Random Thoughts

First, I am having a hard time standing many of my students right now - they are driving me crazy! Okay, I got that out so I should be fine.

Second, I go in for my second interview tomorrow and I am much more nervous now than I was before.

Third, I have noticed an interesting trend of late and it appeals on two levels, one as a family scientist and the other as a Mormon. I have been reading about, watching documentaries or watching shows about families that are "going against the grain to reinvent family" lately. I watched a documentary about a family whom moved to a home without electricity and became organic farms to later move to Israel and help farmers there - it was very interesting. It is called "A Journey Home". I watched it twice while I had it from Netflix and one couldn't figure out which religion they were (even at first between Jewish and Christian) and then was amazed at the drastic measures that they took to define the family and spend time together. Then there are shows about the Duggars of course and then there is a show called I think "On the Road with Six" or something close to that on TLC. I was reading about a family that has given up everything to find time for and be around their family.

First off, I applaud them for working so hard to define what family means to them and sacrificing careers, etc to make it happen. But what I find really sad is that they have to do it. I would never see the need to move away from everyone and every modern convenience in order to figure this out and that is why I am so grateful for the gospel. I know what a family is, I know what God expects us to do in a family and know that you can create that in your/my home without running away from everyone.

For the past month or so I felt this deep feeling that what is needed in my life is a balance, not leaning too far to any one extreme but living a balance between the world and the gospel. I know that it is possible, I know that I can do that and strive for it each day. I also know that it is easy to get caught up in both sides of the equation and that I can often allow Satan to sway me towards the world in desire for things, frustration and anger, or just forgetting to truly love the scriptures I am reading, say meaningful and sincere prayers, etc.

Mainly this post is for me. I think that each of us struggles with finding our own balance and for each of us it is a little different thing that we are balancing but in this world were states are fighting to say marriage is not between a man and woman and others persecuting those that do believe in traditional values I am happy to know and stand for what the Lord has ordained as marriage and the role of a man and woman. (PS I know that it is huge run-on! :) )

100th Post and Zebadee the baby chick

This is my 100th post! Yeah for me for staying with it that long!

Tonight was the Halloween Party like I said in the last post and Zebadee and I had hung out this afternoon so I got her ready and then took a few pictures before we went, good thing because I didn't take one when we were there - I need to get better - there were some very cute and fun costumes this year.

Here are some of the pictures I took of Zebie.

Job Interview and Grant

This week I had an interview with Patti for the Study Manager job and today I got a second interview. I am hoping that this isn't just some sort of thanks for applying but really I want someone else and just feel like I need to interview you again because you work with me and I feel guilty about not interviewing you because I suggested it. So we shall see - I am more nervous now about the second interview because the first was so long and involved.

I turned in my grant revisions just a few minutes ago - now I am just praying that it is "good enough" to pass this time. It looks good to me. Let me know if you want to read it - I am sure you are all just hoping that I would offer, right?

Tonight is the ward Halloween Party so that should be fun - I am dressing up as myself - never liked to dress up after about 15, so I just go and enjoy the kids and I am going to help Marcie hand out candy while Christopher takes Zebadee around to get us some candy. :)

Proposition 8

I found this video on Proposition 8. I know many have already read much and are for the ideas contained in it - but this video shows the direct impact on parents that it will have in CA and then in other states as well.

Click Below
Video on Proposition 8

Mixed Feelings

Today I got my acceptance letter from A&M and UT, no mention of assistantships - so I have no idea if I have funding or not. It is nice to know that they think me worthy. :)

Yesterday I found out that I can stay in my same place for $5 more a month, but have to let them know by November 15th.

Tuesday I applied for the job - officially through the computer system.

Yesterday I started the application process for MU MPH program, which is not due until Dec 1.

Everyone here is very for me staying and working and finishing my degree and doing the other one if I would like. I am sure I will get in but I just don't know about everything. I want to make the right choice but I am not even sure if for sure I have the job - no official offer has been made and she will have to (protocol) interview other people - so what if there is someone better out there? Anyway, I feel good about staying and trying for the job, a place in the program, etc. I am excited that my rent has only gone up $5 if I do stay - I will save a lot of money that way.
We will see what happens I suppose.

Talk of Moving ....

First, I want to thank everyone for being so supportive about thinking about taking this job. If I had to make the decision I would take the job but am in an unique position and I have a while to decide so this Friday I am going to the temple with Marcie, Christopher and Zebadee and we will take turns going to a session.
First off I have to figure out is I can actually stay in my current home or if I need to move and where I can go if I do need to move and still stay in my ward. So, the hunt is on for a place to stay and then go to the temple and see if it is truly the job and place the Lord would wants me to be.
So thanks for supporting and loving me and helping me to make this hard decision.

So I was offered a job today...

I was talking with my new/old boss Patti today and she offered me the full time position that is open. She tried hard to sell it telling me that I could finish up school, do the public health program at MU and get a decent paycheck at the same time. I just kinda laughed and said no, I was going to school. Then she asked if I had heard and of course I haven't so then I was kinda caught. She tried again. I said that it sounded like a good Plan B.
That was at about 3 this afternoon and now after talking with Marcie (who was super excited and for Plan B - because she will still be here), Mama (who thought it sounded like a good plan B or maybe a plan A) and Alison who thought it sounded great I don't know. Do I take the job? For months I have felt I need to finish my degree and get this other degree too - that is why Plan A - move to Houston, live in the apartment at my parents, and get my MPH sounded so good. Then there has been the issue of a job - what do I do for money? I have applied for a few things but not heard anything and I am not there to even interview. So, I have been praying that the Lord would show me where to get a good job that will allow me to pay off debt and would be a positive thing on my career. Then a job literally falls into my lap? Hhhuuuummmm!!!! Well, I will be praying about all of this and looking at the program here at MU. I would still want to do a MPH and I could do it here but now I have to pay for tuition (I would get a 75% discount). I don't know what to do - the job is in Public Health and would/could further my career and I could do the MPH and be here to work on my dissertation which would be very helpful. I have been worried about paying off debt, having insurance, and having a good job in this crazy market with so many people losing their jobs, BUT I don't want to make a knee jerk reaction as well and take the job because I am scared or reacting to the things around me. I hate making these types of decisions. It is really hard to know exactly what to do. (This is where a husband might come in really handy - he could also pray and help me know the Lords will!)
I am going to the temple next Friday so I will take it to the Lord and see what he thinks.
Right now it feels good but I think that the inspiration to go to Houston was very real, it hard to understand things like this sometimes. I was/am very much looking forward to moving home and living at the farm and being with my family and friends again. I feel pretty isolated up here, but hopefully I would be able to come home more often if I took the job. Anybody want to give their opinion about the subject?

General Conference

General Conference is always such a wonderful thing for me and this time was no different. It seemed that so many talks were aimed directly at the questions that I had in mind while praying about conference for the past weeks. I so wish that I could some how bottle the amazing way I feel after two days of being feed by the Lord's anointed. I am so grateful for this gospel and how individual it is.
It amazes me that there is a gospel that speaks to every person in every clime on the earth - only a true and living gospel could be so all encompassing and magnificent in nature. It seemed like there was much talk about taking our faith and putting it into action, combining it with hope and charity, remembering the virtues we hold dear, embracing missionary work in a different way, and just filling our lives completely with the teaching of the Savior and doing as he as asked.
I always make a long list of things I want to start doing and this time is no different. I hope that you all felt the same way and were able to receive promptings that you will act on.

The reults

Just thought I would update everyone on my progress, slow as it may be. I finally heard from my committee and they told me that I needed to revise and resubmit my grant, I talked with Linda for feedback and she told me that it looked great and had suggested that I pass, so she didn't know what else to say. I have made appointments for 3 others and the 4th is missing in action?@!

So, I will work on that and resubmit around the 17th or so - wish me luck.

Next, like I mentioned before my jobs have all changed I no longer work for Linda but for Patti (I worked for her the summer of 2006). Patti had her manager quit and so Linda "pimped me out" to work for Patti again. Also, yesterday MACC called and asked if it was possible to take another class, that they had had another professor quit and leave them in a lurch. This class is from 6-9 on Wed. and is here in Columbia. I said yes and now am trying to figure out how to change the syllabus and expectations mid semester - who knows. The money I will get will more than pay for my move to TX so that is always good. So, that is all my news I think, funny what a few days brings.

I was looking through one of my recipe books trying to find things I can eat on this new "diet" the doctor put me on for my Metformin and found this and thought it looked yummy and different from the routine. I figured everyone can use a good new recipe from time to time.

Mexican Lasagna
1/2 lb mild pork sausage
1/2 lb. ground beef
1 japapeno pepper, seeded nad finely chopped
2/3 cup canned diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 tb. garlic powder
1 tb ground cumin
1/2 tb salt
1/2 tb pepper
can of cream of celery soup
can of cream of mushroom soup
can of enchilada sauce
18 corn tortillas
2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup Monterrey jack cheese
1 tomato, seeded and diced
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions: Cook sausage and ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain. Stir in jalapeno and next 5 ingredients; cook through. Stir together soups and enchilada sauce in saucepan; cook until heated. Spoon 1/3 of sauce onto bottom of lightly greased 13X9 baking dish; top with 6 tortillas. Spoon half of beef mixture and 1/3 of sauce over tortillas; sprinkle with half of cheddar cheese. Top with 6 tortillas; repeat layers, end with tortillas. Sprinkle with Monterrey Jack cheese and next three ingredients. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serves 6-8.