Selection of Writing Utensils (2 pencils, 2 pens, 2 highlighters, & 2 Sharpies), Tylenol (this little container also has sentimental value), Dramamine (actually, I think there's Aleve in there), Midol, and most importantly, a Spare Tube of Chapstick!
Wow! When I look at it all laid out like that it's a wonder how I manage to fit it all in that little purse!
Sometimes I even get excited about getting "older" because it will be "okay" for me to carry a bigger purse! I'd also like to keep my cell phone (usually in my pocket), camera, and snacks in there!

First Day of Spring

In case you didn't know, today was the First day of Spring. But, walking around campus today, I really couldn't tell:

By the time I made it to my second class my shoes, socks, and pant legs were soaked! And, wet socks are one of my biggest pet peeves!

Good news: We got the steering issue fixed today. (The Xterra had a "pull" and we had the power steering pump replaced.) So, now the truck is all ours and Good To Go! I even get to drive it to work (for the first time) tomorrow!

A Night in the Canyon

So, we were only able to camp for one night, but it was worth it! The Dismals Canyon (Alabama) is beautiful! Starting out with a cool, overcast day, we weren't sure how the weekend would turn out, but by the time we arrived and set up camp, the sun was shining and the breeze was just right!
The walk along the canyon floor was probably around 4 miles (roundtrip), and took nearly 3 hours: R had to "explore" all the little nooks and crannies! Look how tiny he looks up next to this amazing sheer rock face!!

At the start of the canyon is this little waterfall, Rainbow Falls. Ha! You should see the creative way I set up the camera to take this "timed" picture!
By the time we completed our day walk of the canyon, followed by the night tour (to see the glowworms), I was too exhausted to even enjoy the fire! Bummer! (Well, we had forgotten the marshmallows, chocolate, & graham crackers, anyways!)
We had a fantastic time and hope to go back again sometime! (But, preferably in the summer--it was really, really cold last night!)

Here She Is

So, after a few days of "shopping around" and checking out what our local car lots had to offer...we found her... And the winner is...a 2001 Nissan Xterra. I've read many fantastic reviews of this truck (mid-size suv), and the few complaints I've come across are things things that we're familiar with, and can accept.

Well, it's been a long couple of days...filled with early mornings and missed lunches...and I am extremely tired.
So, if you'll please excuse me, I'm finally relaxing and we just put in Braveheart (one of the best movies ever).
P.S. We're going camping in Alabama tomorrow! :)

Pictures from the Refuge

Here are some pics I forgot to put up with yesterday's post.

See what a beautiful day it was! Stretched out in the sun...

Here's Reina trying to bolt for the truck...she was READY to go!

And, here's Nabi "dying" in the "heat." This is the same cat who sits Right.In.Front of the heater (and feels like she's going to burst into flames)!

What You Doin?

So, I'm back.
Sunday R and I took the "kids" (aka cats) to the Noxubee Refuge for a "day out" of the house. And I must say, it felt absolutely wonderful to get some sun and fresh air! The only thing missing from making it just perfect was Guapo! He's always so much fun to take out, because he loves to play in the water and he helps to keep the girls (cats) in line (from running off). Okay, let me explain. We don't really just let them run all willy-nilly! They have harnesses and leashes, and we extend the leashes and let them "roam." If they start wondering too far, all we have to do is be able to catch the end of the leash. (This also comes in handy if they climb a tree--yes, Nabi has done this before.)
Monday we got paid for our participation in a psychology experiment. No, we aren't that hard up for money, it's just our way of "contributing" to the field! Besides, all we had to do was play a computer game for 2 hours (and were paid $30 each)! That let us treat ourselves to a good breakfast!
Oh, and this week is my Spring Break, so we're still trying to decide if we can go somewhere (anywhere) for a few days. We were looking at Pensacola, but...with the way the truck is running (or not), we don't think it would be such a good idea to go so far! But, a few people recommended another place to me, and I'm going to call tomorrow to see if they will be open this week. It's called Dismals Canyon, Alabama. Seriously, check out the link (and beautiful pictures)!
Today I had a LOT of stuff to do around the lab ...blah...blah... nothing y'all want to hear about. Just know, I was REALLY busy! Then, this afternoon, we drove around to look at a few different cars around town (For Sale). Yes, we are in the market for a "new" vehicle. Any suggestions or recommendations? We really like Japanese vehicles (Toyota, Honda, Nissan). And are interested in a small SUV (4 Runner, Rav4, CRV) or mid-size car (Camry, Accord, Altima).
Oh, and not like we need it, but we found one of these for sale, too! We plan to own one some day, so why not now?
Well, it's getting late (yes, 10:00 is late), so Goodnight!

Exhibitionist

What is the fascination with wanting to be seen and heard? Am I so egotistical that I truly believe people would want to read the random thoughts and everyday activities of my relatively mediocre life? I'm not disreagarding y'all who do read, I guess I'm just curious "WHY?" I have my own reasons for reading your blogs, are yours the same?
I have always been a very "questioning person." Even when I was very young, I remember adults telling me that it's not "polite" to ask so many questions. Well, why not? I'm an adult now, and I don't think I would ever tell a child to NOT ask questions. In fact, I believe that I will encourage my (future) children to question (almost) everything. Of course, if Mom or Dad says to "do it," there are no questions. But, even so, I'd still be willing to take the time to explain why this is important. From things as small as "Why do I have to brush my teeth?" to the Big Questions "Why can't I drink (alcohol)?" Even from a young age, I learned to form my own opinions about things, then "survey" other people for their input. If I felt like they had a better grasp on things, I might alter my view, or perhaps they would incite me to Find Out More.
What I'm getting at, it that I've always been interested in people. Although I tend to lack some "people skills" that would make it much easier to find out more, I LOVE to ask questions. Where are you from? What different places have you lived/visited? Where was your favorite? Why? (Always, the "why.") I like to hear other's interesting (and even "not so" interesting) stories.
So, that's why I read your blogs. To see what kind of lives y'all lead in Ohio, Wisconsin, California, Canada, Texas, Montana, and other "unmentioned" places. Other than family members, do I think I'll ever meet any of you? No. But, I still feel like I know you. Like, maybe we were neigbors, or you're my friend's cousin.
But, that still doesn't explain why I have my own blog. Well, I'll just stick with my excuse that it's for "distant family members" to keep up with what's going on in my (our) life. Because, really, I am not an egotistical, opinionated, bossy woman who secretly wants to be an exhibitionist.

A New Favorite

I'm sure I've heard this song on the radio. But, today this guy was on Oprah, and I was touched by how romantic and sentimental his music is. This song is simply named "You're Beautiful." Could you imagine a man so romantic as to arrange words that are this poetic, after seeing his ex-girlfriend with another guy??

My life is brilliant. My love is pure. I saw an angel. Of that I'm sure. She smiled at me on the subway. She was with another man. But I won't lose no sleep on that, 'cause I've got a plan. You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful, it's true. I saw you face in a crowded place, and I don't know what to do, 'cause I'll never be with you. Yeah, she caught my eye, as we walked on by. She could see from my face that I was F***ing high, and I don't think that I'll see her again, but we shared a moment that will last till the end. You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful, it's true. I saw you face in a crowded place, and I don't know what to do, 'cause I'll never be with you. You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful, it's true. There must be an angel with a smile on her face, when she thought up that I should be with you. But it's time to face the truth, I will never be with you.

What else is new? Oh, I finally picked the guitar back up today. I tried teaching myself a while ago, but just didn't have time to spend on it. But, now R & I have a "friendly competition" going to see who can learn the lessons first! We're equally matched, though, because I have smaller fingers & longer nails (easier to pluck) and he has bigger, stronger fingers (easier to fret). If we could just put my right hand and his left together, we'd have the perfect setup to play!

Oh, and we also got in contact with two of his old friends from high school. Thanks to MySpace (no, I'm not converting from Blogger), we were able to search for people from our school, and there they were! Honestly, Blogger is much easier to use. (Besides, I am very much a creature of habit.) For about half a second, I did consider actually blogging on it, but decided, Nah, it's enough keeping up this blog. So, I guess y'all are stuck with me!

Today we had some "Severe Weather," which always makes R nervous. And, the weather never bothered me, until we moved into this place (OLD trailer). But, he makes me nervous! He even talked me into "evacuating" into the shed. I know, that sounds silly, but the lots on both sides of us are empty, and YOU wouldn't want to stay in this place if you heard how much the wind rattles it! Fortunately, the weather moved through pretty quick, and nothing bad happened, so I'm happy.

A Better Day

Okay, so today was much better. R & I talked, and I think he's feeling much better about the "situation" (whatever it may be). I heard from a few of my "new friends" (who I met at my conference last weekend). The weather was beautiful, so I was able to mow the grass. And, we're making plans for Spring Break. Depending on how the weather holds up, we'd like to go camping down on Pensacola Beach. (Gramma, would it be okay for us to go visit y'all?) As of now, it's looking like this weekend might be sort of nasty weather, though. If so, we'll probably just do a 2-day camping thing at our local State Park. That would still be nice.
Have y'all ever watched "Malcolm in the Middle?" That's the show with Frankie Muniz, it's about a "disfunctional family" with 4 sons. Anyways, I've watched it a few times (it comes on right after General Hospital), and it really is a hilarious show!
Wanna hear something kinda funny (well, it amuses me)? My mom called last night to ask if I had a "spare" paper laying around that she could borrow. Umm, no. Can you believe it, it was due today! I couldn't help but tease her about how much of a hard time she used to give me when I first started school, and I'd procrastinate on everything! But, I don't think I EVER put anything that "big" off that LATE!
Okay, well, I don't usually blog this late...oh, and I am really sleepy...so...Goodnight!

Lyrical Post

I'm feeling especially unproductive (or is that nonproductive?) today, so here is another post. These are lyrics to a song that always gives me a feeling. You know how some songs can do that. *Bonus Points* to anyone who knows what song this is--or where it comes from!

There's such a sad love, deep in your eyes, a kind of pale jewel, open and closed within your eyes.
I'll place the sky within your eyes. There's such a fooled heart, beating so fast in search of new dreams, a love that will last within your heart. I'll place the moon within your heart. As the pain sweeps through, makes no sense for you. Every thrill has gone, wasn't too much fun at all. But I'll be there for you, as the world falls down.
I'll paint you mornings of gold, I'll spin you Valentine evenings. Though we're strangers till now, we're choosing the path between the stars. I'll leave my love between the stars. Makes no sense at all, makes no sense to fall. Falling. As the world falls down, falling, falling in love. As the world falls down, falling, falling in love.

Sugar Magnolia is not a slow-dance song!

Please enjoy. It's one of my favorites. And, has fond memories attached.

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Is There Such a Thing

Is it possible to be too honest? R is my best friend, and I really do tell him (almost) every little detail of my life. So, where should the line be drawn for what I shouldn't tell him (or what he really doesn't need to know)? Okay, now I know I may be risking criticism by my family, peers, co-bloggers, but here goes: Y'all may or may not have read these posts on "Lasting (Psychological) Impressions" and "Old Memories" but they really just talk about guys (2 of them) that I knew in high school. Oh, and keep in mind, I got OUT of high school in 1999. Well, when I run in to an old boyfriend, or just any friend, I tell R about it. Mostly it doesn't bother him, but he'll still make comments, or sort of tease me about it. But then I joke about going to *this store* or *that store* (where my ex's work) so I can introduce them, and he gets really defensive. The other thing is that I am still somewhat in contact with some of these people (some of them just recently), and I still tell R about it. Where the problem comes in is demonstrated in something that happened yesterday: I was "caught" talking to one of them on the phone. I didn't rush to get off the phone, or lie about who I was talking to, but R was still bothered that I was talking to him at all. Normally, I wouldn't talk to any of them on the phone (most contact is if we run into each other, by email, or IM), but I had just "found" this Old Friend after...probably 8 years of NO contact (I was really curious what he'd been up to). This guy even knew R back in high school & asked about him. I guess maybe R has a right to be a little sensitive about this guy (read the "Impressions" post), but what would've been more appropriate: If I just didn't tell R that I had talked to him, or should I just NOT have talked to him at all, or what? Or maybe what the real issue is is that I've been too honest with R by telling him about my innermost thoughts and feelings about this guy?
Also, y'all KNOW (isn't it SO OBVIOUS) how much I love R. I already said that he's my best friend. He's my Hero. He's my husband. He will be the father of my children (one day). I respect him. He completes me.
So, I know y'all have had issues like this. How did you deal with it? Have you feel pressured to "give up" your opposite-sex friends to make your significant other happy? What do y'all think about my part in this (please, be honest!)?

The Endless Weekend

So, I had this Professional Conference to attend (and present at) last weekend...and I'll probably be recovering all week! You go to these things, and listen to people talk and TALK and talk and talk and it seems like they'll never STOP. Granted, a lot of the stuff they talk about is really interesting, but after hours of sitting and listening...all you can think of is...
That One Guy who attends all the meetings, falls asleep, and SNORES in the back row...or wondering what they'll serve for dinner (since we were in Cajun Country, south Louisiana, I was really worried that they'd only have seafood)...or trying to make notes on what not to do when you give your talk, based on what others are doing...or trying to figure out if that cute guy* is checking you out, or just scanning the room...and etc, and etc!
I managed to join the Microbiology department carpool, and was the weirdo from a different department, but the others were So Awesome! I'm sure I've sort of met most of them, or at least we had classes together, but until this weekend, I had only "officially" met 3 of the 19 attendees (my 2 professors, and one other grad student).
Let's just say that I actually had a wonderful time, made a few new friends (that's Big News for me), and Really Need To Sleep (badly). Maybe I can sleep in tomorrow...oh yeah, that would be nice!
Okay, about the pics...The first is a lake that is in the middle of campus (U-La-La, Univ. of Louisiana at Lafayette), apparently there's an alligator in there, but I didn't see it. Second is the band that was playing at our "social hour" (aka free dinner & drinks). See the guy with washboard? And and accordian! They were Very Cool!
And, this was something that really intrigued me. This is a t.p. dispenser in one of the campus bathrooms. I'm curious if they get a better deal ($$) on single-ply/individual sheets of t.p. versus Actual Rolls? I know, I'm easily amused, and NO I don't usually take pictures in the bathroom!


*Yes, the cute guy was checking me out! Later, we talked, and he was very friendly :)

100 Things, Part Deux

Okay, I've had some time to think about this...let's see what I can come up with:

51. Love daffodils.
52. And log cabins.
53. Want to live in Montana one day.
54. I've already started "correspondence" with a company there.
55. Fell in love with Livingston (visited last summer).
56. Plan to build a custom house.
57. I want horses, and dogs, and cats, and...
58. I decided to become a vet when I was 7.
59. I changed my mind 2nd year of college after an "intro to vet careers" class taught me what being a vet was really about (dealing with PEOPLE).
60. I'm friendly, but don't consider myself a "people person."
61. I am extremely loyal to my friends.
62. I believe in QUALITY rather than QUANTITY.
63. R is my Best Friend, AJ is #2.
64. Year of the Mustang I HOPE to own one day.
65. How many wpm I can type (just took the test here).
66. I am competitive, but do not consider myself a "competitive person."
67. I rock at checkers (even after several drinks).
68. Number of months R & I dated before we were married (that equals 5 yrs & 8 mos).
69. I just noticed that I haven't mentioned food yet.
70. Favorite: Ribs, bbq (pulled pork), & bacon.
71. But I would never say that pork is my fav meat--I'd say I prefer chicken.
72. Yes, that seems weird to me, too.
73. I am currently finishing up my 12-step recovery from Sweet Tea Addiction.
74. I don't drink cokes (soda/pop/cola/soft drinks) very often.
75. I really need to exercise more.
76. I was MUCH thinner in high school.
77. I was in the colorguard (part of band).
78. We were extremely competitive.
79. I have 2 cats (Reina & Nabi)--yes, they have their own websites.
80. And a dog (Guapo), who is still on vacation in New Mexico.
81. And a bird (Birdy), and 2 turtles (Jackie & Ben), and 3 fish (Larry, Curly, & Moe).
82. I want to learn to play an instrument (maybe guitar).
83. I get goosebumps when I hear live music (even if it's just R playing the sax).
84. I love sax music (not necessarily jazz), check out this guy.
85. I am "addicted" to this site.
86. And, this game.
87. I also love (and am Ultimate Victor of) Tetris & any tetris-like game (Dr. Mario-SNES, Mean Bean-Sega, & etc). Anyone up for a challenge?
88. Year of my Toyota (mom bought it NEW when I was 7).
89. I am thrilled to be almost done with this!
90. I am currently undergoing a personal transformation to be a more accepting and optimistic person.
91. I did these out of order, and this is the last one I'm putting in.
92. Year my little sister was born.
93. I wish we never had that "little fight" when she stopped calling me "Nina."
94. I also have another sister (19) and a brother (23).
95. Approximate number of CDs I own (not burned).
96. They're mostly R&B (before I got hooked on classic rock).
97. Someone (I'll pretend like I can't remember who) once told me that "Country boys listen to country music, but real rednecks listen to classic rock." I like that.
98. Age my great-gramma-in-law will be on her next birthday! (You Go Girl!)
99. Bottles of beer on the wall. (I do NOT drink beer, BLEH!)
100. Percentage of me that is happy to be finished with this!

The Color of My Brain: Green

GREEN:
At work or in school: I work best by myself. I like to focus on my ideas until my desire
for understanding is satisfied. I am easily bored if the subject holds no interest to me.
Sometimes, it is hard for me to set priorities because so many things are of interest.
With friends: I may seem reserved. Although my thoughts and feelings run deep, I am
uneasy with frequent displays of emotion. I enjoy people who are interesting and of high integrity.
With family: I am probably seen as a loner because I like a lot of private time to think. Sometimes, I find family activities boring and have difficulty following family rules that don't make sense to me. I show love by spending time with my family and sharing ideas and interests.
What Color is Your Brain?
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