Things you've missed AND Quick blog while eating

Dog Jog 2007 in Piedmont Park. I promise, we did not mean to coordinate the Georgia gear!!! Believe it or not,I also saw some Winder folk there - it was great to see you Paul!

Me and Colby, the running warriors

Look at this cutie wearing "doggles"

Ready, Set, Go!!! Good thing there was no gunshot to start us off, or it could have been a disaster.

At the halfway mark!

Jonathan finishing the drill!

_____________________________________________
MOTHER'S DAY 2007

Brent's baptism at Union Baptist on Mother's Day 2007

Family gathering on Mother's Day 2007

The cousins and friends after a hard day of playing

______________________________________________

/\ Me and my Uncle C on his visit from Germany. I'm so sorry I could not spend as much time as we wanted :(
___________________________________________

Hello
Just eating T-Bell at CUPS and taking a brain break. Thought I'd write quickly.

I spent my time at Starbucks yesterday after CPR certification in the morning. WRONG day to be at Starbucks. Apparently it was the release date for Paul McCartney's latest album, and they played the same CD over and over and over and over and over again. I couldn't even drown it out with my ear plugs or with my MP3 player, it was so obnoxious. Don't get me wrong, the music wasn't that bad, but should be listened to in moderation, in small doses.

Anyway...going to get back to work. This morning was devoted to the creation and completion of a table for my comps, and this afternoon will be devoted to the 3 or 4 pages of text that go along with it. This evening, ...probably reading/researching.

Love
Jess

My music for comps - Robert Randolph and the Family Band (LOVE!), Jeremy Camp (Unplugged), Selah (Hiding Place), Jami Smith, Third Day, Swing Kids Soundtrack

CATCHING UP - E-MAIL ABOUT COMPS

Hello there

Just wanted to give you an update. The last time I wrote you I was completing data analysis in marathon fashion. I did complete the analysis (with Brent’s help with data entry), though I still have a few reliability measures to complete, which should not take more than a full day of work – I’ll knock it out next weekend.

So, as of last Monday, I am now in full comps mode. The funny thing is, though, that when you ask me what I’m up to, and I say “comps”, I fully expect you to understand what that means to me and how much work is required. But why should you, when it means so many different things to different people, and means absolutely nothing to others?

“Comps” is short for comprehensive exams. This exam is based on the courses I have taken over the past three years for my areas of specialty (communication neuroscience, speech physiology, treatment outcomes); they assess my mastery of fundamental knowledge and skills, and my integration and application of this knowledge. Comps have many different forms – some friends have had a day of comps, where you study and study for several months before the dreaded day, and then go in and answer questions for 8-10 hours. Others have had two days of a similar experience.

So, what is my comps experience? My committee of five professors got together and concocted this evil page-long set of questions – two big interrelated questions with several sub-questions each. I have a little over a month to answer the questions, and my response is to be organized as a book with several chapters. My written response is due June 27th (I was granted a 10-day extension because of my surgery), and then my oral defense is August 3rd. There usually is not that much of a delay between writtens and orals, but because one of my professors lives out of state, we are working around his schedule. During this time, I will also be working as a clinical supervisor at the UGA clinic, so …time….where did you go…need more time…!

WHEN I pass :), I will then be a predoctoral candidate, or, as I prefer to call it, A.B.D. – All But Dissertation. I am finished with required classes, so in the fall will be teaching and working on my dissertation.

So, that is what I mean when I say “I’m in comps” :).

I’ll write again, probably after June 27th. Have a wonderful summer!

Love ya,
Jess

CATCHING UP - E-MAIL FROM END OF SPRING SEMESTER

E-MAIL AFTER END OF SPRING SEMESTER

Hey there
This is Jess checking in. I have finally finished my last class that I ever have to take …I mean it…LAST (unless I choose to audit something for fun, which I probably will, but no more required classes) – WOO-HOO!
I have also finally finished grading my students’ research papers and final exams, and have entered their grades as well, so that big crazy part of my life is over too. I look forward to teaching in the fall, b/c I think I will only have ~30 graduate students, versus the 50-60 undergraduate students I have had for the past 3 years.
So, in an effort to keep you informed on what is going on over here, and to attempt to avoid this feeling of disconnection from the world that I am sinking into, here is the next chapter.
Basically, in addition to my graduate assistantship, I was also hired to do a job by a colleague who was awarded a grant for his dissertation. (Brent and I need the money, that is for sure!) Well, deadlines were pushed up ever so slightly so he could have his dissertation completed in time to graduate in August, so the job that I was hired to do needs to be completed by Monday!!! So, instead of heading directly into comps mode, I am doing non-stop data analysis…except for right this very second of course, because I am writing you while I am taking a headphone break.
Basically, I look at spectrograms and acoustic waveforms all day, and listen to the audio files with headphones, and analyze them…pretty boring stuff. But this is what is happening in my life right now, and is what I mean when having to turn down much preferred social engagements because “I’m doing data analysis”. I have a lot of work to complete before Monday.

So, thank you for your understanding, support, and patience during this crazy time. On Monday, I’ll explain more about my comps experience, as this is the next huge event in my life that will be monopolizing my entire summer.
I hope you are well, and even though I know I’m not the most accessible right now, you remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Love, Jess

My News

I am sorry everyone... I haven't been a great blogger for the past couple of months. Who am I kidding- I have never been even an average blogger.

My exciting and scary news is that I am finally out of the Air Force. I separated from active duty on Friday- the 22nd of December. I am officially on terminal leave until Jan 19, 2007, and then begin my time in the Air National Guard. Terminal leave means I get paid until that dreadful day in January. Leaving the Air Force is the exciting news. Leaving the Air Force is also the scary news, especially when adding the pressure of having to find a new job. I have had a few leads, but either their hours weren't for me or the money wasn't where I needed it to be. So, Jess and I are still going through the process of finding a job that can pay our bizills (bills).

I am very excited about finally being able to live at home. It is awesome seeing Jess everyday. It is like we just got married all over again. The pets aren't used to me yet... they probably thought that I was some kind of boyfriend that only comes over to visit on the weekends. They will figure out that I am there for good in a couple of weeks.

Anyway, that is my exciting and scary news. Remember, hook a brotha' up if you have any leads on a job. I do, however, want to stay in Athens. I want to work close to where I live for once in my life. Commuting stinks and I feel bad for those that have to do it in their current jobs. If you don't have any leads, just keep Jess and I in your prayers for a job to come along- and soon! Talk to you later.

Love,
Brent

Thanks

We would really like to thank those of you who kept us in your thoughts and prayers during this experience. In addition, we would like to offer a special thank you to those who took the time to keep us company as well, remembering that though Brent returned home (to the U.S.), he wasn't really home, and the situation still called for super-friends to battle the loneliness and separation blues. So, a special thanks to MKVG and Thad (and family) for cooking for Brent and taking him bowling down in WR, and to Jason, Kobi, Mom, and Jonathan for visiting Jess at her home and/or always inviting her to eat/drink coffee in ATH. You can't know how much your efforts meant to us. Another special thanks to our neighbor Sally, our wonderful dog-sitter - without her, Jess would never have survived the semester. Lastly, thanks to our folks (Brent's folks) for letting us use (for free!) their wonderful camper as a temporary residence.

Love - Jess and Brent

December already?

The verdict is in…I am officially too isolated and lonely. I was at the coffeehouse (again), and I started up a conversation with some random person. Several seconds into the conversation, I realize that I am one of those people! Oh nooooooooooooooooo!

Anyway, not much going on here. Just winding down the semester with finals, giving them and taking them.

Summary of events since…goodness, was October the last blog? Lots of events to summarize. Hmmm…

Suffered through an election in which negative publicity was the standard. It was amazing that we were asked to vote for people who had to say absolutely nothing about what they had done, what they were doing, or what they were going to do in the future for their constituents. The only requirement was to talk trash about their opponent. So, now we get to vote for people based upon…who is the most persuasive trash-talker, I guess.

Trip to the ASHA convention in Miami to present a poster session with colleagues and mentors. Had a GREAT time, though Miami must be one of the most unattractive cities I’ve ever visited.


Robin, Dr. Marshall, Dr. Andreatta, Dr. Bothe, me, Jason





My wonderful mentor, Dr. A (aka "Coach" or "Rico")






Jason and I by our poster


My brother and sister-in-law were baptized – wow, what a wonderful day that was!

Holidays…Thanksgiving w/ both sides of my family and w/ Brent’s family (including visitors from Chicago), housewarming party for my extended family, GA-GT game (woo-hoo!) with friends and fam, and…that is about it I believe.


Hangin' w/ Brent's extended fam, low country boil style after a big GA game

Jonathan and Ansley - she LOVES him!




Baby shower for a friend who is having her first.


Brent and I are expecting two new nephews (or nieces) :)

Brent has some exciting (and scary) news that I will let him share with you later. Meanwhile, we are freezing our behinds off - we both have gas heat at our separate residences, and cannot afford to keep it very warm. We were talking on the phone the other night, both of our teeth chattering, and we were INSIDE! Crazy...come on warm weather.

That’s all for now folks. I will post pictures from all of these events after finals.

Love ya - Jess

Halloween

I'm sitting here at the coffee house, trying to get some work done, and what do I hear over the speakers??? SCARY MUSIC!!! They are playing scary Halloween music, and the batteries to my MP3 are dead, so I can't tune it out!!! Don't they know I'm going to have nightmares??? "I'm freakin' out man!" (Name that (horrible) movie.)

Love ya - Jess

Checkin' in

Hey everyone, I just wanted to check in and let you know how things are going in Warner Robins. I am still hating it here, but it isn't bad overall. In fact, I submitted my package for separation last Friday (13th) and I should hear something back by the first week of November. So, I have about 3 weeks left until I possibly will receive good news! Jess and I really need to hear some good news. I will keep you posted.

Speaking of Jessica, I went home this weekend and we had a great time hanging out as usual (except at the GA/Vandy game). Let's not go there! Anyway, Jess is always interested in what I do during the week (at work) while I am in Warner Robins. For this reason, I decided to start a conversation that related to the speech and language field. She is very passionate about her career, so we got into this deep discussion about a hot topic in her field. I don't have much of an input on this topic, so I occassionaly nod or say uh-huh until she finishes making her point. In the end, she asks me a question about what I thought. In that moment, my eyes adjusted as I came out of a deep trance. I felt like Frank the Tank when he blacked out during his debate bit in Old School. I felt bad, but when I looked at my watch and realized that her conversation/my blacking out took 30 minutes- I was upset. We had just wasted 30 minutes of our weekend together. I told her to never talk about something that I can't even pronounce again because our weekends are too short and too valuable for events like that to happen. My playful scolding became a situation where Jessica couldn't stop laughing and I continued my bit until I had her laughing so hard that she started to cry. It was awesome! I know I kind of make fun of her laugh at times, but I love to hear it. It makes me happy. Anyway, Jess has forgiven me for my lack of listening skills.

Sorry this post turned into a story. My weekends are the only thing that keep me going, so I think about them a lot. I have been struggling with being apart from Jess and awaiting a decision on whether or not I can finally get out. It stinks!

I hope everyone is well. I will try to post again in a week or so.

Love,
Brent

Another video for you

I love this clip about sport-specific training. If you have ever competed in a triathlon, or any sport that has a mass start, you can probably relate. You are fighting for position, literally.

Enjoy.

Just click the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3S0wu4Zbfk

Thoughts

Deep Thoughts on Living Apart From My Spouse (and Best Friend) Five Out of Seven Days of the Week:

IT SUCKS.

CRAP.

IT IS CRAPPY AND IT SUCKS.

For the Grey's Anatomy junkies

Here are some excerpts that I love from my TWoP site. The author was discussing the season finale. The review of the latest episode has not been updated yet, but it should be before Thursday. I can't wait for the review, because I'm sure they feel, as I do, that there should have been SOME explanation of how the folks got "the plague"...I mean really...and why did the show go all "LOST" with the flashbacks???

If you would like to visit TWoP, just go over to the right side of my blog and click on the TWoP link. Enjoy!

Anyway...

"Callie's all ready for the prom, but she's mad as hell at George. He follows her through the hospital and asks where she's going. Callie: "I'm wearing a dress, I have on heels, I shaved my legs, I'm going to the prom." What I will never understand is why the stylists on this show feel the need to dress Callie in some of the most unflattering outfits I've ever seen put on a body, when she is clearly this gorgeous specimen of woman and deserving of so much more. Keckler has a theory that they're doing this because Callie's going to turn out to be a nutbag, but I think it's just as simple as the fact that they don't know how to dress a person with thighs bigger around than a number two pencil."

"McDreamy says he would give anything not to be looking at her. So, you know...then they kiss. And I want to hate them. I do! Alas, I cannot. Because Patrick Dempsey is really, really pretty."

Available

Hey everyone, I am checking in again with some pretty good news. No, the available in the title isn't what you think... I am happily married- sorry ladies. I got some good news about getting out of the Air Force and finishing up in the Guard. This is a lot better because I will be able to live at home with Jess and I will only have to do the AF thing on weekends (1 weekend a month). It still isn't 100% for sure, but it is looking pretty good. So, back to the available. I am available for a job in the near future, so be on the lookout for me in the IT/Telecommuncations world. I have tried the online job websites, but they're not bringing the results that I desperately need. However, they can bring me better results for a mere $150 bucks- what a scam! Did you not hear me? I need a job... hence-to-forth, I don't have the $150 smackers. Anyway, this is my update for now. I will bring more news as I get it. Until then, pray for Jess and I as we go further in this process. It is scary! Talk to you soon.

Brent

Special visit with my aunt

My Aunt Esther came to town for a League of Women Voters conference, and stopped for a quick beverage and a chat with Brent and I in downtown Athens. It was great to see her and catch up on the family.

Hilton Head recap

Several years ago, we visited Hilton Head Island with some friends and had a great time. This Labor Day, we decided to take a trip and get away, and Hilton Head seemed like a great idea. It is pet friendly (dogs allowed on beach during certain hours) and there are also bike trails all over the island. So, despite the warnings and the Hurricane Ernesto "remnants", we decided to pack up the dog, our gear, and our bikes, and go anyway.

And we were so glad that we did. We did pass through one pretty horrible storm on the way there, and just knew our excursion was doomed. But we broke through, and then it was sunshine, sunshine, and more sunshine.

We took Mr. Cash to the beach several times. This was quite a learning experience. Word to the wise, if you have never taken your pup to the beach: BEWARE. Cash loved the beach, he loved the water. And when he got hot, he drank the water. And when he had to pee or poo, he tried to do that in the water as well. I noticed at one point that he was assuming the position for a #2, and tried to quickly get him out of the water up on to the beach so I could clean up after him. I was successful - we made it onto the sand - but while he was getting out of the water, he got smacked in the behind with a big huge wave. We wouldn't know the ramifications of this until later.

We get back to the room with our tired pup, and he was looking a little worse for the wear. His eyes were red from the saltwater, and he was acting like he didn't feel too well. He drank lots of freshwater, and then threw it up. He told us that he had to go outside, and when he did, geysers of water were spewing from both holes. Poor puppy. We felt so badly for him.

But he was recovered by the morning, and when we took him to the beach the next day, he was even more excited than before! We were much more careful though to limit his amount of time in the saltwater - we spent a lot of time throwing the frisbee on the sand. He had quite a crowd watching him - he has some impressive acrobatic skills.

As for Brent and myself, we rode bikes, did some window shopping, had a few good eats, and hung out at the beach just a little bit. We had a great time, even if it was just for a day and a half. We will definitely go back - beach-friendly and biker-friendly?????????? You can't beat that with a stick!

\/ Here is a pic of Mr. Cash on the ride home - he was VERY tired. He is sleeping on my Burberry that Kobi scored for me in NY.

MasterCard commercial

Pet fee at the Quality Inn.................$35 a night

Portable water bowl for the dog......$5

Parking for public beach.................$0.50 an hour

Watching Cash play on the beach, fulfilling my dream for my dear old Onyx
.......................................................priceless

Catching up: III

Those of you who have a cat (or cats) can completely relate to this picture. Napopo loves bags - plastic bags, paper bags, cloth bags, backpacks, suitcases, you name it. He loves to crawl in, hide, and sleep. My bro was spending the night one evening, and after a long day of yard work, wanted to make a pillow for me as a gift. The cat took advantage of this opportunity to take a nap in the bag of stuffing. It was so funny looking. I was just careful to make sure every now and again that he was still breathing.

Catching up: II

My bro's first halftime - He is a "fresh-meat" drumline member. He did a great job in the pit and marching on the field as well.

It was an odd experience, watching the H.S. football team, watching him during halftime. I feel so OLD!!!!!!!

Catching up: I

One of Brent's welcome home gatherings with family at Athens Hilltop Grille. My Aunt Irene made the special trip - she is in her mid-90's now, can you believe it???

...I hate the phone, but I wish you'd call...

Brent and I were driving in the car over Labor Day Weekend (finally, we went on a trip!), and we heard these lyrics - "and I hate the phone, but I wish you'd call" from a song titled "Fear you won't fall" by Joshua Radin. We looked at each other immediately - oh, can we ever relate!

How canst thou miscommunicate over the phone?....Let me count the ways..........

So, here are some borrowed, but fitting, thoughts I found on the subject:
____________________________
Many people assume that the long distance relationship (or, for the purposes of this essay, the LDR) is a modern custom, born of technology—airplanes and telephones and Eisenhower’s interstate highway system. But it is actually an ancient ritual—the origins of the phrase ‘LDR’ can be traced to a Latin root roughly equivalent to “spend a lot of money and be miserable.” ...

Anyone who has ever been in one knows that the lifeblood of the long distance relationship is the written word. ...

If the written word is the lifeblood of the LDR, then the phone call is the cholesterol. On paper, you tend to be more reflective and less likely to overreact. But even if you do exaggerate, you still have the option of reconsidering your words before mailing your letter. With the phone you don’t have the luxury of a cooling-off period. You’re often lonely and feeling betrayed by the distance, which causes you to take it out on the other person. This leads to a lot of fights. And the most frustrating aspect of arguing on the phone is not the fact that you can’t see the other person or even the preclusion of instant-gratification-make-up [activities]. Instead, it’s that no matter what the topic or how angry you might be, the only thought going through your mind the entire time is, “I’m paying 25 cents a minute to be yelled at.” And this makes you angrier, which makes you fight more, which costs more money.

You would think that talking on the phone was just like talking face to face. But it’s not. You don’t have the opportunity to read facial expressions. You can’t see body language. Talking on the phone is not the same as talking in person just as speaking Latin is not the same as speaking Italian. Although some of the words are the same, there’s still going to be an awful lot of miscommunication. ...

If a relationship is like a rope, then distance is an anvil tied to the end of the rope—if the relationship is even slightly frayed, the distance will eventually snap it. If you can avoid LDRs you’ll have more happiness, more money and more [intimacy]. There is little to recommend them.

---Gary Cozine
_____________________________

Can I get an Amen?

Love
Jess and Brent

"That there's an RV"

Hey everyone, it is B-rent again. I haven't been doing a good job a posting on here since I returned from Korea- I apologize. I have checked into my new base at Warner Robins and things are going fairly well I guess. I am glad I get to see Jessica every weekend, but the situation didn't get that much better. Not only do I have to be away most of the time, but we have accrued more debt due to my new living lifestyle. That's right, I live in an RV park. It isn't bad for the most part, but the ants here are terrible. There are war games everynight in my trailer when I get home. As soon as I walk in the door they are attacking me, so I spend half of the night trying to keep them at bay before they totally take over my crib on wheels. This is kind of old news, but I thought I would let you know how I was living. I have since purchased a ton of ant killer and spread it all over the ground around my trailer. Now, I only see the occassional ant.

Jess and I have been talking about me getting out and joining the Guard, so if anyone has any insight on this matter, let us know. I am soooo ready to separate! I will keep you posted on any news that comes in from the recruiters. I have requested information on everything Guard related and I am just waiting for someone to call me and answer my questions.

I am in my final month of school and I am ready to finally graduate. I am so burned out of school and I can't wait until I can just chill after work every now and then- it will be so awesome! Jessica is already asking me where I would like to do my Master's. She is killing me. I never thought I would even think about it, but I haven't ruled it out. I just want a break for a little bit and try to figure out a way where I can actually live with my wife.

I hope everyone is well. I will try to return soon with more updates on everything that is going on here in Warner Robins. Until then.....

Brent