Crazy Lawsuit Game

Just got done reading this gem of an article from the NYTimes about how the unemployment rate is 9.5%, the worst in 23 years, and the fact that this is the economy in which I'm looking for a job. We're planning on moving to Denver, which I just calculated will cost about $2300, but we'll have all our stuff and enough money saved up to live for 2 to 3 months. CO has a stronger economy right now, especially compared to circling the drain SC with a top 3 unemployment rate in the nation, and it just seems like a really cool place to live. Southwest flies out of there, so I have a cheap way to get to B'ham if a family emergency comes up, or want to see my folks this fall. Plus J and I want to get out of SC and the South and experience a real winter.

So far our plan tentative plan is to load up the U-haul and head towards St. Louis, where PoP has graciously offered a place to stay (I think and I hope the offer still stands!) on Sat. night, then after lunch or so, head to Omaha and see J's sister and newly moved Mom, then probably Monday or Tuesday, head to Denver with 2 chemists, 2 cats and a small houseful of furniture.

Of course all this hinges on my defending my dissertation successfully on July 20th, and getting it formatted, reviewed, and printed at least a week before that and then the same process after, then we'll move. Yikes. Send any positive thoughts you can spare my way. The small upside is that I'm mostly done with my writing, so I actually have a bit of free time so I can physically exert this stress away!

Labels: moving, writing

I'm tired of writing and being tired. This too shall pass.

Labels: writing

4 out of 8 chapters are written and need to be reviewed.

We're at Beef 'O' Brady's, which is a wi-fi hotspot for free!, in Clemson and I'm surrounded by TVs. J is at the bar for a better view and I'm in a booth working, and honestly I'm ashamed to move because I'm working on J's pink Dell laptop. There I said it. It's yet another personal motivator. Plus I want her to be able to be the primary user instead of me.

The job search has been unfruitful so far. It will kicked in to hyper-drive once writing is done though.

Congrats to Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel on 2nd and 3rd for Team Red Bull in Istanbul, Turkey this morning. Nicely done! Huge congrats to Jenson Button and Brawn GP on their 6th win out of 7 races!

Labels: F1, J, Red Bull

George Tiller, M.D., was shot at the start of the church service he attended on Sunday morning in Wichita, Kansas.

A provider of abortions for more than three decades, Dr. Tiller, 67, had become a focal point for those around the country who opposed it. In addition to protests outside his clinic, his house and his church, Dr. Tiller had once seen his clinic bombed; in 1993, an abortion opponent shot him in both arms. He was also the defendant in a series of legal challenges intended to shut down his operations, including two grand juries that were convened after citizen-led petition drives.

He is survived by his wife, 4 children and 10 grandchildren who issued a statement through Dr. Tiller’s lawyer, which read in part: “George dedicated his life to providing women with high-quality health care despite frequent threats and violence. We ask that he be remembered as a good husband, father and grandfather and a dedicated servant on behalf of the rights of women everywhere.”
President Obama issued a statement, saying, “However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.”

Thank your for your work and dedication Dr. Tiller. America lost another hero.

-quotes excerpted from a NY Times article by JOE STUMPE and MONICA DAVEY

Labels: inhuman, injustice, obituary

Thanks to all those who fight in the name of our country, fought and will fight.

I think I was really tired last week. Working late and arising early caught up with me about Thurs. morning. After a good night sleep on Thurs. and sleeping in this weekend, which was of course coupled with writing here and there, I feel much better today and ready to take on another hellacious week.

Still writing and still in grad school for those keeping tabs.

I really want to finish strong. I do. It's hard. So much working and not enough play and sleep make Seth a tired cranky boy.

J has been good about nagging me and I've been better about not needing to be nagged, but last night we came up with a good scenario so I can also occasionally nag her. After this I'll be ready for both of us to be nag free.

Also our lease expires on June 30th. I'm planning on defending mid-June. Think I can find a job in less than 2 months? I hope so too.

So many plans and possibilities are rolling around my head and I can't entertain a damn one because my sole life focus right now is dissertation.

Why can't I just ride my bike around picking up trash?