Recipe for a good blog post

Movable letters on a church sign + you = funny blog post

We currently live next to a small church. They always have inspirational sayings on the sign in the parking lot and I want to share the messages with you. Not for your benefit, but because I want you to rearrange the letters. :) Now, I'm sure no one reading this has ever done such a thing, but for those of you (MOM!) who have the desire to rearrange letters but lack the nerve, height, or blood alcohol level, this post's for you.



Come on people. Make me laugh. I know you are all funny. :)

Best Internship Ever

I just started my internship this week. It could not be more fantastic.

My internship is at a transitional housing community for homeless women with children. There are only three paid staff members, and one Americorps worker (in addition to me). At any moment, I might get to hold a baby or play with one of the 22 children who frequently wander into the office. Sometimes I get to color or play with blocks when a child's mom is meeting with her case worker (do not tell the LBJ School-"playing" was not part of the internship requirement). The families are wonderful and the staff is even better!

My supervisor has been great about allowing me to take part in executive director-type activities. I get to tag along to board meetings, strategic planning sessions, fundraising brainstorms, and service projects. It is wonderful to know you can enjoy your work and have it mean something!

Jeremy is at a conference this weekend so I've planned to stay busy visiting some of our Gabriel Project moms. Two of our moms had babies within the past two weeks, so I should get to visit with them :) :) :)

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

The American President and Softball

Billy-Bob Clinton was the commencement speaker for the LBJ School Graduation. I had the opportunity to attend a dinner with him last evening. The dinner served as a fundraiser for a health policy research center and a rally of sorts for the democratic party in Texas. All of the democrats fit neatly in one room, but that meant it was quite an interesting who's who of American political figures.

Having recently attended a pro-life fundraiser for the Majella Society, which also served as an informal republican rally, there were a few similarities I found striking. Both dinners began with a prayer - last night's being the longest invocation I've ever witnessed. Both dinners talked about the importance of alleviating the healthcare expenses placed on the poor. The importance of selfless giving was emphasized by everyone. Parking for both events was $7 and both democrats and republicans are fond of chocolate mousse.

Now, a few differences: the Majella Society banquet stressed the importance of government assistance to the poor, while Bill Clinton stressed more personal giving and encouraged the elderly to get in shape so they cost less. (??) There was a large press section at last night's function, but no press covered Zell Miller's address at the Majella Society banquet. Ultimately, the most notable difference for me was the lack of stoned Majella Society banquet attendees.

On a lighter note, Jeremy and I watched some IU sports in Austin today. The softball team was competing in the NCAA Regionals on campus. It was a lot of fun and FREE! Sadly, IU lost but we were grateful for the opportunity to cheer on Hoosiers. There were a number of parents traveling with the IU players to support them. It was sort of like all the ballet moms who watched every single show, only these people yelled a lot, brought seat cushions, and wore visors.

Is it time for Oprah to retire from daytime TV?

Oprah's first guest today was a dog that can walk like a human.

Maybe she's hoping to take over David Letterman's time slot after he retires?

I'm having dinner with President Clinton this evening. Be on the lookout for what promises to be an interesting blog post tomorrow. :)

And there was much rejoicing

Yippee!!!

I just finished with classes, work (for the most part), and tap dancing! Yee-haw! I start my internship next week. I am all registered for first semester classes and they look awesome:family policy, volunteer management & nonprofit admin, lobbying for nonprofits, and healthcare finance. Speaking of healthcare finance...

Hospital bills are poopy. Clearly this is no revelation, but after a semester of putting things off, I finally got around to investigating the 3.5 trillion bills we received from my one brief emergency room visit in November. If only I could fall ill (or down) during normal business hours! What a savings that would be! I did learn that if you go to a federally funded hospital claim to be homeless and reveal that you have no insurance they MAY write you off as a charity case. Legally, all federally funded hospitals must provide a certain amount of "free" care. I wouldn't recommend homelessness, but still, it's an option. ;)
Speaking of homelessness...

Jeremy and I just secured our housing for the next few years. We are moving to an incredibly cute house in East Austin that has a YARD. It also has a front porch and more than one kitchen cabinet!!!!!! We are thrilled to pieces! Our new home is half a mile from UT in an awesome neighborhood doing its best to "Keep Austin Weird". I would post pictures, but it might freak out the current tenants to have us taking photographs thru windows, etc. PLEASE COME VISIT!!!! Everybody cool knows that Austin, Texas is THE place to be in mid-August! All the heat and hotness you could possibly want!

In closing, I'd like to publicly say HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my Mom and to Mutti :) Jeremy and I are very very blessed to have such wonderful moms. We love you both!

Here is a little haiku in y'alls honor (which is proof my brain is fried):

"Wonderful homegirl
Loving patient matriarch"
Reads my new tattoo

Obvsiouly, I need a nap.